Best Hypoallergenic Pillows in 2021

You may not be able to see them, but dust mites are bound to make their stay in your bedding at some point. After all, they are the most common household allergen. Yuck, we know. 

One way to promote clean sleep is by resting your head on a cool and cozy, hypoallergenic pillow. With cooling properties and an allergy-free construction, you’re going to be glad you made the transition. 

Here are our top picks for the best hypoallergenic pillows, what to look for when buying your own, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Best Hypoallergenic Pillows for Allergy Sufferers

• Best Overall – Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow
• Best Adjustable – WonderSleep Premium Adjustable Loft
• Best Luxury – Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
• Best Cooling – DreamNorth Premium Gel Pillow Loft

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What is a Hypoallergenic Pillow?

If you suffer from allergies, then a hypoallergenic pillow is an absolute must-have. Basically, a hypoallergenic pillow is a pillow made with natural or man-made fibers that do not trigger allergies. Many times, hypoallergenic pillows are also made of materials that deter common allergens, like dust mites, pet dander, or pollen, from settling into your pillow to cause an allergic reaction overnight.

A hypoallergenic pillow is not necessarily organic or all-natural, it is simply the best pillow to help allergy-sufferers sleep soundly through the night.

Pros and Cons of Hypoallergenic Pillows

Before buying a hypoallergenic pillow, however, it’s a good idea to understand the advantages they can provide and the potential drawbacks. One of the best parts of a hypoallergenic pillow is that it can help prevent allergic reactions overnight. This makes it less likely that you’ll wake up with a sore throat and the sniffles, an experience that is all too familiar for many people with allergies.

Hypoallergenic pillows also tend to last a little bit longer, because they are better at keeping allergens like dust mites out. A non-hypoallergenic pillow collects dust mites over time and may need replaced more often as it starts to cause an allergic reaction.

Still, hypoallergenic pillows aren’t magic. They can’t keep allergens out forever, and still need replaced fairly regularly. Additionally, the research on how well hypoallergenic pillows work is inconclusive. Some sources suggest that hypoallergenic pillows can make a significant difference in your allergies, while others say that hypoallergenic pillows may actually absorb more allergens, not less. 

How to Choose a Hypoallergenic Pillow

There are a few things to consider when deciding the right hypoallergenic pillow for you. 

Sleep Position: Everyone sleeps differently, so it’s important to take into account how you sleep to determine which hypoallergenic pillow will serve you best. 

• Back Sleepers: If you sleep on your back, you will need a pillow that keeps your neck aligned with your spine to prevent neck strain. Back sleepers sleep best with a medium-to-firm pillow.
• Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers have to be careful about the loft and firmness of their pillow to prevent misalignment in the neck and back. The thinner the pillow, the better.
• Side Sleepers: Side sleepers need the most firmness in pillows. Since one side of your body is being laid on for a longer period of time, it’s important to find a pillow that supports and relieves your muscles while asleep.
• Combination Sleepers: What do you do if you tend to sleep on your back and side? Or stomach and back? The best pillow for combination sleepers is one that conforms to your body. If you get a pillow with an adjustable build or contour-feel, you’re sure to rest easy.

Material Makeup: Although all hypoallergenic pillows are allergen-resistant, you should still pay attention to all the materials that make up your new pillow. You’ll find pillows that are constructed of natural fibers, processed materials, and man-made materials. Natural fibers are typically light, breathable, and safe. Processed materials are more environmentally-friendly than natural fibers, but they are chemically processed. Man-made materials involve constructions like polyester and memory foam. They’re durable, light weight, and less cool than the other types, unless infused with a gel-infused technology.

 

FAQs

Why should I get a hypoallergenic pillow? 

One of the best ways to avoid allergens and bacteria during sleep is with a hypoallergenic pillow. The materials that make up a hypoallergenic pillow are built to block and prevent dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and much more from hanging around your pillow. Hypoallergenic pillows also sleep cool, rather than hot like other standard pillows. 

How often should I change my pillow? 

When you aren’t getting a good night’s sleep, you should start to consider changing your sleeping accessories. Signs of needing a new pillow include your pillow no longer being supportive, you have allergies or wake up sneezing, you’re getting facial acne, or your pillow has a stench.

Can you be allergic to hypoallergenic pillows? 

Although it is rare, it is possible to be allergic to polyester, memory foam, and other fillings used in hypoallergenic pillows. If you know you have an allergy to one of these fibers, be careful to buy a hypoallergenic pillow that uses different materials.

Can you be allergic to your pillow?

In most cases, if you find that you are having an allergic reaction to your pillow, hypoallergenic or not, it’s not actually the pillow you’re allergic to. It’s the dust mites that have collected over time. However, as we mentioned above, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to all kinds of materials.

What common allergens are in pillows?

The most common allergen in your pillow is dust and dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that feed off of dust and make themselves at home all over our houses, including in our pillows. Other allergens that might make their way into your pillow are pollen, pet dander, or even mold, if your pillow is left in a damp environment.

Summary

Compare the best hypoallergenic pillows below:

Product	Material	Best for	Customer Rating
Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow	Bamboo and polyester cover with shredded gel-infused memory foam fill	Best Overall	4.5/5
WonderSleep Premium Adjustable Loft (2-Pack)	Bamboo and polyester cover with shredded memory foam fill	Best Adjustable	4.5/5
Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow (2-Pack)	Cotton cover with poly-gel fiber filling	Best Luxury	4.5/5
DreamNorth Premium Gel Pillow Loft (2-Pack)	Cotton cover with poly-gel fiber filling	Best Cooling	4.3/5

A hypoallergenic pillow is a comfortable, breathable and supportive option to lay your head on while resting. By making sure your pillow is made of safe properties and purchasing based on your sleeping position, you’ll experience relaxation each and every night!

If you’re interested in more hypoallergenic recommendations, check out our article on how to sleep with allergies and these related guides:

• Best Hypoallergenic Mattresses
• Best Hypoallergenic Sheets
• Best Hypoallergenic Pillowcases
• Best Hypoallergenic Duvet Covers
• Best Hypoallergenic Duvet Insert