I Want to Gift These Down-Alternative Pillows to Every Side Sleeper I Know

Image Source: PS Photography | Angela Elias

Finding a comfortable mattress required loads of research (and some trial and error), which I was expecting. What I didn't see coming, was the rocky road to find good sleeping pillows. As a chronic side sleeper, I can get a crick in my neck from just looking at the wrong pillow. I've splurged on adjustable memory foam options and pinched pennies with an Amazon Basics set - a set I actually loved until they became super lumpy. As a shopping editor, I'm exposed to tons of brands and became curious about the Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Set ($120-$140) as a weightier, allergen-free solution to down, so I decided to give them a try.

What I Like About the Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Pillow Set

I've been sleeping on these pillows for the past few weeks, and I think I've found a new favorite. I would definitely buy these for another room in my house and they'd honestly make a great gift for the side-sleeper in your life. Unlike the pricier memory foam pillows I invested in, these cause zero neck pain. They have a fluffy, cloud-like consistency that works just as beautifully for side and back sleeping. They're light and airy but provide just enough cushion so that my head doesn't sink to the bottom - a phenomenon I like to refer to as the taco effect. Unlike actual down, I don't have to constantly fluff them to offset the flattening - they just bounce back to their original fullness after a night's sleep.

Another perk as a down-filling alternative is that they're safe for anyone with allergies. My 6-year-old is incredibly sensitive to dust mites and he visits my bed regularly for snuggle shifts. We can read stories and watch a movie in bed (our favorite weekend activity) without him getting congested. I also love that I can easily wash these, even if they take a couple of low, tumble dry cycles to fully dry (hot tip: throw in some clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls for added fluff).

Image Source: PS Photography | Angela Elias

What to Consider About the Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Pillow Set

A couple of things to note if you're considering placing an order: this set comes in both a standard size (two pillows are perfect for a queen) and king size. One set comes with two pillows, which also makes them a great deal IMO, considering the quality.

Another subtle difference I noticed from my Amazon Basics set is that the Tuft & Needle set's casing is slightly noisier. Not so much that it's distracting when I'm trying to drift off to sleep, but I noticed it while changing my pillow cases. The Tuft & Needle casing sort of reminds me of the dust mite and allergen cotton pillow covers that I purchased for my son's bed, only these are a little softer.

If you're still on the fence, Tuft & Needle offers a 100-night sleep trial, so you don't have much to lose!

Image Source: PS Photography | Angela Elias

Who the Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Pillow Set is Best For

This pillow set is perfect for anyone with allergies who prefers lighter, squishier support and sleeps on their side or back. It's also a fantastic option if you want a high-quality pillow with a mid-range price.

Additional Details

• Includes 2 Pillows
• Comes in standard and king sizes
• High-quality polyester fill with 100% cotton shell
• Hypoallergenic
• OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified and tested against a list of over 1,000 harmful substances

Where is the Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Pillow Set Available?

The Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Pillow Set is sold directly on the brand's site.

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