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You like the soft feel of down pillows but it’s too expensive. Or, maybe the distinct feather smell disturbs you. Whatever your reason is, don’t worry we’ve got you covered. Our team of sleep experts have spent hundreds of hours putting together a list of the top five best down alternative pillows on the market. Our Editor’s Choice is the Saatva Down Alternative Pillow.
Our Top Five Picks for Best Down Alternative Pillow
- Saatva Down Alternative Pillow – editor’s choice
- Bear Cloud Pillow – best for side sleepers
- Tuft and Needle Down Alternative Pillow – best plush down alternative pillow
- Nolah AirFiber Pillow – best for back and stomach sleepers
- Purple TwinCloud Pillow – best for all sleeper types
#1. Saatva Down Alternative Pillow
Check Current Price | Editor’s Choice
Pros
- Great for side sleepers
- Good for some back sleepers
- Organic
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Non-removable cover
- Not washable
- Non-adjustable pillow
Manufactured by a mattress company that’s known for using all-natural and organic materials, the Saatva Down Alternative Pillow is designed to mimic the lofty feel of traditional down pillows. Although some people still prefer a down pillow, other individuals lean toward alternative products that are cruelty-free. The Saatva Down Alternative Pillow is one such product.
It uses premium down alternative fill materials to offer both comfort and support, without harming any fowls. Moreover, most down alternative pillows tend to be hypoallergenic and the Saatva Down Alternative is too. We think it’s an excellent fit for side sleepers as well as individuals who suffer from allergies.
Comfort
The Saatva Alternative Pillow feels light and airy but it’s a little bit firmer than a traditional down pillow. It’s also pretty lofty but its micro air-pockets allow you to mold its shape to some extent. This pillow is best suited for side and back combination sleepers.
We also recommend the Saatva Alternative Pillow to individuals who have neck and shoulder pain. It’s responsive yet it contours to the shape of your head and neck to provide proper support and pressure relief.
On the other hand, we think this pillow’s loft is slightly too high for most stomach sleepers. We would recommend an adjustable model such as the Layla Kapok Pillow if you prefer to sleep on your stomach.
Construction
Made in the USA, the Saatva Down Alternative Pillow is encased in a breathable organic cotton cover. It feels very soft and it wicks away moisture to keep you fresh and dry at night. However, the cotton cover is non-removable and the entire pillow can’t be machine-washed.
You’re going to have to spot clean the pillow should any spills or accidents occur.
The interior fill of the pillow is composed of two different down alternatives. First, there are microdenier down alternative fibers which create micro air-pockets for a plush feel. And second, are spring-like down alternative fibers which are more responsive and offer more durable support.
All the materials used in Saatva’s Down Alternative Pillow are certified organic and Fair Trade certified. We also didn’t experience any off-gassing with the pillow during our testing.
Sizes
The Saatva Down Alternative Pillow comes in 2 sizes:
- Queen
- King
Warranty
The Saatva Down Alternative Pillow comes with a 45-day return period and is backed by a 1-year limited warranty. Saatva offers free shipping for this product within the contiguous US.
Buy: Saatva Down Alternative Pillow
#2. Bear Cloud Pillow
Check Current Price | Best for Side Sleepers
Pros
- 2-pack
- Cooling
- Soft pillow feel
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might be too thick for some
- Not washable
- Non-removable cover
Our Experience with the Bear Cloud Pillow
The Bear Cloud Pillow is hypoallergenic and vegan-friendly option that’s actually fluffy like a cloud. It has a higher loft but it’s also quite soft and pliable so most individuals can find a comfortable sleeping position. Additionally, this pillow contains breathable down alternative for better airflow to keep you cool at night.
It’s a great option for side, back, and combinations sleepers. Hot sleepers will also like how breathable it is which should prevent them from overheating during sleep.
Comfort
During our testing, we found the Bear Cloud Pillow to be very light and airy. It has a higher loft and it provides adequate support for your neck in most sleeping positions. However, we would not recommend it to strict stomach sleepers since it has a high loft that could strain your neck and put your spine out of alignment.
But if you sleep on your side or on your back, the Bear Cloud Pillow will provide the support and contouring that you need. It’s not an adjustable pillow, yet you can change its height slightly by fluffing it.
This down alternative pillow is also a suitable option for allergy sufferers. It doesn’t contain any animal dander and it’s less likely to attract allergens such as mold and dust mites.
Construction
The Bear Cloud Pillow is encased in a 100% polyester cover which feels soft and breathable. Its interior is also comprised of 100% polyester fill which is a popular soft down alternative.
I should mention that this pillow can’t be machine-washed and it also has a non-removable cover. Bear recommends spot cleaning immediately if accidents or spills happen (which most certainly will).
Sizes
The Bear Cloud Pillow comes in 2 sizes and it comes in a pack of 2 pillows.
- Standard
- King
Warranty
The Bear Cloud Pillow comes with a 30-night sleep trial and is backed by a 2-year limited warranty. Free shipping and returns are offered in the contiguous US.
Buy: Bear Cloud Pillow
#3. Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Pillow
Check Current Price | Best Plush Down Alternative Pillow | Review
Pros
- Set of two
- Super plush
- Luxurious down feel
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might be too soft for some
- Could be too thin for some side sleepers
The Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Pillow is very soft and even more lightweight than traditional down pillows. It also offer the same fluffy and airy feel as a down pillow which is great for back sleepers as well as side sleepers. If you prefer a plush down-like feel over the contouring of denser memory foam pillows, check out the Tuft and Needle Alternative Pillow.
Comfort
This pillow works best for side and back sleepers, and it can also accommodate some stomach sleepers. Your neck will be well-supported and the pillow’s medium loft is great for promoting spinal alignment in most individuals.
However, we would recommend higher loft pillows if you’re someone who sleeps on their side and has really broad shoulders.
The Tuft & Needle Pillow is also resistant to dust mites and other allergens which makes it a great option for allergy sufferers who want to sleep on a down-like pillow.
Construction
The Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Pillow is encased in a soft and breathable casing that features a classic gray piping on the sides. Although the pillow cover is not removable, the entire pillow can be machine-washed and tumble dried. You can have it professionally dry cleaned as well if that’s what you prefer.
This pillow also has a Standard 100 OEKO-TEX certification which means it’s free from toxic chemicals and substances. It also has no animal by-products which makes it a good option for vegans and those who prefer organic products.
We did not experience any off-gassing with this pillow like we would on shredded memory foam pillows for example. It has no animal smell whatsoever and it’s one of the best down alternative pillows on the market that has an affordable price point.
Sizes
The Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Pillow comes in 2 sizes:
- Standard
- King
Warranty
The Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Pillow comes with a 100-night sleep trial and is backed by a 2-year limited warranty. Free shipping is available for orders within the contiguous US.
Buy: Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Pillow
#4. Nolah AirFiber Pillow
Check Current Price | Best for Back and Stomach Sleepers
Pros
- Ideal for stomach sleepers
- Good for back sleepers
- Cooling
- Hypoallergenic
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Too thin for side side sleepers
- Only comes in one size
Made with soft proprietary materials, the Nolah AirFiber Pillow is one of the best down alternative pillows for stomach sleepers. It’s also great for hot sleepers because it features a unique phase change material that regulates your body temperature at night.
If you’re a fan of a fluffy and moldable down alternative pillow, check out the Nolah AirFiber.
Comfort
At first sight, the Nolah AirFiber Pillow has a medium loft. But its fill is so soft that it compresses to your weight. This makes it an ideal pillow for stomach sleepers and some back sleepers.
If you’re a side sleeper, we would steer you toward a higher loft pillow that can support your neck and keep it aligned with your spine. The Nolah AirFiber is a bit too soft for me and I’m a side and back combination sleeper.
Like the other pillows on this list, the Nolah AirFiber is also hypoallergenic and is a great option for allergy sufferers.
Construction
This pillow is encased in a 100% cotton cover that’s been treated with phase-changing Outlast® cooling material. This material was originally invented by NASA to protect astronauts from extreme changes in temperature. This makes it a suitable pillow for sleepers who tend to sleep hot at night.
The fill of the pillow made of the brand’s very own AirFiber which is basically 100% percent polyester fiber that’s super-thin and light spun. This material is a great down alternative because it mimics the feel of real down and it provides long-lasting support.
Sizes
The Nolah AirFiber Pillow only comes in one size:
- Queen
Warranty
The Nolah AirFiber Pillow comes with a 100-night sleep trial and is backed by a 2-year warranty. The company also offers free shipping and returns for orders within the contiguous US.
#5. Purple TwinCloud Pillow
Check Current Price | Best for All Sleeper Types
Pros
- Dual-sided design
- Suitable for all sleeper types
- Cooling
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Might be a bit too soft for some
- Above average price point
The Purple TwinCloud Pillow is a down alternative that’s designed to be two pillows in one. It’s made with high-end proprietary materials and it has a softer and a firmer side which you can choose from. This pillow is very durable and it won’t flatten over time like other down alternatives on the market.
Comfort
The Purple TwinCloud’s reversible design makes it a versatile pillow that’s suitable for most individuals regardless of sleeping style. Despite having two different firmness levels, we found the pillow to have a soft feel overall. If you’re a side sleeper who prefers a firmer pillow, we suggest that you look for another model.
Moreover, this pillow is also a good option for hot sleepers and allergy sufferers. It’s hypoallergenic and it has a breathable construction that promotes additional airflow. Not a lot of fluffing is needed as well and the Purple TwinCloud pillow holds its shape very well.
Construction
The Purple TwinCloud Pillow is encased in a 100% cotton cover that feels soft and cool to the touch. Next, the pillow is filled with fine silicone-coated gel fibers that provide pressure relief and support for your neck.
You can adjust the pillow by zipping to the softer side or the firmer side depending on your preferences. You can also zip both pillows together and rest your arm in the space between the two pillows.
Regarding maintenance, the Purple TwinCloud Pillow can be machine-washed and tumble dried for your convenience.
Sizes
The Purple TwinCloud Pillow comes in 2 sizes:
- Standard
- King
Warranty
The Purple TwinCloud Pillow comes with a 100-night sleep trial and is backed by a 1-year warranty. Purple also offers free shipping within the contiguous US.
Quick view and comparison
| Brand | Saatva Down Alternative Pillow | Bear Cloud Pillow | Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Pillow | Nolah AirFiber Pillow | Purple TwinCloud Pillow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Loft (inches) | 6 | 6.5 | 5 | Low | 5.5 |
| Sleeping Position | All sleeper types | All sleeper types | Side and combination sleepers | Stomach sleepers | All sleeper types |
| Trial (nights) | 45 | 30 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Warranty | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Link to buy | Buy Saatva Down Alternative Pillow | Buy Bear Cloud Pillow | Buy Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Pillow | Buy Nolah AirFiber Pillow | Buy Purple TwinCloud Pillow |
How to choose a down alternative pillow
Most down alternative pillows are made of fluffy synthetic fibers and have a softer feel. These pillows are typically low-to-medium loft and are usually versatile enough to suit different individuals and sleeping positions. Below, I’ll be giving you the three main factors to consider when choosing a down alternative pillow.
Firmness
The more filling it has, the denser a pillow will feel. Conversely, a softer pillow is usually packed with less down alternative filling. Generally, side sleepers should opt for a firmer and thicker pillow that will keep their head elevated and in line with their spine. Whereas, back and stomach sleepers will be more comfortable on a softer pillow that contours to their neck and evenly distributes their weight.
Loft
Loft basically refers to the thickness or height of a pillow. Since down alternative pillows tend to compress when you lie on them, we recommend getting a pillow with a higher loft especially if you’re a side sleeper. You can also go for an adjustable pillow that you can customize until you find the perfect angle for your head.
Construction
Before purchasing a down alternative pillow, make sure that it’s made with high-quality materials. These materials are more durable and they can provide you with more support and pressure relief. Some brands blend down alternative fillings with shredded memory foam or latex to make it more resistant to normal wear-and-tear.
Who should buy a down alternative pillow?
- All sleeper types – Given it has the right firmness and loft, a down alternative pillow can be suitable for back, side, and stomach sleepers.
- Allergy sufferers – Most down alternative pillows are hypoallergenic and are great for people who are allergic to animal dander. These pillows are also typically resistant to other allergens like dust mites and mold.
- Hot sleepers – If you tend to sleep hot at night, down alternative pillows are great options for additional breathability and airflow.
- Vegans – If you like the feel of soft down pillows but you’re opposed to animal products, go for down alternative pillows.
FAQs
Although down is the gold standard when it comes to pillows, down alternative pillows are better for some individuals due to several factors like allergies and opposition to animal products.
Although memory foam pillows tend to be better for side sleepers, high-loft down alternative pillows can also do the trick for most individuals.
Down alternative is better than feathers because it lasts longer and it’s softer and it’s also more lightweight.
Yes, hotels pillows use real feathers as well as down alternative fillings such as polyester or microfiber.
The main difference between the two is the filling. Down is sourced from the soft undercoat of fowls while down alternative is made from a synthetic material that mimics the softness of traditional down.
The only way to make your down alternative pillow firmer is to add more filling. This is usually possible if you have an adjustable pillow in which you can add or remove filling as you like.
Yes, that’s why you should regularly fluff your down alternative pillow to prevent it from flattening out and developing lumps.
Yes, synthetic down pillows will gradually lose their fluffiness and get flatter over time.
Conclusion
If you just love the feel of soft down pillows but you can’t get them for some reason, don’t worry! There are many great down alternative pillows on the market to choose from. We made this list to make it easier for you and to save you lots of time and effort. See if there’s anything you like and we hope we gave you the information you need to make a well-informed decision when choosing a down alternative pillow.
Next step: Take a closer look at the Saatva Down Alternative Pillow. We like it because it’s comfortable, supportive, and great for side and back sleepers. Based on our testing, we think that it’s by far the best pillow you can buy.
How We Rate Pillows
There are many different types of pillows. In general, we rate pillows by 6 standards:
- Firmness and Support
- Loft & Adjustability
- Hypoallergenic
- Hygiene
- Comfort
- Structural integrity & Durability
View our full rating process for pillows.
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