Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health and well-being. So whether you’re a side, back, or stomach sleeper, it makes sense to splurge on a high-quality, supportive pillow. Since everyone sleeps differently, buying a pillow online can be a tricky task. That’s why we’ve broken down everything you need to know about the Parachute Firm Down Pillow’s material, texture, weave, and more. Read on for our full review.
Material: All-Natural and plush
Parachute was launched in 2014 as an online-only, direct-to-consumer brand focused on luxury bedding. Since then, the company has opened several brick-and-mortar stores and developed a cult following for its sheets, duvets, and pillows, while also expanding into other home products, including rugs, bed frames, and tabletop decor. Like all Parachute products, the brand’s down pillow is made with only the best materials, from its premium, all-natural European white down filling (85 percent down, 15 percent down and feather fibers), to its 100-percent sateen cotton shell. This pillow has a luxurious, high-quality look and feel that makes it worthy of a five-star hotel setting—or better yet, your home! As lifelong side sleepers and memory foam pillow addicts, we were curious to test out this top-of-the-line down pillow, which comes in three different densities (soft, medium, or firm) and two sizes (standard or king). We decided to test a standard pillow in the firm density, which Parachute’s guide describes as the “most dense and supportive” option. It also notes that the firm pillow is best suited for side sleepers, as this position requires a lot of loft to maintain alignment in the neck and spine. Parachute down pillows are 750 fill power, allowing them to maintain a light, fluffy feel while still being relatively dense. The higher loft also translates to better air circulation, which means these pillows stay very cool throughout the night. Memory foam is known for its heat-retaining properties, so this was a welcome change for us and one of the reasons why we were considering switching to down pillows in the first place. Parachute’s pillows are made in Cincinnati, Ohio, and are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, meaning they surpass the highest criterion of testing for harmful chemicals and synthetic materials. This makes these pillows ideal for those with sensitive skin, and they’re good for the environment to boot. Parachute also notes that the down is Responsible Down Standard certified, meaning it’s sustainably and ethically repurposed and comes from humanely treated ducks. For those who would rather avoid animal by-products altogether, Parachute also makes a down alternative pillow. We enjoyed several good nights’ sleep with this pillow and were pleasantly surprised by how firm and supportive it is for a down pillow. We woke up feeling refreshed and free from any neck or back pain. In the past, we’ve found cheaper down pillows to be clumpy and unsupportive, with feathers poking out where they shouldn’t be. The Parachute pillow is none of these things, and instead encompasses everything a down pillow should be: plush, soft, and supportive. For all of its wonderful qualities, we personally still aren’t fans of the fluffy feel of the down and the way our head sinks into the pillow slightly. Again, pillow preference is highly subjective, but if you’re a memory foam lifer like we are, you may find that even a super supportive down pillow like this one doesn’t have what it takes to convert you. The hunt for the perfect pillow may still continue for us, but Parachute has definitely piqued our interest, especially since it also makes a classic down side sleeper pillow.
Texture: Lustrous and soft
Parachute’s down pillow is encased in 100-percent sateen weave cotton, which gives it a smooth, lustrous feel. The casing is reinforced with a double stitched piping seam to prevent tearing and increase durability. Although the luxe look and soft feel of the fabric will go somewhat unappreciated once covered by a pillowcase, we love knowing that this product is made of quality materials that will stand up to many washes. Plus, the tight weave and weight of the sateen helps prevent down feathers from poking out and disturbing your slumber.
Washing: Easy to clean and durable
These pillows can be dry cleaned or machine washed and dried. We followed the instructions to wash the pillows cool on a delicate cycle using mild liquid laundry detergent, and tumble dry on low with wool dryer balls (or clean tennis balls) before removing promptly. We found that the pillows washed well and kept their original shape and sheen.
Price: Expensive but worth it
At $129, this is easily the most expensive pillow we’ve ever owned, but we think the quality, comfort, and support make it worthy of its hefty price tag. You can also take comfort in knowing that this pillow is eligible for Parachute’s 90-day trial and can be returned for any reason within that period. Plus, it comes with a 3-year warranty guaranteeing it to be free from defects in materials and workmanship.
Competition: Premium down vs. affordable down alternative
Original Casper Pillow: This $65 pillow features an innovative design with a supportive inner pillow and soft and fluffy outer pillow. It contains polyester microfiber fill, making it ideal for people who are allergic to down and/or those who object to pillows made with animal products. Casper’s standard pillow costs half as much as Parachute’s firm down pillow while offering similar quality and support. Still, our personal preference goes to the Parachute for its noticeably firmer feel. DreamNorth Premium Gel Pillow Loft: At $35 for a pack of two, these soft and fluffy pillows made with poly gel-filled fiber and a 100-percent cotton case offer high-quality materials for a low price. Compared to the Parachute, however, we believe they’re lacking the necessary support needed for a good night’s sleep. If you love down pillows and don’t mind splurging, this one won’t disappoint. In fact, it might just be the pillow of your dreams.
