Best Feather Pillows

A comfortable and supportive pillow can help ensure that you get restful sleep each night, without experiencing shoulder or neck pain. When choosing a new pillow, consider what you prefer in terms of thickness, softness, temperature regulation, and sleeping position.

Sleepers who want a plush experience may prefer feather pillows. These pillows typically contain feathers, down, or a blend of both. Feathers tend to have more structure for support, while down is softer. Soft feather pillows conform to the shape of the head and neck, but they may not provide the same amount of pressure relief as latex or memory foam.

With so many options available, finding the right pillow may seem overwhelming. To help you narrow down your search, we’ll highlight the best feather pillows on the market, based on extensive product research, verified customer reviews, and testing. We’ll also break down the features, benefits, and drawbacks of feather pillows that you may want to consider.

How to Choose a Feather Pillow

Feather pillows typically are softer than other types, making them ideal for sleepers who like to sink deeply into their pillows. That said, not all feather pillows are the same. Many vary in their feather/down ratio, which affects the amount of support they provide. Firmness, loft, and shape should be kept in mind when choosing a feather pillow.

Shoppers may also want to consider if the feathers or down are sourced ethically. Vegan shoppers may want to consider a down alternative pillow instead.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Feather Pillow

Some feather pillows contain all feathers or all down, while others may have a mix of the two. If you don’t want your head to sink deeply into the pillow, you may prefer a pillow with more feathers than down, as this type of pillow tends to have more structure.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) mandates how companies label their feather and down pillows. The materials used to construct the pillow should be listed in the product description and on the pillow tags. Feathers and down are typically sourced from ducks or geese.

Fill
Feather pillows can contain down, feathers, or a feather/down blend. Pillows with 100% down can be harder to find and more expensive. Pillows with more feathers than down tend to be more affordable. Pillows that are filled with 50% to 80% down tend to balance the plush feel of down with the structure and support of feathers. Synthetic down alternative pillows are also available.

Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position and your pillow should work together to support your head, neck, and spine. The loft and firmness of the feather pillow you choose should help you maintain spinal alignment. Side sleepers usually benefit from a thicker, firmer pillow. Pillows with lower lofts are more suitable for individuals who sleep on their backs or stomachs.

Loft
Loft refers to a pillow’s thickness. Choosing a pillow with the highest loft is not always optimal, as the ideal loft will depend on your sleeping position, mattress firmness, and body type. People who sleep on their sides typically need a higher loft than stomach or back sleepers.

When choosing a down or feather pillow, shoppers may want to consider the fill power of the pillow. Fill power is a measurement of density, indicating how many cubic inches one ounce of down takes up. A higher fill power can indicate a loftier pillow.

Support
Support refers to how well the pillow keeps the head, neck, shoulders, and spine in alignment. Given that your pillow provides about 20% of your total sleeping surface, this factor is essential in choosing the right pillow. For more support, you may want to consider a pillow that has more feathers than down.

Firmness Level
Down and feather pillows tend to be softer than other models, due to the nature of the fill material. That said, many manufacturers offer feather pillows in soft, medium, and firm options. There are several factors that indicate firmness, including construction and the ratio of down to feathers.

Pillows constructed with inner support chambers or additional feather fill may feel firmer than pillows filled exclusively with down. Loft or thickness may not be an accurate measure of firmness if the pillow has mostly down, which tends to be softer than feathers.

Pressure Relief
Pressure relief helps prevent neck and shoulder pain from developing by keeping the spine aligned. Sleepers may find that they sink into down and feather pillows more, which can put strain on the neck and shoulders. Memory foam and latex pillows tend to be more supportive and pressure-relieving.

Shape
Most feather pillows have a rectangular shape and are produced in standard sizes. Some vendors sell longer body pillows with feather and down fill. However, availability is limited. Due to the softness of feathers and down, this type of fill is typically not used for contoured or ergonomically shaped pillows. If you experience neck and shoulder pain, you may want to consider a foam or latex pillow instead.

Price
The price of a feather pillow will depend on its fill and construction. Pillows with higher down ratios will cost more, especially those with 100% down. Feather pillows with little to no down are generally more affordable, and may appeal to shoppers with limited budgets.

Quality Materials
Material quality affects multiple factors, including support, comfort, temperature, and moldability. High-quality down and feather fill is more likely to keep its shape over time.

The quality of the cover is also important. Most sleepers prefer a breathable cover that helps prevent heat retention. For feather pillows, a pillow cover that prevents the fill from escaping is ideal.

Moldability
Moldability allows you to shape a pillow so that it supports your head and neck as you sleep. Because down is softer than feathers, down pillows tend to be more malleable.

Temperature Regulation
In general, feather pillows don’t sleep as warm as memory foam or other foam materials. That said, feathers and down act as natural insulation, and may sleep warm for some. A breathable cotton cover can help wick away heat and moisture for hot sleepers.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Feather Pillows?

Shoppers should consider potential benefits and drawbacks when shopping for a feather pillow. While feather pillows can provide a luxurious, lofty feel, this type of pillow may be too soft for some sleepers to get the support they need.

Who is Best Suited to a Feather Pillow?

People who sleep on their backs or sides and like to cuddle their pillow may prefer a feather pillow. Depending on the materials and construction, feather pillows can also be beneficial for hot sleepers.

Feather pillows may not be advantageous for people with allergies, those who awaken easily from noise, or consumers who prefer vegan products.

Feather pillows are particularly suitable for:

• Side and Back Sleepers: People who like to sleep on their side or back may find feather pillows quite comfortable. Back sleepers tend to benefit from a medium loft pillow that conforms to the shape of their head and neck. Side sleepers typically need a high loft pillow that keeps the head and neck aligned.
• Sleepers Who Cuddle the Pillow: Feather pillows can be ideal for side sleepers and others who like cuddling their pillow. Feather pillows are highly moldable. Sleepers can shape the feather pillow for the ideal sleeping position and preferences.
• People Who Sleep Hot: Sleepers who easily get overheated at night may appreciate a feather pillow. Feathers trap less heat than other materials, which can help keep sleepers comfortable throughout the night. However, down is more likely to retain heat, which may make hot sleepers less comfortable.

Feather pillows are less suitable for:

• Sleepers with Allergies: Pillows can attract dust mites, which may irritate allergies. Cleaning your pillow regularly can prevent the buildup of certain allergens, but feather and down pillows often require spot cleaning or professional cleaning. Allergy sufferers may consider a machine-washable down pillow or one with a down alternative fill for easier maintenance.
• People Sensitive to Noise: Sleepers who are sensitive to noise or wake up easily might not like sleeping on a feather pillow. The quills sometimes make a rustling noise when they shift around, which may sound loud to sensitive sleepers.
• Vegan Shoppers: Vegans and others who oppose using animal-based products should avoid feather and down pillows. These shoppers may want to consider a down alternative pillow instead.

Which Feather Pillow Sizes Are Available?

Feather pillows are typically available in the following sizes, though sizing and availability will vary between manufacturers.

• Standard: Typically measuring 20 inches by 26 inches, standard is the most common pillow size. It also tends to be the most affordable. Standards fit well on twin, twin XL, or full mattresses. Couples who share larger beds can use standard size pillows as well.
• Super Standard: This size usually measures 20 inches wide and 28 inches long. People who find standard pillows too small may prefer the super standard. This size is less common.
• Queen: Queen size pillows are common. They typically measure 20 inches wide by 30 inches long. The queen size may be an ideal choice for sleepers who shift positions or move around during the night.
• King: King pillows measure 20 inches wide and 36 inches long. Like the queen size, the king size suits sleepers who move around while sleeping. The larger size also makes it suitable for people who sleep on a king size bed, or those who like to have a backrest while sitting up in bed.
• Body Pillow: Body pillows can be 54 inches or longer. Feather and down body pillows are less common, but many body pillows are filled with down alternative. A body pillow supports a variety of sleeping positions, especially for pregnant women or people who like snuggling with a pillow while sleeping.

Frequently Asked Questions About Feather Pillows

There are additional considerations that shoppers should keep in mind when shopping for a feather pillow. These factors include budget, care and maintenance, and the difference between feather and down pillows.

How much do feather pillows cost?

Many feather pillows cost between $25 and $75. Down pillows are more expensive, costing between $80 to $200 on average. Fill content and construction largely determine the price. With feather/down blends, the larger the down ratio, the more expensive the pillow will be. Down alternative pillows tend to be more affordable, and basic models usually cost between $20 and $30.

Can you wash feather pillows?

Most feather pillows can be washed, but make sure to read the label to determine what cleaning method to use. Some feather pillows are machine-washable with cold water or a delicate setting. Other pillows may need dry cleaning.

You can fluff some feather pillows in the dryer with a low heat or air fluff setting. Machine washing two pillows together can help ensure that the washing machine doesn’t get out of balance.

Pillows of all types need cleaning at least every six months to prevent the buildup of dead skin cells, sweat, and oil.

How often should I replace feather pillows?

You may want to replace your feather pillow every two to three years. Using a pillow cover will help extend the life of the pillow. You should replace your feather pillow if it has one or more large stains that cannot be removed, or if the down and feather fill has been damaged by moisture.

It may also be time for a new pillow if you regularly wake up with neck or shoulder pain, headaches, or fatigue. Changing your preferred sleeping position is another reason to get a new pillow, as you may need one with a different firmness or loft. You should always replace pillows when they no longer give you the support you need. Regularly replacing your pillow is essential for hygienic purposes.

Where can I buy feather pillows?

You can find most standard, queen, and king sizes at brick-and-mortar and online stores. Most feather pillows are available at pillow and bedding manufacturers, department stores, or home furnishings retailers. Feather body pillows are harder to find.

Are feather pillows adjustable?

Feather pillows are not usually adjustable, as this would require the addition or removal of fill. That said, shoppers can often choose between several different loft or firmness options.

Since feather pillows are highly moldable and conforming, sleepers can also scrunch the pillow to their preferred shape. Fluffing the pillow regularly helps it maintain its loft and prevents flattening over time.

What is the difference between feather pillows and down pillows

Feather pillows and down pillows may differ in construction, materials, and price. Feathers make up the coarse outer plumage on birds. Down is the soft, insulating plumage found underneath the feathers. As a result, feather pillows tend to have more structure and support, while down pillows are softer.

Down typically retains heat more than feathers, making down pillows less suitable than feather pillows for people who sleep hot. Feather pillows tend to be more affordable than down pillows.