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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. Plus, plenty of them are on sale for Black Friday.
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
➼ The one we didn’t like
Updated on November 21, 2025: Updated prices and checked stock for all products. Added three new pillows.
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The Kassatex European Down pillow was my overall top choice. Even after trying another round of pillows, I still choose these as my 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.
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These 100 percent down pillows from Amazon really impressed me. They had a great squish: soft enough for you to sink your head into, but still retaining some support/heft to them. If you are looking for a cheaper option, but still want quality, these are your pick. They are 85 percent gray-goose feathers and 15 percent gray-goose down, and 100 percent cotton casing.
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This popular Brooklinen one is a great option for anyone who likes to sink into a pillow. It offered less support/ more softenss than the two above, so if that is your thing, go for it. I ordered the mid-plush option, and it was good.
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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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“I’m usually a back sleeper but I move throughout the night, and I still find every position I end up in comfortable and my neck still feels supported. You also sink into the “moon foam” cubes, which I like the feeling of. I’ve been stealing this whenever he’s gone and I might have to get my own soon,” wrote our writer Lizzie Guilino.
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These have a bit less hold than the other ones we tested, but they’re great for people who want to really sink into their pillow.
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Now, I know that this pillow is very expensive. It’s a Hästens afterall. But the design — two pressure-relieving cylinders, inside the casing — is by far the most innovative I’ve seen. The cylinders offer support while allowing for your head to really sink into the pillow. Plus, the filling is 85 percent duck feathers and 15 percent down.
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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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These pillows are great. They are an excellent option for those who want a little more support.
I didn’t like this Eli & Elm memory-foam pillow. It wasn’t soft enough for my liking. It also has an unpleasant odor, which I didn’t appreciate.
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