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If you’re looking to elevate your sleep game, it’s all about where you lay your head at night. Finding a quality pillow might seem like quite the daunting task, after all, there are thousands of styles to choose from. Lucky for you, we worked with experts to find the absolute best luxury pillows on the market for all your needs, whether you’re a side sleeper or stomach sleeper with a range of soft to firm pillow styles from top bedding breands.
So, what makes a pillow the right choice for you? Overall, a high-quality luxury pillows will offer you a better night’s sleep and alleviate any aches and pains you might have grown accustomed to. In fact, Byron Golub, the VP of Product and Merchandising at Saatva, tells WWD, “The wrong pillow can severely impact your rest. It can worsen headaches, increase neck and shoulder tension, and make you wake up feeling like you’ve spent hours being active instead of resting. The qualities of a luxury pillow include construction with premium, eco-friendly materials that will last.”
If you already have your sleep routine down with the best silk pillowcases, silk pajamas, bed sheets, and even duvet covers, finding the perfect pillow is the final addition to optimize your beauty rest without neck pains.
Is a luxury pillow really worth the investment? In regards to price, luxury pillows typically range anywhere from $100 to $600, depending on fill materials, density, shell materials, and other special features. “Luxury pillows are typically constructed using higher-end materials such as organic cotton, natural latex, and high-density memory foam that will not wear as quickly as lower-quality pillows,” Golub explains.
When was the last time you replaced your pillow? If you can’t remember, then consider your luxury pillow purchase to be more of a necessity than a luxury. Golub adds, “The National Sleep Foundation recommends changing your pillow every one to two years to be on the safe side.” Be on the lookout for discoloration, feathers sticking out, and even odor — if you notice any of those sings, chances are, it’s time for a new pillow.
After speaking with experts, conducting market research, and testing out a wide assortment of plush pillows ourselves, we’ve curated quite the list of the best luxury pillows, below. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or are on the hunt for wellness gifts, gifts for mom, gifts for wives, gifts for girlfriends, or even cozy gifts this holiday season, don’t sleep on these luxury hotel-quality pillows to upgrade your much-needed rest and relaxation from beloved pillow brands like Casper, Tempur-Pedic, Brooklinen, and more.
Top Luxury Pillows of 2023
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Best Pillow for All Sleep Positions
Casper Original Casper Pillow
Sizes available: Standard and King
Fill material: Down Alternative
Density: Medium
Whether you’re unsure of your sleep position or would rather get a pillow that works for all of them, you can’t go wrong with this luxury pillow from Casper. If you tend to hit all of the sleeping positions in one night, you’ll appreciate the medium density this pillow offers. Plus, as it’s made with down alternative, it’s something we think those with allergies should take note of. Another reason we gravitate to down alternative pillows is that most of them (like this one from Casper) are machine washable. With a 100 percent cotton shell that stays cool all night long, even hot sleepers will find they don’t need to flip their pillow quite as often.
What testers say: “These pillows are extremely comfortable and the cooling gel feature truly helps to ensure a good sleep.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $52.65
Best Luxury Pillow on Amazon
Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow
Sizes available: Standard and King
Fill material: Down
Density: Available in Soft, Medium, and Firm
Amazon has a terrific curation of the best luxury pillows, but this Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow is one of our favorites. We love that it comes in all of the density levels so that everyone in the family can enjoy them, regardless of sleeping position. With down that is ethically sourced straight from American farms, you can rest easy knowing you’re dealing with a sustainable product. The pillows, depending on the density level you choose, will keep your neck aligned and your body free from aches and pains. And if you’re wondering about the best way to care for it, all you need to do is throw it in the washing machine on gentle and tumble dry it on low.
What testers say: “As a side sleeper, it really annoys me to sleep on soft pillows. I feel like my head sinks too far down, which affects my breathing, and I wake up with a sore neck. I really wanted a down pillow, but I have trouble finding “firm” ones that stay firm once you lay your head down. This pillow is amazing! It is definitely very firm, but it stays firm all night, and I love it. My sleep improved immediately, and I wake up less sore and more refreshed.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $179
Best Luxury Pillow for Back Sleepers
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pillow
Sizes available: Standard
Fill material: Memory Foam
Density: Soft to Medium
Back sleepers are going to fall head over heels in love with the Tempur-Cloud Pillow from Tempur-Pedic. And while we understand not everyone enjoys memory foam filling, if you do tend to gravitate toward it and you happen to be a back (or even a stomach) sleeper, this is, without a doubt, the pillow for you. The cover is completely machine washable, and if you’re a frequent traveler, you can rest easy because this pillow can be compressed and thrown into a weekend bag (without losing its shape). The low-profile shape has the capability to contour to your body and will leave you feeling relaxed and non-achy.
What testers say: “I have had neck problems for years, and I’ve tried all sorts of pillows. Nothing has come close to being as comfortable as the Tempur-Cloud pillow. I wake up pain-free. I am happy, and my neck is happy!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $65
Best Luxury Large Soft Pillow
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
Sizes available: Standard and King
Fill material: 100% Mulberry Silk
Density: Soft
If you’re on the hunt for a large soft pillow, allow it to be this one from Cozy Earth, which is widely known not only for their bedding and pillows, but also its super soft bath towels. One of our editors has been sleeping with the king-size version for the last year and has been getting the best sleep of her life. From the viscose shell material that’s soft to the touch, to the fill that’s made up of 100 percent mulberry silk, this pillow is a great option for stomach and side sleepers. With hundreds of raving five-star reviews, while this pillow is definitely on the pricier side (and available in both standard and king sizes), trust us (and the customers!) when we say it’s well worth the investment. One thing to note — the brand suggests regularly fluffing the pillow to maintain its shape, and to spot or dry clean.
What testers say: “Wow. I’ve only written two reviews in my life but this pillow exceeded my expectations. It’s so soft yet supportive. Your head doesn’t sink down on it. It is a wonderful investment and I’m so happy I bought it. Quality sleep!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $244.30
Best Luxury Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
Brooklinen Down Pillow
Sizes available: Standard and King
Fill material: Down Feathers
Density: Available in Soft, Medium, and Firm
This Brooklinen pillow comes in multiple densities including plush, mid-plush, and firm. Available in both standard and king sizes, and even packs of one, two, or four, you’re getting quite a deal with this down pillow. While it is made with down feathers, it might not be the best option for those dealing with allergies, however, if you don’t, we can’t suggest this pillow enough. We’d also like to note that Brooklinen is home to some of the best pillowcases for acne.
Stomach sleepers will enjoy the soft-to-the-touch cotton sateen shell, which is regularly noted in the thousands of five-star reviews we’ve read up on. For caring instructions, the brand warns against bleaching and ironing, and suggests either spot cleaning or dry cleaning.
What testers say: “Soft and comfy, just the right amount of give.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $109
EXPERT-RECOMMENDED LUXURY PILLOW
Saatva Latex Pillow
Sizes available: Standard and King
Fill material: Organic, Hypoallergenic Cotton Fibers and Latex
Density: Medium and Firm Available (referred to as “Standard Loft” and “High Loft”)
For those wanting a hypoallergenic option, the Saatva Latex Pillow comes in both medium and firm density pillows, meaning it can work for both side and back sleepers. This is one of Golub’s top picks for luxury pillows, too. “It provides luxury hotel-quality comfort with responsive and ultra-breathable support for back sleepers,” he says. “It features a three-layer construction, offering responsive head and neck support thanks to its shredded latex core. It is surrounded by a down-like microdenier fiber inner pillow and wrapped in a washable and removable 100 percent organic cotton cover. It comes in two lofts to give sleepers various options to suit their sleep needs more closely.” Plus, the luxury pillow cover it comes with is machine-washable, allowing for an easy cleaning process that’s durable.
What testers say: “I was shocked at how much of a difference these pillows made to my sleep. I like semi-firm and plush pillows and often found the down pillows got too soft over time. These latex pillows are a dream, they’re plush so you can shape them around for side sleeping, don’t lose their firmness over time, and they help stay cool. I cannot recommend them more.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $164
Best Pillow to Support Neck
Luxome Layr Customizable Pillow
Sizes available: Standard and King
Fill material: Down Alternative
Density: Customizable—Soft, Medium, and Firm
On the hunt for the best pillow to support your neck? Allow us to let you in on a little secret — Luxome makes an incredible pillow with features that are truly unmatched. What sets this pillow apart from the rest is that it is completely customizable. Instead of buying a pillow with just one density level, with this one, you can customize it to your needs, whether you’re going for soft, medium, or firm.
This pillow comes complete with additional inserts and filling, with a hybrid-style pillow that has down alternative on one side and gel-infused memory foam on the other. Available in both standard and king sizes, this patent-pending pillow is machine washable and can be adjusted to any level of neck support you’re seeking.
What testers say: “Really comfy pillow that’s super easy to customize. Helped me sleep peacefully all night. This is the pillow of my dreams!!!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $99.99
Best Luxury Pillow for Side Sleepers
Parachute Down Alternative Side Sleeper Pillow
Sizes available: Standard and King
Fill material: 100% Hypoallergenic Microfiber Fill
Density: Medium
Parachute makes amazing pillows and bedding, but their Side Sleeper pillow just might be one of their best offerings. Crafted with 100 percent hypoallergenic microfiber fill, this pillow is a great choice for those with sensitive skin or even allergies. Plus, it comes in both standard and king sizes, so you have options. With a medium density, it’s not too soft and not too firm, which is exactly what side sleepers want — something right in the middle. With a three-inch gusset, your neck will get the support it needs while you catch up on some sleep. Additionally, washing this pillow is relatively easy: The brand suggests washing it roughly every six months on a gentle washing cycle and low drying cycle with gentle soap.
What testers say “We have only had down pillows for 47 years. Decided to try the down alternative side sleeper pillow. We LOVE them!!! No worries about allergies. You can still crunch up the pillow. So comfortable. My husband says he now sleeps better than ever and no neck pain. We highly recommend these pillows.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $89
Best Luxury Premium Goose Down Pillow
Bloomingdale’s My Luxe Down Pillow
Sizes available: Standard and King
Fill material: White Goose Down
Density: Medium and Firm
If you’re going to invest in a goose-down pillow, let it be this one from Bloomingdale’s. Down fill is luxurious with a price tag to match, but investing in your sleep should be a no-brainer. This hypoallergenic pillow provides ultimate support with a cloud-like feel and is ideal for combination sleepers. The outer cover is made from 100 percent cotton, which can be washed on its own. Or, if you want to wash the entire pillow, take note from the brand and wash it on cold and tumble it on dry with clean tennis balls (a trick you may already be familiar with if you have a down comforter!).
What testers say: “I’m enjoying sleeping with my new down pillow. I bought the medium-firm with more down than the softer versions. The pillow is well made and has a higher-end cover on it. I love Bloomie’s higher-end bedding, and I believe this pillow compares with more expensive options with the added bonus it was on sale. I want more of them for my bed and our other bedrooms.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $420
Best Luxury Soft Pillow
Scandia Home Vienna Soft Down Pillow
Sizes available: Standard, Queen, and King
Fill material: Polish White Goose Down
Density: Soft, Medium, or Firm
Whether you’re a stomach sleeper or just prefer softer pillows, one of the best luxury options on the market is Scandia Home’s Vienna Soft Down Pillow. Using 750 fill power Polish white goose down and 350-thread-count cotton batiste for the shell, this just might be the softest pillow out there. It’s a great choice for those with sensitive skin, as it’s hypoallergenic, plus, it comes in multiple sizes and density levels so you can tailor it to your specific needs. For care instructions, the brand says dry cleaning is the best option.
What testers say: “While I realized immediately that I had purchased superior quality items upon unpacking my new Scandia Vienna Down Pillows, it wasn’t until I slept the entire night without tossing and turning, and awoke without any neck pain that I realized I had finally found my perfect sleep pillow.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $482
The Best Luxury Pillows for Different Types of Sleepers
The type of luxury pillow you invest in mainly depends on your sleeping position. “When shopping for a luxury pillow, you’ll need to identify your sleeping position to choose one that supports your head and neck comfortably as you sleep and what your pillow preferences are, including materials, construction, and loft height,” says Golub. “Ultimately, the best pillow is the one that keeps your head, neck, and spine in alignment and allows for open airways for proper breathing.”
- Luxury Pillows for Side Sleepers: If you’re a side sleeper looking for the best type of luxury pillow, you’ll most likely enjoy a pillow with a bit more density. We suggest looking at pillows labeled specifically for side sleepers, or even ones that have a medium to firm density. And since most side sleepers are worried about keeping their alignment straight, we suggest getting a pillow with at least a 3.5-inch gusset.
- Luxury Pillows for Stomach Sleepers: It should come as no surprise, but stomach sleepers will enjoy luxury pillows with a super soft density rating. In fact, anything that’s deemed as “medium” or “firm” will not be a good option for stomach sleepers. The lighter and squishier the pillow, the better.
- Luxury Pillows for Back Sleepers: Back sleepers need a lot of support when it comes to their pillows. If you find yourself in this category, just know you’ll need a luxury pillow with a medium or firm density level. It’s completely up to you on which level you decide to choose — just know that “medium” will be best for those with a softer mattress, and “firm” is great for firmer mattress options.
- Luxury Pillows for All Sleep Positions: If you don’t fall into one specific sleep position category, there are still some pretty amazing luxury pillows to choose from. Whether you go back and forth between sleeping on your stomach and back, or even occasionally sleep on your side, either look for a customizable pillow (that comes with a removable fill) or go for a medium-density pillow. You truly can’t go wrong with either choice as a combination sleeper.
Tips for Finding the Best Luxury Pillows Online
While searching for the best luxury pillow online, there are three main factors you’ll want to consider:
- Fill Materials: If you find yourself overwhelmed with the numerous options for fill materials when it comes to luxury pillows, you’re not alone. All you need to know is that there’s truly no wrong method when shopping. We do have some advice, though: If you love the luxe feeling of being in a hotel, go for a down fill, however, if you have bad allergies, down alternative will do the trick. Another common fill is memory foam, which is a great choice if you like to “sink” into your pillows.
- Shell Materials: Shell materials aren’t the most important factor to consider when shopping for luxury pillows. Why? Most of us use pillowcases! However, choosing a pillow with superior shell materials just might make a difference for some sleepers. Golub notes that the best shell material is certified organic cotton because it “is breathable, easy to clean, and grown without potentially harmful materials.”
- Density of the Pillow: Not sure which density to choose for your pillow? The first thing you should know is that most pillows fall into one of three categories: soft, medium, and firm. The level of density that will be best for you all depends on your sleeping position. Generally speaking, soft is for stomach sleepers, medium is for back or side sleepers, and firm is for back or side sleepers. Golub adds, “Your pillow’s fill density determines its firmness level and responsiveness. Memory foam and latex foam pillows will have a medium firmness and density. Down and down alternative pillows have a lower density and are typically softer. Wool and cotton pillows are usually firmer with a higher density.”
How We Chose the Best Luxury Pillows
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
Choosing the best luxury pillows was a task we were all too eager to take on. First, we started out with heavy market research and read up on the differences in materials, density, size, and more. We also looked at customer reviews, paying attention to both negative and positive quotes so that we could get a better understanding of what to expect. We also consulted with experts and conducted personal product testing to compile this list. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Expert
Byron Golub is the Vice President of Product and Merchandising at Saatva, a leading sleep company in the luxury space. He works directly with products and is highly knowledgeable not only in fabrics but also in sleep science.
Meet the Author
Taylor Augustin is a freelance beauty, fashion, and lifestyle writer based in Newport Beach, California. In addition to WWD, her work can be found in publications such as Teen Vogue, Byrdie, Popsugar, InStyle, Brides, and more. She interviewed experts and tested pillows herself for this story on the best luxury pillows.