Sleep Guide
Sleep better with expert guides, bedding tips, and product advice designed to help you create your most comfortable sleep setup. From choosing the right pillow to understanding warmth levels and fabric types, discover everything you need for deeper, more restorative rest.
Fibre Fill
Northern Feather Canada Innovations
The Right Shell
Finding the right pillow or duvet can be daunting with all the options available. The shells of products are also important.
All of our product shells are 100% Oeko-Tex® Certified. Northern Feather is Oeko-Tex® Certified. This certified label found on our products ensures that all materials used are safe for everyone and free of harmful chemicals and substances.
Thread Count
Thread count refers to the fineness or the coarseness of a fabric, calculated by the number of threads per square inch.
Generally, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet, and the more likely it will wear well—or even soften—over time. Good sheets range anywhere from 200 to 800. There is a common misconception that thread count is an important consideration when purchasing bedding. However, linen experts claim that beyond a thread count of 400, there is no difference in quality.
Thread Count Comparison
Low Thread Count
Less threads per square inch
High Thread Count
More threads per square inch
Microfibre or Cotton
Fabric Weave
Microfibre
Fabric composed of extremely fine fibres of polyester are affordable and soft, and they resist pilling more than traditional polyester fabric does. However, polyester is less breathable than cotton and is probably not the best choice for those with sensitive skin.
Sateen
Cotton cloth made with a satin weave, a weave that produces a very soft, lustrous feel but can be somewhat less durable than a tighter weave.
Cotton Jersey
Reasonably priced sheets that are very breathable because they're knit rather than woven. Jersey is essentially T-shirt fabric, so jersey sheets may appeal to you if you like sleeping in a soft old shirt.
Cotton Twill
Type of textile weave with a pattern of diagonal parallel ribs. It is made by passing the weft thread over one or more warp threads then under two or more warp threads and so on, with a "step," or offset, between rows to create the characteristic diagonal pattern. Thanks to this structure, twill generally drapes well.
Cotton Percale
Microfibre and jersey don't have the cool crispness of woven cotton, so if you like to flip your pillows to the cool side all night long, you're better off looking at an inexpensive cotton percale instead.
Calendared Cotton
Finishing process used to smooth, coat, or thin a material. With textiles, fabric is passed between calendar rollers at high temperatures and pressures for the desired end result.
Microfibre or Cotton
Microfibre
Fabric composed of extremely fine fibres of polyester—are affordable and soft, and they resist pilling more than traditional polyester fabric does. However, polyester is less breathable than cotton and is probably not the best choice for those with sensitive skin.
Sateen
Cotton cloth made with a satin weave, a weave that produces a very soft, lustrous feel but can be somewhat less durable than a tighter weave.
Cotton Jersey
Reasonably priced sheets that are very breathable because they're knit rather than woven. Jersey is essentially T-shirt fabric, so jersey sheets may appeal to you if you like sleeping in a soft old shirt.
Fabric Weave
Cotton Twill
Type of textile weave with a pattern of diagonal parallel ribs. It is made by passing the weft thread over one or more warp threads then under two or more warp threads and so on, with a "step," or offset, between rows to create the characteristic diagonal pattern. Thanks to this structure, twill generally drapes well.
Cotton Percale
Microfibre and jersey don't have the cool crispness of woven cotton, so if you like to flip your pillows to the cool side all night long, you're better off looking at an inexpensive cotton percale instead.
Calendared Cotton
Finishing process used to smooth, coat, or thin a material. With textiles, fabric is passed between calendar rollers at high temperatures and pressures for the desired end result.
The Perfect Pillow
Northern Feather offers a variety of pillows to suit your sleep style. From sink-in softness to supporting firmness, our pillows will soothe and relax you all night long.
Finishing
We offer three unique finishes
Double-Stitched and Piped Edges
An extra row of stitching reinforces the edges and prevents fill from shifting and leaking
Gusset
This feature adds extended thickness and a clean design
Knife Edge
This enhancement creates a classic seam with durability
Pillow Densities
To find the right pillow, select one that supports your head and neck naturally when you’re in your preferred sleeping position (the position you generally fall asleep in).
Soft Density
Our soft pillows are designed for individuals who prefer to sleep on their stomachs
Medium Density
Created with back sleepers in mind, the perfect density if you sleep mostly on your back
Firm Density
Designed for those who mostly sleep on their side
A Dreamy Duvet
Our duvets can be customized for different warmth levels; a critical aspect of a duvet shell and finish that results in a perfected sleep product. Take a closer look at our innovative constructed duvets that are manufactured to perfection through detailed finishing seam details.
Heavier does not mean better
Marketing natural fill quilts by weight has led many people to think heavier means better. But it is not really that simple. Unclean fills weigh more, but clean fills perform far better.
If the residue that Northern Feather Canada eliminates from its down and feather—quill pith, feather fragments, trash, dust, dirt and other foreign matter—were to be left in, you end up with a heavier duvet.
To address this situation Northern Feather Canada developed its own down and feather cleanliness code. Regardless of the ‘heavier is better’ method of selling, we resolved that no natural fill product will leave our plant without being NF5 cleaned and conditioned. For us, the end result for the customer makes the extra effort well worth it.
To help customers choose the best hyperclean natural fill quilt, we also created our own Temperature Rating System, which delivers optimal sleeping comfort based on room temperature, not weight.
Construction
Sewn-through construction
A classic construction. The top and bottom cover are sewn together, creating sealed “pockets” that prevent the fill from shifting
BaffleBox with DuvetLock®
DuvetLock® is a patented system developed by Northern Feather Canada. It involves locking the fill in each of the baffles without breakage or leaking. This feature means the fill will not shift between baffles leaving cold spots in the duvet, thus allowing it to loft to its maximum.
The Top of the Toppers
Our featherbeds are filled with a special combination blend of natural fills to allow maximum comfort throughout the night.
Our sleep pads are filled with unique fibres that simulate the properties of down, providing high resiliency and ability to loft. The down-like feel provides the ultimate in fluffy loft and comfort.
Linens & Protections
Pillow Protectors
Provide a healthy sleeping environment by providing a breathable barrier against dust mites and bacteria, resulting in optimal comfort and fresh air circulation.
Available in Velvetine, Sateen or Cotton Jersey Fabrics
Mattress Protectors
Soft and comfortable, protectors provide a healthy sleeping environment by supplying a breathable barrier against dust mites and bacteria and a waterproof barrier for liquids.
Available in Terry Towel and Cotton Jersey
Bed linens
Our specialized linen line is designed in-house by Northern Feather. It adds protection for your pillows, duvets and mattress while providing an overall luxurious look.
Available patterns in White, Damask Stripe and Organic Cotton
The Temperature Rating Comfort Index
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3...
with Northern Feather’s innovative Temperature Rating System, a simple method that allows you to easily match the right duvet with the actual room conditions under which it will be used. You can now make the right duvet decision with confidence based on your very own personal needs.
How It Works
Simply determine the bedroom temperature you most prefer to sleep in, then, select the style of duvet you like best. Congratulations! In choosing a Northern Feather duvet by room temperature you have just taken the guess work out of your down purchase. It’s that easy!
Choose Level 1 if you sleep in a moderately warm room:
18°C–24°C
(64°F–75°F)
Choose Level 2 if you sleep in a cool room:
12°C–18°C
(54°F–64°F)
Choose Level 3 if you sleep in a cold room:
6°C–12°C
(43°F–54°F)
Care Instructions for All Your Bedding
All our premium bedding is designed to give you years of enjoyment under normal use and conditions. As with any high-quality textile, they will repay the care you give them with long-term comfort and value. While "gentle" is the watchword for Northern Feather Canada bedding care, the following pages offer detailed advice for each product group.
BED LINENS
Keep your bed linens looking and feeling their best with these simple care tips:
Machine Wash
- Wash on a gentle cycle
- Use cold or warm water
- Choose a mild detergent
Avoid Optical Brighteners
Detergents containing whitening agents can coat the fabric, reducing its natural softness and affecting its color over time.
Machine Dry
- Tumble dry on low heat or air-dry setting
- Avoid high temperatures
Don't Over-Dry
For all-cotton fabrics, remove promptly from the dryer while slightly damp to help minimize wrinkles and maintain softness.
Fold & Enjoy
Fold neatly and enjoy the lasting comfort, breathability, and luxury of your Northern Feather Canada bed linens.
With proper care, your linens will remain soft, beautiful, and comfortable for years to come.
DUVETS (COMFORTERS/INSERTS) & PILLOWS
To help extend the life of your Northern Feather Canada duvet and pillows, we recommend using a duvet cover for your duvet and both a pillow protector and pillowcase for your pillows. This provides the best protection against everyday wear and helps keep your bedding cleaner for longer.
Wash your bed linens regularly, ideally once per week. Each morning, gently fluff your duvet and pillows to restore their loft and allow fresh air to circulate through the fill. These simple habits will help maintain comfort, support, and freshness while reducing the need for frequent laundering.
All Northern Feather Canada down and feather products undergo a rigorous cleaning, washing, and sterilization process before filling and are tested to ensure they meet our strict quality standards.
Spot Cleaning
For small spills or stains, spot cleaning is often the best solution.
Gently move the fill away from the affected area, then use a clean damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap to treat the stain. Wipe the area carefully and remove any soap residue with a clean damp cloth. Repeat as needed until the stain and soap are completely removed.
Allow the area to dry thoroughly before use. A hair dryer on a cool or low-heat setting can help speed up the drying process.
Professional Cleaning
For maximum convenience, we recommend using a professional laundry or dry-cleaning service experienced with down and down-alternative bedding.
Machine Washing at Home
Most duvets and pillows can be washed at home if your washer and dryer are large enough to allow the product to move freely.
- Use a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water.
- Use a small amount of mild detergent specifically formulated for down products when possible.
- Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and detergents containing optical brighteners.
- Select an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap is removed.
Residual soap can reduce loft and make the fill appear flat. If this occurs, an additional rinse cycle will usually restore performance.
Dry on an air or low-heat setting, checking periodically to avoid over-drying. Ensure the product is completely dry before returning it to use or storage.
Hand Washing
Down duvets and pillows may also be hand washed in a bathtub using lukewarm water and a mild detergent. While effective, this method is labor-intensive and generally less convenient than machine or professional cleaning.
Additional Care Guides
For more detailed cleaning instructions, please visit:
Can Pillows Be Washed?
https://www.northern-feather.com/blogs/blog/can-pillows-be-washed
How to Wash a Down Duvet (Without Ruining It): Insider Tips from Northern Feather Experts
https://www.northern-feather.com/blogs/blog/how-to-wash-a-down-duvet-without-ruining-it
