5 of the best latex pillows in 2022 Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe 5 of the best latex pillows and how to chooseMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Ruth Eagle — Updated on May 26, 2022We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Sleep quality is one of the most important factors in a person’s overall health. A pillow that provides comfort and support can benefit a person’s sleep quality. Share on PinterestOther factors to consider when buying pillows include material sustainability, breathability, and whether they are hypoallergenic. This article discusses the benefits of latex pillows and lists five of the best available for purchase online, plus some alternatives. A quick look at 5 of the best latex pillowsBest for side sleepers Organic Textiles Talalay Hypoallergenic Latex PillowBest for all sleep positions PlushBeds Shredded Natural Latex PillowBest with firmness choice: Latex for Less PillowBest organic: Birch by Helix Organic PillowBest adjustable: Sleep Artisan Side Sleeper Pillow About latex pillows Manufacturers produce pillows using various materials, ranging from the traditional, such as synthetic materials and feathers, to the more modern, including polyurethane (PU) foam, gel, and latex. Latex is a natural substance that comes from the sap of rubber trees. People consider it sustainable because it needs few resources for it to grow. Manufacturers sometimes combine pure latex with fillers, such as PU foam and chemicals, to make pillows and mattresses. The result of this is synthetic latex. However, the most sustainable products contain 100% natural latex, which can be more expensive. Companies often market latex as an alternative to memory foam. However, it is slightly less spongy than memory foam and springs back much faster. Latex also dissipates moisture and heat better than memory foam. Solid latex pillows retain their height and shape, so a person cannot compress or mold them to suit their sleeping position. Pillows with a shredded latex filling are easier to mold into an individual’s desired shape. How we chose MNT chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria: Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds. Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes. Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles. Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets. Firmness: MNT selects products that are available in a range of firmness options to suit most people’s sleeping styles. Sleep trials: MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial. Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers to and whether shipping is free. Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products that carry warranties and clear returns policies. List of five of the best latex pillows Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Below are five of the best latex pillow options for those looking to improve their comfort and spinal alignment during sleep. Best for side sleepers Organic Textiles Talalay Hypoallergenic Latex PillowPricing: $89.95Weight: 3.99 pounds (lb) Organic Textiles has designed this pillow specifically for side sleepers. It is filled with 100% natural Talalay latex and covered with an organic cotton cover. The company states its cotton cover is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified. Its pinhole design allows air to circulate to help a person stay cool, according to the manufacturer. The company also states that this pillow is 5.5 inches (in) thick and compresses to 1.5–2.5 in. The Organic Textiles Talalay Hypoallergenic Latex Pillow is available for purchase online. Best for all sleep positions PlushBeds Shredded Natural Latex PillowPricing: $99–124Weight: no information provided This eco-friendly pillow features 100% natural shredded latex. A person can mold it to suit their sleep position without the filling shifting or clumping. The shredded latex filling also makes the pillow more lightweight than solid latex versions. The company states this pillow uses Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified organic latex. This pillow is available in three sizes, including standard, queen, and king. The PlushBeds Shredded Natural Latex Pillow is available for purchase online. Best for range of firmnesses Latex for Less PillowPricing: $109–129Weight: no information provided Latex for Less offers a choice of solid or shredded latex pillows in three sizes. These are among the more affordable latex pillows included in this list. People who prefer a lightweight, cooling, and moldable pillow may wish to choose the shredded model. In contrast, those looking for firm neck and head support might find the solid option more comfortable. The Latex for Less Pillow is available for purchase online. Best organic latex pillow Birch by Helix Organic PillowPricing: $99–119 Weight: no information provided This pillow uses eco-friendly, natural, and organic materials sourced ethically and sustainably. The company states its products are GOTS and Greenguard Gold certified. The pillow’s core is shredded Talalay latex sourced from Southeast Asia. According to the manufacturer, an organic wool layer wraps around the core, which adds plushness and wicks away moisture. The outer cover is 100% organic cotton that the company says provides a soft, plush surface. The Birch by Helix Organic Pillow is available for purchase online. Best adjustable latex pillow Sleep Artisan Side Sleeper PillowPricing: $98.56Weight: 3.5 lb Sleep Artisan has filled this pillow with shredded latex, and its cover is a blend of cotton, polyester, and hemp. This adjustable pillow has a zip-up cover. A person can remove some of the filling to reduce the pillow’s height if they find it too high. According to the company, its curved design supports the neck to help reduce muscle strain. However, this feature means that it will not fit a standard pillowcase. However, a person can buy matching pillowcases separately from Sleep Artisan. The Sleep Artisan Side Sleeper Pillow is available for purchase online. Health benefits of latex pillows Many latex pillows offer suitable back and neck support while helping ease pain. They may also provide several other health benefits and advantages.Easing certain neck conditions: One study found that an ergonomic latex pillow helped people with cervical spondylosis. However, it is unclear whether the latex itself made a difference to participants’ health outcomes.Suiting people with allergies: Latex pillows are also resistant to dust mites, making them a suitable choice for around 20 million people in the United States with a dust mite allergy. Latex is also antimicrobial and resistant to mold and mildew. People with a latex allergy should also avoid using latex pillows.Fewer toxic substances: Latex pillows include less toxic ingredients than memory foam alternatives. However, synthetic latex may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) because it contains PU foam and other synthetic materials. Alternative materials in pillows Some people are allergic to latex, do not like how it smells, or do not wish to pay a higher price for latex pillows. However, there is a wide range of alternative pillow materials a person can consider. Each has a different feel and may suit the varied needs of different sleepers. PU foam and memory foam PU foam and memory foam pillows provide a “sinking in” feeling and contour to the shape of a sleeper’s head and neck. They can take a while to spring back into shape, so they may not suit people who change their head position frequently throughout the night. Feathers and down Feather and down pillows are compressible and moldable, so people can adjust them to give support where they need it. The “sinking in” feeling they provide may not be preferable to people who prefer their pillow to retain its shape. Synthetic materials People refer to synthetic pillows as hollow-fiber, microfiber, or polyester pillows, and they are generally the cheapest pillows on the market. They are soft and compressible, and a person can fold them in half to give extra support. However, synthetic pillows may not have a long lifespan because the filling tends to clump together when washed, which can make it lose its shape. Gel Gel pillows offer cooling properties. Manufacturers make them by integrating PU foam with gel or placing separate layers of gel and foam together. Other pillow materials Pillows can come in many other materials, including:cottonbamboosilkwoolbuckwheatTencelhemp Comparison table The table below compares all of the products included in this list.Organic TextilesPlushBedsLatex for LessBirch by HelixSleep ArtisanPrice range$89.95$99–124$109–129 $99–119$98.56Sizes availablestandard, queen, king, travelstandard, queen, kingstandard, queen, kingstandard, kingone sizeAdditional materialsorganic cotton coverorganic cotton coverorganic cotton coverorganic wool, and organic cotton covercotton, polyester, and hemp coverCertificationsGOTSGOLSnoneGOTS, Greenguard GoldnoneShippingfreefreefreefreefreeSleep trialnonono100 nights30 daysWarrantynone3 years5 years1 year3 years How to choose A person should consider the following factors to help them choose a latex pillow:Type of latex: Some pillows feature natural latex, whereas others are synthetic. Although they may feel similar, the natural latex will have more durability. Talalay latex is another type that may have a fluffier feel than other types. Firmness: Firmness preference usually varies between individuals. Some people may require firmer support, whereas others may prefer a softer comfort. Allergies: Although less than 1% of people in the U.S. have a latex allergy, people who are affected by this should never purchase a pillow containing latex. Anyone prone to other allergies may find latex pillows a good option as they are naturally hypoallergenic. Additional features: Some pillows may have additional features such as cooling properties or adjustable thickness. A person should consider if they have any other particular needs and seek features to accommodate them. Cost: Various products are available in different price ranges, meaning there is something for all budgets. Alternatives to latex pillows Latex is a suitable option for people looking for a supportive, long lasting, eco-friendly pillow. However, their high cost may not be suitable for people working with smaller budgets. Below are some alternatives a person can consider. Bamboo pillows Bamboo pillows, such as the Xtreme Comforts Bamboo Pillow, offer eco-friendly properties, including latex, but with a lower price tag. The Xtreme Comforts 100% Bamboo Pillow is available for purchase online. Wool pillows Wool pillows offer temperature regulation throughout the seasons. However, wool pillows can be difficult to wash. Pillows, such as Organic Lifestyle’s Natural Wool Pillow, provide softness and support. The Organic Lifestyle Natural Wool Pillow is available for purchase online. Memory foam pillows Memory foam pillows, such as those that Brooklyn Bedding offers, provide similar support to latex and are available in numerous shapes, sizes, and lofts. Some memory foam pillows are designed to be cooling and feature gel or breathable foams. The Brooklyn Bedding Memory Foam Pillows are available for purchase online. Frequently asked questions Below are some of the most common questions about latex pillows. Are latex pillows healthy Latex has naturally hypoallergenic properties, meaning it repels dust and other allergens. Natural latex may also contain less toxic chemicals and compounds than some other pillow materials, such as polyurethane foam. Additionally, research suggests that latex pillows may help to promote sleep quality and spinal alignment. How long do natural latex pillows last Natural latex pillows are more durable than those made with synthetic latex. A person can aim to replace their pillows ⁠— of any material⁠ — every 1–2 years, although there is no research that definitively states a person should do this for health reasons. However, pillows can pick up sweat, skin cells, mites, and bacteria with use. As a result, it may be most hygienic for a person to replace their pillow every 1–2 years and wash pillowcases and covers regularly. Are latex pillows machine washable Usually, a person cannot wash their latex pillows in the washing machine, but instructions may differ between brands. However, latex pillows often come with a cotton cover. This cotton cover is usually machine washable. Summary Latex pillows are a suitable option for people who prefer an eco-friendly pillow that offers long-lasting durability. Although they come with a higher price tag, they may offer good value in the long term. For people with latex allergies, or those put off by the smell of the material, there are plenty of alternatives available, including pillows made from synthetic and natural materials. Last medically reviewed on May 25, 2022Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia 4 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Dust mite allergy. (n.d.).https://asthmaandallergies.org/asthma-allergies/dust-mite-allergyFazli, F., et al. (2019).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7452254Latex allergy. (2015).https://www.aafa.org/latex-allergyRadwan, A., et al. (2021). Effect of different pillow designs on promoting sleep comfort, quality, & spinal alignment: A systematic review.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876382020314505FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Ruth Eagle — Updated on May 26, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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