The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Latex Pillows

Latex pillows are very responsive, have the right level of contouring, and they are very durable. Latex pillows are the best pillows for allergy sufferers and sleepers dealing with neck pain and shoulder pain. If you are looking for an eco-friendly pillows, you should choose natural latex models.

Written by:

Renata

Last Updated: Thu, July 4, 2019

Latex pillows are a very popular choice, and many people all over the world opt for them. Latex has become known as a natural material derived from the sap of a rubber tree, which provides a continual seasonal harvest for up to 100 years, without harming the tree. The fluid of the Hevea-Brasiliensis rubber tree is foamed to contain tiny air bubbles, which give the bouncy and soft texture to latex pillows. Although latex became known as a natural material, nowadays synthetic forms of latex are increasingly common. 

Latex pillows have many benefits. They are very responsive and provide the right level of contouring. These pillows also provide instant bounce back, instead of allowing the sleeper to sink into them. Another benefit of latex pillows is that they are very durable, and they have a long lifespan. They won’t break down, and they can be permanently compressed with ease. Latex pillows are an ideal solution for people who suffer from allergies as they are antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, resistant to mold and dust mites. 

Types of Latex Used in Pillows 

Many people choose latex pillows because of all the benefits that they offer. Two types of latex commonly used in pillows include: 

Latex Processing Methods 

There are two types of latex manufacturing methods that describe how latex is foamed and heated: 

Organic Textiles All Natural Latex Pillow 

All Natural Latex from Organic Textiles is an ideal solution for people who lead a natural lifestyle and want to reduce the amount of synthetic materials in their households. It is organic, which means that it doesn’t contain any chemicals, which makes it completely free of any potential health risks. Also, it doesn’t contain synthetic latex or any other latex materials. Another thing that makes this pillow an excellent choice for any household is that it is friendly to the environment.  

source: organictextiles.com

The cover of this model is made with 100% cotton that is organic, which means that it doesn’t contain toxic materials. It is removable and can be washed in a washing machine for easy care. It is soft to the touch and provides free air circulation thanks to its breathability, which allows the pillow to sleep cool. The pillow itself is designed with the highest quality 100% natural latex that provides excellent airflow and sleeps cool. This model is one of rare purest latex pillows that are available on the market.  

Organic Textiles All Natural latex pillow is available in multiple firmness settings, and in three sizes – standard, queen, and king. It has a pin-core ventilation system, which prevents the pillow from retaining body temperature. Sleepers don’t have to worry about sleeping hot and waking up in sweat with this pillow. It is responsive and offers excellent pressure relief, and it is a perfect model for people who suffer from back pain and neck pain. This model is very durable, retains shape, and it is free of off-gassing. Although it may be expensive for some people, it is worth it as it is made with completely natural materials, and it will last for a long time. Also, it is resistant to bacteria, dust mites, and mildew, and it is a fantastic choice for allergy sufferers. Additionally, it is a fantastic pillow for every sleep position and sleepers of any weight.  

All Natural Latex model comes with a sleep trial period of 30 nights, and a 5-year guarantee. The company Organic Textiles sells the pillow through third-party distributors, and return and shipping policies depend only on the retailer from which sleepers purchase it. 

Recommended for people who: 

Malouf Z Zoned Talalay Latex Pillow 

If you are looking for a pillow made with 100% natural materials, you should consider this model. It was designed to fit the needs of sleepers in all weight groups and for every sleep position. It comes in two sizes – queen and king, and in two firmness settings – firm and plush. Extra firm latex pillow is the best pillow for heavier sleepers, while the plush option is suitable for lightweight people. Also, this pillow has four loft options. Due to a variety of options in this pillow, it can provide excellent comfort and support for many types of sleepers. 

source: maloufsleep.com

The cover of the Z Talalay Latex Zoned pillow is very soft, and it is made with 100% cotton. It has a notable thickness for added comfort and a very smooth texture, with patterned Zoned print. It is removable and can be washed in a washing machine, which makes it easy to take care of. The pillow itself is built from 100% Talalay latex, and it doesn’t contain any synthetic additives. Larger holes are on the inside of the pillow and they were designed to cradle the head, while smaller holes are on the outside and they have the purpose of supporting the neck. These holes are also designed to improve the breathability of the pillow by increasing air circulation. 

This model is responsive and moldable, and it cradles the sleeper’s head. It offers close conforming and zoned pressure relief. It also sleeps exceptionally cool, which makes it an ideal solution for people who are hot sleepers. It is also very breathable and offers fantastic pressure relief. Additionally, it is naturally resistant to mildew, bacteria, and dust mites, and it is hypoallergenic. 

This pillow comes with a warranty of 5 years, and free shipping anywhere in the continental United States. 

Recommended for people who: 

Malouf Z Shredded Latex Pillow 

Z Shredded Malouf latex pillow is a perfect model for people who like to sleep on pillows with traditional feel and resiliency of latex. It is stuffed with shredded natural latex that was cut into small pieces for a consistent filling that doesn’t clump. It is a fantastic latex side sleeper pillow, great for back sleeping, and it is the right option for sleepers of any weight.  

source: maloufsleep.com

The outer cover of the Malouf latex pillow is made with 100% cotton. It is a very soft latex pillow, comfortable, and it can be easily removed and washed in the washing machine. It is also very breathable and provides excellent air circulation. The inner cover of this model is made with 100% polyester. Z Shredded is filled with shredded natural latex, with an approximate thickness of 7”, and it is quite breathable thanks to the filling that contains small chunks of latex which allow the proper air circulation. 

This pillow is a perfect combination of the moldability of a traditional pillow and the resilient responsiveness of latex. It is breathable, soft, and provides close conforming to the sleeper’s neck and head. It also has excellent shape retention without clumping, doesn’t require frequent fluffing, and it provides superior pressure relief.  

Z Shredded Latex pillow comes with a 3-year warranty and free shipping to customers in the continental United States. 

Recommended for people who: 

Nest Bedding Easy Breather Natural Pillow 

Easy Breather Natural is a rare all-natural pillow. It has shredded latex filling and the cover made entirely with organic cotton. It is a fantastic pillow for people who don’t want to sleep on products made from synthetic materials. It is a high-quality pillow that feels great on the sleeper’s skin, it is very soft and provides fantastic support thanks to the bouncy latex foam. 

source: nestbedding.com

The cover of this pillow is 0.5” thick, and it is made with certified super soft organic cotton. It creates a breathable and lush feel, and it is very comfortable. The interior of this pillow is 8” thick, and it is filled with a proprietary Oeko Tex Certified shredded all-natural latex with a fluffy texture. This material is well-known for its cooling benefits and quick response to pressure, and it is also moldable.  

This pillow is a perfect combination of plush comfort and superior support. It conforms closely to the sleeper’s body without excessive sinking, and it helps improve the spinal alignment. Easy Breather Natural has a fantastic pressure point relief, it is very breathable latex pillow and allows the sleeper to sleep cool. It is suitable for all sleep positions and sleepers in all weight groups. When it comes to its firmness, it is a medium latex pillow, and it comes in three sizes – standard, queen and king. Additionally, it is an excellent option for eco-friendly shoppers as its carbon footprint is minimal, and it doesn’t contain any chemicals and fire retardant materials.  

Nest Bedding Easy Breather Natural comes with a trial period of 100 nights, lifetime warranty, and free returns. The shipping is free for customers in the continental United States, and it arrives compressed in a box.  

Recommended for people who: 

Organic Sculpted Latex Pillow by Naturepedic 

Organic Sculpted pillow is another excellent organic pillow, and it is made by Naturepedic. This pillow was designed and manufactured with the health and well-being of the sleepers in mind. It is a perfect solution for people who lead an organic lifestyle and who don’t want to use synthetic products. It is very comfortable, provides excellent support, and it is a fantastic latex cooling pillow. 

source: naturepedic.com

The cover of this pillow is made with Naturepedic’s signature stretchy organic knit material, and it has a nice aesthetic to it. Also, it has a subtle textured feel that adds to the feel and the style of the cover. It is very breathable and aids in temperature regulation. However, the cover is not removable and can’t be washed in the washing machine; it is only possible to spot clean this cover. This pillow features a solid latex core made with extra soft 100% organic latex, and it doesn’t contain any chemicals or flame retardants

This model provides a fantastic level of support and comfort, and it cradles to the sleeper’s neck and head for proper spinal alignment. It also has excellent pressure relief, and it reduces aches and pains throughout the shoulders and neck. This pillow is designed to deliver great cooling benefits as it absorbs minimal body heat. It is a very durable and long-lasting pillow that is friendly to the environment, and it comes in two sizes – queen and standard. However, the pillow is a bit on the heavier side, but most shoppers don’t consider it to be a problem. 

Organic Sculpted pillow by Naturepedic has a trial period of 30 nights.  

Recommended for people who: 

Things to Consider When Buying Latex Pillows 

If you are searching for the perfect latex pillow for your bedroom, you should take into consideration a few things. Latex pillows are created in multiple ways to provide a variety in comfort, support, and feel. You should take your time and determine your needs and preferences first before you go shopping for a new pillow.  

What are the Benefits of Latex Pillows? 

If you are thinking about buying a latex model for your bedroom, we will explain some latex pillow benefits that you can expect to get from this type of pillows: 

Support 

Latex pillows offer the ideal combination of support and firmness. These pillows are very cushioning, and you can rest assured they will provide your back and neck with excellent support, and avoid putting too much pressure on these sensitive areas. Latex is a fairly firm material, but it is not too firm. Latex pillows can provide the support that you need to have a comfortable sleep without waking up to neck pain and headaches. No matter if you sleep on your back or your side, these pillows will provide fantastic support for a good night’s sleep, and they will adjust to your movements. You should also know that they won’t go flat for many years, and they will remain in their original shape. 

Comfort 

Many sleepers choose latex pillows because of their fantastic comfort level. Although latex is a fairly firm material, it is very comfortable and provides the right cushioning. Latex pillows spread and diffuse pressure, and shape the body evenly. They conform to the shape of the sleeper’s body and allow the sleeper to float comfortably on them. Due to its density, latex can hold its shape for longer compared to other materials, and it allows a good night of undisrupted sleep. 

Hypoallergenic 

No matter if they are made from natural or synthetic latex, latex pillows are hypoallergenic, and they are an ideal solution for allergy sufferers. Many people suffer from allergies and they need to be careful when choosing the right products for their home, especially bedroom. Potential allergens are everywhere, and some of them are hiding in our pillows. We bury our heads in these allergens without being aware of their presence, and before we know it, we start experiencing allergic reactions. Some of the allergens commonly found in pillows include dust mites and mildew. Luckily, latex pillows can help us avoid allergic reactions as they are resistant to mildew and dust mites. Thanks to them, people who suffer from allergies can sleep comfortably and securely throughout the night. However, if you are sensitive to chemical smells, you should choose pillows made from organic latex instead of its synthetic counterpart. Of course, you should avoid latex pillows altogether if you are allergic to latex. 

Breathability 

Another excellent characteristic of these pillows is breathability. Many factors can cause the pillow to feel cold or hot, such as the sleeper’s preferences and room temperature. Latex pillows are a perfect option for people who sleep hot or those who live in hot climates. They have a unique structure that allows the air to flow smoothly. Microscopic air bubbles in latex aid air circulation and make the entire pillow breathable. Thanks to these bubbles, pillows stay dry, and they transport moisture instead of retaining it. Not only they are very breathable, but they also allow people to sleep cool thanks to their ability to disperse body heat instead of trapping it. 

Durability 

Latex is a very durable material, and latex pillows have a longer lifespan compared to pillows made with other materials. No matter the type of latex, if you opt for these pillows, they will provide you with many years of restful sleep. You will surely get your money’s worth if you decide to buy latex pillows. Thanks to their durability, they are very reliable for longer use, and they can hold their shape for up to a decade, sometimes even longer. Of course, if you want your pillow to last for this long, you need to maintain it correctly.  

Easy Maintenance 

Since latex is a sterile material, it is easy to care for it. It is not necessary to clean latex pillows frequently, and when the time comes, you can clean them easily. However, you should keep in mind that you shouldn’t soak them in water. Never wash your latex pillow in a washing machine. Instead, you should spot clean it with water and soap, and dry it completely before putting the pillowcase on, but keep in mind that you shouldn’t dry it by exposing it to direct sunshine. You can also keep your pillow fresh and clean by putting it in a cool and ventilated place every month or two. Another reason why the maintenance of these pillows is so easy is that they require minimal fluffing, compared to other types of pillows. One-piece latex models don’t need to be fluffed at all. 

Little to No Noise 

Another benefit of opting for latex models of pillows is that little to no noise is produced from them when they bear weight. Something like this is very beneficial to people who are easily woken up, and those sleeping with a significant other. Thanks to the lack of noise you will be able to sleep well throughout the night as you shift positions. 

Besides all these latex pillow benefits discussed above, natural and organic pillows have additional advantages: 

Natural Source 

Natural and organic latex pillows come from a natural source. Unlike synthetic latex, which is human-made, natural latex is derived from the sap of a rubber tree. The sap is harvested by removing the bark of the rubber tree, and this liquid is used for the production of latex mattresses and pillows. Thanks to being a natural material, it decreases the risk that you will be exposed to harmful chemicals. 

Eco-Friendly 

The process of producing natural latex pillows is very eco-friendly, and they are an excellent option for people who focus on preserving the environment. The entire process is straightforward, and it is mostly about transforming liquid latex into solid latex. A minimal carbon footprint is associated with the production of natural and organic pillows. 

Free of Chemicals 

You should keep in mind that this benefit applies only to organic latex pillows. If you see that a pillow is labeled as organic, it means that latex used in the production of that pillow is made out of rubber trees that grow in plantations where pesticides are not being used. If you choose to get an organic latex pillow, you can sleep comfortably throughout the night knowing that your pillow is completely free of chemicals. 

What are the Disadvantages of Latex Pillows? 

Every type of pillows has its benefits and drawbacks, and so do latex models of pillows. These drawbacks include: 

Smell 

When they come out of the package, latex pillows have a smell that some people find unpleasant, but this rubbery smell usually disappears after several days of usage. However, you should keep in mind that this applies only to pillows made from synthetic latex. If you don’t like fairly strong smells, even if they disappear relatively quickly, you should avoid these pillows, or opt for organic or natural latex instead. 

Price 

Latex pillows can be a bit expensive, and they are not an ideal solution for people with a very limited budget. Synthetic latex pillows are not as affordable as other pillows available on the market. However, due to their durability and long lifespan, they are worth the price. Natural or organic latex models are even more expensive, but they are made from natural materials, and organic ones are also free of chemicals. It is worth spending more money on a quality pillow that doesn’t contain any chemicals. 

Weight 

Another drawback of this type of pillows is their weight. They are dense and tend to be somewhat heavy. Some people may have troubles moving and adjusting them during the night. However, most sleepers don’t consider this a problem at all. 

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Renata is an economist who has always had a passion for writing. She is a dog lover, Netflix addict and a sleepaholic. When she is not busy doing sleep research, she spends her time reading books, hiking and playing video games.

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