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Soft, supportive, and seriously comfortable.

The Kassatex European White Goose Down Pillow on a bed

Photo:Real Simple

Stick around for our top picks.

It lost a bit of its fluffiness after six months of use and washing.

We were comfortable throughout the night; its airflow kept us nice and cool as we slept.

Kassatex European White Goose Down Pillows

PHOTO: Kassatex

Out of all the pillows we tested, this one had the highest loft at 8 inches.

It comes in three firmness levels: soft, medium, and firm.

However, its plush, structured, and comfortable feel is well worth it.

Kassatex European White Goose Down Pillow sitting on blue pillowcase and white sheets

PHOTO: Real Simple

We also give bonus points for its machine-washable design, making it easy to care for.

Its a bit flat, so you may want to add a second pillow for comfort.

If youre looking for a firm and supportive pillow, look no further than the Gulkavle Pillow from IKEA.

Close-up of the Kassatex European White Goose Down Pillow tag showing responsible down standard certification

Its full, robust, and maintains its shape well, even after frequent use.

We love its lightweight design, which makes it easy to reposition throughout the night.

The sturdy construction offers ample support, particularly for back and side sleepers.

Kassatex European White Goose Down Pillow sitting on blue pillowcase and white sheets

While we found the pillow comfortably dense, its flat profile did require some additional fluffing.

If you prefer a loftier feel, we recommend adding a second pillow for extra comfort.

You might have to flip it over in the night if you’re a hot sleeper.

Kassatex European White Goose Down Pillow sitting on blue pillowcase and white sheets

The well-made interior and its double-stitched edges give it a high-quality feel.

The texture is a bit coarser compared to pure down pillows.

It held its shape during testing, bouncing back immediately after we rested our head on it.

Close-up of the Kassatex European White Goose Down Pillow tag showing responsible down standard certification

We found it to be substantial without being overstuffed, cradling our neck comfortably.

And despite its durability, its weightless feel made it easy to reposition throughout the night.

Still, the 100% cotton cover was thick enough to keep the feathers from poking through.

Kassatex European White Goose Down Pillow sitting on blue pillowcase and white sheets

Given its low price, we were amazed by its high quality.

After six months of use, it’s still in great condition.

It might be too soft for those who prefer a firm pillow.

Ikea Gulkavle Pillow

PHOTO: IKEA

Its floppy and easy to move around when we switch sleeping positions.

Plus, it stays cool compared to thememory foam pillowwe typically use, and we never overheat at night.

Our Testing Process

We tested 19 down pillows at home, sleeping on each for several nights.

Head resting on IKEA Gulkavle Pillow on blue pillowcase

PHOTO: Real Simple

In the mornings, we checked how supportive the pillow was after several hours of sleep.

We also kept an eye out for any damage or shrinkage.

We rated each pillow based on quality, airflow, comfort, durability, and value.

Ikea Gulkavle Pillow on top of blue pillowcase

If you have allergies, look for pillows filled with washed and certified hypoallergenic feathers.

Firmness

Down pillows come in different firmness options, with different levels suiting different sleep positions.

For back sleepers, Dr. Dimitriu recommends softer, flatter pillows that won’t kink the neck.

Head resting on IKEA Gulkavle Pillow on blue pillowcase

If you toss and turn throughout the night, it can be trickier to find the right pillow firmness.

Generally, side and back sleepers prefer a medium-firm pillow, whereas stomach sleepers benefit from a slimmer pillow.

For the down filling, the main certification to look for is theResponsible Down Standard(RDS).

Ikea Gulkavle Pillow on top of blue pillowcase

The IDS also vets the suppliers of brands that use RDS-approved down.

Questions You Might Ask

Should I get a down or down alternative pillow?

When shopping for pillows, you’ll likely come across both down and down-alternative options.

Helix Down & Feather Pillow

PHOTO: Helix

Down alternative, on the other hand, is made from synthetic materials.

They’re also naturally temperature regulating and breathable, making them a great cooling pillow for hot sleepers.

On the down side, they can be trickier to clean and are much more expensive than down-alternative options.

Helix Down & Feather Pillow on a bed with white linens and blue pillowcase

PHOTO: Real Simple

If thats something you care about, a down alternative pillow might be the way to go.

Or, you could look for pillows certified by the RDS or IDS.

How long does a down pillow last?

Helix Down & Feather Pillow on a bed with white sheets and blue pillowcase

With proper care, Hoban says a pillows can last three or more years.

Similarly, a restless sleeper who tosses and turns a lot might see it lose its shape more quickly.

Jamie has tested sheets, pillows, and comforters for the brand.

Helix Down & Feather Pillow on a bed with white linens and blue pillowcase

Helix Down & Feather Pillow on a bed with white sheets and blue pillowcase

Puredown Natural Goose Down Feather Bed Pillow

PHOTO: Target

The Puredown Natural Goose Down Feather Bed Pillow on a bed

PHOTO: Real Simple

Close up of the Puredown Natural Goose Down Feather Bed Pillow

The Puredown Natural Goose Down Feather Bed Pillow on a bed

Close up of the Puredown Natural Goose Down Feather Bed Pillow

Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow

PHOTO: Target

A side view of the thickness of the Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow

PHOTO: Real Simple

The Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow after use

The thickness of the Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow

The Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow on a bed

The Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow inside a plastic storage bag

A side view of the thickness of the Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow

The Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow after use

The thickness of the Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow

The Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow on a bed

The Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow inside a plastic storage bag

A person holds the corner of the Casaluna Medium Down Bed Pillow

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