I’ve tested more than a dozen organic pillows for five years, and I’m sharing my brutally honest thoughts. The best non toxic pillow is made with organic materials and without flame retardants, formaldehyde, synthetics dyes, chemical finishes, VOCs, plastics and allergens.

And the great thing about US brands is most offer risk free trials, so you can try the pillow first and return it if it’s not for you!  In a nutshell, I found that Naturepedic PLA Pillow and Birch Organic Pillow is best for back sleepers, Avocado’s shredded latex pillow is best for side and combo sleepers, and Savvy Rest is the best organic body pillow.

Toxins Found in Pillows

If you’re wondering whether toxins are lurking in your pillows, the answer is yes sadly! Chemicals commonly found in pillows are often used for various purposes such as flame resistance, durability, and comfort enhancement.

1. Flame Retardants: Many conventional pillows contain flame retardant chemicals like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) or chlorinated Tris. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues and can release toxic gases when heated.
2. Formaldehyde: Some pillows may contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen and respiratory irritant. Formaldehyde is sometimes used in foam pillows or as a preservative in cotton or synthetic fabrics.
3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Some pillows can emit VOCs, such as benzene, toluene, and styrene. These chemicals can contribute to indoor air pollution and cause respiratory problems, headaches, or dizziness.
4. Allergenic materials: People with allergies should avoid pillows made with common allergens like down feathers or certain synthetic fibers. These materials can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
5. PVC or vinyl materials: Pillows with PVC or vinyl covers may contain phthalates, which can disrupt hormone function and are considered harmful to human health.

One common chemical found in pillows is polyurethane foam. While this material provides a plush and supportive feel, it can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.

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I tried Birch Organic Pillow

During the warmer months I love using Birch’s Organic Pillow because they don’t run warm for me. Compared to other organic bedding brands, Birch has more of a flatter, dense feel. It packs down and feels like a firm pillow, similar to a memory foam pillow. I find that it’s especially good for sleeping on my back, but I wouldn’t recommend it for strictly side sleepers. It’s stuffed with GOLS certified organic latex and organic wool for that plush feel and comes with an organic cotton casing. Birch’s shipping is lightning quick too if you want your pillow delivered asap.

Price: $159 for Standard size
Best for: back sleepers who wants a firm flatter pillow

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I Tried Circadian Rest Buckwheat Pillow and Buckwool Pillow

Circadian Rest makes the only double sided pillow on the market with organic wool on one side and buckwheat hull on the other. The dual-sided Buckwheat Hybrid pillow is basically two pillows in one! Some nights I want the lofty sinking in feel of certified organic wool, and other nights I need the molded firm support of buckwheat. I love that each side has its own zipper, so it’s fully customizable. The hulls are air-jet polished and UV-sterilized with no chemical wash and no fumigation. They move into position and settle into place to provide amazing neck support. I also love the way the hulls adjust to the curves and shape of my head and cradle it even as I shift and move throughout the night. In my experience, buckwheat pillows are the truly non-toxic version of a memory foam pillow!

I also slept on their 10-pound Buckwheat Pillow, which is filled purely with USA grown buckwheat hulls and find it excellent for back sleepers. It feels cooler than foam pillows with more airflow and provides great cervical support. With buckwheat pillows it’s crucial to customize the height if you want it to be comfortable, so I simply removed some of the hulls so it sat flat enough for me. For my fellow yogis, I’ve found Circadian Rest’s buckwheat pillow doubles as a fantastic bolster cushion for yin yoga and restorative yoga 🧘‍♂️. All Circadian Rest Pillows have a certified organic cotton cover, quality, sturdy zippers and are handmade to order in New Jersey.

Price: $129 for standard size Buckwheat Pillow | $179 for Buckwool Pillow

Best for: side sleepers and anyone who wakes with a stiff neck.
Fill: USA-grown buckwheat hulls, air-jet polished and ultraviolet sterilized.
Cover: organic cotton, side zipper.
How it feels: firm and stable. Hulls flex under your head and then interlock, so the height you set at bedtime is the height you wake up in.
Sizes: Standard, Queen, King, Travel

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I tried Savvy Rest Organic Pillows

I always update this post with new organic pillows I’m trying and lately I’ve been using Savvy Rest’s Shredded Latex Pillow and Body Pillow. Their customizable shredded latex pillow is soft yet supportive and I love that it comes with both an inner and outer organic cotton casing with a soft flannel finish. (Most brands don’t offer both casings!) This makes it super easy to keep the beautiful natural look of the casing clean over time.

The shredded latex is a blend of certified organic Dunlop latex and Cradle to Cradle Gold and FSC-certified Talalay latex. There’s absolutely no fillers or synthetic materials. Shredded latex is my favorite for supreme comfort, so I would recommend this one if you find other natural materials aren’t comfy. Their Body Pillow is an absolute dream and comes in various materials (wool, latex, kapok) and 17 inch or 20 inch sizes. I have their 17 inch in shredded latex and already find it very generous in size. They also make one of the best affordable organic mattresses.

Price: $125 for Standard size

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I Tried 3 Naturepedic Pillows (PLA, Wool, Solid Latex)

Naturepedic’s PLA Pillow is very soft and a lot thinner than all the other organic pillows I’ve tried. I loved this pillow and it held up well for the first few years, but after three years of regular use, it did become clumpy. PLA Pillow is made with non-toxic, sustainable fibers derived entirely from sugarcane, a 100% renewable resource. This is a more affordable alternative to certified organic fibers, but it’s still a safe option and just as comfy!

After testing so many non-toxic pillows, I would say nearly all of Naturepedic’s pillows are made to be quite lofty and bouncy to mimic the plush feeling of hotel pillows. You’ll find that a lot of brands send their organic pillows overstuffed so you can customize them to your liking. I enjoy lofty pillows on some nights, but a thinner pillow actually keeps my spine, neck and head correctly aligned. So, if you’re looking for a flat pillow, go for Naturepedic’s PLA pillow (or Birch’s Organic Pillow for a firmer flat pillow). Plus, it’s so affordable compared to other non-toxic pillows, which can easily range between $100-$200 each!

I also tried their Organic Solid Latex Pillow and Organic Wool Pillow shown above and definitely hated the solid latex one. The Wool was very very dense but still quite plush.

Materials (PLA):

• Fill: Pure plant-based PLA batting on the inside (derived entirely from non-GMO sugarcane)
• Cover: organic cotton

How It Feels:

• Feels very soft
• Great if you want a soft pillow your head sinks into
• This is a flatter, thinner pillow if you find most pillows are too lofty or bouncy for you

Price: $79

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I tried Avocado Green Pillow

Avocado’s Green Pillow is an organic shredded latex and kapok filled pillow that’s certified by GOTS, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, MADE SAFE, Vegan Action and Greenguard Gold. It comes deliberately over filled with an extra refill bag, is adjustable and you can choose between the traditional rectangular or their new ergonomically curved side-sleeper design. The blend of both shredded latex and kapok makes this soft, supportive and like your head is sinking into it. Overall, this is a lofty pillow, but I find that when it’s kept overfilled it’s extremely dense and firm, and when I remove the right amount for myself, it’s softer and comfier.

Materials: organic shredded latex, organic kapok, organic cotton case
Price: $139 for standard | $159 for Queen | $179 for King

I Tried Saatva Cloud Memory Foam Pillow

My partner is a memory foam pillow man, so we both tested the Saatva Cloud Memory Foam Pillow. I was surprised by how heavy (and hefty) this pillow feels. My partner found the quality and feel of the Saatva pillow to be excellent, but it was too lofty for him and caused some neck pain. I actually didn’t like it at first but once the pillow sets, it truly molds and contours to your head and feels comfortable.

I discovered through testing this pillow that CertiPUR-US certified memory foam is a bit more comfortable for me than organic cotton, natural kapok or purely latex pillows. If you know that you need a flat, level memory foam pillow Saatva’s would probably be too high for you and I’d suggest Birch Organic Pillow instead.

Materials:

• Fill: 100% CertiPUR-US® certified memory foams and latex
• Cover: organic cotton

How It Feels:

• Contouring, dense and conforms to head shape like memory foam
• Feels luxurious and very high quality
• Safer alternative for memory foam pillow lovers
• Pillow is a little too high for my partner but perfect for me after a few nights of sleep when the memory foam set
• I wouldn’t recommend this for back sleepers as it’s quite thick and can cause discomfort if it’s too high for you

Prices:

• Cloud Memory Foam Pillow $135
• Latex Pillow $165
• Down Alternative Pillow $115

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I Tried Soaring Heart Organic Shredded Latex & Wool Pillow

I’ve used my Soaring Heart Organic Shredded Latex & Wool Pillow for two years. It has a much more handcrafted feel that you find with small organic bedding brands like Savvy Rest. This hybrid pillow feels lofty and plump yet supportive. Your head will sink into this pillow but feel cushioned and supported at the same time. I’d recommend this one for side sleepers and combo sleepers. The shredded latex gives it a buoyant feel while the wool adds to its softness. I love that Soaring Heart handcrafts their organic pillows (and they have the most stunning organic comforter I’ve tried) right in Seattle with the utmost care and attention to quality and detail.

It comes with a zipper, so I was able to remove some of the filling to make it feel exactly to my liking. I always recommend getting a pillow with a zipper because even the softest filling can become dense and uncomfortable if there’s too much of it.

Materials:

• Fill: Organic wool and organic latex
• Cover: Organic cotton

How It Feels:

• Lofty and plump
• Soft yet supportive
• Great for side sleepers

Price: $149

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I Tried Soaring Heart Natural Kapok Pillow

I’ve also used Soaring Heart Natural Kapok Pillow for a few years and find it excellent for side sleepers and can be customized to work just as well for back sleepers and combo sleepers. Compared to other organic pillows, this felt a bit firmer initially because it comes with a TON of filling (28 oz). Natural kapok IS a super fluffy soft material, but when there’s a lot of batting packed together it tends be overly firm and plump for me. Thankfully, Soaring Heart pillows come with a zipper so I was able to remove a third of the batting and customize it to be way more comfortable.

It’s great that Soaring Heart overfill its, so those who like a super lofty and supportive pillow can still have that, and those who want a softer airier pillow can customize it to their liking. Once I reduced the amount of filling my head truly felt like it was sinking into a soft cloud. Personally, I still find their organic shredded latex & wool pillow more comfortable for me than kapok.

Materials:

• Fill: Natural, untreated kapok fibers
• Cover: Organic cotton

How It Feels:

• Lots of support, plump and lifted due to it coming filled to the max (has zipper to remove/add batting)
• Lofty yet soft

Price: $124

I Tried Buffy Natural Cloud Pillow

Buffy Cloud Pillow in medium firmness is a VERY plump and lofty pillow, and while it’s not organic it’s made with recycled plastic bottles and Tencel, so not perfect but still better than conventional. It truly feels like your head is resting on a big poofy cloud. You can see in the image that the Buffy pillow above is considerably loftier than my Naturepedic pillow. It does have a zipper so you can remove batting to make it less lofty. Plus, you can order these in different firmness levels of soft, medium and medium firm. If you’re not into poofy pillows I would go down a level and get the “soft” or if you’re unsure, go for the medium then remove some of the filling to your liking.

Materials:

• Fill: 100% GRS-certified, BPA-free, recycled PET (recycles 24+ plastic bottle)
• Cover: 300 single-ply thread count sateen weave TENCEL™ lyocell shell

How It Feels:

• Very lofty, fluffy and ideal for side sleepers
• Big and plump
• Pillow height a little too high and occasionally caused some neck discomfort for back sleeper (remove filling in this case)
• Gets a little lumpy after a few years of use but overall retains its shape well
• Customizable when ordering with soft, medium or firm firmness.

Prices:

• Cloud Pillow $50
• Wiggle Pillow $109

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I Tried White Lotus Home Organic Pillow

White Lotus Home has the largest variety of fills to choose from (cotton, kapok, wool, shredded latex, buckwool, buckwheat). I’ve tested White Lotus Home’s organic cotton pillow and green cotton pillows. Their green cotton pillow is a more affordable option to their organic cotton products with the only difference being it isn’t certified organic. These are extremely supportive and on the firm side (I strongly recommend getting the zipper option so you can remove/add filling to suit your preference).

Materials:

• Fill: sustainably grown GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton
• Cover: Organic Sateen Cotton

Prices:

• Organic Cotton Pillow $115
• Green Pillow $73
• Kapok Pillow $78
• Wool Pillow $114
• Natural Shredded Latex Pillow $148

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I Tried My Green Mattress Charcoal Infused Latex Pillow

My Green Mattress offers just one organic pillow made of a solid core of charcoal infused Dunlop latex. This is a firm buoyant pillow that feels similar to a memory foam pillow but not as hard. Personally it’s not my cup of tea, comfort wise, but is a thoroughly safe and healthy pillow with Eco-institute and FSC certified Dunlop Latex, GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Cover and GOLS Certified Organic Dunlop Latex Core.

Materials:

• Fill: Eco-institute and FSC certified Dunlop Latex
• Cover: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton

How It Feels:

• Firm contouring feel
• Least favorite feel as solid latex-only is too firm personally, but the large size is great as a body pillow

Price: $109 for King

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Should Pillows be Organic?

Why is it important to switch over to a non toxic pillow? We sleep 8 hours a night buried in our pillows, which is about as intimate as it gets. You want to avoid being in such close contact with harmful toxins, especially when you consider the amount of hours and days over the course of our lives we spend sleeping.

Harmful chemicals commonly found in pillows, such as flame retardants, phthalates, and formaldehyde, have been linked to respiratory issues and allergic reactions. Many pillows on the market contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are emitted as gases and can originate from various sources such as fabric treatments, adhesives and flame retardants.

When choosing a non toxic pillow, be sure to look for certifications like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or CertiPUR-US, which ensure the materials are free from pesticides, herbicides and other harmful chemicals.

What is the healthiest type of pillow?

The absolute healthiest pillow filling is GOTS certified organic fibers like certified organic wool and organic cotton.

The certification proves they went through a rigorous testing process and that no pesticides or harmful chemicals were used in the making of the material.

These pillows can get expensive, so if that’s the case just be sure to look for one made with all natural or plant-based fibers without any petroleum.

The most common organic materials used to fill non-toxic pillows are latex, kapok, wool, cotton and even buckwheat. Some even combine a few different natural fibers like organic latex plus wool or kapok and latex to create different feels.

Materials in Non-Toxic Pillows (and how each feels!)

• Molded Latex: This is a natural foam made from the sap of the hevea-brasilienis rubber tree. Molded latex is great for its durability and temperature control but can be too firm for some people.
• Shredded Latex: This is natural latex shredded into smaller pieces. It’s great for those who like a soft pillow. Your head will feel more like it’s sinking into shredded latex with a bit of bounce and resiliency.
• Kapok: Kapok is a softer alternative to down with a fluffy feeling that’s made from the kapok tree. Your head will also feel like it’s sinking into a kapok pillow with a bit more even support.
• Wool: Wool also makes for a very soft pillow ideal for stomach sleepers & back sleepers.
• Cotton: Organic Cotton pillows are usually firmer, so I recommend getting one that’s zippered so you can remove batting if necessary.
• Buckwheat hull: Buckwheat pillows are made with shells derived from buckwheat plants and feel like a firm bean bag for your head. This is the firmest type of pillow for people with neck pain. These are much too firm for most people, including myself, and not something I would recommend unless you enjoy sleeping on a bean bag pillow. If you’re a yogi, they double as a great prop.
• Other non-toxic pillow fillings: recycled plastic bottles, PLA derived from sugarcane, Tencel

What to Look For: 3rd Party Certifications

Greenwashing with pillows is more common than you think! That “natural” pillow could still be stuffed with untested polyurethane foam or polyester.

Certifications matter and ensure the pillow is genuinely safe and free from harmful materials. Here are the most important ones to look for:

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): requires that at least 95% of the materials in a pillow are certified organic
Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): applies to latex products and requires 95% organic latex
USDA Organic: requires 95% certified organic materials
Certi-Pur US: must pass independent testing every year and be free of harmful compounds
MadeSafe: requires products be free of heavy metals, hazardous flame retardants, pesticides, toxic solvents, VOCs and harmful chemicals (does not test the actual product and only checks the ingredients)
Made in Green by Oeko-Tex (and Standard 100): requires the pillow to meet safety, sustainability and socially responsible working conditions standards
Greenguard Gold: tests for VOC emissions
Cradle to Cradle (c2c): applies only to Talalay latex in pillows and ensures the pillow is sustainable, eco-friendly, socially fair, and safe in terms of materials and chemical processes.
Fair Rubber Association: applies to latex pillows only and ensures the improvement of the working and living conditions of those producing natural latex
ssed without potentially harmful chemicals.
eco-INSTITUT: ensures the pillow is free of VOCs, POPs (persistent organic pollutants), heavy metals, pesticides, formaldehyde, Phthalates, synthetic rubber, phthalates, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde