For back and side sleepers, having a down pillow that falls flat overnight can be a recipe for discomfort. The Brooklinen Down Pillow stands out from traditional down pillows by retaining its shape without sacrificing the soft and cozy feeling of down.
I’ve reviewed Brooklinen’s Mid-Plush Down pillow, the most popular and versatile pillow in Brooklinen’s Down Pillow collection.
But what else is there to this pillow, and is it worth the price? In my Brooklinen Mid-Plush Down Pillow review, I’ll go over everything from feel to construction to price. Let’s jump in!
Brooklinen Down Pillow
Brooklinen’s Down pillow is a nice option for those who love the feel of down but want more than the typical amount of loft and support. Based on my experience, I think it’s best for side sleepers or those who want a good amount of thickness – perhaps individuals with larger body frames or broader shoulders.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.30 / 5
Read Full Review
Brooklinen Down Pillow Overview
Brooklinen is an online bedding company known for its simple, high-quality sleep products and transparent manufacturing policies. In addition to pillows, Brooklinen sells comforters, blankets, candles, and sheet sets, including the Brooklinen Classic Core Set.
Overall Rating
When it comes to down pillows, Brooklinen offers three firmness options: firm, mid-plush, and plush. For this review, I’ll be focusing on the versatile Mid-Plush option. Here’s a quick overview of who might like this pillow:
Who Might Like the Brooklinen Mid-Plush Down Pillow
- Fans of down pillows who want more loft and support
- People who want a down pillow that won’t become flat
- Some side sleepers or combination sleepers
Who Might Not Like the Brooklinen Mid-Plush Down Pillow
- Stomach sleepers
- Shoppers on a budget
- People who prefer down-alternative pillows
Brooklinen Down Pillow Video Review
Explore the ins and outs of the Brooklinen Mid-Plush Down Pillow with our video review!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jSzkgs2qmo
Brooklinen Mid-Plush Down Pillow Firmness and Feel
The Brooklinen Mid-Plush Down Pillow features a combination of feathers and down filling, which are each divided into an inner and outer chamber. Let’s take a look:
How Firm is the Brooklinen Mid-Plush Down Pillow?
The Brooklinen Mid-Plush Down Pillow feels slightly softer than medium-firm. The feather-filled inner chamber provides good support and helps maintain the pillow’s shape.
The down-filled outer chamber gives the pillow that classic down pillow feeling, so the Mid-Plush Pillow is great for sleepers who love the plushness of down pillows but need a little more support to stay comfortable during the night.
If you’re looking for a traditionally plush and malleable down pillow, the 100% down Brooklinen Plush Down Pillow is a better choice. For even more support and firmness, the Firm Down Pillow option is the way to go.
Overall, I’d describe the Mid-Plush Down Pillow as a bit softer than a medium-firm pillow and give it a 5.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. However, firmness is a bit subjective, and not everyone will experience this pillow the same way.
Sleeping on the Brooklinen Down Pillow
The dual-core of the Brooklinen Mid-Plush Down Pillow makes this pillow good for side sleepers and combination sleepers. The inner feather pillow prevents the head from sinking too much and provides solid loft and support.
Stomach sleepers, however, should look to the Plush pillow option, as the firmness of the Mid-Plush option may prevent neutral spine alignment and cause discomfort.
What does the Brooklinen Down Pillow Feel Like?
The “pillow within a pillow” design of the Brooklinen Mid-Plush Down Pillow gives this pillow a good balance of softness and support. Let’s see how it sleeps.
Average Weight Sleepers – 130 lbs – 230lbs
Because the Mid-Plush Down Pillow is the most versatile of Brooklinen’s Down Pillow collection, it is a great option for average weight sleepers. Brooklinen recommends the Mid-Plush firmness level for all types of sleepers. Average weight back sleepers in particular will like the balance of firmness and plushness in this pillow.
Average weight stomach sleepers will probably want to stick with the Plush pillow, though. Similarly, average weight side sleepers who want even more support for their head and neck should check out the Firm option.
Heavyweight Sleepers – Over 230lbs
The added thickness and firmness of the inner feather core makes the Mid-Plush Down Pillow especially good for heavyweight sleepers. Back sleepers with larger body frames or broader shoulders will find the Mid-Plush Pillow provides ample loft and support.
Heavyweight side sleepers should probably check out the Firm option of the Brooklinen Down Pillow. The Mid-Plush Pillow may sink too much to properly support the head and neck. The outer down chamber of the Firm option will provide that plush down feeling!
Lightweight Sleepers – Under 130lbs
Lightweight sleepers of any sleep position may not compress the inner feather core as much as average or heavyweight sleepers. The Mid-Plush Down Pillow is a good option for lightweight side and back sleepers, providing a good balance of support and softness.
Lightweight stomach sleepers, however, should stick to the Plush option, as the Mid-Plush Down Pillow could be too firm and tall to keep the head and neck in neutral alignment.
RELATED: Best Pillows of 2024
Brooklinen Down Pillow Construction
Cover
This Brooklinen pillow houses its dual-core in a 100% cotton sateen shell. The cover has a thread count of 400 and is treated with antimicrobials to keep the shell clean and fresh. This pillow is also OEKO-Tex certified, meaning it is guaranteed to be free of any harmful materials or substances.
Core
The Mid-Plush Pillow features an inner chamber filled with feathers. This inner core gives the Brooklinen Mid-Plush Pillow its firmness and shape-retaining qualities.
The outer chamber is filled with 100% sustainably sourced, Canadian duck down clusters that retain the plush feel of traditional down pillows.
In the Mid-Plush Pillow, the cluster/feather ratio comes to 20/80. The Firm option has a slightly higher percentage of feathers at 86/14, giving it that firmer, feathery feel. The Plush option is a 100% duck down pillow.
Weight
The Mid-Plush Down Pillow is a fairly light pillow. The standard size weighs about 2.5 lbs and the king size weighs just under 3.5 lbs.
Height/Loft
Loft refers to the height of a pillow and plays a big role in maintaining neutral alignment in a sleeper’s spine. This is essential for preventing neck pain and discomfort during the night.
All three firmness levels of the Brooklinen Down Pillow stand around 6 in. tall. Because these are down pillows, they may flatten a little over time, although the firm feather core of the Mid-Plush option should reduce flattening.
To me, this pillow had a good amount of loft and was almost too thick for me when I slept on my side. With time, the pillow did flatten a little and became a good height for me. For reference, I am 5’7”.
RELATED: Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Brooklinen Down Pillow Size Options and Price
Check out the chart for up-to-date information about the Brooklinen Down Pillow:
Standard Size
| Firmness | Dimensions | Price |
| Plush | 20” x 26” | $109.00 |
| Mid-Plush | 20” x 26” | $79.00 |
| Firm | 20” x 26” | $89.00 |
King Size
| Firmness | Dimensions | Price |
| Plush | 20” x 26” | $129.00 |
| Mid-Plush | 20” x 26” | $99.00 |
| Firm | 20” x 26” | $109.00 |
Brooklinen Down Pillow
Brooklinen’s Down pillow is a nice option for those who love the feel of down but want more than the typical amount of loft and support. Based on my experience, I think it’s best for side sleepers or those who want a good amount of thickness – perhaps individuals with larger body frames or broader shoulders.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.30 / 5
Read Full Review
Brooklinen Down Pillow Performance
Here’s how the Brooklinen Down Pillow performs in a few important categories:
Sleeping Hot or Cold
This pillow shouldn’t sleep hot thanks to a breathable cotton cover, but it also won’t be the most cooling pillow. Down is a natural insulator (the most efficient in the world, in fact!) and tends to retain heat. If you are a very hot sleeper, this may not be the pillow for you.
Off-Gassing
This pillow comes ready to sleep. Brooklinen does not compress or vacuum seal their pillows, meaning you don’t need to wait for this pillow to return to its original shape. This also helps prevent the pillow from producing that slight, “new-bed” chemical smell.
While this pillow doesn’t have a traditional off-gassing period, natural down can carry a light “duck” scent. Brooklinen recommends airing out the pillow in a dry place for a few hours or covering the scent with a pillowcase.
Care Instructions
Technically, the Brooklinen Down Pillow is machine washable and dryer safe. However, Brooklinen recommends washing this pillow only when necessary. Spot cleaning is preferred.
When I tested the Mid-Plush pillow, it came out of a low gentle tumble dry in good shape. It maintained its shape and loft well, although I did notice a slight smell comparable to burning feathers after drying. I would recommend washing this pillow as sparingly as possible!
Allergies
Down can sometimes trap allergens in your sleep environment. However, the Brooklinen Down Pillow is hypoallergenic and treated with antimicrobials to keep the cotton cover clean and allergen-free. This is a good option for those with down allergies looking to try a down pillow!
Company Policies
If you decide to try the Brooklinen Down Pillow, here’s what you can expect:
Warranty Info
In addition to a 365-day return policy, Brooklinen offers an additional one-year warranty for its core products, including pillows. This gives you two years of protection for your pillows!
Sleep Trial
While Brooklinen does not explicitly offer a sleep trial for this pillow, the company does accept returns in any condition within 365 days of purchase. Customers can treat this year as a sleep trial.
Return Policy
Brooklinen offers free domestic returns within 365 days of purchase. Brooklinen accepts returns in any condition, meaning the pillows that have been used, washed, or damaged are still eligible for returns.
International customers will have to contact Brooklinen customer support for returns.
Common Brooklinen Mid-Plush Down Pillow Complaints
The Brooklinen Down Pillow has hundreds of positive reviews on the company website. Some customers, however, complain of the Mid-Plush option being firmer than expected. Made from 80% feathers and only 20% down, the Mid-Plush option will feel considerably firmer than a traditional, 100% down pillow. Sleepers looking for a fully down pillow should look at the Plush option.
Another common complaint for this pillow is its smell. Natural down typically comes with a bit of duck scent, but some customers found this smell to be overwhelming. To lessen the natural down scent, Brooklinen recommends airing out the pillows or covering the scent with a pillowcase.
If you’ve got a sensitive nose, this may not be the pillow for you!
How Does Brooklinen Down Pillow Compare To Other Pillows?
With its unique balance of comfort and support, the Brooklinen Mid-Plush Down Pillow has a lot going for it. But how does it stand up to other pillows on the market?
Brooklinen Vs. Layla
Down pillows are known for being ultra-soft and plush. If you love that down feeling but want a more animal-friendly alternative, check out Layla’s Kapok Foam Pillow.
The Layla Kapok Pillow is a lofty, luxurious pillow filled with shredded memory foam and natural Kapok fibers that mimic the feeling of down. This pillow also comes with a copper-infused cover that pulls heat away from the body and helps you sleep cool throughout the night.
While Brooklinen’s Down Pillows are rather soft and plush, the Layla Kapok Pillow comes out of the box medium firm. However, the shredded foam can be removed from the Layla Pillow to accommodate for an individual’s sleeping position.
Who Should Get the Brooklinen Mid-Plush Down Pillow:
- Natural down enthusiasts
- Side or back sleepers
Who Should Get the Layla Foam Pillow:
- Hot sleepers
- People who want to customize the loft of their pillow
Read our full Layla Foam Pillow review.
Brooklinen Vs. Tuft and Needle
Brooklinen’s Mid-Plush Down Pillow combines softness with support through its dual-core design. Tuft and Needle’s Foam Pillow features the company’s proprietary Adaptive foam for a uniquely responsive feel. Let’s compare!
Like the Brooklinen Mid-Plush Down Pillow, Tuft and Needle Foam Pillow is a good option for side and back sleepers. The Foam Pillow’s 5” loft helps maintain neutral alignment in the spine. Unlike down, the Adaptive foam snaps back to its original shape after pressure is removed.
Due to its foam filling, the Tuft and Needle Pillow is heavier and bulkier than the Brooklinen Mid-Plush Pillow. This firmness means the Foam Pillow may not be as comfortable for stomach sleepers.
Who Should Get the Brooklinen Down Pillow?
- Fans of soft, down pillows
- Stomach sleepers
Who Should Get the Tuft and Needle Foam Pillow?
- Fans of firm yet responsive pillows
- Hot sleepers
Read our full Tuft and Needle Foam Pillow review.
FAQS
How long does the Brooklinen Down Pillow last?
Brooklinen suggests replacing your pillow every 1-2 years. Down can break down and flatten over time. Daily use also means these pillows can take on a lot of wear and tear. Good care will prolong the life of your down pillow.
What is the difference between down and feather pillows?
Down and feather pillows both use materials plucked from ducks or geese. Down comes from the chest and underside of the bird and is prized for its softness and durability in pillows. Feather pillows are filled from the back and wings of the bird. It’s also a very soft filling, although the quills on the feathers can break down and or poke through the pillow cover. Feather pillows are generally less expensive than 100% down pillows. Brooklinen’s Mid-Plush Pillow incorporates both down and feathers in its dual-core construction.
What is better, duck down or goose down?
Goose down is generally considered to be higher in quality than duck down. Goose down has slightly higher fill power, which refers to the down’s ability to insulate heat as well as the general size and fluffiness of the down clusters. Goose down is also less common than duck down and typically carries a higher price tag.
Although goose down is typically considered to be higher quality than duck down, duck down is still a great option and can be found in many high quality sleep products, including Brooklinen’s Down Pillows!
