The Best Latex Pillows
Apr 18th, 2023 •
Looking for some of the best pillows? Latex foam pillows could be the ones for you. Foam pillows are considered a very desirable type of pillow due to their resiliency, their ability to retain shape, and their enhanced cushiness. Latex and memory foam pillows have been known to help relieve shoulder and neck pain that comes from sleeping with less responsive pillows.
Natural latex pillows are a great bedding option for those looking to decrease their carbon footprint, as the production of latex adheres to the low-emission textile guideline.
The Best Latex Pillows
- Best Overall – Saatva Latex Pillow
- Best Talalay Latex Pillow – Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
- Best Latex Pillow for Combination Sleepers – Best Latex Pillow for Combination Sleepers
- Best Latex Pillow for Side Sleepers – Eli and Elm Side Sleeper Pillow
- Best Adjustable Latex Pillow – Naturepedic Adjustable Shredded Latex Pillow
- Best Latex Pillow for Neck Pain – Avocado Molded Latex Pillow
- Best Organic Latex Pillow – Birch Organic Pillow
- Best Latex Pillow for Stomach Sleepers – Nest Easy Breather Natural
We’ve gathered the best latex pillows to improve your quality of sleep.
Saatva Latex Pillow
Best Overall
- Price: $165 for a queen
- Sizes: Available in king and queen
You know those plushy hotel pillows that provide great neck support but still somehow manage to remain soft and squishy? Well, Saatva’s Latex Pillow is like that. Constructed with a responsive outer layer of shredded natural latex and a lofty inner pillow filled with down-like micro denier fiber, the pillow strikes the perfect balance of firmness and softness. Between its hypoallergenic latex, breathable fill, and moisture-wicking cotton cover, this pillow is ideal for all kinds of sleepers.
- Price: $89 for queen
- Sizes: Available in queen and king
The Talalay pillow by Brooklyn is an organic latex pillow available in queen or king size in high or low loft options. The high loft version is best suited for side sleepers, while the low-loft version is better suited for back sleepers. Talalay latex is up to seven times more breathable than other types of latex foam due to open cells in the latex insert. Brooklyn Beeding’s Talalay Latex Pillow is the best hypoallergenic pillow for sleepers prone to allergies and sensitive skin.
- Price: $111 for a queen
- Size: Available in standard, king, and queen
If you rotate between two or more positions throughout the night, you’re what’s known as a combination sleeper. To keep your head, neck, and spine in alignment regardless of how you’re sleeping, opt for a pillow that adapts to your changing positions, like this one from PlushBeds. Not only does it provide superior, springy comfort thanks to its finely shredded organic latex fill, but its evenly spaced loft and cooling organic cotton cover will keep you cool all night long.
- Price: $132 for a standard
- Size: Available in standard
This plush pillow from Eli & Elm is tailor-made for side sleepers. The pillow’s removable latex and polyester filling allows you to customize its loft and firmness to your precise preference, while the support provided by its contoured u-shape helps keep your head, neck, and shoulders in line. Its ultra-soft, removable cotton cover is not only great for snuggling up against on chilly nights, but it also makes cleaning the pillow a breeze.
- Price: $139 for a queen
- Size: Available in standard, king, and queen
You won’t have to choose between soft and firm if you go for Naturepedic’s Adjustable Shredded Latex Pillow. Simply unzip the inner pillowcase and remove or add latex fill according to your ideal firmness—it’s that easy. Even the outer organic cotton cover gives you options, with one side offering a stretch-knit finish and the other having a slightly firmer quilted sateen feel. With this Naturepedic pillow, you’re truly in charge of your comfort.
- Price: $139 for a queen
- Size: Available in standard, queen, and king
If you often wake up with a sore neck or shoulders, the Avocado Molded Latex Pillow is here to help. Its firm yet supple charcoal-infused latex core is designed to offer not only superior neck support but odor-reducing, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating properties as well. So you can sleep soundly knowing that your pillow is working overtime to keep you comfortable, cool, and pain-free.
- Price: $129 for a standard
- Size: Available in standard and king
You’ll be kind to your spine and Mother Earth if you opt for the Birch Organic Pillow. Constructed with cruelty-free birch wool, 100% organic cotton, and crushed Talalay latex, this pillow is free from any artificial additives or harmful chemicals. Plus, the pillow’s latex core is wrapped in a moisture-wicking wool layer for added softness and shape-conforming comfort, so you’ll have plenty of cushioning to support your neck and head.
- Price: $119 for a queen
- Size: Available in standard, “side sleeper,” queen, and king
Stomach sleepers tend to prefer a flatter pillow that won’t put too much strain on the neck and spine, and Nest’s Easy Breather Natural fits the bill. This medium-density pillow features a supportive core of blended natural latex that conforms to your head and can be adjusted for varying levels of loft. By mimicking the cloud-like feel and weightlessness of down, this pillow is a match made in stomach-sleeping heaven.
Types of Latex Pillows
All latex is often considered a natural alternative to memory foam and is naturally resistant to heat and moisture. Latex pillow inserts may either be a single slab or shredded. Single-slab inserts are usually perforated with an open cell structure to increase the breathability of the pillow. Shredded latex fill can be molded and will not shift and clump.
Related: Best latex mattresses
With that being said, there are two types of latex pillow fill: natural and synthetic.
Natural Latex
Natural latex is made of the sap of the hevea-brasilienis rubber tree. This sap then undergoes a foaming process, which produces tiny bubbles which gives latex its stretchiness. Natural latex is chemical free, although, they will experience a short period of off-gassing before they’re completely smell free.
One hundred percent all-natural latex products meet the Global Organic Latex Standard (i.e. they are GOLS-certified) which means the latex is certified organic and the manufacturing process meets rigorous standards for human welfare and environmental emissions.
When it comes to natural latex, there are two different manufacturing processes for transforming liquid latex (i.e. the sap of the rubber tree) into foam. They are called Talalay latex and Dunlop latex. The end product of each process is very similar, but Dunlop latex is usually denser.
Synthetic Latex
Synthetic latex is very similar in feel to natural latex, but may be less durable and will need to be replaced more quickly than natural latex. Synthetic latex is man-made from petrochemicals. While more affordable than organic latex pillows, synthetic latex pillows have a shorter lifespan and may carry a smell. Unless a product is marked as 100 percent all-natural latex, it’s likely to be a blend of natural and synthetic latex.
Benefits of Sleeping on a Latex Pillow
As a natural material, latex is more durable than other types of foam pillows. It’s quite bouncy and provides head and neck support keeping sleepers from sinking, a common complaint with other types of foam.
Not only is latex long lasting, but it’s also resistant to moisture, dust mites, and other allergens. As a result, latex pillows are hypoallergenic, cool and provide a clean sleep.
Memory Foam Versus Latex
When shopping for a pillow, you are likely to weigh the pros and cons of latex pillows versus memory foam pillows.
The main difference between latex and memory foam is that memory foam is one hundred percent man-made, while latex is naturally derived. There are also differences in texture. Latex is a highly bouncy, elastic material, giving latex pillows a springier feel than memory foam. Rather than “sinking into” the pillow, it feels buoyant.
Memory foam pillows are available at a variety of price points, from budget-friendly to luxurious. Organic, natural latex pillows tend to be more expensive due to the lengthy manufacturing process. However, latex pillows are better for allergies and those with sensitive skin and may prove to be more durable over time.
How Often Should I Change My Pillow?
Some experts say that latex pillows can last up to ten years with correct care. However, most agree that pillows should be replaced at least every three years. One of the reasons for this is that pillows end up retaining dead skin cells and sweat. The other reason is that the buoyancy and support offered by latex depletes over time. Older latex will not provide as many benefits as newer latex pillows.
Although pillow cases and pillow covers can be machine washed as frequently as you desire, the latex pillow itself cannot be washed. You can spot-clean latex pillows with a damp, soapy cloth, taking care to let the pillow dry completely before placing it back inside the cover.
Conclusion
Organic latex pillows provide support for your head and neck, wick moisture, and control temperature so you have a cool place to sleep at night. Latex pillows are a good alternative to memory foam, for their similarity in texture, while being a natural fill for pillows not treated with chemicals. They may be longer lasting than feather-filled or down filled pillows. The height of the pillow you purchase depends on your sleep position. It may take some trial and error, but if you are dedicated to organic, hypoallergenic products, latex pillows may be a good option for you.
Related Articles
Mattress Accessories & Bedding
Best Memory Foam Pillows
Find out how sleeping on a memory foam pillow can improve your sleep, and get links to the best memory foam pillows of 2023.
Mattress 101
Dunlop vs Talalay Latex
Understand the difference between Dunlop and Talalay latex, including how each process is similar and the differences in the products produced.
Mattress Guides
Latex vs Memory Foam Mattresses
Decide which type of foam mattress is best for you by learning about the differences and similarities of latex and memory foam mattresses.