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Our team at Sleep Foundation performs hands-on pillow tests to bring you the most helpful and data-driven recommendations and reviews. Our testing methodology incorporates objective and subjective evaluations from our expert testers. Below are some guidelines that inform our testing process:
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Austin is a professional writer and researcher who has covered sleep science and sleep products for over a decade.
Hotel bedding is synonymous with luxury. Since hotels need to accommodate a wide range of needs, preferences, and sleep positions, it should come as no surprise that most hotel pillows are as versatile as they are durable.
The quintessential hotel pillow has mid-range firmness and loft, is allergy-friendly, and resists wear and tear. However, variations on this gold standard are also available to fit different sleep styles. One thing that remains consistent across virtually all hotel pillows is their luxurious feel, which balances plushness and support.
Since hotel pillows are typically both comfortable and long-lasting, they can be an excellent choice for in-home use. Read on to learn more about how hotel pillows are constructed, where to buy them, and how to compare them.
Watch the video below to learn more about our top picks for best hotel pillows.
Best Overall
Saatva Down Alternative Pillow
Price:
$105 – $125
Fill:
Down Alternative
Firmness:
Medium
Who it’s best for:
Highlights:
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The Saatva Down Alternative Pillow uses high-quality materials that are designed to enhance breathability and comfort. Made from hypoallergenic down alternative fiber clusters, the pillow is suitable for people who appreciate a plush feel but are allergic to genuine down feathers. The Down Alternative Pillow also has the most accessible price-point of all Saatva pillows.
The pillow consists of microdenier down alternative fibers, which have a fineness similar to silk. The fibers are also porous, so the pillow is breathable in addition to being soft. Even though the fibers are lightweight, the cluster structure is more durable than standard types of fiber fill. The cover is made of cotton, a fabric that further enhances the pillow’s breathability. Satin piping on the cover adds a nice aesthetic touch.
With a medium firmness level, the Saatva Down Alternative Pillow can comfortably accommodate a range of sleep styles. Side and back sleepers under 230 pounds may especially enjoy the pillow’s mid-level loft. The pillow is very moldable, which might appeal to people who like to cuddle their pillows.
The Saatva Down Alternative Pillow is available in queen and king sizes. The pillow is not machine-washable and should only be spot-treated as needed.
Saatva offers free shipping and a 45-day return policy for the Down Alternative Pillow. The model includes a non-prorated 1-year warranty that covers defects in craftsmanship and materials.
Best Value
FluffCo Down & Feather Pillow
Price:
$89 – Standard $119 – King
Fill:
100% white duck feathers (inner chamber), 100% 600 fill power white duck down (outer chamber)
Firmness:
Soft, Firm
Who it’s best for
Highlights
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on FluffCo pillows
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A common complaint about down and feather pillows is the lack of support due to excessive softness. The FluffCo Down & Feather Pillow remedies this issue with a chambered design. The inner chamber is filled with white duck feathers, which are a bit firmer than down and provide better reinforcement for your head and neck. The outer chamber contains plush white duck down. The result is a pillow that feels luxuriously soft but shouldn’t sink too much.
FluffCo offers two firmness options for the pillow. The firm, higher-loft option contains more fill and best suits back sleepers who need to keep their heads upright, including people who snore. The soft option has a shorter profile and lower loft, making it a good option for stomach sleepers.
The pillow has received certification from the Responsible Down Standard, ensuring the down and feathers are collected without harming or abusing any animals. The cover is made from 100% cotton, a naturally breathable material that helps the pillow resist the buildup of body heat. The edges of the pillow are double-stitched to preserve its lifespan and prevent fill from escaping. FluffCo advises against machine washing the pillow and recommends spot cleaning or using a pillow protector.
Given its premium materials and high-quality construction, the Down & Feather Pillow is very reasonably priced. FluffCo also offers free shipping anywhere in the U.S. on orders over $75, covering every size of the pillow. You can return the pillow up to 30 days after purchasing and receive a full refund.
Best Luxury
Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow
Price:
Fill:
White down, down/feather blend
Firmness:
Soft, Medium, Firm
Who it’s best for:
Highlights:
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Boll & Branch has earned a reputation for high-end bedding products crafted from premium materials. The Down Chamber Pillow nicely exemplifies the brand’s commitment to quality and luxury. Plush down fills the upper chamber, creating a cloud-like surface for your head and neck, while feathers in the bottom two chambers provide reinforcement to prevent uncomfortable sinkage. A breathable organic cotton shell completes the comfortable design, ensuring the surface stays cool to the touch.
You can choose from three firmness and density levels depending on how you normally sleep. Stomach sleepers should find the soft design most comfortable, as it offers the thinnest profile and shouldn’t cause neck strain. The medium density has a mid-range profile ideal for back sleepers who want some lift to keep their head upright without too much elevation. If you usually sleep on your side, the firm density has a thick profile to align your head and neck with the rest of your spine. Selecting a loft based on your sleep position can help ensure you won’t wake up with stiffness or soreness.
You can also choose between standard and king sizes. The pillow may be washed and dried in your household machines, though you should launder sparingly to preserve its structure. A pillow protector can reduce the need for frequent washings. If the pillow flattens with use, you can also place it in the dryer to restore the original shape. The fill has been rinsed three times to reduce allergens — but if you have known down allergies, you may still experience symptoms.
The down and feathers have received certification from the International Down Standard, a leading global authority regarding ethical treatment for plumage-bearing ducks and geese. All domestic U.S. orders qualify for free ground shipping, and your purchase comes with a trial period spanning 30 nights in length.
Most Comfortable
Brooklinen Down Pillow
Price:
$109 – $149
Fill:
Canadian white down clusters or down/feather blend
Firmness:
Plush, Mid-Plush, Firm
Who it’s best for
Highlights
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Thanks to three firmness levels, most sleepers can find a Brooklinen Down Pillow that meets their needs and preferences.
The three firmness options are labeled as Plush, Mid-Plush, and Firm, which correspond to soft, medium, and firm respectively. Stomach sleepers can use the Plush option to add softness without a lot of loft. Side sleepers may prefer the extra support of the Firm pillow. Combination sleepers and those looking for a more versatile option might favor the Mid-Plush option.
Each firmness also has a distinct build. The Plush pillow is filled exclusively with down clusters for a fluffier feel. The Mid-Plush and the Firm use a dual-core design with supportive feathers in the center and soft down clusters in the outer layer. A higher ratio of feathers to down gives the Firm option its extra support. Each pillow is encased in a cotton sateen shell that feels soft-to-the-touch while preventing the feathers from escaping.
The pillows are treated with antimicrobial additives to reduce odors and keep them fresh. The Brooklinen Down Pillow can also be freshened up by using a dryer on the air fluff/no heat setting or leaving it outside on a dry day. Dry cleaning is also possible, but it may shorten the life of the pillow.
Standard and king sizes are available. Customers who aren’t satisfied with their Brooklinen Down Pillow can get a full refund of the purchase price through the company’s 365-day return policy.
Best Goose Down
Quince Luxe Goose Down Pillow
Price:
$120 – $159
Fill:
100% European white goose down
Firmness:
Soft/Medium, Medium/Firm
Who it’s best for:
Highlights:
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
Use this link for the most current Quince discounts
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Pure goose down is one of the softest pillow fill materials used today. As such, goose down pillows tend to be on the pricier side. The Quince Luxe Goose Down Pillow offers exceptional quality and comfort without the expensive sticker price. Lofty goose down creates a gentle cradle for your head and neck, and two density levels are available to accommodate different sleep positions.
The shell is composed of cotton sateen for a soft, gliding feel that won’t irritate the skin. A double-stitch perimeter with subtle piping protects the fabric from wear and tear that can lead to fill escaping. You may wash and dry your pillow in household machines. Alternatively, the pillow may be dry cleaned. Certification from the Responsible Down Standard indicates no geese are harmed to acquire the down, and that the animals are treated humanely throughout their life cycle.
You can choose between two density levels for your pillow. The soft/medium design is best suited to stomach sleepers because it won’t elevate the head or strain the neck too much. Back sleepers who prefer thinner pillows may also prefer this option. If you sleep on your side or are a back sleeper who prefers a thicker pillow profile, the medium/firm design should provide enough loft to keep your head upright and your spine properly aligned.
The Luxe Goose Down Pillow’s sticker price is reasonable, and Quince offers free ground delivery for U.S. orders. The company’s 365-night trial period is one of the longest in the online bedding industry. If you aren’t satisfied with the pillow, you’ll receive a full refund — even if the pillow has been used and laundered — and return shipping is also free of charge.
Best for Side Sleepers
Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow
Price:
$135 – $150
Fill:
Plant-based down alternative fibers
Firmness:
Medium
Who it’s best for
Highlights
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
Use this link for the most current Sweet Zzz discounts
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The Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow has an exceptionally soft design that mimics the feel of down but is derived from plants. The down alternative fill makes the pillow a great option for sleepers who are allergic to down or who prefer products that are not sourced from animals.
The pillow is designed with two chambers. The outer chamber contains a lower-density fill that creates a plush, fluffy surface. The inner chamber has a denser fill that generates support. The balance of plushness and support is ideal for many sleep positions, but we especially recommend it for side and back sleepers. The pillow contours closely to the head and neck thanks to the plush outer layer, but it doesn’t compromise on support due to the supportive inner layer.
The entire pillow is encased in a breathable cotton cover. Our testers found the pillow does not retain excessive heat, so we recommend it for sleepers who run hot. You can machine wash the pillow in cold water on a gentle cycle then tumble dry on a low setting.
Sweet Zzz offers a 50-night return policy, so you can try the pillow at home. If you decide to keep the pillow, it’s also backed by a 1-year warranty. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.
Best Temperature Regulating
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
Price:
$279 – $329
Fill:
Long-Strand Mulberry Silk
Firmness:
Medium Soft
Who it’s best for:
Highlights:
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Few bedding materials match the luxurious softness and natural longevity of mulberry silk. The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow’s fill is 100% mulberry, creating a plush yet supportive surface for the head and neck. The material holds a full shape, so you should notice little to no clumping or shifting even after continuous use. In fact, loss of shape is one of the structural defects covered under the pillow’s product warranty.
Silk is also naturally breathable and retains minimal heat. Another cooling component of the pillow is a cover made of viscose derived from bamboo, which has moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry in any weather condition. These qualities should appeal to hot sleepers and anyone who tends to sweat in their sleep.
Cozy Earth recommends spot cleaning or dry cleaning the pillow as needed. However, you may machine wash in a non-spin rinse cycle and tumble dry on delicate or low heat. Hanging the pillow to dry is also an option. Standard and king sizes are available.
The Silk Pillow’s expensive price-point reflects its high-quality materials and design, but Cozy Earth offers free ground delivery for U.S. orders. You may return the pillow within 100 days of the purchase date for a full refund, minus shipping charges. The pillow is also backed by a 10-year warranty.
Softest
Pure Parima Down Alternative Pillow Insert
Price:
$79 – $99
Fill:
Down alternative fibers
Firmness:
Soft
Who it’s best for
Highlights
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Pure Parima pillows
See Discount Price
Many sleepers enjoy the natural plushness of real down, but this material often carries a high sticker price and can trigger allergies for some people. Pure Parima’s Down Alternative Pillow Insert is packed with hypoallergenic fiber fill and costs much less than the average down pillow. As an added bonus for animal-conscious shoppers, the fill is completely synthetic.
The pillow is quite soft, and will compress deeply beneath your head and neck. This makes it a good fit for back and stomach sleepers because people who use these positions often experience neck strain on firmer, thicker pillows. The fill doesn’t retain much heat, so we also recommend the pillow for hot sleepers. Another cooling component is the shell made of soft, breathable cotton sateen.
Each seam is double-stitched to protect the fabric from rips and tears, so the fill should stay intact even with regular cleaning. You may launder the pillow in a front-loading washing machine. Wool dryer balls and a low tumble cycle are also recommended. Standard and king sizes are available.
In addition to its affordable pricing, the Down Alternative Pillow Insert qualifies for free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Pure Parima allows returns within 100 days of the delivery date, and exchanges within one week of receipt.
Best Neck Support
Pacific Coast Hotel Touch of Down Pillow
Price:
$79 – $89
Fill:
550 Fill power Hyperclean down and Resilia feather
Firmness:
Medium Firm
Who it’s best for
Highlights
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
Free ground shipping on all domestic orders with code: PACIFIC
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For all of their positive qualities, many hotel-style down and feather pillows sink excessively, and neck pain often follows Pacific Coast’s Hotel Touch of Down Pillow features a core chamber with supportive feathers, and an outer chamber with a blend of real down and lyocell fibers. This creates inviting plushness on the surface without excessive sinkage, resulting in optimal neck support.
Lyocell has moisture-wicking properties, so the pillow is a good option for anyone who tends to sweat in their sleep. Another cooling element is the cover, which is made from naturally breathable cotton. A tight weave helps the shell resist wear and keep the fill intact. Standard and king sizes are available.
The down and feathers are washed multiple times to remove dust, dander, and other allergens. Even so, the pillow may be problematic for people with allergies to these materials. Pacific Coast’s “Allergy Free” warranty allows you to return the pillow free of charge within 30 days and receive a refund if you notice any symptoms.
The Hotel Touch of Down Pillow is affordably priced compared to other similarly constructed models on the market today. If you reside in the contiguous U.S., you’ll also receive free delivery if you order a king size, and qualify for reasonable flat-rate shipping if you order a standard size.
Best Firmness Options
Down & Feather Company Hotel Collection Feather Pillow
Price:
$99
Fill:
100% Hungarian goose feather
Firmness:
Soft, Medium, Firm, Extra Firm
Who it’s best for:
Highlights:
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
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The Hotel Collection Feather Pillow from Down & Feather is another pillow with multiple density options to serve different sleep positions. The lowest-density “thinner” pillow also has a thin profile that is conducive to stomach sleeping, the “thin” pillow offers mid-range thickness well-suited to back sleeping, and the “thick” and “thickest” pillows provide plenty of loft for side sleeping.
The fill consists of Hungarian goose feathers, which provide decent support for the head and neck compared to down. The feathers are washed using recycled water and eco-friendly soap, so the pillow should appeal to customers with environmental concerns. Pure Egyptian cotton is used to construct the shell, resulting in a luxuriously crisp and breathable feel. The pillow does not contain any chambers or inner baffles, so the perimeter is held together with double-stitching and cording.
The Feather Pillow is quite affordable, especially compared to pillows that contain down. Shipping is also free for orders of $150 or more within the contiguous U.S. Down & Feather Co. backs the pillow with a 30-night comfort guarantee and a 10-year warranty.
When buying a hotel pillow, there are certain criteria to take into account. Assessing your priorities and taking a close look at a pillow’s features can help you get the best hotel pillow for your needs and budget.
“Universal comfort” or “for all sleep positions” are common buzzwords for hotel pillows. This typically means that the pillow has a mid-range firmness and loft, so it can accommodate most body types and position preferences. While these pillows may be comfortable for most individuals, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll feel ideal to you.
Paying attention to specific criteria is the most effective way to judge whether a pillow will meet your unique needs and preferences.
Size: Shoppers often select a pillow size that corresponds to their mattress size for a tidy look and convenient fit. However, some individuals may choose a smaller or larger option based on their personal preferences.
Loft: Pillow loft affects how far the pillow lifts the head. For ideal spinal alignment, stomach sleepers usually need a low-loft pillow or no pillow, back sleepers typically require a medium-loft option, and side sleepers generally need a medium- or high-loft pillow. However, these general guidelines can also be affected by firmness. For instance, a soft high-loft pillow may not support the head and neck any more than a firm low-loft option.
Since hotel pillows are typically designed to accommodate as many sleepers as possible, they often have a medium loft.
Shape: Pillows vary in shape based on their intended use. There are u-shaped pillows for travel, wedge-shaped pillows to elevate the head or legs, curved pillows for back support, and so many more options. Hotel pillows are designed for use in bed, so they tend to have the standard rectangular shape.
Weight: The sleeper’s weight often affects how firm of a pillow they need. Heavier individuals often rely on a firmer pillow for support, while lighter people may prefer a softer pillow for more cushioning. Weight also affects how firm a pillow feels, so a firm pillow may feel soft or medium to someone who weighs more, and a soft pillow could feel medium or firm to someone who weighs less.
Firmness Level: A pillow’s firmness influences its supportiveness and plushness. Softer pillows may be ideal for stomach sleepers who don’t need much support, while firmer options are typically better for side sleepers who need to keep their necks aligned. Most standard hotel pillows have a medium to firm feel, but some manufacturers also produce soft hotel-style pillows.
Fill: The fill of a pillow is responsible for its pressure relief, support, and overall comfort. Hotel pillow fill varies, with some using real feathers and/or down and others using polyester or microfiber down alternative. Any type of high-quality material can make a pillow feel luxurious and supportive. While down and feathers often have a stronger association with luxury, they may not be ideal for some allergy sufferers or people concerned with animal welfare. Down alternative pillows are often more affordable and easier to clean.
Cover Material: Most hotel pillows use cotton covers in either a percale or a sateen weave. Cotton is popular for its smooth feel and breathability. Some hotel pillows may use lyocell, polyester, rayon, and/or other materials in their covers, all of which can be comfortable depending on their quality and composition.
Pressure Relief: Hotel pillows are often built for pressure relief, balancing conforming and support to spread out the weight of the head and neck while promoting proper spinal alignment.
Price: Pillow prices vary dramatically, starting at less than $10 and reaching upwards of $1,000. Hotel pillows usually fall closer to the middle of the range, averaging between $60 and $150.
Temperature Regulation: Most hotel pillows use breathable materials so that they do not retain excessive heat during the night. Down alternative models typically allow the most cooling airflow thanks to their breathable fill. Selecting a pillow with strong temperature regulation may be especially important for those who tend to sleep hot.
Hotel pillows are popular for a reason. They’re typically suitable for sleepers of different body types and position preferences. However, there are a few potential drawbacks. For many shoppers, the most significant downside may be the price, which is usually higher than standard pillow models on the market.
ProsConsPillow size options vary between manufacturers, but standard, queen, and king sizes are typically most common.
Standard: Standard size pillows usually measure around 20 inches by 26 inches. This size is commonly used with twin and standard size mattresses, and it can fit into a standard or queen pillowcase.
Super Standard: Super standard pillows are less common than other sizes, measuring 20 by 28 inches. This slightly longer pillow may be a good option for those who do not want to leave much of a gap between the end of the pillow and the edge of the bed. They are especially popular for twin size beds, including bunk beds. Most standard and queen size pillowcases should accommodate them.
Queen: Queen size pillows typically measure approximately 20 inches by 30 inches. This extra length better fills the head end of a queen size bed and provides more room for the sleeper to move around and change position. Most queen size pillows should fit into either a standard or a queen pillowcase.
King: Most king size pillows measure 20 inches by 36 inches, making them the largest standard bed pillow size. This pillow size typically makes a king size bed look more polished, but it may also be beneficial for sleepers with broader shoulders.
Specialty: In addition to standard pillow options, there is a wide range of specialty shapes and sizes. While these are seldom labeled “hotel pillows,” they may provide the same luxurious feel customers want from a hotel pillow. Other common pillow types include body pillows, travel pillows, wedge pillows, and neckroll pillows.
Hotels use different types of pillows depending on their goals and budgets. While there is no universal hotel standard, most hotel pillows contain down and/or feathers or a down alternative. Most hotel pillows have a mid-range loft and firmness so that guests can enjoy some support and cushioning regardless of their body type and sleep position.
How much do hotel pillows cost?Hotel pillows typically cost between $60 and $150, but you can also find lower- and higher-priced options.
How do I clean a hotel pillow?Always clean your hotel pillow according to the manufacturer’s care instructions. If the manufacturer did not provide care instructions, contact them for more information. Following the best care standards for your pillow can help extend its lifespan. Some pillows are machine washable, and others can be dry cleaned.
How long do hotel pillows last?Most pillows last for one to two years but hotel pillows tend to be more durable, typically lasting around two to three years.
Are hotel pillows adjustable?Hotel pillows are not traditionally adjustable, but you may find some adjustable models labeled as “hotel pillows.”
Do hotel pillows have an odor?A pillow’s odor will depend on its materials. Down and feather pillows are typically more likely to have an odor than down alternative options. However, the manufacturer may provide instructions on how to clean the pillow to reduce odors.
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