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Down pillows are known for their plush, airy feel, with many sleepers being drawn to the softness and malleability. Taken from the tender underbelly of geese or ducks, down is known for being delicate and easy to compress. However, that doesn’t mean these pillows have to lack support. In this roundup, I’ve handpicked some of the best down pillows on the market based on their materials, care instructions, and how they perform in multiple sleeping positions.
According to our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, you may need a new pillow if you’re waking up with neck or shoulder pain, headaches, or constantly readjusting at night. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the proper firmness and loft for your sleeping position, too, which can keep the head and neck in a neutral position to reduce stiffness and tension.
Our team of expert testers tried over 35 pillows, including multiple down and down alternative options. Below, I’ll review the top down pillows from our trials, breaking down their materials and how they perform for different sleepers. You can also scroll to the bottom of the page for an in-depth guide on how I chose these pillows, as well as what you should consider when buying a down pillow.
Sleepopolis’ Best In Rest – Best Down Pillows
The Helix Down & Feather Pillow lands at the top of our list because it’s fluffy yet supportive, making it compatible with all three sleeping positions. We were especially impressed with its high-quality three-chamber construction and reinforced stitching, as well as the ethically sourced down.
Best Down Pillows
- Helix Down & Feather Pillow – Best Overall Down Pillow
- Silk & Snow Reserve Down Pillow – Best Luxury Down Pillow
- Quince Premium Down Alternative Pillow – Best Down Alternative Pillow
- Avocado Down Pillow – Best Firm Down Pillow
- Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow – Best Soft Down Pillow
Top Deals
- Helix Down & Feather Pillow – 20% Off Sitewide with Code FALLSALE20
- Avocado Down Pillow – Up to 10% Off Organic Mattresses; Receive Up to $800 in Store Credit with Your Purchase
- Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow – Up to 20% Off Select Bedding & Gifts
What I Looked for in the Best Down Pillows
Our team of expert testers has evaluated more than 35 of the most popular online pillows. When selecting the best down pillows, I focused on ethically sourced and durable materials, a comfortable yet supportive experience, and easy care instructions.
- Materials: Every down pillow on this roundup contains ethically sourced down that has earned a Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification, which verifies the humane treatment of the animal from life to death. I also included a down alternative option for those with allergies or individuals seeking out more vegan-friendly options.
- Experience: When choosing pillows, I made sure our testers approved them for compatibility with at least one sleeping position, if not more. I also ensured that these pillows provided the classic down feel without flattening out or diminishing in support.
- Care: To make life easier, I chose pillows that didn’t require dry cleaning to get them clean. All the pillows on this roundup are either machine-washable or easy to spot-clean.
Best Down Pillows Review Video
Helix Down & Feather Pillow – Best Overall Down Pillow
- Luxurious, hotel-like feel
- Plush yet compressible
- Authentic down fill
When selecting the best overall down pillow, I looked for one with a classic plush yet compressible feel that’s comparable to a luxurious hotel pillow. Additionally, it needed to have high-quality and durable materials that wouldn’t flatten over time, as well as a supportive profile that could accommodate multiple sleeping positions. The Helix Down & Feather Pillow ranks highest on this list, not only because it earned 5 stars for its materials and price, but because it’s compatible with multiple sleep styles, too. In total, it earned a perfect 5 stars for our tester’s experience.
While the Helix Down & Feather Pillow is not marketed as a luxury product, the materials certainly feel luxurious. The outer cover is made from soft cotton and contains German piping along the edges, which is a reinforced double-stitch edge. When I assessed this pillow, I thought the stitching seemed very solid with no noticeable loose threads or holes that could cause the filling to fall out.
The Helix is a three-chamber pillow, with the inner chamber containing a feather and down blend while the outer chambers are filled with white down. According to Helix, the inclusion of feathers in the core helps prevent the down clusters from clumping over time. Additionally, this pillow is Responsible Down Standard certified, which verifies the humane treatment of the birds (including the prohibition of live-plucking). Since these materials are ethical, pure, and durable, I rated the materials at 5 out of 5 stars.
When I actually slept on this down pillow, I was immediately taken back to all the times I’ve stayed in a hotel. It has the classic fluffy yet lightweight feel of a hotel pillow that’s able to be compressed and molded into the perfect position. The soft, plush construction made my head feel weightless like it was resting on a cloud. However, it was still able to provide proper lift and support in all three sleeping positions. As a combination sleeper myself, I was able to get comfortable regardless of whether I was on my side, back, or stomach.
Since this pillow is so soft, it doesn’t scratch or irritate the face. That said, I would still recommend adding a pillowcase or pillow protector to ward off stains and allergens. The Helix pillow earned 4 out of 5 stars in the care category because it’s spot-clean only, not machine-washable. The care instructions are listed on the pillow’s tag, as well as on the information card that comes in the package.
Keep in mind, Helix offers a 30-night trial and a one-year warranty for this pillow. While these are decent policies provided by Helix, some other brands on this list offer longer sleep trial periods and warranties.
Helix Down & Feather Pillow Sleepopolis Ratings
Silk & Snow Reserve Down Pillow – Best Luxury Down Pillow
- Authentic duck-down fill
- Low profile, high-end feel
- Spot-clean only
The Silk & Snow Reserve Down Pillow combines a premium sateen cotton shell with high-quality duck down fill which, according to our tester, offers a hotel-like feel and earns this sleep accessory our title as the best luxury down pillow. “This pillow has a luxurious casing,” she said. “It’s low-profile but feels very high-end.” Accordingly, she scored her overall experience a 4 out of 5.
This pillow is made with premium materials—authentic duck down and a 100% sateen cotton shell. The initial feel is solid and durable, but our tester did note an overall lower loft and less fill than she anticipated.
“I usually bunch my pillows up at night,” she said, “But this pillow has more room for the down to shift around than I was expecting.” Accordingly, we awarded a 3.5 out of 5 for the materials.
The Silk & Snow Reserve Down Pillow costs roughly $179, which is slightly above-average for the pillows we tested and earns this sleep accessory a 3 out of 5 for price. However, we’ve seen this pillow on sale for as low as $152, and the premium materials may justify the cost for shoppers looking for that ultra-luxurious experience.
Additionally, this pillow’s premium materials require more intentional care than others on our list. Specifically, Silk & Snow suggests spot-cleaning only and dry cleaning when necessary, earning a 3.5 out of 5 for care. “The cleaning instructions are very simple,” our tester said, “But people might not like that you can’t put it in the washer.”
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a down pillow with a luxurious, hotel-like feel, the Silk & Snow Reserve Down Pillow can be a great option. That said, be prepared for the higher price point and lower loft than some down alternatives you’ll find in this guide.
Silk & Snow Reserve Down Pillow Sleepopolis Ratings
Quince Premium Down Alternative Pillow – Best Down Alternative Pillow
- Plush, lofty comfort with no animal-derived materials
- Affordably priced
- Machine-washable on a cold cycle
The Quince Premium Down Alternative Pillow delivers a plush, lofty comfort that mimics the airy feel of authentic down without using animal-derived materials. Our tester said this Quince pillow is the closest to a true down feel she’s experienced, earning it our pick for best down alternative pillow.
“This pillow is what you’re looking for if you’re after the classic down feel without the true down material,” she said, awarding high scores across the board during testing (including a 4.5 out of 5 for her overall experience).
The Quince Down Alternative Pillow is constructed with polyester microgel ultra-fine fibers encased in a 100% cotton sateen shell. “The design keeps the fill from bunching or clumping,” our tester added. “It honestly has a luxurious feel.” As such, she awarded a 4.5 out of 5 for the materials.
As far as care, you’re able to throw this pillow in the washing machine on a cold cycle. Our tester docked a half-point from this category, though, because the cotton cover is not removable and she worries this could lead to clumping over time. “I would use the wool dryer balls Quince recommends,” she says. “Hopefully, that would keep the fill from clumping.”
This pillow also comes in three firmness options, and a standard-size ranges in price from $39.90 to $49.90, depending on your firmness of choice. At such a low price point, this pillow is an exceptional value, earning it a perfect 5 out of 5 in this category.
“I think this pillow is a steal,” our tester said. “Most high-quality, third-party certified pillows cost $100 at the very lowest, so I’m surprised this pillow is so cheap.”
Quince Premium Down Alternative Pillow Sleepopolis Ratings
Avocado Down Pillow – Best Firm Down Pillow
- Multiple firmness options
- Third-party certified for sustainability and quality
- High value for the price
While down is known for being a soft and plush material, the firmness of down pillows can vary based on their fill power, which measures how fluffy and lofted the pillow is. If you love the feel of down but prefer a firm pillow, I recommend the Avocado Down Pillow in its Firm iteration. While it’s also offered in Soft and Medium models, the Firm pillow is stuffed to be (well) firm and supportive while still allowing for some slight cradling. With a price and materials that each earned 4 out of 5 stars in testing, this pillow is a solid choice for back and side sleepers.
As a brand, Avocado is known for being eco-forward, even committing to the 1% for the Planet movement. So, we weren’t surprised that this pillow has multiple third-party certifications that verify its quality, sustainability, and safety. Such certifications include the Climate Label, DOWNMARK, Responsible Down Standard, and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100.
When our tester Livvi DiCicco tested these materials, she thought they felt solid. She added, “It’s generously stuffed, and the filling doesn’t feel flimsy or spaced out.” While everything was high-quality, she was turned off by its cover, which Avocado says is 100% cotton sateen weave. “It has a weird, crinkly texture that feels almost plastic-y, which I’m not a fan of,” she said. “In truth, however, I just don’t care for the sateen feel.” As such, Livvi rated the materials 4 stars, overall, noting that a pillowcase could resolve this exterior texture debacle in a hurry.
With high-quality materials can come a high price tag, but the Avocado pillow is priced reasonably at roughly $139 for the Firm model. While this may be more than you’re willing to spend on a typical pillow, down is more difficult and expensive to source, thus driving up the price. Some down pillows can cost more than $300, so we think this price is fair and rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
As a stomach sleeper, Livvi typically doesn’t sleep with firm, high-lofted pillows like this one; soft, low-profile pillows are usually best for this sleeping position. Although she rated her personal experience with the Avocado pillow 3 out of 5 stars, she thinks it could be a match for back sleepers. Despite its initially firm feel, the down is pretty airy, allowing for a bit of give. This can feel really nice for back sleepers seeking a high loft that still offers some sinkage.
Before purchasing this pillow, keep in mind that it’s not easy to clean—instructions advise spot-cleaning only. You won’t be able to simply throw it in the wash if it gets dirty, so we rated its care process 3.5 stars.
Avocado Down Pillow Sleepopolis Ratings
Parachute Home Down Side Sleeper Pillow – Best Soft Down Pillow
- European white down fill
- High loft with tall sides
- Durable construction
Down pillows are typically known for being soft and snuggly, but they can sometimes flatten over time. For a soft down pillow that maintains its structural integrity, I recommend the Parachute Home Down Side Sleeper Pillow. Filled with European white down, this pillow is luxuriously soft, earning 4.5 stars for its materials. Plus, it’s high loft and tall sides make it durable enough to provide excellent support, earning 5 out of 5 stars for experience.
When our expert tester, Sosha Lewis, tried the Parachute pillow, she was impressed by the quality of the materials. On the 100% sateen cotton cover, she said, “It’s sturdy yet soft, and the stitching seems like it would last during intense pillow fights.”
Inside, the pillow contains European white down consisting of 85% down clusters and 15% down and feather fibers, which have the fluffy and plush quality typically associated with this material. The entire pillow is also OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified and Responsible Down Standard certified, so Sosha rated the materials 4.5 out of 5 stars.
As Sosha assessed the pillow, she was intrigued by its unique rectangular shape that features tall 3.5-inch sides. While it has a high loft, it’s not firm by any means. Its soft materials cradled Sosha’s head comfortably, while the tall sides ensured that her neck was still slightly lifted and supported. She said, “I was a little unsure about the square sides. However, it fit in a standard pillowcase with ease. Once I slept on it, I wouldn’t have cared had it been in the shape of an octagon; it’s just fantastic.”
Parachute markets this pillow as best for side sleepers, which Sosha agreed with. In this position, her head was lifted in line with her shoulders, promoting good neck support and spinal alignment. “I look forward to going to bed with this pillow every night,” she raved. “If my husband’s snoring makes me take shelter in the guest room, I make sure to take this pillow with me.”
When it’s time to wash the pillow, you can simply throw it in the washing machine on a cold, delicate cycle. Accordingly, we rated the easy care process at 4.5 stars. Since down can be known for clumping, Parachute recommends tumble-drying on low with wool dryer balls, which can help redistribute the fill.
Before you purchase this pillow, keep your sleeping position in mind. While we love this pillow for side sleepers or back sleepers who prefer a higher loft, it’s not a great match for stomach sleepers. We recommend these sleepers seek a lower-lofted, more compressible pillow to prevent the neck from craning upward.
Parachute Home Down Side Sleeper Pillow Sleepopolis Ratings
Other Down Pillows I Considered
In addition to the pillows I highlighted, there are many down pillows available online. Below, I’ll discuss two down pillows we tested that have some excellent attributes, but didn’t quite make my list.
Brooklinen Down Pillow
The Brooklinen Down Pillow is offered in Plush, Mid-Plush, and Firm models—each, of which, contains Canadian down clusters and a cotton sateen shell. Additionally, the Mid-Plush and Firm models contain feathers. While the Mid-Plush model offers an initial supportive feel, our tester found that it flattened over the course of the night, requiring him to wake up and fluff the filling multiple times. I ended up not including this pillow on my list in order to prioritize more supportive options.
Cariloha Down Feather Pillow
With a bamboo cover, this pillow feels silky smooth and has a quilted design. While the pillow is admittedly soft, our tester found it slightly too squishy and compressible for side and back sleeping. Additionally, while its loft is a good match for stomach sleepers, you may notice some feathers poking out of the pillow, like our tester did. I ended up not including this pillow because it’s more expensive than I’d expect for a pillow only compatible with one sleeping position. For reference, a standard size costs $189, and it’s dry clean only.
How We Picked and Tested These Down Pillows
When rounding up the best down pillows on the market, I considered multiple factors. While there’s a lot that goes into the perfect pillow, I honed in on materials, overall feel, and care instructions to best assess each accessory’s overall performance. Below, I’ll discuss each category and how our testers evaluated these pillows.
Materials
When evaluating down pillows, we obviously looked into the type of down used. Down refers to the soft, spineless feathers found in the underbelly of birds, typically sourced from ducks or geese. This material is super common in pillows and bedding, but it can also be found in items like coats and sleeping bags because of its insulating properties.
When evaluating materials, we consider their sourcing, durability, and any certifications they have received. When it comes to down, specifically, I made sure every pillow I selected has a Responsible Down Standard certification. This ensures the welfare of the birds from hatch to slaughter, including prohibiting the removal of down from live birds or force-feeding them. Some of these pillows earned additional certifications that ensure the materials are free from harmful chemicals or heavy metals, which you can read about in our full guide to mattress and bedding certifications.
Experience
Experience can be subjective, which is why our testers have been trained to take bias out of the equation and evaluate these pillows with multiple sleepers in mind. Our testers tried these pillows in the side-, back-, and stomach-sleeping positions to assess how well they aligned the spine and promoted proper sleep posture.
While down pillows are known for being squishy and compressible, our testers evaluated how supportive they felt. While some sinkage is no big deal, we don’t want the pillow to flatten completely when you lie your head down. Our product experts created their final experience score based on how the pillow felt in its ideal sleeping position, how the materials felt against the skin, and how comfortable they were overall.
Care
While pillows don’t need to be washed as often as some other bedding items, like sheets, they still require some occasional maintenance. Ideally, the instructions should be clear and easy to follow without the need for any outside help, such as a trip to the dry cleaners. We rated care on a 5-star scale, which I’ll outline below:
- 1 Star: There are no instructions on the tag or in the box about how to clean/care for your pillow. You search online, but can’t find anything, either. You think you can probably wash the inner pillow and/or lining, but you’re not entirely sure.
- 3 Stars: The instructions are clear, but you have to spot-clean the pillow. Also, if the pillow comes with adjustable fill, do the instructions tell you how to care for it, or what to do to ensure its longevity? If not, or if they’re confusing, then you might give it a 3 out of 5 for care.
- 5 Stars: The instructions are clear, and you’re able to machine-wash all or most of the pillow components. If it comes with adjustable fill, the instructions tell you what to do with it to ensure longevity (i.e., where to store the bag or whether or not the down fill can be replaced/thrown out).
What to Consider When Buying a Down Pillow
Coming from an animal, down is a unique material that comes in a variety of forms. You may find yourself coming across different types of down or struggling with buzzwords like fill power. To help you make a well-informed decision, I’ve broken down the most common elements you’ll want to consider when buying a down pillow.
Filling Type
Yes, down pillows are all filled with feathers, but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same. Some are stuffed with goose down, some are filled with duck down, and others are filled with a blend of both. The color, texture, and durability of down can vary from pillow to pillow, depending on the animal it’s sourced from.
Goose Down
Geese are known for producing large down clusters, which often result in a fluffier, loftier pillow. Goose down also tends to be more durable than duck-sourced down, which can increase a pillow’s lifespan (as well as the price).
Another main selling point of goose down is its white color, which makes it harder to see individual feathers through a cover fabric. This doesn’t affect the feel, but many sleepers prefer white down for aesthetic reasons.
Duck Down
In general, duck down is a bit less fluffy and durable compared to goose down, but it’s also less expensive. Many bedding brands combine duck and goose down to create a balanced feel, appealing to those on a budget.
That said, all-duck down pillows can be just as luxurious as those sourced from geese, depending on fill power and the cluster-to-feather ratio. And while it may cost a little extra, sleepers can shop specifically for white duck down to make sure the pillow is uniform in color with no gray spots peeking through the cover.
Down Alternative
For a vegan and hypoallergenic option, you may want to consider a down alternative. This material is less authentic, but it closely mimics the feel of down. Typically, down alternative is made from a polyester fill that’s soft and fluffy (like down). While it’s typically not as durable as the real thing, it’s more breathable and doesn’t trap heat as much, so it may be better for hot sleepers.
Sleeping Position
According to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, your ideal type of pillow is closely related to your sleeping position. Below, I’ll quickly break down his expert advice for pillow compatibility based on each sleeping position.
- Stomach Sleepers: Down pillows are often well-suited to stomach sleepers because they’re plush and compressible. That said, some bedding brands offer down pillows in several firmness options to accommodate different positions. In such cases, we suggest that stomach sleepers choose the softest one. Having a soft, low-lofted pillow is a great way for stomach sleepers to guard against neck pain.
- Back Sleepers: Back sleepers are most compatible with a medium level of loft and firmness. So, we suggest picking a high-fill-power pillow with a soft to medium firmness rating, as these traits can complement each other to create a balanced sleep experience. By the same token, folks who prefer firmer support may want to choose a lower-lofted pillow to prevent the head from craning forward.
- Side Sleepers: Because down is so soft and compressible, we suggest side sleepers pick the firmest, loftiest down pillow they can find. Remember, down is always going to compress at least a little bit, but side sleepers can compensate for that with an extra-firm feel. To accommodate side sleepers, some brands combine down with a denser material like memory foam in order to boost loft and firmness.
For more information on keeping a healthy sleep posture, be sure to check our complete guide to picking the right pillow for your position.
Fill Power
Fill power is the term used to measure the loft and fluffiness of a down product and typically ranges from 300 to 900. The general rule of thumb is that the higher the fill power, the fluffier a down pillow will be.
In the bedding world, down pillows with a fill power of 600 or higher are considered luxurious, but it’s important to remember that loft and firmness go hand in hand. While it’s true that a high fill power pillow is likely to look lofty, its ability to maintain that loft under pressure has a lot to do with its firmness.
Cluster-to-Feather Ratio
Here’s where things get a little confusing. While down clusters are technically feathers, they’re not the same as the feathers that come from the back or wings of ducks and geese. Instead, down clusters are softer, fluffier feathers that come from the insulating layer on the belly of the bird.
Non-cluster feathers that come from the back and wings are longer, less pliant, and can make a pillow feel firmer. Though clusters are generally considered to be more luxurious than feathers, sleepers who prefer a firmer feel might actually want a greater number of feathers. Conversely, those looking for a softer, more plush pillow should aim for a higher concentration of clusters.
Don’t worry, though—determining the cluster-to-feather ratio doesn’t require any measuring on your part. This information can be found on the “materials” tag on the pillow itself, or under the “materials description” on the bedding brand’s website.
Best Down Pillows FAQs
Is goose down better than duck down?
It depends on your definition of “better.” Goose down is usually fluffier than duck down, but this may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer a firmer feel. Another difference between the two types of down is that goose feathers are white, making them less visible through the pillow. Duck feathers are often gray, though you can sometimes find white duck down for an extra charge.
What’s the difference between down pillows and feather pillows?
Essentially, down pillows are made of feathers that come from the chest and underbelly of a duck or goose. It’s worth noting that these feathers don’t have quills. Feather pillows, conversely, do have quills and come from the wings and backs of ducks and geese.
How long do feather pillows last?
Feather pillows can last between five and 10 years. However, depending on the pillow, the feathers may start to compress after a while, leading to potential discomfort. That’s why some folks prefer to replace their feather pillows every one to two years.
What is the best pillow firmness for me?
Your pillow should ideally be the opposite firmness of your mattress. Since side sleepers do best on a soft mattress, their pillow should be firmer. Similarly, stomach sleepers do well on a firm mattress with a soft pillow. Back sleepers can enjoy a medium-firm level for both.