It’s estimated that 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, and many of those with respiratory allergies cannot achieve restful sleep because of the irritants in their pillows. Switching to a hypoallergenic pillow reduces allergens in your bedroom, which in turn reduces nighttime coughing and sneezing and helps you sleep more soundly.
Switching out your feather or down pillows for the best hypoallergenic pillow is key to allergy sufferers attaining a comfortable night’s rest. Hypoallergenic pillows are made from materials that are not known allergens, and they do not retain allergens inside their foam and covers. Sensitive sleepers, allergy sufferers, and others who want peace of mind knowing their pillows are free from illness-inducing microbes would all benefit from this type of pillow.
The following are the topic picks for the best hypoallergenic pillows on the market. Whether you prefer soft or firm fill or need a king- or standard-size option, this list is a good place to start. Read on to learn more about these superior products and the qualities to look for when shopping for the best hypoallergenic pillows.
- BEST OVERALL: Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows for Sleeping
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: LINENSPA Shredded Memory Foam Moldable, 2 Pack Pillow
- BEST ADJUSTABLE FILL: Coop Home Goods – Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow
- BEST DOWN ALTERNATIVE: BedStory Pillows for Sleeping 2 Pack, Hotel Quality
- BEST FOR BACK SLEEPERS: viewstar Standard Bed Pillows for Side Back Sleepers
- BEST FOR SIDE SLEEPERS: JOLLYVOGUE Bed Pillows for Sleeping 2 Pack
- BEST FOR ALL SLEEPERS: viewstar Queen Gel Pillows 2 Pack for Sleeping
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Hypoallergenic Pillows
Hypoallergenic pillows are antimicrobial, keeping allergens such as dust mites at bay. The best hypoallergenic pillows provide the head and neck support you need, fit your personal preferences and sleep position, and reduce the likelihood that allergens will find a way onto, or into, your pillow. When you know which features to look for, selecting the best hypoallergenic pillow is not as daunting as it seems. Consider the following characteristics before you add one of these pillows to your cart.
Size
Bed pillows come in a variety of sizes. The following section includes approximate dimensions, though they may vary somewhat by manufacturer.
- Standard pillows measure 20 inches by 26 inches. This small size best suits those who remain in the same position through the night because they are less likely to slide off the pillow.
- Super standard size is 20 inches by 28 inches. Select manufacturers offer pillows in this size. They’re a touch longer than standard, but still fit in standard pillowcases.
- Queen-size pillows measure 20 inches by 30 inches and fit snugly in standard pillowcases. Restless sleepers, or those who tend to switch positions during the night, benefit from the additional pillow length.
- King-size pillows measure 20 inches by 36 inches. This size is a convenient option for active sleepers or those with larger beds.
- European pillows are square-shaped, typically measuring 26 inches by 26 inches. They generally suit sleepers who don’t move much at night. Their unusual dimensions make them more useful for added support—between the knees or under the back, for example—rather than for cradling the head and neck.
Fill Material
Hypoallergenic pillows come in several different fills or stuffings. Some common fill materials include memory foam, microfiber, cotton, and shredded latex.
- Memory foam is typically made using polyurethane and other artificial substances. This foam conforms to the contours of the head and neck, doesn’t clump, and retains its shape over time. Pillows made from small pieces of shredded memory foam are moldable, but pillows made from a single piece of memory foam are not.
- Microfiber materials are lightweight, pretty easy to clean, and come at a lower price point than other types of filling. Microfiber gives pillows a down-like cushiness.
- Cotton is a natural, breathable material that’s both soft and compressible. This fill is a bit firmer than traditional pillow filling. Since it’s natural, it doesn’t contain potentially toxic materials that might be present in man-made materials.
- Shredded latex is soft, moldable, and gives excellent support for the head and neck. It’s breathable and helps regulate temperature through the night. This is a more expensive option and one that’s harder to locate in stores.
Cover Material
Hypoallergenic pillow covers are made from a variety of fabrics, including cotton, Tencel lyocell, polyester, and bamboo. Each material has its advantages.
- Cotton is a naturally soft, breathable fabric, making it well suited for those who have skin sensitivities. It doesn’t repel moisture as other fabrics do, however, which may make the pillow damp from body heat and sweat.
- Tencel lyocell is an eco-friendly fabric sourced from wood cellulose. This naturally hypoallergenic fabric is breathable, moisture-wicking, and soft. It also hinders the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
- Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is often blended with other materials for added comfort and protection. It wicks away moisture, keeping the pillow from becoming damp with sweat.
- Bamboo is a naturally hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking fabric that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. It’s often blended with other fibers.
Loft and Density
Loft is the thickness, or height, of a pillow when it lays flat. Thin pillows are considered low-loft pillows, and thicker pillows are high loft. There isn’t an exact measurement that marks the difference between the levels of loft, but high-loft pillows are those that look cushier and fuller rather than flat. Fill material has a lot to do with loft level. Some foams may lose their shape over time, which makes the pillow feel deflated and less lofty. Generally speaking, back and stomach sleepers should choose a lower-loft pillow, and side sleepers should use a pillow with higher loft because these pillows promote better spinal alignment.
Density refers to the pillow’s firmness and along with loft is another characteristic that determines how a pillow feels against the head. Density affects how deep your head sinks into the pillow. Higher density keeps your head higher up, while lower density means softness and less support, causing the sleeper’s head to sink.
Firmness Rating
A pillow’s firmness ranges from soft to firm. Firmness is a matter of preference, but it also impacts your sleep quality and comfort.
- Soft pillows are the plushest you can find and easily conform to the head and neck. These are suited to sleepers who need minimal support, such as stomach sleepers.
- Medium-soft still feels plush but has a bit more support. These are best suited to stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and those with a preference for softer pillows.
- Medium firmness is comfortable, supportive, and adaptable, making it a worthy choice for most people and most sleeping positions. It’s neither too soft nor too firm.
- Medium-firm has a denser feel but is still comfortable and offers some give. Pillows with a medium-firm rating have ample support for the head and neck, and they best suit back and side sleepers who prefer supportive pillows that are also a little bit soft.
- Firm feels quite dense, offering practically no give. These pillows provide adequate support to the neck, back, and shoulders and are most suitable for side sleepers.
Sleeping Position
Your sleep style helps inform your pillow choice.
- Side sleepers need substantial support to keep their spine and head aligned. Higher-density pillows with extra support are a good choice for side sleepers.
- Back sleepers rest with their shoulders on the mattress and their heads on the pillow. Taller back sleepers should consider a higher-loft pillow, and those who are shorter should opt for a lower-loft option to reduce strain on the neck.
- Stomach sleepers are best off choosing a hypoallergenic pillow with the lowest possible loft. A higher loft can position the head too high off the mattress, which forces the spine into a curved shape. Sleeping on the wrong pillow in this position causes neck pain.
- Combination sleepers change positions throughout the night. They need a pillow that is versatile enough to cradle the head and neck adequately whether they’re sleeping on their side, back, or stomach. The hypoallergenic pillow that provides the greatest comfort for combination sleepers is one that’s medium density in firmness and mid-loft in thickness.
Support and Spinal Alignment
When shopping for the best hypoallergenic pillows, a good place to start is narrowing the choices down to those with the right combination of loft and density for your preferred sleeping position. Pillows that provide inadequate support for your body may impact your overall health over time.
As you sleep, your spine should be in line with your head. Your pillow should encourage this optimal alignment. Pillows that prop your neck up or cause you to arch your back will not serve you well. Proper support keeps the spine straight, preventing aches, pains, and aggravation to pressure points that can result from angled necks or tilted heads.
Temperature Regulation
Your circadian rhythm lowers your body temperature at night, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep. If you overheat while sleeping, it signals the body to wake up and become alert. Choosing a pillow with built-in temperature regulation can help you avoid waking up because you’re too warm.
Breathable pillow fabrics that wick away warmth and sweat can help reduce overnight overheating. Natural (and some synthetic) materials such as latex, cotton, and cooling gel can help manage sleep temperature and prevent sleepers from waking up hot. Other synthetic materials such as polyester, however, don’t breathe as well and may not be as conducive to temperature regulation. Cooling pillows may benefit some sleepers—particularly stomach sleepers, whose warm exhales into the pillow can warm up their faces. When choosing a hypoallergenic pillow, remember also to choose a pillowcase and sheets that help regulate temperature.
Our Top Picks
The best hypoallergenic pillow for one person may not be the best option for another. Factors such as height, preferred sleeping position, and firmness and loft preferences are all considerations when settling on the best pillow for you. Based on the considerations outlined above, this list contains some of the best quality hypoallergenic pillows for all types of sleepers.
Photo: amazon.com
Beckham’s pillow duo offers cool comfort for back, stomach, and side sleepers. These hypoallergenic pillows are stuffed with a cooling gel fiber for a down-like feel that keeps sleepers comfortable through the night. Built with no-shift construction, they will keep their shape as you sleep and fluff back up in the morning. Their high-loft design and plush density cushion the head and neck, helping alleviate aches and pains.
The pillows’ covers are made from breathable, 100 percent cotton and finished with double-edge stitches. Beckham Hotel Collection pillows can be used by all types of sleepers and come in queen and king sizes.
Photo: amazon.com
This two-pack of LINENSPA’s hypoallergenic pillows offers excellent comfort and support for most sleepers at a budget-friendly price. Stuffed with shredded polyurethane memory foam fill, these pillows provide ample cushion for most sleepers. What’s nice about the fill is that the memory foam is CertiPUR-US certified and can be molded to suit individual preference: Simply squish the foam down or fluff it up to make the pillow fluffier or flatter for optimal spinal alignment. LINENSPA hypoallergenic pillows are wrinkle and fade resistant, and they have 100 percent polyester hypoallergenic covers.
Potential buyers should know that these pillows will be delivered compressed and need a little time to expand fully before they’re ready to be used. Categorized as medium support, LINENSPA’s pillows are comfortable for all sleeping positions. A suitable choice for combination sleepers or guest room beds, these pillows come in standard, queen, and king sizes.
Photo: amazon.com
Here’s a pillow that Goldilocks would love: Coop Home Goods’ hypoallergenic pillow is entirely customizable to suit individual tastes and promote proper alignment no matter the sleeper’s size or sleeping position. Filled with foam that promotes air circulation and breathability, this pillow helps regulate body temperature and minimizes middle-of-the-night wake-ups. Though its medium-firm support is plenty comfortable for many people as it is, users can unzip the cover to access the lightweight inner liner that contains the shredded memory foam. Coop Home Goods’ pillow comes with an additional 0.5-pound bag of fill for sleepers who might want a higher loft so if the product doesn’t feel full enough, simply add some fluff. Those who find the pillow too lofty can remove some of the fill to achieve their desired loft level.
The pillow’s soft, smooth cover is made of bamboo viscose rayon and polyester that is designed to stay cool through the night. Coop Home Goods’ adjustable hypoallergenic pillows are available in queen or king size and CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions.
Photo: amazon.com
For sleepers who love down pillows but have issues with the feathers, BedStory’s down-alternative hypoallergenic pillows are stuffed with premium microfiber-fill fibers that mimic the comfort of down. Designed to fit the curves of the head and neck, the fill is supportive without falling flat. Though these pillows are soft and plush, they bounce back into shape within 5 seconds.
BedStory’s pillows have height and loft levels that are suitable for a variety of sleeping positions and are soft enough for stomach sleepers. With covers made of a breathable, antibacterial microfiber fabric that’s soft and smooth to the touch, this two-pack of pillows is a good bet for outfitting a guest bed or for side sleepers who prop an additional pillow between their knees for better alignment. These products come vacuum packed and thus need 24 hours to settle and fluff up before use. These pillows are available in queen and king sizes.
Photo: amazon.com
With this two-pack of hypoallergenic pillows from viewstar, a healthy night’s rest is within easy reach. Filled with specially treated hypoallergenic microfiber that imitates down, they strike a good balance between softness and firmness. Back sleepers will appreciate the lower loft of this pillow and the fact that the pillow conforms to the weight of the head and maintains spinal alignment during slumber. Stomach sleepers and side sleepers can benefit from these pillows too, but side sleepers might be most comfortable (and in better body alignment) snoozing with both pillows stacked on top of each other.
One major advantage of viewstar’s hypoallergenic pillows is they’re OEKO-TEX certified, which means they meet stringent sustainability standards and have been tested for harmful substances. The cover is a soft microfiber, and dual silver bands stitched around the perimeter of the pillow ensure that it will hold its shape and not flatten out over time. These pillows are available in standard, queen, and king sizes.
Photo: amazon.com
JOLLYVOGUE’s two-pack of higher-loft pillows offer optimal comfort to side sleepers and pregnant women. Stuffed with premium microfiber fill that imitates real down, these pillows allow sleepers to get all the coziness and fluff of down without the allergens. Side sleepers should fluff this pillow regularly and keep it from going flat so it provides enough support for the head and neck.
One of this product’s biggest selling points is that it’s machine washable and can be tumble dried, so it’s super easy to clean and maintain. The pillow cover is made of skin-friendly polyester sewn with reinforced seams. These pillows are available in standard, queen, and king size.
Photo: amazon.com
Banish nighttime tossing and turning from your overnight routine with viewstar’s two-pack of gel pillows, which are particularly suitable for combination sleepers who tend to flop from their back to their side or stomach throughout the night. Stuffed with premium microfiber and gel fiber filling, these pillows are soft and squishy yet supportive, and they adapt to the sleeper’s position without sinking under the weight of their head. A 100 percent breathable cotton cover protects the gel fiber interior.
This pillow’s ergonomic design supports the head and keeps the neck aligned with the spine and feels plush and supportive without flattening out. Like some of its competitors, viewstar’s gel pillows are fully machine washable and have only a 2 percent shrinkage rate. Fluff them up before use and select the size—standard, queen, or king—that suits your needs. These pillows are OEKO-TEX certified for sustainability and are made from healthy, chemical-free components.
FAQs About Hypoallergenic Pillows
A hypoallergenic pillow makes for a cleaner and more comfortable sleep, particularly for allergy sufferers. Before purchasing a new hypoallergenic pillow, you may want to know more about their construction and care. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about hypoallergenic pillows.
Q. Are foam pillows hypoallergenic?
Not all foams are hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic foams are made from both natural and man-made fibers that are not known to cause allergens—and may even deter allergens.
Q. Is it possible to be allergic to hypoallergenic pillows?
Allergies to the materials used in hypoallergenic pillows are possible, but they are rare.
Q. Does washing hypoallergenic pillows remove dust mites?
Hypoallergenic pillows reduce the presence of allergens, such as dust mites. Washing all pillows regularly helps kill dust mites and remove other allergens. A pillow protector offers an additional layer of protection from dust mites.
