Best Luxury Pillows

Shoppers may associate luxury pillows with hotel stays and vacations, but there are benefits to using a luxury pillow at home. Luxury pillows are made with high-quality materials that offer long-lasting support and comfort. Sleepers can often feel the difference, especially when compared to a lower quality pillow that does not retain its shape or offer consistent support.

Pillows play an important role in the overall sleep experience, as they can affect how the neck and spine are kept in alignment and how much pressure relief sleepers get. Although luxury pillows may cost more than the average pillow, they are an investment. Since this type of pillow is often more durable, it retains its shape and has a longer than average lifespan. Luxury pillows are often made with breathable materials to help keep sleepers comfortable and prevent heat retention.

When looking for a luxury pillow, shoppers should consider the materials, including the pillow cover and fill, in addition to the quality of its construction. Your preferred sleeping position and body weight should also be considered, as these can determine what type of pillow you will find most comfortable.

We’ll review our top picks for the best luxury pillows, including how they perform in terms of pressure relief and temperature regulation. We’ll also break down what a luxury pillow is and what sets this type of pillow apart from the rest. To help shoppers determine what pillow to choose, we’ll also answer frequently asked questions about luxury pillows and how to maintain them.

Best Luxury Pillows Video

Watch the video below to learn more about our top picks for best luxury pillows.

Product Details

Latex is a popular pillow material because it conforms to the head and neck much like memory foam, but without absorbing excess body heat. The Saatva Latex Pillow is a standout in this product category for a few reasons. It consists of a small inner pillow with shredded Talalay latex that is highly supportive, and a larger outer pillow that contains microdenier fabric with a downy feel. These materials create a highly comfortable pillow without too much sinkage.

The pillow’s cover is made of organic cotton that has been certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, one of the world’s leading authorities for this type of fiber. The outer pillow can be washed and dried in any household machine. You can also remove the inner pillow to change the loft and overall feel.

Queen and king sizes are available. For a small added fee, you can also add a pair of cotton sateen pillowcases when you make your purchase.

Saatva allows you to test out the pillow for up to 45 days before deciding whether to return it, but the company requests that customers wash the item before shipping it back. Should you decide to keep the pillow, you’ll also receive a one-year warranty. Shipping is free of charge for all orders in the contiguous U.S.

Your ideal pillow loft and firmness largely depends on your preferred sleep position — and if you’re a combination sleeper who utilizes more than one position on any given night, finding the right pillow can be challenging. The Down Chamber Pillow from Boll & Branch is a good starting point due to its thoughtful construction. You can choose from three density levels, all of which feature chambered designs to cushion your head and neck without sinking too much.

We recommend choosing a density based on your primary position. After testing each of the designs, we recommend the soft density to those who sleep on their stomachs most of the time. All three of this pillow’s chambers contain down, resulting in a luxuriously plush feel that shouldn’t cause uncomfortable neck strain. The medium density was most popular among the side sleepers on our team. This pillow features a core chamber with feathers and down, cushioned with down outer chambers to ensure a balance of softness and support. If you mostly sleep on your back, the firm density should elevate the head enough to reduce snoring. These pillows contain a higher concentration of feathers in the core chamber, resulting in extra reinforcement.

All Down Chamber Pillows are encased in shells made of soft, breathable organic cotton. The fabric promotes airflow and should offset the down’s heat-retaining properties. Since the down and feathers have received International Down Standard certifications, the pillow should also appeal to people who prioritize ethically sourced animal-based products. You can wash and dry the pillow in your household machines, though Boll & Branch recommends infrequent laundry cycles — three to four times per year should suffice.

Standard and king sizes are available. The cost of your Down Chamber Pillow depends on which size and density you select, though all options are competitively priced and shipping is free for U.S. orders. Boll & Branch allows returns within 30 days of delivery during most of the year, with an extended trial period for the holiday season.

Pillows made with natural or organic components tend to hold a higher price-point. The Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow is a notable exception, holding an affordable price without sacrificing high-quality materials. 

A removable and machine-washable organic cotton cover encases the pillow. Cotton is also a naturally breathable and moisture-wicking material, which helps keep the surface cool and dry to the touch. Inside the pillow is 100% Talalay latex that slightly contours to the head and neck to relieve pressure points. Since latex doesn’t contour as closely to the body, it retains less heat, making the pillow an excellent choice if you sleep hot. 

You can choose between 4- and 5-inch lofts, both falling at a medium firm feel. We recommend the lower loft for back sleepers and some side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds. Meanwhile, most of our side sleepers enjoyed the higher loft mode since it helped them maintain spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers may prefer another pillow with a lower loft to prevent neck strain at night. 

Queen and king sizes are available. Brooklyn Bedding ships free to customers living in the contiguous U.S., and offers a 30-night return trial. After the trial period, the Talalay Latex Pillow is backed by a 3-year warranty against structural defects.

The Company Store’s Legends Hotel Best Down Pillow lives up to its name thanks to a plush, luxurious design reminiscent of hotel-style bedding. Down fill coupled with a smooth, breathable cover is a good match for anyone who enjoys resting on exceptionally soft surfaces, as well as people who often wake up with stiff or sore necks.

You can choose from four density levels, each with a different firmness to accommodate your sleep position. Our testers found that the soft density served stomach sleepers well because it sinks somewhat deeply, allowing you to lie face-down with your neck in proper alignment with the rest of your spine. Back sleepers will probably prefer the medium density, which elevates the head slightly but shouldn’t cause any strain. The firm and extra firm density levels offer the most loft, making them best suited to side sleepers looking for a pillow that will fill the space between their head and downward-facing shoulder.

The fill is composed of European white goose down with 600 fill power, so the pillow will feel quite lofty regardless of which density you choose. Combed cotton forms the cover for a delicate feel that also feels cool to the touch. Double-stitching along the border reduces the potential for rips and tears, and this in turn prevents fill from escaping and extends the pillow’s overall lifespan. According to The Company Store, the pillow should be dry cleaned once or twice per year, but never machine washed.

You can choose from standard, queen, and king sizes for your pillow. A certification from the Responsible Down Standard ensures no animals are mistreated, and that the down is only sourced using humane and ethical practices. Standard ground shipping is available for all orders within the contiguous U.S. Your purchase includes a lifetime guarantee allowing for exchanges at any time, so you can return the pillow if you aren’t satisfied with your initial density selection and opt for a softer or firmer model.

The Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow from Eli & Elm is a versatile model designed specifically for those who prefer the side position. The pillow’s ergonomic U-shape has a subtle curve at the bottom that’s intended to promote spinal alignment and target neck pain. With a breathable cover and temperature-neutral fill, hot sleepers should also find this pillow a worthy choice.

One of this pillow’s most notable features is its adjustable fill. The 75% latex and 25% polyester fill can be added and removed as needed to optimize the loft level for your individual sleep preferences. Latex also effectively relieves pressure build-up, which can be another bonus for side sleepers who feel pressure points on their head or neck. Sleepers who want a firmer, higher loft pillow can opt to purchase additional filling from Eli & Elm.

Our testing team found this pillow’s plush fill highly moldable and comfortable. Though it’s intended for side sleepers, the Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow also lends itself well to back and stomach sleepers who customize the loft level. Sleepers who run hot will appreciate the machine-washable cover, which is a breathable blend of polyester, organic cotton, and spandex. Eli & Elm also offers a separate pillowcase that’s compatible with the pillow’s unique shape.

Shoppers who live within the contiguous U.S. qualify for free shipping and a 45-day return window. The included 5-year warranty covers manufacturer and material defects.

Most adjustable pillows on the market have fill that can be added or removed to change the loft and firmness. The Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow builds on this idea with three optional inserts, which you can arrange in the order that best suits you. It’s a good solution for sleepers looking to experiment with different feels and firmness levels to help relieve neck pain or discomfort.

One of the inserts is cushioned with down alternative fibers to create a plush surface for the head and neck. The second contains shredded memory foam, which is also fairly soft but more supportive. The last insert features two pieces of solid memory foam that measure 1 inch and 2 inches thick, respectively. These components have a firm feel. Luxome encourages sleepers to experiment with the inserts and determine which configuration works for them. You can use more than one to create a reversible design with a different firmness level on each side, or use all of the inserts for a high-loft shape that is particularly well suited to side sleeping. Back and stomach sleepers are more likely to prefer a lower profile.

A cover made of viscose derived from bamboo encases the inserts. This fabric is both breathable and moisture-wicking. For added airflow, the side panels are vented to promote circulation and prevent excessive heat buildup. You can machine wash the cover and the liner of each insert, but you should only spot clean the foam or down alternative fibers.

The LAYR Customizable Pillow is reasonably priced for a luxury model, and shoppers who buy two qualify for a 50% discount on the second pillow. Free shipping is available to customers in the contiguous U.S. Clean, undamaged pillows may be returned within 30 days of receipt.

The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is soft both inside and out, thanks to its silk fill and viscose from bamboo cover. The 100% long-strand mulberry silk fill feels plush and molds easily into your preferred shape. This medium soft pillow is well-suited to shoppers who are willing to pay a bit more for high-quality construction and transparent materials sourcing.

Hot sleepers and people in warm climates will appreciate Cozy Earth’s dedication to temperature control. Both silk and bamboo-derived fabrics are highly breathable and moisture-wicking. Air flows freely between the pillow core and cover, which helps draw body heat away rather than trapping it against your skin. The Silk Pillow is also very smooth, making it a worthwhile choice for shoppers with skin sensitivities.

The medium loft level is a good all-around fit for many sleepers, though back and side sleepers will likely find it most comfortable. Though the pillow’s cover is washable, Cozy Earth recommends spot cleaning instead of machine washing. The Silk Pillow is backed by a 10-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial. Shipping and returns are free to shoppers within the contiguous U.S.

The Quince Luxe Goose Down Pillow offers an excellent balance of plushness and support thanks largely to its composition. The luxurious 700 fill power down is dense but still compresses comfortably under your head and neck. The pillow is sold in soft/medium and medium/firm designs, with the latter offering more support.

The pillow’s fill has earned certification from the Responsible Down Standard, ensuring the geese are humanely treated during every step of the down extraction process. A shell made of cotton sateen encases the down. This material is breathable, silky-smooth, and easy on the skin. Double-stitching and border piping help the fabric resist wear and tear that can lead to fill escaping. The entire pillow can be washed and dried in household machines for easy cleaning, but you can also dry clean the pillow if you wish. Standard and king sizes are available.

The Luxe Goose Down Pillow is competitively priced and shipping is free for orders within the contiguous U.S. Quince’s sleep trial spans 365 nights in length, giving you plenty of time to test out the pillow and decide whether it’s best for you. Exchanges are also available during the trial period if you aren’t satisfied with your initial firmness selection.

The TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow from Tempur-Pedic is a medium loft pillow with a soft feel. While medium loft pillows are typically better suited for back and side sleepers, the deep contouring of this model makes it equally appropriate for stomach sleepers.

The pillow is made from a single piece of Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary TEMPUR foam, which is known for its exceptional contouring. The foam adapts to the shape of your head and neck, providing strong pressure relief, but it is also firm enough to lend support. The 5-inch loft is a good fit for back sleepers, who need a pillow that elevates the head to ensure healthy spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers typically need low-loft pillows to prevent neck strain, but the deep cushion of the TEMPUR-Cloud means that the head can sink into the pillow enough to maintain a comfortable sleep posture.

A removable and machine washable polyester knit cover encases the pillow. If you like to take your pillow on trips, the TEMPUR-Cloud can be rolled up into a compact bundle and will retain its shape upon unpacking.

Tempur-Pedic offers free shipping within the contiguous U.S. Pillows are not eligible for returns but they do come with a 5-year warranty.

Avocado has earned a reputation for luxurious, well-crafted sleep products that are also eco-friendly. The Organic Luxury Plush Pillow is no exception, and is particularly well suited to anyone seeking a soft pillow that delivers deep cushioning. Natural latex forms the pillow’s core, so you’ll feel some gentle contouring as this material adapts to your head and neck, while the top chamber is filled with a blend of wool, silk, and mohair for an exceptionally plush feel.

An organic cotton cover encases the fill, and may be removed and spot cleaned if stains or smudges occur. Gusseted side panels help the pillow maintain a full shape, though you should fluff it regularly to ensure optimal loft. Temperature control proved to be one of the pillow’s major strengths during our hands-on tests. The latex is ventilated to promote air circulation, wool and silk have moisture-wicking properties, and the organic cotton is naturally breathable. Queen and king sizes are available. 

Avocado holds carbon negative status, meaning the company offsets more than 100% of its emissions from manufacturing and shipping. The organic cotton has also been certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, a leading worldwide authority for sustainably made fabrics. Your Organic Luxury Plush Pillow comes with a generous 100-night sleep trial. If you decide to keep it after the trial ends, you’ll also receive a 1-year warranty against material and structural defects.

What is a Luxury Pillow?

Luxury pillows tend to have a higher price tag, so shoppers may wonder if they are worth the investment. But there are often concrete reasons for the added expense, as luxury pillows are made with high-quality materials for added durability, comfort, and consistent support.

The quality of materials used to make a luxury pillow extends to both the cover and the fill. Cotton, linen, and rayon are commonly used for luxury pillow covers, and they are woven in a way to keep the fill from poking out. The seams may have added details, reinforcements, or gusset panels to add structure to the pillow and help it keep its shape. The fill used is often ethically and sustainably sourced, especially if it includes down and feathers.

While most pillows last one to two years before needing to be replaced, purchasers can expect a luxury pillow to maintain its shape for at least three years without becoming lumpy or flat. Though there is not a standardized definition for what a luxury pillow is, there are certain features that set them apart. We’ll break these down further next to help shoppers understand what to look for when shopping for a luxury pillow.

What Makes Luxury Pillows Stand Apart?

It is easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of pillows available in today’s market. Shoppers can narrow down their choices by considering the following factors that make luxury pillows stand apart from the rest. These characteristics point to a luxury pillow that is made to last.

As luxury pillows are made with high-quality materials, including natural fabrics and fills, they tend to be breathable and temperature-regulating. This is good news for hot sleepers, who may find that conventional pillows retain body heat and sleep warm. Down is commonly used in luxury pillows, and it acts as natural insulation to keep sleepers comfortable. Latex is also frequently used and known for its breathable nature. These materials are not only breathable, but durable as well.

In addition to the quality of materials and durability, shoppers should also consider the detailing of the pillow. Luxury pillows may have certain details that speak to the craftsmanship and quality of the pillow. This can include piped edges, embroidery, or reinforced seams that elevate the look and durability of the pillow. These extra touches can indicate that the company has invested time and extra effort in the pillow’s production.

When investing in a luxury pillow, shoppers want to make sure it is a perfect fit. Adjustable luxury pillows are becoming more popular, as these pillows give purchasers the opportunity to add or remove fill for a customized feel.

How to Choose a Luxury Pillow

There are a variety of luxury pillows available, and what works for one person may not be the best for another. Each shopper will have unique needs that need to be met. Understanding your needs and priorities prior to shopping will help you know how to find a pillow that’s right for you. While luxury pillows are generally a valuable investment, there are certain factors that you should consider before making a purchase.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Luxury Pillow

Luxury pillows vary widely in terms of design, but there are common factors that indicate the quality of a pillow and if it will be a good choice. These factors include temperature regulation, pressure relief, price, and more.

The term “luxury” covers a broad scope of products, and manufacturers may use it liberally to appeal to shoppers. That being said, not all pillows marketed as luxury may match that level of quality. It is important to look past product names and marketing to focus on what the pillow is actually made of and how well it will suit your personal needs. Shoppers should keep the following factors in mind when shopping for a luxury pillow.

Quality Materials
The quality of materials used determines the lifespan of the pillow. Luxury pillows are made with high-quality materials, but there are several factors to consider that speak to the durability of the pillow itself. A luxury pillow is often made with natural materials, including cotton, linen, latex, and down, or synthetic materials like memory foam and down alternative fill. Luxury brands tend to have traceable supply chains, certifications that attest to the sustainability and ethics of the materials sourced, and solid reputations for customer service and lasting quality.

Loft
The loft of a pillow is its height, which can be considered low, medium, or high. Low loft pillows are less than 3 inches high, medium loft pillows measure between 3 and 5 inches, and high loft pillows exceed 5 inches in height. The loft determines the angle of your head and neck as you sleep. Along with firmness and fill, loft affects how much support you receive. A pillow may have a high loft, but certain materials like down and down alternative compress more easily.

Sleeping position, body weight, head and shoulder size should all be considered when selecting pillow loft. Stomach sleepers often need a low loft pillow, while side and back sleepers can use a medium or higher loft pillow.

Support
A pillow supports the head and neck, helping to keep the spine aligned and relieve pressure on the neck and shoulders. Luxury pillows typically have better shape retention, so they can maintain consistent support and an even surface for sleepers throughout the night. The construction and fill determine the amount of support a pillow provides, and some luxury pillows have gusset panels or inner chambers for additional support and structure.

Firmness Level
Pillow firmness should be considered in addition to loft. Pillows can be soft, medium, or firm, and the firmness determines how much your head sinks into the pillow. Side sleepers tend to benefit from a thicker, firmer pillow that keeps the head lifted, while back sleepers may prefer a more medium firmness. Stomach sleepers often prefer a soft pillow to keep the head and neck at a comfortable angle. Some materials are firmer than others, and shoppers may need to try different pillow types and firmness levels to find the right fit.

Pressure Relief
A conforming pillow that provides consistent support can help relieve pressure and tension in the neck and shoulders. Pressure-relieving materials like memory foam, latex, and down can contour to the shape of the head and neck to help keep the spine aligned and reduce tension.

Shape
How well a pillow retains its shape is determined by its fill and construction. Luxury pillows often include structural details like pleated corners, reinforced seams, and gussets for shape retention. While conventional pillows are more likely to lose shape and flatten over time, luxury pillows tend to be made of more resilient materials like high-quality memory foam. Down pillows will need to be fluffed regularly to help keep their shape.

Price
Luxury pillows are often more expensive than conventional pillows, but there are a wide range of price points available. Shoppers should expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $150 or more, so it is important to set a budget before shopping. Factor in the cost of additional sleep accessories, such as pillow protectors and pillowcases.

Moldability
Moldability refers to how easily the pillow can be shaped or scrunched. Down pillows tend to be highly malleable, allowing sleepers to hug or shape them as needed. A moldable pillow also conforms more closely to the shape of the head and neck, which can be helpful for pressure relief.

Temperature Regulation
Luxury pillows are often made using breathable materials that help regulate temperature and prevent sleeping hot. Temperature regulation is affected by both the pillow cover and the fill. Lightweight, moisture-wicking covers include materials like cotton and linen. Down fill acts as natural insulation to regulate temperature, while latex is naturally breathable. While memory foam tends to sleep hot, luxury pillows that have this type of fill typically use modified varieties like open-cell or gel-infused memory foam to help dissipate heat.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Luxury Pillows?

One of the main benefits of a luxury pillow is its lifespan. While conventional pillows can fall flat or feel lumpy within a year or two, luxury pillows are constructed with durability in mind. As a result, they have longer than average lifespans and are valuable investments. That said, the main drawback is that these pillows tend to be more expensive, which can be off-putting for some customers. The following pros and cons should be considered when shopping for a luxury pillow.

Pros

Cons

Durability: Luxury pillows should provide consistent support for at least three years, depending on the construction and materials used. This is a longer lifespan than the average pillow. Quality of Materials: Luxury pillows are made with premium materials that feel comfortable and supportive for sleepers, with unique details that indicate the level of craftsmanship. Sleeps Cool: The high-quality materials used to construct these pillows are often highly breathable and moisture-wicking, which helps prevent heat retention and keep sleepers cool through the night.

High Cost: Many luxury pillows are more expensive than conventional models. While they last longer, the upfront cost may not be ideal for shoppers on a limited budget. Maintenance: Luxury pillows may require dry cleaning or spot cleaning, which is more maintenance than pillows that are machine washable. Down pillows will also need to be fluffed regularly.

What Types of Luxury Pillows are Available?

There are several types of pillows available, categorized by the type of fill used. Certain fills are more commonly seen used in luxury pillows, like memory foam or down and down alternative, though luxury options are available in most pillow types. While the type of material used to fill a pillow will make a large impact on its performance, the factor that separates luxury pillows from the rest is the quality of that fill. We’ll break down common fill and cover materials here, including some potential benefits and drawbacks of each.

Fill Materials

Memory Foam: Viscoelastic polyurethane foam, also known as memory foam, responds to heat and pressure for a closely conforming feel. Memory foam pillows may be made of a solid slab of foam, or shredded foam for adjustability and better airflow. Shredded memory foam pillows are often adjustable, while solid foam pillows are typically not.

High-density foam is more durable than low-density foam, but may trap more heat. While foam is known for retaining heat, some memory foam pillows feature unique cooling constructions, or the fill is infused with gel, graphite, or copper to draw excess heat away.

Latex: Latex is made from the sap harvested from rubber trees, which is processed using the Dunlop or Talalay methods. Like memory foam, latex can be solid or shredded. It offers moderate contouring for pressure relief. Latex is highly durable and breathable, so these types of pillows tend to last a long time and keep sleepers cool.

Down/Feathers: Down is the insulating layer under the feathers of ducks and geese. Formed in soft clusters, down is malleable and conforming. Feathers have more structure and can be added to down pillows for better shape retention. While down and feathers are highly durable, they do require more maintenance. Most down pillows should be dry cleaned.

Buckwheat: Buckwheat hulls, or the casings of buckwheat seeds, are used to fill firm pillows that contour to the shape of the head and neck. The open shape of the hull encourages airflow, making these pillows ideal for hot sleepers. Hulls can be added or removed to buckwheat pillows to adjust the loft. Some sleepers may find the rustling noise of the hulls to be bothersome.

Down Alternative: Down alternative is a synthetic fiber fill, usually polyester or rayon, that mimics the feel of down at a more accessible price point. Down alternative pillows are hypoallergenic and easy to maintain, but they are often less durable than down pillows.

Cover Materials

Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber that wicks away heat and moisture to keep sleepers comfortable. Luxury pillows are often made with organic cotton covers. Long-staple cotton is also popular, as the longer cotton fibers result in a softer, more durable fabric.

Rayon: Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber that can be derived from bamboo and other cellulose materials. It is a breathable fabric that is durable and affordable, but there are some environmental concerns when it comes to manufacturing rayon from bamboo or wood fibers with harsh chemicals.

Linen: Linen is a natural fiber derived from flax. It is breathable, moisture-wicking, and highly durable, but it may not feel as soft as cotton or rayon. It is also prone to wrinkling.