
Full Answer
What to look for when buying a down pillow?
What to Consider When Purchasing a Down Pillow
- Loft. Loft, or thickness, affects how supportive the pillow feels. ...
- Fill Ratio. As we discussed above, 100 percent down pillows can be found but they are somewhat scarce and usually quite expensive.
- Support. ...
- Firmness Level. ...
- Pressure Relief. ...
- Shape. ...
- Price. ...
- Quality Materials. ...
- Moldability. ...
- Temperature Regulation. ...
How much does a good down pillow cost?
How much do down pillows cost? You can usually find a standard or queen size down pillow in the range of $80 to $200. However, fill content can affect the price since pillows containing 100 percent down tend to be quite expensive, whereas pillows with a high content of feather fill often cost much less.
What is the best quality down pillow?
Which type of pillow is best?
- Cotton: The basic, bog-standard pillow. ...
- Feather: A more luxurious pillow that tends to be squashy and comfortable. ...
- Memory foam: Memory foam pillows and mattresses were once all the rage but they’re on their way out now. ...
- Microfibre: The new kid on the block, microfibre aims to combine the best of all the other kinds of pillow. ...
How to find the best down pillow?
What to Consider When Purchasing a Pillow
- Sleeping Position: Your preferred sleep position majorly affects which pillows you find comfortable. ...
- Loft: “Loft” refers to a pillow’s height or thickness, specifically when the pillow is sitting flat with nothing on top of it. ...
- Firmness Level: Just like mattresses, pillows come in different firmness levels. ...

Are down pillows better?
Available in a range of firmnesses, a lofty, breathable down pillow is a supportive option for any style of sleeper.
What is the difference between down and feather pillows?
Lofty and lightweight down pillows are filled with down clusters found on the bellies of geese and ducks, while firmer and more supportive feather...
How long do down pillows last?
With proper care, down pillows can last several years. The higher the fill power, the longer a down pillow will last. If you find that you have to...
How much does a down pillow cost?
You can usually find a standard or queen size down pillow in the range of $80 to $200. However, fill content can affect the price since pillows containing 100 percent down tend to be quite expensive, whereas pillows with a high content of feather fill often cost much less.
How does down affect a pillow?
Dense down with a high fill power will give the pillow a fuller shape that requires less fluffing and shaking on your part. Cover quality is also important, since shell fabrics that deteriorate quickly can cause the down and feathers to escape and essentially ruin the pillow.
Who Is Best Suited to a Down Pillow?
We recommend down pillows to anyone who feels most comfortable on a very soft surface that sinks deeply beneath the head and neck. However, how much you like or dislike lying on a down pillow may depend on your sleep position, body type, head size, and other factors. Our picks for who is and isn’t suited to a down pillow include the following:
What Are the Pros and Cons of Down Pillows?
Down pillows offer an exceptionally plush and lightweight feel that distinguish them from other pillow types. Some sleepers find the softness and sinking effect quite comfortable – but for others, the pillows do not provide enough support to the head and neck. And while down pillows can provide above-average insulation in colder weather, the insulating properties of down cause them to sleep excessively warm for some people.
Why do side sleepers struggle with down pillows?
Check Best Price. Side sleepers often struggle with down pillows because they are not lofty enough, resulting in uncomfortable sinkage along the head and neck. As its name implies, the Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow is designed to remedy this issue.
Why is my side sleeper pillow so thick?
Side sleepers often struggle with down pillows because they are not lofty enough, resulting in uncomfortable sinkage along the head and neck. As its name implies, the Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow is designed to remedy this issue. A thick 3.5-inch gusset along the sides helps the pillow maintain a thick, full shape that is conducive to the side sleeping position. This gusset is reinforced with thick piping for added longevity.
What is the cover of a down and feather pillow?
The cover of the Down & Feather Pillow is composed of 50% cotton and 50% Tencel. The cotton has a 300 thread count for an ultra-soft feel, and the Tencel helps draw heat away from the body to keep sleepers from becoming too warm. The interior contains two layers of fill.
What Is a Down Pillow?
Down pillows are filled with fluffy clusters pulled from the underbellies of geese and ducks for lofty, breathable comfort. We carry Standard-, Queen-, and King-sized down pillows in multiple densities.
How Long Do Down Pillows Last?
With proper care, down pillows can last several years. The higher the fill power, the longer a down pillow will last. If you find that you have to constantly fluff your pillow for it to support your head, it may be time to replace it. Confirm by folding your pillow in half: if it stays that way, it’s time for a new pillow.
What Is the Difference Between Down and Feather Pillows?
Lofty and lightweight down pillows are filled with down clusters found pulled on the bellies of geese and ducks, while firmer and more supportive feather pillows are filled with the feathers taken from other parts of the bird.
What Does Fill Power Mean in Down Pillows?
Fill power refers to the amount of space, in cubic inches, that an ounce of down will fill. The higher the fill power, the larger the down clusters—and the loftier, lighter, more insulating, and higher quality the down fill will be. Most down pillows have a fill power between 500 and 800.
What is the best pillow for side sleepers?
In the right density, down pillows are a good choice for side sleepers: Opt for firm or extra-firm down pillows that support the head, neck, and shoulders for an even sleeping position that keeps the body in a horizontal line.
What is organic down pillow?
An eco-friendly choice, organic down pillows are filled with plump, premium down, tucked within a smooth shell. Choose the density to suit your sleep style: find the perfect support for stomach, back, or side sleepers.
Are Down Pillows Good for Side Sleepers?
In the right density, down pillows are a good choice for side sleepers: Opt for firm or extra-firm down pillows that support the head, neck, and shoulders for an even sleeping position that keeps the body in a horizontal line.
What is down filled pillow?
More specifically, a down-filled pillow contains 90% down filling blended with 10% feather filling.
How do down pillows feel?
It can easily be shaped to fit snugly against your head and neck to create the perfect contour on any person. A down pillow also allows for adaptable support throughout the night so you change sleep positions with ease. It is very plush and has a luxurious feeling. Its adaptability makes it a great choice for guest rooms as it can easily accommodate varying shapes and sleep positions.
What Is Down?
First things first, what is down feather and where does it come from? Down for pillows is most commonly sourced from ducks and geese but can also come from swans.
Why do pillows have down filling?
Down filling in pillows is bound together in order to create a breathable, soft, cushion that contains pockets of air for added comfort and breathability. Down can also be found in coats and other types of bedding like blankets or comforters because it has insulating properties. While it is particularly warm when packed tighter and thicker, down pillows do not retain much heat. They are not particularly cooling, but they do not retain heat like traditional memory foam either.
Why do duck down pillows smell?
Duck down feather pillows have been criticized for having a more potent smell. This is due to the eclectic diet of ducks which frequently manifests itself as a smell in the feathers.
Where do feather pillows come from?
Feathers used in pillows are generally sourced from the back and wing part of ducks or geese. The difference between down and feather pillows is quite noticeable. Aside from feather pillows being less expensive, they are not as soft or malleable, and feathers contain hard quills in the center of their structure which easily poke through pillow material and become scratchy on your skin. Whereas down does not contain quills, instead they have plumes for the center which are soft and round.
What is duck down used for?
Both duck and goose down are used in pillows and both have their strengths.
What is a down pillow?
A down pillow is a quill-less pillow that contains feathers from the underbelly of geese, swans, and ducks. Read on to learn more about this pillow material to decide if it may be right for you.
What About Down Alternative Pillows?
Many pillow buyers opt for an affordable down alternative. While some alternative fiber fillings, like the Original Casper Pillow, offer support and breathability, not all alternatives are created equal. When looking for a down alternative pillow, you want to keep an eye out for certain characteristics:
Why Is Down Preferred Over Feathers?
To the average pillow buyer, down and feathers could seem interchangeable —but there are some distinct differences. For example: a feather pillow is stuffed with material that contains quills—much like the old-fashioned writing quills they used in Hamilton .
What is the best pillow for cloud sleep?
Softness – If you want to feel like you’re resting on a cloud, then a down sleeping pillow is the way to go. The structure of down creates a soft pillow filling that’s fluffy, malleable, and perfect for those who tend to move around in their sleep.
Is Casper down pillow ethical?
The Casper Down Pillow is filled with 100% ethically sourced materials, making it a great choice for those who dream of a more eco-friendly world. The five-chamber structure creates a breathable, supportive pillow for side, back, and even stomach sleepers.
Do Casper pillows help you sleep?
Whether you’re down with the down or interested in a down alternative, Casper pillows can help you get a better night’s rest on your terms.
Is down pillow a quill?
Down, on the other hand, has swan, duck, or goose feathers completely free of quills. Instead, down pillows are filled entirely with soft, gentle material that’s perfect for an uninterrupted night’s rest.
How much does a down pillow cost?
Overall, the pillow is great, and the price range is between $15 – $260, depending on the type and quality you want.
What is a down pillow made of?
Arguably one of the most popular pillows in existence, down pillows are made of undercoating that is very fluffy and great as fillers for pillows.
Why are bamboo pillows called that?
Bamboo pillows are called that because their casings are made from bamboo fibers. This is unusual because most pillows are named after their fillings instead of casings.
What is polyfill pillow?
It is a fact that most pillows are named after the stuff or fills in them. Hence a polyfill pillow is a pillow that contains polyester as its pillow fill.
Why are feather pillows similar to down pillows?
Feather pillows are the close cousins of down pillows because their fillers or stuff are alike. Both the down and the feathers are gotten from birds even though they make different pillows.
What is the softest type of pillow?
Some latex pillows manufacturers sometimes combine natural latex and synthetic latex as fillers into one pillow. Amongst other types of pillows, latex pillows are the softest.
What is the most versatile pillow?
Cotton pillows are the most versatile type of pillow. They are suitable for different types of sleepers but they are not as flexible and as moldable as the feather pillow or memory foam.
What is goose down pillow?
Goose down filled pillows are made using down clusters which are much lighter, softer and last longer than feathers. Our all Hungarian goose down pillows have had the large feathers separated out during the sorting process and contain few if any feathers that would normally poke through a feather pillow.
How to sleep with a pillow?
Again the idea of a pillow is to maintain you spine angle while you sleep so that your neck and back muscles can relax so back sleepers may need to consider other issues like where you rest your head while it's on the pillow. For example do you sleep with more of the pillow down your back so that you have more support directly under your neck and spine while sleeping OR is your pillow closer to the top of your head pushing your chin into your chest more? Go with a medium firmness if you keep the pillow more directly under your neck and at the base of your spine, and a softer pillow if you keep the pillow closer to the top of your head so your chin isn't touching your chest. Don't forget about the firmness of your bed and how it's firmness may impact your spine and neck while you sleep on your medium firmness pillow.
What is a snuggle soft pillow?
Snuggle Soft™ is our collection of the finest luxury down pillows and feather pillows available. They are hypoallergenic, like all our down products, but made with a luxurious 330 thread count all white Egyptian cotton shell.
What is feather pillow?
Feather pillows like our Classic feather pillow are 75% feather and only 25% down. Feather pillows are heavier than down pillows and love to be scrunched up or folded into the perfect sleeping position either under your head, between your knees or behind your back. Since feather pillows contain feathers it is not uncommon for a feather or two to sneak their way out during all the scrunching and folding. Some say it's good luck when a feather pokes its way through and that you should make a wish.
How to choose a pillow for side sleepers?
The broader your shoulders the firmer the pillow should be. Remember that the role of a pillow is to keep your spine angle 'straight' while you sleep AS IF you were standing upright with perfect posture. For side sleepers it's to fill the area between the crown of your shoulder, your outer shoulder, and your ear. We like to call that area the 'Comfort Gap', and the area changes depending on your shoulder width and the firmness of your bed.
Why are extra firm pillows thicker?
So extra firm pillows sleep the thickest because we used more ounces to create that given density level; soft, medium, firm or extra firm.
How to make a pillow thicker?
Something that is critical to helping you choose the correct density pillow; soft, medium, firm and extra firm is understanding that to make a pillow thicker we add more ' material' i.e. increase the number of ounces, Net Fill Weight [NFW], to make the pillow thicker.
