A friend and I were recently having a discussion about organic pillows. Where to find them and why we’ve been resting our heads on toxin-laden versions for so long. These days, organic linens (and mattresses, even) are easy to come by, but there isn’t much talk about the pillows that live inside the 100 percent organic cotton pillowcase. Here’s our thoroughly researched list of favorites to help you sleep soundly.
Above: San Francisco–based Coyuchi offers an Organic Down Pillow filled with 100 percent pure down and a down-proof organic cotton shell for those with allergies. The pillow is also offered in an alternative plant-based filling made from Kapok, a tree native to Indonesia. The design is ideal for stomach or side sleepers; prices start at $148 from Coyuchi.
Above: The Pillow Narkissos I, made by the Greek bedding experts at Coco-Mat, is specially designed for side sleepers. It features a center seam that prevents the all-natural rubber filling from shifting and is available in Coco-Mat stores worldwide, as well as from Zola (prices start at $73).
Above: Ogallala’s Harvester Sleeping Pillow fabric is unbleached, undyed, and chemical-free. The material is a double-layered 312-thread-count cotton, edged with matching cotton piping. The natural cover fabric is a lightly speckled ecru. Available in your choice of fill, size, and firmness; from $115 at Monarch Fly Away.
Above: The ultimate luxury: a Silk-Filled Pillow with Silk Shell by Mari Ann Silk. The natural albumin and protein found in silk makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin; from $530 at Mari Ann Silk.
Above: Sachi Organics’ Shambho Pillow in Natural Wool offers two filling choices: organic millet or buckwheat hulls. Both provide equal neck and back support; the key difference lies in texture. Buckwheat is known for its natural cooling and absorptive properties (for those that tend to perspire at night), but its irregular shaped hulls can create a gentle rustling sound. Millet hulls boast a smooth velvety texture and create minimal sound. The pillow is four to six inches tall (most pillows don’t give you as much height, which can result in a sore neck), making it a prime headrest for nighttime reading; from $65 at Sachi Organics.
Above: The classic Shredded Rubber Pillow from Sleeptek is antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and dust mite repellent. This pillow works for all sleepers: side, back, and stomach. It’s also free of toxic fire retardants and wrapped with dense organic wool quilting that passes American and Canadian bedding regulations; from $110 at your nearest Sleeptek dealer.
Above: Organic Merino Wool Pillows by family-owned company Nest are designed for those with allergies to traditional pillow fibers such as down and polyester and to dust mites, mold and mildew, as well as those with MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities). The pillows are encased in cotton jacquard and filled with fine merino wool, both certified organic; prices start at $109 at Nest Bedding.
Above: From Håstens, the famed Swedish bed company and purveyors to the royal Swedish court, the Anatomic Pillow is equipped with a detachable cylinder to support your neck in Håstens’ iconic blue check. The all-natural collection is certified to the Oeko-Tex, Traumpass, and No Mite standards; visit a Håstens store near you for pricing.
Above: The Standard Wool Pillow by the Wool Bed Company comes in a soft, medium, or firm fill. Its 300-thread-count certified organic cotton cover and environmentally friendly Eco-Pure filling are hypoallergenic. The Wool Bed Company uses naturally flame-resistant materials without the use of chemicals; $109 at the Wool Bed Company.
Above: The Saguenay Contour Pillow from Canadian sleep specialists Obasan is customizable in both firmness and feel. Each pillow has one side covered in smooth organic cotton for warm nights and the other in soft cotton jersey for colder weather; from $209 at Obasan.
For more ideas, see our posts:
- 10 Easy Pieces: Eco-Friendly Paints
- 10 Easy Pieces: Simple White Sheets
- 10 Easy Pieces: Editors’ Favorite Mattresses
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