The average person will sleep for nearly 230,000 hours in their entire life. When you think about it in terms of days, it does not seem like much. It turns out that we go through about a third of our lives getting some shuteye! This is why it is important to have quality bedding—you will be spending so many hours sleeping, so might as well make it comfortable for yourself.

Organic, healthy pillows are a good choice if you are looking for good quality bedding.  Polyurethane pillows, or polyester, gained popularity in the 1950s, are a common choice for many households. They are inexpensive and widely available; if you ruin one, you can readily find a replacement. However, they are also harmful to both humans and the environment.

Polyester’s main ingredient is ethylene glycol, which can damage the kidneys and central nervous system. Polyurethane can release volatile organic compounds in the air; imagine breathing that in while you sleep. There are several alternatives to this type of pillow, some of which we have featured below.

Organic cotton

Grown in subtropical countries like Turkey, China, and the U.S., organic cotton is from non-genetically-modified seeds and is cultivated without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. What’s more, farmers grow different batches of regular cotton on the same soil, repeatedly, which tends to degrade soil quality. 

Meanwhile, they rotate organic cotton from one soil to another, which lets the soil retain more nutrients—this means healthier yields. A downside to this is that organic cotton on its own tends to mat down, which is why manufacturers mix it with other stuffing. There are types of cotton that are springier, though, so it is best to do a little reading on these.

Kapok fibre

Kapok is a vegetable-based fibre, which is from the seeds of the Kapok tree. It is one of the most eco-friendly fillings for pillows, and it is growing in popularity. Also known as Java cotton, Java kapok, silk cotton, ceiba, or Samauma, Kapok thrives in tropical climates.

The tree is endemic to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, certain parts of South America, and the tropical part of West Africa. This tree is pest-free, so you are sure the fibre will not contain pesticides. Kapok fibre filling is water- and mold-resistant, as well as hypoallergenic.

Natural latex 

This product is from the milk of the rubber tree, also known as rubber serum. This is a renewable resource—rubber trees begin to regenerate the serum an hour after harvesting. Trees can produce latex for up to 30 years; if the trees are no longer productive, they can be felled, and the land replanted with new rubber tree saplings.

This material keeps its form and bounce but is biodegradable. It is perfect for people who prefer beddings that are not very soft and have a little bit of resistance.

Wool fibre

This is a natural textile made from sheep fleece and is traditionally harvested for its insulating properties. Wool is great at keeping you cool in the summer and warm during the winter. It is also fire- and water-resistant, and it prevents mold and mildew from forming on your pillows. In addition, wool is not appealing to dust mites, so it is great for people who have sensitive skin. 

There are organic options for wool pillows as well. The difference between regular and organic wool is that the latter does not undergo chemical treatments. Furthermore, organic wool is from sheep raised in good living conditions and without the use of synthetic growth hormones.

Buckwheat hulls

Buckwheat pillows, also known as Sobakawa pillows, are free of pesticides, water-resistant, and hypoallergenic. Buckwheat hulls are a byproduct of milling—these are resilient and have sort of a crunchy feel against the skin. An advantage of using buckwheat pillows is that they are great at retaining their shape. Buckwheat hulls do not flatten, unlike cotton, which can compress.

Conclusion

Finding the best organic pillow for you will take some time and research. You have to know the different options beyond cotton, and you must figure out how your home’s cleaning and maintenance schedule could accommodate this type of material. The effort will be worth it, though, when you find the type of bedding that will give you the best sleep you could get.

For eco-friendly organic pillows, choose Eco Comfort. We ship to Canada and the U.S., and we use only the highest quality natural materials for all our products. Browse our offers and let us show you the Eco Comfort difference today!