Skip to Content

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

The best down duvets, pillows and mattress toppers for a comfy night’s sleep

Cosy up with the GHI's tried and tested down-filled bedding

By
VerifiedTested by Homes Testing Manager
best down duvets, pillows and toppers

The best down and feather duvets, pillows and mattress toppers are popular choices when it comes to creating a comfy, cocooning bedroom thanks to their plump and cosy finish.

While the best fibre bedding is good for those who have allergies and can be more affordable, natural down bedding is usually more premium and should serve you well for years to come.

But there are lots of options on the market, and that’s before you even start to consider tog count and design. Luckily, we've been busy testing the best down and feather bedding on the market here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, with the help of our reader panel.

These are our top-rated buys at a glance, but scroll on for the full reviews.

Best down filled duvets, pillows and toppers


We’ve also Tried and Tested the best mattress, best weighted blankets, and the best bed sheets and duvet covers.

What is down filled bedding?

Feathers and down are the most common type of natural fillings for bedding. They're sourced from geese or ducks and are known for creating soft and cosy duvets, pillows and toppers.

The difference between down and feathers is that feathers come from the wings and back and contain the vanes and quills (which is why you sometimes feel the odd prod). Goose down is from the deep insulating layers of the chest and belly of the bird.

Down is also known for its lightweight, yet warm properties, which make for cloud-like bedding. You'll often see the location of the birds listed in the product name too. That’s because, typically, the colder the environment, the warmer the bedding is – if it’s good enough to keep a Siberian goose warm, then we’re sure it will keep you toasty, too.

As down is an animal-derived material, there’s always the question of ethical sourcing. Most companies now source feathers and down from birds that are being raised for food where their welfare is monitored. And European down must comply with EU legislation regarding animal welfare too, but it’s always best to double-check on retailer sites.

You can also shop with brands like EarthKind for extra peace of mind. It works with recycled down – you'll find its products in our list below.

How to wash down bedding

Always check the label for guidance on specific down-filled duvets, pillows and toppers, because sometimes you can’t wash them. However, generally, you should be able to machine wash them at around 40C.

Tumble dry them afterwards so the feathers can plump back out again. It’s best to avoid air drying, as this can lead to an increased risk of mildew.

How we test bedding

Everything on our list, whether a pillow or a mattress topper, was tested by four different people at home for up to a month. After sleeping with the bedding night after night, they report back to our in-house experts on whether it was comfortable at night and how breathable it was. They also tell us if they’d recommend it to others and if they plan to keep using it after the trial.

Back in the Good Housekeeping Institute lab, our experts carry out wash tests for each product, checking for any shrinkage, loose threads or changes in the filling. Finally, they collate all this information and award each product a score, taking into account its design, ease of use and care instructions. So, get cosy and check out their top picks.

All duvet prices quoted are for UK doubles.

Best down and feather duvets

best lelo vibrators
Best down duvet

The White Company Hungarian Goose Down Duvet

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Hungarian Goose Down Duvet

Pros

  • Good at regulating body temperature
  • All testers would recommend it to others

Cons

  • Minor shrinkage after washing

Score: 96/100

The White Company knows a thing or two about quality homeware, and this Hungarian goose down duvet is no exception. It’s filled with 90 per cent white goose down and 10 per cent small feathers to create a light, yet plump duvet. Our testers found it warm and comfortable. One described it as “a hug in a duvet”.

We tested the 10.5 tog version, which is a great year-round buy. But it has optional studs so you can attach an additional duvet, should you want more warmth. The down is sourced as a by-product of the food industry, and The White Company says it uses cruelty-free suppliers.

Key specifications

Filling90% Hungarian goose down 10% small feathers
Casing329 thread count cotton jacquard
Tog10.5
SizesSingle, double, king, super king
Machine washYes
Guarantee10-year guarantee
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Runner-up down duvet

Snuggledown Hungarian Goose 10.5 tog duvet

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Hungarian Goose 10.5 tog duvet
Now 29% Off

Pros

  • Maintains warmth well
  • Ethically-sourced

Cons

  • Needed plumping after washing

Score: 91/100

Another Hungarian goose down duvet, it was the quality finish that helped this to second place. Our experts praised the well-constructed, sturdy seams that separate the down filling into square pockets to stop them from clumping together. It required some fluffing up after drying to ensure they were dispersed equally, but this isn’t uncommon for a down-filled duvet.

It’s filled with 80 per cent goose down and 20 per cent feather, which the brand claims is ethically sourced and certified by the Responsible Down Standard. All our panellists said they’d recommend this duvet to others.

Product specifications

Filling80% Hungarian goose down and 20% Hungarian Goose feather
Casing300 thread count cotton Jacquard cover
Tog10.5
SizesSingle, double, king, super king
Machine washYes
Guarentee1-year
Best affordable down duvet

Christy Feather and Down 13.5 Tog Duvet

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Feather and Down 13.5 Tog Duvet

Pros

  • Soft feel
  • Easy to unpack

Cons

  • Difficult to wash due to its thickness

Score: 90/100

"Soft, fluffy and luxurious," was how one tester described this warm duvet. Its thicker 13.5 tog makes it the perfect option for those who feel the cold, and the premium design is easy to fold away when the weather warms up, too.

Some testers found this duvet difficult to wash due to its thickness. But the brand recommends professional laundering, so this shouldn't be an issue, especially as you'll only need to do it once or twice a year – and given the slightly lower price tag, we think it's definitely worth it.

Key specifications

Filling85% feather, 15% down
CasingCotton
Tog13.5
SizesSingle, double, king, super king
Machine washProfessional launder recommended
GuaranteeNo
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best all-seasons down duvet

Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Duvet - 13.5 tog

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Hungarian Goose Down Duvet - 13.5 tog

Pros

  • Versatile 3-in-1 option
  • Filling still even after washing

Cons

  • Joining both duvets together was too hot for some testers

Score: 90/100

Coming in two layers, this all-season duvet is the most versatile pick on our list. Sleep with the 4.5 tog layer when it's warm, the 9 tog layer on those in-between nights, and then combine them for a cosy 13.5 togs when it's colder. If that doesn't suit, there's also a lighter option that gives you a combined tog of 7, or one that joins to make 11.5 togs– so you can find the right level of warmth for you.

It scored well for design and its even filling and was easy to wash and dry. Our testers said it was “super cosy”, it felt “like a cloud” and it kept heat in even if you had to get out in the middle of the night – although based on the level of comfort it provides, you'll struggle to leave it in the first place...

Key specifications

Filling90% Hungarian goose down and 10% small white Hungarian goose feather
Casing300 thread count
Tog2.5 to 11.5 tog
SizesSingle, double, king, super king
Machine washWash at 40°c every 6-12 months
Guarantee60-night trial
Best recycled down duvet

EarthKind Recycled Feather and Down Duvet - 10.5 Tog

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Recycled Feather and Down Duvet - 10.5 Tog

Pros

  • Fits well inside duvet covers
  • Lightweight but still cosy

Cons

  • Some shrinkage after washing

Score: 89/100

Bedding brand EarthKind uses ethically and responsibly sourced materials for all its bedding – the 85 per cent feather and 15 per cent down filling in this duvet comes from pre-loved duvets and pillows destined for landfill. And there’s no need to worry about the quality, as the filling is repurposed into a fresh and thoroughly checked filling of the highest standard.

We’ve tested a few iterations of the brand's duvets, including this 10.5 tog design (which testers loved for its “softness and body temperature control”), and a 13.5 tog version (which scored 88/100). Testers said that one had a "luxurious feel” and praised its “thick, quality finish, which means no feathers poke through,” which is always a nice bonus for down duvets.

We even tried the brand's three-in-one design; our testers liked it, but the two parts bunched a little, which meant it scored slightly lower with 83/100.

Key specifications

Filing85% feather and 15% down
CasingCotton
Tog4.5
SizesSingle, double, king, super king
Machine wash40ºc machine wash
GuaranteeUnspecified
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best budget feather and down duvet

George at ASDA Luxury Feather and Down Duvet 10.5 Tog

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Luxury Feather and Down Duvet 10.5 Tog

Pros

  • Easy to wash and suitable for tumble drying
  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Lack of detail on suitability for allergies

Score: 83/100

Luxury and supermarket may not be words you would naturally put together, but in the case of this down duvet from ASDA, it makes sense. The feather and duck filling is encased in a 100 per cent cotton lining with a 230 thread count to provide ultimate comfort.

It’s a 10.5 tog, which most testers found light yet warm. One person also praised its temperature-regulating properties, which makes it a good option if you tend to run hot at night.

Key specifications

Filling90% Duck feather and 10% duck down
Casing100% cotton cover
Tog10.5
SizesSingle, double, king, super king
Machine washYes
Guarantee30 days
Best for a weighted down filled duvet

IKEA FJÄLLARNIKA Duvet

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
FJÄLLARNIKA Duvet

Pros

  • Evenly distributed filling
  • Weighty but non-restrictive

Cons

  • Slight rustling noise

Score: 75/100

Effortlessly adapt to the changing seasons with this two-piece duvet, which has a four-tog layer and a seven tog-layer that are easy to combine thanks to handy poppers.

When both layers were used, the duvet felt thick and weighty – one panel member even likened it to a luxury hotel duvet. It's weighty, so will suit those who enjoy a hug-like feel. It’s also a good pick for the bed wrigglers out there, with one tester telling us, “It would suit a restless sleeper as it stays put.”

Its only downfall was the wash test, as we spotted some shrinkage, and the seams were slightly affected. However, for the price, it's a good buy for keeping you comfy year-round.

Key specifications

Filling90% feather, 10% down
CasingCotton fabric
Tog4 and 7.5
Machine WashMachine washable at 60ºc
GuaranteeNo
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Best down and feather pillows

best vacuums for pet hair
Joint best down filled pillow

Snuggledown Hungarian Goose Down Pillow

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Hungarian Goose Down Pillow
Now 11% Off

Pros

  • Maintained support and appearance after washing
  • No ‘new’ scent

Cons

  • Took over two days to dry when washed at home

Score: 95/100

Our joint winner is filled with Hungarian goose down and is designed with front sleepers in mind, as well as those who like a softer, shallow pillow. Testers liked how soft, light and comfortable it was, and they all agreed it helped them get a good night’s sleep.

It took a while to dry after washing and testers ended up running a second cycle. But other than that, it went down well with everyone. One tester told us it had just “the right level of squishy-ness", which sounds pretty dreamy to us.

Key specifications

Filling80% hungarian goose down and 10% feather
SupportSoft
HeightNot stated
CoverCotton jacquard
WeightNot stated
Machine wash40°c
GuaranteeN/a
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Joint best down-filled pillow

Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Pillow

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Hungarian Goose Down Pillow

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic, which is rare for down-filled bedding
  • Luxurious and fluffy feel

Cons

  • Expensive

Score: 95/100

Our joint winning down-filled pillow is a luxury option from Scooms, which provides comfort and support. You can choose between a soft or firm level of support too, so you're guaranteed a good night, whatever your preference.

There won't be any sweating or sniffles here either as it's hypoallergenic, and it kept our testers cool throughout the night. It may have a higher price tag, but for the quality sleep it offers, we think it's worth the investment.

Key specifications

FillingInner core of 15% down and 85% feathers; outer chamber of 90% down and 10% feather
SupportMedium
Height20cm (thick)
Cover100% cotton
Machine washYes
Weight1.1kg
Guarantee3 years
Runner-up down-filled pillow

The White Company Luxury Hungarian Goose Down Pillow

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Luxury Hungarian Goose Down Pillow

Pros

  • Good ventilation
  • Retains shape after washing

Cons

  • Not plump enough for some

Score: 93/100

Like its matching duvet and mattress topper this luxurious Hungarian down-filled pillow from The White Company exudes comfort and quality. It was a hit with our testers, with one praising the combination of feather and down, which creates a “plush, supportive feel that cradles your head and neck.”

Some testers who prefer a higher pillow found that the volume of filling wasn’t quite enough, but doubling up was a great solution. It comes in a stylish, cotton bag that can be reused, making it handy for house moves, or for weekend trips away when you just can't bear being without your comfy pillow.

Key specifications

Filling90% Hungarian goose down and 10% feather
SupportSoft, medium or firm
HeightStandard: 50cm x 75cm, super king 50cm x 90cm
GuaranteeTwo-years
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best temperature-regulating down-filled pillow

Soak and Sleep Hungarian Goose Down Pillow

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Hungarian Goose Down Pillow

Pros

  • Good level of support
  • Feathers didn't poke out

Cons

  • Slightly noisy

Score: 90/100

There are three levels of firmness to choose from with this pillow, and our testing panel tried the firmest. It combines down and feather to create the ultimate support, with the softer down layer giving it a cloud-like quality, while the feather inner layer stops your head from sinking in too much. Testers found it regulated their temperature fantastically too, keeping them cosy but not sweaty, which ultimately improved the quality of their shut-eye.

Though it kept its plump shape during use, it looked slightly deflated after washing. But the five-year guarantee is generous and offers peace of mind in case you're not happy.

Key specifications

FillingInner core of 10% down and 90% feathers; outer chamber of 90% down and 10% feather
SupportSoft, soft/medium, medium/firm
Height17cm (medium / thick)
CoverCotton
Weight1.1kg
Machine washYes
Guarantee5 years
Best recycled down pillow

Earthkind Feather and Down Medium Support Pillow

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Feather and Down Medium Support Pillow

Pros

  • Made with recycled feathers
  • Testers found it quite breathable

Cons

  • Slight odour when first unpackaged

Score: 84/100

If you liked the sound of EarthKind’s duvets above, then you may want to invest in one of its pillows filled with reclaimed down to match. Testers enjoyed the smooth, plump feel, and said no feathers poked through the fabric.

It needed a daily shake and plump after use, but for the most part, even after washing, it retained its optimum shape with an even distribution of filling.

Key specifications

Filling85% recycled feather and 10% down
SupportMedium
HeightNot stated
CoverCotton casing
WeightNot stated
Machine wash40°c
Guarantee5-years
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Best down and feather mattress toppers

best energy efficient washer dryers
Best down-filled mattress topper

The White Company Luxury White Down Topper

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Luxury White Down Topper

Pros

  • Remains in place well
  • Luxurious feel

Cons

  • Some testers would have preferred more compact packaging

Score: 93/100

With its dual layers, you'll enjoy a two-for-one treat with this topper. One is filled with a blend of plump goose down and feather, and the other with thick feathers. This earned it full marks for comfort. It’s also designed so that no stitching can be felt through the bedsheet.

Handy corner straps secured it to our panellists' mattresses with no movement during testing, and everyone found it easy to fit and use. The two layers are attached with poppers and can be separated for an easier time come laundry day. It’s everything we look for in a mattress topper.

Key specifications

Thickness9cm
SizesDouble, king, super king, emperor
CareMachine wash at 60°c
GuaranteeN/a
Filling80% white goose down, 20% white goose feather
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Runner-up down-filled mattress topper

Dusk Supreme Goose Down Mattress Topper

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Supreme Goose Down Mattress Topper
Now 51% Off

Pros

  • Elastic straps make it easy to secure
  • Extremely soft

Cons

  • Not ideal if you need firmer support

Score: 89/100

Like our winning topper, this one from Dusk is also dual layered – it's filled with 70 per cent fluffy goose down on top, with a bed of feathers underneath providing extra support.

Testers said it added a pleasing extra layer of softness to their mattress. But this means that it may not be suited to those who prefer a firmer finish, with one tester saying: “I love having the softest bed ever, but if you need more support, this might not be the topper for you.”

Key specifications

Thickness5cm
SizesSingle, double, king, super king
CareProfessionally launder
Guarantee100-Night sleep trial
Filling70% fluffy goose down, while the bottom 30% feather-filled layer provides gentle support.
Best value feather and down mattress topper

Marks and Spencer Duck Feather and Down Mattress Topper

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Duck Feather and Down Mattress Topper

Pros

  • Scored full marks for comfort
  • Quilt pattern adds a touch of luxury

Cons

  • Takes a few nights for the initial crinkling noises to diminish

Score: 84/100

This mattress topper has a luxurious duck down and feather filling, which is breathable and light, while still being cosy and comfortable. It’s another soft option, so again it may not be ideal if you prefer a firmer bed.

Some testers noted that it’s slightly noisy when you move, and it can only be spot cleaned, so it might be worth investing in one of our best mattress protectors to go over the top too.

Key specifications

ThicknessUnspecified
SizesSingle, double
CareDo not wash or tumble dry
GuaranteeUnspecified
Filling100% cotton, Filling - 85% new white duck feather, 15% new white duck down
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
christmas day outfit ideas

The verdict on feather and down bedding

Our winner, The White Company Hungarian Goose Down Duvet, is the perfect investment for years to come, and with a medium 10.5 tog, it should suit all year round.

The perfect pairing for your cosy duvet? A Scooms Hungarian Goose Down pillow – choose between a soft or firm option. They're also hypoallergenic, which is rare for down-filled bedding. However, they are a significant investment, so if you’re on a budget, consider the Soak and Sleep Goose Down pillow instead.

And if you want to sleep like royalty, we recommend an accompanying mattress topper. Dusk’s Supreme Goose Down mattress topper is the perfect option for avoiding any princess and the pea situations.


Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute

Weeks of testing time, both in the lab and at home with our panellists, goes into creating our best down-filled bedding guide. Our senior homes testing manager Blossom Boothroyd oversees the entire process, collecting unbiased panel feedback and ensuring we analyse each product against our rigorous protocols.

Our lifestyle writer Madeleine Evans then collates all this data and uses it to create the most accurate, honest and helpful reviews possible to help you find the cosiest bedroom solutions.

Headshot of Madeleine Evans
Madeleine Evans
Lifestyle Writer

Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.

When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.

Headshot of Blossom Boothroyd
Tested byBlossom Boothroyd
Homes Testing Manager

Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.  

Watch Next 
preview for Good Housekeeping Easter recipes
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below