Best Down Pillows: Lofty Comfort for Any Position

Sleep comfort is conducive to a proper night’s rest, and the choice you make surrounding this comfort can be highly influential to your overall health. Pillows are a very important product to research pertaining to your sleep comfort. Not only do they provide support to your head and neck, they also allow for the correct cervical spinal alignment.

Down pillows are quality items that have been popular for centuries to help aid in both support and comfort. This natural filling is an excellent choice to provide both a soft surface and a firm underlying lift. The Sleep Judge Review Team has compiled a list of our best down pillow picks, some of which, we have even personally experienced ourselves. Below you can find the information pertaining to down pillows, as well as some of the top-rated products currently being offered.

Rank	Product	Highlights	Warranty
#1	Downluxe Goose Feather Pillow Check Price	Perfect for manipulation Excellent pressure point reduction Helps ease neck and back tension	30-day distributor returns
#2	FineFeather White Goose Down Pillow Check Price	Excellent side sleeping support Head and neck are well supported Does not flatten out and fluffs well	30-day distributor returns
#3	Continental White Goose Down Pillow Check Price	Lightweight and easy to shape Serious quality and durability Helps relieve neck pain	30-day distributor returns
#4	AmazonBasics 2-Pack Alternative Down Pillows Check Price	An optimal alternative to down Fluffy and comfy Easy to maintain	30-day distributor returns
#5	WENERSI Premium Blended Down Pillow Check Price	Suited for neck pain Ultra-Fresh freshness protection Breathable cotton cover	30-day returns
#6	Downluxe Luxury Down Pillow Check Price	Great neck support Easily machine washable and dryable Great quality and comfort	30-day distributor returns

The Best Down Pillows

1. Egyptian Bedding Goose Down Pillow 

OVERVIEW

• Fill Ratio : 80% down : 20% feather
• Comfort: All
• Warranty: 30-day distributor returns

Available in softer to medium-firm comforts, this Egyptian Bedding has an average 80:20 down to feather fill ratio to provide a plush, responsive, and supportive comfort for all sleep positions. The feather percentage provides the perfect amount of added durability to provide the firm feel and hold side sleepers need, all while staying pliable and easy to shape for softer needs.

The 1200-thread count soft, Egyptian cotton is defined by super-fine threads to create a softer, yet breathable weave. And the double stitched, piped seams are durable and keep down and feathers from poking through to keep our pillow lofty for years to come. When it arrives vacuum sealed, it is suggested to let them fluff for up to 12 hours, but within 3 hours, they are 3 times the size they arrive in, and it holds its shape well with minimal fluffing afterward.

Pros

• Perfect for manipulation
• Excellent pressure point reduction
• Helps ease neck and back tension

Cons

• Slightly crunchy until it breaks in
• More firm than expected

Who Should Purchase this Pillow:

These are a great pillow choice for any sleep position, just be sure to purchase the correct fill and size for what you need. They are malleable and easy to shape for proper head and neck support.

2. FineFeather 100% Hungarian White Goose Down Pillow

OVERVIEW

• Fill Ratio: 100% down
• Comfort: All
• Warranty: 30-day distributor returns

Created for all sleep positions and available in three sizes, the FineFeather White Goose Down Pillow has 27 ounces of 100% down fill to create a plush, supportive pillow. Considered a medium density to allow for proper movement of down for head and neck positioning, this is a lofty pillow which undergoes a rigorous cleaning process prior to construction to ensure a truly hypoallergenic sleep experience.

The 100% cotton damask case has a 330 thread count for optimal airflow, as well as a smooth, silky surface for additional cooling comfort. The seams are double stitched to keep quills from poking through and also make your pillow lofty and pliable. It is machine washable and dryable too, making it easy to maintain.

Pros

• Excellent side sleeping support
• Head and neck are well supported
• Does not flatten out and fluffs well

Cons

• May lose feathers easily
• Shaping required for proper support (typical of down and feather fills)

Who Should Purchase this Pillow:

Although made for all sleep positions, it is most likely more comfortable for back and side sleepers, unless you’re willing to open a seam to take out some down and sew it back up.

3. Continental Bedding 100% Premium White Goose Down Pillow

OVERVIEW

• Fill Ratio: 100% down
• Comfort: All positions
• Warranty: 30-day distributor returns

Available in various sizes and fills from soft to firm in order to fit a wide range of sleep positions and needs, the Continental Bedding 100% Down Pillow is incredibly malleable and luxurious. Like most down pillow choices, this pillow is very lofty when plumped but quickly settles under your weight. And it can be adjusted to fill the spaces between your head and neck to provide true support and relaxation.

A 100% cotton casing has a fine 300-thread count for a smooth, breathable surface. Double stitched seams and a durable fabric keep your down where it belongs and allow this pillow to last for years. Plus, it is machine washable and dryable, making it easy to clean and allergen-free.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to shape
• Serious quality and durability
• Helps relieve neck pain

Cons

• Flattens through use but re-fluffs easily
• Firm may be too firm

Who Should Purchase this Pillow:

This is a popular pillow for all sleep positions with a very marked high-quality rating. If you love the way a down or feather pillow feels, this is definitely worth checking out.

4. AmazonBasics 2-Pack Alternative Down Pillows

OVERVIEW

• Available sizes: Standard, King
• Materials: 100% Polyester
• Firmness: Medium/Soft
• Maintenance: Machine Wash + Tumble Dry

Best down pillow alternative

While down pillows have a host of advantages, they’re not always the ideal option for every sleeper. You might be allergic to feathers or put off by the special care that down might require, but you still want something close to that trademark softness of down. In these cases, a down-alternative fill is the option to go for. This pillow is ideally suited for allergy sufferers as the shell is made from 100% polyester microfiber, which makes it not only hypoallergenic but also very easy to clean and maintain. To achieve its fluffiness and softness, this pillow uses an adequate and safe down alternative: polyester-based filling.

Easy to clean, this pillow can be machine washed and tumble dried with no issues whatsoever. Alternative down also works to prevent allergies that some people might have with feathers. Thanks to the microfiber fabric, the surface of this pillow is exceptionally soft and comfortable, adding to the overall appeal.

Pros

• An optimal alternative to down
• Fluffy and comfy
• Easy to maintain
• Available in two firmness levels
• Machine washable and dryable
• OEKO-Tex certified

Cons

• Fill can shift around
• Can have a smell early on

Who Should Buy This Product?

If you’re allergic to feathers or want a low-maintenance alternative to down pillows, don’t fret: this microfiber pillow with a down-alternative filling gives you almost all the benefits of down without actually using real feathers. Fluffy and soft, yet hypoallergenic and easy to care for, this is a perfect compromise for most sleepers.

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5. WENERSI Premium Blended Down Pillow

OVERVIEW

• Available sizes: Queen Firm, Queen Soft, King Firm, King Soft
• Materials: 100% cotton + Grey Goose feathers and down
• Firmness: Firm/Soft
• Maintenance: Dry Cleaning recommended

Best down pillow for neck pain

When you wake up with pins and needles in your neck or completely stiff and sore, an unsuitable pillow is to blame. If you suffer from chronic neck pain and discomfort, Wenersi offers a design that will give you the support and pain relief you need. This down pillow is made from completely safe and natural, OEKO-Tex approved materials: the outer shell is 100% soft cotton, while the filling is a blended mix of 85% goose feathers and 15% goose down. As a result, this pillow is both soft and supportive- it will help you get some rest and stay in a comfortable position throughout the night.

A classy silver piped edge adds to the durability and a touch of style. The pillow also boasts one great feature: the Ultra-Fresh protection technology that preserves the quality and prevents a buildup of bacteria or odors. This makes it both breathable and hygienic, but also resistant to mold. All of these features make it a truly great purchase, especially if you are looking for a pillow to help you eliminate neck pain but still be comfy and easy to care for.

Pros

• Suited for neck pain
• Ultra-Fresh freshness protection
• Breathable cotton cover
• Mold resistant
• Good balance of down and feathers
• Suited for all sleeping positions
• Soft and comfortable
• A choice between soft and firm

Cons

• Can require airing out
• Dry cleaning recommended

Who Should Buy This Product?

There’s no reason to wake up sore and stiff when you can manage your neck pain with a quality down pillow: the balance between softness and support this design offers makes it particularly suited for this role. Breathable and made to last, this down pillow will certainly improve your sleep quality.

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6. Downluxe Luxury Gusseted Down Pillow

OVERVIEW

• Fill Ratio: 75% goose down to 25% duck feather
• Comfort: Side and back (others available)
• Warranty: 30-day distributor returns

Even though we typically provide our top 5 picks, this pillow came in such a close second amongst our research that we decided to add it in to provide a great example of a down pillow constructed specifically for side and some back sleepers. The downluxe Luxury Gusseted Down Pillow has a full two-inch gusset and a heavy fill for the lifted, firmer support side sleepers need. It is also offered in a more traditional design for a softer, more slim profile which is better for back sleepers who need a thinner choice, as well as for the benefit of side sleepers.

The 75 to 15% down to feather ratio is a perfect choice to provide the added thickness and lift. The small feathers allow for a more durable feel, and with the gusseted side, it keeps a higher profile even after a weight is applied. The 100% cotton cover allows for added breathability and coolness due to the woven design as well.

Pros

• Great neck support
• Easily machine washable and dryable
• Great quality and comfort

Cons

• Softness still requires shaping for support

Who Should Purchase this Pillow:

The gusseted version of this pillow has just enough of a small feather blend for support without sacrificing any of soft, pliable properties a down lends to the comfort. This is perfect for side and many back sleepers.

Head and Neck Alignment

As mentioned, your head-and-neck alignment pertaining to your cervical spine is incredibly important to your health. As you rest each night, your body should be allowed to fall into a natural position that provides true soft tissue relaxation. Also, it helps influence blood flow and an uninterrupted cycle through all sleep stages.

Sleep Position and Pillow Comfort

As you rest, your body falls into a position natural to you. These positions influence the type of pillow you should be considering. Although some positions are healthier than others, you can influence a better sleep through the choice you make surrounding pillow type.

Back Sleep Position Needs

Low profile pillows that allow for the head to rest level with the spine are best for back sleepers. These pillows are also needed to allow for proper neck support.

Stomach Sleep Position Needs

Although a lack of pillow is usually the best way to provide spinal alignment in this position, most sleepers prefer some sort of layer between their head and mattress. Thin, responsive, softer pillows are the best choice for stomach sleepers.

Side Sleep Position Needs

Higher profile, firm pillows are generally the best choice for side sleepers in order to provide the height needed to keep the head level between the shoulders. Fill should also be significant enough to provide true relaxation to the soft tissues of the neck.

Feather vs Down Filling

Not to confuse the two, many pillows are considered either a waterfowl feather or down fill- but both almost always have a percentage ratio of them included for comfort purposes. Many down pillows have a ratio between 10 to 20% of feathers mixed in for added support and shaping purposes. Feathers are thicker and more durable than down and are perfect for underlying firm support and long lasting structure.

Down is fluffier, softer, and more insulating- and much more luxurious feeling. Down is a high quality fill as it is a much smaller than feathers, and more is required to achieve the desired comfort effect. Because of this, they often have a higher price range than a feather or feather blend products, but the quality is reflective of this as well.

Why Would I Want a Down Pillow?

Down pillows are long-lasting, easy to care for, and are very lightweight. They also are highly breathable with excellent insulating properties for all season comfort. Down fill is also very pliable, making them an excellent choice for pillow shaping and support for whole body pressure relief. Considered a true soft experience, down can create an excellent firm foundation for the head and neck all beneath a plush surface experience.

What Types of Down is Used Within Pillows?

Waterfowl species such as duck, goose, and other waterfowl species are the main source of feather and down sleep products. Down is a small, fluffy, underlayment to larger feathers that help insulate the birds against weather. It is incredibly durable, and it provides shaping and responsiveness to your pillow.

Down Pillow Care

Many down pillows are easily machine washed and dried. Obviously, you must take care to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, but this makes a product much more conducive to overall use. Below are some tips to care for your ‘down’ pillow.

• Wash two pillows together to keep a balanced washer
• Cooler water temperatures are suggested, but any temperature is ok as long as you are mindful of possible case shrinkage.
• Use a gentle soap.
• For whitening purposes, use non-chlorine bleach.
• Avoid fabric softeners as it will stick to the down and ruin it.
• Use multiple, fast spin cycles to get as much water out as possible.
• Extra rinse cycles are suggested to ensure all soap is removed.
• Tumble dry on low heat with dryer balls to fluff up. Don’t be afraid to run it through more than one cycle to ensure dryness.

Are Down Pillows Soft?

Down pillows are known for their softness. It is one of their main features. But in some cases down pillows can be too soft for comfort. After all, tastes vary- and when it comes to pillows, firmness is often the defining feature. Our quality of sleep and the relief we get from it are directly related to the pillow we use – and how soft or hard it is. Some users will find that they enjoy soft and squishy pillows the most, while others will swear by their stiff and firm pillow. In the end, the choice is yours and dictated by your preference.

The secret of the success of a down pillow is in their filling. Just as the name suggests, the fill is made up of goose feathers and down. The down is the soft, lightweight “under feather” part, which can be surprisingly fluffy once gathered in a mass. However, it would be too soft in a pillow, and so it is balanced out with goose feathers. By experimenting with different ratios between down and feathers, brands have managed to offer a diverse range of firmness levels, so all users can find the one perfectly suited for them. Whether you enjoy soft or firm pillows, you are bound to find a down pillow perfect for you.

Is the Use of Feathers and Down for Pillows Cruel to Geese?

Despite their desire for comfort that down offers, many have a concern with animal welfare. While, yes, down pillows rely on the use of bird feathers and down, it doesn’t necessarily make them cruel to poultry. It is important to note that in the meat industry, poultry feathers are considered as a by-product: and are often discarded. Still, before there was more awareness about the welfare of the animals involved in the process, many producers of poultry relied on live-plucking and malpractice in the industry – which harmed the birds. Luckily, this has changed with the introduction of the RDS Certificate: The Responsible Down Standard. It ensures that brands will use only those feathers and down acquired in a professional, humane way, in which the animals never suffer. Producers are required to meet a set of obligations with which animal welfare is secured.

What to Consider When Choosing a Down Pillow

Down pillows can be used for all sleep positions depending on their construction and amount of fill. They are consistent with their superb quality, but that doesn’t always mean they are the best choice for you. When reviewing down filled pillow choices, be sure to consider the factors that would affect your sleep quality.

What is your sleep position?

As described above, your unique sleep positions determine the type of pillow you should consider. Down pillows can come in everything from extra soft to very firm comforts and thus are available for all positions. They also have a tendency to be lofty in nature and are considered very malleable which may not be conducive to all personal comfort preferences.

Do you have any allergies?

Natural fillings are usually a red flag to allergy sufferers usually due to poor reports concerning poorly made products. Luckily, aggravated allergies in relation to down filling is a common myth with very little issues concerning down or feathers themselves. Instead, dust mites and pollen spores caught in seams are often the culprits if a pillow is thought to be a source. Be sure to refresh and wash your pillow regularly to avoid this if it is a concern.

Do you sleep warm?

Down is a highly insulating material and also highly breathable. Since it is a natural way to release and retain heat for the animal it comes from, it also lends these properties to your comfort. Cool in summer, these pillows can also help you better regulate temperatures through the cooler months as well without creating a heat retention.

Conclusion

Down pillows are an excellent choice for all soft pillow lovers. Even though they can be made with a higher, firmer support, their overall malleability and easy response to weight make them quality choices for all sorts of sleep comfort needs. Each of the reviewed products above has their own particular influences on your sleep, and picking the best for you is truly up to your own sleep position and preferences- but our favorite happens to be the eLuxurySupply Extra Soft Down Filled Pillow as it is amazingly shapeable and a great choice for layering, especially for stomach sleepers and more lightweight back sleepers.

Recent Updates

October 26, 2021: The DOWNLITE Extra Soft Down Pillow and eLuxurySupply Extra Soft Down Filled Pillow have each been removed due to unavailability, replaced with the popular AmazonBasics 2-Pack Alternative Down Pillows and WENERSI Premium Blended Down Pillow.