The Best Down Pillows of 2021 – Luxurious Comfort

The right pillow choice can make the difference between fitful sleep and a good night’s rest. Look for one that will meet your criteria for softness, thickness, temperature neutrality, and more. After all, these factors can and will affect your sleep quality and duration. Among the most common types of pillows found in stores are goose down pillows. They are especially popular among people who like to lay their heads on a really soft surface.

Down pillows are filled by definition with down (the underside of geese or ducks), supplementing the coarse outer feathers that provide additional support. However, some are made of 100 percent down. These types of pillows tend to have higher price tags, and all-down pillows are even more expensive, as down is rarer. However, there are so many reasons why people tend to spend the money them - they are soft, supportive, moldable, and breathable (which allows them to sleep fairly cool). However, the biggest drawback is the possibility of allergies for some individuals.

When looking to buy an ideal down pillow, it is likely you will see many different styles and characteristics to choose from. In this guide, you’ll find our picks for the best products sold today, their pros and cons, as well as tips for the first-time buyers.

The Best Down Pillows 

East Coast Bedding Goose Down Pillow Review

Ignore your pillows of the past, and consider laying your head down on this premium-quality East Coast Bedding Goose Down Pillow. You may never want to go back to regular pillows again.

East Coast Bedding uses high-quality pure white goose down, made exclusively in the U.S. It has a European 800 fill power to ensure you get the highest quality you can purchase on the market. In an effort to match the down quality, the East Coast Bedding is covered with a solid white sateen 400-thread count cotton fabric shell.

You can choose between the fill amounts:

Standard size – 20 oz.
Queen size – 25 oz.
King size – 28 oz.

The higher loft makes them suitable for side sleepers. The manufacturer uses the filling that is Responsible Down Certified, which means their down is ethically extracted from white geese. When it comes to high-quality pillows, the East Coast Bedding Goose Down Pillow is certainly a top contender.

DOWNLITE White Goose Down Pillow Review

The DOWNLITE White Goose Down Pillow is made of 100 percent white goose down with a 600 fill power. It has a 250-thread count cotton damask shell that gives it a smooth feel. A 250-tread count sounds low when comparing it to the other options available, but it’s great to increase the pillow’s breathability and fight against heat retention. If you sleep hot, this is a good choice.

Stomach sleepers will find much benefit from using the Downlite, because the loft, while on the lower side, doesn’t flatten or lose shape, ensuring perfect spinal alignment. People who need more loft can add this pillow to the one they already have on their bed.

Some pillows are just not great in terms of allergies, but the DOWNLITE White Goose Down Pillow is hypoallergenic, meaning you won’t be plagued with allergies all night long. It can be washed and dried in a machine and can be found in three sizes – standard, queen, and king.

Royal Bedding Luxury Down Pillow (Set of 2) Review

The Royal Bedding Luxury Down Pillow (Set of 2) includes two pillows with soft 500-thread count cotton covers, 750 fill power and a 75 percent down ratio. Just 25 percent of the fill is made up of smaller feathers (to add more support).

The pillows are edged with double silky piping, so you get a cleaner finish. The large wads of white down filling are free of bacteria, to give the most comfort possible and to be free of allergies. Each pillow measures 20 x 28 inches and should only be dry cleaned.

Luxuredown Down Pillow Review

When you’re looking for an ideal pillow for back and side sleepers, then the LuxureDown Down Pillow is what you’re looking for. It’s a high-quality product with a mid-loft that is filled with 100 percent white goose down and has a 650 fill power. The pillow has a significant loft and warmth but doesn’t lock in so much heat that it becomes unbearable to sleep.

Another great aspect of the LuxureDown is that you can mold it to fit the shape needed for good night's sleep. Enveloped with 100 percent cotton sateen shell with a 330-thread count, this pillow is also hypoallergenic.

Queen Anne Synthetic Down Alternative Pillow Review

The Queen Anne is made of premium synthetic down alternative. However, thanks to the finely-spun polyester clusters, it feels like an actual goose down. These clusters are equally distributed throughout the pillow and won’t clump up, unlike cheap alternatives.

The Queen Anne Synthetic Down Alternative Pillow can be thrown into a washer, and you can find it with a firm, mid, or soft fill in three sizes – king, queen, or standard. Anybody can use this pillow, depending on the type of firmness you choose. Stomach sleepers will see better benefits with the softer option, whereas the back and side sleepers may need something firmer. The company offers a useful chart to help you choose the right option to aid you while you sleep.

Since it’s hypoallergenic, you get a reprieve from respiratory problems. People with sensitive skin can also benefit from this product. The synthetic down has no chemical odor, and it doesn’t contain any flame retardants or PBDEs. The Queen Anne has a cotton 300-thread count cover with bright white sateen stripes that’s been sewn in using a durable, double-stitched thread. It includes the company’s unique purple edges that extend the pillow’s shape.

Many well-known companies – Marriott, Royal Caribbean, and Hilton – bought the original Queen Anne Synthetic Down Alternative Pillow for their guests. While this choice is expensive, it’s a noteworthy contender. We didn’t find any notable warranty, but the company does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Egyptian Bedding Goose Down Pillow Review

The Egyptian Bedding Goose Down Pillow has an 80/20 down-to-feather ratio with a 750 fill power that provides ultimate support and comfort and is still rather soft. With this feather percentage, you get the durability, and firm support side sleepers need, but the pillow still stays soft and moldable.

Its 1,200-thread count Egyptian cotton cover with ultra-fine threads produces a soft, breathable texture. The seams have been double-stitched and piped to ensure the down and feathers don’t poke out from the pillow.

The Egyptian Bedding Goose Down Pillow arrives vacuum-sealed, and the manufacturer recommends to let it fluff for up to 12 hours to get the shape you want without a lot of fluffing needed later. The pillow is moldable, supportive, and ideal for any sleeping position, but you should always get the right size for proper head and neck support.

Continental Bedding Premium Down Pillow Review

The Continental Bedding Premium Down Pillow can be found in many sizes and fills – firm to soft – to fit a plethora of sleeping needs, making it one of the more luxurious products on the market. Similar to other models on our list, it’s quite lofty when plumped up, but quickly settles under your bodyweight. As a result, it fills the space between your neck and head to offer ultimate support and aid in relaxation.

The fine 300-thread count 100 percent cotton cover allows for a breathable surface. It’s durable fabric, and double-stitched seams ensure the fill remains in place, and the pillow lasts for many years. Another great aspect of the Continental Bedding is that it can be washed and dried in the machine and is hypoallergenic – ideal for allergy sufferers.

The Continental Bedding Premium Down Pillow is a great choice for any sleeping position due to its soft support and large size. If you like how down feels, you may need to check this product out.

Royal Hotel Abripedic Adjustable Down Pillow (Set of 2) Review

Sleepers, who like the idea of choosing their firmness level will want to use the Royal Hotel Abripedic Adjustable Down Pillow (set of 2). It comes in 4 potential levels: adjustable, firm, medium-firm, and soft.

With the adjustable option, you get a memory foam insert that you can leave in or take out based on your preference. If the insert is left in, the pillow’s memory foam core will be enveloped by moldable down, adding in more weight and structure to the pillow while maintaining a plush feel. Thanks to these firmness choices, the Royal Hotel is ideal for anybody – no matter what sleep position.

The Royal Hotel Abripedic Adjustable Down Pillow (set of 2) uses the 650 fill power with 75 percent white goose down to give them extra softness and moldability. The 500-thread count cotton cover provides an ample amount of durability as well as sheer comfort. People who have allergies will also love this product for its hypoallergenic nature.

What Is A Down Pillow?

It’s a pillow filled mostly of down – the underside of a goose or duck, with down fill supplementing the coarse outer feathers that provide additional support to the pillow.  Some pillows are completely 100 percent down.  

These types of pillows typically cost more than other pillows, but the down material is what increases the cost of the pillows. There are so many reasons why people tend to spend the money on the best down pillows including but not limited to:

• Support
• Softness
• Coolness
• Moldable

The biggest drawback is the possibility of allergies for some individuals. 

If you considered the purchase of a down pillow, then you should have a pretty good idea of what type of down pillows are on the market. You have the option of goose down pillows or duck down pillows, but whatever choice you decide to go with, you really want the best down pillows you can find for your particular sleeping needs.

This means doing your research and looking at the pros and cons of every one you are considering. 

What Does A Down Pillow Comprise Of

Down Pillows are made of down, which are underside feathers of geese and ducks. These feathers are much softer and lightweight than the animals’ exterior feathers (which are a bit coarse).  Down will also protect users from the cold due to the heat it can provide. Along with pillows, down is found in layering vests and quilted winter jackets. 

The only real drawback is that natural down can cause allergies for some people. 

Some pillow manufacturers will make a down-blend pillow, which is a mixture of interior and exterior feather fill. In these products, the feather fill is filled at the middle and down surrounds it to keep it soft.  Although not in many cases, 10 percent of a pillow will contain really down, but cannot be marketed as a down pillow (only a down blend or feather pillow).  The down designation is only applicable to those with 75 percent down or more.

The cost of pillows with 100 percent down is much more expensive than pillows that consist of less than 100 percent down.

In your search for the best down pillows, you should know what a down and down alternative is. Down alternative pillows comprise of polyester fibers that feel like natural down. They cost less than natural down pillows and alleviate the chances of allergies. 

3 Kinds Of Down Pillows You Can Buy

Goose Down Pillows
Goose down pillows are one of the best down pillows on the market. And, because of their advantages, goose down pillows are the most expensive pillows you can buy.  The reason for the expense is the high fill power and large clusters of goose down, which is much more than you’d see with duck down pillows. 

You might be interested to know that Hungarian geese will grow much bigger than the geese in Canada, China and Siberia. It’s why goose down pillows made from Hungarian geese are regarded as the best of the best. Farmers in this region tend to pride themselves on making such a high-quality product. 

Duck Down Pillows 

If you opt for a duck down pillow, just know that you won’t regret it. It’s considered a medium-quality option that’s very affordable and fit in most budgets. Due to its affordability and the use of actual clusters, the quality is a minute less. It’s also not as strong as other pillows but has a short lifespan.

For the average consumer, this is a worthwhile purchase for the bed at a price that’s comfortable for most households. 

Down Alternative Pillows

These pillows emulate down but can be a bit deceptive. Down-alternative fill is manufactured in a factory using synthetic materials and polyester microfibers. Still, it’s not as cheap as the polyester-fill. 

While a high-quality fill, it’s not near as convenient as regular and authentic down, but don’t knock pillows that use them because of it. Not very bulky, but still quite comfortable. They’re also hypoallergenic – more so than actual down.  Down pillows are much more durable and last longer than down alternative ones. 

Still, when compared to down pillows, this type is much cooler because air can breathe through it. Due to their airy nature and softness, you feel like you’re on a pillow.  

8 Positive Reasons To Own A Down Pillow

• Softness – These pillows are incredibly soft, which can help some people just fall right to sleep.
• Durable – Down pillows, when taken care of, can last for several years – decades if made with high-quality material. Over time, the material will become softer, but it may also lead to a loss in loft. 
• Lifetime – As down ages, it comes finer and softer, outlasting pillows that comprise of other pillows that degrade over time. 
• Modability – Down pillows will conform closely to the users, giving them much support and comfort, no matter their head or neck size. 
• Foldability – Since down pillows are extremely soft, you can fold these pillows easy to increase the loft. 
• Huggable – Down pillows are ideal for those who like to snuggle pillows while sleeping while also using a pillow for their head and neck.
• Noise – Down pillows are nearly quiet even when weight is pressed upon it. This can lower the chances for sleep disruptions – nice for couples who experience tossing and turning. 
• Lightweight – Down doesn’t weight a lot, and it’s easy to move around when needed. 

7 Negative Reasons You May Choose Not To Buy A Down Pillow

• Price – The best down pillows can cost anywhere from $70 to $100, making them more expensive than other types of pillows. 
• Availability – Down pillow shoppers have a harder time finding these products because of how uncommon they are on the market. 
• Odor – Down material can produce an odd smell after you take it out of the package, but they quickly dissipate if it in a well-ventilated room. 
• Allergies – Down is bad about holding in microbes that can cause allergies for some individuals. Some manufacturers will treat these down pillows to eliminate the allergy-causing offenders while the pillow is being made.
• Maintenance – Down pillows need to constantly be fluffed to keep their shape and loft. Dry cleaning is often necessary for these types of pillows. 
• Support – Since these pillows are moldable, the majority of them have a mid-to-low loft when weight is pressed on them. One of the biggest complaints people have is the lack of support they provide. 
• Poking – Although the cover of these pillows can be thick at times, it’s not uncommon for them to poke through the cover and into your skin. While not serious enough to cause pain, it can be a bit uncomfortable.  

Who Should Use A Down Pillow?

When looking at the best down pillows, it’s important to know who should and should not use one of these pillows.  Sleepers who fit the list below are the ones best to use down pillows for their sleeping needs:

• People who sleep on their side or back – However, it may be necessary to fold the pillow over to get some support. 
• People who don’t weigh more than 200 pounds – People who are average or below-average weight may get support from lower-loft pillows. 
• Hot sleepers – Though down is considered an insulating material, most down pillow users never experience heat retention. 
• People who like snuggling pillows – These pillows can be moldable in a way that is comfortable for them to snuggle with them.

Who Should Not Use A Down Pillow

• People sleeping on their stomachs – the only time a down pillow should be used is when the users don’t feel as if they’ll suffocate. 
• People more than 200 pounds – People who are overweight or obese (of more than 200 pounds) need a thicker, loftier pillow than down pillows can give).
• Snorers due to medical conditions – Snorers need a firm pillow to ensure their heads stay upright and don’t compress too deep down.
• Allergies sufferers – For these people, a down alternative pillow is a better type of pillow for a good night’s rest. 

5 Common Down Size Pillows On The Market

In most cases, down pillows are found in five common sizes:

• Standard – Regardless of what the best down pillow is, this is the most common size of all pillows on the market. They are usually very compact and don’t cost a lot of money.
• Super-Standard – These are about two inches longer than the Standard size, and is ideal for people who feel the Standard pillow is too compressed. 
• Queen – This size is longer than the Standard pillows, which make them ideal for toss and turners or people who turn their sleeping position (back to side, side to stomach, etc.)
• King – This size is great for people whose heads move around during the night. They’re also great as a back or neck rest for people who like to read or watch TV in bed. 
• Euro – This is a square-shaped pillow with an array of dimensions to address individual preferences. While designed for sleeping in Europe, many people tend to find that they’re better as a backrest or headrest. 

8 Things To Be Mindful Of When Looking For The Best Down Pillows 

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Sleeping Position 

• Stomach Sleepers– People who sleep on their stomachs get real benefits out of this kind of pillow, usually because of the lower, softer loft. It’ll be easier to adjust your sleeping habits with these kinds of pillows.
• Side Sleepers – People who sleep on their side don’t generally like the down feather pillow, as this position causes their head to be inclined, and the pillow cannot provide ample support. 
• Back Sleepers – People who sleep on their backs tend to do well with down pillows, as it helps to keep the spine aligned. 

Fill Power (Fluffiness) 

This indicates the amount of space within the pillow for the down. The higher the fill power, the mature the bird it came from. The more down than feathers means younger birds were used to create the fill. 

Down that’s bigger than feathers mean a pillow is higher and thicker. Pillows with a high fill power last longer and don’t wear out quickly. These are worthwhile investments. 

Thread Count

Here’s what to keep in mind here – the higher the thread count, the tighter the fabric. Thread count references the number of horizontal and vertical threads per every square inch of fabric. And, it lets you know just how breathable the material will be. The best down pillows are ones with the highest thread count, as the feathers won’t slip through fabric holes. 

You always won’t need to worry about the feathers poking you while you sleep. Lower thread counts could cause the quills to poke through and leave you scratched up.

Cover

The cover of your pillow, which is usually made of cotton, is important. It’s regarded as a pillow’s finishing touch, which is going to play a role in its quality and cloud-like feeling of sleep. When looking at the best down pillows on the market, you really need to consider the cover of it.

Cleaning Ability 

Most people want something that easy for them to clean, but down pillows – even the best down pillows – are not always easy to clean. For example, goose down pillows must be taken to the dry cleaners to ensure the products stays looking, feeling and smelling its best. You always need to be mindful of how pillows must be dried. 

Cost  

If you want to purchase a down pillow, realize now that the cost will be more than a traditional pillow. Your budget is going to play a role in how much you spend for your pillow, and the cost will be depending on the kind of down you want to buy. 

A goose down pillow is regarded as the most expensive, and if you go with higher thread counts and use a Hungarian down, you’re really going to pay some money for the product. A duck down pillow is usually less expensive, but a down-alternative can still give you the benefits of a down pillow but without the added cost. 

Allergies 

People who suffer from allergies or respiratory problems, may need to buy special pillows – hypoallergenic ones. And, you can find down pillows that have hypoallergenic down or feathers in them.  All it means is that the filling has been treated specially to eliminate the bacteria, dander and dust that birds have and can lead to allergy problems.

Heat Retention 

Down is an insulating, but breathable material. In the summer time, you can stay cool, as it will regulate your body temperature and, in the cooler months, it can stay cool but still keep you warm without retaining a lot of the heat from your body. 

How To Properly Care For Your Down Pillow

A good number of down pillow manufacturers have made it so that you can easily wash and dry your pillow. But, as with anything, you need to follow the manufacturer’s recommended care guidelines to extend the life of your pillow. There are several tips you can use to ensure your best down pillows are taken well care of and will last you a long time.

• Put two pillows into the washer to ensure it stays balanced.
• Use cooler water temperatures to keep it from shrinking. If you need a warmer temperature, be mindful that the down pillow could shrink.
• Gentle soap only. 
• Non-chlorine bleach should be used to keep your pillow whitened. 
• Do not use fabric softeners, as this will ruin the down by sticking to it.
• Let the pillows go through several rinse cycles to get rid of all the soap.
• Throw the pillows into the dryer but on tumble dry, low heat. 

7 Frequently Asked Questions People Have About Their Down Pillows

How Can A Down Pillow Remain Fluffy?

Make sure you’re fluffing your down pillow every day to maintain its fluffiness, loft and durability. Be sure this pillow fluffing becomes a part of the bed-making routine. Just shake the pillows a couple of times to break clumps up.

Now, if you don’t want to do this every day, make sure it’s done as needed and thrown into a dryer along with a fabric softener sheet. You can also put in a couple of tennis balls that will bounce off the walls to help with the whole fluffing process. 

You can also air our your down pillows in the sun, as the heat can bring life back to the pillow.

How Often Does A Down Pillow Need Washing?

A pillow, even the best down pillows, need to be washed two times a year. After all, it collects dust, dander, dead skin cells, oil and saliva. This will cause the pillow to become flatter and heavier. It’s also a good idea to use a pillowcase on the pillow to reduce these things getting onto the pillow itself. Still, you should wash the pillow too.

Can A Down Pillow Lead To Allergies?

The best down pillows will come with a return policy, so if you’re never have had a down pillow before, be sure you get one that offers this. After all, you may or may not have an allergy to the material it’s made of. While many down pillows are made hypoallergenic, people who don’t know they have a severe allergy could end up experiencing one. If you do believe you could become allergic, use a synthetic down pillow. 

What Does White Down Mean?

White down is just a type of down that’s found in the pillow filling. Down is chosen and categorized based on color. When manufacturers say something is white down, it means it’s a cheaper version of down pillows and has a brown or grey color. 

How Hot Are Down Pillows?

According to some users of down pillows, they are hot, and that’s not uncommon. Using down filling could lead to a warmer sleeping environment than pillows without down in them. It’s thought that the feathers help to circulate heat, which increases when someone lays their head down on it.  If you’re the type of person who runs hot while sleeping, it may be worthwhile to use a pure down pillow as opposed to one with feathers. 

Is There A Smell With Down Pillows?

It’s not uncommon for down pillows, even the best down pillows, to smell several hours after you open their package. However, you can alleviate the issue by airing them out for a day or so before using them. This will help to release odors that have been locked in.  

If, after this, the pillow still has a smell to it, you may want to dry it – either by the dryer in a tumble dry setting or by the sun.  The smell is usually the result of moisture in the filling. 

What To Keep In Mind…

Down pillows are great for people who love the idea of sleeping on a cloud, which is what one could experience with the best down pillows. They can still be firm and lofty, but that cloud-like sensation is often found with many of them. When you want the best down pillows on the market – such as a goose down pillow or duck down pillow – do your research, realize what your sleeping habits are and consider any of the ones noted above to get the rest you want.  You may find yourself sleeping soundly like never before.