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Best organic pillow (top 5 brands)

Best organic pillow brands

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The right organic pillow can be a little difficult to find – what with the dizzyingly endless range of organic pillows being offered right now. Are they legit? Certified organic? Are they produced sustainably and ethically? Well, you can stop your search right now – we’ve narrowed them down to the 5 best organic pillows available on the market today. Our Editor’s Choice is the Saatva Latex pillow.


Top 5 picks for best organic pillow

  1. Saatva Latex pillow – editor’s choice
  2. PlushBeds Organic Shredded Latex pillow – best adjustable organic pillow
  3. White Lotus Home Organic Cotton Sleep pillow – best cotton organic pillow
  4. Avocado Green pillow – best vegan organic pillow
  5. SOL Organics Down pillow – best down organic pillow

#1. Saatva Latex Pillow

Check Current Price | Editor’s Choice

Saatva latex organic pillow
Saatva Latex Pillow

Pros

  • Made from sustainably sourced natural latex
  • Cooling
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Comes in two different loft options

Cons

  • Can be a little too pricey for some
  • Comes in only two sizes

Our experience with Saatva Latex Pillow

When it comes to the best organic pillows, the Saatva Latex pillow definitely tops our list. Made with a combination of shredded natural latex and down-like microdenier fibers, you get a pillow that feels like a traditional down pillow but is inherently more responsive.

The shredded latex used in the Saatva Latex pillow is sourced sustainably and ethically and the organic cotton cover is Fair Trade certified. Companies like Saatva that champion Fair Trade practices ensure that the farmers and workers behind the product (in this case the Saatva Latex pillow) earn additional money to empower and uplift their communities.

We found the Saatva Latex pillow to be soft and plush but the latex component added a lot to its responsiveness that we never felt like our heads were sinking in.

Natural latex is also cooling, breathable and naturally hypoallergenic making the Saatva Latex pillow an excellent choice for both hot sleepers and those who suffer from seasonal allergies.

You get two different loft options with the Saatva Latex pillow – a standard loft which is 4-5 inches high and a high loft which is 6-7 inches high. Back and side sleepers should opt for the high loft version since it gives them proper neck and spinal alignment that they need whereas stomach sleepers are better off with choosing the standard loft.

The construction of the Saatva Latex pillow is a little different from most standard pillows. It features a shredded natural latex foam core and an outer fill that’s made up of down-like microdenier fill. This combination provides an almost down pillow feel without the sinkage or the heat.

The Saatva Latex pillow comes encased in a breathable organic cotton cover that can help wick away both heat and moisture. The pillow cover is also removable and machine-washable making it super convenient to clean.

We did not experience any instances of off-gassing or weird odors when we first unboxed the Saatva Latex pillow and with organic pillows, this should be a given when it comes to pillows made from natural latex.

Sizes

  • Queen
  • King

Sleep trial and Warranty

Saatva has a 45-day return policy for their Latex pillow. It also comes backed by a 1 year limited warranty.

Buy: Saatva Latex Pillow


#2. PlushBeds Organic Shredded Latex Pillow

Check Current Price | Best Adjustable Organic Pillow

Plushbeds organic shredded latex pillow and interior shown
PlushBeds Organic Shredded Latex Pillow

Pros

  • Cooling and breathable
  • Naturally hypoallergenic
  • Adjustable loft
  • eco-INSTITUT certified

Cons

  • Non-returnable
  • No sleep trial

Our experience with PlushBeds Organic Shredded Latex Pillow

Not a lot of brands offer an organic latex pillow with an adjustable loft. Pillows with adjustable lofts like the PlushBeds Organic Shredded Latex pillow are great for all sleep positions because you can get your desired loft height to suit your needs.

Made from GOLS certified organic latex and other organic materials, the PlushBeds Organic Shredded Latex pillow is also naturally hypoallergenic, making it a good option as an organic toddler pillow.

We found the PlushBeds Organic Shredded Latex pillow to be soft yet springy when we tried it out. Heavier-set side sleepers and back sleepers won’t feel as though their heads are sinking in, which can wreak havoc on spinal alignment.

The shredded latex core of the PlushBeds Latex pillow can be taken out or added back to get your desired loft. You can also compress it or plump it up to create the perfect pillow firmness that’s just right for you. Even after using the PlushBeds Latex pillow for some time, we did not find it to flatten out or clump.

The latex shreds in the PlushBeds Latex pillow are also spaced far apart, unlike solid block latex pillows. This makes the PlushBeds Latex pillow even more cooling and breathable and we all know by now that natural latex is already by itself quite cooling, especially in pillows.

The pillow cover of the PlushBeds Latex pillow is made from GOTS certified organic cotton and it is also removable and machine-washable.

The PlushBeds Organic Shredded Latex pillow is tested and certified by the eco-INSTITUT as well as the Global Organic Latex Standard institution. We did not experience any instances of off-gassing when we first unboxed it.

Sizes

  • Standard
  • Queen
  • King

Sleep trial and Warranty

The PlushBeds Organic Shredded Latex pillow comes backed by a 3 year warranty. All bedding and bed linen by PlushBeds do not come with a sleep trial.

Buy: PlushBeds Organic Shredded Latex Pillow


#3. White Lotus Home Organic Cotton Sleep Pillow

Check Current Price | Best Cotton Organic Pillow

White Lotus Home organic cotton pillows
White Lotus Home Organic Cotton Sleep Pillow

Pros

  • Comes in a multitude of sizes
  • Adjustable options
  • Made from GOTS certified organic cotton
  • Vegan-friendly

Cons

  • Can be a bit too pricey for some
  • No warranty or sleep trial
  • Cotton can tend to clump up over time

Our experience with White Lotus Home Organic COtton Sleep Pillow

For those who want something more along the lines of traditional pillows, the White Lotus Home Organic Cotton Sleep pillow might just be your best bet when it comes to organic pillows.

Hand-stuffed with pesticide-free, sustainably grown GOTS certified organic cotton, the White Lotus Home Organic Cotton pillow is 100% vegan, natural and biodegradable making it one of the best organic pillows available on the market today.

Unlike organic latex which tends to be softer, pillows made from organic cotton are a touch firmer and we found the White Lotus Home Organic Cotton pillow to have a medium firmness when we tried it out. This makes it a good choice for those who prefer firmer pillows.

When it comes to pillow loft, the White Lotus Home Organic Cotton pillow comes with the option for you to choose a zippered GOTS certified organic cotton cover or one without. Choosing a zippered cotton cover allows you to either add or take out some of the cotton fill to get your desired height. The pillow cover also features a sateen weave that’s silky smooth and cool to the touch.

Should you choose to opt for the zippered cover, it’s also easier to clean since it is machine-washable but should you choose the pillow cover without a zipper, then bear in mind that it cannot be machine-washed – spot clean any spills and stains instead.

Back and side sleepers need a pillow with a higher loft, whereas stomach sleepers generally need something lower so as not to strain their necks and backs.

The cotton used in both the pillow fill and the pillow cover is made from 100% pesticide-free and sustainably grown organic cotton from White Lotus Home’s very own farms.

We did not experience any off-gassing with the White Lotus Home Organic Cotton Sleep pillow although there was a slight cottony scent that we actually found quite pleasing.

The White Lotus Home Organic Cotton pillow also comes in a wide array of different pillow sizes including a body pillow, a travel pillow and a baby pillow.

Sizes

  • Euro
  • Standard
  • Queen
  • King
  • Body
  • Travel
  • Toddler

Sleep trial and Warranty

White Lotus Home has not indicated any sleep trial period or warranty for their Organic Cotton pillow on their website.

Buy: White Lotus Home Organic Cotton Pillow


#4. Avocado Green Pillow

Check Current Price | Best Vegan Organic Pillow

Avocado Green pillow
Avocado Green Pillow

Pros

  • Certified vegan
  • Made from a blend of certified organic latex and kapok fibers
  • Cooling
  • Naturally hypoallergenic
  • Medium-plush feel

Cons

  • Can be a bit too pricey for some

Our experience with Avocado Green Pillow

The Avocado Green pillow is one pillow that probably has all the certifications a pillow can get. From GreenGuard Gold to Made Safe to Climate Neutral and GOLS, the Avocado Green pillow is packing in more ways than one.

Made with a blend of GOLS certified organic latex and GOTS certified organic kapok fiber, we found the Avocado Green pillow to be soft and plush when we tried it out, so if you’re on the hunt for a soft pillow that’s also organic and vegan-friendly, then this is the one to have.

The pillow fill of the Avocado Green pillow is adjustable so you can get both spinal alignment and a good night’s sleep no matter what sleeping position you may have, be it a back sleeper or side sleeper.

The blend of organic latex fill and kapok fiber in the Avocado Green pillow are natural materials that are guaranteed to be free from harmful chemicals. Organic latex is naturally cooling and helps wick away body heat while kapok is pretty breathable, making the Avocado pillow an excellent choice for hot sleepers.

The fill is stuffed inside an inner organic jersey cotton liner and the entire pillow comes encased in a removable and machine-washable Global Organic Textile Standard certified organic cotton cover. The pillow cover itself acts as its very own pillow protector.

Some all-foam pillows are made with synthetic materials which can sometimes include VOCs or volatile organic compounds which can be harmful to both one’s health as well as the environment. The Avocado pillow’s Made Safe certification ensures that it is made exclusively with organic-certified materials making it one of the most natural and healthiest pillows you can buy.

We did not experience any off-gassing or weird odors when we unboxed the Avocado pillow. All of Avocado’s pillows and bedding are handmade in Los Angeles, California.

Sizes

  • Standard
  • Queen
  • King

Sleep trial and Warranty

The Avocado Green pillow comes with a 100 night risk-free sleep trial and a 1 year warranty.

Buy: Avocado Green Pillow


#5. SOL Organics Down Pillow

Check Current Price | Best Down Organic Pillow

Sol Organics down pillows
Sol Organics Down Pillow

Pros

  • True down feel
  • Comes in 3 firmness options
  • Responsibly sourced and harvested
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not vegan friendly
  • No warranty indicated

Our experience with SOL Organics Down Pillow

If you are looking for a luxurious, hotel bed-like feel when it comes to pillows, there’s nothing more luxurious than sleeping on a down pillow. The Sol Organics Down pillow is made from 100% pure Canadian white down that makes you feel as though you are laying your head on a cloud.

The down used in the Sol Organics Down pillow has been farmed and sourced ethically and sustainably. This means no ducks or geese were harmed during the farming and harvesting process.

Like most true down pillows, we found the Sol Organics Down pillow to be plush and malleable when we tried it out. Sol Organics also gives you the option to choose between three different firmnesse levels: soft, medium or firm.

While choosing the firmness level is entirely up to you and your preferences, we found the medium firmness level to be the most suitable for all sleeper types.

Although a good number of people may be sensitive to down and feathers, the Sol Organics pillow is hypoallergenic and can be used safely by those who suffer from seasonal allergies.

The entire pillow comes encased in a cotton down pillow cover that is not removable. Should spills and accidents happen, spot clean immediately. Sol Organics does say that the entire pillow can be dry cleaned on occasion should it need a thorough cleaning but bear in mind that frequent dry cleaning can wear the pillow down faster.

When it comes to heat and temperature regulation, down actually holds in a tiny amount of body heat so if you’re an extremely hot sleeper, it is best to keep this in mind.

Although we did not experience any off-gassing with the Sol Organics Down pillow, there is a slight, barnyard like scent to it when we first unboxed it. This is normal, especially for true down pillows and dissipates with time.

Sizes

  • Standard
  • King

Sleep Trial and Warranty

Sol Organics offers a 30 day trial period for their down pillow although no warranty has been indicated. The Sol Organics Down pillow is made entirely in Canada.

Buy: Sol Organics Down Pillow


Quick view and comparison

BrandSaatva Latex PillowPlushBeds Organic Shredded Latex PillowWhite Lotus Home Organic Cotton Sleep PillowAvocado Green PillowSol Organics Down Pillow
Sizes23732
Loft (inches)Standard/HighAdjustableAdjustableAdjustable6"
Sleeping PositionAll sleeper typesAll sleeper typesAll sleeper typesAll sleeper typesAll sleeper types
Trial (nights)45n/an/a10030
Warranty (years)13n/a1n/a
Link to buyBuy Saatva Latex PillowBuy PlushBeds Organic Shredded Latex PillowBuy White Lotus Home Organic Cotton Sleep PillowBuy Avocado Green PillowBuy Sol Organics Down Pillow

Factors to consider when choosing an organic pillow

Unlike regular pillows, there are more than a few factors to consider when it comes to choosing an organic pillow.

Organic certification

The first thing to look for when choosing an organic pillow is its organic certification.

When it comes to both food, agricultural products and textiles in the United States, it’s the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that oversees that authenticity of a product’s organic claim. Certified organic products, which includes pillows and organic bedding, should have a USDA certified organic sticker. Other countries have their own versions of organic certifications as well.

Loft

When choosing a pillow, be it an organic pillow or a memory foam pillow, a pillow’s loft directly corresponds to your preferred sleeping position. Back and side sleepers should choose a pillow with a higher loft while stomach sleepers should opt for a lower loft pillow. Doing so helps keep one’s spinal alignment in check.

Materials and type of fill

True organic pillows must contain only organic and natural materials – no synthetic materials whatsoever. Examples of organic materials are 100% pure cotton, natural latex, eiderdown and buckwheat hulls. Pillow covers must also be made from natural materials.

Firmness level

The firmness level of a pillow dictates how comfortable it can be. It also helps with pressure relief. Pillows can be either soft, medium or firm. Choosing a pillow’s firmness level is entirely up to your needs and preferences.

Head and neck support

Choose organic pillows that offer both good head and neck support. They should neither be too big or too small and have enough space for your head and neck to fit into. A pillow’s loft also helps with head and neck support.

Shape

Most organic pillows come in the standard rectangular shape. Sizes can vary from standard, Queen or King. Some brands offer organic pillows that come in less common shapes such as bolsters, body pillows and Euro pillows.

Budget

As with most things natural and organic, organic pillows can be a little expensive, some brands more so than others. A few brands offer not too pricey organic pillows. Choose one that suits both your needs and budget.

Pressure relief

Choose an organic pillow that gives you optimum pressure relief. This can come from a combination of a pillow’s firmness as well as its components. Down pillows are more plush than cotton pillows while latex pillows are a bit more responsive.

Cooling capabilities

Heat is a sleeper’s worst nightmare.

Thankfully, organic pillows are often cooling and thermo-regulating, depending on the type of material used. The most cooling organic pillows are ones made out of natural latex.


Types of organic pillows

As we’ve mentioned previously, organic pillows can only be made from all-natural and organic materials.

Organic latex

Organic latex is made from natural latex, which is, if you didn’t know, a product of the rubber tree. Most bedding brands ensure that the latex used in their organic pillows are sourced sustainably. Always look for latex pillows that are Global Organic Latex Standard or GOLS certified.

Organic cotton

Organic cotton, used in both pillow fills and organic cotton covers, is cotton that has been grown without the use of pesticides or GMOs. Look for organic cotton pillows that are Global Organic Textile Standard or GOTS certified.

Organic down

Organic down or eiderdown come from either ducks or geese that have not been treated with chemical baths. Brands these days ensure that their down is farmed and sourced ethically, without harming the animal.

Organic wool

Wool, as we know, come from lamb or sheep. Organic wool, like organic down, is wool that has not been treated with chemicals baths or wash.

Kapok fibers

Kapok is a cotton-like fiber that comes from the Ceiba tree which originated in South America and Asia. Fluffier and airier than cotton, kapok has also been used as a pillow fill for organic pillows. Organic kapok is kapok that is grown without the use of pesticides or GMOs.

Non-toxic buckwheat

Buckwheat hulls have been used as a pillow stuffing in America since the time of the settlers. Nowadays, buckwheat pillows are usually the preferred pillow stuffing of choice by those who follow a strict vegan lifestyle. Non-toxic and organic buckwheat hulls are buckwheat that has been grown without the use of pesticides or GMOs and are not chemically treated during processing.


Pros and cons of organic pillows

As with most things in life, there are pros and cons when it comes to choosing and using an organic pillow.

Pros

  • Organic pillows are some of the safest and healthiest pillows you can lay your head on
  • Contain no toxic chemicals
  • Do not smell funny or weird
  • Cooling and thermo-regulating
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Most are vegan-friendly

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Some niche brands are hard to find
  • Made to order organic pillows can take weeks to arrive

Organic certifications

The following are the organic certifications you need to look out for when choosing and buying an organic pillow.

GOTS

GOTS or the Global Organic Textile Standard is a third party organisation that is responsible for ensuring the safety of all organic textiles in the world. Compliance with the criteria they present not only applies to safety when it comes to human use and consumption but for environmental safety as well.

USDA Organic

The United States Department of Agriculture is responsible for ensuring a certain product’s organic claim. Food, topical products as well as bedding and textiles all fall under its watchful eye. A sticker ensuring a product’s organic claim is usually prominently displayed on its packaging.

GreenGuard

GreenGuard or GreenGuard Gold is a global organization that ensures that a product contributes to cleaner, safer and healthier air. GreenGuard Gold certified products mean that using such products will not be harmful for you or your family and that there are no chemical emissions.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a third party organization that certifies that each product – from thread to each and every one of its components – do not contain any harmful or toxic substances that may be detrimental to one’s health or the environment.

Eco-Institut

Eco-Institut is a German-based organization that certifies that a product does not contain any trace hazardous chemicals that can produce off-gassing or foul odors that may be harmful to one’s health.

GOLS

Just like the GOTS, the GOLS or the Global Organic Latex Standard is an organization that ensures that each latex product is safe to use and does not contain any chemicals or toxic substances.


FAQs

What is the safest material for pillows?

The safest materials to use for pillows are natural, organic materials that have been certified to be free from harmful chemicals and other toxins that could not only harm humans but also the environment. These materials can include 100% pure cotton, natural latex and ethically sourced eiderdown.

Are there chemicals in memory foam pillows?

Because memory foam is a manmade material, there are chemicals involved in the manufacturing process. While these chemicals are deemed safe for human exposure, some people prefer sleeping on pillows and bedding that are made from natural and organic materials.


Conclusion

The best organic pillow is the organic pillow that suits both your needs and preferences, as well as your budget.

But to be the best organic pillow for everyone, it must be certified organic and not contain any harmful chemicals that can be detrimental to not only the health of you and your family, but to the environment as well.

Always look for certifications when you choose an organic pillow.


How we rate pillows

There are many different types of pillows. In general, we rate pillows by 6 standards:

  1. Firmness and Support
  2. Loft & Adjustability
  3. Hypoallergenic
  4. Hygiene
  5. Comfort
  6. Structural integrity & Durability

View our full rating process for pillows.


Next step: Try out the Saatva Latex Pillow. We like it because it’s certified organic, made out of high-quality materials, and is non-toxic. If you aren’t sure which organic pillow to buy, choose Saatva.


Michelline Norton

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