Best Down Pillows

Down pillows are some of the best pillows for bedtime comfort. The plush way that they cradle your head and offer neck support while still feeling airy is unmatched by synthetic pillow alternatives. Plus, a quality down pillow can last you 10 years, which is far longer than most other pillow options.

Because down pillows tend to be on the pricier side, it pays to do some research before you commit to the pillow you plan to sleep with nightly for the next decade. We’ve scoured the web for the best down pillows and provided you with a breakdown to help you choose a down pillow that checks off the boxes most important to you.

---

The Best Down Pillows

• Editor’s Choice – East Coast Bedding White Goose Down Pillow
• Best Down Pillow for Side Sleepers – Puredown Natural Goose Feather Pillow
• Best Down Pillow for Back Sleepers – Royal Hotel Down Pillow
• Best Down Pillow for Stomach Sleepers – Downlite Extra Soft Flat Down Pillow
• Best Down Pillow for Neck Pain – Parachute Down Pillow
• Best Goose Down Pillow – Continental Bedding 100% Goose Down Pillow
• Best Hypoallergenic Down Pillow – Pacific Coast Double Down Around Pillow

What Is a Down Pillow?

Down pillows are one of the oldest and most comfortable pillow types. The ancient Romans and Greeks were the ones who began to use pillows made from down feathers.

This type of pillow has survived for thousands of years thanks to its versatility, comfort, and durability. A high-quality down pillow can last for many years, offering superb cushion. While most down pillows are fairly soft and conform to your head and neck like a glove, you can find some that are a bit firmer, allowing more support for those who need it.

Additionally, down pillows are breathable and do not retain excess heat, making them a good option for people who struggle with sleeping hot. And with the option of hypoallergenic down, even people with allergies can enjoy their luxurious feel.

Down vs Down Alternative Pillows

Alternative down pillows are pillows that are made to look and feel like down but contain no down feathers. They are often filled with synthetic fibers such as polyester or natural one derived from cotton. These pillows are a good choice for those with allergies or those who are vegan or eco-conscious.

Down-alternative pillows require more fluffing than down, but are often more cool. For a completely different feel, opt for a memory foam pillow instead.

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Down Pillow

The Type of Feathers Used

If you don’t know much about down pillows, it would be easy to believe that all feathers are equal. However, the quality of your down pillow is dependent upon the types of feathers that are used.

Birds have an outer layer of feathers and a base layer of down. The down portion more closely resembles fluffy cotton threads rather than a typical feather. It’s this down base coat that’s the best for use in pillows because they result in a softer, comfier feel.

Most down pillows contain a mixture of down and feathers: the percentage down is helpful in predicting how soft the pillow will be. The higher the percentage down, the more luxurious it will feel. Common down percentages in pillows range from around 50% to 95%.

Additionally, the type of bird feathers and down used impacts how comfy the pillow will be. Geese feathers are the highest-end option, and duck feathers are considered a lower quality in down pillows. There is one exception to this rule: down from Eider ducks is exceptionally comfortable, rare, and expensive.

Read More: Down vs Feather Pillows

Fill Power

Once you’ve determined what type of feathers are being used, the next question you want to ask yourself is how many of these feathers are being used. This is known as the fill. The higher the fill power, the higher the quality of the pillow. The fill power is not a measure of firmness, but rather determines how long the pillow will retain its shape and loft. So, a higher fill power pillow will tend to stay in better condition longer than one with a lower fill power.

Sleeping Position

All three sleep positions have different pillow needs. Side sleepers need a firm, supportive pillow to allow their neck to rest in a neutral position. Usually a medium fill pillow is the right choice, but this will depend on how much space there is between your head, neck, and the bed when you lie down.

Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, can get away with no pillow at all. Too supportive or thick of a pillow will result in your neck being kinked in an uncomfortable position that can lead to neck and back pain. If you’re a stomach sleeper and you prefer to sleep with a pillow, be sure that it is a thin, soft pillow.

Back sleepers will usually need a medium or firm pillow with a low profile (think supportive but not hard and relatively flat, not fluffy). This allows proper spinal alignment and support without propping the neck up too much.

Third Party Verification

Not every down pillow is going to be made in a humane way; however, it is possible to harvest down without causing unnecessary distress to the geese or ducks. Look for the RDS (Responsible Down Standard) certification to ensure that the birds were treated humanely.

Down Pillow Maintenance

Down pillows can be an investment, particularly if you want a 100% down pillow with a high fill level. The last thing you want is for your pillow to become flat or acquire dust mites in a short time. In order to keep your down pillow fresh and comfy, be sure to follow the washing instructions on the label.

What Is the Best Way to Wash Down Pillows?

Typically, a down pillow will be able to go in the washing machine and dryer. Be sure to use cool water and mild soap and avoid softeners as they can damage your pillow. However, some must be dry cleaned, so do not assume that you can machine wash your down pillow.

Read More: How to Wash Down Pillows

---

Summary

Pillow	Best for	Customer Rating
East Coast Bedding White Goose Down Pillow	Best for Comfort	4.3/5
Puredown Natural Goose Feather Pillow	Best for Side Sleepers	4.3/5
Royal Hotel Down Pillow	Best for Back Sleepers	4.1/5
Downlite Extra Soft Flat Down Pillow	Best for Stomach Sleepers	4.4/5
Parachute Down Pillow	Best for Neck Pain	4.3/5
Continental Bedding 100% Goose Down Pillow	Best Goose Down Pillow	4.2/5
Pacific Coast Double Down Around Pillow	Best for Allergies	3.9/5

Down pillows are considered the most luxurious pillow option available. In spite of their often-steep price tag, they can last for many years when treated well. If you want a pillow that feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud, down pillows are a great choice for a good night’s sleep.