We Slept On The 10 Best Nontoxic And Organic Pillows
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I’ve tested dozens of organic pillows of various materials, sizes, shapes, and firmness over the years. These are ten standout options that are comfortable, durable, and safe to sleep on for any budget.
Best pillow for back sleepers: Avocado ($119+)
Best cooling pillow: Birch ($199+)
Best hypoallergenic pillow: Boll & Branch ($99+)
Best pillow for combination sleepers: Naturepedic ($139+)
Best pillow for side sleepers: Coyuchi ($188)
Best adjustable support pillow: Nest Bedding ($124+)
Best luxury hotel-style pillow: Saatva ($165+)
Best pillow for stomach sleepers: Sol Organics ($147)
Best pressure-relieving pillow: Earthfoam ($99)
Best organic wool pillow: NaturalMat (75+)
Our secret to getting deep sleep? Organic pillows with customized support. ๐ด
Sleep health is multifactorial and influenced by factors like nervous system regulation, temperature, breathing, comfort, and sleep posture. Supportive pillows made with breathable and lower-emission materials may help contribute to a more restorative sleep environment overall.
The pillows below are crafted from nontoxic materials and are adjustable for back, stomach, and side sleepers. No more pancake pillows or folding pillows in half! Quality pillows will last you longer, too โ our team has owned some of the ones featured here for more than a year now, and they still are as good as new! This is because of the fibersโ superior quality and craftsmanship (many can be washed as well to keep them fresh). Donโt let the price tags scare you; we promise a nontoxic pillow is not only good for your health and sleep, but itโs a worthwhile investment.
Why consider nontoxic or organic pillows?
Unlike your traditional box store pillow, organic pillows are crafted from nontoxic materials, like pesticide-free cotton or chemical-free natural latex, which is a great choice for individuals who prefer organic or lower-toxicity materials as part of creating a sleep environment that may reduce exposure to certain synthetic chemicals, dyes, fragrances, or off-gassing compounds.
โBecause pillows are in such close proximity to the skin and respiratory system for many hours each night, the materials theyโre made from really matter…cleaner materials may help reduce unnecessary irritation and cumulative chemical exposure over time…โ
-Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino, board-certified family physician
โBecause pillows are in such close proximity to the skin and respiratory system for many hours each night, the materials theyโre made from really matter. Choosing cleaner materials may help reduce unnecessary irritation and cumulative chemical exposure over time, especially for individuals who are more sensitive,โ states board-certified family physician Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino.
Likewise, pillows made from high-quality materials are often more supportive, as they are crafted for specific sleepers and offer different fill options so you can customize your firmness. Studies show that having optimal support (and temperature, for that matter) is crucial to quality sleep and overall health.
How to choose the best pillow for your sleep style:
Choosing a nontoxic pillow doesnโt have to feel complicated! It really comes down to how you sleep and what feels good to your body. Start by thinking about your main sleep position: Side sleepers usually need a firmer, higher pillow to keep the neck aligned, back sleepers do best with medium support that cradles the natural curve of the neck, and stomach sleepers are often most comfortable with something soft and low-profile to minimize strain.
From there, look for clean, natural materials like organic latex, cotton, wool, or kapok, which offer great support without the chemical off-gassing found in many synthetic foams. Certifications like GOTS, GOLS, OEKO-TEX, or GREENGUARD Gold can give you peace of mind that your pillow is truly free from harmful chemicals. Bonus points if itโs breathable, adjustable, and has a washable cover to keep things fresh. When your pillow matches both your sleep style and your values, better rest tends to follow.
Our methodology & criteria:
I personally slept on each of the following pillows for multiple nights. I’ve provided notes on how restful my sleep was, along with thoughts on the material and overall comfort. We’ve also considered the materials used, how the pillow will hold up over time, and the social good each brand provides. Our top picks are based on the below criteria, and weโll continue to update this piece with emerging favorites.
- ORGANIC | Each of these brands uses non-toxic, organic materials with no off-gassing. We prioritize pillows made with materials and certifications intended to reduce exposure to certain toxic chemicals of concern, including harsh flame retardants and PFAS, where noted.
- COMFORT | Comfort is key โ we have tried each of these pillows (and oh so many more!) ourselves, spent hours reading online reviews, and, of course, we review all the comments and emails from our readers. The brands on this list are here because they are organic, and we love sleeping on them. Our favorites include a variety of sizes and plushness for the stomach sleeper, avid napper, and everyone in between!
- PRICE | Each of the brands weโve included offers a fair value for the cost of the pillow. We considered durability, longevity, and ease of cleaning.
- SOCIAL GOOD | The brands below have a variety of social-good and environmental initiatives, and we love supporting them.
And while youโre giving your bedroom an eco-friendly boost, check out our guides to affordable organic mattresses, organic mattress toppers, organic mattress protectors, and organic bedding.
1. Avocado
Best For | Pillow for back sleepers
Organic Materials | GOLS Certified organic latex & cotton, GOTS Certified organic kapok fill
Firmness Available | Medium plush with adjustable fill
Avocadoโs premium pillows are the perfect complement to the brandโs natural, nontoxic mattresses. Handmade in Los Angeles, both the Grand Luxe Pillow and the Pure Talalay Luxury Pillow are GREENGUARD Gold Certified and crafted with GOLSโCertified Talalay latex, responsibly sourced down (Grand Luxe), and organic cotton covers for a cloudlike, supportive feel. As a Certified B Corp, Avocado continues to support environmental causes, proving that luxury and sustainability can coexist beautifully.
Our Editor’s Review | Iโve tried a lot of Avocadoโs pillows, but I have to say the Grand Luxe Pillow is in a league of its own. Its mix of shredded Talalay latex and responsibly sourced down strikes the perfect balance of softness and support, with an adjustable loft that lets you fluff it just right. The organic cotton cover is soft, breathable, and machine washable, making luxurious sleep effortless. For something a little more affordable, the Pure Talalay Luxury Pillow is equally dreamy. Its responsive latex core gently cradles your head and neck while staying cool and supportive, perfect for side and back sleepers. Both pillows showcase Avocadoโs commitment to non-toxic materials and thoughtful craftsmanship, making bedtime feel truly restorative.
2. Birch
Best For | Cooling pillow
Organic Materials | Organic cotton, wool, and natural latex
Firmness Available | Plush support
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Birch pillows are made with cruelty-free wool directly from New Zealand farmers, fabric sourced from Canada, and natural latex sourced from Southeast Asia. Assembled in the USA, these GOLS-certified pillows are cool and moisture-wicking, so you wonโt have any night sweats. As an added bonus, Birch donates one percent of sales to the National Forest Foundation.
Our Editor’s Review | I tried the organic pillow in King-size and found it to be the perfect plushness for my preference (not too hard, not too soft). It was also one of the cooler pillow options on our list, thanks to the organic wool. The cover is soft and cozy, and I love that it matches the organic cotton on our Birch mattress. Twinning!
3. Boll & Branch
Best For | Hypoallergenic pillow
Organic Materials | Organic cotton
Firmness Available | Choice of soft, medium, or firm support
Like all Boll & Branch bedding and bath goods, the brandโs pillow collection is ethically and sustainably made under fair trade conditions. The luxury down alternative pillow is OEKO-TEX Certified, replacing feathers and other animal by-products by using allergy-friendly PrimaLoft fibers and 100 percent organic cotton covers.
Our Editor’s Review | I tried the down alternative pillow insert in medium density and found it to be incredibly soft and luxurious. That said, I recommend ordering the firm density if youโre looking for any type of support as this pillow is very soft. I also suggest adding the pillow protector to your order for easy laundering since this one doesnโt come with a removable cover.
4. Naturepedic
Best For | Pillow for combination sleepers
Organic Materials | Organic cotton & shredded latex
Firmness Available | Medium firmness
Do you toss and turn while you sleep? Do you struggle to find the right position? Naturepedicโs organic adjustable pillow may be just what you need. This pillow also has adjustable latex fill, so you can easily adjust how firm it is. (It can get messy! So be cautious when you unzip it for the first time.)
Our Editor’s Review | What I loved most about Naturepedicโs pillow is the luxurious washable cover with one quilted side and the other side a cool and soft organic cotton. And the brandโs ethics are as versatile as the pillow itself: Organic materials, MADE SAFE certification, US ethical production, and support for 1% for the Planet. All in all, this was one of our favorite pillows on the list for the price point.
5. Coyuchi
Best For | Pillow for side sleepers
Organic Materials | GOLS Certified organic Dunlop latex, GOTS Certified organic cotton
Firmness Available | Medium-firm support
Coyuchiโs Molded Organic Latex Pillow, one of many Coyuchi offers, uses GOLS Certified organic Dunlop latex for a fresh nightโs sleep. Best for back and side sleepers, this material is breathable, resistant to mold and mildew, and biodegradable. This is also one of the only pillows on the list to come without any plastic packaging (yay!). Instead, it arrived in a canvas bag, perfect for storage and protection when weโre not using it.
Our Editor’s Review | I wasn’t initially sure how I would sleep on this one with its unconventional shape โ the side with the large hole is the bottom of the pillow and the two smaller holes are for your ears (perfect for that cartilage piercing or to reduce sleepy wrinkles!). All of the smaller holes help with airflow throughout the night. Hereโs a video for visual reference. My verdict? While it can take a few nights to mold to your body (give it time!), this pillow is an excellent option if youโre a back sleeper or looking for additional neck support throughout the night.
6. Nest Bedding
Best For | Adjustable support pillow
Organic Materials | Non-Toxic CertiPUR-USยฎ Certified Virgin Foam and breathable cotton
Firmness Available | Adjustable fill for soft, medium, or firm support
Struggling to break up with your memory foam pillow but searching for a more sustainable option? Nest Bedding has you covered. With more than 20k reviews, the Easy Breather Pillow is the brandโs most popular pillow and has adjustable, nontoxic and virgin foam fill (custom support and better sleep for the win). The Easy Breather even comes with a complimentary fill bag to store what you donโt use. And thanks to its unique design, this one has that cool โother side of the pillowโ feel. The cooling fabric disperses heat and wicks away excess moisture.
Our Editor’s Review | I tried the down alternative pillow and I was a bit hesitant when I first opened the box. For starters, the brand notes no to low scent from the fill, but I noticed an immediate fish-like smell. Not a deal breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind. As Iโm generally someone who needs a lot of extra support from her pillow, this one seemed like it would be a bit too pancake-y for me. After a few hours though, the pillow fluffed right up and I was pleasantly surprised by the provided comfort. Iโd likely still opt for something a bit firmer, but this is a great option if youโre looking to replace your memory foam and prefer a soft pillow!
7. Saatva
Best For | Luxury hotel-style pillow
Organic Materials | Organic cotton and American Talalay latex
Firmness Available | Medium-Plush Support
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Saatva wins for the most luxurious pillow on the list. And if you suffer from spine or neck pain, a few nights on this pillow may be a game-changer. It’s made in the USA with a dreamy combo of organic cotton and naturally breathable latex, and is basically a five-star hotel for your head. Itโs cool, cushy, and crafted with clean materialsโso you can sleep easy in every sense.
Our Editor’s Review | I tried the Queen size, which comes with two (yes two!) removable covers and an inner pillow. Itโs soft yet supportive, and the brand isnโt bluffing when it says โhotel-quality comfortโ. Talk about a good nightโs sleep. As for materials, the organic and eco-friendly pillow is crafted with 100 percent organic cotton and 100 percent sustainable American Talalay latex. And if you learn itโs not for you, you can leverage Saatvaโs 45-day return policy.
8. Sol Organics
Best For | Pillow for stomach sleepers
Organic Materials | GOTS Certified cotton and natural fibers
Firmness Available | Choice of soft, medium, or firm support
Proudly based out of Canada, Sol Organics wants to make ethical luxury accessible. The brand uses responsibly grown and harvested white down with 100 percent GOTS Certified cotton down proof to create a hypoallergenic filling that is both light and breathable.
Our Editor’s Review | My Sol Organics pillow arrived in a plastic carry bag, which I appreciated for the added protection (but of course would have preferred no plastic). I ordered the firm for side sleepers and found it to be a bit too soft for my preference โ though it has a nice plushness. I recommend this option for stomach sleepers or if you are seeking a pillow you can really sink into.
9. Earthfoam
Best For | Pressure-relieving pillow
Organic Materials | Natural foam rubber and two outer layers of soft organic cotton
Firmness Available | Squishy with firm head support
For a budget-friendly pillow that doesnโt compromise on comfort or design, we look no further than Earthfoamโs squishy cloud-like pillow. Itโs a dream for those of us who need extra head support โ no more folding floppy pillows in half! โ and we love that the brand boasts several internationally recognized certifications for fair trade, organic, safety, and emissions standards.
Our Editor’s Review | I put this pillow to the test for a few nightโs of sleep and let me tell you: The squishy factor does not disappoint! As someone who is notorious for stacking pillows upon pillows for extra support, Earthfoamโs natural foam core was all that I needed for a peaceful night of rest. Letโs just say, this one may keep me from making frequent trips to the chiropractor.
10. NaturalMat
Best For | Organic wool pillow
Organic Materials | Organic wool and cotton
Firmness Available | Firm Support
UK-based NaturalMat offers home and nursery goods, including a range of pillows, all made by hand in Devon using wool from local organic farms. Its organic wool pillow is perfect for those who like firmer feels while enjoying a safe, chemical-free nightโs sleep.
Our Editor’s Review | NaturalMat also ships to the USA via the brandโs US site, so I was excited to try the Organic Wool Pillow (twin), which is equivalent in size to the standard wool pillow on the UK site. It arrived in paper packaging (protected by plastic) and came with a canvas bag for additional storage and protection. This pillow is firm, and temperature-regulating. We loved our nightโs sleep with it.
Kayti Christian is a Senior Content Strategist at The Good Trade. With an MFA in Nonfiction Creative Writing, her work has appeared in TODAY, Shondaland, and The New York Times. Since 2017, Kayti has been uncovering and reviewing the best sustainable home brands and wellness products. Her personal journey through four years of fertility treatments has inspired her to write extensively about womenโs healthcare and reproductive access. Beyond her work at The Good Trade, Kayti is the creator of phone notes, a Substack newsletter with 7,000 subscribers, and the cohost of the FriedEggs Podcast, which delves into IVF and infertility.
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