Buying Guide for the Best Down Pillows
Selecting the right down pillow is about finding a comfortable balance that supports your preferred sleeping position, personal comfort preferences, and special needs like allergies. Down pillows are known for their softness, lightness, and luxurious feel. Since they differ in fill, firmness, quality, and construction, understanding these aspects helps you pick one that will contribute to restful sleep night after night.Fill PowerFill power measures how much loft or fluff a pillow has based on the quality and size of the down clusters inside. There are typically segments such as low fill power (500-600), medium (600-700), and high (700+). Lower numbers mean a flatter, less supportive pillow, while higher fill powers create a puffier, longer-lasting pillow. If you want a plush, supportive pillow that keeps its shape well, look for a higher fill power. If you prefer a flatter pillow or want to stack several, a lower fill power may be more suitable.
Down-to-Feather RatioThis spec refers to the percentage of pure down versus feathers in the pillow filling. 100% down is the softest and retains loft best, while a lower percentage down (such as 70% down/30% feathers) will be firmer and heavier. The needs of your sleeping style should guide you—back and stomach sleepers often like softer, all-down pillows, while side sleepers may prefer a blend with more feathers for better support.
FirmnessFirmness describes how soft or firm the pillow feels. Down pillows are categorized as soft, medium, or firm. Soft pillows are great for stomach sleepers, medium for back sleepers, and firm for side sleepers needing more neck support. Consider how you typically sleep to choose the appropriate firmness to avoid neck pain and ensure comfort.
Pillow SizeStandard, queen, and king are typical pillow sizes. The size you pick should match your bed and fit your personal comfort. A standard pillow is versatile for any bed, queen size offers a bit more width for people who move at night, and king size is the longest, good for larger beds or those wanting extra space.
Cover Material and Thread CountDown pillows usually come with a cotton cover, and the thread count indicates how tightly the fabric is woven. Higher thread counts (over 300) help prevent down from poking out and make the pillow more durable and comfortable. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, opt for a cover with a high thread count and tight weave.
Hypoallergenic TreatmentSome down pillows are specially treated to reduce allergens and dust mites, making them safer for people with allergies or asthma. If you have sensitivities, look for pillows labeled as hypoallergenic or that have received special cleaning and certification for allergen reduction.