Best Down Pillow
Are you struggling to find the perfect pillow? Stiff neck and lack of sleep are still troubling you no matter what pillow you use? It might be nigh time to try something new. Down pillows have been around for a very long time – this traditional design relies on a soft touch but a sturdy outer shell, which is down filled. The unparalleled airy softness comes from goose feathers and gooses down which are mixed in a proportion that provides ample stability and comfort.
Brands that offer goose down pillows rely on safe and established methods of acquiring the feathers, so you won’t have to worry about harm coming to the animals they source the feathers from. Affordable and reliable, down pillows have long been the top choice of people around the world – maybe it is time to find out why.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Lincove Cloud Natural Canadian White Down Luxury Sleeping Pillow
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| #2 |  Puredown Natural Goose Down Pillow
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| #3 |  WENERSI Premium Blended Down Pillow
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| #4 |  Royal Hotel 500 TC Down Pillow
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| #5 |  AmazonBasics 2-Pack Alternative Down Pillows
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| #6 |  Continental Bedding Premium White Down Pillow
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Table Of Contents
- Are Down Pillows Soft?
- Is Use of Feathers and Down for Pillows Cruel to Geese?
- Best Down Pillows
- 1. Editor’s Choice: Lincove Cloud Natural Canadian White Down Luxury Sleeping Pillow
- 2. Runner Up: Puredown Natural Goose Down Pillow
- 3. Best for Neck Pain: WENERSI Premium Blended Down Pillow
- 4. Best for Side Sleepers: Royal Hotel 500 TC Down Pillow
- 5. Best Down Alternative: AmazonBasics 2-Pack Alternative Down Pillows
- 6. Best for Stomach Sleepers: Continental Bedding Premium White Down Pillow
- Bottom Line
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 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.
Best Down Pillows
1. Editor’s Choice: Lincove Cloud Natural Canadian White Down Luxury Sleeping Pillow
Specs:
- Available sizes: Standard, Queen, King
- Materials: 100% cotton + Hutterite white down
- Firmness: Medium, soft, or firm
- Maintenance: Machine washing and drying
Nothing can replace that feeling of comfort and softness when you lay your head on a cozy down pillow. If you are looking to find one that follows a traditional design and is enriched with some modern features, this puredown feather and down pillow is up to par! Made fully out of natural materials, this pillow has a shell made from 100% 500-thread cotton with a silky sateen finish, while for the stuffing, Lincove relied on Downmark certified Hutterite white down – the fill power is 625 and the firmness level can be medium, firm, or soft to suit anyone’s preferences.
Relying on soft high-quality OEKO TEX certified cotton for the pillow shell, the manufacturer provided good breathability which adds to the quality of sleep and protects your skin as well. The pillow is also fully machine washable and dryable, allowing you to keep the hygiene at an optimal level without much hassle. Lincove as a brand guarantees that all their down pillows follow the established methods of procuring down and feathers, without any harm for birds or live-plucking, which is another thing that makes these pillows great.
Pros
- No live plucking- Downmark certified premium white down
- Naturally breathable cotton shell
- Pure down filling
- You can choose the firmness level
- Machine washable and dryable
- Generous amount of filling
- Made in Canada
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
- Can be softer than expected
Who Should Buy This Product?
If you value responsible procuring of down, and the use of quality, natural materials, this down pillow is a great choice. Not only does it boast a good selection of sizes, but also comes in a pack of 2! A great way to treat both yourself and your partner to exceptional comfort.
2. Runner Up: Puredown Natural Goose Down Pillow
Specs:
- Available sizes: Standard/Queen, King, Queen
- Materials: 100% cotton + Grey Goose feathers and down
- Firmness: Medium to Soft
- Maintenance: Machine washing
The main disadvantage of down pillows is that they can be too soft- but with the right ratio of feathers and down, firmness can be achieved. In this area, Puredown delivers in style – this high-quality 2-piece set of pillows won’t feel too soft and can be a great option if you need something less fluffy than most. The outer surface of the pillow is 100% soft and natural cotton, while the stuffing consists of Grey Goose feathers and down, in a ratio of 95% and 5% respectively. This ratio makes the pillows thick and comfy, with that balanced medium firmness for great support – no matter if you are a side or stomach sleeper!
One unique feature of this pillow is the gusseted piping trim that comes in four different designs and colors, allowing you to add just a little touch of style into your bed. The outer cover features a diamond latticework stitch and is double quilted – preventing those stray feathers from poking out, even after some time of regular use.
Pros
- Medium firmness suits most people
- Hypoallergenic
- Box-stitch design prevents shifting of the filling
- Gusseted piping
- Not too soft
Cons
- Not fluffy enough for some people
Who Should Buy This Product?
If you value top-notch quality and prefer a pillow that’s not too soft, this well-made down and feather pillow is just what you need for a good night’s rest. Dense and medium-firm, it will offer a perfect balance between support and comfort.
3. Best for Neck Pain: WENERSI Premium Blended Down Pillow
Specs:
- 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
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.
4. Best for Side Sleepers: Royal Hotel 500 TC Down Pillow
Specs:
- Available sizes: Standard/Queen Firm, Standard/Queen Medium Firm, Standard/Queen Soft, King Adjustable, King Extra Firm, King Firm, King Medium Firm, King Soft
- Materials: 100% cotton
- Firmness: Firm/Medium
- Maintenance: Dry Cleaning
Side sleepers don’t always have it easy when it comes to choosing pillows: most can be uncomfortable or simply lack to provide the support you need. Luckily, with the versatility of down pillows, there’s a choice for those that sleep on their side as well, and this design fits the bill. The shell is made from breathable and soft cotton with a 500 thread count that ensures longevity- and prevents any stray feather from sticking out.
As for the filling, this is where this pillow really shines: with a 56-ounce fill and 750 fill power, you are guaranteed optimal support for your neck and head. The fill ratio is also unique: 25% small feathers, and 75% soft down. Luxuriously soft and fluffy, but still supportive, this down pillow will make sure you wake up well-rested.
Pros
- Ideal for people that sleep on their side
- Adjustable loft option
- Good choice of sizes
- Top-quality materials
Cons
- Can be too firm for some
Who Should Buy This Product?
With a pillow quality that matches that you’d have in a luxury hotel experience, these down pillows offer exceptional comfort and support. Fluffy but not overly soft, they are ideally suited for the needs of side sleepers.
5. Best Down Alternative: AmazonBasics 2-Pack Alternative Down Pillows
Specs:
- Available sizes: Standard, King
- Materials: 100% Polyester
- Firmness: Medium/Soft
- Maintenance: Machine Wash + Tumble Dry
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.
6. Best for Stomach Sleepers: Continental Bedding Premium White Down Pillow
Specs:
- Available sizes: Standard, King, Queen
- Materials: 100% Cotton
- Firmness: Medium/Firm
- Maintenance: Machine Wash + Tumble Dry
The softness of down pillows is what makes them so uniquely suited to the needs of stomach sleepers- and this pure down pillow beautifully showcases what’s so great about this fill in the first place. Made in the USA, these pillows are filled with the white goose down only- no feathers insight. Each pillow contains 22 ounces fill with white goose down with a 550 fill power. As a result, these pillows are superbly soft and fluffy.
The pillow shell is made from high quality 300 thread count 100% cotton, adding to the softness and durability at the same time. Continental Bedding took things one step ahead and manage to meet the standard needed to receive an RDS certificate, ensuring that their pillows are totally relying on “responsible down” – meaning that the down used here is sourced responsibly and following the best possible practices in terms of animal welfare.
Pros
- Ideal for stomach sleepers
- RSD Certified
- Just down, no feathers
- Soft and fluffy
- 300 thread count cotton shell
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not supportive enough for some sleepers
Who Should Buy This Product?
Stomach sleepers need a soft and fluffy pillow for comfort, and it doesn’t get better than pure goose down to meet those needs. Made from RDS certified down, this pillow is both comfy and responsibly made.
Bottom Line
Everyone needs a different type of pillow to be truly comfortable – one that will fit their sleeping position, support their neck, and suit their posture. Often overlooked, down pillows are a natural, age-old traditional design that was the favorite option of our parents, and grandparents. Noted for its unparalleled fluffiness and softness balanced with support, a down pillow could be just the thing for you if you prefer natural materials and pillows that are not too firm.
The only downsides to down pillows are that they require a bit extra care and can be unsuitable for people that are allergic to feathers- so if you don’t sneeze around birds and don’t mind some additional maintenance, you’re all set.