Down Feather Beds would almost seem to be a contradiction in terms, since most feather beds are filled with just that, feathers. However, some manufacturers provide the extra support of sidewall padding of another material and a down topping inside the mattress cover. Others put a pillowtop layer across the surface of the mattress that is then filled with an inch or two of down, possibly more.

A different approach is a topper, a separate box- or channel-stitched down and feather mattress that the owner lays across a regular mattress, on top of the mattress pad, to keep it from slip sliding, as they say. A fitted bottom sheet goes over the entire mattress and topper. Needless to say, the fitted sheet needs deep pockets. Even then, it can be difficult to get one to fit properly. When it does, though, the result is said to be a great night's sleep.

Whatever kind of down feather beds you might sleep on while traveling, the experiences will influence your opinion of every other bed you encounter. If one sets off your allergies, you'll know the quality wasn't the best, but fine hotels go to great lengths to have all travelers sleep well. From these experiences, or by asking friends and acquaintances, you'll know which mattress you might like to have at home.

Down Feather Beds at Auction Sites

Many down feather beds and pillowtop feather mattresses are for sale at online auction sites. It's not always easy to tell if someone changed his or her mind after the product was delivered, or if the manufacturer is offering them at auction prices because sales have been slow. Since the buyer pays the shipping on items bought at auction, the winning bid is going to incur considerable additional expense if you're actually buying an entire bed, rather than a feather mattress or topper. Read the description with care and query the seller.