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11 Best Non-Toxic Pillows for a Safe & Sleepy Head
Quality sleep fuels us physically and mentally–– and using non toxic pillows can help us achieve the deep slumber we've always wanted.
One of the most satisfying moments in a day is the one that marks its completion. When our head hits the pillow and we get to let go of it all and drift into a sweet sleep.
But are we sure our pillows are helping us get the restful sleep we deserve?
Many conventional and store-bought pillows contain harsh chemicals that make us sneezy and make breathing a chore.
Switching to non toxic and eco-friendly pillows is a big part of clean living and can help clear our stuffy noses and promote excellent sleep. Unobstructed, easeful, peaceful sleep - Yes, please.
In this article, we’ll uncover the hidden dangers of typical store-bought pillows and how switching to organic pillows can enhance our sleep and overall well-being.
Why Switch to Non-Toxic Pillows?
Conventional pillows can expose you to harmful chemicals like flame retardants and formaldehyde. These chemicals have been linked to health risks such as hormonal imbalances, respiratory issues, and an increased risk of cancer.
Here's why you should make the switch to organic bedding and toxin free organic pillows:
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Better Sleep Quality: Non-toxic pillows are free from harmful chemicals, creating a healthier sleep environment and improving your sleep quality.
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Reduced Health Risks: Avoiding flame retardants and formaldehyde lowers your risk of hormonal imbalances, respiratory issues, and cancer.
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Eco-Friendly: Non-toxic organic pillows are typically made from sustainable materials, making them better for the environment.
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Hypoallergenic: These organic & non toxic pillows are less likely to cause allergies or skin irritations, ensuring a more comfortable and safe sleep experience.
So what are the best non toxic pillows? Lets dive in in our top list of
The Best Non Toxic Pillows Brands
"Best"
Naturpedic (Top Pick) | Shop here*
Sol Organics | Shop here*
Avocado | Shop here*
Saatva | Shop here*
Coyuchi | Shop here*
Sachi Organics | Shop here*
BOLL & BRANCH | Shop here*
Sleep and Beyond | Shop here*
"Better"
Naturepedic (Toddler) | Shop here*
Nest Bedding | Shop here*
Brentwood Home | Shop here*
How Do We Choose the Best Non Toxic Pillows?
Not everyone has the luxury of getting a full 8 hours of sleep, so we’re extra careful when choosing the right pillows to help us get the best rest possible.
We've spent months personally testing each product on our list to ensure it meets our expectations of high quality organic materials, brand certifications, and comfort.
"Best" vs "Better"
We've categorized the products into two lists— "Best" and "Better"—based on their ingredients and overall safety.
"Best" products are our top picks for non toxic pillows. They are made of the safest and most effective natural materials, ensuring minimal exposure to harmful chemicals.
"Better" products are still good non-toxic options, but they are made of certain materials that may not be as desirable especially for highly sensitive folks and babies.
What Are the "Best" Non Toxic Pillows?
Naturpedic Organic Adjustable Latex Pillow* (Top Pick)
Pricing: $119
Best Organic Latex Pillow - Adjustable firmness: soft-medium
Materials: Certified organic cotton, GOLS Certified organic Latex
Certifications: GOTS certified organic, UL GREENGUARD GOLD, Made Safe, 1% FOR THE PLANET, GOLS, EWG, FSC®, OCS, OTA, Green America, HPD, Certified Vegan
Why We Like It: This is our favorite pillow because of its adjustable firmness and the use of certified organic materials like GOLS certified organic latex and GOTS certified organic cotton. It's the perfect combination of natural, non toxic materials as it provides excellent support helping to alleviate chronic lower back pain. Naturpedic stands out for its extensive certifications, including UL GREENGUARD GOLD and Made Safe, highlighting its commitment to non-toxic and eco-friendly products.
We love that we can customize its firmness using the extra bits of latex included in the package. We haven't needed to buy any other pillows to find the right support for our back––we just adjust this one to our liking and we’re all set.
Sol Organics Down Pilllow*
Pricing: $147
Best Down Pillow - Firmness: Soft, Medium, Firm
Certifications: FLO, Fair Trade & OEKO-TEX certified
Materials: 100% Canadian white down
Why We Like It: We have a lot of experience with down pillows; they're our usual go-to. We love this down pillow because, unlike typical store-bought down pillows, toxic cleaners aren't used on Sol Organics' down. It's gentle on your sensitive skin. The Sol Organics Down Pillow is buoyant and fluffy, providing excellent neck support. With certifications like OEKO-TEX and Fair Trade, Sol Organics ensures safe and ethical production, meeting our high standards for down pillows.
Coming from folks who have high standards for down pillows, we rate this product a solid 10!
Avocado Organic Pillow*
Pricing: $59
Best Affordable Option - Firmness: Soft
Materials: Organic latex, Organic kapok fibers
Certifications: GOTS, FSC, Made Safe, Climate Pledge Friendly, Climate Neutral, GOLS, Certified Vegan, B Corp, 1% for the Planet
Why We Like It: This pillow is perfect for stomach sleepers, with its breathable organic latex and kapok fibers for snuggling our faces into it! It's also endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association. Kapok fibers are naturally non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and sustainably sourced, providing a safe and comfortable sleep. Cleaning it is also a piece of cake— Tossing it in the washing machine is so easy, and it comes out good as new! Avocado's commitment to sustainability is evident in their extensive certifications, including GOTS, Made Safe, and B Corp. Their farm-to-mattress approach ensures high-quality, eco-friendly products.
Saatva Down Alternative Pillow*
Pricing: $135
Best Down Alternative Pillow - Firmness: Soft
Materials: Organic cotton
Certifications: Fair Trade, GOTS, GOLS, OEKO-TEX, Greenguard Gold
Why We Like It: This Saatva pillow surprised us with its luxurious, squishy softness and perfect buoyancy, replicating the feel of real down without the allergens. It has all the qualities that we love about down - luxurious, squishy and super soft pillow but with the perfect amount of buoyancy and without the potential allergens that some people are sensitive to.
The organic cotton used is GOTS certified, ensuring a non-toxic and safe sleep experience. Saatva stands out for its sustainable practices, including energy-efficient factories powered by solar panels and a partnership with Evertreen to plant trees and support local farmers. Their numerous certifications, like Fair Trade and Greenguard Gold, highlight their commitment to eco-friendly and ethical production.
Coyuchi Down Pillow*
Pricing: $168
Best for Side Sleepers - Firmness: Soft
Materials: Organic cotton, Down
Certifications: GOTS, Climate Pledge Friendly, Fair Trade, Made Safe
Why We Like It: This pillow stands out for its unique ability to refluff itself, a rare feature in down pillows. We appreciate that the down is sourced from humanely treated ducks, ensuring an ethical choice. The organic cotton is GOTS certified, providing a non-toxic sleep experience. Coyuchi's exceptional customer service gives us confidence in purchasing online. With over 30 years of commitment to organic practices, Coyuchi supports regenerative agriculture and offers the 2nd Home Renewed™ program, which renews and resells used items to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Sachi Organics Buckwheat Pillow*
Pricing: $63
Best Buckwheat Pillow - Firmness: Soft
Materials: Buckwheat hulls, Organic cotton
Certifications: FSC
Why We Like It: If you've been struggling with neck and shoulder pain and haven't tried a buckwheat pillow, you have to try Sachi's Organic Buckwheat Pillow! Its unique buckwheat hull filling provides exceptional support and helps alleviate sleep pain issues.
Made with FSC certified organic cotton and domestically sourced buckwheat hulls, this pillow ensures a non-toxic and eco-friendly sleep experience. Sachi Organics stands out for its commitment to quality craftsmanship and personalized care, maintaining the spirit of a small, family-run business for over four decades.
BOLL & BRANCH Down Chamber Pillow*
Pricing: $159
Best for Stomach Sleepers - Firmness: Soft, Medium, Firm
Materials: Organic cotton, Down
Certifications: Fair Trade, OEKO-TEX, GOTS, RDS, RWS, GRS
Why We Like It: This pillow has been a favorite in our household for years due to its high quality and variable firmness options. It's perfect for stomach sleepers, offering the right balance of support and comfort. Made with GOTS certified organic cotton and RDS certified down, it ensures a non-toxic sleep experience. Boll & Branch's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices is evident through their Fair Trade certification and 100% traceable products, ensuring transparency from seed to stitch. Their initiatives like Helping From Home highlight their dedication to making a positive impact on communities.
Sleep and Beyond Shredded Natural Latex and Wool Side Pillow*
Pricing: $129
Best for Hot Sleepers - Firmness: Soft
Materials: Natural cotton sateen, Natural woolly puffs, Shropshire wool
Certifications: GOTS, Fair Trade Certified, Woolmark, OEKO-TEX, Greenguard Standard
Why We Like It: Sleeping hot comes with a slew of complications when it comes to mattresses, bedding, and, of course, pillows. This is a tough problem to solve and wool is the solution. This pillow is a lifesaver for hot sleepers, with its breathable, temperature-regulating Shropshire wool. The natural cotton sateen and woolly puffs ensure a cool, comfortable sleep.
Sleep and Beyond’s dedication to sustainability and ethical practices is reflected in their extensive certifications like GOTS and Fair Trade. Their commitment to women empowerment, use of solar power, and eco-friendly packaging underscore their zero waste philosophy.
What Are the "Better" Non Toxic Pillows?
Naturepedic Toddler Pillow*
Pricing: $39
Best for Kids - Firmness: soft
Materials: PLA, Organic cotton fabric
Certifications: GOTS, GOLS, EWG, FSC®, MADE SAFE®, UL/GREENGUARD®
Why We Like It: Be prepared for your little one to become lovingly attached to this pillow! Know the feeling? When you find the perfect pillow, you don't settle for anything else!
This pillow is perfect for toddlers, offering just the right amount of support without being overly stuffed. Made with PLA and organic cotton fabric, it ensures a non-toxic and safe sleep environment. Naturepedic’s commitment to health and safety is evident through their numerous certifications, including GOTS, MADE SAFE®, and UL/GREENGUARD®. Their dedication to sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices makes this pillow a reliable choice for your child's first pillow.
Why "Better": PLA is a synthetic material derived from renewable resources like corn starch. Although it's considered non-toxic and safe for use in bedding, some individuals prefer avoiding synthetic materials altogether.
Nest Bedding Easy Breather Memory Foam Pillow*
Pricing: $119
Best Breathable Pillow - Firmness: Plush
Materials: Memory foam, Polyester
Certifications: CertiPUR-US, Fair Trade
Why We Like It: This pillow stands out as one of the few non-toxic memory foam options available on the market and it wasn't easy to find. What we love most is its adjustable fill, which allowed us to customize the firmness and find the exact amount of fill to meet our preferences. The pillow remains in place throughout the night, even with some tossing and turning. Nest Bedding’s commitment to quality and sustainability is evident through their CertiPUR-US and Fair Trade certifications, and their use of organic wool supports organic farming practices.
Why "Better": 80% of the filler is made from certiPUR-US certified foam, remaining 20% is smooth polyester fiber.
Brentwood Home Oceano Luxury Shredded Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow*
Pricing: $110
Best for Back Sleepers - Firmness: Medium
Materials: Memory foam, Polyester
Certifications: Certified B Corporation®, Formaldehyde Free Certified, GOLS, GOTS, GREENGUARD Gold
Why We Like It: This pillow has become a favorite among the back sleepers in our family, providing excellent support and cooling comfort. We suggest starting with less fill, as many reviewers, including us, found it necessary for the best sleep experience. Brentwood Home’s innovative use of REPREVE® recycled polyester from ocean-bound plastic bottles demonstrates their commitment to sustainability. Their extensive certifications, including GOLS, GOTS, and GREENGUARD Gold, highlight their dedication to non toxic sleep.
Why "Better": Does contain polyurethane foam but passes CertiPUR-US and is formaldehyde-free.
What are non-toxic pillows?
Non-toxic pillows are made from natural, organic materials like certified organic cotton, wool, latex, and buckwheat hulls, free from harmful chemicals such as flame retardants and formaldehyde. These pillows offer numerous benefits including improved health through reduced exposure to allergens and irritants, better sleep quality due to enhanced comfort and support, and a smaller environmental footprint. Certified by organizations like GOTS and GOLS, non-toxic pillows provide a safer, more sustainable alternative to conventional pillows, promoting both personal well-being and ecological responsibility.
What is the Safest Material for a Pillow?
There is quite a range of non-toxic materials for your pillow, each with its own benefits.
Here's a quick guide:
Organic Cotton: Breathable, hypoallergenic, and soft.
Natural Latex: Durable, supportive, and naturally resistant to mold and dust mites.
Organic Wool: Naturally hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating, and resistant to dust mites.
Kapok: Soft, lightweight, and a vegan alternative to down; a natural fiber.
Buckwheat Hulls: Adjustable firmness, excellent support, and breathable.
Down: Soft, luxurious, and excellent for insulation.
PLA (Polylactic acid): Biodegradable, low toxicity, and derived from renewable resources.
Recycled Materials: Reduces waste, conserves natural resources, and is energy efficient.
How Do You Pick a Non Toxic Pillow?
Non Toxic Pillow Buying Guide:
You'll want to consider each of these important factors to find yourself that "Goldilocks" perfect pillow.
Your Sleep Positions
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Side Sleepers: Need a firm pillow to support the neck and have proper spinal alignment. Latex and buckwheat hulls are good options.
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Back Sleepers: Require a medium-firm pillow to support the head and neck without pushing the head too far forward. Wool and latex are suitable.
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Stomach Sleepers: Should use a soft, low-loft pillow to prevent neck strain . A Kapok or organic cotton pillow is ideal.
Firmness and Loft
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Firmness: Determines how much support the pillow provides. Side sleepers generally need firmer pillows, while back and stomach sleepers need softer options.
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Loft: Refers to the height of the pillow. High-loft pillows are better for side sleepers, medium-loft for back sleepers, and low-loft for stomach sleepers.
Budget
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Nontoxic pillows can be more expensive due to the quality of materials and certifications. Organic pillows using GOTS-certified cotton can be more expensive than conventional options. However, they are a worthwhile investment for your health and the environment. There are also some budget options available.
Maintenance and Durability
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Some non-toxic pillows are machine washable, while others require spot cleaning. Check the care instructions before purchasing. It is best to use a non toxic detergent in washing your pillows to prevent exposure to harsh chemicals.
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Non-toxic pillows are highly durable, often made with high-quality natural materials that resist wear and tear. Using a pillow protector can further extend their lifespan by safeguarding against spills and stains.
Look for Certifications
These certifications are like your best buds - they've got your back and have done the heavy lifting of vetting products for safety.
Key Takeaways
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Non-toxic pillows eliminate exposure to harmful chemicals like flame retardants and formaldehyde, significantly reducing health risks such as hormonal imbalances and respiratory issues.
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Various materials are used in non-toxic pillows, including organic cotton, natural latex, wool, and buckwheat hulls, each offering unique benefits for different sleep needs and preferences.
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When choosing a non-toxic pillow, consider factors such as your sleep position, desired firmness, budget, and any specific health concerns like allergies or neck pain.
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Look for certifications such as GOTS, GOLS, OEKO-TEX, and GREENGUARD Gold to ensure the pillow meets strict standards for organic materials and low chemical emissions.
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Non-toxic pillows often provide better durability and temperature regulation compared to conventional options, potentially offering better value in the long term despite higher initial costs.
Non Toxic Pillows FAQs
What type of pillow is best for health?
A non-toxic, organic cotton pillow or pillows made from natural, hypoallergenic materials with an organic cotton cover are best for health.
What pillows have formaldehyde?
Pillows that are not CertiPUR-US certified may contain formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Are latex pillows chemical free?
Natural latex is a material used in pillows and clothes that are generally toxin free, but it's best to ensure they are certified organic for the safest option.
What is the least toxic pillow filling?
Organic cotton and natural latex are among the least toxic pillow fillings. Look for materials certified by GOTS and GOLS to ensure the material is safe.
Are organic pillows better?
Yes, organic pillows are better as they are free from harmful chemicals, hypoallergenic, and made from sustainable materials, promoting better health and environmental benefits. Make sure to pair them with non toxic bedding for best results.
What is the best organic pillow for neck pain?
Look for pillows made from certified organic materials like latex, wool, or cotton, which ensure you're getting a truly chemical-free product. The pillow should provide adequate support to maintain proper spinal alignment, with contoured designs often being beneficial for neck pain sufferers. Adjustability is key, as pillows with customizable loft allow you to fine-tune the height and firmness to your specific needs. Your primary sleeping position also plays a vital role in selection - side sleepers typically need firmer, higher loft pillows, while back sleepers may prefer medium loft, and stomach sleepers should opt for softer, lower loft options. By carefully evaluating these aspects alongside the unique features of each pillow, you can find an organic option that not only alleviates neck pain but also significantly enhances your overall sleep quality. Our personal favorite pillow for neck pain is the Naturepedic Organic Adjustable Latex Pillow*
If you enjoyed this post, check out these other articles on safe and non toxic products:
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Lauren Eaton
