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Written by
Lauren Fountain, Certified Sleep Coach
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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.
Best Overall
With three firmness options to choose from, the Brooklinen Down Pillow can accommodate most sleeping positions and body types. The Plush option should suit most stomach sleepers, while the Mid-Plush is particularly suitable for side and back sleepers. Side sleepers may also benefit from the Firm Down Pillow. Standard and king sizes are available.
The cotton shell features a 400 thread count sateen weave for a smooth feel. While the Plush model is filled completely with Canadian white down, the Mid-Plush and Firm models have an inner feather core for more support.
Brooklinen treats the cover with Ultra-Fresh Antimicrobials to help keep the pillow clean. The Down Pillow requires spot cleaning, and should not be machine washed. You can use the dryer for fluffing if you have a setting that does not use heat. Leave the pillow outside to air out when weather permits. Dry cleaning is suitable for large stains, but it may degrade the down faster and remove the natural oils, which reduces the pillow’s lifespan.
You can exchange or return this product within one year of purchase if you aren’t happy with it. The company offers a refund to your original payment method, or you can opt for store credit. Shipping and returns are free within the U.S.
Best Value
A high-quality feather pillow can easily cost hundreds of dollars, but Pacific Coast has earned a stellar reputation for premium down and feather products with affordable price-points. One of the brand’s newest offerings is the Feather Rest Pillow, which contains clusters of Hyperclean Resilia feathers. A mid-range loft coupled with an exceptionally plush feel makes the pillow best suited to side and back sleepers.
The pillow’s shell is composed of brushed cotton with a 230 thread count. The material has a very smooth feel and is also quite breathable. The feathers are cleaned at least eight times to wash out dust and dirt that can trigger symptoms for people who are allergic to feathers. However, Pacific Coast also backs each order with a 30-day allergy guarantee in case you still feel sniffly or sneezy after using the pillow.
Queen and king sizes are available. The pillow can be laundered at home by washing with mild detergent on a warm, gentle setting and drying on low heat. You can also use a protector to safeguard the pillow against spills and stains. The border is trimmed with thick piping to prevent tears from forming that allow fill to escape.
In addition to the allergy-free warranty, the Feather Rest Pillow comes with a 30-night trial period and a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty against structural defects. Shipping is free for orders of $80 or more, but delivery for smaller purchases is reasonably priced.
Best Luxury
For sleepers seeking a luxurious feel, the Quince Luxe Goose Down Pillow uses premium materials designed to provide comfort and support. The pillow contains700 fill European Goose Down, which tends to be denser and loftier than duck down. A higher fill power also indicates better insulation in colder weather.
The pillow features a soft and breathable cotton sateen cover with piping along the sides. The down is Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified, indicating that it meetscertain animal welfare standards. The pillow comes in two firmness levels, soft/medium or medium/firm, so shoppers are apt to find a suitable feel based on their sleep position.
Available in both standard and king sizes, the pillow is machine washable and can be tumble dried on the lowest heat setting. Professional dry cleaning is also possible. Customers have 365 days to return the pillow for a full refund, which is longer than most sleep trials. The Quince Luxe Goose Down Pillow includes free standard shipping for U.S. customers.
Most Comfortable
The Boll and Branch Down Alternative Pillow contains PrimaLoft, a synthetic material that imitates the soft, lightweight feel of traditional down. With three firmness levels to choose from, there is an option for nearly every sleeping position and preference. Stomach sleepers will likely prefer the soft option, while back and side sleepers are more likely to benefit from the medium or firm options.
The embroidered organic cotton cover has piping around the edges. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification indicates that the Down Alternative Pillow does not contain any harmful chemicals.
Available sizes include standard (20” x 28”) and king (20” x 36”). Boll and Branch offers free shipping in the U.S., a 30-day risk-free trial, and free returns.
Best for Neck Pain
Finding the right pillow height for your sleep position can help prevent or minimize neck pain. Many models only come in one loft level, but the Casper Down Pillow is available in two options: low-loft or mid-loft. Stomach sleepers will most likely want to opt for the low-loft version, while the mid-loft design is better suited to side and back sleepers.
The pillow contains natural down that holds a Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification. Five separate fill chambers are engineered to offer responsive support based on the sleeper’s position. The pillow is quite moldable, which side sleepers and people with neck pain tend to appreciate.
People who sleep hot may benefit from the breathable 100% cotton cover. The pillow’s inner chamber features 60% white duck down and 40% feathers. The outer chamber is constructed from 80% white duck down and 20% feathers. This composition gives the pillow plenty of fluffiness without compromising support. Shoppers can purchase the standard or king size pillow individually or in pairs.
Customers have 30 nights to try the pillow, which can be returned for a full refund at any point during the trial. The Casper Down Pillow ships free of charge throughout the contiguous U.S. The pillow comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Best for Side Sleepers
The Helix Down and Feather Pillow has three chambers for ample support and a soft, conforming feel.
The inner core is filled with a blend of down and feathers engineered to provide neck and shoulder support. The two down outer layers with 550 fill power give sleepers the plush experience they typically expect from a down pillow. This innovative design also helps keep the fill evenly distributed.
Double stitching along the edges creates a durable seam. The lightweight cotton cover is soft and breathable.
The Helix Down and Feather Pillow comes in standard (20”x 28”) and king (20” x 36”) sizes. Helix offers a 1-year limited warranty and a 100-day trial. Shipping is free within the U.S.
Best Hotel Style
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on PlushBeds pillows
The PlushBeds Hotel Chamber Down & Feather Pillow is a luxury product with hotel-like comfort to match. The softer outer chamber features 550 fill-power white down, which closely cradles the head and neck to alleviate pressure buildup. Meanwhile, a firmer inner chamber filled with a down and feather blend helps keep the head and shoulders aligned with the rest of the body. This pillow is also backed by a Responsible Down Standard certification, meaning the down filling was responsibly sourced with animal welfare in mind.
A shell made from 100% cotton cambric encases the pillow. The dense weave prevents feathers from poking through and escaping. Double stitching and German piping along the edges also make the pillow more durable. The pillow has a medium firmness, creating a balanced feel that supports the head while providing some contouring. This feel is best suited for side and back sleepers.
Most down pillows cannot be washed in household machines, but this product is fully machine-washable. Check that your washer is big enough to accommodate the pillow. Some down pillows have been known to damage washers with agitators. Wash in cold water and tumble dry on low.
Two sizes are available: standard and king. PlushBeds ships free to customers in the contiguous U.S. The company does not accept pillow returns for sanitary reasons, but each Hotel Chamber Down & Feather Pillow is backed by a 2-year warranty.
Softest
The FluffCo Down & Feather Pillow features two layers containing different fill densities in order to balance softness and durability. The denser inner layer uses white duck feathers designed to help the pillow maintain a full shape. The outer layer features 600 fill power white duck down, resulting in a soft, cloud-like feel.
Shoppers can choose between two fill options, soft or firm. The firm version has a higher loft that is tailored for side sleepers, while the soft design is recommended for stomach, back, or combination sleepers. For anyone who likes to squish their pillow, this model molds quite easily.
The cover is made from 50% cotton and 50% eucalyptus-derived Tencel, two materials known for their breathability. The pillow’s edges are reinforced with double stitching, and the down and feathers have received certification from the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). The pillow comes in two sizes: standard/queen and king .
FluffCo advises against washing the pillow in a household machine. Accidents or discoloration should be spot-treated using a stain mover. The pillow can be dry cleaned to remove larger stains. Shipping is free to all 50 states and each order includes a 30-night sleep trial.
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.
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.
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.
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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:
Feather pillows are less suitable for:
Feather pillows are typically available in the following sizes, though sizing and availability will vary between manufacturers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Certified Sleep Coach
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
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