9 Best Down Pillows to Buy for Sounder Sleep
Updated: Apr. 26, 2023
The best down pillows help you float through deep, dreamy sleep.
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If your sleep could use an upgrade and you’ve already invested in one of the best mattresses on the market, you could probably benefit from identifying the best pillow for your sleep type. The best down pillows can offer all-natural sleep improvement without added synthetic materials.
What is a down pillow?
A down pillow is made of feathers from the underbellies of geese, swans, or ducks. These feathers are considered to be extra special since they have no quills, which are the rigid parts of feathers that can poke and irritate the skin.
Unlike some pillows, the best down pillows are hypoallergenic for most people. Down doesn’t attract bacteria, fungi, or other microbes as rapidly as some other natural or man-made materials may, making it mostly anti-allergenic.
“When shopping for a pillow, just like reading labels on any product you put into your body or on your body, the materials should not be full of chemicals,” says Darelene Flores, a chiropractic physician. You should always remember to cover your pillows though, whether you opt for the best silk pillowcases or cozy flannel sheet sets.
What to look for when buying the best down pillows
“A good supportive pillow is a key component when thinking about proper sleep and body alignment,” explains Flores. “You want to look for a pillow that assists in maintaining the curvature in your neck while sleeping on your side or on your back.”
The most sought-after down pillows are ones that offer completely true-down interior fill (instead of being mixed with other, potentially cheaper fill options). Opting for natural-fiber shells and encasings helps keep these pillows as hypoallergenic as possible. They also make cleaning easier so the pillows last for years at a time. Here is how to wash pillows, and yes—you should be washing more than just your pillowcases and sheets. (Hint: Washing your mattress is a thing you should do.)
Evaluation criteria
When choosing the best down pillows, we looked at the pillow’s fill content to determine the quality and ratio of natural down. We prioritized pillows with higher ratios of down over mixed fill types. We also compared prices, user reviews, size availability, and the types of encasements each pillow offers.
Best down pillows
Overall winner: Sleep Number DownComfort Pillow
This truly unique SleepNumber down pillow is the only one on our list offered in several shapes and sizes to support back, stomach, and side sleepers. It also features long-lasting, natural 650-fill-power American down paired with a 500-thread-count cover for luxurious stay-cool comfort. You can even machine wash these fluffy clouds with warm water on a delicate cycle with mild detergent. Another great option for side sleepers: the Pillow Cube.
Highlights:
- Comes in multiple sizes and shapes
- Covered by a one-year warranty
- Rated 4.7 stars with thousands of reviews
Best for stomach sleepers: Brooklinen Down Pillow
Available in either standard or king-size, these affordable down pillows offer three different feather fill options ranging from pure down to mixed ratios to suit every type of sleeper. The brand’s “plush” option is completely filled with natural down clusters to create the softest and fluffiest option of all, which is ideal for stomach sleepers. By the way, if you’re someone who likes to go to sleep with their earphones plugged in, this ear pillow is just what you need.
Highlights:
- Two size options
- Three firmness options
- Affordable price
Best for every bedroom: Casper Down Pillow
If you’re not sure which down pillow is best for your guest room or for those without highly-specific sleep demands, the Casper down pillow is a sure thing. It comes in mid and low-loft sizes, is offered in both standard or king dimensions, and even boasts a one-year warranty. Depending on which option you choose, this pillow offers up to 80 percent ethically-sourced white duck down with only 20 percent feathers in its outer chambers. (Psst! Casper also takes the cake for the best boxed bed on the market.)
Highlights:
- Save money when you buy more than one pillow
- Covered by a one-year warranty
- Supportive for all sleeping positions
Best for snorers: Lands’ End Ultimate Goose Down Pillow
While no pillow can offer 100 percent protection against snoring (or a snoring partner), this lofty 650-fill white goose-down pillow is especially pure thanks to a super-clean, three-step process of pre-washing, heat, and steam-cleaning. That translates to a lower potential breathing irritants risk and smoother, interruption-free sleep. It comes in either standard or king sizes and offers a medium-firm feel that makes it one of the best pillows for all types of sleepers.
Highlights:
- Ultra hypoallergenic
- Ethically sourced down feathers
- Lasts up to 15 years with regular upkeep
Most affordable down pillow: PureDown White Goose Pillow Two-Pack
This affordable two-pack of premium white goose-down pillows offers two standard, queen, or king-size pillows for less than the price of one typical down pillow. They’re comfortable, fluffy, and offer a clever pillow-in-pillow design that helps cut costs without compromising quality. The 100 percent cotton encasement is also a higher-end touch at a more affordable price, albeit at a 300 thread count (which hardly makes a difference if you’re adding a pillowcase anyway).
The catch? Instead of 100 percent pure white goose down, this pillow offers a modest 25 percent goose feather fill to keep costs down. You probably won’t notice it as you sleep since the ratio is heavily in favor of true down.
Highlights:
- Affordable price
- Comes with two pillows
- Three size options
Best for side sleepers: Cuddletown White Down Sateen Pillow
You’ll rest easy on this sateen-covered down pillow from Cuddletown. It’s one of the best pillows for side sleepers thanks to hypoallergenic 700-fill power European white goose down that’s certified safe to the standard 100 by OEKO-TEX. It’s made in the United States from imported materials, so you won’t lose any sleep over supporting local economies, and the responsibly-sourced down is RDS-certified.
While this pillow certainly isn’t cheap, it is built to last for years and consistently outperforms the lifespan of plush pillows made of synthetic fills. Choose from standard, queen, king, or European sizes to suit every bed in your home.
Highlights:
- Made in the USA
- Four size options
- Responsibly sourced down feathers
Best for neck support: Parachute Down Pillow
Somehow this Parachute down pillow offers sink-right-in plushness that also supports, contours, and cushions delicate neck and shoulder areas with 750-fill power European white down. With a luxurious, airy feel and three densities to match every type of sleeper—soft, medium, and firm—it’s a truly top-notch sleep product.
It’s also made in the United States from imported materials and features a 100 percent sateen-finish cotton shell that’s easy on delicate skin and washes with minimal effort. Choose from standard or king sizes with reinforced double stitched piping seams. The best part? These glorious pillows come with a three-year warranty.
Highlights:
- Three density choices
- Made in the USA
- Covered by a three-year warranty
Best firm down pillow: Oakham Goose Down Firm Support Pillow
Filled with soft white down, this Oakham pillow is designed to promote a firm feel that offers both support and hypoallergenic construction you’ll love curling up with. The 100 percent cotton shell is piped with decorative, reinforced seams and the entire piece is machine washable for added hygienic convenience. (Speaking of washing, here’s how often you should clean your sheets.)
Verified buyer Emilia writes, “Gorgeous luxe pillow. All down. It’s super fluffy but still firm, perfect for the side sleeper that I am. I absolutely hate it when down pillows just go completely flat. This one doesn’t do that. I’ve been sleeping like a baby.”
Highlights:
- Machine washable
- Firm density
- Three size options
Best down alternative: Avocado Green Pillow
While it’s not made of actual down, this down alternative pillow may be a worthwhile contender for those who are staunch vegans or who have allergies to feather products. The soft, cushiony pillow is made from GOLS-certified organic upcycled shredded latex and GOTS-organic certified kapok fiber (speaking of, you might also want to check out these organic pillows). It’s silky-soft and similar in feel to cotton but offers a down-like fluffiness that’s usually hard to replicate. This pillow also comes with a built-in zipper and an extra bag of filling so you can adjust its lift at your will, and coordinate it with your matching Avocado Green mattress at a precision level.
Highlights:
- Excellent for vegans or those with feather allergies
- Adjustable filling
- Affordable price
Source: Dr. Darlene Flores, Chiropractic Physician owner of Karaya Wellness Clinic
