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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

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.
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.
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.


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