I Didn’t Think a Pillow Could Be Plush *and* Firm at the Same Time, Until I Tried This One

It’s a running joke among those who know me that I can sleep almost anywhere. It’s a “gift” I intend to take full advantage of for as long as possible. There’s one important caveat, though: I can sleep almost anywhere with the right pillow. Right now, that’s Brooklinen’s new and improved Down Alternative Pillow. If you’re similarly picky about your pillows, this is the one you need to try. I’ll explain why. 

I’m already a fan of Brooklinen bed sheets (which editors agree are 100% worth it, BTW), and now I can say the same is true for its pillows. Unlike the brand’s Down Pillows (which our Shopping Editor says are like sleeping on air!), the new Down Alternative Pillows are made with a recycled poly microgel fill. The new fill feels just as fluffy and plush as real down, without the potential allergy-inducing effects — and it’s vegan, too. It’s wrapped in a soft cotton sateen shell and double-stitched at the edges to keep the fill where it should be. 

What’s more, you can choose your preferred level of plushness — soft, medium, or firm — for the perfect amount of support. I love a thick pillow that cradles my head while still keeping its shape, so I opted for the firm (the photo below is of a king-size). Here’s how it went when I tried sleeping on it. 

As soon as I lay my head on the Down Alternative Pillow, I wondered how I hadn’t tried one like it sooner. My old pillow had a super-firm foam filling, and Brooklinen’s is much softer by comparison — but that’s not a bad thing! I was actually so impressed by how the firm Down Alternative Pillow managed to feel plush and cloud-like, while keeping its bounce and shape. I didn’t even realize a pillow could be both. It offers the perfect amount of squishiness without skimping on the support I crave.

I’ve been sleeping on the Down Alternative Pillow for over a month now, and I haven’t had to flip it or fluff it a single time during the night, which is kind of a big deal. It’s plush, supportive, and dreamy-soft — all at the same time. Plus, it might seem like a small detail, but the cotton sateen shell makes it feel that much more luxurious. My old pillow had a knit shell that attracted dust and fuzzy particles. But the Down Alternative pillow has a smooth, crisp surface that I could lay my head on comfortably if I ever needed (although I always use a Brooklinen pillowcase, of course). 

The pillow comes in standard, king, or Euro sizes — and it’s now 20% off during Brooklinen’s Presidents’ Day sale. Use code PRESDAYSALE26 to save.

Buy: Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow, now $63 (originally $79)