The Beyond Down Gel Fiber pillow from SleepBetter is a polyester microfiber pillow that comes with a wide gusset and plenty of filling to support side sleepers. It’s fully machine washable and affordable as well.
Beyond Down Side Sleeper Pillow
Mattress Clarity Score
4.10 / 5
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Key Features
- Filling: gel fiber that mimics goose down (100% polyester fiber)
- 300 thread count, 100% cotton cover
- 4.5-inch gusset, with double-needle corded edges
- Designed for side sleepers but can be comfortable for all sleep positions
- Hypoallergenic
- Made in the USA and Imported
- King measures 20 x 36 x 4.5 inches
- Care: machine wash and dryer friendly
Who Makes It?
The Beyond Down pillow is a registered trademark of Carpenter Co. – according to their website, Carpenter Co. – is the world’s largest maker of polyurethane foam and the leading processor of polyester fiber for the bedding industry. Carpenter Co. also makes the Iso-Cool foam pillow, which we’ve also reviewed. In addition to pillows, Carpenter Co. makes Beyond Down in a number of products, including mattress pads and comforters.
Pillow Construction
The Beyond Down bed pillow is a traditional shape (square or rectangle depending on size) but it does have a 4.5” wide gusset on the side, which gives it a good amount of loft, making it ideal for side sleepers who want a little bit of support. I reviewed the King size, but it also comes in Standard and Queen sizes. The outer cover is 300 thread-count and 100% cotton and white in color. It has a subtle square pattern but the texture is barely noticeable and probably wouldn’t be felt underneath a pillow cover. The pillow is filled with extra-fine polyester fibers that are intended to emulate high-quality white goose down, according to Carpenter Co. (makers of the pillow). It feels like the pillow is stuffed – if not slightly overstuffed – to provide enough support and loft for side sleepers.
Pros
- Machine washable and dryer friendly
- Hypoallergenic – good for those with allergies
- Enough filling to support side and back sleepers
- Affordable
Cons
- Will need to be re-fluffed and shaped over time
- May be too firm for stomach sleepers
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My Experience
As a natural side and back sleeper, I am always curious about down or down alternative pillows that promise enough support for proper head and neck alignment. The makers of Beyond Down pillow say that this pillow is a match for customers who want the cozy feel of goose down but not the dust and odor associated with naturally filled bed pillows. Beyond Down’s pillow is designed with a 4.5” gusset, allowing for plenty of room for additional loft. It comes significantly over-stuffed and does have the same “squishy” feeling that down pillows offer. My pillow arrived fully expanded and I did not detect any odor or off-gassing. There are no specific care instructions on the pillow tag or packaging, but it is machine washable and dryer friendly. I simply washed my pillow with some sheets to even the load and keep it balanced. I dried it on a low tumble dry – it took over an hour but it was completely dry.
Beyond Down Side Sleeper Pillow
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The Beyond Down Gel Fiber pillow from SleepBetter is a polyester microfiber pillow that comes with a wide gusset and plenty of filling to support side sleepers. It’s fully machine washable and affordable as well.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.10 / 5
Read Full ReviewOverall
Based on my experience, I think the Beyond Down Gel Fiber Side Sleeper Pillow is a successful down alternative that can keep back and side sleepers happy while providing the cozy feeling of goose down.