Best Down Pillows: 8 Comfortable Options From Firm to Soft

There is something so cozy about snoozing with a down pillow, especially as the days get shorter and the nights longer and colder. And if you are like me and love a fluffy versus flat place to lay your head, down pillows are a wonderful option. If you enjoy the feel of down but your allergies prevent you from laying on top of feathers, there are alternatives for you as well. This fall, I tried a few down pillows to discover what makes them so popular.

Down pillows are an age-old popular filling choice but may vary slightly by brand. A hybrid of down and feathers is also available. Picking the best pillow depends on your personal comfort and sleeping habits, just like when you select a mattress or other bedding like bed sheets and comforters. "Certain pillows work best for certain sleep styles because your sleeping position affects spinal alignment," shares Byron Golub, Vice President of Product and Merchandising at Saatva. He adds that down pillows are often a good choice for side, back and stomach sleepers.

Our picks for the best down pillows

What to look for in a down pillow

Materials

Down is the wispy, insulation found beneath a bird’s outer feathers, and it’s sourced from the chest and/or belly of a bird. If you want a 100% down pillow, you will want to see down as the only filler listed. You could look for a mix of down and feathers if you want a hybrid.

Fill power

Fill power represents how many cubic inches an ounce of down fills up within a pillow, according to Downlinens, which specializes in down products. The larger the down clusters (called clusters versus feathers), the higher the pillow's fill power. Large down clusters make for a long-lasting pillow and are typically warmer than a down pillow using smaller clusters. Outer feathers, like wing feathers, offer no fill power.

Fill power in down pillows will be in the 600s, 700s or 800s. The first is the firmest pillow due to the smaller clusters. The highest quality down will come from an older bird with large down clusters and an 800 or higher fill power. This upper range is the softest of all the loft options and it offers the greatest pillow longevity

Softness

Look for 700 or higher fill power on your pillow's label. The larger the down clusters, the softer your pillow will be, but for some sleepers, any type of down cluster will feel softer than, say, memory foam.

Origin of down

Hands down, Hungarian goose down is the way to go for a high-quality down pillow that will last for years. If you are concerned about the ethical treatment of the birds used to make the pillow, look for a Responsible Down Standard (RDS) label or certificate.

How we tested and selected the best down pillows

My family embraced our love of sleep and tried several down, feather, down and feather, and alternative down pillows to figure out the ones we loved best. I also did a deep dive into customer reviews of pillow brands and researched the factors (including cost, sleep style, down fill power, and certification of responsible down) that make a great down or down alternative pillow for various sleepers.

What are the pros and cons of down pillows?

The pros and cons of down pillows really depend on who is using them. A down pillow may not be supportive enough for some sleepers.Others may find that a “firm” down pillow offers good enough neck support.

Sleepers who enjoy natural fibers and elements are likely to enjoy a down pillow, as are people who love the softness of down. Some down pillows, although not those listed here, may not be certified as humane, which is definitely a con, and, of course, if you are allergic to down or feathers, these are not the pillows for you.

Down pillows are also susceptible to moisture, such as from the environment, wet hair, skin products and perspiration. Moisture reduces the loft of down clusters, which will cause your pillow to go flat. If the down is destroyed, its ability to provide insulation, or warmth, will be lost. A protective cover and, if needed, a dehumidifier are good ways to help protect your investment. A well-cared-for quality down pillow can last up to 10 years or more.

Which down pillow sizes are available?

Typically, down pillows are available in the usual pillow sizes of Standard, Queen and King.

How can you tell if down is ethically sourced?

There are a few ways to tell if the down pillow’s filling is ethically sourced. You can check the manufacturer’s website to find out if their down pillows have a Responsible Down Standard (RDS) and/or a Global Traceable Down Standard (GTDS) certificate. You can also check Downpass for a list of manufacturers with Downpass certification.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do I clean a down pillow?

Some down pillows can be washed in a machine while others should be spot treated. The best way to clean a down pillow depends on the brand, so always check the label. (For general advice, check out our guide to how to wash pillows.) In addition, using a washable pillow cover to protect the pillow itself from dirt and dust is ideal. Note: If your pillow is turning a different color and you’re curious as to why, read up on why do pillows turn yellow.

Can you spot clean a down pillow?

Absolutely. Gently spot clean with laundry detergent or a mix of baking soda and vinegar.

How to dry down pillows

Dry down pillows in the sunshine or in a warm spot where they can air dry. Some pillows may be okay to put into a dryer on the gentle cycle, but it’s a good idea to defer to the instructions.

How do I fluff a down pillow?

You can fluff up a down pillow by putting your hands on either side of the pillow and gently pushing it together.

How often should I replace my down pillow?

Down pillows can last up to 10 years or longer, depending on the pillow's quality and how it’s cared for. However, this isn’t the answer to how often you should replace pillows. If your down pillow is causing neck pain or has been adversely affected by moisture (such as humidity, perspiration, or sleeping with damp hair), you may need to replace it sooner.

Are down pillows good for side sleepers?

Yes. Down pillows are fine for side sleepers, but make sure you have the highest fill you can afford so the pillow stays plump and supportive.

What's the difference between a down vs. feather pillow?

Down and feathers are from animals like geese and ducks, but they are sourced from different parts of a bird's body. They are also different types of plumage, and which one a pillow is filled with will affect how it feels. Down pillows, which are typically fluffy and soft, use the smaller, insulating feathers—down clusters—found beneath the outer body feathers. The clusters are usually taken from the chest or belly of a bird. Feather pillows use the outer feathers from the wings and backs of birds.

Feathers are flat (offering no fill power) so feather pillows often feel less soft and more loose than down. You may even feel the quills as pillows age. But since down clusters are round—with higher quality clusters being larger—they feel more soft and naturally have more loft. When shopping for a down pillow, look for quality down from geese (preferably Hungarian goose down) that feels soft but has a high enough loft for you to sleep comfortably.