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.

Product Details

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.

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.

Boll & Branch is a high-end brand specializing in luxury sleep products. The Down Chamber Pillow — formerly known as the Boll & Branch Down Pillow — is one of the company’s best-selling items due in large part to its premium design and materials. As its name suggests, the pillow is constructed with chambers to create a layered surface for your head and neck. Down fills the top chamber to create a plush feel, while the underlying chambers contain feathers for support. The Down Chamber is a good option for anyone who has found other down pillows too soft or prone to uncomfortable sinkage.

You can choose between three densities for your pillow. The low-density option has a soft feel and a lower profile, making it ideal for many stomach sleepers. Back sleepers are more likely to prefer the medium-density pillow for its mid-range loft and balanced feel. If you sleep on your side, the high-density pillow should provide enough loft to fill the gap between your head and upward shoulder, improving alignment and reducing pressure in the process.

The pillow’s fill has earned certification from the International Down Standard, an organization committed to ensuring the welfare and humane conditions of waterfowl that produce the down. During production, the down and feathers are washed three times to remove as many allergens as possible. Another high-quality component is the shell made of soft, breathable organic cotton. You may wash and dry the pillow in any household machine.

The Down Chamber Pillow carries a reasonable price-point, given its luxe design, and Boll & Branch offers free ground shipping for all domestic U.S. orders. The company allows you to return the pillow for a full refund within 30 days of the delivery date.

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.

The FluffCo Down & Feather Pillow is a hotel style model featuring two layers that contain 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.

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.

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.

Many people enjoy the exceptional softness of feather pillows, but this is not an opinion everyone shares and a large number of sleepers feel most comfortable with a firm surface for their head and neck. The Company Store’s Essentials Better Down and Feather Pillow is available in four firmness levels: soft, medium, firm, and extra firm. This selection ensures most people can find at least one suitable option whether they want a plush pillow, a more supportive surface, or something in between.

An even blend of down and feathers makes up the fill, resulting in a balance of luxurious plushness from the former and reinforcement from the other. The fill is certified by the Responsible Down Standard, indicating the plumage is acquired through humane and ethical means. A breathable cotton shell encases the fill. You may machine wash the entire pillow, though The Company Store recommends using a front-loading washer.

Our testing shows your ideal density level probably depends on your primary sleep position. The side sleepers on our team preferred the firm and extra firm designs. Due to their thicker profiles, these pillows should fill the space between your head and downward-facing shoulder to correct uneven alignment — a common issue side sleepers face. Our back sleepers enjoyed the mid-level loft of the medium pillow, while stomach sleepers felt more comfortable on the low-loft design because they didn’t experience any neck strain.

The Essentials Better Down and Feather Pillow is available in standard, queen, and king sizes. While the price-point varies by size and firmness level, the pillow is affordable compared to down and feather models from competing brands. The Company Store offers free ground shipping, and expedited delivery for an additional charge, and backs each purchase with a lifetime guarantee.

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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.

Pros

Cons

Softness: Feather pillows tend to be softer and more luxurious than other types of pillows. Insulation: Feather pillows provide insulating warmth during colder seasons. Accommodate Different Sleeping Positions: They can give adequate neck support for back and side sleepers. Stomach sleepers may benefit from the softness of a feather pillow. Durability: Feather pillows tend to be durable, with an average lifespan of at least two to three years. Moldability: These pillows are pliable and can conform closely, which is ideal for sleepers who like snuggling with their pillow. Temperature Regulation: Feather pillows with breathable covers can help regulate temperature.

Allergies: Feather pillows may not be ideal for sleepers with allergies, as they can be harder to keep clean. May Sleep Warm: Down and feather pillows are insulating, and pillows with more down may sleep too warm for some. Maintenance and Ease of Cleaning: Feather pillows often require additional maintenance, including professional cleaning, airing out, and fluffing. Lack of Support: Feather pillows can become flat and may not provide enough support for those who experience neck or shoulder pain. Odor Potential: Feather pillows tend to emit a natural odor, especially when new. Noise: Sleepers may hear light rustling sounds when moving the pillow or changing positions.

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.