Written by Tony Klespis, Staff Writer
Pillows come and go, but let’s be real…down is forever. Okay, so maybe it won’t literally last forever, but it has stood the test of time as a classic pillow filling that people absolutely love. The best down pillows are often considered posh and luxurious — and therefore more expensive. While that’s true in some cases, it’s possible to select a lightweight, soft, and durable option without breaking the bank.
To find the best down pillow for you, swan-dive into the seven pillows below to learn more about what makes each so fantastic and who they’re the best fit for in terms of primary sleeping position. I personally tested all of these pillows and shared my unbiased opinions.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Down Pillow?
I named the Brooklinen Down Pillow as the best down pillow. It comes in multiple firmness options, giving it a wide appeal for body types and sleeping positions. And in comparison to some other down pillows on this list, it’s a fairly affordable pick.
Best Down Pillows – 2024
- Brooklinen Down Pillow – Editor’s Pick
- Helix Down & Feather Pillow – Best Down Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Peacock Alley White Goose Down Pillow – Best Down Feather Pillow
- Plushbeds Goose Down Pillow – Best Goose Down Pillow
- Parachute Down Pillow – Best Firm Down Pillow
- Tuft & Needle Luxury Down Pillow – Best Down Pillow for Back Sleepers
- Down Dreams Pillows – Best Down Pillows on Amazon
How We Choose Our Products
With down being a traditional fill material for pillows, there are hundreds of down pillows out there. I’ve tested a good number of down pillows myself, and out of all of them, I’ve put together a list of seven of my favorites. Here at Mattress Clarity, we use proprietary hands-on testing, and there were a few categories that guided the building of this list.
When it came down to what categories I was looking for, I considered pillows that had certain certifications, like the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification, high-quality materials, and firmness options. Down pillows are, by nature, more expensive than pillows that use synthetic materials. While price wasn’t a main factor in compiling this list, I did want to be mindful of budgets, so there are some affordable options as well.
Best Down Pillow: Video Roundup
Editor’s Pick – Brooklinen Down Pillow
Brooklinen Down Pillow
Brooklinen’s Down pillow is a nice option for those who love the feel of down but want more than the typical amount of loft and support. Based on my experience, I think it’s best for side sleepers or those who want a good amount of thickness – perhaps individuals with larger body frames or broader shoulders.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.30 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
A standout among down pillows is Brooklinen’s down pillow. It comes in many different firmness options, making it a match for just about anyone. And it’s fairly affordable to boot!
The three firmness options will work for different sleeping positions; the plush is ideal for stomach sleeping, the mid-plush is great for back sleepers, and the firm will be ideal for side sleepers.
Down can be a natural insulator, but this pillow is fairly breathable, and it comes to you in a breathable cotton cover. All this to say – this pillow won’t trap heat!
What We Love About the Brooklinen Down Pillows
- Being an animal product, down can be quite expensive. However, out of all the picks on this list, the Brooklinen Down pillow is fairly affordable.
- Brooklinen sources ethical down, meaning it’s not harvested from live animals.
- There are firmness options that make it a match for just about any sleeping position.
What to Keep In Mind About the Brooklinen Down Pillow
- Down shouldn’t trap a lot of heat, but at the same time, it’s not a specialized cooling material. If you’re a particularly hot sleeper, or prefer to have cooling materials in your pillow, this might not be the best choice.
Read my full Brooklinen Down pillow review.
Best for Side Sleepers – Helix Down & Feather Pillow
Helix Down & Feather Pillow
Helix’s down and feather pillow combines the plush comfort of white down with supportive feathers at the center of the pillow. Its reinforced stitching around the perimeter of the pillow helps it retain its shape. It’s a great down pillow for those that love supportive pillows!
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Down is not like other materials used to fill pillows. It’s very moldable and can deflate when you rest on it. And side sleepers who love down pillows need something that’s tall and won’t bottom out.
Helix makes a down and feather pillow that works for all sleeping positions, but side sleepers will enjoy this pillow thanks to its reinforced design and three-chamber construction.
Helix uses a combination of down fibers and feathers in the core to provide a good amount of support, while the two outer chambers of down provide plush comfort. Plus, with a reinforced, double stitching on the perimeter of this pillow, it won’t lose its shape.
This means if you sleep on your side, your head and neck should stay in a neutral alignment while you sleep.
What We Love About the Helix Down & Feather Pillow
- It can work for all sleeping positions, but side sleepers can rest easy knowing it won’t lose its shape.
- It has a supportive core of feathers and down fibers, meaning it should stay tall for side sleepers.
- Helix offers a 100-night trial period to test it out, giving you plenty of time to decide if this is the pillow for you.
What to Keep In Mind About the Helix Down & Feather Pillow
- This isn’t a particularly firm pillow. If you don’t prefer soft pillows, be sure to check out our list of the best firm pillows.
Read my full Helix Down & Feather Pillow review.
Best Down Feather Pillow – Peacock Alley
Peacock Alley White Goose Down Pillow
Peacock Alley uses high-quality white goose down in this pillow. This gives it a soft, cushioning feel and can be molded to your liking.
Our Expert’s Take
When it comes to high-quality down, you want to look a Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification. This certification means that the down was collected in a humane way. And that’s exactly what the Peacock Alley White Goose Down pillow has for its down filling.
Peacock Alley offers this pillow in two firmness options: medium and firm. This helps give the pillow a wide appeal for different sleeping positions and body types. Heavyweight individuals or side sleepers should get the firm version for more support. Back and stomach sleepers, or average-to-lightweight sleepers, should opt for the medium version.
What We Love About the Peacock Alley White Goose Down Pillow
- The RDS certification means that there was no live plucking done on the geese that the down came from.
- It has multiple firmness options to accommodate all sleeping positions and body types.
- This pillow can be machine-washed.
What to Keep In Mind About the Peacock Alley White Goose Down Pillow
- At full price, this pillow costs $360. You can use a third party “buy now pay later” service to break up the payments, but this might be out of some peoples’ price range.
Full review to come!
Best Goose Down – Plushbeds Sateen White Goose Down Pillow
Plushbeds Goose Down Pillow
If you love down pillows, then check out the Plushbeds Goose Down pillow. Goose down is some of the softest out there, but with two firmnesses available, there’s something for everyone.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
When it comes to down, there are two main types: duck and goose down. The difference here is that goose down tends to feel much more plush and lightweight than duck down.
The Plushbeds goose down pillow exudes luxury. The goose down feels extremely soft and plush. It provides a great amount of plush comfort. And it comes in two firmness options!
The medium firmness works best for back sleeping, while the firm option works well for side sleeping. All this is wrapped in a luxurious cotton sateen shell which feels like soft satin.
What We Love About the PlushBeds White Goose Down Pillow
- If you’re looking for a luxurious down pillow, this is the one for you. Its soft cover and plush feel makes it similar to the pillows you’ll find in a five-star hotel.
- The goose down feels extraordinarily soft and plush. It’s also fairly moldable so you’ll be able to get it in a shape that works for you.
- It has two firmnesses, which should work well for back and side sleeping.
What to Keep In Mind About the PlushBeds White Goose Down Pillow
- While this is a great option for those who want a luxurious down pillow, it comes with a luxury price tag. This might be out of price range for some.
Read my full Plushbeds Goose Down pillow review.
Best Firm – Parachute Down Pillow
Parachute Down Pillow
Parachute Home makes its down pillow in many firmness options, which makes it a fit for every sleeping position. Parachute uses 100% European down to give this pillow a plush, down feel.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.30 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
Many pillows on this list come with multiple firmness options. Parachute’s down pillow is no exception, but if you love a firm down pillow, this is the one for you.
This pillow has been stuffed to the brim with European white down. It still has that down plushness and moldable quality, but because there’s just so much fill, this pillow is very supportive.
Parachute mentions it works best for back sleepers, but because this pillow is so tall, side sleepers can enjoy it too.
What We Love About the Parachute Down Pillow
- Sometimes, down pillows don’t feel very firm. Luckily, this pillow is stuffed to the brim with down, so it does feel rather firm.
- This pillow should last you a while, which Parachute recognizes and backs up with a three-year warranty.
- Dry cleaning is recommended, but if you’re in a pinch, you can machine-wash this pillow, too.
What to Keep In Mind About the Parachute Down Pillow
- The price will change depending on the firmness option you choose. While this pillow isn’t as expensive as some other options on this list, the firmest standard pillow costs $170. This might be out of price range for some.
Full review to come!
Best for Back Sleepers – Tuft & Needle Luxury Down Pillow
Tuft & Needle Down Pillow
The Tuft & Needle Down pillow is full of soft, plush down clusters. It’s an 8″ tall pillow that feels very soft but supportive. It works fantastically well for back sleepers!
Mattress Clarity Score
3.90 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
Back sleepers who love down pillows should look at the Tuft & Needle down pillow. This pillow features a combination of down fibers and feathers that provides great comfort and support.
You can also rest easy knowing the down is cruelty-free, meaning it was sourced ethically. It’s more of a medium-firm pillow, thanks to the presence of supportive feathers. This makes it a great option for back sleepers, but side sleepers may enjoy the support as well.
Finally, this pillow won’t trap too much heat thanks to the 100% cotton cover that is both breathable and moisture-wicking.
What We Love about the Tuft & Needle Luxury Down Pillow
- The combination of down fibers and feathers creates a perfect balance of comfort and support for back sleeping.
- When this pillow gets dirty, you can machine-wash the whole thing.
- You have 100 nights to test this pillow out, which is plenty of time to decide if this is the pillow for you.
What to Keep In Mind About the Tuft & Needle Luxury Down Pillow
- While this pillow really shines for back sleeping, if you’re a back and side combination sleeper, this pillow might not be supportive enough.
Read my full Tuft & Needle Down pillow review.
Best on Amazon – Down Dreams
Down Dreams
Down Dreams makes hotel quality down pillows that come to you in a double pack, so couples can enjoy these pillows, too! These pillows feel about medium firm and can be found on Amazon, making them super convenient for just about anyone.
Our Expert’s Take
Amazon is the go-to for online shoppers these days. So if you happen to be checking out down pillows while perusing Amazon, look at the Down Dreams pillows.
The Down Dreams pillows are sold in a double pack, making them a good option for couples who love down pillows. These feel about medium in firmness, and work for back sleepers and some stomach sleepers.
These pillows caught my eye because they also have a high review rating, coming in at 4.2 out of 5 stars. And many customer reviews praised these pillows for being high-quality.
What We Love About the Down Dreams Pillows
- They can be found on Amazon, making ordering and shipping a breeze.
- They come in a double pack, making the price worth it.
- They’re highly rated on Amazon and are made of high-quality materials.
What to Keep In Mind About the Down Dreams Pillows
- One of the downsides to some down pillows is that they can fall flat fairly quickly. And unfortunately, that is the case here with the Down Dreams pillows. They will need frequent fluffing to stay tall.
Full review to come!
What are Down Pillows Made of?
Simply put, down is a type of feather that you find on birds, though typically sourced from ducks or geese. Down is sometimes found closer to the bird’s skin, or found on the belly of the bird.
Down is much softer and fluffier than regular feathers and won’t have pointy quills. Because of this, down makes for a fluffy, comfortable fill option in pillows.
Often you’ll find down pillows made with cotton covers. All the options on this list come to you in cotton covers. So while down can be a natural insulator, the breathable cotton covers should allow some breathability.
Types of Down
Down pillows are typically made from duck or goose down and can vary on exactly what type of duck or goose. For example, Canada white goose down is often considered excellent quality, as is Eider duck down.
Some down pillows, like Brooklinen’s pillow, are made through ethically sourced programs. Some brands use down certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which means the brand’s down filling comes from birds who, “have been treated with care.” For those who love the feel and quality of down but are concerned about the ethics of the manufacturing process, check for labeling like this before making a purchase.
RELATED: Down vs. Feather Pillows – What’s the Difference?
Clusters vs. Feathers
Down pillows can be filled with either all down clusters or — more rarely — all feathers, but more often than not, they’re a combination of the two. Clusters of down are very soft and almost snowflake-like — far less identifiable than a standard bird feather, which most of us are familiar with.
The size of a down cluster is dependent on the bird that provided it. Duck down clusters will be smaller than goose down clusters. This matters because the larger the cluster, the more insulating, as it traps more air and makes the pillow lighter and fluffier in the end. For this reason, pillows made with plenty of down from geese tend to be more luxurious and more expensive than others. They’re also more durable!
Feathers are flatter and more structured, thanks to their longer quills. Feathers are often used in the center of a pillow to add support and structure while down is filled around it to ensure the classic “down” feel. Feathers are less durable than clusters and not as lightweight. Therefore, pillows with more feathers tend to be more affordable.
Fill Power
Without getting too heavy into the science of it, fill power is the amount of space — measured in cubic inches — one ounce of down will take up to reach its maximum loft. This is basically a measurement of the loftiness of a pillow, and often equates to the durability and quality of a pillow. Higher fill power means larger down clusters and the corresponding amount of trapped air means the longer it’ll retain its loft and firmness. However, fill power is not necessarily an indicator of overall firmness, so keep that in mind as well. A high fill power — around 800 — does not guarantee that the down pillow will be super firm.
How to Wash Down Pillows
Care instructions for down pillows will vary depending on what the manufacturer recommends. But for the most part, down can be machine-washed. But because down is a delicate material, you’ll want to avoid using hot water cycles.
In terms of drying, some can be tumble dried, while others are air dry only. Like with the wash cycle, if you are able to dry your pillow in the dryer, use low heat. Other care instructions include spot cleaning only, or taking your pillow to the dry cleaner.
Summary
| Pillow | Best For |
| Brooklinen Down Pillow | Editor’s Pick |
| Helix Down & Feather Pillow | Best Down Pillow for Side Sleepers |
| Peacock Alley White Goose Down Pillow | Best Down Feather Pillow |
| Plushbeds Goose Down Pillow | Best Goose Down Pillow |
| Parachute Down Pillow | Best Firm Down Pillow |
| Tuft & Needle Luxury Down Pillow | Best Down Pillow for Back Sleepers |
| Down Dreams Pillows | Best Down Pillows on Amazon |
Final Thoughts
These are seven of the absolute best down pillows out on the market today, but they’re certainly not the only ones to buy. As always, I suggest navigating the pillow purchasing process by starting with your primary sleep position and narrowing down pillow options based on the appropriate loft and support for that position from there. Don’t hesitate to comment on my YouTube video if a personal recommendation is needed!
The Best Down Pillows fAQs
How do I choose a down pillow?
In many ways, choosing a down pillow is just like choosing any other pillow. Start with your primary sleep position to gauge how much loft and general firmness is needed. Traditionally, stomach sleepers need soft and flatter pillows, while side sleepers need the most height (or loft) and firmness.
What is the best down pillow for side sleepers?
The best pillow for side sleepers is going to offer the most firmness and the most height. One combination that I really like — and you can see this in the Brooklinen Mid-Plush — is a pillow with a core of feathers that provides support, but surrounded by down so that there’s still plenty of softness and comfort.
What is better — goose or duck down pillows?
Goose down is larger in size than duck down, so on average, goose down pillows have a higher fill power than duck down. This means that goose down pillows won’t need as much down to be loftier, lighter in weight, and more luxurious. That being said, they typically cost more. If you opt for duck down, but still want something with the plushness of goose down, look for a higher fill power.
How long do down pillows last?
This depends on the materials used, but typically down pillows can last you around five years or so with good care. I recommend cleaning or washing the pillow every six months, per the manufacturer’s instructions, to ensure the pillow stays fresh and clean for as long as possible.
