Question on Down pillows

[dafunda]

i bought a down pillow from kmart ("top of the line" martha stewart with a very nice sturdy cover). however, i quickly junked it b/c i couldn't stand the smell.

here's what i like to know since the deal on the front page for a down pillow looks enticing: are down pillows/comforters supposed to "smell"? is there something you have to do with them before using them?

[Luna Sea]

Hi dafunda. It is my understanding and experience that if a company that produces down products cleans the down sufficiently that there will be no smell. Dirt and allergens still clinging to the feathers can cause a funky "birdy" smell and can also cause allergenic reactions.

I've actually had to return expensive down pillows that I bought by mail before because of the same weird smell. The retailer advised me to let them sit outside in the sun to air out or to put them in the dryer with a dryer cloth to counteract the smell. However, for the big $$ I spent for them....I thought that was silly...so they went back for a refund.

I ended up buying some down pillows at a local bedding store. I told the clerk the problem I had had with other down pillows and she opened one to let me smell it....and there was no smell...exept that wonderful new smell. Ha!

So, I think a lot of it has to do with the manufacturer and how well they clean the feathers to begin with. I wouldn't want pillows that smelled funky either. Good luck!

[KellysMom]

I agree down pillows should not smell if the feathers are cleaned properly. I bought some pillows from QVC's Northern Nights bedding line and they are wonderful. They advertise that they clean the feathers 8-15 times to get all of the dirt, etc. out and they have a 30 money back refund policy.

[Luna Sea]

Wow, Kim - that is a great guarantee. Just curious - how much did you pay for your pillows? I'm thinking of buying another set for the my guest bedrom. Thanks!