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Down Alternative / Gel Pillow Reviews and Ratings -- Based on Data From Over 1,800
Actual Owners
Page last updated November 18, 2009
What You Need To Know
85% of the over 1,800 actual owners included in our research say that they are satisfied with their down alternative / gel pillow. Brands tend to be similarly competitive.
Pros
A down-like feel without the allergies, easy to care for, good air flow, value
Cons
May lack adequate support and firmness for some, possible off gassing, some clumping
Related information
Pillow ratings & reviews
Pillow comparison grid
Owner data on pillow brands
What Is a Down Alternative / Gel Pillow?
A down alternative or gel pillow is not filled with down or any type of gel. Rather, it is filled with polyester "gel" or "puff" fibers. This makes the pillow similar to a traditional polyester-filled pillow in some ways. However, polyester gel does have some unique properties. Namely, it has a similar feel to goose down, yet without the potential allergy issues sometimes associated with down.
About Our Research
Our research findings are based on at least 1,800 actual synthetic down / down alternative / gel pillow owner reviews / comments collected from diverse sources. Click here for more information on our research methodology.
Ratings of Down Alternative / Gel Pillow
Sample size: at least 1,800 owners of various brands and sizes.
85% |
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Soft |
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Fair-Poor |
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Good-Excellent |
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Excellent |
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Fair |
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Fair |
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No |
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Good |
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Fair-Good |
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Fair-Good |
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Fair-Good |
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Yes |
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Fair-Good |
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Fair |
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Good |
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Fair-Good |
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Fair-Good |
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Fair-Good |
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Medium |
Firmness
Owners generally say that the pillow has high softness / low
firmness. Words or phrases used to describe the pillows include
fluffy, cushy, cloud-like, contouring, plump, light, down-like,
squishy, not quite as soft as down, bouncy, flexible, plush.
Support
Owners generally say that the pillow provides low or average
support. A lack of adequate support is the main complaint about
the pillow. About 15% of owners included in our research would
have preferred more support. Owners are generally split as to
whether the pillow hold its shape adequately through the night.
Loft
While the pillow may appear to have significant height or loft,
owners say that a person's head will sink substantially into
the pillow. Some fluffing is often needed after use to return
the pillow to its original loft.
Durability / longevity
Based on owner data, expect about average durability. A small
percentage of owners report some clumping of the pillow's contents.
Sleeping positions
Owners indicate that the product can be suitable for back, side
or stomach sleepers. Side sleepers, however, may have to do
some "scrunching" of the pillow to achieve the loft
that they need.
Pain issue
Pain relief provided by the pillow is about average at best,
with around 6% of owners reporting reduced pain since using
the pillow, such as neck pain. About 2% of owners say that the
pillow causes pain.
Sleep quality
About 10% of owners report sleeping better and more restfully
since using the product.
Noise
They are quiet with no rustling or crunching noise coming from
inside the pillow.
Air flow
Owners were pleased with how the product stayed cool. Only a
couple of owners complained of the pillow being a heat trap.
Weight
They are usually not considered lightweight, but about average.
Odor
There were some complaints about initial off gassing, but odor
coming from the product is not common.
Allergies
The pillows are hypoallergenic but are susceptible to dust mites
since mites like to feed on the polyfiber.
Maintenance
They may need shaking or fluffing to maintain their loft, say
owners. They can usually be machine washed.
Price
Down alternative / gel pillows are low to moderately priced.
Value
Given their low price, reasonable durability and respectable
owner satisfaction, they make a good value.