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Reading Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea as a child was a formative experience. I’ve had issues falling (and staying) asleep ever since I can remember, so I finally felt understood. I am not a bad sleeper; I’m just “the princess and the pea.” As an adult, I’ve learned that means I am very particular about my bedding (pillows, sheets, mattresses, duvets, etc.).
So I set out to find the perfect pillow. In a span of two months, I tried about ten different types of pillows. My criteria for finding the right one? It needs to be soft enough that I sink my head into it, but not so soft that my head feels like it is on the mattress. I generally prefer down pillows, but I am also open to a down-alternative option. And when I ordered them, I didn’t distinguish between the two, giving both options a fair shot. Below, you can find what I liked (and didn’t like) about each one I tried.
So, what are the best sleeping pillows?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
➼ The one we didn’t like
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Our top picks
Overall Best Pillow
The Kassatex European Down pillow was my overall top choice. I returned to this pillow night after night, not wanting to try the others because I liked it so much. It is pricey, but what is that saying about spending half of your life in bed, so you might as well invest in it? Yeah. The squish factor is perfect: My head sinks into the pillow, but not so much that it doesn’t offer support. I ordered the medium support level, but it is also available in soft and firm support levels.
Runner-Up Best Pillow
This popular Brooklinen pillow was my next choice. It’s a great pillow for anyone who likes to sink into a pillow. But it offered less support. So if that is your thing, go for it. I ordered the mid-plush option, and it was good.
Best Down Alternative
As far as down alternatives go, the Saatva pillow was my favorite. I ordered the Latex Pillow at a standard height (roughly four to five inches high), and it provided excellent support. A bit too much for my liking, though. I prefer a bit more of a sinking feeling. But it would be great if you were a side sleeper.
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More tried-and-true options
Another Down-Alternative One
I loved the Beckham Hotel Down Alternative pillows because they kept me very cool. (I am a cold sleeper.) The polyester filling was not my favorite, but it is a good alternative.
Best Foam Option
If you like memory foam, this one is actually really good. It morphs into your neck and back, making it the right amount of comfort.
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The One I Didn’t Like
I didn’t like this Eli & Elm memory-foam pillow. It wasn’t soft enough for my liking. It also has an unpleasant smell, which I didn’t appreciate.
