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Last Updated October 4, 2024
If you are a person who gives importance to a healthy and more sustainable lifestyle, you’ve probably been thinking of buying an organic pillow for while. Maybe you’re just tired of every other pillow you’ve ever tried and want something better that works for you.
We spend one-third of our lives asleep. Would you rather spend that precious slumber time with your face buried in toxic man-made synthetic materials or chemical-free natural organic pillows? So, come on - let's figure out what the best organic pillows are nowadays and get you one that perfectly fits the bill!
If you’re not sure what organic pillows are, they are simply non-toxic pillows made with organic and natural materials rather than the traditional stuffing that you might see in traditional pillows. Traditional ones are typically made with polyester stuffing, which is derived from plastics and petroleum products, both of which are undoubtedly harmful to human health.
Petroleum-based polyester can diminish your indoor air quality. The synthetic fillings within these pillows can collect moisture and become a literal breeding ground for dust mites. Ew! Manufacturing these pillows also contributes to water and land pollution. These conventional pillows prevent air circulation and cause the absorption of chemicals by your skin. It may seem innocuous, but it can often be harmful to your health because it is right under your head for many hours a day.
Organic pillows are the healthiest and safest to use because they are of much higher quality than conventional pillows. The best organic pillows last longer and there is no need to replace them often. Organic pillows are also environment-friendly and way more hygienic than any other pillows. Those who suffer from allergies or chemical sensitivities tend to notice a significant reduction in symptoms by switching to organic pillows and bedding.
Now that we've discussed why organic pillows are essential, let's get into discussing which ones are the best -
Latex pillows are a top choice when it comes to organic bedding, offering both comfort and health benefits. Made from organic latex foam, which is obtained from rubber trees, these pillows are springy, responsive, breathable, contouring, and provide excellent support for the head and neck.
Unlike conventional pillows that may contain synthetic materials and harmful chemicals, latex pillows are free from such toxic substances. Additionally, latex is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew under the right conditions, making these pillows ideal for allergy sufferers. With their durability and eco-friendly production, latex pillows are a smart investment for any organic pillow enthusiast.
A buckwheat pillow, or sobakawa pillow, is made from buckwheat hulls, and the way the hulls lay within the pillow makes it really breathable and contouring. It is usually a cool pillow. They provide excellent head and neck support and are usually preferred by neck pain sufferers, back sleepers and side sleepers. Make sure that it is an organic buckwheat pillow that you are getting because low-quality buckwheat hulls are obtained from plants that could potentially be treated with pesticides. Buckwheat pillows are usually hypoallergenic and do not attract pests, as the cleaned hull is of no nutritional value for the pests.
Natural wool is chemical-free, resistant to dust mites, fire-resistant, temperature-regulating, and softer than commercial wool. If you’re someone who is very sensitive to bacteria or if you prefer the cleanest bedroom, then wool pillows are some of the best pillows to choose from. It gives you deep, regenerative sleep and will definitely help you wake up refreshed. You will be surprised to know that, because of wool’s ability to rapidly absorb and evaporate body moisture and excess heat, you can sleep on this pillow year-round without feeling overheated or overcooled. Look for wool that has been ethically sourced to protect the safety and welfare of the sheep.
Organic cotton inside and outside—that’s what we mean by organic cotton pillows. Organic cotton pillows are probably one of the most popular types of pillows that you will see around. They are generally easy to manufacture. What we want to make sure, when it comes to cotton, is that we are getting a certified organic cotton pillow case and organic cotton stuffing. GOTS-certified organic cotton is our top recommendation.
The cotton that’s not organic could be grown using pesticides and what happens is that the pesticides do not leave those fibers. So what you are getting could have pesticides within the fibers of the pillow. Cotton pillows start out soft but get flat and firm over time. It is cooler than polyester or memory foam pillows and is good for all sleeping positions.
Made from the flowers of the Kapok tree native to Mexico, kapok pillows are soft, fluffy and cotton-like. If you like a down or feather pillow but don’t like the ethical and chemical issues with them, you will want to look for an organic, healthy pillow made of kapok fiber. The kapok pillow is extremely cuddly and soft—kinda like sleeping on a cloud. Its fibers are called silk cotton.
Millet is not just popular among birds, but it sure is getting popular among humans these days. Perhaps the early bird gets the worm thing made humans interested in millets. But in the bedding world, we don’t eat them; we sleep on them. The millet hulls are softer, lighter and quieter. Some prefer this over buckwheat hulls, but buckwheat pillows are more popular than millet pillows, and rightfully so.
Although not very popular, you can see hemp-filled and hemp-covered pillows. Hemp makes the pillows rather strong and dense, thus making it ideal for use as a throw pillow. Hemp is suitable for people with allergies and it absorbs moisture and prevents sweating.
Pillows with a zippered pillow cover are well protected from stains and dust mites. They are easy to remove and wash. You can adjust the filling inside the pillow according to your preferences. It keeps your pillow cleaner and blocks out allergens. This is an inexpensive way to extend the life of your pillow and give you peace of mind.
Opting for an extra pillow protector is usually a great idea, as it makes it easier for you to clean the pillows without removing the stuffing. Also, some of the pillow covers are made of heavier fabric to accommodate filling weight, especially for buckwheat, so a softer organic sateen pillow protector case makes your pillow soft-textured for your face to rest on. Ensure that your bedding is unbleached/undyed, or naturally dyed with plant botanicals and minerals or with GOTS-certified colorants.
There are also densely woven dust mite barrier cloth zippered pillow cases available to prevent dust mites and bed bugs from penetrating through. Generally, anything between 2 and 5 microns is a good pore size to look for. Anything less than 2 microns would be too hot to sleep on, and anything more than 5 microns would not be efficient in protecting you from bed bugs and dust mites.
Fragrant herbs like lavender and the naturally apple-scented chamomile are known for their relaxing properties. When it is placed inside the pillowcase of your favorite pillow, the scent helps you to sleep well.
A lot of pillows use formaldehyde to keep things wrinkle-free and to keep their form. Essentially, it is a preservative for dead bodies lurking in our pillows. Unfortunately, we see that in pillows a lot. Flame retardants would be the other one. We know that the chemicals that they use and spray on the mattresses and pillows are very harmful to our health. It is very important to avoid it wherever we can.
Some pillows may also use synthetic perfumes and deodorizers to mask the chemical smell of the pillow stuffing. These perfumes are composed of chemicals themselves and likely not something you want to be inhaling. If you’re breathing in all these chemicals during your sleep, you’re at risk for a laundry list of health risks: headaches, asthma, respiratory difficulties, depression, insomnia, joint pain, fatigue, digestive issues, neurological disorders, and even cancer.
It is high time to take a look at the sustainable and environmentally friendly pillow options available on the market today. With these natural fill pillows, we are pretty sure your sleeping environment will be healthier. Reading product labels carefully, doing extensive research, and reading reviews are crucial, whether you are purchasing a travel pillow, neck pillow, bed pillow, or body pillow. Never hesitate to ask the manufacturers if you have any questions about what’s in their products.
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2. How to Choose the Right Pillow
3. How to Take Care of Pillows
Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.
