When it comes to the best feather pillow, you will want to find one that blends comfort and practicality. Unlike memory foam or latex pillows, feather pillows are filled with ducks or geese's soft, insulating feathers. This natural filling provides plushness and adapts to the shape of your head and neck, ensuring optimal support, which makes it one of the best pillows for light sleepers.
The appeal of feather pillows goes beyond a luxury look. Sleeping on natural fibres has its own set of advantages. Given that we spend at least a quarter of our day in bed, it's essential to choose materials that are gentle on our skin and hair - and are breathable, too. Feather pillows, with their natural breathability, ensure a consistent airflow, reducing the chances of overheating during the night. Also, the organic nature of feathers means fewer chemicals and synthetic materials, leading to a healthier sleep environment.
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For those who tend to overheat, a cooling pillow can be a game-changer, ensuring a sweat-free, restful sleep. And if you need additional support due to back or neck issues, an orthopaedic pillow can be the perfect companion, tailored to provide targeted relief. Before diving into the roundup, knowing the difference between down and feather pillows is important. Down is made with quill-less feathers from the chest and underbelly of a duck or goose, while a feather pillow is made of feathers with quills from the wings and backs.
The best feather pillows at a glance:
Of course, while the pillow's interior is crucial, getting the bedding right is essential, too. Look for the best pillow covers made of natural fibre, such as cotton, linen or silk pillowcases, to create the optimal sleep environment for your bedroom. So, enough pillow talk. Let's take a look at the best feather pillows to send you off to a blissful night's sleep.
Best feather pillows
Tried and tested
If goose feathers are your top choice, this Hungarian goose feather pillow from Snuggledown could be an excellent pick. The pillow aligns with your body so you can enjoy a comfortable night's sleep. Constructed using a blend of 80 per cent goose down and 20 per cent small goose feather - this pillow is encased in the brand's heritage check, and 300 thread count soft touch cotton fabric.
Customers appreciate that this pillow keeps its shape after it's been slept on, with many reviews mentioning how high quality and comfortable they are. Our reviewer, Senior Writer Rosie Floyd, also found that the pillow soon bounced back to full fullness after being laid on. Rosie also found this pillow to be beautifully soft but agreed with reviews online that it could offer more support and be slightly firmer for her personal preference.
Pros
- High-quality and comfortable according to customer reviews
- Keeps its shape even after it's been slept on
- 300 thread count and pure cotton case
Cons
- Some customers and our tester wished it gave more support
| Type: | 80 per cent goose down and 20 per cent small goose feather |
Best feather pillow for extra cushion
Littens/AmazonIf you like your pillows with a little more cushion, you are going to love the Littens' Extra Filled Luxury Super King Size Pillow. Boasting a 230 thread count and a 100 per cent combed cotton cover, this pillow offers a silky-smooth touch when you rest your head. It is generously filled with 85 per cent white duck feathers and 15 per cent white duck down, so it can offer unmatched comfort and luxury. Its meticulous double-stitch edging and piped trim give it a touch of sophistication.
Some reviews highlight that the pillow is hypoallergenic with anti-dust mite properties, which was appreciated by those who have sensitivities to household allergens. What makes it hypoallergenic is that the filling is washed, sterilised, and steam purified. A handful of customers reported the pillow had an unpleasant odour when it was first unpackaged but it did go away after a couple of days.
Pros
- 230 thread count for the cover offers a silky-smooth touch when you rest your head
- Generously filled with 85 per cent white duck feather and 15 per cent white duck down
- The filling is washed, sterilised, and steam purified, making it hypoallergenic
Cons
- Some reviewers report an initial strong odour when unpacking the pillow but it goes away after a couple of days
| Type: | 85 per cent white duck feather and 15 per cent white duck down |
Best feather pillow for adjustable comfort
Silentnight/AmazonSilentnight's Duck Feather Pillows come with a breathable cotton cover and are generously filled with soft duck feathers, offering a plush resting place for your head. Whether you prefer a single pillow for softness or two for medium support, these pillows cater to every need. Their natural lightness ensures loftiness, while the cotton keeps you cool. These pillows also have the added benefit of being machine washable, guaranteeing natural comfort night after night.
Some customers say the feathers sometimes poke through the covers but overall both of them ae super comfy. The breathability of these pillows is something that is appreciated by customers as they say it helps prevent them from getting too hot while they sleep.
Pros
- Offers adjustable comfort levels: use one for soft and two for medium comfort
- Breathable cover to regulate your temperature while you sleep
- Pillows are machine washable
Cons
- Some customers found the feathers poked through the cover
| Type: | Duck Feather and Down Filling. |
Best value feather pillow set
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
Snuggle up in the embrace of this Habitat Duck Feather Soft Pillow. Crafted from 100 per cent cotton cover and 100 per cent duck feather filling, this pillow promises breathability and comfort. The feathers used are a by-product of the food industry, meaning the animals won't be alive when the feathers are gathered for use in pillows. The feathers are RDS certified, meaning full traceability and ethical standards exist.
Recommended by 75 per cent of customers on Argos, these pillows come with the convenience of machine washability and are ideal for tumble drying, too. As they're available as a two-pack, they offer great value for money. Customers find them to be comfy and soft but also quite flat so if you prefer a firmer, fluffier pillow, consider other options from our list.
Pros
- Made with 100 per cent natural duck feathers that are RDS-certified and fully traceable
- It comes with a pure cotton cover
- Machine washable and suitable for tumble drying
Cons
- Some customers said the pillows are quite flat
| Type: | 100% duck feather |
Best feather pillow for medium support
Snuggledown/AmazonIntroducing Snuggledown's Scandinavian Classic Duck Feather & Down Pillows, a blend of comfort and support. Designed especially for back and side sleepers, these pillows ensure your head is slightly raised and aligned with your spine. Encased in a 230 thread count soft touch cotton fabric with a blend of 85% Duck Feather and 15% Duck Down inside, this pillow is made of non-allergenic material and promises nights of serene sleep. It is also a washing machine and dryer-friendly, making it a fuss-free addition to your bedroom.
A popular choice on Amazon with over 6,000 reviews, customers like the level of comfort and sleep quality they provide for the price. Opinions are mixed on the level of support they provide with some customers saying they were too flat with others saying they offered great support, especially for those who sleep on their back.
Pros
- Washing machine and dryer-friendly
- Non-allergenic, reducing the risk of allergic reactions
- A blend of 85% Duck Feather and 15% Duck Down
Cons
- Opinions are mixed on the support they offer, with some customers feeling they are too flat
| Type: | 85 percent Duck Feather and 15 percent Duck Down |
Best feather pillow for sustainability
EarthKindIf sustainability is a priority for you, this pillow would be an excellent choice. EarthKind's commitment to sustainability shines through here. Crafted from recycled feather and down, this pillow retains its original warmth and softness with a 233-thread count cover. EarthKind's meticulous cleaning, sanitising, and hand-finishing processes ensure each pillow is as good as new. Made in the UK and devoid of plastic, it's an eco-friendly choice for any sleeper.
A handful of reviewers online felt this pillow was too thin for them and wanted something a bit fuller but for the most part, customers found it to be soft and cosy as well as supportive.
Pros
- Eco-friendly approach with recycled feather and down
- 233 thread count cover
- Customers found the pillow to be soft yet supportive
Cons
- Maybe too thin for some
| Type: | 85% recycled feather, 15% recycled down |
Best budget feather pillow
Dunelm Dunelm's Duck Feather Pillow Pair offers luxury at a low price. These pillows with premium white duck feathers promise a soft, breathable sleep experience. It has a pure cotton cover, boasting a 230 thread count and is finished with piped edging and cassette quilting. This pillow set is a real blend of style and comfort.
Customers do mention there was a slight smell when they opened these pillows but it disappeared quite quickly, other than that, reviewers echo our comments that these pillows are lovely and soft and great for anyone who loves the feeling of their head sinking into a pillow.
Pros
- A high 230 thread count for a luxurious feel
- Made with a premium white duck feather for enhanced comfort
- Soft, breathable, and finished with piped edging for a touch of elegance
Cons
- Some reviews say the smell is strong
| Type: | 100% Duck Feather |
Best feather pillow for breathability
Marks and Spencer always bring quality products, and their Duck Feather and Down Firm Pillows are no different. They are filled with duck feathers and down that are responsibly sourced to offer a firm yet luxurious feel. The 100 per cent pure cotton cover ensures breathability to ensure hot sleepers keep their cool while they hit the hay, while the Better Cotton Initiative also attests to M&S's commitment to ethical sourcing.
Customers love the firmness and support provided by these pillows and they also appreciate the quality of the materials used to construct them. As they are a firmer pillow, some reviewers have mentioned the filling can become a bit lumpy but that's nothing that a good plump-up and reshape can't help.
Pros
- Part of the Better Cotton Initiative attesting to M&S's commitment to ethical sourcing
- Responsibly sourced feather and down
- Made with 100 per cent cotton cover for breathability so great for hot sleepers
Cons
- Some reviewers have reported the feathers inside can go a bit lumpy after a while so you need to give it a plump up/reshape
| Type: | 85% new white duck feather, 15% new white duck down |
Best feather pillow for back sleepers
SlumberdownSlumberdown's Duck Feather Medium Support Pillows are essential for back and side sleepers with their medium support. Enveloped in 100 per cent cotton, these pillows are filled with duck feathers, promising a very restful night. These pillows are great all-rounders for those after soft yet supportive pillows, with hypoallergenic properties and an ethically sourced fill. Not to mention the added benefit of being machine and dryer-friendly.
These pillows are praised in the customer reviews for their quality, with customers particularly liking the 100 per cent cotton outer cover and the fact the duck feather filling is ethically sourced. Some reviewers mentioned they needed to frequently fluff the filling to make sure the pillow kept its shape and maintained the level of support it provided.
Pros
- Responsibly sourced feathers compliant with European Down and Feather Association regulations
- Offers medium support, ideal for back and side sleepers
- Washing machine and dryer friendly, ensuring easy maintenance
Cons
- Some reviewers felt the pillows needed frequent fluffing to maintain the support offered
| Type | 100% Duck Feather |
We put some of the most frequently asked questions to Danielle Mason, Head of Product Development at The Fine Bedding Co:
Best feather pillows FAQs
What's the difference between feather pillows and down pillows?
"Feather pillows are filled with the outer feathers of ducks or geese, which are larger, have a quill, and provide more structure and support. Down pillows, on the other hand, are filled with the soft, fluffy undercoating found beneath the feathers. Down clusters are lighter and offer a cloud-like softness, making down pillows incredibly soft and luxurious. Feather pillows provide more slightly more support, while down pillows are ideal for those seeking a softer, more plush feel."
Are feather pillows suitable for allergy sufferers?
"Feather pillows can be suitable for allergy sufferers if they are encased in a high-quality, tightly woven cover", says Danielle. Many feather pillows undergo special treatments to make them hypoallergenic. However, if you have severe allergies, it's important to choose a pillow specifically labelled as hypoallergenic or consider a pillow protector for extra protection.
Why does my new feather pillow have a distinct smell?
"A new feather pillow may have a distinct smell due to the natural oils and proteins present in the feathers", Danielle advises. "This odour is generally harmless and tends to dissipate over time. To help reduce the smell more quickly, you can air out the pillow by placing it in a well-ventilated area or outside on a dry, sunny day. Using a pillow protector and regularly washing the pillow cover can also help to minimise any lingering odours." We also recommend using a fabric fresher to help speed up the process or opt for a pillow spray to start out.
This article includes expert advice from Danielle Mason, Head of Product Development at The Fine Bedding Company. Danielle has 15 years of experience in product development, with a career spanning over the nursery, outdoor and home textile industries. Over the past years, Danielle has specialised in creating products designed to enhance sleep quality and address common sleep issues such as overheating, allergies and physical discomfort.
Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Yours, specialising in natural health and beauty. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.