The Five Star Down Alternative pillow and the Bear pillow feel just as different as their looks suggest. Side sleepers will enjoy the cozier feel of the Five Star Down alternative, while hot sleepers should look to the Bear for excellent support.
Watch my video or keep reading on for my full, in-depth Five Star Down Alternative vs Bear Pillow comparison!
Five Star Down Alternative vs Bear Pillow: Video Review
Top Similarities
- Traditional-shaped
- Washable and dryer friendly parts
- Hypoallergenic
Key Differences
Five Star Down
- 100% cotton cover – called Damask fabric with satin piping
- 300 thread count
- 1.5″ gusset for maximum loft
- 100% polyester fibers (down-like filling)
- Flat and formed – cannot be scrunched up like a down pillow
- Sizes: Standard, Queen, King, and Euro Size
- Machine wash and dry
- No trial period or warranty options (unless specified by retailer)
Read our full Five Star Down Alternative Pillow review, here.
Bear
- Made with Double Ice Fabric: a special fabric that feels cool to the touch (feels like athletic-wear material)
- Core filling is made with LOFT-X FOAM: a hybrid foam that combines memory foam and latex foam to contour to one’s spine and neck (100% polyurethane)
- Dual mesh side panels for continuous airflow throughout one’s sleep
- Only available in Queen size
- Made in the USA
- 2-year warranty
Read our full Bear Pillow review, here.
Who Might Choose
Five Star Down
- Those with allergies. This pillow is made with polyester fibers and is therefore hypoallergenic but it will certainly provide a similar loft and overall feel compared to real down.
- Those who are on a budget. In contrast to the Bear pillow, the Five Star Down Alternative pillow is significantly less expensive and could fit most budgets.
- Stomach sleepers. Based on my experience, this pillow is the best match for stomach sleepers – or even potentially some back sleepers – who want enhanced firmness and a more even distribution of filling than a down pillow can offer.
Check out the latest deals on the Five Star Down pillow here!
Bear
- Hot sleepers. Between the ventilated LOFT-X hybrid foam and the Double Ice Fabric with breathable mesh panels, the Bear pillow is designed to be cool and breathable.
- Those who want firmness and support. Compared to the Five Star Down Alternative, the foam filling in the Bear pillow provides way more support and makes it a good fit for back and/or side sleepers who typically prefer additional firmness.
- Sleepers who detest when the pillow goes flat. As a solid piece of foam, the Bear pillow won’t go flat or change its shape and requires no fluffing to keep its current loft.
For those who love latex foam or hybrid foam pillows, this one might be worth the price. Click the button below to save 20% on a Bear pillow!
Overall
Honestly, my experience reviewing both these pillows was nothing short of positive. As a natural side sleeper, I enjoyed the firmness, resilience, and support from the Bear pillow. However, I found the soft downy feeling of the Five Star Down Alternative cozy, comfortable and appreciated the extra loft from the gusset.
If pricing is the main consideration, the Five Star Down Alternative pillow may be the preferred choice, but it doesn’t come with a trial period like the Bear pillow.
