Best Hypoallergenic Pillows: Breathe Easy Through the Night
If you are sensitive to allergens, when allergy season hits, it can feel like you have been run over by a truck. Sinus pressure, stuffy noses, coughs, itchy, watery eyes, and even skin irritations can all be a sign of your body reacting to something you have breathed in or touched. Some people don’t even have to wait for plants to come into bloom, but are generally sensitive to some more common, every day, contacts- such as dust mites or pet dander.
Most household products that come in close contact to your skin are designed to include materials that do not cause allergic reactions, or may even help deter the things that may influence allergy symptoms. We’ve compiled a list of our top naturally hypoallergenic pillows reviews based on overall comfort and benefit claims. These pillow has all been personally rated by The Sleep Judge Team to provide you with our own comfort accounts and experiences with them.
| Rank | Product | Highlights | Trial / Warranty |
| #1 |  Sleep Restoration Gel-Fiber Filled |
|
|
| #2 | 
Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Bamboo |
|
|
| #3 | 
Nature’s Sleep Ghost Pillow |
|
|
| #4 | 
Bluewave Bedding Gel-Infused |
|
|
| #5 | 
Adjustable Layla Pillow |
|
|
| #6 |  Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow |
|
|
| #7 | 
Bear Pillow |
|
|
| #8 | 
SlumberCloud Cirrus Medium Pillow |
|
|
| #9 | 
Purple Pillow |
|
|
| #10 | 
Nature’s Pillows Sobakawa Buckwheat |
|
|
What Causes Allergic Reactions?
Allergy symptoms can be as mild as a stuffy nose and watery eyes, to sever anaphylactic shock, characterized by a swelling of the airways. It could also be localized as a rash, or hives. The most common triggers to cause allergic reactions include pollen, mold, dust mites, certain fabrics, pet dander, household cleaners, and insect bites.
In relation to your bedding, many allergies may be exasperated due to the materials used, a build up of dust and dust mites, or even mildew and molds. The majority of problems that my bother you through the night pertain more to your own care of your bedding more than anything else. Dust, dander, or even moisture can build up over time, and you should always provide protective covers for your mattress and pillows when applicable, as well as your own sheets and pillowcases. The seams and folds of your bedding can also collect allergens, so washing them regularly is an important step as well. Many pillow are even machine washable and dryable- making it convenient to refresh.
What is a Hypoallergenic Pillow?
A hypoallergenic pillow, in short, is a pillow constructed of both natural and manmade fibers that are not known to cause allergies. They also may contain materials that are known to more naturally deter allergens (such as dust mites) from settling upon them. Airy pillows that have excellent breathability creates a dry environment in which mites, molds, and mildews are unable to thrive. Most pillows actually are hypoallergenic in nature, but some simply have more supportive properties than others. Those are the ones we are reviewing below.
You may be interested in: Best Hypoallergenic Pillow
Types of Hypoallergenic Pillows
The types of materials used in pillows that are more naturally hypoallergenic than others include a mix of both natural, man made, and processed materials. These are the most popularly found fabrics and materials used in pillow construction.
— Natural Fibers
Cotton is a favored natural material used in most pillow cases. It is lightweight, soft, and very breathable. Linen is also another fabric that may be seen for the same reasons. Both of these natural materials are grown and harvested, and undergo very few processes to be woven in the fabric we use.
Buckwheat hulls are the shell casing of the buckwheat seed. Since it has no absorbent properties, and also is highly breathable and keeps its shape, it is not ideal for the settling of allergens, even if they could be reached through the typically thick, cotton, twill casing that normally encompasses this type of pillow.
— Processed Fibers and Materials
Bamboo and Tencel fibers are a byproduct of pulped bamboo and wood fibers respectively. They undergo a chemical process that breaks them down, soften them, and allows them to be woven into a material blend. These are typically highly breathable, plush materials that are not conducive to allergen buildup. These types of covers are often used with other, hypoallergenic fill choices.
Latex is also a natural sap byproduct that undergoes various processes to create a conforming, stringy foam surface. Although there are such things as latex allergies, the components that create those allergies are almost always removed during the foaming process. If concerns still exist, always consult a specialist.
— Manmade Materials
Polyester fibers, used both in the construction of the shell, and the fill, are a durable, lightweight, and supportive surface that does not create an environment for allergens to settle in. These fibers are a synthetic resin and made into thin threads that are either created to weave into a fabric (usually a blend) or used as a filling.
Poly and memory foams are also a man made product that is naturally hypoallergenic and serve as both a solid core for your head and neck to rest upon, or can be shredded and even blended with other fibers for various support purposes. Foam can retain moisture, however, so it should be kept protected when used.
Why Would I Want a Hypoallergenic Pillow?
As mentioned, most pillows are generally hypoallergenic in nature. But if you do suffer from allergies on a regular basis, and dust mites and other airborne allergens are a particular sensitivity of yours- then a pillow with high hypoallergenic properties can be helpful. After all, you place your head on your pillow for a third of your day, and it is important to choose one that supports not only your body and comfort preferences, but also your overall health.
You may be interested in: Hypoallergenic Pillowcases
What to Consider When Choosing a Hypoallergenic Pillow
Choosing a pillow simply based on hypoallergenic claims isn’t good practice, mainly because a pillow, first and foremost, needs to support your body properly as well. Ask yourself a few simple guiding questions to help you make a more informed decision concerning your entire sleep experience.
What is your sleep position?
Make sure to look for thinner, responsive pillows for back and stomach sleepers, and thicker, contouring pillows for side sleepers. All sleepers need to try and have their head stay level between their shoulder through the night and not be helped too low, or too high. The neck also needs to be supported to allow for soft tissue relaxation. A good pillow will address proper spinal alignment, and should be a priority on choosing a pillow.
Do you sleep warm?
Many hypoallergenic materials are naturally cooling and breathable, allowing for good airflow. This results in a cooler night’s sleep. Solid core foams, however, often create heat sinks, so if you sleep hot, you may want to avoid this material, or look for one that is gel infused or include a gel layer for a cooler sleep surface.
Do you wake with aches and pains?
Waking with aches and pains, or waking to shift positions through the night are usually the result of poor posture and spinal support. As commented above, picking the best pillow for your sleep comfort is an important detail to take into account.
Our Top Best Hypoallergenic Pillow Picks
The best hypoallergenic pillow is going to be the one that fits your sleep position and comfort preference the best, with a hypoallergenic features as a secondary benefit. Our picks below come from our own personal reviews and highlighted the hypoallergenic benefits as part of their selling point. These pillows made the grade above many of their counterparts in similar categories, making them top rated.
1. Super Plush Sleep Restoration Gel-Fiber Pillow
SPECS
Filling: Poly Fiber-gel
Loft: 4 inches
Comfort Positions: All
Warranty: 30 day returns
The plush contouring and underlying firm, supportive feel makes the Super Plush Sleep Restoration Pillow a top choice for a variety of sleep positions. The overall profile is fairly average in height, and when combined with a super fine, gel infused polyester fill, you get a highly responsive pillow that can be manipulate to work for multiple comfort needs. When under compression the pillow works well to distribute outwards rather than up to create a level surface. The cover is 100% cotton and woven into a 240 thread count material, making it extremely breathable. This combination of materials keeps you cool and dry, and keep moisture from collecting, as well as dust mites from taking up residence.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
2. Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Bamboo Cooling Pillow
SPECS
- Filling: Shredded memory foam and poly fiber blend
- Loft: Adjustable
- Comfort Positions: All
- Warranty: 30 day trial period
Bamboo is pulped and processed to create a soft, breathable material that is both thick, and comforting. It is a durable cloth that is perfect for adjustable pillows, and is often used with a shredded memory type filling to create a highly malleable pillow. The Coop Home Good Adjustable Pillow has a shredded memory foam and poly fiber filling to create a soft, shapeable feel that is accessible through the zippered end so you can adjust how much, or little, filling you need for proper support. The shredded foam blend also creates an airy, lightweight feel, and creates excellent airflow through the pillow, making it an optimal cooling choice and hypoallergenic given the materials used.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
3. GhostPillow Real-Time Cooling Aerated Gel Memory Foam Pillow
SPECS
Filling: Gel infused memory foam
Loft: ~5.5 inches
Comfort Positions: All
Warranty: 100 night sleep trial, 5 year warranty
Created by the GhostBed Mattress Company, their pillow uses the same type of foam that has made their mattress so popular, and gel infused it to create a highly innovative, cooling foam core that dissipates heat and and contours nicely under your weight. The foam is also created with pockets of air for coolburst sensation, also making it a much drier climate, and not feasible for the gathering of allergens. It is made specifically for back and side sleepers, and helps provide the perfect height for your head to rest upon, and fills in the gap under your neck for true, soft tissue relaxation. A dual casing system provides moisture wicking and a smooth, soft surface.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
4. Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim Gel-Infused Pillow
SPECS
Filling: Gel infused memory foam
Loft: ~ 3 inches
Comfort Positions: Back and Stomach
Warranty: 3 years
The Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim is one of the thinnest profiled pillows in the current market and is made specifically for back and stomach sleepers. The memory foam core is well aerated, and has a dual sided design to provide the support you need depending on the position you sleep in. It also is gel infused to pull heat from your body, and combined with the foam aeration holes allows for a very cooling experience. The thin profiles has excellent response, but doesn’t bottom out and allows for a firm underlying feel. The entire pillow is covered with a bamboo fabric, creating a thicker, plush surface and hypoallergenic cover.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
5. Layla Copper Infused Down Alternative Pillow
SPECS
- Filling: kapok and shredded memory foam
- Loft: ~5.5 inches
- Comfort Positions: Back and side sleepers
- Warranty: 5 year prorated, 120 night trial
The shredded memory foam and soft Kapok fibers that make up the filling of this pillow create a soft, airy, and gentle contour. It also is highly shapeable, and is a great alternative to down and feather pillow lovers. The pillow is not adjustable, making it a good choice for back and side sleepers, but it is usually not thin enough for stomach sleepers. It is made to help with body recovery, and the poly blended case is infused with copper to influence a cooper night’s sleep, as well as promote blood flow and healing. This technological approach may also aide in headache relief, as well as skin conditions, such as acne.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
6. Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
SPECS
- Filling: Plush gel fibers
- Loft: 5.5 inches
- Comfort Positions: All
- Warranty: 30 day money-back guarantee
This organic pillow by the Beckham Hotel Collection incorporates 5.5 inches of gel-filled fibers that make this pillow one of the most plush sleeping surfaces you’ll find. The pillow’s case material is 100% organic cotton, and these pillows are hypoallergenic as well as dust mite resistant. If you typically suffer from allergy or asthma, this cooling gel pillow may be perfect for your needs. To care for your pillow, it’s easy to toss in the washing machine on a gentle, cold cycle to get out any stains over time. It’s also recommended to air dry and fluff them by hand to return it back to its original shape. The Beckham Hotel Collection backs their Gel Pillow with a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
7. Bear Pillow
SPECS
- Filling: LOFT-X hybrid memory foam
- Loft: ~6 inches
- Comfort Positions: All
- Warranty: 2 year
The patented hybrid foam of the Bear Pillow is soft, conforming, lightweight, and feels as if your head is resting on nothing. It is very airy, and provides a spring like bounce to it. There is no impression left after laying on it, yet it is very supportive. With a 6 inch loft it is geared more towards side sleepers, although broader shouldered bodies can take advantage of it as a back sleeping choice. It also has some alternative uses. The foam is chambered for breathable comfort, and the soft casing has vents for increased airflow as well, creating a free flow of air through the pillow as you sleep. This also creates a dry, uninhabitable environment for dust mites and poor areas for other allergens to settle.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
8. Nature’s Pillows Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow
SPECS
- Case material: 100% cotton
- Comfort: back and side
- Adjustable: no
- Warranty: Varies through fulfillment company
As one of the first companies to introduce the Sobakawa Pillow to the Western World, Nature’s Pillows has grown in popularity due to their traditional buckwheat hull pillow design made to hold you head and neck in spinal alignments, and provide gentle pressure points for an alleviation of headaches, migraines, tension, and to help keep airways open. The hulls are naturally hypoallergenic and very airy, and are encased within a thick 100% cotton casing for both easy pillow shaping, and increased airflow. You can easily influence your own comfort with this very pliable design.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
9. Slumber Cloud Cumulus Pillow
SPECS
- Filling: Down alternative polyfill
- Comfort: Soft/Thin
- Comfort Positions: Stomach and back sleepers
- Warranty: 30 days
For anyone who loves the feel of a feather and down pillow, but suffers from allergies and is nervous to invest in one, this is an amazing alternative. Although feather and down pillows should be cleaned well enough to avoid any issues with allergens, those who are sensitive to them may not want to take any chances. The down alternative polyfill is so similar to a true down fill, it is difficult to tell the difference. It is encased in a 100% Outlast cooling fabric that provides an increase in air flow and provides a soft comfort. The pillow is also machine washable.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
10. The Purple Pillow
SPECS
- Filling: Hyper-elastic Polymer
- Comfort: Medium-firm
- Comfort Positions: Back-Side adjustability
- Warranty: 100 night sleep trial
The design of The Purple Pillow is wholly unique and uses a hyper-elastic polymer core that is made up of many separate compartments for consistent airflow. It flexes to your unique weight and shape, and provides an unparalleled support. It is a heavy design, but stays in place and is actually adjustable when used with the included air pillow to fit a wider variety of body shapes and sizes. This is especially popular with people suffering from back and neck pain, and is constructed in such a way that it is wholly hypoallergenic.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Conclusion
Your best hypoallergenic pillow truly depends more on your sleep position, and support and comfort it lends your unique body shape. For hypoallergenic purposes you want to look for a pillow that has the above mentioned materials in use, are breathable and support air flow, and are less dense in nature. Many companies will highlight hypoallergenic benefits if they have them, so that is another thing to pay attention to.
But keep in mind most pillows are hypoallergenic in nature, and your care of your pillow and other bedding has more to do with allergens than any other influence. If you have any questions about the pillows we’ve listed above, or would like more information, please let us know below in the comments.
Recent Updates
August 12, 2022: SleepBetter Iso-Cool Pillow has been removed due to unavailability, replaced with the popular Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow. Original photography has also been included with links to our hands-on review.