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Written by
Daniel Noyed, Certified Sleep Coach
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After some recent tests, we've adjusted our top picks and placed the Sijo Clima Latex Pillow in the best overall slot.
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In the past few years there’s been a huge increase in different types of pillows on the market, giving consumers more options than the classic down or fiber pillow. One increasingly popular pillow style is the latex pillow. Often made from shredded latex, these pillows offer the plushness of a traditional polyfill or down alternative pillow with additional firmness and flexibility.
To help choose the perfect latex pillow, read on to learn more about our picks for the best options in several categories. We’ve completed intensive product research to determine our ratings, and have some helpful advice to help you compare options.
Best Overall
Latex pillows are known for above-average temperature control, but the Sijo Clima Latex Pillow takes breathability and cooling to the next level. The Talalay latex core is perforated with small holes to promote airflow, so the pillow shouldn’t retain as much heat as one containing solid foam. Another key component is the cover, which is made of moisture-wicking Tencel infused with proprietary Clima fibers engineered to absorb and release body heat.
A loft of roughly 6 inches makes this pillow a great option for side sleepers, since people who use this position often need a thicker profile to keep their head and neck aligned with the spine. Back sleepers who prefer more loft should also find the pillow comfortable. Standard and king sizes are available. The cover can be removed and laundered in any household machines, but the latex should only be spot cleaned if stains or smudges occur.
The Clima Latex Pillow is reasonably priced compared to other pillows with solid latex cores. Sijo also offers free delivery and return shipping for all orders of $65 or more, including both sizes for the pillow. Most orders come with a sleep trial that lasts 30 nights, but the company extends the trial period to 60 nights during the holiday season.
Best Value
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Brooklyn Bedding pillows
Brooklyn Bedding’s Talalay Latex Pillow is made from eco-friendly Talalay latex formed into a medium-firm, solid pillow form. Unlike our other recommendations, which are primarily shredded latex, the Brooklyn Bedding pillow’s filling is one piece. This produces a more dense, close-conforming feel. Brooklyn Bedding also offers the pillow in both high and low loft options. The high option is best suited for side sleepers, while the low option is more comfortable for stomach sleepers. Back sleepers can choose either loft based on their preferences.
The Talalay latex pillow is somewhat firm and very responsive and supportive. It’s covered in a removable and machine washable organic cotton cover that’s soft and stays cool. Even though the pillow conforms closely to your head and neck while you sleep, the breathable latex remains fairly cool and you won’t overheat. As with other latex pillows, the Brooklyn Bedding pillow is hypoallergenic.
Brooklyn Bedding offers free shipping and returns to the lower 48 states. You can try your new pillow for 30 nights, and return or exchange it within 30 days if you are not happy with it. The pillow also comes with a 3-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Most Comfortable
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Avocado pillows
Many latex pillows cushion and conform to the head and neck much like foam, but the natural responsiveness of latex can make the material feel a bit too firm for some people. The Avocado Green Pillow’s fill combines shredded latex with fibers from the kapok tree, which have a soft consistency similar to that of natural down. The result is a pillow that feels both plush and supportive.
The Green Pillow is also eco-friendly. The latex and kapok fibers are both certified as organic by the GOLS and GOTS, respectively. The pillow’s organic cotton cover has received GOTS certification, as well. Avocado is also a carbon negative company, meaning it offsets more than 100% of emissions that occur during production and shipping. Since the kapok fibers are a substitute for real down, the pillow is also considered vegan-friendly.
You can adjust the pillow’s loft by adding or removing the fill. Each order includes a bag with supplemental fill, which can be beneficial for side sleepers and other individuals who need maximum pillow volume to feel comfortable. The cover is removable and machine-washable, allowing you to keep the pillow clean and hygienic without damaging the interior components.
While Avocado is known for high-end sleep products, the Green Pillow carries an approachable price-point and shipping is free for customers in all 50 states. Each order includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Best Cooling
Filled with GREENGUARD Gold and GOLS certified latex and free from any synthetic dyes or harsh chemicals, the Birch Organic Pillow also uses ethically and sustainably sourced organic wool from New Zealand. The latex and wool filling is covered with soft, 100% organic cotton.
In addition to offering a sustainable, cruelty-free option, the Birch Organic Pillow also sleeps cool and comfortable. Wool naturally helps maintain temperature neutrality, wicking away moisture while ensuring adequate airflow. The cotton cover is also designed to support airflow, preventing overheating while you sleep. The filling is supportive, without being too firm, and supports all sleep positions. That said, back sleepers tend to especially appreciate the Birch pillow’s firmness, which supports proper spinal alignment.
The Birch Organic Pillow retains its shape over time, thanks in large part to the wool used in the filling. Wool is naturally durable and retains its shape longer than many other fibers. The latex is more responsive and bouncy than other foams, but some of the firmest of the options we tested. The pillow is not adjustable, and should not be machine-washed. It can, however, be fluffed in the dryer.
Birch Organic Pillows are made in the U.S, and ship free. They come with a 100-night risk-free sleep trial and a one-year limited warranty. The company offers queen and king size pillows.
Best for Side Sleepers
The Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow is an adjustable model that features a unique U-shape design intended to reduce tension or pain for side sleepers. The gentle curve along the bottom accommodates the shoulders and relieves pressure in the neck, making this pillow a great choice for side sleepers who struggle to find a pillow that adequately supports their sleep style.
The pillow is made using a plush latex and polyester fill, which cushions the body to help relieve pressure. With a breathable cotton and polyester cover, the pillow also offers above-average temperature regulation. The cover is removable and machine-washable for quick and easy care.
Sleepers can customize the firmness and loft of the pillow by adding or removing the latex and polyester fill. Increasing the fill will give the pillow a firmer feel and higher loft, while decreasing it will result in a softer surface with a lower loft. Shoppers can purchase additional bags of fill and easily adjust the amount by simply opening the zippered lining.
The Side-Sleeper Pillow is backed by a 45-day sleep trial and a 5-year warranty. Eli & Elm also offers free shipping to customers in the contiguous United States. Orders typically arrive within 8 business days from when the order is placed.
Best for Neck Support
The Turmerry Organic Latex Pillow achieves a comfortable balance for sleepers seeking mid-range levels of contouring and support. The core contains a single piece of Dunlop latex, a material known for dense composition, gentle contouring, and even support. Since the pillow has a medium feel, you should expect noticeable conforming, but your head and neck won’t sink excessively nor will the latex hug too closely.
The organic latex is GOLS-certified and Turmerry’s production facility is Carbon Neutral certified, so this pillow will also appeal to eco-conscious consumers. Hot sleepers should find the pillow quite comfortable, as well. The latex is perforated to allow steady airflow throughout the core, and the cover is made of organic cotton for added breathability. The 5-inch loft – coupled with the supportive feel – will be ideal for many back sleepers, as well as side sleepers who prefer mid-range thickness settings.
The Organic Latex Pillow is quite reasonably priced compared to many of its GOLS-certified competitors. Shipping is also free throughout the contiguous U.S. Turmerry accepts returns within 30 days of the original purchase date, and also backs the pillow with a one-year warranty.
Best Luxury
The Saatva Latex Pillow is a good option for people who experience aches, pains, and pressure points in their neck. The pillow is constructed with a core of shredded, American-made Talalay latex encased in a smaller, removable pillow padded with soft microdenier fibers. These fibers have the same consistency as down or down alternative to provide extra cushioning.
You can keep the smaller pillow intact for maximum thickness if you sleep on your back, or remove it to decrease the loft for more comfortable side sleeping. After testing the pillow, we found it was best suited to sleepers who weigh 230 pounds or less. The outer cover is composed of breathable organic cotton that helps the pillow sleep cool.
Latex is a naturally durable material, so the pillow should perform for several years without drastically flattening. Although the pillow has a medium soft feel, the shredded fill does not conform as closely as memory foam and you may notice some responsiveness when you lay down your head – a common characteristic of Talalay latex. The latex is washed five times during the production process, reducing the potential for triggering latex allergy symptoms.
Compared to other latex pillows, the Saatva Pillow is very reasonably priced, and all customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free ground shipping. Saatva accepts gently used returns within 45 days of the original purchase, though the company asks that you wash the pillow before shipping it. The pillow is also backed by a one-year warranty.
Best for Neck Pain
The Plushbeds Organic Shredded Latex Pillow is a great all-around option in terms of construction, comfort, and performance. Made from 100% Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified shredded Dunlop latex, it offers the feeling of a traditional down or polyfill pillow without the flattening, bunching, or clumping common with those fills. Wrapped in 100% organic cotton, the PlushBeds shredded latex pillow is made without any harsh chemicals or dyes, making it an ideal choice when you want a healthy place to rest your head.
Latex is naturally resistant to allergens, including mold dust mites, and bacteria. Although the pillow cannot be machine washed, it can be spot cleaned. The filling is easily fluffed and adjusted to your comfort. The shredded latex bounces back quickly when compressed, helping the pillow stay plump and fluffy. If you tend to sleep warm, the pillow will stay fairly cool, thanks to the breathability of the latex and the added airflow created by the shredded material.
Although you’re likely to find the Organic Shredded Latex Pillow supportive regardless of your sleeping position, side and back sleepers tend to find latex pillows most comfortable in general. Stomach sleepers may find the pillow too firm for their liking; a pillow with a lower loft that allows for better spinal alignment may be a better choice. The Organic Shredded Latex Pillow does not allow you to remove filling for customization, either.
PlushBeds offers the Organic Shredded Latex Pillow in three sizes: standard, queen, and king. The company does not accept returns on pillows, but does offer a three-year warranty on materials and workmanship and free shipping on all orders.
Softest
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Hollander Sleep Products pillows
The I AM A Natural Latex Pillow from Hollander Sleep Products is a 100% latex pillow with a moldable quality that should feel comfortable for a wide range of sleepers.
The pillow is made of 100% Talalay latex encased in a cotton cover. Talalay latex is known for its breathability, which makes this model a good choice for sleepers who tend to overheat at night. The pillow also has a ventilated design that enhances aeration to help keep the surface cool. The cotton cover is removable and may be washed and dried in a household machine, though the latex insert should only be spot cleaned.
With a medium feel, the pillow provides moderate contouring for the head and neck, which may appeal to sleepers who experience painful pressure buildup in these areas. At the same time, the pillow is firm enough to support the head and neck. This balance of support and contouring is ideal for back and side sleepers, who require an even balance of both to keep the head, neck, and spine properly aligned.
Hollander provides a 30-night sleep trial with this pillow. Customers receive free shipping with purchases over $99 within the contiguous U.S.
Best for Stomach Sleepers
The ideal pillow design for any given person depends largely on their primary sleep position. Many stomach sleepers prefer pillows with low profiles, since high loft can elevate the head excessively and cause pressure to occur in the neck and shoulders. The PineTales Stomach Sleeper/Back Sleeper Latex Pillow is one of the only pillows on the market designed specifically for those who favor the stomach position. The 2-inch profile creates a flat yet supportive surface for stomach sleepers, as well as back sleepers who don’t need too much loft from their pillow.
The core is composed of solid Dunlop latex, a material known for its gentle cushioning, natural responsiveness, and longevity. The latex is perforated with small holes intended to promote air circulation, so bothersome heat buildup shouldn’t be an issue. A breathable cover made of rayon derived from bamboo also helps the pillow sleep cool. This cover can be removed and machine-washed as needed.
The pillow is lightweight and moldable enough to be rolled into a support pillow for the lower back or knees. These qualities also make the pillow travel-friendly. An accessible sticker price also makes this pillow a good option for shoppers with limited budgets. All orders come with a 30-night sleep trial.
The term “organic latex” refers to a natural substance made from the sap of rubber trees. The sap is collected and processed into a material that’s then poured into a mold. Manufacturers use one of two methods to create latex foams: Talalay or Dunlop. Talalay latex is processed tree sap that’s poured partway into a mold. The rest of the mold is filled with air, creating a more uniform density for the finished product. With Dunlop latex, the liquid latex filled the entire mold, resulting in a finished product with different densities.
Because organic latex is entirely plant-based, it’s naturally hypoallergenic and free of toxic ingredients. It’s also a very breathable substance, so it won’t retain heat like foam or other materials, and naturally resistant to mold, mites, and bacteria. It’s a popular choice for pillow temperature neutrality, breathability, and moderate conforming. It also doesn’t flatten like fiber-filled pillows, increasing their durability.
Much like choosing a mattress, choosing your pillow is a personal decision influenced by your preferred sleep position and body type and size. Even the type of mattress you sleep on matters: Some mattresses (like memory foam) are designed so you sink into the surface, for example, meaning an especially thick pillow will leave your head at an uncomfortable angle and cause pain.
However, the biggest factor in most pillow buying decisions is the filling. What’s inside your pillow makes a big difference in terms of support and pressure relief, as well as how well the pillow holds up to regular use. Polyester or polyfill, down alternative, down, and feather pillows are common, but latex pillows are becoming increasingly popular. The latex may be shredded or formed, but it offers some advantages over other materials, including better temperature neutrality and resistance to allergens.
If you’re considering a latex pillow, read on to learn more about what you should look for in a quality pillow.
Purchasing a latex pillow can be confusing, as many terms are used interchangeably, and may be misleading. For example, “latex” itself often conjures images of synthetic, plastic-like materials. Synthetic latex does exist, but the latex used in most bedding is a natural, organic product made without chemicals. Look for products that specifically note that the latex is made without additives.
Other terms that may muddy the waters when shopping for a latex pillow are rubber — which is generally the same as latex, as they are both derived from rubber trees — and Dunlop or Talalay. These terms refer to how the latex is processed, and make little difference to the feel of your pillow.
These are just some of the terms to watch for when purchasing a new pillow. When you’re comparing your options, keep the following in mind as well to make the best decision.
Loft: Loft refers to the height or thickness of a pillow, and is directly related to its comfort. Most pillows have either low (less than three inches thick), medium (3-5 inches thick), or high (more than five inches) loft. Although an exceptionally low or high loft isn’t comfortable, keep in mind that the loft will change when you lie on the pillow and compress the filling. Generally speaking, back sleepers prefer medium loft, side sleepers are more comfortable on a high loft pillow, and stomach sleepers are best suited by a low or medium loft pillow.
Support: A supportive pillow is important to keeping your spine aligned and allowing your neck and shoulders to relax. For example, side sleepers have more space between their neck and the mattress, so a pillow should fill that space to ensure adequate support and prevent pain. Firmer pillows are generally more supportive.
Firmness Level: Pillows are usually rated on a scale from soft to firm. A pillow’s firmness is closely related to how well it maintains its shape and stays fluffy. The firmer the pillow, the less likely it is to flatten. Flat pillows are more uncomfortable and won’t provide as much support.
Pressure Relief: A close-conforming will relieve pressure on your neck and shoulders, allowing you to relax and get restful sleep — and keeps you from waking up in pain. Softer pillows generally provide more pressure relief.
Shape: The most common shape for a pillow is a rectangle, but some pillows are designed for specific sleeping positions; for instance, they may have a curved side for back and side sleepers.
Price: Natural and organic pillows tend to have a higher price point than traditional latex pillows. Expect to pay upwards of $150 for a quality organic pillow.
Quality Materials: The higher the quality materials used in your pillow, the longer it will last. Choose the highest quality fill that fits your budget, as that will determine the comfort, support, and longevity of your pillow.
Moldability: If you change positions throughout the night, or use your pillow for support while reading or watching TV, or simply like to mold your pillow into your preferred shape, you want to choose a moldable pillow that can be adjusted to your preference. A pillow that uses a form provides extra support, but can’t be easily molded for comfort.
Temperature Regulation: If you have a tendency to sleep hot, your pillow should allow for plenty of airflow so you can stay cool and comfortable. Some materials, like memory foam, retain body heat and can cause sleep disruptions.
Although the best pillow for your individual needs depends largely on personal preference, there are some distinct pros and cons to latex pillows. On the plus side, they offer exceptional pressure relief and support for side and back sleepers, and stay cooler than other options. On the downside, they can be expensive, and aren’t always flexible enough to conform comfortably.
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Generally speaking, side and back sleepers tend to be most comfortable on latex pillows. Latex provides extra firmness and support where it’s needed most, around the neck and shoulders.
Who is not suited:
The most common pillows you’ll find on the market today are one of the following five sizes: Standard, Super Standard, Queen, King, or Body Pillow. The best size for you depends on a number of fasters, including your personal preference, the size of your bed, and your sleeping style.
Standard pillows are the most common pillow size, and also the smallest and usually the least expensive. They also tend to have the most options for pillow cases, as well, especially when bundled with twin, full, and queen sheet sets. Super standard pillows are slightly wider, giving you just a little more space when you find standard pillows too small.
Queen pillows are typically a full four inches wider than a standard pillow, giving you plenty of extra room. They are ideal when you have a tendency to shift positions throughout the night, or roll over a lot. King pillows are even larger, providing plenty of space for “active” sleepers. King pillows are also a good choice if you like to sit up in bed to read or watch television, as their size provides additional support.
Finally, body pillows are designed for people who like to cradle their pillow, or who want extra support while sleeping. These pillows are especially popular among pregnant women, as they easily support the weight of their growing belly and help keep hips in alignment when placed between the knees.
How much do latex pillows cost?
Typical latex pillows are more expensive than those with fiber filling. Prices range significantly, from $40 for a basic model to $200 for a luxury organic pillow. The quality of the materials used in the manufacture of the pillow are the biggest determinant of price, but the size and loft can also influence your cost.
How do I clean a latex pillow?
Latex pillows are typically not machine washable, especially when they are made with a combination of wool and latex. Depending on your specific pillow, you may be able to fluff it in the dryer on low or no heat and some pillows are made with a removable, washable cover. Simply remove the cover and wash according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, latex pillows can usually be spot cleaned. It’s best to cover your pillow with a washable cover or case to keep it clean. Never allow your latex pillow to remain in direct sunlight for too long, as that can cause the material to break down.
Where can I buy a latex pillow?
Latex pillows can be purchased anywhere you buy bedding, including retailers like Amazon, Target, or Bed, Bath & Beyond. Some luxury or organic options are only available online, directly from the manufacturer.
How long do latex pillows last?
A well-maintained latex pillow can last about 5-10 years. However, individual factors like how you clean the pillow, your sleeping habits, and the durability of the pillow itself can influence its longevity. All pillows should be replaced every few years, or if it starts to lose its shape, you are waking up with pain, you change your sleeping position, or if you notice changes in your skin (like acne).
Are latex pillows adjustable?
Some latex pillows are designed to be adjustable. These typically have a zippered covered that allows you to remove or add fill as needed to adjust the pillow to your preference.
Do latex pillows have an odor?
Because latex is made without harsh chemicals, latex pillows typically don’t have the same issues with off-gassing or odors as foam pillows. Some people notice a slight rubber smell when they first open a new pillow, but any odors will subside quickly and should not be offensive in any way.
Certified Sleep Coach
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
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