Measure any pillow's firmness with this simple at-home test—then let us replicate that comfort in a custom down pillow made just for you.
Finding the right pillow is deeply personal. What feels perfectly supportive to one person might feel like a brick—or a pancake—to another. The problem? Pillow firmness labels like "soft," "medium," and "firm" aren't standardized. A "medium" pillow from one brand might feel completely different from another.
That's where this simple at-home test comes in. If your current pillow has a soft, compressible fill—like down, feathers, polyester, or shredded foam—this method gives you objective firmness numbers you can use to find your next perfect pillow.
At Linens Delight, we use these measurements to create custom down pillows that match your ideal support level—combining the comfort you already love with the breathability, temperature regulation, and longevity of premium natural down.
Why this test works for compressible pillows
Every compressible pillow responds to pressure. By measuring how much force it takes to compress your pillow to specific heights, we capture its firmness profile in numbers rather than subjective descriptions.
This test works equally well for:
- Shredded memory foam pillows
- Down and feather pillows
- Down alternative/polyester pillows
The compression values you record tell us exactly how your pillow behaves under the weight of your head—information we can use to match that feel in a custom down pillow.
What you'll need
- Your current pillow (ideally one that feels comfortable to you)
- A flat, stable surface like a table or countertop
- A ruler or measuring tape
- A kitchen scale (digital preferred for accuracy)
- A 6-inch plate (bread plate or small dessert plate works well)
- A pen and paper or your phone to record results
Step-by-Step: The pillow firmness test
Step 1: Prepare your pillow
Fluff your pillow thoroughly. Pat and squeeze it from all sides until it reaches its full, natural loft. This ensures you're measuring your pillow at its true height, not a compressed state from storage or use.
Step 2: Measure the original height
Place your prepared pillow flat on a table. Using your ruler, measure the height at the center of the pillow and record the number.
Step 3: Weigh your pillow
Place your pillow on a kitchen scale and record its weight.
Step 4: Test compression at half height (50%)
- Keep your pillow on the scale
- Place a 6-inch plate in the center
- Press until the pillow compresses to half its original height
- Read the scale
- Calculate: (Scale reading) − (Pillow weight) = Compression weight at 50%
Example: Original height is 5 inches. Pillow weighs 2 lbs. When compressed to 2.5 inches, the scale reads 7 lbs. Compression weight = 7 − 2 = 5 lbs at 50%.
Step 5: Test compression at one-third height (33%)
For additional data, repeat the compression test at a different level:
- Press the plate down until your pillow compresses to one-third of its original height
- Hold for 2-3 seconds (especially important for foam materials)
- Record this second compression weight
If your pillow can't be compressed to one-third height, measure at three-quarters height instead (e.g., 5-inch pillow compressed to 3.75 inches).
Example: Original height is 5 inches. When compressed to ~1.7 inches, the compression weight is 9 lbs at 33%. Or, if measuring at 75%, compressed to 3.75 inches, the compression weight is 2 lbs at 75%.
Record Your Results
| Measurement | Your Result |
| Pillow Type/Material | |
| Original Height (inches) | |
| Pillow Weight (lbs) | |
| Compression Weight at 50% (lbs) | |
| Compression Weight at 33% or 75% (lbs) |
Understanding what your numbers mean
Original height
Indicates your pillow's loft—how thick and full it is in its natural state. Higher loft pillows work well for side sleepers who need to fill the gap between their shoulder and head. Lower loft pillows suit stomach sleepers who need minimal elevation.
Compression weight
This is the key firmness indicator:
Lower numbers = Less resistance = Softer feel (pillow compresses easily)
Higher numbers = More resistance = Firmer feel (pillow pushes back)
How different pillow types typically measure
- Down: The softest compression profile. Down clusters compress with minimal resistance, creating low compression weights. These pillows compress smoothly to any target height and spring back quickly when released. However, down pillows can be designed firmer by increasing the fill weight—more down creates greater loft and resistance.
- Feather pillows: Firmer than down or blends due to the quill structure. Expect noticeably higher compression weights. Feather pillows hold their shape well but feel denser and less plush on the surface.
- Down and feather blend: Compression weights fall between pure down and pure feather—the more feather content, the higher the resistance.
- Down Touch™ pillows (triple-chamber): Our Down Touch™ design features a feather core surrounded by down outer chambers. Expect a compression profile between pure down and pure feather—the feather core provides firm internal structure while the down exterior compresses softly against your head.
- Polyester / down alternative: Similar to down but with less recovery. The compression curve varies by quality.
- Memory foam (solid): Some solid foam pillows resist compression and cannot be pressed to one-third their height without excessive force.
- Memory foam (shredded): More gradual compression curve than solid foam. Can be adjusted by adding/removing fill.
From any pillow to your perfect down pillow
Once you have your firmness numbers, we can create a custom down pillow that matches your ideal support level.
Why consider switching to down?
- Superior breathability: Natural down's three-dimensional structure creates countless tiny air pockets that allow moisture to escape and fresh air to circulate. No more waking up with a sweaty head.
- Natural temperature regulation: Down clusters expand to trap warmth when it's cold and compress to release heat when it's warm, naturally adapting to your body temperature. Cool in summer, cozy in winter.
- Exceptional longevity: Down's natural resilience allows clusters to spring back to their original shape thousands of times without breaking down, so quality down pillows last 5-10+ years with proper care.
- Moldability: Each down cluster moves independently, allowing the fill to shift and resettle with every movement, conforming instantly to your preferred sleeping position.
- Hypoallergenic options: Our OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Class 1 certified pillows are tested safe from harmful substances, meeting the strictest standards.
How we match your firmness
Because all Linens Delight pillows are made-to-order in Canada, we can adjust:
- Fill weight — More fill creates firmer support
- Fill power (loft) — Higher loft down creates more resilient support
- Chamber construction — Triple-chamber designs with a feather core surrounded by down can replicate firmer support profile while keeping the outer layer plush and quiet
- Down-to-feather ratio — Feathers add structure; down adds softness
Share your test results with us, and we'll recommend the combination that best matches your numbers—or fine-tune it if you'd like slightly more or less firmness.
Frequently asked questions
What if my current pillow doesn't feel right?
This test is most useful when measuring a pillow you already love. If you're starting fresh, take our 30-second quiz and share your results with us. We'll discuss your sleep position, any neck or shoulder concerns, and your firmness preferences to find a more personalized solution.
Can you match the exact feel of memory foam?
We can match the firmness level, but the feel will be different. Memory foam has a slow, conforming response; down has an instant, buoyant response. Many customers find they prefer the breathability and moldability of down once they try it.
Can you replicate contour pillows?
Our down pillows don't have built-in contours, but many sleepers find they don't need them. Down naturally molds to your head and neck position, providing custom contouring every night rather than a fixed shape.
What if I want a pillow firmer or softer than my current one?
Your measurements give us a starting point. Just let us know—"I'd like something 20% firmer" or "A bit softer, please"—and we'll adjust accordingly.
How accurate does my measurement need to be?
Within half a pound is plenty accurate. The goal is to capture your general firmness range, not laboratory-precise data. Consistency matters more than precision—use the same technique for both compression tests.
Does pillow age affect the results?
Yes. Older pillows, especially foam and polyester, lose firmness over time. If your pillow is more than 2-3 years old, your results reflect its current (degraded) state. Consider whether you want to match its current feel or restore its original firmness.
Ready to find your perfect down pillow?
Contact us: mail@linensdelight.com
Explore our pillow collection: linensdelight.com/collections/pillow
Read our pillow guide: linensdelight.com/pages/down-comforter-pillow-guide
Take our quiz: linensdelight.com/collections/pillow#quiz-YgSL9G
Related articles
- How to Choose Down Products?
- How Long Do Pillows Last?
- How to Wash Down Pillows?
- Key Considerations for Down Pillow Selections
At Linens Delight, your comfort is our craft. Every pillow is made just for you.