When it comes to choosing a pillow, most people don’t consider the potential health risks associated with synthetic pillows. From flame retardants to VOCs and mold, synthetic pillows can release harmful chemicals into the air and lead to health issues such as hormone disruption, respiratory problems, and increased risk of cancer.
Fortunately, there are alternatives. Sustainable and non-toxic options, such as organic pillows, are becoming increasingly popular. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of choosing an organic pillow and highlight some of the best brands available on the market.
The Best Organic & Natural Pillows for Sounder Sleep
When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, the right pillow can make all the difference. For those who prioritize comfort, sustainability, and natural materials, organic pillows are the way to go. Here are some of the best organic pillows available on the market today:
1. Happsy
Happsy’s organic bed pillow is a great choice for those seeking a non-toxic alternative to traditional pillows. Made from a Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified organic latex core wrapped in boric acid-free organic cotton, this pillow offers firmness and support for side sleepers. Happsy’s pillow is certified MADE SAFE, GreenGuard Gold, and UL Environment Formaldehyde Free-certified, ensuring that it’s free from harmful chemicals. The Happsy pillow is available in standard and queen sizes, with a price range of $59 to $79.
2. PlushBeds
PlushBeds offers a variety of organic pillow options, including GOLS-certified organic latex pillows and an organic wool pillow filled with non-mulesed ethical wool. Their Side Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow is infused with relaxing lavender and has a cutout that alleviates shoulder discomfort, making it a great option for those who sleep on their side. PlushBeds’ organic shredded latex pillow has an organic cotton exterior, making it naturally dust mite and moisture resistant. While their non-toxic memory foam pillows are CertiPUR-US®-certified, the foam is synthetic rather than natural latex. PlushBeds’ pillows come in standard, queen, or king sizes, with a price range of $61 to $369.
3. Avocado
Avocado’s natural pillows feature organic materials such as GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic kapok, buckwheat hulls, and organic wool/mohair comfort layers. Each pillow features a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover and is MADE SAFE and OEKO-TEX-certified, ensuring that it’s free from harmful chemicals. The award-winning Avocado Green Pillow is also Greenguard Gold certified and vegan. Avocado makes each certified organic pillow in their own GOTS-certified factory in California after sourcing their raw material from a singular source. Workers are provided fair wages, family healthcare, and three weeks of paid vacation annually. Avocado’s pillows come in standard, queen, and king sizes, with a price range of $34 to $229.
4. Saatva
Saatva offers an organic pillow made from down alternative, making it a great option for those who prefer not to sleep on animal products. This pillow is available in standard, queen, and king sizes, with a price range of $115 to $185. Saatva’s pillow is made from organic cotton and features a 100% recycled hypoallergenic microdenier fill, making it both comfortable and eco-friendly. Saatva also offers a latex pillow made from 100% natural Talalay latex and an organic cotton cover. This pillow is available in standard, queen, and king sizes, with a price range of $145 to $225.
5. Awara
Awara’s organic latex pillow is made from GOLS-certified organic latex and features a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover. This pillow is available in standard and king sizes, with a price range of $129 to $149. Awara’s pillow offers a medium firmness level, making it a great option for back sleepers. It also has adjustable fill, allowing you to customize the pillow to your desired level of support.
6. Naturepedic
Naturepedic offers a variety of organic pillow options, including a shredded latex pillow, a wool pillow, and a body pillow. Their organic shredded latex pillow is made from GOLS-certified organic latex and features a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover. This pillow is available in standard, queen, and king sizes, with a price range of $99 to $139. Naturepedic’s wool pillow is made from GOTS-certified organic wool and features a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover. This pillow is available in standard, queen, and king sizes, with a price range of $129 to $199. Naturepedic’s body pillow is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and features a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover. This pillow is available in a single size, with a price of $249.
7. Coyuchi
Coyuchi’s organic shredded latex pillow is made from GOLS-certified organic latex and features a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover. This pillow is available in standard, queen, and king sizes, with a price range of $118 to $168. Coyuchi also offers an organic shredded latex
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What is the Healthiest Pillow to Use?
When it comes to choosing the healthiest pillow to use, it is important to consider more than just the firmness and position preferences. The pillow’s safety and materials used are crucial factors to take into account.
Pillows made with organic materials such as organic cotton, down alternative, or organic down are considered to be the healthiest options. Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals, making it a safer option for both the planet and human health. Down alternatives are hypoallergenic and vegan, making them a great option for those with allergies or ethical concerns around animal products. Organic down is also a good option as it is sourced from animals that are treated humanely and free from harmful chemicals.
It is important to look for certifications such as OEKO-TEX when shopping for pillows. This certification ensures that every thread in the pillow has been lab-tested for harmful chemicals, making it a safer option for human health.
Pillows made with synthetic materials such as memory foam or those treated with harmful chemicals like flame retardants or formaldehyde should be avoided. These materials can off-gas toxic chemicals and may cause allergic reactions or endocrine disruption.
In addition to the materials used, a healthy pillow should also be mold and fungal resistant, dust mite resistant, and free of harmful chemicals. It is important to choose a pillow with a pillow cover made from organic cotton or other natural fibers to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.
Overall, choosing a healthy pillow is important for both personal health and the health of the planet. By choosing pillows made with natural, organic materials and free of harmful chemicals, individuals can ensure a safe and restful night’s sleep.
How We Found The Best Organic Pillows
When searching for the best organic pillows, the team considered various factors, including materials, certifications, supply chain and labor practices, green business practices, and community and charitable giving.
Materials
The team focused on choosing pillows made from natural and organic materials, such as organic cotton, ethical merino wool, down feathers, buckwheat hulls, and organic kapok fiber. They also prioritized pillows made with supportive organic latex pillow cores, which are harvested from rubber tree sap without harming the trees.
To ensure the pillows were free from harmful chemicals, the team avoided products that contained boric acid, flame retardants, formaldehyde, and heavy metals.
Certifications
The team looked for pillows that had been certified by reputable organizations, such as Fair Trade, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Organic Content Standard (OCS), MADE SAFE, OEKO-TEX, Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC), GREENGUARD Gold, Responsible Down Standard (RDS), and CertiPUR-US®. These certifications ensured that the pillows were produced using environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practices.
Supply Chain and Labor Practices
The team preferred pillows that were manufactured in the USA and made using socially responsible practices. They also looked for brands that had been certified by B Corporation, Fair Trade, International Labor Standards (ILO), and Flocert, which helped to ensure that the pillows were produced under fair labor conditions.
Green Business Practices
The team sought out pillows that were designed with durability in mind and that embraced circularity. They also looked for brands that had carbon offset programs, used renewable energy, and used eco-friendly packaging.
Community and Charitable Giving
The team appreciated brands that donated a portion of their profits to environmental and social causes. They believed that by investing in quality, all-natural pillows, they were supporting brands that were mindful of their health and the planet’s.
Final Thoughts on Organic Bed Pillows
By choosing organic pillows made from natural and sustainable materials, certified by reputable organizations, and produced using socially responsible practices, consumers can support their own health and the health of the planet. Taking care of these pillows by washing them with hot water and natural laundry detergent can prolong their lifespan, and finding ways to repurpose or recycle old pillows can help to reduce waste.
Overall, the team found that investing in high-quality, all-natural pillows was a worthwhile investment that could lead to a deeper, healthier sleep.
