Best Down Pillows in Canada

Years in the sleep industry have taught us all about getting a good night’s sleep, including the products that can help. We’ve looked at the way sleepers react to different products, paying special attention to how they sleep and which problems they face. This research allows us to recommend the best sleep products possible, especially when it comes to bedding, mattresses, and of course, the best down pillows in Canada.

Our selection process helps us reduce the number of down pillows we consider. Rigorous testing and feedback trials help us rule out the pillows that don’t quite cut it. Meanwhile, our team of at-home testers tell us which pillows they loved sleeping on. A combination of this data helps us determine which pillows to recommend. Along the way, we looked at factors such as these.

• Type of Down. There are multiple types of down and alternatives on the Canadian market. Finding the right type of down for you isn’t always easy, but we’re here to help.
• Cover. Since you’ll be interacting with the cover of the pillow, you should know how it feels and what it’s made of. We’ve included the cover materials separately to help you decide.
• Other Materials. What other materials are used in the pillow? Some down pillows have separate adjustable or support cores, so it’s important to know what’s going on inside your pillow.
• Loft. Loft and density can describe how comfortable a pillow will be depending on how you sleep. We’ve included the loft of each pillow to help you choose the option that will be most comfortable for you.

Why Should You Choose a Canadian Down Pillow?

Are down pillows better than the less expensive options you can find at most retailers? In short, yes. Down pillows offer some unique benefits that make them worth the extra investment.

First, down pillows last longer. Because they aren’t made with synthetic materials, they may last for up to 10 years if properly cared for if you purchase a high-quality down pillow. Synthetic options might not last as long, and you may need to replace them more often.

Down is also breathable. However, it is also naturally insulating. If you sleep very hot, you may want to purchase a down pillow with a lower density. Lower densities have more room for air to flow, allowing for great breathability. High-density pillows tend to sleep warmer.

Finally, down often contours to your body. This means that a down pillow can adapt to how you sleep. If you purchase a pillow with the right loft and density for you, it can easily lead to better sleep with a more customized support system.

Though down pillows can be more expensive, they are worth it. The benefits can change the way you sleep and help you wake up ready to take on the day.

How to Choose a Down Pillow in Canada

Choosing to switch to a down pillow can be difficult. Thankfully, we’re here to help. Once you’ve decided that you want a down pillow, the following features and options can help you choose the one that works best for you. 

Type of Down

There are two main types of down, as well as a few alternative materials that you might find used in place of down.

• Duck down is the less expensive type of natural down. There is more duck down available, so most mid-range and less expensive pillows use duck down. This type of down has smaller, fluffier clusters, so it’s more breathable than goose down.
• Goose down, on the other hand, is extremely insulating. Goose down uses larger clusters, making it warmer and fluffier. It’s also more expensive than duck down.
• Down alternatives like microfibre and other types of fill mimic the properties of natural down. However, you don’t have to question ethics or sourcing for this type of down. They are often air-blown and made to feel exactly like the real thing but at a fraction of the cost.

Keep in mind that down pillows and other products usually do not contain 100% down. Most use a combination of down and feathers. Some companies will disclose how much of each they use, while some will not. Some companies also advertise 100% down products, which are expected to be more expensive than blended options.

Cover

The cover (or shell) of your pillow is the part you’ll be interacting with. Because of this, it’s important that the cover is soft, comfortable, and feels great on your skin. You should use a pillowcase or pillow protector with every down pillow, but the cover can help contribute to the overall feel of the pillow. Plus, the cover can sometimes be removed for cleaning.

Most down pillow covers (or shells) are made of soft 100% cotton, which is breathable and smooth.

Even pillows with nice covers need to be protected, which is why we recommend using a pillowcase with your down pillow. Pillowcases can help your pillow last longer, reduce wear and tear, and help keep your sleeping space fresh. Pillowcases are easily removable and washable with the rest of your sheets, while some down pillows may not use washable covers. 

While there is no specific type of pillowcase that works best with down pillows, we recommend using silk pillowcases. If you want an upgrade from the pillowcases that came with your sheet set, silk pillowcases offer a ton of great benefits.

Other Materials

Though you may think the fill and the cover are all that make a pillow, there are some exceptions. Hybrid pillows and adjustable pillows, for example, use down and cotton in combination with a shredded memory foam core. This core allows you to remove and replace fill at will, completely changing the feel of the pillow.

It’s important to keep an eye on the other materials included in your down pillow. This can tell you about the pillow’s quality, but it can also give you a heads-up about other features or allergens that you might encounter.

Loft and Density

Each pillow has a defined loft, or height. This loft can tell you if it will be comfortable for your sleeping position. This is determined based on the support each loft offers, though you can, of course, choose a different loft than your sleeping position dictates.

As it stands, most low-loft pillows are meant for stomach sleepers. Medium-loft pillows are perfect for back sleepers, while high-loft pillows are ideal for side sleepers.

Density is also a factor. These two figures are often mentioned together to help you visualize how the pillow will feel and perform. Density is sometimes measured in firmness (soft, medium, or firm), but companies will occasionally use a number to describe how dense the pillow is.

That number is the GSM, or grams per square meter. This tells you the weight of the pillow by determining how much fill sits inside one square meter of the pillow. The higher the GSM, the higher and firmer the pillow is. High GSM is around 900 or more, while low GSM starts at around 300.

Certifications

Since down is gathered from animals, it’s important to maintain ethical standards across all parts of the down industry. Certifications can tell you that down is gathered sustainably, that it comes from high-quality farms, or that it’s safe for human use. Here are just a few of the certifications you’ll come across while shopping for a down pillow.

• OEKO-TEX. OEKO-TEX is a third-party textile company that rates cotton, wool, and a host of other textile materials. An OEKO-TEX certification ensures quality as well as safety. These certifications tell you that no harmful chemicals were used in the product.
• Downmark. Downmark helps ensure down and feather quality. This company tracks ethical practices and the quality of products each company produces. A certification from them means that the down is of the highest quality.
• Responsible Down Standard (RDS). The Responsible Down Standard works alongside the down and feather industries to help promote ethical treatment and gathering practices. This third-party authority rewards the company for treating its ducks and geese well and following strict animal welfare protocols. A certification from the RDS tells you that a company is ethical and sustainable.

Each down pillow may not have all of these certifications, but you should look for options with a range of valid certifications. Most certifying third-party companies allow you to search their database of certified companies. If you are unsure about the validity of a certification, you may be able to check the third party website. 

Sleep Trials

If you purchase a pillow at a retail store, you’ll be able to touch it before you make your purchase. You can test it out for a few moments to make sure that it feels okay for you. This opportunity can help guide you when purchasing the right pillow. However, purchasing online doesn’t allow you this same test period.

Thankfully, most sleep companies have developed a workaround for this problem. Instead of being able to feel the pillow before you buy it, you’ll be able to try it out for a few months after your purchase. During this time, you can return the pillow for a full refund with no questions asked. It’s risk-free and allows you to get a better idea of whether the pillow will work for you.

Pillow trials range from around 30 nights to 100 nights, and some companies have different terms. Make sure to check the terms offered by the sleep company to determine if you want to try the pillow for yourself.