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.
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 we dive into the roundup, it's important to know the difference between down pillows and feather pillows. 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 pillow at a glance:
• Best value feather pillow set: Habitat Duck Feather Soft Pillow- View on Habitat
• Best feather pillow for extra cushion: Littens Extra Filled Luxury Super King Pillows: View on Amazon UK
• Best feather pillow for sustainability: EarthKind Feather & Down Standard Pillow - View on John Lewis
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, too, such as cotton, linen or silk pillowcases, to really 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
Best value feather pillow set
www.habitat.co.uk
Description
Snuggle up in the embrace of this Habitat Duck Feather Soft Pillow. A bedtime luxury - crafted
Pros
- Made with 100 per cent natural duck feathers
- Comes with a pure cotton cover
- Machine washable and suitable for tumble drying
Cons
- Reviews say they are quite flat
Best goose feather pillow
Description
If goose feathers are your top choice, then this Hungarian goose feather pillow could be an
Pros
- High quality and comfortable
- Holds the shape
- 300 thread count and pure cotton case
Cons
- Can be over-stuffed for some
Best feather pillow for extra cushion
Description
If you like your pillows with a little more cushion, you are going to love the Littens' Extra
Pros
- 230 thread count for the cover
- 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
- Even though it's super filled, some may find it is not enough
Best feather pillow for a two-year guarantee
Description
Silentnight's Duck Feather Pillows come with a breathable cotton cover and are generously filled
Pros
- Offers adjustable comfort levels: use one for soft and two for medium comfort
- Ethically sourced and RDS-approved
- Comes with a manufacturer's 2-year guarantee
Cons
- Size dimensions are slightly smaller than standard UK sizing
Best feather pillow for medium support
Description
Introducing Snuggledown's Scandinavian Classic Duck Feather & Down Pillows, a blend of comfort and
Pros
- Washing machine and dryer-friendly
- Non-allergenic, reducing the risk of allergic reactions
- Blend of 85% Duck Feather and 15% Duck Down
Cons
- Non-removable cover, so will have to wash whole pillow
Best feather pillow for sustainability
www.johnlewis.com
Description
If sustainability is a priority for you, this pillow would be an excellent choice. EarthKind's
Pros
- Eco-friendly approach with recycled feather and down
- No plastic packaging
- 233 thread count
- Made in the UK, ensuring local quality
Cons
- Maybe too thin for some
Best budget feather pillow
www.dunelm.com
Description
Dunelm's Duck Feather Pillow Pair is luxury at a low price. These pillows with premium white duck
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
Best feather pillow for breathability
www.marksandspencer.com
Description
M&S always brings quality products to the table, and their Duck Feather and Down Firm Pillows are
Pros
- Part of the Better Cotton Initiative
- Responsibly sourced feather and down
- Made with 100 per cent cotton cover for breathability
Cons
- Specific firmness might not cater to all sleepers
Best feather pillow for back sleepers
www.wayfair.co.uk
Description
Slumberdown's Duck Feather Medium Support Pillow is a true essential for back sleepers. Enveloped
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 did not find it comfortable
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 flatter and have quills. Down pillows, on the other hand, use the fluffy undercoat of the birds, resulting in a softer and fluffier feel.
Are feather pillows suitable for allergy sufferers?
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.
Why does my new feather pillow have a distinct smell?
New feather pillows might have a natural scent. This usually dissipates after a few days. Airing it out or using a fabric freshener can help speed up the process, or opt for a pillow spray to start out.
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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.
