Best Organic Pillows: Materials, Certifications and More

An organic pillow is a bed pillow or decorative cushion made up of at least 70% organic fibers, including both the fill component and the shell. Certified-organic pillows will carry a GOTSⓇ label, meaning they meet the Global Organic Textile Standard's strict criteria for organically made products.

There's technically no such thing as a chemical-free pillow, as everything is a chemical — including naturally occurring compounds and even water. However, organic pillows are a great place to start if you're trying to avoid synthetic chemicals in your home.

In addition to limiting artificial substances in the home, the sourcing and production process of organic bedding products uses little to no harmful chemicals, like pesticides and fertilizers. Moreover, organic farming usually relies on rainwater instead of extracting water from the ground, which depletes the resource. This makes organic pillows better for the environment than non-organic options.

There are a few things to consider if you're in the market for the best organic pillows. This includes the fill material, shell material, loft, shape, moldability, support, firmness level, pressure relief, your preferred sleep position, temperature regulation, product certifications and price.

The Global Organic Textile Standard certifies products made of various materials, including organically grown plants and animal-sourced fibers. Though cotton is the most common, the best organic pillows can be made of down, latex, wool, silk, kapok or buckwheat — to name just a few.

Organic Cotton

An organic cotton pillow might feature cotton fill fibers, a cotton shell or both. The versatile material is naturally breathable, meaning air easily passes through. It’s also soft and moisture-wicking.

What Is Organic Cotton? See our guide for more information about this popular, sustainable bedding fabric.

Responsible Down

Some bed pillows are filled with down fibers from the undercoats of geese or ducks. This material is insulating yet breathable with natural sweat-wicking and antimicrobial properties that keep odor-causing bacteria at bay.

Down fill may or may not be certified organic. If not, you can look for the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) label, which tells you the material was ethically sourced from live, humanely treated animals.

Organic Latex

Natural pillows can also be filled with organic latex, whether it's chopped pieces for a moldable feel or a solid block with more support. Like down, latex is naturally antimicrobial, so you can bet it prevents odors caused by bacteria-laden sweat.

When buying a latex bed pillow, look for the GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) label, which tells you it's certified organic by the independent organization.

Organic Wool

Organic wool can be certified by GOTS or the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture). To be certified organic, the USDA requires wool to be sourced from sheep raised without synthetic hormones. They must also live in organic pastures with year-round access to the outdoors.

Silk

Organic silk comes from mulberry worms. Some pillows are filled with silk fibers, and while a silk shell is rare, silk pillowcases are a popular choice. The super-smooth material is breathable, slightly cooling and somewhat slick, which is why some find it helps prevent creases on the face and frizzy hair while sleeping.

Like wool, silk isn't a vegan textile, but a GOTS certification tells you it's responsibly sourced and produced with minimal water and no pesticides or artificial chemicals.

Why Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase? Read our guide to silk pillowcases to find out.

Kapok Fibers

If you're interested in a natural-fiber pillow or an organic down-alternative pillow filled with something other than wool or silk, consider kapok. Sourced from the seed pods of kapok trees, kapok fibers are a renewable, biodegradable material that looks similar to wool and has a lightweight, silk-like feel.

Buckwheat Hulls

Natural-fiber pillows can also be filled with buckwheat hulls. The material is on the heavier side, which might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it provides excellent support and retains its shape throughout the night.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the best organic pillows below.

How do I know my pillow is actually organic?

Natural pillows aren't necessarily organic. The only way to be sure a pillow is organic is if it's certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). That said, each component of the pillow might carry a separate certification. For instance, the fill could be USDA certified-organic wool or GOLS-certified organic latex, while the shell might be GOTS-certified organic cotton.

Are organic pillows worth it?

Organic pillows are often more expensive than non-organic options. But if you're in the market for a healthy pillow made of safe materials and produced with an ethical, environmentally friendly supply chain, they might be worth the investment. However, you should know that while they're generally durable, organic pillows don't typically last longer than regular pillows.

How do I clean an organic pillow?

An organic pillow can usually be cleaned the same way you'd clean a non-organic pillow. You can spot-clean the shell as needed using mild soap and a clean, damp cloth. Some can be hand-washed or even machine-washed, but you'll want to check the brand's care instructions first to prevent damage.

Can You Wash Pillows? Get answers in our blog.

How long do organic pillows last?

It depends on the materials, but organic pillows can last two to four years. That said, even top-rated organic pillows should be replaced eventually. If you use yours nightly for sleeping, you'll probably want to switch them out for new ones every couple of years.

Do organic pillows have an odor?

This depends on what materials are used. Wool, kapok fibers and buckwheat hulls can have a slight odor at first, but it should dissipate after a few days. Memory foam pillows are more likely to have an odor, but this type of bed pillow is usually not organic.