Best Pillow for Allergies in 2026

If you experience allergies, your pillow choice can affect your symptoms. The best pillows for allergies contain materials that are resistant to dust mites, mold, mildew, and other allergens. These include core materials such as memory foam and latex and cover materials like natural cotton, bamboo-derived textiles, and Tencel.

Pillows in particular can attract dust mites and other allergens that cause sneezing, congestion, or itchiness. A pillow made from natural, hypoallergenic materials can be a good investment if your allergies make it difficult to sleep. The best pillows for allergies typically contain latex, down alternative fibers, silk, and other fills that resist dust mites and mildew. You can also invest in a pillow with a cover made of moisture-wicking fabrics, such as organic cotton, Tencel, and rayon derived from bamboo. 

We’ll discuss which pillows are best for people with allergies and provide tips for keeping allergens out of your sleep space. We’ll also provide detailed information about each pillow’s design and how they performed during our hands-on tests so you can determine the best pillows for your needs.

Best Overall: Saatva Latex Pillow

Best Overall

9.6/10Test Lab Score

Saatva Latex Pillow

Use this link for the most current discount. Shop At Saatva

Price: $165 – $185

Fill: Shredded Talalay latex and down alternative

Firmness: Medium Soft

Why It’s Best Overall

Sleepers looking for a pillow that strikes an even balance of cushioning and support should find what they need in the Saatva Latex Pillow. This model is available in two lofts that cater to a wide array of sleep preferences and positions. While not suitable for sleepers with latex allergies, the pillow resists dust mites, mold, and other common allergens.

How It Performed

During tests, this pillow performed extremely well for back and side sleepers. The high-loft option measures 6 to 7 inches thick and fared better with side sleepers, who tend to enjoy thicker pillows to fill the space between their neck and the bed surface. The low-loft option is 4 to 5 inches thick and felt most comfortable to back sleepers, or side sleepers who prefer pillows with mid-range lofts. Both models provided plenty of cushioning to cradle the head and neck, while maintaining the support needed to keep the head aligned with the spine without straining the neck.

Most Comfortable: Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Most Comfortable

9.0/10Test Lab Score

Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

25% off sitewide Shop At Brooklyn Bedding

Price: $89 – $99

Fill: Talalay latex

Firmness: Medium Firm

We enjoyed the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow for its balance of cushioning and responsiveness. The latex core contours gently to the head and neck without too much hugging or sinkage, and two loft levels make the pillow equally suited to side and back sleepers. Our tests also showed the pillow excels at temperature control and shape retention.

How It Performed

Most of our testers found the Talalay Latex Pillow comfortable, though their preferences differed in terms of the best loft. Our side sleepers received ample cushioning from the 5-inch pillow, resulting in even alignment for the head, neck, and shoulders. Back sleepers preferred the 4-inch loft instead. Both lofts were too thick for stomach sleepers on our team, but the 4-inch pillow didn’t crane their necks as much as the 5-inch model.

Best Value: Buffy Cloud Pillow

Best Value

7.6/10Test Lab Score

Buffy Cloud Pillow

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Price: $55 – $70

Fill: Recycled PET fibers

Firmness: Medium

Sleepers looking for a soft, plushy pillow should find the Buffy Cloud Pillow meets their needs. The fill consists of down alternative clusters that mimic the softness of real down without triggering allergies or retaining excess heat. Buffy offers a discount for shoppers who purchase more than one pillow, making it an excellent value for shoppers on a budget.

How It Performed

Among all three of the Cloud Pillow’s firmness levels, our side sleepers felt most comfortable on the firm pillow. This model offers the highest loft, ensuring plenty of cushioning between the head and shoulder to promote even alignment. Our back sleepers were torn, with some preferring the firmer pillow and others finding the medium model more suitable. Stomach sleepers found the soft pillow provided enough cushioning without straining their necks.

Best Luxury: Boll & Branch Down Alternative Pillow

Best Luxury

8.1/10Test Lab Score

Boll & Branch Down Alternative Pillow

Use this link for the most current discount. Shop At Boll & Branch

Price: $88 – $98

Fill: PrimaLoft synthetic microfibers

Firmness: Medium

The Boll & Branch Down Alternative Pillow is a great option for those who sleep on their side, back, or stomach and prefer animal-free products. The pillow is available in three unique firmness levels, each of which caters to a different sleep position. All pillows are wrapped in a breathable organic cotton shell, and the machine-washable design makes the pillow easy to keep clean and free of allergens.

How It Performed

Our team tested all three firmness levels of the Boll & Branch Down Alternative Pillow. For our side sleepers, the firm pillow provided enough cushioning to keep their heads and necks aloft. Some back sleepers also felt comfortable with this model, but most preferred the medium option because it propped up their heads without causing neck strain. Our stomach sleepers found that the low-loft soft pillow worked best for them.

Best for Side Sleepers: Avocado Green Pillow

Best for Side Sleepers

9.3/10Test Lab Score

Avocado Green Pillow

Shop At Avocado

Price: $139 – $179

Fill: GOLS-certified shredded latex and GOTS-certified kapok fibers

Firmness: Medium

Your ideal pillow loft largely depends on your primary sleep position. With the Avocado Green Pillow, you can add or remove fill to make it feel fuller for side sleeping, flat for stomach sleeping, or something in between for back sleeping. The fill combines shredded latex and soft kapok fibers, resulting in gentle contouring and a bit of responsiveness.

How It Performed

The majority of our team members gave positive ratings to the Avocado Green Pillow, though their loft preferences differed. Our side sleepers felt most comfortable with all of the fill intact, with some adding additional fill included with each order. Back sleepers removed about 20% to 30% of the fill in order to achieve their ideal loft, while stomach sleepers needed to remove at least 50%.

Best Temperature Regulating: Cozy Earth Silk Pillow

Best Temperature Regulating

8.4/10Test Lab Score

Cozy Earth Silk Pillow

25% off Shop At Cozy Earth

Price: $254 – $297

Fill: Long-strand mulberry silk

Firmness: Medium Soft

The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow contains long-strand mulberry silk, a bedding material prized for its natural softness and longevity. Since the strands are densely packed into the core, the pillow has a supple yet supportive feel and maintains its shape exceptionally well. 

How It Performed

Pillows this soft tend to flatten and lose shape somewhat easily, but the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow maintained a full shape throughout our hands-on tests. At the same time, the pillow was very moldable and perfect for snuggling. We were also impressed with the pillow’s cooling abilities, which come from both the naturally breathable silk and the moisture-wicking cover.

Softest: Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow

Softest

8.4/10Test Lab Score

Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow

Use code SF10 for 10% off sitewide Shop At Sweet Zzz

Price: $135 – $150

Fill: Plant-based down alternative fibers

Firmness: Medium

The Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow proves you don’t need to spend a lot for high-quality bedding. With natural materials in the fill and cover, the pillow has a soft feel that is well suited to people with sensitive skin and is highly resistant to dust buildup.

How It Performed

The Plant-Based Pillow stood out in temperature control during our tests. The fill doesn’t retain as much heat as real down and the breathable cotton cover provides additional airflow. Although you may need to fluff the pillow regularly to maintain a full shape, the down alternative fibers are moldable and the pillow’s plushness makes it ideal for snuggling.

How to Choose a Pillow for Allergies

Pillows — like other sleep products — can attract dust mites and other contaminants that cause sneezing, congestion, dry eyes, and other allergy symptoms. Regular cleaning and properly storing your pillow when it’s not in use are crucial. You should also replace your pillow every one to two years to refresh your sleep space. That said, material composition can help you determine how likely your pillow is to attract allergens. 

We’ll cover the best and worst pillow materials for people with allergies, along with general tips for choosing a pillow based on factors like size, loft, and firmness.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Pillow for Allergies

Choosing the right pillow is important for healthy sleep. The right pillow should provide proper support for your head and neck based on your primary sleep position, leaving you free of pain and pressure points when you wake up in the morning. The wrong pillow can have the opposite effect and prevent you from getting adequate rest. It’s important to take the following criteria into consideration when choosing a new pillow for allergies.

Sleeping Position

Side sleepers typically prefer thicker pillows that cushion the space between their head and shoulder to ensure proper alignment. Back sleepers need enough loft to keep their head elevated but not so much that it causes strain, so medium-loft pillows often work best. For stomach sleepers, a low-loft pillow can help prevent neck aches, though many people who use this position don’t use a pillow at all.

Loft

Loft refers to the profile, or thickness, of a pillow without any weight compressing it. High-loft pillows measure more than 5 inches thick and are usually recommended for side sleepers. A medium-loft pillow falls between 3 and 5 inches, and low-loft pillows measure less than 3 inches. We’ve found back and stomach sleepers prefer medium- and low-lofts. 

Support

Adequate neck and head support is essential for a comfortable night’s rest. A pillow should push back against these areas to keep them from sinking excessively. The size of your head and shoulder width may affect what kind of support you need from your pillow.

Firmness Level

Firmness level is directly tied to support. If a pillow feels soft, it may not provide proper reinforcement and sink too much beneath your head and neck. Conversely, a pillow that feels firm may not cushion these areas to your liking. We recommend testing pillows with different firmness levels to pinpoint your ideal feel.

Pressure Relief

If you experience sharp pressure points in your neck and shoulders after waking up, your pillow might be partially to blame. A pillow that molds around and cushions these areas without sinking too much is your best bet for alleviating pressure. 

Shape

When pillows come to mind, most people think of the traditionally rectangular shape. However, you can choose another shape based on your needs and the pillow’s intended purpose. For example, you can alleviate back pain by lying with a knee or wedge pillow beneath your legs or by placing an elongated body pillow against your back while you sleep. Circular and square pillows are also widely available.

Price

The cost of a new pillow mostly depends on size and material composition. Budget-friendly options typically include pillows containing down alternative fibers, feathers, and shredded foam. Expect to pay more for pillows with solid foam, latex, down, or buckwheat hulls. 

Quality Materials

A pillow composed of high-quality fill and cover materials is more likely to help you sleep comfortably and hold up better over time than one made with cheaper, less durable materials. You may pay more for pillows containing premium materials such as solid latex, silk, or buckwheat hulls, but the up-front cost will likely prove to be a good investment — especially if your sleep improves.

Moldability

Moldability refers to how scrunchy and snuggly a pillow feels. People who snuggle with a pillow often prefer moldable materials like down, down alternative fibers, and shredded foam. However, moldability may also mean the pillow is susceptible to flattening and frequently needs to be fluffed.

Temperature Regulation

For people who sleep hot, a pillow that regulates temperature and keeps them cool through the night can be an essential sleep accessory. Our team has found the best pillow fills for temperature control include shredded latex, down alternative fibers, and buckwheat hulls. Covers made of cotton, bamboo-derived textiles, Tencel, and silk also tend to sleep cool.

What Types of Pillows Are Best for Allergies?

Pillows can be made using a wide variety of materials, some of which are better for allergies than others. Common pillow fills include:

• Polyfoam: Pillows containing polyurethane foam — polyfoam for short — may give off a noticeable odor when new. This is known as off-gassing and is a byproduct of chemicals used during production. The smells are temporary but may cause irritation for the first day or two. If your polyfoam pillow isn’t machine-washable, you should consider investing in a washable pillowcase or protector to safeguard it from dust mites.
• Memory foam: Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam, so you should expect your new memory foam pillow to produce some off-gassing. Memory foam is resistant to microbes and allergens, but dust mites may still dwell inside memory foam pillows. Use a washable pillowcase or protector to keep out dust, as most memory foam pillows are not machine-washable and can only be spot cleaned. 
• Down: Real down consists of the soft inner plumage of geese and ducks. While down pillows are prized for their softness, they are not the best choice for people with allergies. Down contains dander that can trigger allergy symptoms. While many pillow producers wash down multiple times, the pillow may still attract dust and cause allergy flare-ups. 
• Down alternative: Pillows with down alternative fibers made of polyester are a great alternative to down pillows for people with allergies. These pillows also tend to be quite affordable, especially compared to their real down counterparts. However, the loose fiberfill can attract dust mites, so routine cleanings are recommended, and most down alternative pillows are fully machine-washable.
• Latex: Latex is a type of foam derived from rubber tree extract, resulting in more bounce and gentler contouring compared to polyfoam or memory foam. Although latex has a rubbery smell at first, it won’t produce off-gassing like foam. This is especially true if the latex is natural or organic, meaning a relatively small number of chemical fillers are used. Latex is naturally resistant to microbes, but may still attract dust. Additionally, a small number of people are allergic to the latex itself.
• Feather: Like down, feathers contain dander that can trigger allergies for some people. Using a pillow protector or pillowcase may reduce the potential for allergy symptoms. Some brands allow you to return feather pillows for a full refund if you experience allergies after testing out the pillow.
• Buckwheat: Buckwheat pillows contain hulls, the hard outer casings of buckwheat kernels. These pillows are often organic and encased in materials like natural cotton, resulting in little to no chemicals used during production. While generally thought to be good for those with allergies, at least one case has been reported of someone experiencing an allergic reaction after using a buckwheat pillow. 
• Wool: Wool is naturally resistant to dust mites and contaminants, and wool pillows are often machine-washable. That said, some people are allergic to lanolin, a fat secreted by sheep and other animals that produce wool. These allergies lead to itchiness and other unpleasant symptoms. 
• Water: Some pillows feature internal water bladders surrounded by cushioning materials. These pillows contour closely while maintaining decent support, so they’re a good choice for people with neck pain. Since standing water can lead to mold and bacteria, it’s important to frequently drain and clean your water pillow.

In addition to your pillow’s fill, the cover or shell is another consideration when it comes to allergies. Natural fabrics like cotton and silk are less likely to irritate your skin compared to polyester and other synthetics. Smooth textiles like Tencel and bamboo-derived rayon can also be beneficial if you have sensitive skin.

What Makes a Pillow Hypoallergenic?

Many manufacturers use the term hypoallergenic to describe their pillows, but this language can be misleading. Pillow materials like down alternative fibers, latex, and memory foam are less likely to trigger allergies than others, but virtually any pillow can attract dust, mold, mildew, and other allergens. 

As with any marketing claim, always take hypoallergenic labels with a grain of salt. Even if the core and cover materials are considered hypoallergenic, you’ll need to keep your pillow clean in order to ward off allergens. If your pillow isn’t machine-washable or it is too large for your household appliances, we recommend a washable pillow protector. Wash the protector in hot water and dry it until all moisture is removed.

What Can Make Allergies Worse?

Whether or not you have existing allergies, a few factors related to your sleep environment can lead to allergy symptoms.

Your Mattress

Certain mattresses are better for allergies than others. For example, innersprings and hybrids with open coil chambers attract dust mite growth more than mattresses with solid foam or latex layers. Natural and organic mattress materials such as wool and latex also offer better resistance to allergens than synthetic materials. It’s also possible for mold, mildew, and bacteria to build up on your mattress surface — especially if you can’t remove and machine-wash the cover from time to time. It is possible to vacuum and clean your mattress to remove allergens.

Your Bedding

Tightly woven bedding tends to resist dust mites and other allergens because there is less space for them to dwell. Looser weaves like sateen may be more susceptible to allergen buildup. Fabric also plays a role. Synthetic textiles like polyester often trap heat, creating moisture buildup that can worsen allergy symptoms. 

Regardless of which type of bedding you use, regular cleaning is key to keeping your sleep space allergen-free. Wash your bedding once a week. Hot water is more effective at killing dust mites, but double-check your bedding’s care instructions to avoid damaging the fabric. 

Sleeping With a Pet

Dogs, cats, and other pets carry dander in their fur. This dander accumulates over time, and can potentially trigger allergy symptoms if it builds up for too long. Cleaning your bedding on a weekly basis can reduce the amount of dander in your sleep space. Regularly bathing your pet can also reduce dander buildup. However, if you continue to experience irritation, you may want to reconsider letting your pet sleep with you.

Sleeping With Your Mattress on the Floor

Placing your mattress directly on the floor can expose your sleep area to more dust and dirt. You can invest in a frame or foundation to elevate the mattress, or a mattress protector or encasement if you prefer sleeping on the floor. Sweeping and cleaning the floor regularly can also help prevent allergens from accumulating.

Still have questions?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.

Send an email to AskAnExpert@sleepfoundation.org with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.