Tired of sleeping on the limp, lifeless pillow you've had for a long time? There's no time like the present to invest in a cushy upgrade. And if you're looking for an alternative to traditional down pillows, we've got your back. Whether a person suffers from allergies, are vegan, or just don't prefer feather filling, one of our picks for the best down alternative pillows available on the market are sure to fit the bill. Keep reading for more information, and scroll right down to shop our picks – the very best sleep of your life might be only a look away!
What is the best down alternative pillow?
What is really a down alternative pillow full of?
Before we dive into the best down alternative pillows, let's discuss what down alternative means, and the reason why you may want to go for this filling over down insulation. Generally, the word “down alternative” refers to a fabric made to mimic down, which is prized for its super-soft feel and superior loft. Down alternative fillings are often made from microfiber, an artificial material made up of super fine fibers, and the ones found in the best down alternative pillows are just as soft and supportive as their traditional down counterparts.
Why would someone choose one of the greatest down alternative pillows over one created using actual down? To begin with, some people have allergy symptoms once they come into contact with down, even though many down alternative fillings are hypoallergenic, meaning they're not as likely to trigger allergy symptoms, and can be easier on people with sensitive skin.
Another reason someone might choose down alternative fillings over down is the fact that down is sourced from waterfowl (it's the insulation that keeps ducks, geese, and swans warm). There are controversial down sourcing methods that many people might want to avoid contributing to, and vegans particularly will want to go for cruelty-free down alternative pillows.
Are down alternative pillows healthy?
While there is no guarantee that any pillow will completely prevent allergic reactions from occurring, down alternative pillows have several features that make flare-ups less likely. “One of the most impactful advantages of choosing down alternative pillows is the capability to wash them inherited washer,” says Dr. Karen Kaufman, a Virginia-based allergist immunologist. “Regular laundering can reduce house dustmites and endotoxin, which could accumulate inside.”
Despite the truth that having an actual allergy to down is uncommon, down alternatives can still assist in preventing allergy symptoms from popping up, thanks to their construction. Based on Dr. Kaufman, “Symptoms of allergic rhinitis (inflammation from the within the nose), including nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and postnasal drip, tend to be more commonly triggered by the existence of house dustmites throughout pillows and bed linens of all types. Down alternative pillow covers are manufactured with a tighter weave compared to the covers that overlay standard polyester-filled pillows, which reduces permeability to accommodate dust mite allergens.”
What would be the healthiest pillows to sleep on?
Not only will the right pillow provide comfort once we drift off, pillows can also have a big effect on our body's alignment. This is exactly why you need to find one which will help you stay feeling supported throughout the night. Your personal sleep style is one of the most significant considerations when choosing the best down alternative pillows. And what is sleep style, you may well ask? Essentially, there are three types of sleepers: Back sleepers, side sleepers, and stomach sleepers. Based on which sort you're, you will want to look for different qualities in a pillow.
Stomach sleepers may need to look for any softer, thinner pillow to keep the neck in alignment, while back sleepers generally prefer a medium-firm pillow that isn't excessive. Side sleepers, on the other hand, may need to look for any firmer pillow this is a bit higher to support their scalp, neck, and spine.
You'll should also consider which kind of material the pillow is made from. If you're worried about chemicals, you will want to determine if the pillow is made from non-toxic fabrics and fillings. The Avocado Green Pillow is non-toxic and made with organic latex, kapok, and cotton, and Boll & Branch and VIEWSTAR make down alternative pillows that are OEKO-TEX-certified. Which means they have been tested to ensure they do not contain harmful chemicals.
Whether you want soft or firm, thick or thin, our listing of the very best down alternative pillows is sure to have what you want. As well as for much more bedding inspiration, be sure to check out our picks to find the best down alternative comforters, the best mattresses for adjustable beds, and the best mattresses for back and hip pain. You'll be catching better Zzzs in no time. Keep scrolling to see about our picks to find the best down alternative pillows of 2022.
The Best Down Alternative Pillows of 2022
TEMPUR-Cloud Cooling Pro Pillow
Best down alternative pillow for warm sleepers
Buy from Tempur-Pedic, starting at $189
Why we love to it:
- Made with 2 layers of cooling gel
- Filled with supportive TEMPUR material
- 5-year warranty
Tempur-Pedic is among the most trustworthy names in bedding, because of its trademarked TEMPUR material, which was developed using NASA technology. Unlike a down pillow, which must be continually re-fluffed, the TEMPUR-Cloud Cooling Pro Pillow is made to maintain its shape with time. Women dealing with menopause, particularly, will appreciate the layers of cooling gel on each side of the TEMPUR material, which helps keep the head from getting sweaty while you slumber. Worried about the price? A five-year warranty ensures you'll feel confident about your investment. Observe that side sleepers may wish to choose the ProHi model, while back and stomach sleepers will like the ProLo (both same price, and sold using it . link).
One buyer wrote, “I wish I'd make an investment within my sleep equipment earlier within my life, as this pillow pays dividends in a good night's sleep.” They named it a “supportive, cooling, downright comfortable pillow,” and said the main one negative is the fact that “My cat feels the same as I actually do about the pillow and we're at odds with one another about sharing it.”
Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow
Best Brooklinen down alternative pillow
Buy from Brooklinen, starting at $53 (originally $59)
Why we like it:
- Vegan and allergy-friendly
- 100 percent cotton shell
- Available in 3 firmness options
Since its launch in 2022, Brooklinen became one of the most sought-after bedding brands. Noted for its hotel-quality sheet sets (with no steep cost), this down alternative pillow is really a best-seller as well. It's available in three levels of softness, so that you can select from plush, mid-plush, and firm, based on your sleep style. Filled with custom microfiber that's designed to mimic the fluffy feel of down and encased in a breathable, 100 % cotton shell, it's vegan and allergy-friendly. For reassurance, Brooklinen offers 365 days for returns and exchanges, in addition to a one-year warranty.
One Brooklinen customer, who “had neck surgery a long time ago” and has “been looking for an appropriate pillow since then,” wrote the “Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow is not too soft and never too lofty,” adding, “I have been sleeping with it let's focus on about 8 weeks and am very satisfied.”
Boll & Branch Down Alternative Pillow
Best Boll & Branch down alternative pillow
Buy from Boll & Branch, starting at $68
Why we love to it:
- 100 percent organic cotton cover
- Allergy-friendly fill
- OEKO-TEX-certified material
If you are looking for a pillow which has the loftiness of down with no risk of sniffly side effects, this allergy-friendly pillow from Branch & Boll is a great option. Not only does it are available in three textures (soft, medium, and firm), it provides a 100 percent organic cotton cover, and piping detail round the edges for any high-end resort-worthy look. The trademarked PrimaLoft filling is really a cushy option to down, and people worried about inhaling harmful chemicals can be assured that this pillow is OEKO-TEX-certified.
One reviewer called this pillow “better than down,” saying it “feels like I'm in a luxury hotel every night.” They added, “I accustomed to wake up with a sore shoulder most mornings, and thought it was my mattress, however it works out it was the pillows!“
Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows
Bestselling down alternative pillow on Amazon
Buy from Amazon, starting at $39.99 for group of two
Why we like it:
- Filled with OEKO-TEX-certified down alternative material
- No-shift construction
- Over 101,000 5-star ratings on Amazon
With over 101,000 five-star ratings, it is no surprise shoppers have been in love with this particular luxurious pillow set, that is a number one bestseller on Amazon. These pillows are filled with soft, OEKO-TEX-certified down alternative cushioning, which supplies a luxurious surface for your head while also keeping you cool at night, and also the no-shift construction means your pillow won't slip and slide while you sleep. Designed to suit side, back, and stomach sleepers, this set is made with chemical and allergen-free materials, as well as stain- and fade-resistant fabric. Plus, they're a breeze to clean – just pop them into the washing machine!
One happy Amazon customer wrote, “I absolutely love these pillows,” saying, “They feel as if you are laying on a cloud.” In the past, they'd “spent hundreds on brand name foam pillows that didn't relieve my neck pain,” but said, “These pillows made that pain disappear immediately.” They said these were “so impressed with the feel of these, which i bought two more just to have for trips.” Additionally, they called these pillows “incredibly comfortable” and “durable,” and said, ” They still maintain the great fluffy feeling, even after annually of use.”
VIEWSTAR Down Alternative Pillows
Best down alternative pillow focused on Amazon
Buy from Amazon, starting at $38.99 for set of two
Why we like it:
- Starts at under $40 for 2 pillows
- OEKO-TEX-certified material
- Over 18,000 5-star ratings on Amazon
The reviews speak for themselves with regards to this down alternative pillow set, that has tallied up over 18,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. You don't only get two pillows starting for less than $40, you also get the reassurance that they're made with OEKO-TEX-certified materials (i.e. no harmful chemicals). These pillows are designed to suit all sleep styles, because of their balance of soppy plushness and firm support, and also the silver band border adds a luxe touch. Better still, this pillow set is washer- and dryer-friendly for easy cleaning.
One of the pillow's many fans, who describes herself like a “pillow snob,” wrote, “I absolutely LOVVVVEEEE these pillows! – I like my pillows to become fluffy and soft but also firm and supportive – These pillows happen to be the very best I have bought over the years undoubtedly.” She went on to state, “They're so soft and fluffy but still solid and firm!” When it comes to keeping their loft intact, she suggests “folding the pillows four different ways (directions included) to re-fluff them back up.” According to her, “The life just puffs right back into them with little to no effort!“
GhostPillow – Faux Down
Softest down alternative pillow
Buy from GhostBed, $64 (originally $85)
Why we love to it:
- Plush, 'huggable' feel
- Suits all sleep styles
- 5-year warranty
If soft and fluffy pillows are your thing, you'll love the Faux Down pillow by GhostBed. Its self-described 'huggable' feel could keep you comfy and supported throughout the night, whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, and its cool-to-the-touch fabric provides relief for warm sleepers. In addition, this pillow is allergen- and mud mite-free to help keep sneezes and watery eyes at bay, and the 'silky-soft' cover is easy on skin. Not only that, the microfiber gel filling contours to your head, neck, and shoulders to help keep things aligned, along with a five-year warranty may be the cherry on top.
One reviewer, who accustomed to wake up with neck pain, wrote, “This pillow is so soft, yet pliable so I can tuck/fold [it] basically want [to] for extra support.” They said they've experienced “zero mornings with neck pain” since utilizing it, and compared its softness to “sleeping on cheesecake!“
Parachute Down Alternative Side Sleeper Pillow
Best down alternative pillow for side sleepers
Buy from Parachute, starting at $89
Why we love to it:
- Specifically created for side sleepers
- Medium density
- 3-year warranty
If you're a side sleeper – that the most of people are – you'll be very happy to find that there's a pillow made specifically along with you in mind. The Parachute Down Alternative Side Sleeper Pillow includes a medium density to offer just the right balance between comfort and support. A three along with a half-inch gusset provides ample height to reduce the pressure on your neck and shoulders. and the down alternative fill is 100 % hypoallergenic (sniffles, be gone!). A high level hot sleeper or suffer from night sweats, you will be grateful for that 100 percent sateen cotton shell, which will help keep things cool. Back or stomach sleeper? Parachute also constitutes a classic down alternative pillow to suit other sleep styles, and all sorts of their pillows have a generous three-year warranty.
One satisfied side sleeper wrote, “I'll admit, I never really considered pillows to be specific to various types of sleepers. But recently I've were built with a few difficulty sleeping, and when I researched it, I learned that many people swear by specific pillows permanently sleep.” They went on to state, “I investigated a few options and opted for the Parachute one based on reviews as well as on my past experiences with Parachute (adore my linen duvet and pillow shams).” The verdict? “I LOVE this pillow!” i was told that. “It's just firm enough for support, but not so firm it's uncomfortable. Truly perfect.”
Avocado Green Pillow
Best organic down alternative pillow
Buy from Avocado Mattress, starting at $80 (originally $89)
Why we like it:
- Vegan and non-toxic
- Made with organic latex and organic kapok
- Breathable organic cotton cover
You do not possess to consider twice about possibly damaging materials with this particular organic pillow by Avocado. Not only is it non-toxic, it's also vegan-friendly, and features a filling made of organic latex and kapok (a gentle, sustainable tree fiber). An organic jersey cotton liner keeps the complete place, while the entire pillow is encased in a GOTS organic-certified quilted cotton cover. This medium-plush pillow is made to be suitable for all sleep styles, and it has an awesome feel to relieve hot sleepers from dreaded sweating. Best of all, this pillow is totally customizable – simply unzip the pillow to remove some filling if it's feeling too lofty, or give it a refresh by adding more with the included refill package.
One happy customer described this pillow as, “Fluffy, plush, cuddly, with the choice to add or remove stuffing to customize.” He wrote, “It am awesome, my spouse stole mine and that i have to order a different one now. Every day life is rough,” and said he appreciates that he's “not pumping our bed and room filled with unwanted chemicals.”
Casper Original Bed Pillow
Best down alternative pillow from Walmart
Buy from Walmart, $65
Why we like it:
- Accommodates all sleep styles
- Unique pillow-in-pillow design
- Over 1,700 5-star ratings from Walmart customers
You've heard of Casper's mattresses, but did you know they also make comfy pillows? The Original Bed Pillow has over 1,700 five-star ratings from Walmart shoppers, and for good reason. It was created to suit all kinds of sleepers, with a unique pillow-in-pillow design that's soft on the exterior, with an adaptive inner layer that 'moves with you' for extra support. Plus, a two-inch gusset helps protect your neck, while a 100 percent cotton surface encourages breathability and airflow for a comfortably cool night's sleep.
One Walmart customer wrote, “Love my new pillows! Not a problem whatsoever adjusting to them.” They went on to state, “As an intermittent sufferer of migraine headaches, I have found these pillows to be soft and soothing to my tender aching head,” adding, “They're well worth the price.”
Alwyn Home Plush Down Alternative Bed Pillow
Best affordable down alternative pillow
Buy from Wayfair, starting at $54.99 for group of four (originally $149.99)
Why we like it:
- Under $100 for 4 pillows
- Available in standard, queen, and king sizes
- Machine washable
If you're looking to save some cash except still want to go through the cushy feeling the best down alternative pillows have to offer, you are in luck. This pillow set by Alwyn Home includes four plush down alternative pillows for less than $100! Unlike most pillows, which only are available in standard and king sizes, this set also offers a queen-size option, and its 100 percent hypoallergenic gel filling is super-soft, which makes it ideal for stomach sleepers. When it is time for you to clean, simply toss it in to the washing machine, as it's made to maintain its shape and softness despite multiple washes.
One stomach-sleeper called these pillows “just what I was looking for,” saying, “These are perfect.” They continued to describe them as “super soft without making me feel like I am suffocating within the pillow.” Another reviewer added, “I accustomed to awaken with a headache every single day, but with these pillows I awaken refreshed.”
Down Alternative Jetsetter Mini Travel Pillow
Best down alternative travel pillow
Buy from Bed, Bath, and Beyond, $35.99
Why we like it:
- Available in 3 colors
- Hypoallergenic
- Comfortable boomerang shape
With among the busiest travel seasons of the year quickly approaching, an appropriate and portable pillow is essential. We love this mini down alternative travel pillow from Bed, Bath, and Beyond, that is hypoallergenic, and is available in three fun colors, including aqua, royal blue, and fuschia. Its boomerang shape fits snugly around the neck to alleviate pressure and help prop your head up, and the 100 percent cotton sateen cover feels nice soft. The removable cover is machine washable, and the satin trim helps gussy up, making it an excellent cute on-the-go essential you will want to cause all your long trips.
One satisfied shopper wrote, “Nice and soft pillow that conforms nicely for your neck with just the right support.” They added, “I bought [it] to use while I drive longer distances for better neck support to complete the big gap between me and also the car headrest,” and said, “For the cost, it's worthwhile!“
