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You already have your sleep routine down with the best silk pillowcases, silk pajamas, bed sheets, and even duvet covers, but something seems to be missing. Enter: The perfect pillow, which is the final touch that’s needed to optimize your beauty rest and put neck pain in the rearview mirror. Elevating your sleep game, after all, is all about where you lay your head at night, but with thousands of styles and brands to choose from, finding a quality pillow might seem like a Sisyphean task. Lucky for you, we worked with top sleep experts to find the absolute best luxury pillows on the market for all your needs — no matter if you’re a back sleeper, stomach sleeper, or have a soft spot for the fetal position.
“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,” explains Byron Golub, the VP of Product and Merchandising at luxury mattress company Saatva. “The qualities of a luxury pillow include construction with premium, eco-friendly materials that will last.”
Top Luxury Pillows of 2024
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.
If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your pillow, consider your upcoming purchase to be more of a necessity than a luxury. We hate to be the bad guys, but discoloration, feathers sticking out, and odor are all signs that it’s fine time to part with the past. “The National Sleep Foundation recommends changing your pillow every one to two years to be on the safe side,” Golub notes.
After speaking with experts, conducting market research, and testing out a wide assortment of plush pillows ourselves, we’ve curated the definitive list of the best luxury pillows. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or are on the hunt for wellness gifts, gifts for your mom, gifts for your wife, gifts for a girlfriend, or cozy gifts this holiday season, don’t sleep on these hotel-quality pillows from beloved brands like Casper, Tempur-Pedic, Brooklinen, and beyond. They’ll take your REM cycle to new heights, trust us.
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Best luxury Pillow for All Sleep Positions
Casper The Original 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 one from Casper, whose medium density achieves a true Goldilocks balance. It’s also made with down alternative — something we think allergy-prone individuals should take note of. Another reason to gravitate towards down alternative pillows is that most of them, the Casper Original Pillow included, 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 new purchase 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: $55
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 for Tempur-Pedic’s Tempur-Cloud Pillow. And while we understand that not everyone enjoys memory foam filling, if you do give it the seal of approval and happen to be a back (or even a stomach!) sleeper, this is the pillow for you. Its cover is completely machine washable, and frequent travelers will be delighted to hear that this pillow can be compressed and thrown into a weekend bag without ever losing its shape. The best part? It contours to your body and will leave you feeling refreshed — sans aches — when that alarm rings in the morning.
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: $89
BEST luxury PILLOW FOR A COOLING EFFECT
Purple Harmony Pillow
Sizes available: Standard and king
Fill material: Ventilated Talalay latex
Density: Soft
If you can’t catch proper ZZZs because of how hot you get in bed, this pillow from Purple is the ultimate solution to the insomniac woes. It comes equipped with a trademarked Honeycomb GelFlex Grid, which provides soft support while increasing breathability to keep hot sleepers comfortable.
A moisture-wicking cover also eliminates the experience of waking up in a cold sweat — something to be grateful for in any season. Have commitment issues? Purple offers a 100-night trial, after which you can get a full refund. That’s one more thing to help you sleep at night (which you won’t have a problem with after resting on this pillow’s responsive support and airy feel).
What testers say: “I have been searching for a long time to find a pillow that provides the right support for my neck and spine. I clench in my sleep and I need something supportive but soft. I love that you can take out the stuffing and keep it in an extra throw pillow! This is soft and malleable.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $179
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 — a brand widely known not only for its bedding and pillows but also for super-soft bath towels. From the viscose shell material that’s soft to the touch to the fill that’s made of 100-percent mulberry silk, this pillow is a great option for stomach and side sleepers. Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but trust us (and the hundreds of raving five-star reviews!) when we say the investment is worth it. Note that the brand suggests regularly fluffing it to maintain the shape, as well as 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: $209.30
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), too, you have plenty of ways to calibrate this luxury pillow to your sleep preferences and bed size.
The pillow is filled with down feathers, which isn’t recommended for those with allergies; however, we can’t suggest it enough for those without the seasonal sniffles. 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, while suggesting either spot cleaning or dry cleaning. Psst: Brooklinen is also home to some of the best pillowcases for acne.
What testers say: “Soft and comfy, just the right amount of give.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $81.75
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 very best luxury pillows, but this Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow has to be one of our favorites. We love that it comes in all of the density levels so that everyone in the family can enjoy, regardless of sleep position. With down that’s ethically sourced straight from American farms, you can rest easy knowing you’re dealing with a sustainable product. As for the best way to care for your new pillow? 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 EXPERT-RECOMMENDED PILLOW
Saatva Latex Pillow
Sizes available: Standard and king
Fill material: Organic, hypoallergenic cotton fibers and latex
Density: Available in medium and firm (referred to as “standard loft” and “high loft”)
For those who need a hypoallergenic luxury pillow, the Saatva Latex Pillow comes in both medium and firm densities, meaning it can work for both side and back sleepers. This is one of Golub’s top picks for what he calls its “hotel-quality comfort.”
“It features a three-layer construction, offering responsive head and neck support thanks to its shredded latex core,” Golub explains. As a bonus, its accompanying pillow cover is machine washable, allowing for an easy and durable cleaning process. One less thing to worry about equates to longer, more satisfying sleep.
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: $165
Best luxury Pillow to Support your Neck
Luxome Layr Customizable Pillow
Sizes available: Standard and king
Fill material: Down alternative
Density: Customizable — soft, medium, and firm
Allow us to let you in on a little secret — Luxome makes an incredible pillow that works overtime to support your neck. What sets this model apart from the rest is that it’s completely customizable. Instead of buying a pillow with just one density level, you can tailor this one to your exact needs, whether you require soft, medium, or firm neck support. Not only does it come with additional inserts and filling, but it’s also a hybrid-style pillow that has down alternative on one side and gel-infused memory foam on the other. Why settle for ordinary when you can have all this?
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: $100
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 is known for its cult-favorite pillows and bedding, but their Side Sleeper Pillow just might be one of the best offerings. Crafted out of 100-percent hypoallergenic microfiber fill, this pillow is a foolproof choice for those of us with sensitive skin and allergies. It also has a medium density that’s not too soft and not too firm, which is exactly what side sleepers want — something right in the middle. Another thing this product can humble brag about? The fact that it’s easy to wash! The brand suggests doing so 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: $110
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
We get it: Goose down fill is the peak of luxury with a price tag to match, but investing in your sleep should be a no-brainer. This hypoallergenic pillow provides trusty support with a cloud-like feel, making it ideal for combination sleepers. The outer cover is made from 100-percent cotton, which can be washed on its own. If you want to clean the entire pillow at once, however, take note from the brand by washing it on cold and tumbling it on dry with tennis balls (a household trick you may already be familiar with if you own 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: $369
Best luxury Soft Pillow
Scandia Home Vienna Soft Down Pillow
Sizes available: Standard, queen, and king
Fill material: Polish white goose down
Density: Available in soft, medium, and firm
Calling all stomach sleepers and those that 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 you’ll own in your lifetime. Having hypoallergenic properties, it’s a safe choice for those with sensitive skin; plus, it comes in multiple sizes and density levels, giving you the freedom and flexibility of choice. 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: $550
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 [ensures] 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 one with a bit more density. We suggest looking at pillows labeled specifically for side sleepers or ones that have a medium to firm density. Since most side sleepers are worried about keeping their alignment straight, we also recommend investing in 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 with a medium or firm density will not be a good option for this crowd and must be avoided at all costs. 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, know you’ll need a luxury pillow with a medium or firm density level. Specifically, medium will be best for those with a softer mattress, and firm is the right choice for firmer mattresses.
- Luxury pillows for all sleep positions: If you don’t fall into one specific sleep position category, there is still no shortage of luxe pillows to shop online. As a combination sleeper, you can’t go wrong with a fully customizable pillow that comes with a removable fill or one with a medium density. It’s all about balance.
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 multitude of options for fill materials in the world of luxury pillows, you’re not alone. While there are truly no wrong answers here, we do have some advice: Those who adore the feeling of luxuriating in a hotel bed should go for a down fill, and those with bad allergies should stick to a down alternative. Another common fill is memory foam, which is a marvelous 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.”
- Pillow density: The first thing you should know is that most pillows fall into one of three density categories: soft, medium, and firm. The level that will be best for you primarily 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 says that “your pillow’s fill density determines its firmness level and responsiveness.” “Memory foam and latex foam pillows will have a medium firmness and density,” he adds. “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 Authors
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 to write the original version of this story on top luxury pillows.
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on luxury home products and contributed to the December 2024 update of this article.
Source: Shop – wwd.com
