Best Luxury Pillows & How To Choose
Last Updated: November, 2024
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They weren't wrong when they said, "happiness consists of getting enough sleep" because it surely does. However, this can't happen when sleeping on an uncomfortable pillow. Everyone has different pillow needs, from flat to full pillows to no pillows; it all depends on your neck and body adaptation to pillows. Because we spend more than a third of our lives sleeping, why not get yourself a luxury pillow to help you sleep like a baby?
There are so many different types of luxury pillows on the market today that it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. Do you want a down pillow, a memory foam pillow, wool, or something else entirely? We've reviewed seven luxury pillows using our 2 stage review process and listed them below. We mention their pros and cons to help you decide which one is right for you. According to our tests, the best luxury pillow is the Sateen White Goose pillow, made of down fibers acquired from the European white goose. Read about this and more in our guide below.
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Our Picks for The 7 Best Luxury Pillows
Sateen White Goose Down Pillow by Plushbeds - Best Overall
This RDS-certified pillow is filled with 100% European white goose down fiber and covered in a 300-thread count 100% cotton sateen fabric. It's soft, fluffy, and a great option for sleepers who love natural pillows.
Saatva Latex Pillow
The Saatva pillow is filled with 100% natural Talalay latex and covered in organic cotton. It's a great option for side and stomach sleepers because it offers firm support while still being soft and comfortable.
Plushbeds' Hotel Chamber Down & Feather Pillow
This pillow is filled with a blend of 50% white goose down and 50% feather and covered in a 230-thread count 100% cotton cambric fabric. Its medium firmness makes it a good option for all types of sleepers.
Layla Kapok Pillow
The Layla pillow is filled with fibers harvested from the kapok tree, a natural fiber sourced from the rainforest, and covered in organic cotton. It's a great option for side sleepers because it's soft and supportive.
GhostPillow Faux Down
This pillow is filled with a blend of polyester fiber and down alternative fiber and covered in a 100% cotton fabric. It's a good option for side sleepers who want the feel of down and luxurious, without the pricey tag.
Amerisleep's Dual Comfort Pillow
This pillow has two sides, one soft and one firm, so you can choose which side you want to sleep on. It's a great option for people who like to switch between sleeping on their side and their back.
Zoma Pillow
The Zoma pillow is filled with memory foam and gel combo plus ventilated mesh fabric that contours to your head and neck. It's a great option for people who want the support of memory foam but don't like how hot it can get.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Overall Thoughts:
The white goose-down pillows by Plushbeds are one of the best luxury pillows to grow your sleep sanctuary. I slept on it for weeks, and I was really impressed by its feel. It was soft and fluffy, and I loved how it conformed to my neck and head region without being too flat or firm. The most promising feature of this adjustable pillow is its naturalness, as it is made up of 100% European goose down only. And this goose down is sourced ethically and crafted exquisitely; and it is also RDS certified.
The goose down is responsible for its high weight to thermal ratio, consequently giving the entire pillow a high fill power. That’s why I've ranked it as the fluffiest, softest, and lightest pillow I've ever tested.
As a light side sleeper, the medium firm model of the Sateen White Goose Down Pillow provided me with enough support for excellent neck and head alignment. It was neither too soft nor too hard, and it didn't lose its loft over time.
Down also plays an important role in regulating temperature as it dissipates heat and has great air circulation. I didn't feel too cold or too hot throughout the night. The pure white cotton sateen cover with double stitched edges glorifies its beauty and according to the manufacturers, it makes the pillow durable for at least 10 years.
Managing this pillow is also very easy as it is washable and comes out of the drier with the same fluffiness. Willing to stack your bed with the softest and fluffiest pillow? Then nothing is better than this pillow. In fact, you can save up to $106 by purchasing the medium queen-size model today, as it's currently going for $318. While you can't return your pillow for a refund, each purchase is backed up by a 2-year warranty.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Overall Thoughts:
Saatva latex pillow is best for those who like adjustable fillers. Saatva has selected American-made shredded Talalay latex. This latex is then enclosed within a small removable pillow padded with soft microdenier fibers. The consistency of these fibers is similar to down or down alternatives.
The Saatva Latex Pillow comes in two sizes; a queen size 28" by 18" and a king size 34" by 18". It's one of the brand's most luxurious and organic pillows worth the price. What really impressed me with this pillow was its pillow-on-pillow design that enabled me to adjust the height and feel of my head support to my liking. All I needed to do was to remove the inner pillow anytime I wanted a lower loft. I personally liked the Saatva Latex Pillow on the higher loft level, as it delivered more support for my shoulders and neck.
Latex pillows are renowned for breathability and coolness. Similarly, the Saatva Latex pillow also considers the aspect of breathability and comes with a breathable organic cotton cover. While I was testing the Saatva Latex Pillow, its breathable cover ensured my nights were calm, cooler, and airier. Therefore, hot sleepers should get this pillow to transform their nights.
Latex is a naturally durable material. You can enjoy its medium soft feel even for years without observing any flattening effect. The Saatva Latex Pillow however comes with a 45-day trial and a one year warranty so you have time to test it out. You can purchase the queen model via Saatva’s official website for $165.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Overall Thoughts:
Missing that 5-star luxury hotel sleep? Then you must try Hotel Chamber Down and Feather pillows by Plushbeds. Plushbed has come up with an amazingly luxurious pillow for all those who prefer both softness and support as they sleep.
The pillow has two layers; the outer layer consists of pure white duck down, giving it a medium fill power. And this fill power is suitable for those who do not want too much fluffiness in their pillow. On the other hand, the inner layer comprises a dense, supportive feather-down fill. Personally, I loved how the pillow's medium fill power felt comfortable and prevented my head from sinking too far into the surface. But I think heavyweight sleepers might be better off with the firm model for side sleeping.
The pillow has a 100% cotton cambric cover with double stitch edges, making it both adorable and durable. Like other luxury pillows by Plushbeds, this pillow is also made of 100% natural and biodegradable material certified by RDS. While it wasn't specially designed to sleep cool, its natural temperature-regulating and insulating properties prevented heat retention, which kept me cool even during warm nights.
Overall, the PlushBeds Hotel Chamber is an exquisitely crafted and ethically sourced pillow that delivers a soft yet supportive feel while providing the perfect balance of comfort, support, and firmness. It has a price range of $318 - $424, making it an ideal pick for shoppers ready to spend on a top-quality natural, breathable, and supportive pillow. Each product ships free within the contiguous U.S. and comes with a 2-year warranty.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Overall Thoughts:
After testing the Layla Kapok Pillow for weeks, I rank it among the best pillows for side sleepers prone to overheating at night. If you really want to feel what luxury is, then there is no better option than Layla Kapok Pillow. The pillow is made using the harvested fibers of the kapok tree. It comes in a thin polyester outer cover with copper fibers for breathability. This really helped me feel less suffocated in my sleep.
The fill is made of the mentioned kapok fibers and some open-cell memory foam chunks that allow air circulation, which also enhances breathability and cooling for hot sleepers.
Having an adjustable loft makes the Layla Kapok pillow a fair option for all sleep positions. During testing, I could easily unzip the cover and remove or add fill to suit my preferences. Back sleepers will need to take out some of the fillings to reduce the pillow loft to about 2 inches for comfort and support. As a lightweight side sleeper, I found this pillow comfortable and supportive enough on its original loft size. However, stomach sleepers may need to take out some of the foam and fibers to reduce their loft.
Their sleep trial is an outstanding 120 nights with money back guarantee and free shipping policies. The pillow retails for $109 for a standard queen size. Your purchase is covered by a 5-year warranty against structural or manufacturing defects
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Overall Thoughts:
The GhostPillow Faux Down Pillow gave me the chance to experience the comfort of down pillows with the actual down filling. I slept on it for weeks, and I can say that it's among the best luxury pillows I've ever tested. It is designed to provide comfort and luxury, similar to a traditional down-filling pillow. It allowed me to feel and experience incomparable plush, comfort, and luxury. Because of its durable and high-quality down composition, I had an easy time cuddling up my shoulder, back, head, and neck. Its microfiber gel gave me a squeezable and huggable feel I've always craved. Moreover, it offered me the support I needed for peaceful nights.
According to the manufacturers, its 100% breathable cotton cover makes it airy and cool. Therefore, whether you live in moderate or hot areas, this pillow will ensure cool and calm nights. Another interesting feature of this traditional down pillow is its capability to treat your skin. Isn’t it amazing? Yes, it can. The faux-down Ghost pillow is allergen and dust-mite-free, which was great for my sensitive skin.
GhostBed claims that it designed this pillow to contour to the sleeper's head, neck, and shoulders for proper alignment, and it really lives up to this promise. When I first slept on the GhostPillow Faux Down Pillow, I noticed that I didn't wake up with any stiffness or pain in the morning. In fact, I felt more refreshed and energized.
The silky white cover delivered a soft and soothing effect when I started dreaming about my next day's achievements. And I loved my face's freshness each morning, thanks to the pillow-driven peaceful sleep. All of you fans of traditional down feel in your pillows should never give a second thought to this down pillow and must transform your sleeping space.
The pillow usually goes for $139. However, it's currently on a 50% off sale, so you can take advantage of this offer and grab this pillow for half its standard price. GhostBed gives their shoppers a 101-night sleep trial period to try out their pillows and return them for a complete refund if they're not satisfied with their purchase. Those who keep their pillows receive an industry-leading 5-year warranty.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Overall Thoughts:
Like most side sleepers, I often have a hard time finding a foam pillow that will deliver the right amount of support without being too soft or firm. That is until I tested this dual-sided pillow from Amerisleep. Having both comfort and luxury within a similar pillow can be challenging. However, Amerisleep has overcome this challenge by introducing dual comfort pillows. The pillows offer both incomparable comfort and superior luxury to every sleeper. No matter whether you are a side, back, or combo sleeper, this supportive pillow truly understands your comfort and support requirements.
The pillow is designed so sleepers can use it from both sides. One side is a firm pillow that offered me gently firm support. This is especially useful for side sleepers like me, as we need straight support for our neck, and it works best in this regard.
The soft side, on the other hand, delivered soft cushioning support, as it contoured to my head and neck while relieving painful pressure points. To add to this comfort and support, the pillow also possesses cooling channels that ensured cool and calm nights, even during warm nights. Thus obtaining both luxury and comfort in the pillow was no longer a dream. I could easily enjoy both with this dual comfort pillow.
What We Like
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Zoma believes in individuality. Therefore, it has designed a pillow that works for everyone. It has combined both versatility and coolness to provide you with customized support.
Unlike down-fill pillows, it is composed of hundreds of micro cushions. And these cushions are arranged to deliver customized support and comfort. Whether you are a back, side, or stomach sleeper, the down alternative pillow is your best sleeping partner.
Zoma offers two types of pillows, i.e., sports and body pillows. According to the manufacturers, the sports pillows provide support and comfort to the head and neck, while the body models are designed to offer flawless support and comfort to the whole body from head to toe.
The pillow possesses miraculous moldability and molds according to the needs of every sleeper. Once I adjusted the firmness and loft of my pillow to suit my needs, it retained its position throughout the night. After sleeping on this pillow for more than a week, I have to admit that there's no other pillow that has ever given me such customized support and luxury. I only had to place my head on this pillow and forget all the anxieties roaming in my head.
Thus all of you looking for customized luxury pillows, your search ends here as Zoma pillows promise peaceful nights to every sleeper. And extra detailing and care offered by Zoma never give you a chance to complain.
These Zoma pillows cost $100 for the queen model and $120 for the king-size option. Since they're final sale products, they're not eligible for returns or exchanges. However, your purchase comes with a 10-year warranty that covers your pillow against issues with craftsmanship.
How To Choose The Right Luxury Pillow
There are a couple of things to take into consideration when choosing the right luxury pillow for yourself. The ultimate factor is spinal alignment. Whenever you sleep, your spine should be relatively straight and not curved or bent in any way. Else, you'll suffer from back pain. Additionally, your spine, neck, and head should also be on the same level. If your head falls back or steers forward when lying down, then you'll experience neck pain. Therefore, the below factors discussed will be geared towards this alignment.
Sleeping Position
The first thing to consider is your sleeping position. Do you sleep on your side, stomach, or back? When sleeping on your back, the back of your head is almost already aligned with your neck and spine, leaving minimal space to fill. Hence, a thin pillow - say 2 inches - will do just fine.
On the other hand, side sleeping leaves you with space between your head and your shoulders. If you get a 2-inch pillow, your head will still tilt putting a lot of strain on your neck and pressure on your shoulders and can easily cause neck pain. What you need is a 6-inch pillow to support your head while releasing pressure from your shoulders.
Stomach sleepers need a thinner pillow so their head isn't forced upwards.
Type of Pillow Fill and Firmness
Yes, this matters big time! The fill in your pillow can either make your pillow firm or soft. Depending on the weight of your head, you may find a firm pillow to be uncomfortable while a pillow that's too soft may sink far losing the support factor on your neck and misaligning your spine. Feathered pillows are usually soft while a pillow with buckwheat hulls is firm.
The truth is, there's no definitive answer to what type of pillow filling you should get. It all boils down to personal preferences and needs. We suggest that you lie down on different types of pillows in the store, before purchasing one so you can have an idea of what feels most comfortable for you.
Pillowcase Material
The material of your pillowcase is also important to consider. A good pillowcase will dissipate heat and keep you cool while you sleep. Silk pillowcases are known to do this best and are as luxurious as can be. Even better are gel-infused pillowcases that have a cool feel. A velour material will keep wrinkles off your face and have you waking up with smooth skin.
Cleaning Styles
As we mention pillowcases, not every pillow comes with a removable case. For example, the GhostPillow comes with two casings; one to cover and hold in place the fillings and another outer pillow cover. It's advantageous to get a pillow with a removable and washable cover so that it's easy to keep it clean throughout. Sleeping on an overused dirty pillow can bring about acne, enhance asthma and ruin your beauty sleep. Remember that every pillow comes with different cleaning styles, so make sure to read the instructions and find out whether you can machine wash the full pillow or wash the cover only. If it has no cover, buy a pillowcase for it.
Adjustability
Some pillows are adjustable and other brands go to the extent of packing the pillow with an extra bag of filling. An adjustable pillow is one where you can easily access the fillings within and take out or add more into it to change the firmness or size of the pillow. Such a pillow will be a lifesaver since you can just purchase and perfect it to your needs. Make sure to store the extra fillings in a clean and dry place, you may end up needing them as your pillow disintegrates.
Pillow Size
The size of your pillow should also be considered, depending on the bed you sleep in. If you have a twin-sized bed, then a small pillow will do. But if you have a king or queen-size bed, go for a big and fluffy pillow. Not only will it look great but it'll give you ample support throughout the night.
Closing Thoughts
The best luxury pillow is ultimately the one that gives you the best night's sleep. Consider your needs and preferences and choose accordingly. With so many different types of pillows on the market, it can be hard to make a decision but we hope this guide has helped shed some light on what to look for when choosing a luxury pillow.
Gabe is the newest member of The Sleep Shop team. If you like the design of The Sleep Shop, give Gabe a thumbs up. He’s a digital marketing and design guru and the brains behind the design and SEO of The Sleep Shop. He also won’t say no to testing a ton of mattresses either, and helps on almost every mattress review.
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I love your article! Pillows are important for sleeping and choosing the right one can make a difference with having a good night’s sleep. There are so many to pick but I like a firm pillow and would choose the Plushbeds’ Hotel Chamber Down & Feather Pillow. For me, I find hotel pillows to be too soft but I think this would not be the case. What are your thoughts on buying two pillows to see which is better as far as firmness?