- We’ve spent more than 2,000 hours researching and testing sleep products and more than 150 hours testing pillows specifically. We’ve also consulted more than 20 sleep experts to make our recommendations.
- Our testers tried more than 50 pillows, evaluated more than 130 mattresses, and recorded our findings on a 20-question standardized testing form. Our assessment helps identify standout features and services, document any issues, and describe our personal experience with each product.
- We pay close attention to specific considerations that were identified by respondents in our two sleep surveys, one of 600 general customers and another of 600 higher-weight sleepers (250 pounds or more). The considerations we identified include price, features, and sleeping position.
- We prioritize pillows that are certified Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), and GREENGUARD Gold.
Learn more about how we tested the best organic pillows.
Key takeaways
- The Saatva Latex is our pick for the best organic pillow overall because it’s made with natural and organic materials and comes in several loft levels and sizes to suit different sleep styles and body types.
- After spending more than 100 hours researching pillows and surveying pillow owners, we found that the best non-toxic pillows are made with certified organic cotton, natural latex, and organic wool.
- Organic pillows can cost around $100–$200 or more, depending on size, construction, and materials.
We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping, and the quality of that sleep affects our mood, decision-making, and how well we enjoy our time awake. A good mattress is important for better sleep, but the type of pillow you use can also affect how well you sleep.
Organic mattresses and pillows, generally made with organic wool, cotton, and natural latex, are becoming increasingly popular for their comfort and for helping those with allergies or chemical sensitivities.
“Organic pillows can be a great choice because they’re made without harmful chemicals, which may help reduce allergens and improve overall sleep quality,” says Chelsea Perry, a licensed sleep expert and owner of Sleep Solutions, a sleep apnea treatment center in Westborough, Massachusetts. “Since restful sleep is essential for everything from mood to immune function, it’s worth considering anything that can make your sleep environment healthier and more comfortable.”
To help you find the best organic pillows, our Handbook Team researched and tested dozens of pillows, evaluating them based on organic certifications, construction, durability, and overall comfort.
We made sure to include options with various lofts, Loft refers to how tall or thick a pillow is. For example, high-loft pillows are typically five inches thick, while a pillow that’s one to two inches thick is considered low loft. materials, shapes, and cooling properties, which are pillow characteristics that research shows can impact sleep quality. Keep reading to see our top picks.
4 best organic pillows of 2024
- Saatva Latex: Best overall
- Avocado Green: Best adjustable organic pillow
- Birch Organic Pillow: Best organic pillow for back sleepers
- Nest Easy Breather Natural: Best organic pillow for side sleepers
Saatva Latex: Best overall
Why Saatva Latex is our pick for best overall
The Saatva Latex earns our pick for best overall because it’s crafted with organic and hypoallergenic materials, including 100 percent natural latex derived from rubber tree sap and certified organic cotton. The pillow is available in two sizes and loft levels to suit different sleeping styles. Its down-alternative inner pillow offers plushness, while the shredded Talalay latex core adds responsiveness and support. The Saatva Latex does contain synthetic microfibers, which means it’s not fully organic.
Who may want to use Saatva Latex: Back side sleepers looking for an organic pillow that offers a combination of support and comfort.
Who may want to avoid Saatva Latex: Stomach sleepers and people looking for a certified organic pillow.
If you want a fully organic pillow
While the Saatva Latex is our pick for best overall, if you want a fully organic pillow, you may want to consider Saatva’s Organic Quilted Pillow.
Saatva Latex tester insights
The Saatva Latex has a pillow-within-a-pillow design. It features an inner pillow with shredded natural latex surrounded by an outer layer of microfibers to give it a plush, down-like feel. These layers are encased in a soft, breathable cover made with Fair Trade Certified A certification program that ensures products meet rigorous standards for social, environmental, and economic sustainability. cotton to wick away moisture. The 100 percent natural Talalay latex Light and airy natural rubber material with excellent cushioning and temperature regulation properties. core is washed five times with fresh water to remove proteins that can trigger latex allergies.
Our testers give the Saatva Latex a 5 out of 5 for comfort, materials, and durability and a 4 out of 5 for cooling. They say the pillow is breathable and has a supportive yet soft, fluffy feel that is ideal for back sleeping. If you’re a side sleeper, we recommend considering the high loft option to help fill the space between your head and shoulders and keep your spine neutral.
We love that the outer cover and inner pillow can be washed to reduce dust mites and other allergens. However, the shredded latex core cannot be washed.
From one of our Saatva Latex testers:
“I love how cozy this pillow is, making me feel like I’m in a hotel but with more support.”
Read more about the brand in our Saatva mattress review.
Avocado Green: Best adjustable organic pillow
Why Avocado Green is our pick for best adjustable organic pillow
We chose the Avocado Green pillow as the best adjustable organic pillow for its non-toxic, eco-friendly materials and customizable design. It’s filled with shredded organic latex and organic kapok fiber, which you can easily add or remove to find your ideal loft and firmness. Plus, if you prefer a loftier pillow, this pillow also comes with an extra bag of fill.
Who may want to use Avocado Green: Back and side sleepers looking for a fully customizable organic pillow with quality materials.
Who may want to avoid Avocado Green: Stomach sleepers and people who prioritize a machine washable pillow.
Avocado Green tester insights
Eco-conscious shoppers in search of an affordable eco-friendly pillow may appreciate that the Avocado Green pillow holds multiple organic certifications. It features GOLS-certified Certifies that the product contains a minimum of 95% certified organic raw material of the total weight. 1 organic latex—upcycled from materials from the brand’s organic mattress—combined with GOTS-certified The leading textile processing standard for organic fibers worldwide. This means it has been ethically sourced and monitored during the production process. organic kapok fiber encased in a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover.
Additionally, it’s GREENGUARD Gold Certifies that a product has low chemical emissions to reduce indoor air pollution and lower the risk of chemical exposure. certified, indicating that the pillow meets standards for low emissions of chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and phthalates.
Short-term exposure to VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as cause headaches and dizziness. Long-term or repeated exposure to high levels of VOCs can lead to more serious health problems, especially for people with lung diseases like asthma or COPD.
Our testers are impressed by how comfortable the Avocado Green pillow is, scoring it a perfect 5 out of 5 for comfort. They describe it as having a fluffy, medium-firm feel that provides good support while easily molding to their head and neck.
The zipper at the end of the pillow provides easy access to the inner fill, allowing you to add or remove fill to adjust the thickness and firmness to your level of comfort.
Our testers say the pillow is ideal for back and side sleepers. However, it may be too firm and lofty for stomach sleepers, who might need to remove a significant amount of filling to create a low enough loft to avoid strain on the neck.
Unfortunately, this pillow is spot-clean only, so if you’re looking for a pillow with a machine-washable outer layer, you may want to consider one of the other pillows on this list.
From one of our Avocado Green testers:
“I like how breathable this pillow is, and it molds comfortably around my head and neck.”
Birch Organic Pillow: Best for back sleepers
Why Birch Organic Pillow is our pick for best for back sleepers
The Birch Organic Pillow earns our pick as best for back sleepers because it has a medium loft (around six inches) and medium firmness rating, which provides balanced support for back sleepers.
Who may want to use Birch Organic Pillow: Back and side sleepers looking for a supportive yet plushy organic pillow.
Who may want to avoid Birch Organic Pillow: Stomach sleepers and people who want a machine-washable pillow.
Birch Organic Pillow tester insights
The pillow’s cover is made with organic, GOTS-certified cotton, and the fill contains natural Talalay latex that is eco-INSTITUT Certifies bedding material has been through rigorous testing and declared low in pollutants and emissions. certified for low to no emissions of VOCs, phthalates, and pesticides. The latex shreds are surrounded by organic Birch wool sourced from farms in compliance with the PGC Wrightson Wool Integrity Program, which ensures animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Our testers say the medium firmness and loft are ideal for back sleeping, providing a good balance of support and comfort. When lying on their side, the pillow keeps their neck and spine aligned. We also think this pillow is one of the best shredded latex pillows because the fill bounces back quickly, holding its shape without flattening. We also find it bouncy enough for sleepers to switch positions easily.
The pillow’s organic cotton cover promotes breathability, while the organic Birch wool is designed to regulate temperature and wick away moisture. Our testers say they feel cool when lying on the pillow, so we gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for cooling.
Stomach sleepers need a low loft to keep their spine aligned, so they may find the Birch Organic pillow too firm and lofty for their sleeping style.
From one of our Birch Organic Pillow testers:
“The shredded latex core allows you to shape the pillow to your preferences. I feel a good mixture of support and pressure relief when lying on my back.”
Birch also offers a hybrid latex mattress with a medium firmness that typically works well for back sleepers.
Nest Easy Breather Natural: Best organic pillow for side sleepers
Why Nest Easy Breather Natural is our pick for best cooling organic pillow
The Nest Easy Breather Natural is our choice for the best organic pillow for side sleepers because it arrives fully stuffed with a high loft, which is ideal for helping side sleepers maintain a neutral spine. While firm pillows are typically best for side sleepers, this medium-firm pillow provides an elevating feel that we think works great for people who prefer their side. Plus, it’s adjustable and comes with an extra fill bag to store some of the excess pillow fill, allowing you to customize the pillow to your preferences.
Who may want to use Nest Easy Breather Natural: Back and side sleepers and those who sleep hot.
Who may want to avoid Nest Easy Breather Natural: Stomach sleepers may not find value in the pillow after removing the amount of fill needed for a lower loft.
Nest Easy Breather Natural tester insights
While lying on their sides, our testers say the pillow lets them sink in just enough to keep their necks aligned while offering great neck support. The latex foam helps elevate our head and neck, keeping the spine aligned.
For back sleeping, the Nest Bedding brand recommends taking out around one-quarter of the fill, and we agree. After removing some of the fill, the pillow feels comfortable and does a great job keeping our testers’ heads elevated enough to maintain spinal alignment.
This pillow is made from breathable, eco-friendly materials designed to help you stay cool throughout the night. Our testers say the organic cotton cover feels cool to the touch, and the shredded latex fill allows for airflow. The pillow’s cover is made from Nest’s proprietary Adaptive Cooling Fabric, which contains Tencel A brand of sustainable cellulose fiber made from wood pulp, which is used in clothing, footwear, home linens, carpets, mattresses, and pillows because it’s highly breathable, hygienic, and comfortable. , a material known for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
Side sleepers looking for more options may want to check out our roundup of the bed pillows for side sleepers.
From one of our Nest Easy Breather Natural testers:
“This is a great organic cooling pillow that won’t trap your body heat. I love that the outer cover is machine washable.”
How we test and choose the best organic pillows
The Handbook Team has researched 100+ pillows online and in person and hand-selected 50 pillows (and counting) of the best models to test. We’ve also interviewed recent pillow customers to understand the buying process and how their new pillows have impacted their sleep quality, physical health, and mental wellness.
Purchase pillows as mystery shoppers.
Lie on pillows in mattress testing lab and rank comfort.
Lie on pillows and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Identify biggest areas of pressure buildup.
Measure pillow loft (pillow height).
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Open the pillows and evaluate the materials of the cover, inner lining, and fill (the inside of the pillow).
First-hand testing experience
The Handbook Team hand-tests every pillow we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 20-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each pillow.
For this review of the best organic pillows, we focus on pillows made with non-toxic materials that have undergone rigorous testing to check for chemical irritants and potentially harmful substances.
Mattress surveys and interviews
We paid close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 mattress owners. This includes price, features, and organic certifications. We also interviewed real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for an organic pillow as well as the benefits of purchasing one.
Objective and honest ratings
We use information from our surveys and expert interviews to determine the most important features in our brand and pillow ratings.
| Factor | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 15 percent | Customer care center hours, support options |
| Brand Reputation | 10 percent | Years in business, lawsuits, and class actions against this company |
| Features | 20 percent | Sizes, loft, firmness and customization options, material, sleep positions, durability, cooling properties, suitability for different body types |
| User Experience | 35 percent | Risk-free trials, customer reviews, delivery and return options, certifications attesting to quality |
| Affordability | 20 percent | Price, warranty, promotions |
Learn more about our pillow testing and review methodology.
How to choose an organic pillow
When choosing an organic pillow, first look at the materials used in its construction. We prioritize pillows made from materials with the following certifications:
- GOTS certification: Commonly seen in organic cotton and wool, GOTS certification ensures that the materials are organic and free of harmful chemicals.
- GOLS certification: Like the GOTS certification, the GOLS certification guarantees that the latex in your pillow is made from organically grown natural rubber latex that meets strict environmental and safety standards.
- GREENGUARD Gold: This certification guarantees that your pillow has low chemical emissions and contributes to better indoor air quality.
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD: This certification for textiles ensures they are free of substances known to be harmful to humans.
After evaluating a pillow’s composition for natural and sustainable materials, consider the firmness and loft of your pillow so you can choose one that’s comfortable. A medium to firm pillow with a medium to high loft is generally best for back and side sleepers, while stomach sleepers need a softer pillow with a lower loft to keep their spines in alignment.
Other factors to consider, such as cooling features, adjustability, and price, depend on personal preference and budget.
What are organic pillows?
Organic pillows are made with natural and organic materials like cotton and latex that are less likely to contain VOCs, chemical flame retardants, formaldehyde, and other chemicals. They’re eco-friendly and typically hypoallergenic, which is ideal for people with allergies or sensitivities to synthetic chemicals.
The healthiest filling type for organic pillows
The healthiest pillow filling typically includes natural materials like organic latex, organic cotton, or organic wool. These fillings are hypoallergenic, naturally resistant to dust mites and mold, and free of synthetic chemicals.
Is it important for my pillow to be organic?
The decision to buy an organic pillow depends on your health priorities. Organic pillows are ideal for sleepers who want to limit exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, have allergies, or prefer a cleaner sleep environment.
Benefits of using a non-toxic pillow?
A non-toxic pillow is made with organic and natural, hypoallergenic materials, helping reduce exposure to allergens and irritants. These pillows are also less likely to contain chemicals that can harm your health or the environment, and they’re typically durable and more breathable.
Our final verdict
Our overall pick for the best organic pillow is the Saatva Latex pillow because it’s made with natural materials, including organic cotton and natural latex. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic to help people with allergies sleep better at night. We appreciated the pillow’s high level of comfort and durability.
While the Saatva Latex Pillow is our top choice, we recognize that not everyone has the same preferences or sleep needs. Different pillows may work better for different people based on how they sleep (on their back, side, or stomach) and what they find comfortable. That’s why we’ve included a range of options to accommodate a variety of sleep styles and preferences.
Compare the best organic pillows of 2024
| Price | $165, $185 | $109, $129, $139 | $149, $174 | $107, $119, $131 |
| Sizes available | Standard, king | Standard, queen, king | Standard, king | Standard, queen, king |
| Our firmness rating* | Medium | Adjustable | Medium | Medium |
| Outer cover material | Organic cotton with sateen weave | Organic cotton | Organic cotton | Organic cotton, polyester |
| Fill material | Certified organic cotton filled with microfibers and natural latex | Shredded organic latex and kapok fibers | Shredded natural latex and organic birch wool | Shredded natural latex, polyester |
| Loft | Standard, high | Adjustable | Medium | Adjustable |
| Warranty | One year | One year | One year | Two years |
| Trial period | 45 nights | 100 nights | 100 nights | 30 nights |
| Best for | Back and side sleepers | Back and side sleepers | Back and side sleepers | Back and side sleepers who sleep hot |
*Our firmness rating is based on hands-on testing
Frequently asked questions
We chose pillows from Saatva, Avocado, Birch, and Nest Bedding as the best organic pillows for their natural and organic materials and eco-friendly certifications.
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic chemicals, like pesticides and fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
During testing, we found the Saatva Latex pillow to be the best organic pillow overall. Ultimately, the best pillow depends on your sleeping style and comfort preferences.
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2024, September 5). Brain basics: Understanding sleep. Link
- Radwan, A., Ashton, N., Gates, T., Kilmer, A., & VanFleet, M. (2021). Effect of different pillow designs on promoting sleep comfort, quality, & spinal alignment: A systematic review. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 42, 101269. Link
- American Lung Association. (2023, November 29). Volatile organic compounds in the home. Link