The ultimate test: 7 sleep testers reveal the best-selling pillows they still recommend one year later

This branded content article is sponsored by Movement.

Tired of restless nights and waking up feeling anything but refreshed? The secret to truly restorative sleep often lies in your sleep essentials, like a good pillow that complements your sleep position or a pillowcase that can stay cool all night for the ideal sleep environment.

We tasked a New York Post team with a year-long mission: to test the best-rated pillows to uncover which ones genuinely deliver on the promise of better sleep. After an entire year of real-world use, here’s their definitive verdict.

The Saybrook Lion Down Alternative Adjustable Pillow won overall best pillow (bonus points if used with the cooling gel pillowcase!) for the third year in a row, as it allows users to adjust the filling so it can be tailored to an individual’s preferences and sleep position. 

Meanwhile, the Chamberlain Down Pillow is the winner for the best down pillow – it’s ethically sourced, and feels like a 5-star hotel pillow. For down lovers who prefer a more traditional pillow, the Chamberlain Down pillow is the winner. Chamberlain Down generated buzz with its indulgent Classic Down Pillow, but it’s their flagship Dual-Chamber Pillow that we tested.

Here’s what our testers had to say from their year-long test:

Stephanie K., combination sleeper (side and back)

Favorite pillow: Saybrook Adjustable Pillow with Lion Down Alternative

As a side sleeper, the adjustable firmness of the pillow helps my neck and back feel supported. Though I had to remove a large amount of filling at the beginning, I haven’t had to readjust the pillow at all during the year I’ve been using it. My sleep quality has improved so much. I added on the cooling gel pillowcase too and haven’t looked back. Once my head hits the pillow, I am out for the night. Compared to the other shredded memory foam pillow I tried, the Saybrook Adjustable Pillow with Lion Down Alternative provides a better balance between firmness and softness.

My son has tried to take my pillow several times but we settled on the Saybrook Soft Down Alternative for his bed. It’s the perfect cushion for him since it’s much softer than the Lion Down Alternative version, and he loves to say that he uses the same pillow as his mom!

How has your sleep gotten better since making the switch? Solid sleep has always been a bit tough to come by with an energetic 2-year-old. The Saybrook Lion Down Alternative enhanced with the Saybrook cooling gel pillowcase has become my go-to every night for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Nicholas S., back sleeper

Favorite pillow: Chamberlain Down Dual-Chamber Pillow

The Chamberlain Pillow really just fit the perfect sweet spot for me in firmness and my sleep quality has definitely improved. I tried several down pillows, and the Chamberlain Down pillow stood out. The other down pillows were too pokey, but the Chamberlain Down pillow had no issues with feathers poking out, which is something I’m very sensitive to. The difference in my sleep has been amazing. 

I did also enjoy the Saybrook Adjustable Pillow with the cooling gel pillowcase (I didn’t realize I was a warm sleeper until I woke up with my pillow still cool and comfortable), but if I had to pick one winner to keep in my bedroom now that the test is over, it would be the Chamberlain Down Dual-Chamber Pillow.

Would you continue to recommend this pillow to your friends or family? Yes. I have recommended the Chamberlain pillow to a few friends and family members with similar preferences.

Jackie J., combination sleeper (side and back)

Favorite pillow: Chamberlain Down Dual-Chamber Pillow

With the Chamberlain Down pillow, my head stays elevated and level with my shoulders, and has helped alleviate my back pain. The other down pillows I tested are so thin, and I found myself tossing and turning and constantly trying to re-fluff it, but my Chamberlain pillow continues to stay fluffy and cozy. 

How has your sleep gotten better since making the switch? I find that because my neck is comfortable, I’m moving less and getting a better night’s sleep. Even after a year, this pillow continues to stay perfectly fluffy. 

Paul P., combination sleeper (side and stomach)

Favorite pillow: Chamberlain Down Dual-Chamber Pillow

It truly feels like I have a luxury hotel pillow at home. It is soft, cushiony and makes it feel like I am sleeping on a cloud. I tried a few different down pillows, and the Chamberlain Down pillow was the only one that felt at home in a high-end resort, and it has greatly improved the quality of my sleep. I finally feel rested when I wake up. It feels like this pillow was meant for a side and stomach sleeper like myself because it’s thick enough for sleeping on my side but still compresses down for sleeping on my stomach. I’m happy that I was able to make the switch and have seen such an improvement in my physical and mental health this past year.

Would you recommend this pillow to your friends or family? The best gift you can give someone is a good night’s sleep. I always recommend the Chamberlain Down to my family and friends.

Kristen Y., combination sleeper (side, stomach and back)

Favorite pillow: Saybrook Adjustable Pillow with Lion Down Alternative

Compared to other pillows I tested, even other memory foam pillows, Saybrook’s Lion Down Alternative Pillow is the only one that provides support for my neck. I also tested both types of filling in the Saybrook Adjustable Pillow and I much-prefer the Lion Down Alternative over the Soft Down Alternative. The Lion Down Adjustable Pillow stays firm and is still supportive on my neck. Using the Saybrook Lion Down Alternative takes the pressure off my neck and shoulders, leading to a more relaxing sleep.

Has your sleep gotten better? Yes, I wake up feeling less stiff in my neck. I was able to adjust the filling in the Lion Down Adjustable Pillow to my perfect preference and it has made all the difference.

Gregg M., side sleeper

Favorite pillow: Saybrook Adjustable Pillow with Lion Down Alternative

As a side sleeper, it has always been challenging finding a pillow that is firm enough to offer neck support, but still really comfortable. My search was over when I found the Saybrook Lion Down Adjustable Pillow. The other adjustable memory foam pillows that I tried lose shape and support over the course of the night, but the Saybrook maintains form really well, even after a year. 

Would you recommend this pillow to your friends or family? Yes, I often do because I sleep like a baby each night! I’ve even gifted these to friends who needed new pillows.

Stinson F., combination sleeper (side, stomach and back)

Favorite pillow: Saybrook Adjustable Pillow with Lion Down Alternative

When I wake up in the morning, I am well rested and my neck and shoulders aren’t sore. Compared to the other pillows I tried, especially memory foam pillows, the Saybrook offers a height that is comfortable at all positions – and doesn’t sink throughout the night. I have adjusted the filling to my exact comfort level and continue to get quality sleep even after a year. I recently added on the Saybrook cooling gel pillowcase and my sleep has been perfect throughout the night.

How has this pillow improved your sleep quality?
It has improved my sleep quality mainly by improving my sleeping position. It feels like my head is held in position naturally, not sinking and constantly readjusting. Being able to adjust the filling in the pillow to fit my needs has helped so much. The temperature of my pillow has also stayed cool all night and that has kept me from waking up in the middle of the night and throwing off my blanket.

Find the pillow that’s right for you – shop the Saybrook Pillow (also available on Amazon) or Chamberlain Pillow today!