Not Too Firm, Not Too Flat − I’ve Finally Found the Perfect Pillow for Comfortable Side Sleeping
The Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow is soft yet supportive
I've been a side-sleeper my whole life. Prioritizing a pillow that keeps my spine aligned is my main concern when it comes to my sleep space.
Recently, I've been testing the recently relaunched Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow, and can safely say I've found my perfect fit. With a recycled hypoallergenic fill that's suitable for sensitive sleepers or those with allergies, it's irresistibly fluffy and comfortable.
Since entering my rotation earlier this year, it's quickly become my best pillow for comfortable side-sleeping. Here's why.
This plush pillow has quickly become my firm favorite, and it's ideal for keeping your spine aligned if you're a side-sleeper like me.
On the scale of soft to firm, I definitely prefer my pillows on the flatter, squishier side, as it helps to combat any neck pain which could crop up due to my side sleeping position. For that reason, I opted for the Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow in the Standard size and Soft Support option.
Without being overly effusive, it's genuinely my perfect pillow. I haven't slept with any other pillow (apart from when away from home) since I started testing it, and haven't woken up with a sore neck, or found myself uncomfortable when I try to fall asleep once.
As it's filled with premium, high-grade hypoallergenic recycled poly microgel that perfectly mimics the feel of down, it's also perfect for sensitive sleepers with allergies, like me. Down pillows, or rather the dust trapped in the dander, tend to trigger my asthma and other symptoms associated with common allergens, so this alternative, which feels almost exactly the same, is ideal.
And, if you prioritize shopping the best organic bedding, which is one of my top considerations when browsing, from the luxe sateen shell to the recycled fill, this pillow has also been rigorously tested for harmful substances and certified to meet the strict global safety criteria of the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, and meets the Global Recycled Standard, too, which ensures that the recycled fill is both ethically sourced and produced.
What to Shop
Looking to shop for more upgrades for your sleep space? From pillows to protectors and pillowcases to toppers, you can shop my selection of summer essentials below, all of which have been tested and vetted by us here at Homes & Gardens.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
You may be skeptical of this affordable pillow, but with over 400 five-star reviews, it's a clear hit with shoppers on a tighter budget. Like my Brooklinen favorite, it's filled with 100 percent recycled polyester and is machine-washable on a hot wash at 140 degrees Fahrenheit to kill dust mites.
I haven't personally tested this pillow pick from Brooklinen, but our former Sleep Editor, Emilia Hitching, did and said it 'checked every box for comfort, cooling, and cost.' It's cleverly adjustable, too. 'I'd recommend this pillow to everyone, unless you don't like the feel of memory foam,' she added.
Our expert tester, Meg St-Espirit, found that this pillow supported her in any sleep position. 'From the moment I opened the box, I was impressed with the loft and feel of the Saatva Latex Pillow,' she says. 'This pillow has the luxurious 'sinking' feel of a nice down pillow, but it springs back up more quickly.'
It's definitely an investment, but this mattress topper from Nolah has seriously transformed my mattress and made side-sleeping more comfortable than ever. With just the right amount of support for my neck, hips, and knees, it's cool to the touch and perfectly plush, and it will give any old mattress a new lease of life.
This mattress protector proves that you don't need to spend much to keep your bed space sanitary. On test, I found it impressively waterproof, and the crinkle-free material stays quiet as I move around in my sleep, too. As it's so affordable, it's particularly perfect for any guest bedroom ideas checklists.
These decorative pillowcases have made an absolutely beautiful addition to my bedroom space, with a contrasting scalloped edge that adds texture and character. I opted for mine in this rosewater and sage colorway, but they're also available in five different elevated shades.
Adding decorative pillows to your bed is a fun way to re-energize your space, with minimal cost and effort.
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