Still have a four generation feather bed at my house! My children think I must be out to lunch to keep that old thing. But would not part with it for love nor money. My granny left it to me, the only one of 23 grandchildren that cried to sleep in that featherbed even in the heat of the summer. I grew up in Florida and spent summers at my grandmother in Bristol, TN/VA. So those warm summer nights there were a little chilly to me, and the feather bed was just right! Still twice a year it is hung over the fence and a broom taken to it. A little more gently now than in years past. I have found that dust covers work swell as the temporary new ticking. A full size comforter cover is just perfect. they come in all color and material types. Yes you still get the occasional poke in the middle of the night. But that is half the fun! Also the commercial dryers at the laundry mat set on low works wonders on the mattress as well, feather really plump up! Heard that one from my Great Aunt that still uses her feather bed. Teresa jatsh@msn.com Hughes, Clark, Capwell, Bennick, Schaub PA/FL Anderson, Horton, Herron Jeter, Snapp, VA/TN/FL