Down and feather fill cushions are considered top of the line so IMO you did well in ordering them. They are very soft and comfortable -- no give at all.

Eventually they need to be refilled. In my case now, I've had a down cushion on a sofa for 32 years. It's been reupholstered once and refilled once. It's about to be refilled and reupholstered again.

I don't think once every 15 years or so is too bad to refill a sofa pillow.

Thanks for your thoughts. I went back to the store last night and actually unzipped a sofa cushion. There was no comparison between the feather fill and the regular. The feather fill was encased in a beautiful zipped cotton liner. The regular was just a foam cushion covered in what looks like a coffee filter. I am sure I will be much happier with the feather and foam than just the foam. I can always have them refilled if the become hard.I hope that won't be for many years. I plan on fluffing them during my regular weekly cleaning.

Oh boy sister 3, I hope I don't rain on your parade after this post. My DD has a sectional that's feather filled, and it's a PITA! After about 2/3 days of sitting, the cushions need to be fluffed, and since they're so heavy, fluffing isn't just picking a cushion up, shaking it, and expecting the feathers to 'do what they're supposed to do'. When I go there, i'll take each cushion, and literally pound it with my fists, on EACH side~the welting seems to move and needs 're-adjusting'.

They have a vacation house in the desert and they're thinking of taking it there and getting a 'regular' sofa to replace the feather one.

I hope you have better luck with yours. I know they didn't get theirs from EA, but it was far from cheap!

patty_cakes

Thanks again for your input. I can't believe how much I am obsessing over this couch selection. I bought three beautiful,plush pillow top Stearns&Foster mattresses two years ago and love them. They were so much easier to purchase than this living room set.

Down pillows need to be fluffed and you either turn them over or thump on them to do it. I've never found it to be a pain. But I don't always fluff immediately but they should be turned once a week or two anyway. They will stay indented if you don't.

Companies that offer feather blend options usually have a choice of the ratio of down feathers to regular feathers.
Price usually tells the difference. It also will be part of the "upholstery tag". You know the one that says "do not remove under penalty of law". The more down feathers used compared to regular feathers, the easier it will be to fluff and the longer it will last between refilling. A 60/40 blend of feathers to down is better than a 90/10 ratio. These are the two types of feather blends most widely used in the upholstery business.

Sherrill makes a good cushion they call "spring down". We have two chairs and a 3-cushion sofa with that option -- 4 years of good use -- still great. People actually comment on how comfortable these are.

Dear Sister3,

I am considering replacing my feather/down sofa cushions with foam and dacron wrap cushions. Initially, my husband and I found the feather/down cushions so 'comfy', but after several years they are too soft. No matter how often you 'fluff' them as per the instructions, they no longer provide no support. Despite the additional wrapped feature the feathers work themselves out through the upholtery fabric so I find myself picking up feathers. If there is any way for you to change your choice, I would. Precilla

Here is a link that might be useful: Forums

precilla, the original post by sister 3 was in january 06; although it would be nice to know what she thinks of her sofa cushions now !!