Soak & Sleep Soft As Down pillow review: “does what a pillow is meant to do”

Price at time of testing: from £20 | Buy now from Soak & Sleep or Debenhams

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My verdict

I didn’t realise how much low-level irritation my pillow was causing until it stopped. For years, I’d accepted stacking, folding and constant readjusting as part of going to bed, even though it clearly wasn’t helping me sleep any better.

This pillow has quietly removed all that. I now use one pillow instead of two, I settle more quickly and I don’t wake up half hunting for support in the night. It’s not flashy or clever, it just does what a pillow is meant to do.

It is a very full pillow, so if you like something low and squashy, this probably isn’t for you. But if you’re fed up with floppy pillows that don’t hold their shape, or you’ve somehow ended up with a nightly pillow tower, this does the job neatly in one.

For the price, it feels like a sensible, grown-up upgrade rather than a punt. I’d happily buy another, which is usually my most honest endorsement.

How I tested a Soak & Sleep Soft as Down pillow

I tested the Soak & Sleep Soft As Down pillow in the medium/firm option, which includes an internal supportive chamber. There’s also a softer version, but this is the one I used.

The pillow was the standard size (50cm x 75cm) and I slept on it every night for three weeks, from mid-January to early February.

I’m a deep sleeper, but only once I’ve found exactly the right position. I also have asthma and dog allergies, with two hypoallergenic dogs in the house, so anything that affects breathing or traps allergens gets noticed quickly.

On the (L), two pillows stacked and on the (R), my one pillow that's the perfect height

The pillow uses 100% polyester microfibre, with a 3D hollowfibre supportive core, finished with a 233 thread count cotton percale casing. It’s machine washable, comes with a two-year guarantee and cost £19.50 for a single pillow at the time of testing.

I used one pillow as my main setup, with one brief night using two, which ended in a stiff neck and confirmed that one was very much enough.

How well does the Soak & Sleep Soft As Down pillow perform?

The biggest performance win here is how little attention it needs. Once I’d found my position, that was it for the night.

Across the three weeks, it’s stayed supportive and consistent, without flattening or developing that familiar hollow under my head. That reliability made it easier to relax and fall asleep, rather than lying there subtly annoyed.

Are Soak & Sleep’s Soft As Down pillows good quality?

For something at this price, it feels reassuringly well made. The cotton percale casing has that crisp, hotel-style feel without being stiff and the stitching looks neat and solid.

After three weeks of nightly use, it’s holding its shape well. That’s not a lifetime guarantee, but it’s a good start and the two-year guarantee adds some confidence.

Despite being synthetic, the pillow is incredibly soft and plush like down pillows

How easy is it to use the pillow?

Very easy, which is exactly what I want from bedding. There’s no breaking-in period, no reshaping during the night and no special care routine. 

A quick fluff in the morning is enough and being able to wash it at home makes it far more practical than a traditional down pillow.

Is the Soak & Sleep Soft As Down pillow good value for money?

At £20 for a single, standard pillow, this feels like strong value. It delivers the sort of loft and comfort I’d usually associate with much more expensive down pillows and because it replaced my second pillow, it actually simplified things as well as saving money.

If you want to buy a standard pair, you’re looking at £37 and for four, you’ll pay £71. For superking, the prices climb higher (£61 for a pair). 

The pillow's cover is 100% cotton, whereas the inside is made of polyester microfibre

How comfortable is the Soak & Sleep Soft As Down pillow?

Comfort here is about balance. It’s soft enough to feel inviting, but structured enough to keep your head supported.

I found it particularly good for side and back sleeping (I’m mainly a side sleeper). It’s likely too lofty for front sleepers, but that firmness is exactly what makes it work for people who need height and stability.

Does the pillow regulate temperature well?

I don’t tend to overheat at night and I found it comfortable. The cotton casing feels breathable and I didn’t wake up hot or clammy.

That said, this is a synthetic pillow and hasn’t been tested in warmer weather or by our resident hot sleeper (aka my husband), so it’s worth bearing that in mind if temperature is a big issue for you.

Does the pillow retain its shape?

Yes and this is one of its strongest points. The internal supportive chamber means the pillow keeps its loft throughout the night. It arrives very full, which can be a surprise at first, but that fullness is what stops it collapsing once you’re asleep.

Here's me, attempting to model the pillow to show how plush it is under my head

Are Soak & Sleep Soft as Down pillows hypoallergenic?

For me, yes. I had no asthma flare-ups or allergy issues during testing. The synthetic fill avoids the feather-related problems I’ve had in the past and the fact it can be washed easily makes it simpler to keep allergens under control.

How does it compare to other Soak & Sleep pillows?

Within Soak & Sleep’s range, this sits firmly on the more supportive side, particularly in the medium/firm version. It’s a better fit for people who need height and structure rather than a sink-in feel.

Compared with traditional down pillows, it offers similar softness at a much lower price, with easier care and fewer allergy concerns.

Final verdict

If you want a pillow that feels generous, supportive and finished without drifting into luxury pricing, this is a strong option. It’s best suited to side and back sleepers who like a fuller pillow and want something that holds its shape night after night.

The synthetic fill makes it a sensible choice for allergy sufferers and anyone who wants bedding that’s easy to live with, while the price keeps it accessible compared with natural down alternatives. It won’t appeal to front sleepers or those who prefer a flatter, adjustable pillow, but for the right sleeper, it’s a dependable, no-fuss buy.

I’d recommend it confidently to anyone looking to simplify their setup and spend a bit less mental energy on their sleep.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts (aka Beccy) is our resident lifestyle expert with a practical focus on sleep, wellness and everyday comfort. She’s equally at home tackling frank, NSFW‑adjacent topics as she is road‑testing kitchen appliances, mattresses and vacuums that work for real parents. A former editor of LJMU’s Looprevil Press, she cut her teeth in journalism in 2010, earned a post‑grad diploma in Journalism and later led editorial at ExpatWoman in Dubai before joining Mumsnet. As a mum of two, she writes with the time‑poor, sleep‑deprived in mind - honest product reviews, realistic routines and products that make parents’ lives easier.

When she’s not at her desk, she’s probably product‑testing with her two helpers, corralling a PTA or walking her two dogs up and down country lanes.

About Mumsnet reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of hands-on testing. We never accept payment for coverage, and our verdicts are independent and honest. We may earn a small commission through affiliate links, which helps fund our work - but it never influences our opinions.

All prices are correct at the time of writing.

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