The Parachute Down Pillow and Brooklinen Down Pillow offer distinct sleep experiences driven by their fill, price, and trial periods. Parachute uses 100% European white down for a purely soft, cloud-like feel at a premium price, while Brooklinen uses a down and feather blend that provides more resilient support at a more accessible price point and comes with an exceptionally long trial.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right pillow from Parachute or Brooklinen for your sleep style.
Parachute Down Pillow
Parachute's down pillow is a luxury option designed for those who want an authentically soft, plush, and lofty sleep experience. Made with premium European white down and a smooth cotton sateen shell, it’s a commitment to high-quality materials and craftsmanship with a simple, minimalist design aesthetic.
- What it is: A premium pillow filled with 100% European white down, known for its exceptional softness and loft.
- Key features: 750 fill power European white down, 100% sateen cotton shell, reinforced double-stitched piping, certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS).
- Price: Starts at $125 for a standard size.
- Style: Minimalist and modern, designed to fit into a clean, understated bedroom aesthetic.
- Materials/Construction: The fill is entirely European white down, meaning no feathers are included. This results in a consistently soft, lightweight, and cloud-like feel without any risk of quills poking through.
- Pros: Exceptionally soft and plush feel. High-end materials and construction offer great longevity. Lightweight and easy to shape. Ethically sourced and RDS certified down.
- Cons: A significant investment compared to other options. The 30-night trial period is shorter than competitors. May be too soft for sleepers who need firm, structured support.
This pillow is a great choice for back and stomach sleepers who prioritize a purely soft, luxurious feel and are willing to invest in high-quality, ethically sourced materials.
Shop this product: parachutehome.com/products/down-pillow
Brooklinen Down Pillow
Brooklinen’s down pillow is designed to deliver accessible luxury, balancing the plushness of down with the supportive resilience of feathers. It's an excellent value proposition, providing a high-quality feel, versatile support for different sleep types, and an unbeatable trial period for peace of mind.
- What it is: A pillow filled with a blend of down clusters and feathers for balanced comfort and support.
- Key features: Blend of down and feathers, 100% cotton sateen shell, ethically sourced materials, available in multiple firmness levels (Plush, Mid-Plush, Firm).
- Price: Starts around $98 for a standard size (Mid-Plush).
- Style: Classic and versatile, suiting a wide range of bedroom decor from traditional to modern.
- Materials/Construction: The fill combines soft down clusters with supportive feathers. This blended construction offers a slightly firmer and more "springy" foundation than an all-down pillow.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price. The 365-night trial period is one of the best available. The feather blend provides good support that resists flattening. Available in multiple firmness options to suit different sleepers.
- Cons: Not a 100% down pillow, so it lacks the ultra-plush feel of pure down. Infrequently, feather quills can sometimes be felt through the shell over time. The feel is more supportive and less "sinking" than Parachute's version.
This pillow is ideal for shoppers seeking a high-quality down experience with more support and a lower financial risk, particularly side sleepers who need a pillow that holds its shape.
Shop this product: brooklinen.com/products/down-pillow
Parachute vs. Brooklinen Comparison
Fill & Comfort
The primary difference in feel comes from the fill material. The Parachute Down Pillow is filled with 100% European white down, giving it an incredibly soft, lightweight, and cloud-like texture. It collapses lovingly around your head and neck, which is great for stomach and back sleepers who prefer less elevation. You can easily shape it for custom comfort.
In contrast, the Brooklinen Down Pillow uses a blend of down clusters and feathers. The feathers add a resilient, supportive core that prevents the pillow from flattening out as quickly. This provides more structured support, making it a better fit for side sleepers who need to maintain neck alignment. While still plush, it has more "spring" and less of the "sinking" sensation you get with all-down pillows.
Price & Value
There's a clear price difference between the two pillows. Parachute is positioned as a premium product, with its standard pillow starting at $125. The cost reflects its 100% pure down fill and high-end construction.
Brooklinen comes in at a lower price point, around $98 for a standard Mid-Plush. Paired with its industry-leading 365-night trial, Brooklinen offers fantastic value. You get a well-made, supportive pillow with an entire year to decide if it's right for you, making it a lower-risk investment.
Trial Period & Shopping Experience
This is where Brooklinen has a definitive edge. A 365-night trial gives you ample time to test the pillow through different seasons and see how it holds up. Parachute offers a much shorter 30-night trial. While 30 nights is usually enough to know if a pillow works for you, Brooklinen's policy provides unmatched peace of mind.
Both brands offer a straightforward online shopping experience with free shipping on most orders. However, Brooklinen is known for running more frequent sales and promotions, often making their pillows even more affordable.
Ethics & Sustainability
Both companies are committed to responsible sourcing. Parachute and Brooklinen pillows are both certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), ensuring that the down and feathers come from animals that have been treated ethically. For shoppers whose primary concern is animal welfare, both brands are excellent choices and this factor is essentially a tie.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both pillows are excellent choices, but they are built for different sleepers with different priorities.
Choose the Parachute Down Pillow if:
- You want the authentically luxurious, cloud-like feeling of a 100% pure down pillow.
- You are a stomach or back sleeper who prefers an extra-soft, conforming pillow.
- A minimalist aesthetic and premium, single-source materials are your top priorities.
- You're willing to invest in a higher-priced pillow for its specific feel and quality.
Choose the Brooklinen Down Pillow if:
- You want the best trial period in the industry to ensure the pillow is a perfect fit.
- You are a side-sleeper or someone who prefers a more resilient and supportive feel.
- Value is a major factor, and you’re looking for a great price-to-quality ratio.
- You want more options for firmness (Plush, Mid-Plush, and Firm are available).
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Parachute and Brooklinen down pillows?
The main difference is the fill. Parachute's pillow uses 100% down for a soft, sinking feel, while Brooklinen's uses a blend of down and feathers for a more resilient, supportive feel.
Is the Parachute or Brooklinen pillow softer?
The Parachute pillow is softer due to its 100% down fill. It provides a more "cloud-like" experience where your head sinks into the pillow, whereas Brooklinen’s has slightly more supportive bounce.
Which pillow is better for side sleepers?
The Brooklinen Down Pillow is generally better for side sleepers. Its feather-blend core offers more structural support to keep the head and neck aligned, which is crucial in this sleep position. Their "Firm" option is specifically designed for this purpose.
Do I need a pillow protector for these pillows?
Yes, using a pillow protector with either pillow is highly recommended. It will shield the pillow from sweat, oils, and allergens, extending its lifespan and keeping the down or feather fill clean.
How long will these pillows last?
With proper care, a high-quality down or down-blend pillow from either brand should last 2-3 years before it begins to lose its supportive qualities. Fluffing them daily can help maintain their loft and extend their life.
Are the pillows machine washable?
Yes, both pillows are typically machine washable. It's recommended to use a mild detergent on a gentle cycle and dry them thoroughly on low heat with dryer balls to help fluff the down and prevent clumps.
Which brand has a better return policy?
Brooklinen has a significantly better return policy, offering a 365-night trial. Parachute's trial period is 30 nights. This makes Brooklinen a lower-risk option, especially for picky sleepers.
Is the Parachute pillow worth the extra money?
If you specifically want the luxurious, cloud-like sensation that only 100% pure down can provide, then yes, the Parachute pillow is worth the investment. However, if you prize supportive resilience and value, Brooklinen offers a competing experience for less.
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