Lack of good sleep is not always related to physiological problems. The pillow we sleep on has a great influence on the quality of our sleep, and choosing the right pillow not only improves our rest but also positively affects our daily life.
Natural down and feathers have been the preferred choice for pillows since we first started using them. Duck or goose down and feather pillows come in many varieties, as down and feathers can be used in different combinations and at different levels of firmness.
A good, high-quality down pillow gives you gentle support while adapting to the specific shape and weight of your head, neck and shoulders. Its main function is to keep your head, neck and spine aligned during sleep, reducing tension and unwanted pain.
The right pillow is the one that best suits your sleeping style and, accordingly, the level of firmness you need.
There are 3 main sleeping positions: on your stomach, on your back and on your side. Even if you turn over during the night and aren't sure which is your dominant style, there is usually one preferred position — and it's typically the one you wake up in. Based on our experience and feedback from customers like you, here are the most suitable pillows for each sleeping style.
- If you sleep on your stomach, a low and soft pillow with less filling may be more suitable. Pillows with less filling are flatter and bring you closer to the mattress, reducing the angle of your neck. Sleeping on your stomach increases pressure on the neck and spine, which twist and bend backwards throughout the night. Only soft, low pillows allow your head to sink comfortably and minimise back strain. Choose your low and soft down pillow here.
- If you sleep on your back, a medium pillow is your ideal choice. To keep your neck properly aligned, the best option is a pillow that allows your head to rest level without tilting at an angle. Order your medium pillow here.
- If you sleep on your side, you need a higher and firmer pillow. More filling gives the pillow the depth needed to fill the space between your head and shoulders. Some people prefer two softer pillows to adjust as needed, or a large pillow to fold over — but for many, a pillow with a higher feather content works best, as feathers provide firmer support. Explore our firm pillows here.
What else should you consider when choosing a down pillow?
- If you are smaller in build, have narrower shoulders and sleep on your side — or if you change positions frequently during the night — a medium height and firmness pillow may suit you best.
- If you sleep on a very soft mattress and sink into it deeply, you may be better off with a lower pillow to avoid over-elevating your head.
- If you sleep on your side: the firmer the mattress, the higher and firmer the pillow you need. The wider your shoulders, the higher the pillow you need.
By understanding what your body needs and finding pillows that match your situation, you'll help ensure your spine stays well-aligned during sleep. You may need to try a few options before finding your perfect fit — but your neck and back will thank you for the effort. Sleeping better is a great investment in your health.
And we're here to help — with a 15-night trial period so you can choose with complete peace of mind, from the comfort of your own home.
Beyond your sleeping position, it is also worth considering the type of filling, the fabric and your budget when choosing a goose down pillow.
Filling: down, feathers or a mixture of the two?
Goose down pillows will naturally settle over time, becoming softer. How much softer will depend on how well they have been cared for and how they have been used. Following our goose down pillow care instructions will help keep your pillow fluffy and supportive for a long time.
A single wash will restore your down pillow to like-new condition. When choosing a down pillow, the quality and volume of the filling are of great importance for both durability and comfort. Explore our full range of down pillows here.
Some people prefer a firmer pillow that holds its shape better. Feather or down-feather pillows are denser and more supportive than those filled with down alone. If that sounds like you, browse our down and feather pillow range here.
If you'd like the softness of pure down and the support of feathers at the same time, a chamber pillow may be just right for you. These have a core of feathers or a down-feather blend for support, surrounded by a layer of soft down for comfort and cushioning. The result is a feel that is pleasantly soft yet substantial. The Poohy Double Down is ideal for lovers of this feel — and you might also consider the Poohy Duo or the Poohy Dellux.
Fabric
The choice of fabric matters beyond comfort alone. A tightly woven fabric with a high thread count (over 90 threads/cm² or 200 threads/in²), specifically designed for down products, is essential to prevent the filling from working its way through. 100% cotton is the best choice, as it enhances the breathability of the down and keeps the materials entirely natural.
The right fabric is also critical for protecting both you and the filling from dust, mites, body oils, sweat and other contaminants. All our pillows are made exclusively with cotton fabrics woven for down and feather products.
Budget
If price is an important factor, a feather pillow or a down-feather blend is a smart choice. Feathers are larger than down and available in greater quantities — roughly 80% of harvested material is feathers and only 20% is down — which keeps the cost of the final product lower. And don't overlook our chamber pillows made from duck or goose down, which offer excellent quality at a very competitive price point.
