Best Down & Feather Pillows

Understanding Down & Feather Fills

Down vs. Feathers: What's the Difference?

Down refers to the fluffy undercoating beneath a bird's feathers. These clusters trap air and provide insulation without quills. Down is softer, lighter, and more expensive than feathers.

Feathers are the outer plumage with a quill running through the center. They provide more support than down but can poke through fabric. Most pillows use a blend of both.

Fill Power Explained

Fill power measures the loft and insulating ability of down. Higher fill power means larger down clusters that trap more air:

• 400-500 FP: Budget option, good quality
• 550-650 FP: Mid-range, excellent for most sleepers
• 700-800+ FP: Premium quality, maximum loft and longevity

Goose vs. Duck Down

Goose down generally has larger clusters and higher fill power than duck down, making it more expensive. However, quality duck down can rival lower-grade goose down. Both provide excellent insulation and softness.

Best Overall: Brooklinen Down Pillow

Brooklinen offers their down pillow in three firmness levels (Plush, Mid-Plush, Firm), making it easy to find the right support for your sleep position. The 650 fill power European white down provides excellent loft and durability.

Fill Type	European white goose down
Fill Power	650
Cover	400-thread count sateen cotton
Certifications	RDS (Responsible Down Standard)

Best Value: Beckham Hotel Collection

For those who want the feel of down without the price or allergy concerns, the Beckham Hotel Collection offers exceptional value. The gel-filled fiber mimics the soft, fluffy feel of down while remaining fully machine washable.

Fill Type	Gel fiber down alternative
Cover	250-thread count cotton
Set Includes	2 pillows
Care	Machine washable

Best for Support: Pacific Coast Double DownAround

The Double DownAround features a unique chamber design with a feather core surrounded by a down outer layer. This provides more support than pure down while maintaining the soft surface feel.

Best Premium: Egyptian Bedding Hungarian Goose Down

For the ultimate in luxury, Hungarian goose down at 800 fill power represents the finest quality available. These larger, more mature down clusters provide exceptional loft and longevity.

Down & Feather Pillow Care Guide

Washing Down Pillows

Contrary to popular belief, most down pillows can be washed at home:

1. Use a front-loading washer (agitators can damage down)
2. Wash with mild detergent on gentle/delicate cycle
3. Run an extra rinse cycle to remove all soap
4. Tumble dry on low heat with tennis balls to restore fluff
5. Ensure completely dry to prevent mildew (may take several hours)

Extending Pillow Life

• Use a pillow protector under your pillowcase
• Fluff daily to redistribute fill
• Air out occasionally in sunlight
• Wash 2-3 times per year
• Replace every 5-10 years (quality down can last longer)

Down Allergies

True down allergies are rare. Most reactions are to dust mites that can accumulate in any pillow. If you suspect a down allergy:

• Look for hypoallergenic processing (like Hyperclean)
• Use allergen-proof pillow covers
• Wash pillows more frequently
• Consider down alternative if symptoms persist

Ethical Sourcing

Look for these certifications for responsibly sourced down:

• RDS (Responsible Down Standard): Ensures animal welfare
• Downpass: European certification for ethical down
• Traceable Down: Complete supply chain transparency