The best down pillows are a plush, luxurious option that you can use in any sleep position. You can mold these pillows, which are filled with fluffy feathers from geese’s and ducks’ undercoat, into the right shape for your head, and they last for years when cared for properly. While there are many down pillows out there today, our favorite option is the Parachute Down Pillow, which is available in three firmness options designed to suit any sleep position and comes with a three-year warranty.
The best down pillows come in different firmnesses to fit your sleep style and comfort needs.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer
Like other types of pillows, down pillows are available in different heights and densities, and you want to consider your sleep preferences while selecting one. Also, keep in mind that down can trigger some people’s allergies, in which case you may want to look for a down alternative pillow instead. No matter your sleep style or budget, we’ve put together a list of the best down pillows for a more luxurious night’s sleep.
Fill power: Not listed | Composition: Organic cotton, European white down, feather fibers | Certification: Responsible Down Standard, OEKO-TEX | Care: Machine wash on cold
Pros:
Comes with a 3-year warranty
Available in soft, medium and firm options
Affordable
Cons:
May require additional fluffing to help it maintain its shape
Some density options on backorder
We recommend the Parachute Down Pillow for most sleepers because it has the soft, fluffy feel down is known for without compromising on support. It’s made of 85% goose down and 15% down and feather fibers encased in a cotton shell. In our tester’s notes on loft and care, she found it retained its structure well (providing great support for the head and neck) and held up well against several rounds of washing and drying.
For side sleepers, we advise opting for the medium to firm options, while back and stomach sleepers are better off with a soft or medium. We also like that the Parachute comes with a three-year warranty; should your pillow have any defects in the time frame, Parachute sends you a replacement at no extra cost.
What the reviews say: “I have purchased many down pillows by different brands over the years, and this is the winner for me,” writes one reviewer, noting the pillow is “the perfect weight and softness.” Other users also note the pillow has helped decrease aches and pains in the morning: “I've noticed I'm not tossing and turning as much throughout the night, and it offers great support to avoid any neck pains.”
Best Affordable Down Pillow
Soft, Supportive And Easy On The Wallet
The Company Store
Lacrosse Feather & Down Pillow (Queen)
Fill power: Not listed | Composition: Cotton, white down, white waterfowl feathers | Certification: Responsible Down Standard | Care: Machine washable
Pros:
Budget-friendly; under $100
Supportive for back and side sleepers
Cons:
Some reviewers found it to be underfilled
The Lacrosse Feather and Down Pillow from The Company Store is a nice balance of softness and support, thanks to its two-chamber construction. An inner core of 98% feathers and 2% down is wrapped in an exterior chamber filled with down, so you get a soft and cushy pillow that doesn’t compromise on support. That inner core makes it a great choice for side and back sleepers in particular. Plus, at about $100 for a queen size, this pillow is one of the cheapest on our list and a great value for a responsibly sourced down product.
What the reviews say: “It has a nice amount of filling and can be molded to your needs,” writes one reviewer. “It was softer than I was expecting, but I use it as a head and body pillow and love it so far.” Another buyer notes that, despite the reasonable price, the pillow is “soft and comfortable and provides great neck support.”
Best Down Pillow For Back Sleepers
A Great Balance Of Airy Softness And Neck Support
Brooklinen
Brooklinen Down Pillow (Standard)
Fill power: Not listed | Composition: Cotton, down fill, Hutterite down clusters and feathers | Certification: Downmark, OEKO-TEX | Care: Dry clean
Pros:
Supportive yet soft
Good loft for back sleepers
Three plushness levels to choose from
Cons:
May be too stiff for some back/side combo sleepers
Brooklinen’s Down Pillow comes in two sizes and three densities. For back sleepers, the middle of the road pick—which the company dubs “mid-plush”—has the airiness of down without compromising on support. It’s an essential combination for back sleepers to snooze comfortably all night. The pillow has a dual-core construction, with a firmer inner layer of feathers surrounded by another layer of soft down, which is sustainably sourced from Hutterite Farms in Canada. Brooklinen’s down pillows are treated with antimicrobial additives to keep them fresh, clean and odor-free for longer.
What the reviews say: “Get this pillow. You won't be disappointed,” says one reviewer, who gives the pillow 5 stars. “The quality is obvious. You can feel the weight of the pillow and the comfortable cloud-like feel when you press on it. The pillow is not mushy and offers the perfect support for your head.” Others note that it can be adjusted to suit your sleep position: “It's firmer than most feather/down pillows, and I'm able to mold and shape it to suit depending on if I'm on my side or my back.”
Best Down Pillow On Amazon
Fast Shipping For Amazon Prime Members
Amazon
Lincove Cloud Pillow (Standard)
Fill power: 625 | Composition: Cotton sateen, Canadian white down | Certification: Downmark | Care: Dry clean
Pros:
Three firmnesses to accommodate all sleeping positions
Ships with two-day delivery for Prime members
Cons:
Some reviewers complained of feathers poking through the pillow
Different sleep positions need different levels of support. With three density options, this Lincove down pillow delivers—regardless of how you sleep. The pillow comes in soft, medium and firm options to accommodate stomach, back and side sleepers, respectively. Each pillow is stuffed with Canadian down for a cloud-like feel (hence the name, according to the company). The sateen shell is double stitched for durability and to keep all that fluffy down safely tucked away.
What the reviews say: “This is the most luxurious pillow I have ever had,” writes one verified buyer. “Dreamy, heavenly, soft and so very comfortable.” Several reviewers also note that the brand’s customer service is helpful if you need to return or exchange your pillow: “The process was incredibly easy, due to Melissa’s excellent customer service. Truly, she made my day with how helpful and polite she was.”
Best Down Pillow For Stomach Sleepers
An Ultra Cushy Option That Doesn't Hurt Your Neck
Boll & Branch
Boll & Branch Down Pillow (Standard)
Fill power: 750-700 | Composition: Cotton, white down | Certification: International Down Standard | Care: Wash in cold water
Pros:
Ideal loft and firmness for stomach sleepers
Soft version made entirely of down
Cons:
Some reviewers complain of an off-gassing smell
Like other pillows on this list, the Boll & Branch Chamber Down Pillow comes in three densities to suit different sleep styles. We think the soft option is a great pick for stomach sleepers who prefer pillows that are marshmallowy soft and don’t awkwardly angle their necks. The down fill also makes the soft pillow pliable so you can adjust it to suit your needs. The medium and firm options have a three-chamber construction, which gives them a little boost of support and should keep the fill well distributed if you prefer a firmer pillow.
The soft option is all down, instead of the down-and-feather blend you find in the other densities. That’s the reason it doesn’t rely on chamber construction, as down doesn’t tend to poke out of a pillow the same way feathers can. Boll & Branch pillows also have a sturdy organic cotton cover to minimize the risk of down or feathers escaping. The down is triple washed for a cleaner, long-lasting loft.
What our editors say: “This pillow is dream worthy,” says former mattress and sleep editor Lindsey Vickers. “It quickly became one of my favorite pillows, as the soft version has the ideal level of cushion for me as a stomach sleeper. I find it has the give and compression that I love about down, but I’m also relieved the fill materials are ethically sourced because that’s equally important to me.”
Best Down Pillow For Combination Sleepers
A Five-Chamber Design With A Gusset
Casper
Casper Down Pillow (Standard)
Fill power: Not listed | Composition: Cotton, polyester, white duck down, feather | Certification: N/A | Care: Machine washable
Pros:
Multi-chamber design provides better support
Gusseted design for all sleep positions
Machine washable
Cons:
No Responsible Down Standard certification
If you tend to alternate between multiple sleep positions at night, the Casper Down Pillow is adjustable to suit all of them. It has a five-chamber design that helps keep down more evenly distributed, and the gusseted shape provides better support while sleeping on your side. The outer chambers of the pillow are filled with 80% white duck down and 20% feather for the right balance of support and loft, and while the pillow doesn’t have a Responsible Down Standard certification, the brand does note that the materials are ethically sourced.
What the reviews say: “I’ve been cycling through pillows for months trying to find the right one,” says one reviewer. “The Casper Down Pillow is like sleeping on a cloud, and I can adjust it to fit the way I sleep for back, side and stomach sleeping.” Another combination sleeper notes that the pillow is “the perfect height for side and back sleeping.”
Best Down Pillow For Side Sleepers
A Generous Fill Power Delivers Fluffy Loft And Ample Support
Plumeria Bay
Plumeria Bay Cascade Made Goose Down Pillow (Standard)
Fill power: 700 | Composition: Cotton, Hungarian white goose down | Certification: Responsible Down Standard | Care: Machine washable
Pros:
Loft and medium firmness is ideal for side sleepers
Can adjust the fill after purchase if you’re not satisfied with it
Available in body pillow and travel pillow sizes
Cons:
Some reviewers experienced an off-putting smell
Cascade Made pillows come in a range of hard-to-find sizes (including travel and Euro square) and extra-soft to extra-firm densities. With its fluffy loft and ample support, the medium-firm option is a great pick for side sleepers. The 700 fill power is a measure of the down cluster size—the higher the number, the fluffier and more supportive the pillow. If you find that the pillow you bought is too soft or too firm within a year of purchase, the company adjusts it accordingly for the cost of shipping and any down added. It’s unusual to find a company that tinkers with fill levels, rather than just disposing of used pillows and sending an entirely new one. That makes this a more eco-conscious option as well.
What the reviews say: “I love my soft down pillow,” notes one reviewer. “It is lofty with just the right amount of firmness/softness to sleep comfortably on my side.” Buyers also note that these pillows are made to last: “This is my second pillow from Pulmeria. My last one has lasted 10 years—still comfy but it was time for a new one.”
Best Down And Feather Pillow
Soft Without Feeling Too Squishy
Coyuchi
Coyuchi Down Feather Pillow (Standard)
Fill power: Not listed | Composition: Cotton, down and feather from an Indiana duck farm | Certification: None | Care: Machine wash with cold water
Pros:
Plush yet supportive feel
Medium-firm; good for side and back sleepers
Cons:
No Responsible Down Standard certification
Some reviewers found it too flat for their liking
Coyuchi’s Down Feather Pillow is another three-chamber option. The center is a blend of 80% down and 20% feathers, which is designed to provide internal structure, with an all-down fill on either side. That design gives it a soft feel that doesn’t veer into squishy territory. Instead, it has a medium-firm feel, and customers note that it holds its shape well.
Despite not having a Responsible Down Standard certification, Coyuchi says its down comes from an Indiana duck farm that is routinely audited for well-being guidelines to ensure humane practices. The guidelines are reviewed every two years by animal welfare and bird behavior academics, so we felt comfortable including it in this round-up.
What the reviews say: “This is my absolute favorite pillow,” says one reviewer. “The quality of these is excellent and perfect for side and back sleepers. The weight is just right, and they bounce back to the original shape with just a fluff.” Several people also note that the down and feather combo is a bit firmer than the pure down: “This pillow has the soft feel of a down pillow but offers more support.”
The Forbes Vetted team includes several sleep experts who have thoroughly reviewed and tested dozens of pillows. In addition to down and down alternative pillows, we’ve covered memory foam and latex pillows, as well as a wide range of other bedding and sleep products.
Forbes Vetted contributor and co-author of this story Jessica Timmons has extensive knowledge covering all things health and lifestyle, specifically sleep and wellness. She’s researched and written about everything from the best pillow top mattresses to the best anti-snore pillows.
Our mattress and sleep editors Bridget Chapman and Mckenzie Dillon are both certified sleep science coaches who have years of experience testing and evaluating mattresses and bedding.
This story is regularly updated for freshness and to incorporate any new products we’ve tested. It was last updated in June 2024 by contributor Camryn Rabideau with the addition of the Casper Down Pillow.
How We Chose The Best Down Pillows
There is no shortage of down pillows out there, but certain considerations make it easy to zero in on those that are made well. Here’s what we kept in mind as we rounded up our top contenders:
Brand reputation: We looked for companies that have a positive reputation for high-quality products and ethical practices.
Certifications: The pillows on our list are made with feathers and down that come from birds raised in compliance with strict animal welfare principles. Certifications from the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), the International Down Standard and Downmark all indicate high quality and an ethical approach to down throughout the entire supply chain.
Customer reviews: We read through hundreds of reviews to see what real customers think about their pillows and only selected products that are well-rated with a high number of reviews.
Price range: It’s true that down often makes for more expensive pillows than other fill materials, but we’ve included options at varying prices.
Sleep position: A comfortable pillow needs to accommodate specific sleep positions, so we included options designed for all the different ways we snooze.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Down Pillows
Down pillows come in all shapes and sizes, and they have different sensations, too. From fill power to density, certifications to size, this is what you want to keep in mind as you shop.
Sleep Position
When selecting a down pillow—or any type of pillow for that matter—your preferred sleep position helps determine the best size and loft. Your pillow should support your head in a way that keeps your spine and neck in a natural position throughout the night.
Back sleepers generally do best with plush, mid-height pillows that allow your head to sink in a bit—if your pillow is too firm or too high, your neck may bend upward during the night. Side sleepers should look for a pillow with a higher loft that fits comfortably in the gap between your shoulder and head. Finally, stomach sleepers should look for a low-profile pillow that offers cushioning without tilting your neck upward.
Body Type
Your body type can also play a role in your pillow selection. For instance, heavier individuals typically sink more into the mattress, which means you need a pillow with a lower loft to keep your spine in a neutral position. Down pillows are often beneficial in these instances, as you can squish them down to reduce their loft. Alternatively, if you have wider shoulders and sleep on your side, you need a taller-than-average pillow to keep your head propped up, and you likely want a pillow with higher loft power that maintains its height.
Performance Over Time
Down is a natural material, and it naturally compresses over time. That means down pillows can eventually flatten and lose their shape. Most manufacturers advise fluffing their products on a daily basis. A good shake or two, end to end and side to side, helps keep your pillow lofty as long as possible.
Fill Power
You may have seen fill power referenced on down jackets in relation to warmth, but it’s important for pillows for another reason. Fill power is a reference to the size of the down clusters. The higher the fill power, the larger the cluster. Bigger down clusters give a pillow an airier, softer feel and indicate the down is higher quality. Typically, down pillow fill power ranges from 350 to 700 and higher, with 600 and above considered good quality.
Density
This is another term for firmness, or how soft a pillow feels. While down pillows in general are soft and airy, they come in different densities to provide soft, medium or firm support and sensation. Your preferred sleep position can clue you in to the appropriate pillow density.
Down Vs. Down And Feather
We’ve included several “all-down” pillows on our list, but if you look at it technically, there’s actually no such thing as a 100% down pillow. Separating feathers from down clusters is incredibly time-consuming, difficult and expensive. Inevitably, down, feather and fiber end up in products that are sold as down. However, the Federal Trade Commission regulates down labeling, and all down pillows are required to have labels indicating the percentage of down used. Pillows sold as “down” must have at least 75% down, though if you sliced one open you’d likely still find a few errant feathers. The higher the percentage of down, the higher the price tag.
Ethical Considerations
When we talk about down pillows, we’re talking about materials that come from geese and ducks that are raised primarily for food purposes. Ensuring that these products are sourced in a humane manner is non-negotiable, so avoid down products that aren’t certified by RDS, IDS or Downmark. However, some people who follow a vegan lifestyle choose to avoid down altogether.
Care And Maintenance
Always check the label first, but in general, most manufacturers of down pillows recommend washing or dry cleaning their pillows annually or semi-annually to clean away dust mites, bacteria, dirt, stains, sweat and oil that accumulates. Most down pillows can be machine washed and tumbled dry, while others need to be professionally dry cleaned. Consult the brand website for your pillow to make sure you follow proper care and maintenance instructions. For your convenience, we included care instructions for each of the pillows on our list, but it’s not a bad idea to confirm by double-checking the label or brand website.
How Long Do Down Pillows Last?
One of the biggest benefits of down pillows is that they last significantly longer than other fill materials. When cared for properly, a high-quality down pillow can last for up to 10 years—as opposed to down alternative pillows, which often need to be replaced after one to three years. If your down pillow gets flat, all you have to do is fluff it up again to help the feathers regain their loft.
To get the most life out of your down pillow, we also recommend covering it with a pillow protector to prevent stains and odors.
How Much Should I Pay For A Down Pillow?
Because down is naturally sourced from ducks and geese, it’s typically more expensive than pillows made from memory foam or down alternative materials. On average, expect to pay between $100 and $300 for a quality down pillow. Typically, a higher price tag correlates with a higher ratio of down, and ultimately, a softer, more fluffy pillow. That being said, you can still find quality options that feel just as soft for $150 or less, like the Brooklinen Down Pillow and the Coyuchi Down Feather Pillow.
How Do You Wash Down Pillows?
Down pillows are often a bit more complicated to clean than other types of pillows—if the fill isn’t dried properly, it can develop a musty odor that’s hard to get rid of. For this reason, it’s best to wash your down pillows sparingly and follow the brand’s guidelines exactly. Many brands recommend dry cleaning their down pillows, but there are some down products that are machine washable. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly before putting them back on your bed.
