15-07-2025
The 5 Best Hypoallergenic Pillows To Combat Nighttime Allergies
For many allergy sufferers, preventing symptoms isn't solely a daytime battle, but a nighttime struggle, too. Down and feather-filled pillows can harbor household allergens like dust, dirt and dander, prompting congestion, itchy eyes and overall irritation, among other symptoms. The best hypoallergenic pillows, like our top pick the Avocado Green Pillow, can help curb nighttime allergies to allow for a less fitful night's rest because of their premium, eco-friendly materials and antimicrobial designs.
The Avocado Adjustable Pillow is named one of the best hypoallergenic pillows, alongside choices ... More from Coop Goods, Saatva and more. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer
'If you're in the market for a new pillow, materials like latex or memory foam are solid choices because their dense structure is less inviting for mites,' says Dr. Kara Wada, M.D. and founder of Immune Confident Institute. Besides materials, when choosing the best hypoallergenic pillow, it's also important to consider your sleep style and preferences, which is why we found hypoallergenic pillows that cater to a variety of different needs. Take a look at our editor-approved choices below. Our Top Recommendations Best Hypoallergenic Pillow Overall: Avocado Green Pillow (Standard)
Best Soft Hypoallergenic Pillow: Buffy Cloud Pillow (Standard)
Best Firm Hypoallergenic Pillow: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow (Small)
Fill: Organic latex and kapok fibers | Firmness: Medium-plush | Trial period: 100 nights
Pros: Includes additional fill for adjustability to suit most sleeping positions
Three sizes to choose from (standard, queen and king)
Multiple third-party certifications including GOTS
Cons: Cover is spot clean only
Achieving the right amount of fill can take time
The Avocado Green Pillow is filled with GOLS-certified organic latex foam and GOTS-certified organic kapok fibers, the latter a vegan alternative to down that's hypoallergenic and grown pesticide free. Latex foam is also a hypoallergenic and antimicrobial material, which means it helps prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and other household allergens. The fill is wrapped in an organic cotton jersey liner and zipped inside an organic cotton cover, which is easily removable for spot cleaning. For those concerned with not only the potential allergens they're breathing in but also any chemicals, the pillow is Greenguard Gold Certified for low emissions and Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified.
Because the pillow is zippered, accessing the fill and adjusting it to your desired support and plushness is easy, and the pillow includes a refill package to add even more fill if needed (you can also purchase more fill separately). Side sleepers should consider keeping most of the fill inside, while back and stomach sleepers should remove fill to their liking. While the pillow's cover is spot clean only, the brand does sell pillow protectors, all of which are machine washable.
Fill: Cross-cut memory foam and microfiber | Firmness: Medium-firm | Trial: 100 nights
Pros: Available in three shapes for different sleep styles
Machine washable cover
Additional half pound of fill included
Cons: Some reviews report a strong odor at first
The Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow is an extremely versatile pillow that we named one of our best pillows overall, not just because of its adjustability, but due to its three available shapes (classic, crescent and cut-out) that support different sleep styles. For example, side sleepers may prefer the cut-out shape for enhanced neck support while the crescent makes a good option for back sleepers. The pillow's fill is made from a non-toxic, hypoallergenic blend of memory-foam and microfiber that's cross-cut rather than shredded for improved consistency, circulation and non-clumping. Included with the pillow is a half pound of extra fill that can be added or removed to achieve the proper spinal alignment and pressure relief for your preferred sleep position and body type.
The fill itself is medium-firm and can be fluffed up when needed by tossing the pillow in the dryer for ten minutes. The included 'Lulltra' jacquard knit cover is wrinkle-resistant, machine washable and dryer friendly, which allows for easy cleaning to prevent the accumulation of dust and other allergens.
Fill: Shredded natural latex | Firmness: Plush | Trial period: 45 nights
Pros: Available in standard or high loft
Removable and machine washable fill layer
Suitable for those with latex allergies
Cons: Both lofts might be too high for petite stomach sleepers
For side sleepers looking for proper support, this hypoallergenic latex pillow from Saatva is available in a high loft version that's around 6 to 7 inches in height, providing cushiony responsiveness and pressure relief that makes you feel like your head is floating. Our editors even named it the best option for shoulder pain because of its unparalleled support. Underneath the hypoallergenic down-like microdenier fiber fill is a shredded latex core that's dust mite- and mildew-resistant, and is more breathable than synthetic foams. Saatva's latex goes through a washing process to remove allergy-causing proteins, and the latex core never comes into contact with the skin, making it a suitable option for those with latex allergies. Both the moisture-wicking organic cotton cover and the microdenier fill are machine washable, and the brand recommends washing the pillow at least twice a year.
Fill: Recycled fibers | Firmness: Soft, medium or firm | Trial period: 7-night trial, 50-night return policy
Pros: Inexpensive
Available in three firmness levels
Free 7-night trial
Cons: Doesn't include a washable cover
Spot or dry clean only
If you're seeking a cloud-like sensation, we think this aptly named pillow from Buffy is your best bet. The brand sources Global Recycling Standard (GRS)-certified fibers for its pillows, and each one is made with around 24 to 30 recycled plastic bottles. So rather than ending up in the landfill or ocean, they're converted to super fluffy fill. Depending on how soft you like your pillow and your preferred sleep style, it's offered in three firmness levels, with the firm-level still proving soft yet supportive.
The shell is made from Tencel lyocell fibers that are sourced from eucalyptus and more absorbant than cotton to keep you dry and cool as you sleep. The fibers are also free of essential oils, making the pillow safe for kids and pets and less irritating on the skin. The pillow doesn't include a case and the brand recommends spot or dry-cleaning only, so be sure to use a machine washable cover.
Fill: Tempur-Material | Firmness: Extra-firm | Trial period: None
Pros: Contoured design promotes spinal alignment
Available with cooling technology (at a higher cost)
5-year warranty
Cons: No trials or returns
Not for stomach sleepers
The ergonomic, contoured design of the Tempur-Neck pillow, our choice as the best pillow for neck pain, follows the natural curve of the body, lending support to the neck and head for back and side sleepers. Available in three size profiles, you can choose between higher and lower side depending on your preference, mattress size and/or body type. The Tempur-Material contours to the shape of your body while maintaining its profile, extra-firm feel and the necessary support back and side sleepers need to keep their spines properly aligned. In other words, no fluffing required here. The hypoallergenic polyester knit cover is machine washable to better prevent buildup of bacteria, dirt and other allergens, and is also available with cooling technology for an additional $20.
The Forbes Vetted sleep and mattress team consists of writers and editors with years of experience testing and researching mattresses, pillows and other sleep products, all with the goal of helping our readers achieve their best sleep. Lee Cutlip is an editorial assistant at Forbes Vetted and the author of this article. She has covered several topics for the sleep team, including the best mattress pads and the best mattress protectors.
The editing and publishing of this story was overseen by mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon. Dillon holds a certification as a sleep science coach and has been covering the topic of sleep for over six years. She has also tested more than 20 different pillows, including several models on our list.
We spoke with Dr. Kara Wada, M.D. and founder of Immune Confident Institute. Wada is a board-certified allergist and immunologist who provided insight on choosing the best hypoallergenic pillow.
The Forbes Vetted team is committed to keeping our content updated and relevant to suit our readers' needs. This story was published in July 2025.
We first turned to reputable, familiar brands trusted by the sleep team and that we know use hypoallergenic materials in their products. We then focused on other key factors like third-party certifications and care instructions, pored over customer reviews and consulted an allergist. For this list, it was important we include pillows that use materials explicitly labeled as hypoallergenic like latex foam and memory foam. We also took into consideration other factors like height, firmness, certifications and trial periods.
We understand that everyone's sleep styles and preferences are different and we made sure to include pillows that work for a variety of sleepers.
To gather real-world experience, we took into account customer reviews and focused on products with at least a 4-star rating from customers.
Here are a few factors to keep in mind when shopping for a hypoallergenic pillow. Loft And Firmness
When shopping for any pillow, hypoallergenic or not, it's important to consider its loft and firmness. The loft of a pillow refers to its height or thickness, while the firmness determines how soft it is.
The best firmness and loft height for you largely depends on your sleep style. Side sleepers tend to benefit from a firmer, high-loft pillow in order to keep their head from sinking too low and to maintain proper spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, should opt for a softer, thinner profile. Back sleepers and combination sleepers should look for medium-firm pillows with a medium loft (think three to five inches). Materials
While Wada likes latex or memory foam for their dense structure, her ultimate recommendation against allergens is an allergen-proof pillow encasement. 'A good encasement works by creating a barrier," says Wada. "These covers are woven so tightly that dust mites and their waste (which is what you're actually allergic to) are locked away from your airways.' Even if you don't have a hypoallergenic pillow, an encasement can keep microscopic allergens from getting in.
Still, Wada recommends not only avoiding pillows that are down or feather-filled, but duvets, comforters and other bedding. 'They're a five-star hotel for dust mites, trapping moisture and dander. Plus, you can be allergic to the feathers themselves.' Sleeping Position
It's important that your pillow promotes natural spinal alignment, and each sleeping position requires something a little different. Other postures are also better than others when you're dealing with allergies. "Sleeping position is everything when you're congested. Lying flat on your back lets post-nasal drip pool in your throat causing a sore throat and trigging coughing," says Wada. If you can't rotate to your side, she recommends using a wedge pillow to prop yourself up when experiencing congestion to help everything drain. Care Instructions
Pillows aren't the easiest bedding to clean, but washing them regularly is key to preventing the accumulation of allergens. 'Wash linens weekly in water that's at least 130 degrees to kill mites. If you can't, a 20-minute tumble on high heat does the trick,' says Wada.
Most pillows have at least one or two layers that are machine washable, but some don't or are spot or dry clean only. If a pillow doesn't include a washable cover or layer(s), consider buying a cover or allergen-proof encasement that can easily be tossed in the wash.
What Type Of Pillow Is Best For Allergies?
Pillows made from hypoallergenic materials like natural latex and memory foam are more likely to keep out dust mites and other allergens compared to down and feather-filled pillows. Our top pick is the Avocado Green Pillow, as it's made from hypoallergenic latex and kapok fibers and is free from harmful chemicals including flame retardants.
What Are Hypoallergenic Pillows Made Of?
Common materials for hypoallergenic pillows include latex, memory foam or down alternatives like polyester fibers and microfibers. Also consider a choice with an organic cotton cover. These materials tend do better at keeping out potential allergens compared to down pillows.
Are Hypoallergenic Pillows Worth It?
Hypoallergenic pillows can help reduce certain types of allergies and are especially helpful for those allergic to feathers or concerned with chemical irritants. There are affordable hypoallergenic pillows, like the Buffy Cloud Pillow, which uses GSR-certified fibers instead of down.
