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Best Non-Toxic Pillows
By Dr. Meg Christensen | Updated December 2025
Your pillow is the object you're in closest contact with—pressed against your face for one-third of your life. I analyze every material layer (fill, casing, processing) and verify certifications to rate pillows from healthiest to least healthy for side, back, and stomach sleepers. Scroll down to learn how to evaluate pillow safety, what GOLS and GOTS certifications actually guarantee, and why pillow materials matter more than you might realize.
Naturepedic Adjustable Organic Wool Pillow: Best for Hot Side Sleepers
Naturepedic's 100% organic wool pillow is densely packed with adjustable wool fill that side sleepers can customize for their ideal loft. Wool is a fantastic pillow material because it stays naturally cool—the thermoregulating, breathable fibers draw heat away from you throughout the night. This pillow holds its shape well because Naturepedic uses small woolen puff balls instead of standard wool batting, so it gives you firm support for side sleeping neck and spinal alignment. Encased in super-soft GOTS-certified organic cotton. Great for a non-toxic, chemical-free sleep surface.
Coyuchi Organic Latex Side Sleeper Pillow: Best for Side-Back Combination Sleepers
Coyuchi’s Turiya pillow is super unique—made of 100% GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex with built-in ear cups and a central head cradle for switching between side and back sleeping. Woah! Dunlop latex is firmer than Talalay, providing excellent neck support in any position. The ear cup design is perfect for side sleepers with piercings or ear sensitivity. Encased in GOTS certified organic cotton (not obvious on their product page— I emailed to ask), this is an ideal choice for combination sleepers who need organic materials and ergonomic support.
Best Non-Toxic Pillows for Side Sleepers
Earthfoam Natural Talalay Pillow: Best Soft Formed Latex for Side Sleepers
Earthfoam's Talalay latex pillow is SO comfortable for side sleepers— it gives soft, springy neck support. (I’m a side sleeper and this is the pillow I stole from the guest room to use every night. It’s heavenly.) The molded latex contours perfectly to your neck and shoulders for ideal side sleeping alignment. It's not adjustable—instead, it's made of formed Talalay latex, which is softer than Dunlop latex. While Talalay latex isn't organic (only Dunlop can be), Earthfoam's is 100% natural and OEKO-TEX certified. The pillow comes encased in GOTS-certified organic cotton, so it’s a great non-toxic choice for side sleepers.
Avocado Organic Latex Side Sleeper Pillow: Best Adjustable &100% Organic
One of the few 100% organic pillows available, Avocado's side sleeper pillow contains GOLS certified organic latex, and GOTS certified cotton and fluffy kapok fiber in an adjustable, zippered design. Choose between a traditional rectangular shape or an ergonomically curved option for enhanced neck support. The customizable fill lets you easily adjust loft and firmness for optimal spinal alignment—ideal if you struggle to find the perfect pillow height. Avocado's complete transparency with certifications and ingredients makes them my top choice for organic pillows overall! I used theirs for years.
Best Non-Toxic Pillows for Back Sleepers
Best Non-Toxic Pillows for Stomach Sleepers
Piglet in Bed Merino Wool Pillow: Best Natural Cooling Pillow for Back Sleepers
This OEKO-TEX certified pillow features natural Merino wool fill in an organic cotton cover, with three density options perfect for back sleepers. The medium loft provides ideal height for neutral neck alignment—not too thick, not too flat. Merino wool is highly breathable and thermoregulating, keeping your pillow cool by drawing away excess moisture and heat throughout the night. Naturally dust mite resistant, making it excellent for allergy sufferers seeking non-toxic materials. Bonus: Piglet in Bed offers some of the softest, most beautiful linen pillowcases to complete your chemical-free sleep setup (I have several of their gingham ones and love them!)
My Green Mattress Organic Dunlop Latex Pillow: Best Affordable 100% Organic for Back Sleepers
Also on my Most Affordable list, this pillow is ideal if you’re a back sleeper that needs firm, consistent support. Dunlop latex is perfect for back sleeping because it provides soft, stable support without excessive spring, keeping your neck in proper alignment. The molded design offers a non-toxic alternative to memory foam with a supportive yet responsive feel. Wrapped in GOTS-certified organic cotton, I love that they also have an accessible price point. Perfect for back sleepers looking for organic materials.
Parachute Down Pillow: Best Ethical and Non-Toxic Down Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
Parachute's soft down pillow contains 85% down clusters and 15% feathers—ideal if you’re a stomach sleeper who needs a compressible, low-loft pillow. The 100% cotton cover and fill are Class 1 OEKO-TEX certified for healthier, chemical-free processing, while the down is certified humane for ethical sourcing. Down is naturally perfect for stomach sleeping because it's easily moldable and scrunchable to achieve the flat profile that prevents neck strain. Choose the soft firmness option for the best stomach sleeping experience with luxurious, responsibly sourced down.
Savvy Rest Organic Kapok Pillow: Best Soft Adjustable Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
Savvy Rest's most popular pillow is stuffed entirely with fluffy kapok fiber from kapok tree pods—a soft, compressible organic alternative to down that means it’s also a great organic vegan pillow. Kapok is naturally moisture-wicking and quick-drying, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night. The adjustable design lets you remove kapok to achieve the low loft you need if you’re a stomach sleeper for proper neck alignment. This fluffable pillow earns consistently great reviews for being cloud-like and compresses easily without being too flat.
More Healthy Design For You
The Complete Guide to Organic Pillows: Certifications, Materials & How to Choose
Organic vs Natural Pillows
Are organic pillows worth it?
Yes! Your pillow is probably the object you're in the closest contact with in your entire house—even your toothbrush you only spend a few minutes with every day. Meanwhile, your pillow is snuggled right up against your face for one third of your life, including your nose and mouth, which lead directly to your airway and gut. With constant skin contact as well, the materials it's made of have a huge impact on your health.
Conventional polyurethane foam pillows off-gas VOCs and contain chemical flame retardants that can be inhaled, ingested through dust particles, or absorbed through your skin. Since many of these chemicals (like flame retardants) are bioaccumulative or affect you at even low levels (like BPA, an endocrine disruptor), reducing exposure where you spend 7-9 hours per night makes practical sense. Plus, foam exposure adds up throughout your day—your car seats, office chair, couch, and gym equipment all contain foam with chemical additives.
Organic pillows also typically last longer than conventional polyurethane foam pillows because natural materials like latex are more durable. For these reasons, I even recommend buying organic pillows before investing in an organic mattress when budgeting is a concern—you get more health benefit per dollar spent with a pillow given the ultra-close contact.
What certifications should I look for in organic pillows?
The only two certifications that guarantee a pillow is truly organic are:
GOLS-certified organic latex: GOLS is short for the Global Organic Latex Standard. It is the gold standard 3rd party certification for organic latex made from natural rubber tree sap. Latex with the GOLS-certified organic label means that at least 95% of the raw material is certified organic latex, and ensures the latex remains healthy throughout the entire manufacturing process. This means the processing chemicals (like zinc and sulfur used in vulcanization) are safer than standard latex processing methods. No harmful additives may be mixed into the final product.
GOTS-certified organic fabrics: GOTS is short for the Global Organic Textile Standard. It is the gold standard 3rd party certification for organic fabrics made from natural fibers like wool, cotton, and kapok. Fabric with the GOTS-certified organic label means that at least 95% of the starting fibers are certified organic, and ensures that the fabric remains healthy throughout the entire manufacturing process. This means the dyes and other chemicals used are safer than standard fabric processing methods. No harmful finishes may be added to the final product.
Certifications that can deceptively make a pillow look organic include:
OCS (Organic Cotton Standard): Certifies cotton fibers are grown organically, but doesn't address chemical processing afterward.
USDA Organic cotton: Same as OCS—only covers agricultural growing, not processing.
GOTS-certified latex: GOTS certifies fabric, not foam, but accepts latex in "GOTS certified products" if the latex is organic, organic-in-transition, or sustainable. This does NOT mean the latex is organic. I think it's deceptive since "GOTS" looks so much like "GOLS," but you could also argue that it is still a step in the right direction and opens up accessibility.
Other useful certifications include OEKO-TEX, which verifies lower levels of harmful chemicals (but isn't organic), and MADE SAFE, which screens for toxic chemicals. Just remember: GOLS and GOTS are the two certifications to look for when shopping for a truly organic pillow.
What's the difference between organic and natural pillows?
Organic pillows: Made with natural materials (rubber latex, cotton, wool, kapok) grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. No toxic processing agents or dyes are used after harvesting, and no harmful chemical additives are allowed in the final product. Organic is highly regulated—look for GOTS and GOLS certifications to verify it's truly organic.
Natural pillows: Also made with natural materials (rubber latex, cotton, wool), but may have synthetic fertilizers or pesticides used during growth. They may also be processed with harmful dyes or finishes. While you can't use the word "natural" for synthetic materials like polyester, it's less regulated than "organic." A natural pillow may have OEKO-TEX or other certifications verifying the final product has fewer toxic chemicals than a conventional version, but it won't be certified organic.
In short, organic is the stricter, more regulated term.
What is natural latex?
Natural latex is the same thing as natural rubber. It comes from the Hevea brasiliensis tree—a milky white liquid that can be baked to form a springy, foam-like substance. There are two types depending on how it's processed: Dunlop (firmer, denser) and Talalay (softer, more airy).
FYI, natural rubber latex is often confused with synthetic (lab-made) latex, which is made from the chemical mixture styrene-butadiene—but they're obviously very different! Only Dunlop latex can be certified organic (GOLS), while Talalay latex can be 100% natural but not organic due to processing methods.
Is latex organic?
It depends.
Dunlop latex can be GOLS-certified organic if it's grown and processed without synthetic chemicals.
Talalay latex cannot be certified organic due to its processing method, but it can be 100% natural and OEKO-TEX or C2C Gold certified (like Earthfoam's pillow).
Synthetic latex is made in a lab from petroleum-based chemicals, primarily styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). It's designed to mimic the properties of natural latex but is entirely man-made with no tree-derived materials.
Watch out for deceptive labeling—some pillows claim "GOTS-certified latex," but GOTS certifies fabric, not foam. The latex in GOTS products can be organic, organic-in-transition, or just sustainable, which doesn't mean it's organic at all. Always look for GOLS certification if you want truly organic latex.
What is Dunlop latex? How is a Dunlop latex pillow made?
First, latex must come from an organic rubber tree farm grown without pesticides. The latex "milk" from the Hevea brasiliensis tree is poured into a mold and mixed with zinc, sulfur, and soaps to create a gel-like consistency. Then it's baked into shape, washed to remove impurities, and baked again to dry it out. This process has been used for about 100 years and results in a dense, supportive foam.
To meet the GOLS standard, latex must be composed of at least 95% organic latex. Because the Dunlop process uses minimal ingredients and can source from organic trees, it can achieve GOLS certification—making it the only type of organic latex available.
What is Talalay latex? How is a Talalay latex pillow made?
To create a less dense, softer latex foam, the Talalay method was developed in the 1940s. Natural rubber "milk" is poured into a mold, but only filled partway. Chemicals are added to the mixture, then a vacuum seal is applied so the foam expands and air pockets disperse evenly. Next, it's flash-frozen with carbon dioxide to hold its shape, then baked. This process creates an airier, softer foam than Dunlop.
Talalay latex cannot be GOLS-certified organic due to the additional processing chemicals. However, truly natural Talalay is still a fantastic choice compared to polyurethane foam. The main issue is that some manufacturers don't disclose what additives are used. Confusingly, this can still be sold as "100% natural latex" even with additives.
Look for third-party certification like ecoINSTITUT or Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Gold or Platinum, which ensures 100% of ingredients have been disclosed and confirmed safe for human health. If you're choosing a pillow made with Talalay, make sure the company states exactly where it's sourced from and what certifications it holds.
Finally, some pillows have layers that are glued together. Some brands use safe adhesives or even liquid latex as a binder.
How to Choose the Best Organic Pillow
What do I choose an organic pillow for my sleep position?
The best organic pillow depends on your sleeping position and personal preferences. Here's how to find yours:
Step 1: Check for certifications. Look for GOTS and GOLS certifications to ensure it's truly organic, not just "natural" or healthwashed. OEKO-TEX is also a useful certification ensuring lower chemical processing.
Step 2: Match material to your sleeping position
Side sleepers: Need high loft and firm support. Choose adjustable organic latex (like Avocado) or organic wool pillows that can be customized for proper spinal alignment. If you know you like a higher amount of springy support, choose a formed Talalay latex pillow (like Earthfoam.)
Back sleepers: Need medium loft and medium firmness. Opt for Dunlop latex (like My Green Mattress) or Merino wool (like Piglet in Bed) that supports your neck without excessive height.
Stomach sleepers: Need low loft and soft, compressible materials. Choose organic kapok or down that can flatten without straining your neck.
Step 3: Consider your other preferences. Beyond position, think about whether you sleep hot (choose wool or latex), have allergies (latex and wool are naturally resistant), or want adjustability (shredded latex or kapok).
Are organic pillows good for allergies?
Yes, organic pillows are good for allergies and asthma for three reasons:
Less susceptible to dust mites: Latex, wool, and cotton are more breathable and moisture-resistant than polyurethane foam and synthetic fabrics. You'll sweat less, and moisture evaporates more quickly. Since dust mites thrive on moisture, this reduces their numbers.
Dense structure: Latex is breathable but dense, creating fewer spaces for your skin cells (dust mites' food source) and allergens to accumulate.
No off-gassing: Allergies and asthma can be exacerbated by VOCs and off-gassing from standard polyurethane foam pillows.
Note: Organic pillows aren't dust mite proof, but they're significantly better than conventional foam pillows. If you have severe allergies, pair your organic pillow with an OEKO-TEX certified dust mite pillow encasement— the ones I use are woven to 1 micron, meaning not even dust mite particles or mold spores can pass through.
Do organic pillows sleep hot?
No, most organic pillow materials sleep cooler than conventional memory foam. Here's why:
Wool: Naturally thermoregulating and moisture-wicking, drawing heat and sweat away from you
Latex: More breathable than memory foam and doesn't retain as much body heat
Kapok: Moisture-wicking and quick-drying
Organic cotton covers: More breathable than polyester covers
Memory foam is notorious for sleeping hot because it traps body heat. Organic materials like wool and latex actively regulate temperature, making them excellent choices for hot sleepers seeking non-toxic options.
Do organic pillows smell?
Yes, but not in a bad way, and the smell is not harmful. Not all VOCs or smells are toxic—for example, trees, flowers, and essential oils produce healthy VOCs.
Latex (which comes from the Hevea brasiliensis tree sap) has a mild smell that dissipates over time. It's not off-gassing synthetic chemicals like polyurethane foam pillows do. I personally think it smells faintly fruity or like vanilla. I noticed it more with larger latex items and less with pillows, which are smaller.
Wool and kapok may also have mild natural odors when new, but these fade quickly and aren't bothersome or harmful. Unlike conventional foam pillows that off-gas synthetic VOCs for at least a year, organic pillow odors are natural and temporary.
Organic Pillows vs Memory Foam
Are memory foam pillows toxic?
Yes, most likely. While I'm tempted to say with certainty that all polyurethane foam is toxic, I can't quite say 100% yes because of the lack of transparency in the ever-changing ingredients lists. These lists are considered proprietary secrets so different companies can create different foam textures without being copied.
The little we do know about foam ingredients is unflattering, and they keep changing in reaction to updated health and environmental policy rules. For example:
Blowing agents used in foam manufacturing changed in 2020 from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) because HFCs caused environmental harm. Now, the new HFOs may be banned because they qualify as forever chemicals in some states.
Stannous octoate, the main catalyst used in foam, was declared a reprotoxic 1B chemical that may damage unborn children (fetuses), and some foam started being made without it in 2023.
Flame retardants are no longer allowed in some foam in some states as we've learned how harmful they are to human health and the environment.
VOC emissions from foam are lower now than they used to be because consumers were bothered by off-gassing toluene, xylene, and acetone (among many other compounds), so the industry adjusted to make foam less smelly.
While all of the above certainly qualifies foam, in my opinion, as toxic—if you choose a memory foam pillow made without any of these things, is it still toxic? My hunch is: probably! There are very likely more unsavory chemicals being used now that we may discover and ban in the future. But without knowing what they are and how they interact with the body, I can't say for sure.
For this reason, I practice the Precautionary Principle with foam pillows and avoid them as often as I can, choosing organic latex, wool, or kapok pillows instead.
How do memory foam pillow chemicals get into my body?
Chemicals leave foam pillows in two ways and enter your body through three pathways:
How chemicals leave memory foam pillows:
Into the air as VOCs: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are lighter than air and create that "new pillow smell." These come from the foam itself and adhesives used in construction, and can off-gas for months or even years.
Into dust: Polyurethane foam (including memory foam) is made with polyols and isocyanates that bond tightly together. But additives like flame retardants and proprietary chemicals are only temporarily integrated—they're not tightly bonded. Over time, as your pillow degrades from friction (head movement, compression), these chemicals fall out. Lightweight chemicals suspend in air dust, while heavier ones (like flame retardants) settle into dust on surfaces.
How pillow chemicals enter your body:
Inhalation: You breathe in VOCs and lightweight chemicals suspended in the air around your pillow—especially concerning since your nose and mouth are pressed against your pillow for 7-9 hours every night.
Ingestion: You ingest about 50mg of dust (children ingest 100mg daily!) through hand-to-mouth contact after touching dusty surfaces, including your pillow.
Dermal absorption: Flame retardants and other chemicals are very small and can pass through your skin as they migrate out of your pillow—particularly problematic given the direct face-to-pillow contact all night.
Why this matters more with pillows: Unlike mattresses where you have sheets and a mattress protector as barriers, your face is in direct contact with your pillowcase (and often the pillow itself). This intimate contact means more opportunity for inhalation and dermal absorption, making organic or natural pillows an especially important investment for reducing chemical exposure.
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