Best Down Pillows to Suit Your Slumber

Once a symbol of luxury, we can all enjoy the comfort and support of the best down pillows today. See our top picks to suit your slumber.

Mattresses are usually the scapegoat when someone has a tough night of tossing and turning. But beds might not be the culprit behind waking up with cricks and pains. So, if a bed isn’t at the root of sleepless nights and inadequate naps, what is? Pillows, possibly.

While these headrests might seem like an afterthought, they’re actually quite important for getting a good night’s rest. After all, the right pillow can help keep the head, neck, shoulders, and back aligned, meaning less chance of waking up sore.

So, what’s the right type of cushioning for you?

While everyone’s “best” down pillow will be a little different, it’s worth considering something that offers a combination of softness, durability, and support: a down pillow.

Breaking Down the Down Pillow

So, what is down, and what can the best down pillows offer for you?

Down are the soft, fluffy feathers that sit beneath the exterior feathers of birds. These feathers give a hefty loft to cushions for a rich, luxurious, and snug feel. For centuries, pillows packed with down were only available to the elite, giving them a status of wealth and luxury. Fortunately, even us peasants can enjoy the benefits of these cushions today.

Down pillows are still incredibly popular, and it’s easy to see why. For starters, they’re incredibly soft, making them quality places to rest our heads at night. They additionally come in a range of price points, meaning they can fit into most budgets.

Best of all, it’s also easy to move around feathers for maximum comfort and personalization. Down fills aren’t just limited to pillows, though, as there are plenty of comforters on the market with this material as well.

Best for a Side Sleeper

APSMILE White Goose Down Feather Pillows for Sleeping 2 Pack - Medium Bed Pillow Inserts for Side/Back Sleeper (King, Set of 2)

APSMILE Goose Down Feather Pillows 2 Pack

If you’re a dedicated side sleeper, you’re not alone! Most people sleep on their side, whether in a classic side position with straight legs or the extremely popular fetal position. However, this wildly popular position doesn’t come without its downfalls.

Besides potentially worsening wrinkles, this position has some hefty requirements for your pillow. According to WebMD, side sleepers require a pillow with more support to fill the space between the shoulder and neck during your precious slumber.[1] So, the best down pillow for side sleeping should provide enough support.

Look to APSMILE Goose Down Feather Pillows for this kind of firm support for your head and neck. APSMILE designs these pillows specifically for side sleepers with 95/5 feather to goose down ratio for ensured support. This firmness, high thread count, and hypoallergenic properties make this the best down pillow for side sleepers.

Key Features

  • 100% Cotton Cover
  • 1200 Thread Count
  • 95/5 White Goose Down Blend
  • DOWNPASS, Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX Certifications

Specifications

  • Made by APSMILE
  • Available on Amazon
  • 2 Pack
  • Available in King or Queen Sizes
  • 3 Firmness Options

Best for Stomach Sleepers

Continental Bedding Premium 100% White Goose Down Soft Pillow. Standard Size [Soft]

Continental Bedding 100% White Goose Down Cushion

Stomach sleepers require less firm support than other sleeping positions. Why? Well, a pillow with too much loft can overextend the neck into an awkward position that results in neck pain. In fact, some stomach sleepers might even opt to ditch a headrest altogether.

Some instead choose to wedge something in between their stomach and mattress. This positioning gives a healthy amount of support to the lower back of stomach sleepers.

But what about the best down option for stomach sleepers that won’t cause neck pain or offer too much support?

Consider this pillow from Continental Bedding. Continental Bedding is big in the down pillow industry with a reputation for high-quality cushions. This particular option boasts 100% white goose down with a fill power of only 550, making this pillow exceptionally soft.

A soft fill power like this means no overextending the neck into oblivion. All in all, stomach sleepers can rest much easier with this soft solution from Continental Bedding.

Key Features

  • 100% Cotton Cover
  • 300 Thread Count
  • 100% White Goose Down
  • 500 Fill Power
  • RDS Certified

Specifications

  • Made by Continental Bedding
  • Available on Amazon
  • 2 Pack Available
  • Available in King, Queen or Standard
  • Made in the USA

Best for Back Sleepers

PALAWRAN down cushion with Egyptian cotton shell resting on dark bedsheets next to a lit candle.

PALAWRAN Down Pillow with Pure Egyptian Cotton Shell

Are you one of the sleepers that hit the sack while sleeping on the back? Congrats! You rest in the position that’s considered the “healthiest” for the general public. Sleeping in this position keeps your head, neck, and back all in a neutral position. It even helps prevent wrinkles!

In general, back sleepers require a thinner pillow than side sleepers to avoid overextending the neck. PALAWRAN goose down pillows help you achieve the perfect amount of medium support a back sleeper needs. To match the down pillow’s high-quality reputation, this exterior shell features lavish Egyptian cotton. A quilted design for the cover keeps down evenly distributed as you drift into dreamland. Plus, easy care instructions are included for added convenience. You can rest assured that you’ll catch the best Z’s with this medium-support cushion.

Key Features

  • 100% Egyptian Cotton
  • 1200 Thread Count
  • Goose Down
  • Medium Support
  • Quilted Design

Specifications

  • Made by PALAWRAN
  • Available on Amazon
  • 2 Pack Available
  • Available in King or Queen Sizes

Best for Neck Pain

sablepillows

Sable Pillows for Sleeping

The name of the game in neck pain is keeping your neck level while you rest. According to Harvard Health Publishing, the best sleeping positions for reducing neck pain are resting on your side or your back (sorry, stomach sleepers).[2] To alleviate neck pain, Harvard suggests the use of a supportive feather pillow. Now, down pillows are ideal for easing pain. Why? Because a sleeper can move stuffing around as needed for customized support. This feature may be one of the best ways to reduce neck pain, which is often rooted in sleep behaviors.

Sable down alternative pillows for neck pain relief is a great choice here. Sable stuffs everything with 25% more filling than competitors, so you have more to work with when it comes to personalized relief. Strategically designed for pain relief, it even boasts registration with the FDA as a Class 1 medical device. Look to this Sable pillow for restoring your sleep health to its prime. 

Key Features

  • 100% Cotton Shell
  • 25% More Filling
  • Removable Cover
  • FDA Class 1 Medical Device Registered

Specifications

  • Made by Sable
  • Available on Amazon
  • 2 Pack
  • Available in King, Queen or Standard

Best for Allergies

claritin 1

Claritin Ultimate Allergen Barrier

For decades, doctors and allergists have been recommending that allergy-prone and asthma-suffering patients avoid down and feather pillows. This recommendation results from the assumption that down accumulate dust mites at a faster rate than traditional cushion stuffings. However, a recent study from the Asthma and Allergy Center found that certain synthetic pillows actually accumulate dust mites at a faster rate than their down and feather counterparts.[3] That’s right—down pillows might just be better for allergy sufferers than regular ones.

Unsure of which option will battle those allergens and dust mites? Consider the only down pillow that comes from an allergy relief expert: the Claritin Ultimate Allergen Barrier White Down Pillow. This product offers soft, breathable support with a uniquely designed shell that blocks allergens, pet dander, and dust mites. For added protection, this cushion comes with a zipper-removable cover to remove allergens that have accumulated over time. Claritin even offers this cushion in a variety of supports to suit your preferred sleeping position. Breathe easier with this downy solution for allergies!

Key Features

  • Cotton Cover
  • 300 Thread Count
  • Percale Weave
  • Down Filling
  • 650 Fill Power
  • Zippered Cover

Specifications

  • Made by Claritin
  • Available on Amazon
  • Available in King or Standard/Queen Sizes
  • Lifetime Limited Warranty

Best for the Money

pd

puredown Natural Down Feather Pillows

In general, the best products on the market also happen to be the priciest products, too. If the priciest option doesn’t fit your budget, opt for puredown Natural Goose Down Feather Pillows. At less than $50 for a set of two, these are some of the most affordable authentic down cushions available. They still pack all of the quality features—like personalized support and Responsible Down Standard certification—that one would expect from other top-notch options… except puredown is half the price. With this two pack, you’re really getting the best bang for the buck. 

Still a little bit too pricey for your budget? Down alternative options are usually cheaper than real down ones. Check out these alternatives for a discounted, but still quality, slumber.

Key Features

  • 100% Cotton Cover
  • 95% Grey Goose Feather
  • 5% Grey Goose Down
  • OXIPOWER Certified

Specifications

  • Made by puredown
  • Available on Amazon
  • 2 Pack
  • Available in King, Queen, Standard/Queen or Standard

Best Down Pillow Alternative

da

D & G the Duck and Goose Co. Down Alternative Pillows

You’ve heard the benefits, but you’re not convinced you need to fork over the cash for an expensive down headrest. Plus, there can be some ethical issues with using real animal feathers. That makes alternatives attractive options. Now, the best down alternative cushion will offer luxury and restful nights—without any of the ethical concern.

If that sounds good to you, reach for D & G The Goose and Duck Co. down alternative cushions. D & G stuffs everything with brown cluster polyester, a unique material that feels almost identical to authentic goose down. Additional features include machine washable and dryable cleaning and hefty support just perfect for a side sleeper. If you’re in the market for the perfect substitute for authentic down, the D & G the Duck and Goose Co. crafts the best there is. 

Key Features

  • 100% Cotton Shell
  • Jacquard Weave
  • Brown Cluster Polyester
  • 2″ Gusset

Specifications

  • Made by D & G the Duck and Goose Co.
  • Available on Amazon
  • 2 Pack Available
  • Available in King, Queen or Standard
  • 1-year Warranty

Best Goose Down Pillow

lincove

Lincove Luxury Sleeping Cushion

The demand for goose down sparks one big question for pillow purchasers: What’s the difference between goose and duck down, anyway? According to outdoors.org, there is almost no noticeable difference between goose and duck down in many products.[4] However, there is one slight difference that affects perceived quality: fill power. A higher fill power indicates a fluffier or “loftier” cushion. Since geese are larger animals than ducks, it makes sense that geese produce fluffier, larger, and loftier down that allows for a higher, and therefore more “luxurious,” fill power.[5]

If this quality sounds right up your alley, check out the Lincove goose down luxury sleeping pillow. This cushion embodies the luxurious reputation associated with goose feathers with an 800 fill power and a 600 thread count shell. Lincove offers a variety of fill options to fulfill the requirements of all sleeping positions. If extravagant slumber is exactly what you need, consider opting for this goose down pillow. 

Key Features

  • 100% Cotton Cover
  • 600 Thread Count
  • Sateen Weave
  • 100% Goose Down
  • 800 Fill Power

Specifications

  • Made by Lincove
  • Available on Amazon
  • Available in King, Queen or Standard
  • 3 Firmness Options

Best Down Pillow on Amazon

premiumpillows

Continental Bedding Goose Down Set

With the convenience of online shopping, you can find the best of anything at home in your pajamas. Customer reviews and suggested products make Amazon a great tool to find the best pillow for your specific needs.

Our top pick from Amazon is a two pack of Continental Bedding goose down pillows. These cushions offer a 550 fill power, meaning that they have just enough support for a side or back sleeper. The goose feathers are known to be hypoallergenic, making this product an acceptable option for asthmatics and allergy suffers. On top of these health benefits, Continental Bedding sources their goose down ethically. In fact, they even boast a certification from the Responsible Down Standard for their dedication to holistically sourced products. This cushion checks off nearly every single necessity in terms of comfort, quality, and ethics—making it the best down pillow on Amazon!

Key Features

  • 100% Egyptian Cotton Shell
  • 400 Thread Count
  • White Goose Down
  • 550 Fill Power

Specifications

  • Made by Continental Bedding
  • Available on Amazon
  • 2 Pack
  • Available in King, Queen or Standard
  • Made in the USA

The Best that Money Can Buy

ecbpremium

East Coast Bedding Down Cushion Set

Can’t endure more sleepless nights, back pain, or tired days? When you’re ready to treat yourself, the best down pillow money can buy could aid your sleep. To find the best on the market, you’ll want to make sure that your cushion has both a high fill power and a high thread count. Remember: fill power indicates loft, quality, and how long something retains its firmness. Therefore, the higher the fill power, the higher the quality of the down inside. Likewise, a higher thread count indicates more fibers woven into a square inch of fabric. Higher thread counts therefore produce a softer, more luxurious feel. 

In instances where money is no object, East Coast Bedding makes the best down pillow money can buy. East Coast Bedding’s cushion offers 800 fill power and a cotton thread count of 400. It’s safe to say that East Coast Bedding checks all of luxury’s boxes. European goose down lines the inside of these pillows—assembled entirely in the USA—for guaranteed luxurious rest. Choose between your size preference and head off to dreamland with this top-notch sleep solution. 

Key Features

  • 100% Cotton Shell
  • 400 Thread Count
  • Sateen Weave
  • European White Goose Down
  • 800 Fill Power

Specifications

  • Made by East Coast Bedding
  • Available on Amazon
  • 2 Pack
  • Available in King, Queen or Standard
  • Made in the USA

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, we all just to make the most of our precious eight hours of sleep. The best down pillow for you must offer the opportunity for you to achieve your best slumber, which can improve your overall health.

When purchasing a down cushion, consider your sleeping position. Finally, a higher fill power indicates a fluffier and loftier headrest for incredible slumber quality. Use these helpful tips to find the best sleeping solution for you and happy napping! 

Also Recommended:

References

[1]Bouchez, Colette. (2008). Snuggle Up With the Perfect Pillow. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/snuggle-up-with-the-perfect-pillow#1

[3]Dryer A. L., Chandler M. J., Hamilton R. G. (2002). Dust-mite allergen removal from feathers by commercial processing. Retrieved from https://www.asthmaandallergycenter.com/article/dust-mites-feather-vs-synthetic-pillows/

[4][5]Heid, Matt. (2015). Duck vs. Goose Down: Which is Superior?. Retrieved from https://www.outdoors.org/articles/amc-outdoors/goose-down-vs-duck-down-which-is

[2]Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.) Say “good night” to neck pain. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/say-good-night-to-neck-pain

Disclaimers

This article is not professional advice; it is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition.

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Julia Quade

Side sleeper and night owl. Daily naps are a must.