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Shop NowWe test pillows against the same set of strict standards that we use for other pillow types, but we pay close attention to several factors that set different pillows apart. In addition to firmness, conforming, and ease of cleaning, we also measure breathability. Many sleepers choose specific materials for their cool feel. To determine how well a pillow regulates temperature, we use thermal sensors that measure heat retention and we try them ourselves too, taking notes on how warm or cool we think a pillow feels after use.
Traditional down pillows are filled with the soft inner layer of fine feathers from the chest and underbelly of ducks and geese. These feathers combine into the fluffy clusters that give down pillows their signature loft. When compressed by a sleeper’s body, the feathers deliver soft support to the head and neck.
Down alternative is a synthetic fill that mimics the performance characteristics of down. It is most often made from ultrafine polyester fibers or microfibers, as these most closely resemble the loft and supportiveness of natural down. Occasionally, you can also find down alternative pillows filled with cotton, kapok, or wool.
Down alternative does not come from animals, nor does it trap allergens like regular down tends to do. The vegan-friendly, cost-effective, hypoallergenic fill is a good choice for people with allergies, shoppers on a budget, and those concerned about animal welfare.
Down alternative pillows are versatile crowd-pleasers that are excellent options for guest bedrooms or rental homes. They’re vegan, suitable for people with certain allergies, inexpensive, and easy to wash at home.
Down alternative performs very similarly to down by design. However, each material has its own characteristics that can affect the way it performs inside a pillow. Down is natural and durable with lightweight loft and support. Down alternative is heavier and less durable, but it is also hypoallergenic, vegan-friendly, and often machine-washable.
Down Alternative vs. Down
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Down Alternative |
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Down |
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Down alternative pillows are a popular option because they can do an excellent job of mimicking down’s positive qualities while offering their own advantages. Sleepers searching for versatile, hypoallergenic, easy-to-clean, or vegan-friendly bedding options may find that a down alternative pillow makes sense.
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Hot Sleepers |
Tiny spaces between the ultrafine down alternative fibers create loft and allow air to pass through the pillow. This breathability helps keep the sleep surface cool. |
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People With Down Allergies |
Pillows made with synthetic fibers are generally easier to clean than natural down and do not have the cracks and crevices that tend to attract and trap dust mites and other allergens. |
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Good for Most Sleep Positions |
Fine and flexible, down alternative fibers are a versatile fill that can be adjusted to match most sleep position preferences. Some pillows come in different firmness levels, while certain models feature adjustable fill. |
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People Looking for Vegan Products |
Down alternative fibers create loft and softness without using feathers, making them a vegan-friendly option for shoppers looking to keep animal products out of their pillows. |
Washability is a major selling point for down alternative pillows. It’s so nice to be able to toss your pillow in the washer and not worry about whether it’s going to fall apart.
Down alternative pillows are one of the most common pillow types. We’ll take a closer look at what you should know about down alternative pillows, including how much they cost, how to wash them, and whether there are adjustable fill options.
Shoppers can find a basic, serviceable down alternative pillow in a big-box store or online for around $20 to $30. For above-average performance and higher-quality materials, prices start around $80 and can exceed $100 in some cases.
Many down alternative pillows are adjustable, meaning owners can access the interior of the pillow, usually via a zipper, and remove some of the fill for customized firmness and loft. If an adjustable pillow isn’t an option, sellers will often offer the same pillow in two or three firmness levels.
Ease of cleaning is one of down alternative’s major advantages over traditional down. While you should always check the care instructions, many down alternative pillows can be machine-washed and tumble dried on low. Consider adding tennis balls to the dryer to speed drying and promote loft.
Spot-cleaning with a vinegar solution or a gentle detergent can work for small stains or for pillows that are not recommended for machine-washing.
Polyester and cotton fibers have different performance characteristics that will appeal to different sleepers. In terms of options and availability, polyester is easier to find and generally has a wider range of choices, including support levels and cover materials. Polyester is usually cheaper, but this can depend on the quality of the fibers and the current market for cotton.
Both materials function similarly to down, though polyester is typically the closer match. Cotton is comparably easy to wash and breathable, but it generally sleeps firmer. It can be a good option for those looking for a natural alternative to down.
If you’re looking for a particular type of pillow, check out our other guides below.
Different sleeping positions need different levels of support from a pillow. We’ll explore both loft and firmness in relation to sleep position and how they work together to promote healthy spinal alignment.
Loft is another term for the height or thickness of a pillow. The loft of a pillow contributes to keeping your head, neck, and spine in proper alignment, making it an important factor in a pillow’s supportiveness and overall comfort. Selecting the best pillow with the right loft depends on your preferred sleep position.
Along with loft, firmness is also an important factor when selecting a pillow. It plays a key role in alignment and can greatly impact comfort. As with loft, choosing the right firmness level comes down to your preferred sleep position.
Supportive pillows promote spinal alignment. In particular, your pillow should keep your neck in a neutral position. Sleepers can avoid uncomfortable pressure points and sleep-related pain by selecting a pillow with proper support.
The supportiveness of a down alternative pillow depends on its loft and firmness and how well they match your preferred sleep position and body type. This means there is no universally supportive down alternative pillow.
Instead, sleepers need to take into account their preference for side, back, or stomach sleeping, as well as their shoulder, neck, and head proportions. Thoughtfully shopping with these personal needs in mind can increase the odds you’ll find a pillow that keeps you comfortably supported.
