Choosing a feather pillow and unsure whether to opt for a SOFT, MEDIUM, or FIRM variation — or in a 40 × 40, 50 × 70, or 70 × 90 cm size? In this guide, we'll walk you through choosing a feather pillow for healthy, quality sleep step by step.
A feather pillow is a classic that has been a staple in Czech bedrooms for generations – and for good reason. Goose and down feathers are excellent at regulating temperature, wicking away moisture, and, with proper care, can last for years. However, a „feather pillow” isn't just one thing: they vary in filling, firmness, chamber construction, and size. It's precisely the combination of these parameters that determines whether you'll wake up refreshed or with a stiff neck. In this guide, we'll explain how to understand each parameter and how to choose a pillow that's perfectly suited to your sleeping style.
Why feathers: what down feathers can do and what contour feathers can do
The basis of a good choice is to understand what a down pillow is made of. The filling consists of two components, each with a different role.
Down feathers (so-called „down”) are fine downy tufts without coarse quills that grow on geese's chests. They have almost no weight but enormous volume — and it is the air trapped between the fibres that insulates heat and gives the pillow its legendary fluffiness. The higher the proportion of down, the softer, lighter, and more adaptable the pillow is.
Support feather (classic goose feather with quill) It functions like a spring. It provides the pillow with shape, height, and resistance – thus support for the head and cervical spine. The higher the feather content, the firmer and more stable the pillow.
The quality of the filling is described by two figures, which you will always find on our cushions:
- Fill ratio — e.g. 60 % down / 40 % feathers (Royal Comfort Classic) or 90 % down / 10 % feathers (Royal Comfort Premium).
- CUIN filling power — the ability of down to return to its original volume after compression. A value of 800 CUIN indicates a very springy, long-lasting filling that doesn't „go flat”.
is also played by chamber construction. A multi-chamber pillow (for example, a four-chamber Royal Comfort Classic) keeps the filling evenly distributed, so the feathers don't travel into the corners. A two-chamber construction (Mühldorfer Premium Special) goes even further: the inner chamber with feathers forms a supportive core, while the outer chamber with down ensures a soft, fluffy surface. This gives you both support and a luxurious feel at the same time.
And here’s some more good news for allergy sufferers: modern down pillows aren’t automatically off-limits. Our fillings use new, chemically untreated Class E down, washed to meet hypoallergenic standards, and a densely woven 100% cotton cover through which dust mites can’t practically get to the filling. All certified to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100.
Tvrdost SOFT, MEDIUM a FIRM: co přesně znamená
The firmness of Royal Comfort and Mühldorfer feather pillows describes the amount and composition of the filling - and therefore the height of the pillow and how deeply the head sinks into it. This isn't just a marketing label: SOFT, MEDIUM and FIRM are three genuinely different filled pillows. We produce all three firmnesses because there isn't one pillow that's right for everyone — the correct firmness depends on your sleeping position, shoulder width, and mattress firmness.
The basic rule is: While lying down, the cervical spine must remain in line with the thoracic spine — The head must not be tilted back or the chin pushed onto the chest. A correctly chosen pillow height helps maintain the natural curve of the cervical spine and relieve tension in the neck and shoulders.
SOFT — low and soft
A pillow with less filling. The head sinks deeper into it and rests low on the mattress.
Who is it suitable for:
- for sleeping on the stomach — the only position where a low pillow is a necessity, so that the head does not tilt back,
- for sleeping on your back, if you prefer less head support,
- for a slighter build and narrower shoulders,
- for anyone who loves the feeling of „drowning in feathers” without the pressure on their face and ears.
MEDIUM — universal medium
A balanced ratio of height and support. The head is only partially submerged, and the cervical spine remains in a neutral position in the most common sleeping positions.
Who is it suitable for:
- for sleeping on the back — most common recommendations,
- For those who change positions during the night (back and side),
- for average builds and softer mattresses that partially sink in around the shoulders,
- If you are unsure, MEDIUM is the safest choice.
FIRM — tall and strong
The most generously filled pillow with the highest proportion of support feathers. It holds your head higher and provides a noticeable resistance.
Who is it suitable for:
- for sleeping On my side — the gap between the shoulder and the head is large and requires a higher pillow to fill it,
- for broader shoulders and a more robust physique,
- for firmer mattresses where the shoulder doesn't sink in and the head therefore needs more support,
- for readers — The FIRM offers good support to your back even when leaning against the headboard.
Quick Hardness Table
| Hardness | Height and feeling | Sleeping position | Character and mattress |
| Soft | low, soft, deep immersion | on the stomach, on the back (low) | smaller build, narrower shoulders |
| MEDIUM | medium height and support | On the back, alternate position | medium build, softer mattress |
| Business | Tall, firm, strong support | On my side | wider shoulders, firmer mattress |
Dimensions 40 × 40, 50 × 70 and 70 × 90 cm: where each belongs
Three standard sizes have become established on the Czech market — and each has its role.
40 cm x 40 cm It's a small square cushion. It will serve more as an exceptional main sleeping pillow; its domain is the role of an accessory: lumbar support when reading or working on a laptop, propping up the knees when sleeping on your back, a travel pillow, or a decoration that will give the bedroom a hotel look. In this size, we offer, for example, Mühldorfer Royal feather pillow — a small size filled with 100 % down.
50 × 70 cm This is the modern „health” standard and the size we most often recommend for everyday sleep. It is large enough for your head, but not so large that you’re tempted to rest your shoulders on it — they belong on the mattress, not on the pillow. It is on a 50 × 70 cm pillow that the correctly chosen firmness level – SOFT/MEDIUM/FIRM – is best felt, as the filling supports only the head and neck. It also goes well with modern bed linen, which is typically designed for this size.
70 × 90 cm This is the traditional Czech size that generations of sleepers are accustomed to — and classic Czech bed linen is made to fit it perfectly. The large surface area suits those who toss and turn a lot at night, like to hug their pillow or prop it up, and is ideal for comfortable reading in bed. Just bear in mind that a large pillow needs a more generous filling to retain its shape — with this size, it’s worth not skimping on the quality of the down.
| Dimension | Best use | For whom |
| 40 cm x 40 cm | extra cushion, back and knee support, travel, decoration | Readers, guests, lovers of hotel style |
| 50 × 70 cm | the main pillow for healthy sleep | ergonomically minded sleepers, modern bedding |
| 70 × 90 cm | Traditional headrest, reading in bed | accustomed to classic, restless sleepers, classic Czech bedding |
Feather pillows from Royal Comfort: made in the Czech Republic
Our own pillows are sewn in the Czech Republic from new Class E goose down, unbleached and chemically untreated. Both ranges are offered in sizes 50 × 70 cm and 70 × 90 cm and we provide a two-year warranty on both.
Royal Comfort Classic — a reliable foundation available in three firmness levels
Four-chamber construction, filled with 60 % down and 40 % supportive goose feathers with a fill power of 800 CUIN, with a cover made from 100% cotton with a thread count of 300 TC. Thanks to the four chambers, the filling does not shift and the pillow retains its uniform shape. The 60/40 ratio offers a pleasant compromise: enough down for softness, enough support feathers for a stable height. The pillow is also suitable for allergy sufferers and can be washed at 60 °C. You can choose the one that best suits your sleeping position:
- Royal Comfort Classic SOFT — for sleeping on your front and using a low head support
- Royal Comfort Classic MEDIUM — for sleeping on your back and in various positions
- Royal Comfort Classic FIRM — for side sleeping and broader shoulders
Royal Comfort Premium — 90 % down
Luxury Royal Comfort Premium Down Pillow This is our top-of-the-range product: 90 % goose down and 10 % white feathers, with a fill power of 800 CUIN, in a densely woven cotton twill cover. Such a high proportion of down makes for an exceptionally light, warm and adaptable pillow — your head sinks into it as if into a duvet. We therefore recommend the Premium for sleepers who are primarily looking for softness and thermoregulation; those who prefer firm, high support will be better off choosing the Classic FIRM.
Mühldorfer: Bavarian feather tradition
As well as our own production, we are the exclusive partner of the German manufacturer Mühldorfer, which cleans and washes the feathers in spring water from the Bavarian Forest and uses them to fill pillows for premium hotels around the world. Please note — Mühldorfer is a German manufacturer; its story is one of Bavarian craftsmanship, not Czech production.
Mühldorfer Premium Special — two chambers, two functions
Mühldorfer Premium Special luxury down pillow It resolves the age-old dilemma of „softness or support?” through its design: an inner chamber filled with white goose down forms a firm supportive core, whilst an outer chamber filled with 100% down feathers envelops the head in a soft surface. The result is a pillow that supports the cervical spine whilst remaining fluffy to the touch. We offer it in seven sizes, ranging from 40 × 60 cm to 70 × 90 cm — so you’ll find a version to suit both modern and classic Czech bed linen.
Mühldorfer Royal — 100 % dust filter
Mühldorfer Royal Feather Pillow This is a medium-firm, four-chamber pillow filled exclusively with goose down with a fill power of 600 CUIN, encased in fine mako percale made from 100% cotton. Unique softness with gentle support — exactly the kind of pillow you’d find in premium hotels. It is available in eight sizes, ranging from 40 × 40 cm to 80 × 80 cm, and can also be made to measure on request.
Aisle guide: 4 steps to the perfect pillow
- Determine your main sleeping position. On the side → FIRM. On the back → MEDIUM. On the stomach → SOFT. If you change positions, choose MEDIUM, or the double-chamber Mühldorfer Premium Special.
- Add a character and a mattress. A broad build or a firm mattress moves the choice up one level (from MEDIUM to FIRM), a petite build or a soft mattress down one level.
- Choose the size. For ergonomic sleeping, we recommend 50 × 70 cm, for true classics 70 × 90 cm, and as an accessory, 40 × 40 cm.
- Decide on the nature of the filling. Stable support at a reasonable price → Royal Comfort Classic. Maximum softness → Royal Comfort Premium or Mühldorfer Royal. Support and softness at the same time → Mühldorfer Premium Special.
Quick recipes for a sleeper type
- Side sleeper with a firmer mattress: Royal Comfort Classic FIRM, 50 × 70 cm
- Back sleeper, changing positions: Royal Comfort Classic MEDIUM, 50 × 70 cm
- Stomach sleeper Royal Comfort Classic SOFT, 50 × 70 cm
- A lover of hotel comfort Mühldorfer Royal or Premium Special, 50 × 70 cm
- Faithful to Czech classics: Royal Comfort Premium or Premium Special, 70 × 90 cm
- For reading and as a supplement: Mühldorfer Royal, 40 × 40 cm
How to care for a down pillow so it lasts for years
With the correct care, a feather pillow will reward you with a long lifespan. Give it a quick shake each morning to air the filling and restore its volume. Air it out once in a while – feathers love dry air, not direct sunlight. Our pillows can be washed at 60°C; dry them thoroughly, ideally in a tumble dryer on a low heat, until the filling is completely dry. And, of course, a good quality pillowcase is essential to protect the pillow daily.
Come and feel the pillow
Parameters and tables are a great start, but the cushion is ultimately a matter of touch. The full range can be found in the category Our e-shop's feather pillows — and if you are unsure about firmness or dimensions, we will be happy to advise you in person at our showrooms at Vinohradská 37/13 in Prague 2 and in Hradec Králové. You can try SOFT, MEDIUM, and FIRM side-by-side and take home a pillow on which you will wake up refreshed every morning.