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Are you struggling to find the best organic pillows for you and your family? We’ve curated a list of the most eco-friendly pillows based on the opinions of hundreds of snoozy reviewers. From natural pillows for side sleepers to non-toxic pillows for hot sleepers, we’ve covered all your zzz-related needs.
If you consistently wake up in the morning with a sharp pain in your neck or a headache, chances are that your trusted pillows could actually be working against you.
So, what are the non-negotiable criteria of premium and affordable eco-friendly pillows for a good night’s sleep? First, you want to ensure your natural pillow is supportive and comfortable for your neck and spine during sleep.
Secondly, you want a pillow free from harsh chemicals or toxic pesticides. This is extremely important given that most pillows on the market are made from either conventional cotton or virgin polyester inners and outer shells. Both materials have damaging effects on the environment. Plus, they’re often treated with many harsh chemicals, especially in the case of conventional cotton, which uses many toxic pesticides and insecticides during cultivation. Such chemicals often make the materials unsuitable for people with sensitive skin.
Natural and organic pillows, on the other hand, are made without these harmful chemicals, meaning you can lay your head to rest at night without worrying about irritations, allergies, and potential chemical side effects.
What are the benefits of organic pillows?
If you suffer from chemical sensitivities or have sensitive skin, switching to an organic pillow could make a big difference. That’s because organic pillows are created from organic materials grown without using sprays, pesticides, or toxic chemicals, making most organic materials a suitable alternative for sensitive skin.
It’s always important, however, that you check you’re not allergic to latex before buying even a natural latex pillow.
In addition to being kind to sensitive skin, organic pillows are also known for their breathability and natural moisture-wicking properties. This can help regulate your body temperature and keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep. Also, natural materials are often more durable and longer-lasting, so you might need to replace your pillow less frequently.
If you’re looking for natural throw pillows instead, take a look at our guide here.
The Best Sustainable and Organic Pillows
1. Birch Organic Pillow
Pillow type: Natural latex pillow with wool and organic cotton
Key Features: Cruelty-free wool, GOTS certified organic cotton and natural Talalay latex.
Price: from $99
The Organic Pillow by Birch is an excellent option if you’re looking for a natural latex pillow. The pillow features naturally harvested eco-INSTITUT certified Talay latex, a material that is up to 7 times more breathable than regular latex pillows.
Birch’s organic latex pillow features a plush organic wool inner, ethically sourced from New Zealand sheep. Chosen for its naturally flame retardant, moisture-wicking, and breathable properties, organic wool makes a great hypoallergenic alternative to a conventional polyester filling.
Surrounding the natural filling is a 100% GOTS certified organic cotton cover that is soft to touch and breathable. Organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals and uses up to 91% less water to grow than conventional cotton.
However, the Birch Organic pillow is not suitable for vegans or those looking for a vegan pillow, as it contains wool.
Overall the Birch brand gets excellent reviews, with an average of 4.6/5 with over two thousand reviews.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Best for Back and side sleepers | ❌ The moldability of this pillow might not be for everyone |
| ✔️ Springy and responsive | ❌ Spot-clean only |
2. Piglet
Pillow types: Organic Wool Pillow with organic cotton cover, available in varying sizes and firmness, including soft, medium, and firm.
Key Features: 100% carded Merino Sheep’s Wool and organic cotton casing.
Price: from $89 / £99
UK-based brand Piglet has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to its gorgeously stylish linen bedding, sheets, and pajamas, but did you know the brand also creates a line of pillows and comforters?
Filled with 100% humanely sourced Merino Sheep’s wool, Piglet’s natural pillows are encased in a soft organic cotton cover and are available in 3 firmness types.
Unfortunately, Piglet’s merino wool pillow is not suitable for vegans. However, If you’re looking for a natural pillow, we’d consider Piglet, another brand that gets great reviews with over five thousand 5 stars.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Best for side sleepers and pillow huggers | ❌ Not vegan |
| ✔️ Anti-allergy |
3. Naturepedic
Pillow types: Latex pillow options or non-latex natural stuffed filling alternative.
Key Features: Natural and organic materials, Greenguard and Made Safe certification, GOLS certified
Price: from $69
Organic mattress brand Naturepedic has led the organic bedding revolution for almost two decades. The brand has transformed how we sleep and has set the bar for organic bedding brands to follow. Naturepedic creates three highly-rated organic pillows for adults and creates kid’s pillow options.
With many organic and eco-friendly certifications, including Greenguard, Madesafe, GOTS certified, and Rainforest Alliance, it’s clear to see why Naturepedic are leaders in creating organic pillows that are good for you and the planet.
The brand has options if you’re looking for a supportive latex pillow and an alternative stuffed pillow featuring a breathable organic sugarcane fiber batting filling.
We like that Naturepedic offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year limited warranty on products.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Adjustable height | ❌ A bit small for a standard-size pillowcase |
| ✔️ Best for hot sleepers, side and back sleepers |
4. Boll and Branch
Pillow types: 100% RDS Natural down pillows and organic non-down alternatives.
Key Features: Natural pillows made in the USA, featuring organic cotton casings and allergy-friendly fillings.
Price: from $69
Boll and Branch are a brand creating high-quality bedding from natural and eco-friendly materials. The brand is committed to using materials free from harmful chemicals and ensures any cotton used is organic cotton.
Boll and Branch create a down pillow and down alternative. The Down pillow features responsibly sourced down from farms in the US and an organic cotton casing. The pillow is made in the USA ethically and is available in three levels of support.
If you’re looking for a vegan, organic pillow, then check out Boll and Branch’s Down alternative pillow, constructed from a Primaloft filling, an allergy-friendly fiber encased in a 100% organic cotton case.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Cruelty-free down | ❌ Issues with durability |
| ✔️ Great for sweaty sleepers | ❌ Reviews say pillows can lose shape after time |
5. Coyuchi Organic Latex Pillow
Pillow types: Organic Latex Pillow
Key Features: GOLS certified organic latex and GOTS certified organic cotton case.
Price: from $148
Coyuchi is an expert in crafting organic hypoallergenic pillows for an optimized and calming sleep.
We’ve chosen the Coyuichi Turiya gols certified organic latex pillow to feature on this list, as it gets excellent reviews with an average of 4.8 stars out of 5.
On first look, the pillow can look a little strange as it features a head hole and ear holes, but the pillow is specifically designed for back and side sleepers, as the ear holes cradle your ears. Reviews say that it takes a little getting used to but improves sleep and means you won’t wake up with sore ears.
The Turiya Pillow is crafted from GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex, which farmers in Sri Lanka responsibly harvest. Turiya natural latex is mold and mildew resistant and naturally repels dust mites thanks to its breathable nature.
Coyuchi also offers a shredded latex pillow, which is filled with shreds of natural latex, which you can remove to balance and create the perfect firmness for your sleep style, perfect if you’re a side or stomach sleeper.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Best for side, back, or stomach sleepers | ❌ On the firmer side |
| ✔️ Adjustable fill | ❌ Latex smell within the first few days |
6. White Lotus Home
Pillow type: GOTS Organic Cotton Pillow, Contour Pillow, Organic wool pillow, sleep pillow
Key Features: GOTS organic cotton, organic wool, natural latex pillows
Price: from $60
White Lotus Home has showcased sustainable homewares for over Two Decades and shared the importance of living green with its customers.
The brand handcrafts its organic pillows, mattresses, and bedding from eco-friendly and natural materials like GOTS-certified organic cotton, organic wool, and natural latex.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Available in many sizes and firmness options | ❌ On the pricier side |
| ✔️ Customizable fill level |
7. Sol Organics
Pillow types: Down pillow with GOTS certified organic cotton cover
Key Features: Down Mark Certified 100% Canadian White Down with a baffle box even filling.
Price: from $179
If you’re looking for a responsibly made hypoallergenic organic down pillow, check out Sol Organics, an organic bedding brand creating its pillows responsibly in Canada from Down mark certified Canadian down, enclosed in a GOTS certified organic cotton casing.
Sol Organics only uses GOTS certified organic cotton with low-impact organic dyes to ensure its products are kind to the skin and the environment.
This pillow isn’t suitable for vegans or those wanting an animal-free pillow, and unfortunately, the brand doesn’t create any down alternative pillow options.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Great for those with neck and shoulder pain | ❌ Spot-clean only |
| ✔️ Responsibly sourced Canadian down | ❌ Not vegan |
8. Rawganique
Pillow types: Organic cotton pillow, Organic Kapok pillow, Shredded natural rubber pillow, Organic buckwheat pillow, Organic hemp pillow, and Raw wool pillow
Key Features: Ethically made pillows made using eco-friendly and natural materials
Price: from $24
If you’re looking for affordable organic pillows, look no further than Rawganique. The brand has the largest selection of eco-friendly, vegan, and natural pillows than any other brand on this list and is priced at an affordable price.
The brand specializes in creating organic textiles and bedding made ethically in the USA and Europe.
Rawganiques best selling Organic Kapok pillow is made in the USA from the natural soft filling found in the fruit pods of Kapok ceiba trees. Each pillow is available in various sizes. A great feature of Rawganique, which not all other brands offer, is the option to buy extra stuffing if needed to adjust your pillow’s firmness over time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ 9 options available in many sizes and firmness levels | ❌ Not machine washable |
| ✔️ First to create hemp pillows |
9. Avocado
Pillow types: Organic latex pillow features an extra bag of filling for customizable support.
Key Features: GREENGUARD Gold certified Non-toxic pillow created from gols certified organic latex and organic Kapok.
Price: from $89
The Avocado green pillow is a fantastic organic pillow. It’s non-toxic, created from global organic latex standard latex, is 100% vegan, and handmade in Los Angeles.
The green pillow is made with organic materials, including Kapok and organic latex, free from harmful chemicals or pesticides.
We love that Avocado supplies an extra bag of organic filling with each pillow so you can customize the firmness of the pillow to your sleeping position; whether you’re a front sleeper, side sleeper, or back sleeper, the green pillow has you covered.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Great for hot sleepers | ❌ Very heavy |
| ✔️ Extra fill bag for adjusting pillow height | ❌ Some find the plush cushioning too soft |
10. Parachute
Pillow types: Down pillow and alternative pillows
Key Features: Made in the USA Pillows from European sourced down
Price: from $129
Parachute is an ethical bedding brand creating stylish and sustainable home goods and textiles from responsible materials.
The brand creates a range of pillows that are ethically made in the USA from responsibly sourced materials. Although Parachute’s pillows don’t have the same organic credentials as the other brands listed here, they’re still good to check out if you’re looking for ethical bedding.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Best for side sleepers and stomach sleepers | ❌ Not effective at reducing night sweats |
| ✔️ Luxurious Feel |
11. Turmerry
Pillow types: Organic buckwheat, organic latex, and natural Kapok pillows.
Key Features: Free from toxic chemicals, gols certified, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, and Global Organic Textile Standard certified
Price: from $59
Turmerry offers a range of organic and non-toxic pillows, including organic shredded latex pillows, buckwheat pillows, and other natural materials.
Turmerry’s organic latex pillow is available in shredded and solid latex and is suitable for back and side sleepers.
For a natural alternative to a latex pillow, it’s worth checking out Turmerry’s buckwheat pillow. The pillow may look strange at first, as it’s made with organic buckwheat hulls, but the pillow contours to your neck and head and can help you relax and even relive aches and pains.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Cooling properties | ❌ Some issues with lack of firmness |
| ✔️ Best for back and side sleepers |
12. Brooklyn Bedding
Pillow types: High loft and low loft latex pillows
Key Features: Natural Talalay latex pillow with an organic cotton casing
Price: from $89
Brooklyn Bedding is an excellent option if you’re looking for a sustainable bed pillow, as the brand creates its organic pillows from responsibly sourced natural latex and organic cotton.
BB’s pillows are available in a high loft, suitable for back sleepers and side sleepers, and a low loft suitable for front sleepers.
Each of Brooklyn bedding’s hypoallergenic pillow’s come with a 3-year warranty.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Great for hot sleepers | ❌ Memory foam is not suitable for everyone |
| ✔️ Machine washable cover | ❌ Over-stuffed feel |
13. Ethical Bedding
Pillow types: Deep fill medium firmness pillow with recycled BPA-free plastic bottles and bamboo filling.
Key Features: 50% recycled PET, BPA-free, and 50% Oeko-Tex certified bamboo filling with a naturally hypoallergenic eucalyptus cover. Eucalyptus fiber contains no essential oils and is safe for pets and kids.
Price: from £45
Ethical Bedding creates a bouncy and soft hypoallergenic Oeko-Tex certified eucalyptus silk pillow, which features a blend of bamboo and recycled BPA-free PET filling sourced from recycled plastic bottles.
Eucalyptus is a great eco-friendly fiber. It doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals, is naturally breathable, and is zero-static, which is great if you want to smooth out your curly hair.
We’ve tested the Ethical Bedding Eucalyptus pillow, and we’re impressed with how full the pillow is and how it maintains its shape during sleep.
The pillow says it is medium firm. However, we found the pillow quite deep and slightly on the firmer side. Unfortunately, Ethical Bedding currently only do one firmness of pillow; we’d like to see them expand the range to feature varying degrees of firmness in the future.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Machine-washable | ❌ Contains some recycled plastic |
| ✔️ Best for Back and side sleepers |
What is the least toxic pillow filling?
Below we’ve included some of the best organic pillow fillings to reduce irritation and sleep cozy.
Organic cotton: Natural pillows filled with organic cotton are popular for those seeking a natural and less toxic option. Compared to conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, reducing the potential exposure to harmful chemicals.
Organic wool: Wool is a naturally flame-resistant and hypoallergenic material, which makes it a good choice for those looking for a low-toxicity pillow filling. It is sourced ethically from “happy” sheep that are treated humanely, are well-fed, and live natural and healthy lives. However, one downside of wool is that it isn’t vegan friendly.
Natural latex: Eco-friendly pillows filled with natural latex, derived from the sap of rubber trees, can be a good option for those seeking a less toxic choice. Natural latex is known for its durability, resilience, and resistance to dust mites and mold.
Buckwheat Hulls: Buckwheat hull pillows are filled with the outer shells of buckwheat seeds. They are a unique option that provides adjustable support and good airflow. Plus, they are generally untreated and chemical-free, making them a low-toxicity choice.
What are the best organic pillows for side sleepers?
When it comes to choosing the best organic pillows for side sleepers, you’ll benefit from an option that provides proper support to keep your head, neck, and spine aligned.
Natural latex pillows are known for their excellent support and contouring properties. They offer a good balance of softness and firmness, which can help keep the neck and spine properly aligned. Look for organic latex pillows labeled “medium-firm” or “firm” for optimal support.
If you prefer a memory foam pillow, look for organic memory foam options with a contoured design. These pillows often have a higher loft on one side and a lower loft on the other, providing optimal support for the neck and head while accommodating side sleeping positions.
What are the best organic pillows for back pain?
When looking for the best organic pillows to help with back pain, it’s essential to consider pillows that provide proper support and alignment for your spine.
Organic memory foam pillows can contour to the shape of your head and neck, providing excellent support and relieving pressure points. Look for organic memory foam pillows that offer medium to firm support, as they can help keep your spine correctly aligned while promoting comfort.
Organic wool pillows provide a natural loft and gentle support, which can benefit individuals with back pain. Wool has inherent moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties, creating a comfortable sleeping environment. Look for organic wool pillows with a medium level of firmness for better support.
What are the organic pillows for neck pain?
Regarding organic pillows for neck pain, it’s important to prioritize pillows that offer proper support and alignment for the neck and cervical spine.
Organic buckwheat pillows can be a good choice for individuals with neck pain, as they conform to the head and neck shape while providing support. The adjustability of buckwheat hull filling allows you to customize the loft and firmness to suit your neck’s specific needs.
Organic latex pillows can also offer excellent support and resilience, helping to alleviate neck pain. Look for organic latex pillows with a medium to firm feel, as they provide the necessary support for the neck while maintaining comfort.
What to avoid when buying a natural pillow?
❌ Chemical Treatments
Stay away from pillows that have been treated with chemical additives such as flame retardants, formaldehyde, or antimicrobial chemicals. These additives can harm your health and cause allergic reactions or other sensitivities.
❌ Unverified Organic Claims
Be cautious of pillows claiming to be “organic” without proper certification or third-party verification. Look for trusted certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) to ensure the pillow meets strict organic standards.
❌ Poor Quality Fillings
Avoid pillows with low-quality or inferior fillings that may flatten quickly or lose support. Look for eco-friendly pillows that use high-quality natural materials like organic cotton, wool, latex, or buckwheat hulls, which are more likely to provide lasting comfort and support.
❌ Poor Support
Avoid pillows that do not adequately support your sleeping position and preferences. A pillow should align your head, neck, and spine to promote proper sleep posture. Make sure to choose a natural pillow with the right level of firmness and loft (height) for your needs.
What do all the organic certifications mean?
When we talk about organic textiles, we often use standards abbreviations, including GOTS, gols, and more. Unfortunately, it can be easy to get confused with what they all mean.
Below we’ve highlighted some of the most common certifications, and what they mean so you can look out for them the next time you shop organic.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): This is one of the most common certifications for organic materials. The GOTS organic certification ensures that the material consists of at least 95% material of organic origin. In addition, to be certified as organic, it must not contain or be grown with any harmful chemicals or pesticides.
Global Organic Latex Standard (gols): When looking for organic mattresses, toppers, or pillows, you may see that brands have a gols certification. The gols certification ensures that the natural rubber latex has been harvested responsibly and ethically. In addition, suppliers with the gols certification must meet strict social and environmental regulations. The gols certification also enables supply chain transparency and traceability.
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100: Standard 100 ensures every component of a piece of clothing or textile, down to every last detail, including every thread, button, label, and other accessories, has been tested and doesn’t contain any harmful substances or chemicals. The STANDARD 100 certification ensures that the article is harmless for human health.
Wrapping Up: Organic Pillows
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading the article, and have found some great bedding brands creating natural and organic pillows.
Why not pair your organic pillow with an organic cotton pillow case?
If you’ve tried any of the brands here, or have any feedback, please leave us a message in the comments below.
If you want to discover other eco-friendly and organic bedding brands, check out our guides on organic mattresses, matress toppers, and comforters.
