Best Organic Pillows

You spend a lot of time in close contact with your pillow, so it’s important to choose a pillow made from safe and healthy materials. Organic pillows are one way to ensure this. In addition to their environmental and health benefits, organic pillows are often highly breathable and extremely durable.

Many companies who produce organic products have a close relationship with their sources, giving back to the local communities or participating in other green initiatives. Organic wool and down are produced with improved animal welfare compared to traditional means. Whether they’re made of buckwheat, latex, wool, cotton, or other organic materials, organic pillows represent a choice that’s better for you and the planet.

There’s a wide range of organic choices on the market. We’ll describe the differences between different types of organic pillows and discuss how to know if a pillow is really organic. We’ll also share our top picks for the best organic pillows available.

Best Organic Pillows Video

Watch our video below to get an in-depth look at some organic pillow picks from our testers in the Sleep Foundation Test Lab.

Product Details

For sleepers who like having complete control over their pillow loft, the Avocado Green Pillow offers the option to customize the fill. A zippered cover grants easy access to a jersey cotton liner containing shredded latex and kapok fill, and it’s easy to add or remove fill until you reach a comfortable height. Each pillow is delivered with an extra fill bag so you won’t go short.

The quilted cover is made of GOTS-certified organic cotton and can be machine washed. The GOLS-certified Dunlop latex and GOTS-certified kapok provide a medium firm and slightly buoyant feel, offering a balance of support and contouring for the head and neck. Kapok fibers are naturally lofty and breathable, so they help keep the pillow fluffy and lightweight.

The Avocado Green Pillow is handmade in the U.S. and sold in standard, queen, and king sizes. It’s certified by Vegan Action to be free of animal products, such as wool, or byproducts that have been tested on animals. The pillow also holds GREENGUARD Gold, eco-INSTITUT, and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications.

Pillows ship for free to the contiguous U.S. and come with a 1-year warranty. Shoppers also have 100 nights to try out the pillow.

Read our Full Avocado Green Pillow Review to learn more

The Eco Terra Natural Latex Pillow – Solid is a firm yet responsive pillow that conforms moderately to your head and neck. Our team found the pricing competitive compared to other latex pillows, which is not always the case with pillows that are made with such high-quality organic materials.

The pillow is composed entirely of latex encased in a breathable cotton cover. The latex offers gentle contouring but is generally firmer than other common fill materials such as down or down alternative. You can opt for a solid or shredded latex fill. Our testers recommend the solid latex option if you prefer strong support and less contouring.

If you tend to sleep hot, the latex has natural cooling properties that help minimize overheating at night. In addition, perforations in the latex help air flow more freely, so you can count on excellent ventilation. The latex and cotton are certified by GOLS and GOTS, respectively, to guarantee that all materials are organically sourced. The pillow is available in three sizes — standard, queen, and king. The standard size has a 4-inch loft while the other sizes are 5 inches thick.

Eco Terra ships free within the U.S. The pillows are non-refundable but they do come with a 3-year warranty to protect against construction defects.

Handmade in the U.S., the Birch Organic pillow combines the cooling advantages of organic cotton, natural latex, and cruelty-free New Zealand wool certified by Wool Integrity NZ and the PGC Wrightson Wool Integrity Program. The Birch Organic Pillow is Greenguard Gold certified for being free of harsh chemicals, and the cotton is certified organic by the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS).

The pillow has a 2-inch gusset that helps it to keep its shape and maintain enough loft for side sleepers. The tufted organic cotton cover is very breathable and helps keep a dry, cool surface. Inside the pillow is a combination of shredded wool and Rainforest Alliance-certified Talalay latex. Both materials are naturally springy, durable, and breathable.

Wool also serves as a natural fire barrier, and it helps regulate temperature thanks to its moisture-wicking abilities. The Birch Organic Pillow is made with natural materials that resist dust mites and mildew.

The Birch Organic Pillow ships for free in the contiguous U.S. and is sold in queen and king sizes. Birch offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 3-year warranty against manufacturing and workmanship defects.

The Saatva Pillow stands out from competitors due in part to its innovative chambered design. The outer chamber contains shredded Talalay latex, a soft and responsive material that provides excellent overall support. The inner chamber is padded with microdenier-based down alternative clusters that give the pillow a very soft and lofty feel. You can remove the inner pillow if you prefer a softer feel and thinner profile.

The Saatva Pillow is hypoallergenic, and the latex effectively staves off dust mites, mildew, and other contaminants. Latex is also naturally breathable, and the cover is composed of organic cotton for additional cooling. The pillow also retains its shape very well thanks to its gusseted edges, so you shouldn’t need to fluff it too often. Since the pillow has a medium soft feel, it is best suited to side and back sleepers who weigh 230 pounds or less.

You can remove the organic cotton cover and wash and dry it in any household machine. Queen and king sizes are available, and you can include a pair of sateen pillowcases with your purchase for a small extra charge.

The Saatva Pillow is reasonably priced and the company will ship for free anywhere in the contiguous U.S. You may return the pillow within 45 nights of your purchase, though Saatva requests you clean it first. All buyers receive a one-year warranty for their pillow, as well.

Read our Full Saatva Latex Pillow Review to learn more

While many organic pillows are made with latex or buckwheat fill, the Boll & Branch Down Alternative Pillow is a good option for people who are looking for an organic pillow with the softer, fluffy feel associated with traditional pillows

The Boll & Branch Down Alternative Pillow contains a PrimaLoft fill that mimics the light, fluffy feel of down. The PrimaLoft fibers are water-resistant, which helps keep the pillow dry even for people who sweat a lot during sleep. The cover is also made with 100% organic cotton, a material that helps promote air circulation. The pillow has OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification to ensure it is free of harmful chemicals.

This Boll & Branch pillow is available in two sizes (standard and king) and three levels of firmness to satisfy a wide range of sleeping preferences. The firm option is suitable for side sleepers, who require firmness and support for the shoulders and neck during sleep. Back sleepers require a balance of contouring and support to maintain healthy sleep posture, and may thus prefer the medium firmness. Stomach sleepers will likely prefer the soft option, since softer pillows help keep their spine and neck properly aligned.

Boll & Branch offers free shipping within the United States. Returns are allowed within 30 days for a full refund.

The Avocado Molded Latex Pillow is not only made using organic and natural materials, but also beneficial for sleepers who wake up with stiff or sore necks. The solid latex core has a soft, adaptive feel and contours evenly around the head and neck without sinking or hugging too closely. A profile of 5 inches makes the pillow best suited to back sleepers, as well as side sleepers who prefer medium-loft pillows.

Latex also retains very little heat compared to foam, and the pillow’s core is ventilated with small holes to promote additional airflow. Another cooling component is the cover made of breathable organic cotton, which has earned a certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard – a leading authority for recognizing sustainably made fabrics. The cover can be removed and machine washed for easy care, but you should only spot clean the latex if stains or smudges occur.

The Molded Latex Pillow is available in standard, queen, and king sizes. You can also opt for a single pillow or a matching pair. Avocado offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Each pillow is handmade and backed by a 100-night sleep trial. Those who choose to keep their purchase also receive a manufacturer’s warranty covering structural defects for up to 1 year.

Many pillows rely on cooling gel infusions to help minimize heat retention. If you’re looking for a model that stays naturally cool, the Turmerry Organic Latex Pillow is a strong option. The pillow is made entirely of latex, a material known for its natural cooling properties. It also comes encased in a breathable cotton cover, making this an excellent choice for sleepers who run hot.

Shoppers may choose between solid or shredded latex inserts, both of which have GOLS certification to ensure organic sourcing. The solid latex model has a perforated design that helps improve ventilation, while the shredded option enables strong airflow between the latex pieces. The latex has a responsive feel that gently cradles your head without sacrificing support. This balance of support and contouring makes the pillow well-suited for back and side sleepers. The shredded model has a slightly plusher feel, if you prefer pillows that compress.

The pillow is available in a standard, queen, or king size. The latex insert may be spot cleaned with warm water then air dried. Turmerry offers a 30-day return policy and 2-year warranty with this pillow. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.

Latex pillows offer a balance of gentle cushioning and strong support to help alleviate neck pain, and the Naturepedic Organic Solid Latex Pillow is no exception. The pillow is made with a GOLS-certified organic latex core that cradles the head and neck without sinking too deeply or trapping heat. Sleepers who frequently experience neck pain may want to consider this pick.

The stretch-knit pillow shell is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, a naturally breathable material that helps regulate temperature. Two sizes are available, each with a slightly different profile. The standard size measures 5.5 inches thick, while the queen size measures 5.75 inches thick. Thanks to the medium feel, both models provided relief to the neck and shoulders for our side- and back-sleeping testers while helping them maintain healthy sleep posture. To care for the pillow, spot clean as needed and use a pillow protector.

Naturepedic offers free shipping to customers living in the contiguous U.S. Organic Solid Latex Pillow purchases come with a 30-night sleep trial and a 1-year warranty that protects against structural defects.

The Shredded Natural Latex Pillow from PlushBeds is an eco-friendly product that is also easy on your shopping budget. The pillow contains shredded latex that has earned certification from the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), the same organization behind the GOTS. The fill feels plush and supportive, so you’ll receive ample cushioning for your head but shouldn’t sink too deeply into the pillow.

The latex also retains less body heat than foam, allowing the pillow to sleep quite cool, and the cover is made of GOTS-certified organic cotton for added breathability. The pillow is naturally hypoallergenic, as well, and should resist dust mites and other allergens quite well.

PlushBeds offers three sizes for the pillow. Standard sizes are constructed for a loft of 4 inches, while the queen and king sizes have a loft of 5 inches. The pillow should be spot cleaned, not washed or dried in a household machine.

The price-point is very reasonable compared to the average organic latex pillow and PlushBeds free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. You’ll also receive a three-year warranty with your pillow.

What is an Organic Pillow?

Organic pillows are any pillows made from organic materials such as latex, cotton, wool, kapok fibers, or buckwheat. Organic crops are grown without chemical pesticides, with farmers attempting to use less irrigation and produce less waste.

Environmentally friendly and biodegradable, organic materials are increasingly gaining in popularity as consumers realize the impact their purchases have on the environment. What’s more, organic certification often goes hand-in-hand with improved quality of life in the places where the raw materials are sourced.

As it’s virtually impossible for a customer to tell whether a finished product is organic or not, the USDA has established a set of regulations. In addition, there are several third-party organizations you can look to for assurance. The most commonly used are the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which we’ll discuss more in detail below. Shoppers should be wary of a product that claims to be organic but doesn’t hold any certification.

Many companies advertise their products as “natural,” meaning the materials are not man-made. They are often biodegradable and less harmful to the environment than synthetic materials.  However, farmers may use pesticides and chemical fertilizers to grow their crops, and the end products may contain bleach, formaldehyde, chemical dyes, or chemical fire retardants. This is why organic materials are generally considered safer for your skin and less likely to provoke allergies.

How to Choose an Organic Pillow

Within the world of organic pillows, you’ll see a wide variety of materials used. In general, you can count on organic materials to be more breathable and durable than synthetic pillows. That said, each material has its own specific benefits. In the following sections we’ll delve into the properties of different organic materials and how to choose the right organic pillow for you.

What to Consider When Purchasing an Organic Pillow

Your pillow is an important part of your sleep setup, supporting your head and providing a comfortable surface to lie on. In order to succeed at this, a pillow must have certain characteristics. Despite what pillow manufacturers may claim, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for pillows. The ideal characteristics change from person to person depending on body type and preferred sleeping position.

Organic products are particularly susceptible to greenwashing, with many companies making claims they can’t back up. Only by carefully analyzing the specs of an organic pillow can you be sure that it will deliver the benefits it promises.

Loft
To provide full support, a pillow should fill the space between the head and neck and the mattress. Side sleepers tend to need a higher pillow to compensate for the breadth of the shoulders, while stomach sleepers need a flatter pillow to minimize twisting of the neck. If you’re unsure what loft is best for you, you may want to consider a pillow with adjustable fill.

Organic Certification
The organic industry has taken off in recent years, leading many companies to exaggerate their claims as an excuse to raise their prices. Certification from a trusted third-party organization can provide assurance that a product truly is organic.

Support
The most important job of a pillow is to support the head and neck, keeping them in line with the spine. A pillow that’s too soft, too thin, or too thick won’t provide adequate support and may lead to discomfort.

Firmness Level
Firmness level is not only a matter of comfort. A pillow that’s too firm may cause pressure points, but a pillow that’s too soft may fail to provide enough support. When considering pillow firmness, don’t forget to take the loft into account. A high but plush pillow will allow the head to sink in further, which ultimately reduces the loft.

Pressure Relief 
Pillows provide pressure relief in two ways: by minimizing pressure at contact points, and by reducing pressure build-up in unsupported areas. Materials such as plush latex, kapok fibers, and cotton contour more closely and tend to provide better pressure relief.

Shape
The vast majority of pillows are made in the traditional rectangular shape, with some including a gusset around the sides to help maintain a higher loft. However, sleepers with neck pain or other problems may benefit from a cervical pillow designed to provide extra support by following the curves of the head and neck. Organic latex pillows are best for this, as the material can be formed into any shape.

Price
Organic materials tend to command a higher price, but it is possible to get an organic pillow without breaking the bank. If latex pillows and buckwheat pillows are out of your budget, you can also consider alternatives such as cotton or kapok fibers. Higher-priced options are often more durable, but most organic pillows will outlive those made with synthetic materials.

Quality Materials

For any people, “organic” is synonymous with “quality.” However, as always, it’s a good idea to check what exactly the pillow is made of, and whether it’s 100 percent organic or blended with other materials. Understanding the properties of different organic materials can also help point you to the right pillow for your sleeping style.

Moldability
One quality that many sleepers look for in a pillow is the ability to hug it or scrunch it into shape. Pillows made with fluffier fibers such as cotton or kapok lend themselves well to this, as opposed to solid latex pillows which are less moldable.

Temperature Regulation
Materials that allow room for airflow can help prevent heat build-up and keep a cooler sleep surface overnight. By nature, many organic materials fall into this category. Latex, buckwheat, kapok, cotton, and wool are all known for their temperature neutrality.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Organic Pillows?

Organic pillows can be made from a number of different materials, but most organic pillows share some common benefits and drawbacks.

Pros

Cons

Environmentally Friendly: Organic production eschews the use of harmful pesticides and aims to minimize the use of water and other resources. Plus, organic products tend to be biodegradable. Ethical: By eliminating the use of harsh chemicals, organic production is safer for the farmers and other workers involved in the production process. Healthy: You can feel good about buying organic products for your loved ones, knowing that they don’t contain cancerous chemicals. Those who are sensitive to off-gassing smells usually prefer organic products as well. Hypoallergenic: Most organic materials keep dust mites and mildew at bay. Breathable: Organic materials tend to naturally do a much better job of regulating temperature, making them a good choice for hot sleepers. Durable: Many organic materials stand up better to repeated use, which helps to offset the high initial price.

Expensive: Strict regulations and certification costs mean that organic materials are more expensive to produce, and these costs are reflected in a higher price-tag for the consumer. Limited Choices: Unlike synthetic foams that can be engineered to take on different properties, organic pillows are dependent on the natural properties of the materials used to make them. Harder to Find: The organic market is a growing market, but some shoppers may still have trouble finding organic pillows in local brick-and-mortar stores.

What Types of Organic Pillows are Available?

Common materials used in organic pillows include cotton, latex, wool, buckwheat, silk, down, and kapok. Both the cover and the fill should be organic in order for the pillow be considered 100 percent organic. Any materials that use chemicals in their manufacturing process, such as memory foam, are not considered organic.

Organic Cotton: Cotton can be woven into fabric and used to make a breathable cover, or used in its fiber form for a soft and fluffy pillow filling. While regular cotton production is problematic due to its use of water and pesticides, organic cotton uses less resources and avoids harsh dyes and bleach. Looks for the GOTS certification in both the pillow cover and filling, which indicates at least 70 percent organic materials.

Organic Latex: Latex is a springy, buoyant material favored by sleepers who like a breathable, extra-supportive pillow with moderate contouring. Natural latex is made from the milky white liquid of the rubber tree and can be processed in two ways, Talalay or Dunlop. Dunlop latex is usually the more sustainable choice, as Talalay uses more chemicals.

Organic latex is regulated by the GOLS certification, which requires that the latex be at least 95 percent natural. You may also see “natural latex,” made with a portion of synthetic materials, or fully synthetic latex, which is made of petrochemicals.

Organic Wool: Used in both the cover and the fill of pillows, wool from sheep, lambs, and goats is one of nature’s most impressive materials. Its crimped fibers provide a springy, supportive feel that’s perfect for pillows, and the material does an excellent job of wicking moisture to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Although wool can pose ethical problems, there are organizations that seek to highlight proper animal welfare and establish a humane shearing process.

Buckwheat Hulls: Dried buckwheat hulls naturally interlock to provide a firm and solid sleep surface. They are extremely breathable and offer great support, but some sleepers find they are too firm and make too much noise. They also tend to be among the more expensive models, and they may be too heavy to manipulate easily during the night.

Silk: Spun by silkworms, silk is a fine, smooth, and expensive fiber that is sometimes used as a filler for high-end pillows.

Responsible Down: The fine duck and goose plumage used to make down fill are prized for their incredible softness, although due to their high expense they are often blended with regular feathers to lower the price.

Down isn’t always a very ethical choice, as it’s often obtained from live-plucked birds. The Responsible Down Standard aims to ensure humane treatment of these animals, including rules against live plucking, force feeding, and other brutal practices. However, shoppers who object to avoid animal by-products or those with allergies may want to steer clear of down altogether.

Kapok fibers: Made from the fibers of the kapok tree, kapok has a lofty feel that’s somewhat similar to down. Kapok production is considered more sustainable than other crops as it requires minimal irrigation or pesticides.

What Organic Certifications Are There?

Various third-party organizations attempt to regulate the organic bedding industry so that consumers can rest assured they’re purchasing a safe and ethical product. The following certifications are some of the most common, indicating either that a product is organic or that it was produced with minimal environmental impact and low levels of harmful emissions.

• Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): The best organic latex pillows are certified by GOLS, a process that identifies latex sourced from organic plantations and processed into a finished product containing at least 95 percent organic material. It’s virtually impossible to make entirely organic latex, as it requires a small amount of chemicals in order to be processed.
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): The Global Organic Textile Standard certifies that a finished product contains at least 70 percent organic fiber. It also guarantees that the product does not contain toxic dyes, and regulates the treatment of wastewater from the production process.
• USDA Organic: Working together with the USDA, the National Organic Program (NOP) ensures uniformity in the production of organic-labelled materials. For a crop or livestock to be certified organic, it must be produced using approved methods, avoiding the use of genetic engineering, antibiotics, toxic fertilizers, and other prohibited substances. Among other requirements, animals must be raised under humane conditions, with access to the outdoors, and must be fed organic food starting from the last third of gestation. The USDA does not directly certify non-food organic products, instead encouraging companies to obtain the GOTS label for the finished product.
• GreenGuard: GreenGuard certification indicates that a product is low in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, otherwise known as off-gassing. Standard GreenGuard certification enforces safe VOC levels to minimize indoor air pollution. There is also a stricter category, GreenGuard Gold, which guarantees extremely low or zero VOC emissions.
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100: OEKO-TEX is an association of multiple research and testing institutes in Europe and Japan. The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is an internationally recognized label awarded to products whose chemical levels fall within limits that are deemed to be harmless to human health. OEKO-TEX also awards other labels, among them the Made in Green label that ensures sustainability and ethical labor conditions.
• Eco-Institut: The eco-INSTITUT is an internationally recognized organization based in Germany that tests for pollutants and emissions in mattresses and bedding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Organic Pillows