Best Non-Toxic Pillows
Before delving further into this topic, it’s important to state that pillows aren’t ‘toxic’ in the sense that they’re dangerous. When you go to the store or order a pillow, you aren’t receiving a product that will kill you, however, you may find you have issues concerning certain materials used in their construction due to sensitivities or allergies.
This article highlights natural pillow options, as well as material choices you can research to determine which types of pillow are best for you and your family. Many of these we have personally reviewed as well to provide you the best options possible. Read on to see which non-toxic pillows are best for your needs!
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Hullo Buckwheat Pillow
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| #2 |  Avocado Green Pillow Review
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| #3 |  Wenersi Goose Feather Pillow
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| #4 |  Saatva Latex Pillow
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| #5 |  Avocado Molded Latex Pillow
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| #6 |  Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
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The Best Non-Toxic Pillows
1. Editor’s Choice – Hullo Buckwheat Pillow
SPECS:
- Case Material: Organic cotton twill
- Fill: Buckwheat hulls
- Comfort: Best for back and side sleepers
With various sizes offered in the popular Hullo Buckwheat Pillow, the organic cotton twill case is durable, long-lasting and is sure to hold the hulls in place night after night. The firm, yet plush fill is a superior choice for back and side sleepers looking for head and neck support, as well as spinal alignment. Naturally sourced, this is an excellent option that’s also vegan. Because the fill is adjustable, any position sleeper can take advantage of this pillow. It may take some time to get used to the unique feel, but it’s a top choice for alleviating neck and back pain, as well as for those who suffer from troublesome migraines.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Helps with migraines
- Shapes extremely well
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
- Noise and feel takes time to get used to
2. Runner Up – Avocado Green Pillow
SPECS:
- Case Material: 100% organic cotton
- Fill: 70% latex, 30% Kapok
- Comfort: All sleep positions
Avocado is a leader when it comes to naturally sourced bedding materials, and their adjustable Green Pillow is a superior pick if you want complete control over the comfort of your pillow choice. Filled with latex and Kapok, you can take out or leave in as much as you want for personalized support. The 100% organic cotton casing is cooling, breathable and super plush as well. This is a great option for anyone who likes the idea of an adjustable pillow that’s suited for all sleeping positions. Dunlap latex shreds and soft Kapok is malleable, yet supportive.
Pros
- Adjustable for all sleep positions
- 100-night sleep trial
- Soft, smooth and cooling
Cons
- The whole pillow can’t be washed
- May be a little messy when removing the fill
3. Best Natural Goose Feather – Wenersi Goose Feather Pillow
SPECS:
- Case Material: 100% cotton
- Fill: 85% feather, 15% down
- Comfort: Back and side sleepers
Malleable, yet supportive, this goose feather pillow has a 15% down and 85% feather blend for added softness. This is a great pillow to help support the head and neck and provide superior pressure relief. The natural fill and 100% cotton cover is highly breathable for a cooler night’s sleep. Available in both firm and soft supports, you can also choose between queen and king-sized options. Best for back and side sleepers, you have a good range to choose from depending on your body shape and size. If you prefer a pillow you can fold, hug and shape, this is a great option.
Pros
- High-quality material
- Even feather distribution
- Good underlying support and firmness choices
Cons
- Dry clean suggested
- The material has a crackling noise until broken in
- May flatten but can re-fluffed
4. Customer’s Choice – Saatva Latex Pillow
SPECS:
- Case Material: 100% latex core
- Fill: Down-like microdenier fiber
- Comfort: All sleep positions
The Saatva Latex Pillow provides both adjustability and comfort for a wide variety of sleepers. This pillow uses a layering technology to provide optimal support for different sleeping positions. The latex pillow applies a ‘pillow within a pillow’ technique to accommodate changes in pillow height and firmness. The use of fiberfill and latex gives sleepers a plush feel, with still enough firmness to keep your pillow centered throughout the night.
This unique pillow is one that has been gaining in popularity and has had many top-rated reviews from customers. Most importantly, its materials are naturally and organically sourced to make this a hypoallergenic pillow for those with sensitive skin and allergy sufferers.
Pros
- Highly breathable for a cool night’s sleep
- Adjustable loft to suit your comfort preferences
- Machine washable to easily keep it clean and free of bacteria
Cons
- Some reports of being too soft for side sleeping
5. Best Natural Latex – Avocado Molded Latex Pillow
SPECS:
- Case Material: 100% organic cotton
- Fill: Dunlap Latex
- Comfort: Side and back sleepers
If you prefer a solid foam pillow, then this vegan molded latex option is an excellent choice. Soft yet supportive, it’s designed for back and side sleepers but is soft enough for stomach sleepers as well. The design is also cooling to keep from retaining heat, and the organically sourced cotton cover has great stretch and plush comfort. Back and side sleepers will benefit the most from this pillow. If you prefer a cool pillow that keeps its shape and doesn’t need to be fluffed constantly before you rest your head on it, this is the way to go.
Pros
- Soft, but supportive
- 100 night sleep trial
- Soft, smooth and cooling
Cons
- Whole pillow can’t be washed
6. Best Gel Pillow – Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
SPECS:
- Case Material: 100% cotton
- Fill: Plush gel fibers
- Comfort: All sleep positions
This organic gel pillow by the Beckham Hotel Collection is made of plush gel-filled fibers that make this pillow one of the most comfortable and plush you’ll find. They’re made to maximize comfort for any sleep position to ensure you can fall asleep comfortably and keep cool throughout the night. As the case material is made of 100% cotton, these pillows are hypoallergenic, dust mite, mold and mildew resistant, which is ideal for allergy or asthma sufferers. These pillows are also fade and stain-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about them getting stained permanently. Simply toss them in the wash on a gentle, cold cycle and give them a fluff by hand once they’ve dried. Beckham also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee which allows you to return the pillows for a full refund if you’re not completely sold.
Pros
- Made of cooling gel fibers, great for hot sleepers
- Comes in a 2-pack
- Plush and super comfortable for the head and neck
Cons
- Loft isn’t adjustable
What is a Non-toxic Pillow?
For this article, we’re going to define non-toxic as those pillows made from all-natural materials. We’ll also explain what various certifications you may want to consider that signify safe manufacturing processes. This doesn’t mean that these pillows are all hypoallergenic – as some natural fibers may still create sensitivities – but it does mean they’re free from chemicals that could exacerbate allergies and skin sensitivities.
Natural Materials
Naturally occurring fibers and materials that have less processing are exposed to fewer synthetics and chemicals in their creation. There are also certifications and tests some companies choose to implement to assure their consumers of the safety of their products.
– Cotton
Cotton is a naturally grown fiber that’s soft, breathable and long-lasting. Long-strand cotton fibers are of higher quality and will wear better over time.
– Wool
Cool in summer and warm in winter, this highly insulating material is derived from the naturally grown hair of sheep. It’s long-lasting and also absorbs moisture.
– Latex
Solid and shredded latex is produced by processing the sap of rubber trees. Although processed to create the supportive feel of the material, it’s a popular comfort option.
– Kapok
This soft, delicate fiber comes from the inside of the shell of a Kapok tree. It’s often blended with other materials, such as latex, to create an adjustable fill.
– Down and Feathers
Down and feathers are naturally occurring and are gathered in various ways. They provide a soft, malleable fill that can be supportive and firm, yet still soft and conforming.
– Buckwheat
Buckwheat hulls make up a firm, yet malleable surface that’s excellent for head and neck support.
Certifications
The following certifications may be used by various companies to ensure certain construction standards and safety of materials. They are specific to consumer preferences but are worth taking a closer look at to understand in advance of purchase.
Made Safe Certifications
Made safe certification are products are made with organically certified materials.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
This is a global standard for organic certification that includes certified checks and balances in the planting, growth, harvest, storage and manufacturing of products.
GreenGuard Gold Certification
Products are scientifically tested to meet rigorous emission standards for chemical exposure.
Vegan Certified
Products are verified through vegan action to ensure a lack of animal byproduct use, testing or exposure.
Conclusion
Each of the pillows highlighted in this roundup are excellent options if you’re searching for a more natural, non-toxic product. Environmentally friendly in their manufacturing and construction, the materials used in these pillows provide not only comfort but peace of mind. They each provide their own style of comfort, allowing you to see the wide range of options you have when on the hunt for the perfect, safe pillow alternative. No need to give up your personal preferences when you can pick from quality items like these!
Recent Updates
August 10, 2022: The Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow has been added due to popularity, along with original photography and links to our hands-on product review.
October 1, 2021: The OrganicTextiles Natural Australian Wool Filled Pillow has been removed due to unavailability, replaced by the increasingly popular Saatva Latex Pillow. Additional Resources and FAQs have also been included.