Serious question: Out of all the tranquil places in the world, does anywhere really ever top your bedroom? From the softest pillows to the most sumptuous sheets, the accessories you choose can make or break your serene escape and determine how easy it is to fall asleep. When it comes to the former, we haven’t been able to stop dreaming about our favorites these days. That’s why we polled our editors on the plush pillows they use to drift off on a nightly basis.
Our Top Picks for the Softest Pillows
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In our very thorough research (a.k.a. nodding off), we found that there are several soft materials that can satisfy even the most finicky sleepers. Goose down feather pillows are a level above the rest, offering a squishy yet substantial feel that doesn’t fall flat—hence why they’re a mainstay at five-star hotels. From there, down alternative fiber pillows made of popular fills like microfiber, memory foam, and latex are our go-tos for allergy-prone sleepers. All in all, the choice is yours when it comes to the best pillows to match your sleep style. But in case you need some help narrowing down your list, look to the picks our team loves for a good night’s sleep.
For consistency, the pricing in this story reflects standard/queen sizes. Rest assured that many brands also offer king size pillows for those with a grand bedroom design.
Inside the Article
Best Overall
Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow
- Perfect balance of softness and support
- Made of sustainably sourced materials
- Comes in several density options for customized comfort
It may take two to three cycles to fully dry after a machine wash
- Fill material: Triple-washed, IDS-certified down fill
- Shell material: Long-staple 100% certified organic cotton
- Sizes: Standard, king
- Care: Wash as needed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low.
Boll & Branch is a favorite of ours for its organic sheets, but the brand’s pillow collection deserves just as much attention. Contributor Elaheh Nozari rests comfortably each night on this signature, sustainably sourced pillow, featuring a 100% certified organic cotton shell and triple-washed, IDS-certified down fill. As a stomach sleeper, Nozari says she likes a soft pillow like this one with a touch of firmness. “I like a down pillow, but I don’t want my head to sink all the way in until I can feel the mattress under my head,” she says. “The medium density was just right for me—I could feel the feathery softness when I put my head down, and there was enough sturdiness for my head to feel supported.”
Best Down Alternative
- Comes in multiple sizes and lofts
- Ideal for those with chronic neck and back pain
- Supreme density and cushioning, long warranty
The fill isn’t machine washable
- Fill material: Microdenier fiber and Shredded natural latex foam
- Shell material: 100% organic cotton
- Sizes: Queen, king
- Care: Machine wash the cover.
A popular down alternative fill, this latex pillow is a best seller our team can back without question. As a side sleeper who needs a little extra support for her head, contributor Sydney Gore likes this high-quality pick for its ability to erase her neck pain and other chronic issues. “Saatva claims that the pillow provides ‘ultimate head and neck support,’ which I can vouch is true,” she says. “I have some serious back issues and was surprised to wake up feeling more rested after the many nights I spent snoozing on such a luxurious pillow.”
In addition to queen- and king-size options, you can choose between a low loft (ideal for stomach and back sleepers) and a high loft (for side sleepers like Gore). The dense, responsive latex core is also coated with a 100% organic cotton cover for ultimate breathability. “Another perk is that Saatva offers 45-day free returns and a one-year limited warranty if you’re not satisfied with this pillow, which I think is fantastic,” Gore adds.
Best Budget
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Photo: Lori Keong
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Photo: Lori Keong
Quince Premium Down Alternative Pillow
- Hypoallergenic feel
- Sumptuous cotton sateen cover
- Machine washable
The fill material isn’t sustainable
- Fill material: 100% polyester fiber fill
- Shell material: 100% cotton sateen shell
- Sizes: Standard, king
- Care: Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle.
As someone who seeks a plush support, Quince’s premium down alternative pillow hit all the right notes for associate commerce director Lori Keong. “The polyester fill is firm enough to prop my head up without me sinking into its depths, but still has some squishy give (see the video!) that doesn’t feel like I’m lying on the floor,” she says. Don’t let the price tag fool you: While it rings in at under $50, the 100% cotton sateen shell has a high-end feel, “enough to live up to the ‘premium’ descriptor,” Keong notes. It’s hypoallergenic too, so it’s ideal for sensitive sleepers.
Best Luxury
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Yelena Moroz Alpert
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- Great for layering
- Plush feel
- Made of high-end, hypoallergenic materials
- Fill material: Mulberry silk
- Shell material: Bamboo viscose
- Sizes: Standard, king
- Care: Spot clean or dry clean.
While it’s possible to snag quality pillows for cheap, we think a high-end pick like this one is definitely worth the splurge. Made with a velvety bamboo viscose shell and spongy mulberry silk core, this is the softest pillow contributor Yelena Moroz Alpert owns—so much so that she says the new pillow feels like “sleeping on whipping cream in the best way possible.” Aside from its plush texture, she explains that it can be maneuvered as needed while still holding its form.