What Is Memory Foam
Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam. As with all foams, memory foam compresses under pressure. The difference with other polyurethane foams is that memory foam also contains added chemicals that increase its viscosity and elasticity, hence its alternate name, viscoelastic foam.
When pressure is applied, memory foam has the ability to be stretched into different shapes, and then slowly return to its original form when the pressure is lifted. Thanks to these attributes, memory foam excels at absorbing energy to provide pressure relief.
Memory foam was originally developed by NASA in the 1960s to provide cushioning against vibrations and potential crashes. Later, the material was used to prevent bedsores for patients who were unable to move for long periods of time. In the 1990s, TempurPedic brought the world the first memory foam mattress.
Because memory foam is activated by heat, it easily molds to the shape of your body and provides relief and support for your specific body shape. Memory foam also excels at preventing motion transfer from one partner to another. Newer generations of memory foam incorporate elements that strive to reduce heat retention and enable easier movement on top of the bed.
Sleep With Comfort And Support With A New Natural Memory Foam Pillow
If you are a side sleeper, then finding the right memory foam pillow can be a challenge. You want a memory foam pillow that is supportive and comfortable and that features the contouring abilities to conform to your sleeping style. It is also important to make sure that you are buying an eco-friendly pillow and mattress that doesnt harm the environment during its creation. Hopefully this list of eco-friendly pillow options will help you get started as you shop for a new pillow.
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Organic Textiles Organic Cotton Pillow
Organic Textiles Organic Cotton Pillows are medium filled, so they should be the right choice for most sleepers. Its got a removable and machine-washable zippered cover, so its easy to maintain your organic pillows fresh and clean. This eco-friendly pillow is made from natural materials and the cotton used is GOTS certified, which means its free from toxic pollutants and will not off-gas.
This organic cotton-filled pillow comes in five sizes: travel 12 x 16, child 16 x 20, standard 20 x 26 , queen 20 x 31, and king 20 x 36. This organic pillow is a good option for people who prefer firm pillows.
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What Are We Wanting To Look For In A Non
- Low VOC certification
- Organic Buckwheat and Millet
- Down and Feather fills tend to be quite clean and chemical free when coming from a reputable source. Though from an ethical perspective, an understanding of where and how the down is sourced is important.
- Covers organic cotton, organic hemp, organic bamboo lyocell
Potentially Toxic Materials Used In Memory Foam
Common harmful chemicals that were historically found in memory foam mattresses include:
- Methylbenzene: Methylbenzene, more commonly known as toluene, is a clear liquid that occurs naturally in crude oil. Toluene is toxic when inhaled in large quantities.
- Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde sometimes results as a by-product of the foam manufacturing process, though this is much less common nowadays. Formaldehyde fumes can irritate the eyes, nose and mouth, and it is known to be a human carcinogen.
- Methylene Dianiline: Used as a reactant in the foam manufacturing process, methylene dianiline causes irritation when coming into contact with skin, and may be carcinogenic.
- Methylene Chloride: Formerly used as a blowing agent, this substance is a suspected carcinogen and can pose serious health risks if it comes into contact to the skin or mucous membranes.
- Chlorofluorocarbons: Chlorofluorocarbons were formerly used as a blowing agent, but use of these substances is now limited because of their ozone-depleting effects.
With new research and more understanding about the harm that chemicals can cause to consumers and the environment, many companies have found safer alternatives that still provide the benefits we associate with memory foam.
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The Best Sustainable & Non
For many years, sleep was not my priority. As a young adult, I thought that neglecting my sleep wouldnt do much harm. I know that so many people are guilty of this, but this isnt a healthy way to live. A good nights sleep is crucial for our well-being, health, and ability to concentrate. We not only should get at least seven hours of shut-eye per night, but we also need to make sure that we are sleeping well.
One of the best ways to improve our sleep quality is by investing in comfortable pillows. However, most pillows contain hazardous chemicals and toxins that we are exposed to all night long.
These conventional pillows are not only unhealthy, but theyre also not sustainably made. The key to avoiding them is to buy your sleep pillows from brands that care about your health and the planet.
Here is a compilation of 15 brands that make sustainable and non-toxic pillows!
Natural Alternatives To Memory Foam Pillows
If you enjoy the comfort and support memory foam pillows provide, but want to avoid the chemical smell, there are some alternatives.
Buckwheat pillows are natural, and are chemical-free. Pillows filled with down, cotton, wool, latex, kapok or millet hulls can also be considered good alternatives to memory foam.
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What You Do Want In A Pillow
Natural pillows come in a range of different materials, and depending on your needs/sleeping preferences, youll want to select one of the following:
When investing in a natural pillow, I recommend you get one with a zipper, so that you can remove or add more fiber to make it your ideal level of fullness and firmness.
Stay sane,
Best Gel Pillow Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
SPECS:
- Fill: Plush gel fibers
- Comfort: All sleep positions
This organic gel pillow by the Beckham Hotel Collection is made of plush gel-filled fibers that make this pillow one of the most comfortable and plush youll find. Theyre made to maximize comfort for any sleep position to ensure you can fall asleep comfortably and keep cool throughout the night. As the case material is made of 100% cotton, these pillows are hypoallergenic, dust mite, mold and mildew resistant, which is ideal for allergy or asthma sufferers. These pillows are also fade and stain-resistant, so you wont have to worry about them getting stained permanently. Simply toss them in the wash on a gentle, cold cycle and give them a fluff by hand once theyve dried. Beckham also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee which allows you to return the pillows for a full refund if youre not completely sold.
Pros
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It’s Time To Love Your Pillow Again Say Goodbye To Restless Nights And Hello To Better Mornings
Dual-Comfort
Soft on one side and firm on the other means you get to choose the comfort level that’s right for you.
Customizable Support
Different body types require different head and neck support. Lull’s unique dual-comfort pillow design ensures you always get the support you need.
Cooling Gel
Cooling gel polymer on both sides is designed to transfer heat away from the head to keep you cool all night long.
Durable
Made from premium high-quality memory foams that are designed to stand the test of time.
Machine Washable
The removable cotton cover is machine washable in order to keep your pillow free of dust and allergens.
Certified Safe
Lull only uses CertiPUR-US® Certified foams which are made without ozone depleters, flame retardant chemicals, and heavy metals.
Types Of Organic Pillows
Here are some of the different types of organic pillows available.
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Best Natural Goose Feather Wenersi Goose Feather Pillow
SPECS:
- Fill: 85% feather, 15% down
- Comfort: Back and side sleepers
Malleable, yet supportive, this goose feather pillow has a 15% down and 85% feather blend for added softness. This is a great pillow to help support the head and neck and provide superior pressure relief. The natural fill and 100% cotton cover is highly breathable for a cooler nights sleep. Available in both firm and soft supports, you can also choose between queen and king-sized options. Best for back and side sleepers, you have a good range to choose from depending on your body shape and size. If you prefer a pillow you can fold, hug and shape, this is a great option.
Pros
The Benefits Of Latex Pillows
Latex naturally ventilates and breathes, making it more of a cooling pillow than memory foam pillows. This is due to the open cell structure of latex, compared to the closed cell structure of materials like memory foam.
Why do memory foam pillows sleep hot?
Memory foam pillows sleep hot because there are plasticizers in the material, which your body heats up as it lays on top of the memory foam. Plasticizers are essentially plastic, or PVCs. These are chemicals that are not included in any of Sleeping Organics 100% natural latex. This means youll not only sleep healthier, but cooler too!
Less moisture, more breathability
The open cell structure of pillows made from shredded latex foam plus the lack of PVCs make it not only more breathable than memory foam style pillows, but dryer too. Pillows filled with latex material wont make you sweat like a memory foam pillow, leaving you much drier at night and extending the life of the product.
Were proud to offer a completely non-toxic pillow thats free of harmful chemicals, from the cover to the filling itself.
The cover
The zipper-off cover is organic cotton. This means theres no herbacides, pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs used throughout the growing, harvesting, and manufacturing processes.
The filling
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Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Air And Gel Pillow
Where to Buy: Cariloha
Where its Made: China
Air Pillow Price: $79-89
Gel Pillow Price: $109-119
Features: Renewable Resources, Hypoallergenic, Naturally Breathable, Repels Odors and Allergens, Natural Insulator, Sleeps Cool
Inspired by the essence and energy of the islands, Cariloha blends the style of the Caribbean with the Spirit of Aloha to provide products driven by comfort and natural luxury. They turn self-replenishing bamboo fields into crazy-soft bamboo fabrics for bedding, apparel, and more.
Experience: These eco-friendly pillows felt luxurious and oh so comfortable. Youll feel like youre on vacation sleeping on one of these. Both pillows are soft and supportive, but Id say the Bamboo Charcoal Air pillow is softer and the Gel pillow sleeps cooler, although both sleep cool. Cariloha also sent us some beautiful bamboo pillowcases which were ridiculously soft, luxurious, and cooling as well. Just be careful when washing them because someone must have used the wrong setting and slightly shrank them. The Viscose-from-Bamboo cover is extremely soft and while the pillows may look like something from another planet, even the microgel is made from Bamboo charcoal.
Shepherd Dream Ecowool Sleep Pillow
A pillow for neck and back issues
Organic cotton and eco wool enveloped in cotton sateen make up these pillows.
Users can pick out their pillows since they offer soft, medium, and firm densities. You can achieve your goal of uninterrupted sleep with either of these.
The pillows have neck roll pillows within for substantial neck and back support . It will heal your sinus and neck problems. During side and back sleeping, it will support your cervical spine and keep it in its proper position. No more morning aches to disturb your daily routine of activities.
The organic wool pillows are naturally fireproof and incombustible. The chemical-free and non-irritant sleep will ensure a healthy sleeping environment.
The pillows are permeable and breathable, circulate the fresh air and create a more moisture-resistant and dry sleep.
The eco-wool pillows are great for toddlers. Due to the absence of microorganisms and allergies , they can experience adequate sleep. The eco-friendly wool in these shepherds dream pillows will ensure the comfort and health of your child.
The finest natural ingredients used during its manufacturing prevent all the allergens and mites from attacking its surface. Their wool rapidly absorbs and expels moisture, preventing the wet conditions that mold needs to grow. It keeps it fresh all the time.
Use the Coyuchi Organic Cotton Pillow Protector to prolong the life of your pillow and keep it exceptionally clean.
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Made For Side Sleepers By Side Sleepers
Old fashioned pillows are made with cheap foam dumped into a sack. But side sleepers need more support, and we will try anything to get it folding, stacking, nothing works.
Pillow Cube fills the gap between your bed and your head, aligns your spine, and supports your noggin.
Our customers report that they get better sleep, wake up pain free and full of energy.
Deals so good… You may just pause your Walkman Shop the Fall Sale Now
Are Chemicals Only Found In Memory Foam Pillows
Most pillows, even natural or organic, contain some form of chemical in either their processing or composition.
- Memory foam pillows haves the highest amount of chemicals.
- Latex pillows, whether blended , or all-natural, contain fewer chemicals than memory foam.
- Down and feather pillows are clean, free from chemicals.
The fillers that are cleanest , are buckwheat, wool, kapok, organic cotton and millet. Note that they may be treated with chemicals for a variety of reasons.
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What To Consider When Shopping For A Non
- The Material: The vast majority of pillows are made from synthetic materials, the most common being polyester or memory foam. If youre looking for something more natural, check out natural latex, kapok and buckwheat pillows.
- The Covers: A good number of pillows have fabric covers that are made of polyester, which can be toxic. Make sure you pick pillows with GOTS certified organic cotton covers. Its also helpful if theyre removable for easy washing.
- Certificates: A good manufacturer will list the contents of their pillows on their website. Look for pillows that contain at least 95% natural ingredients, and are GOTS certified organic or OEKO-TEX certified to be free of toxins. If you want to buy memory foam pillows, be sure theyre CertiPUR certified, which means that its made of low-emission materials.
Should I Be Concerned About The Use Of Foam
Although memory foam is generally considered safe, it may pose a problem for certain people, such as those who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Memory foam may also bother you if you are very sensitive to smells. Parents may prefer to use natural materials for their childrens mattress, and memory foam is not recommended for young children or babies as they require a firmer surface to lower the risk of suffocation.
Individuals who wish to avoid memory foam can find plenty of natural alternatives. A popular substitute is natural latex, a material derived from the sap of rubber trees that is breathable, durable, and more bouncy than memory foam. More rarely, some hybrid beds may combine an innerspring core with naturally derived comfort layers made of wool, cotton batting, or feathers.
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Lauren Fountain
Certified Sleep Coach
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
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What Makes Pillows Sustainable & Non
Sustainable and non-toxic pillows are made from eco-friendly materials, without using any harsh chemicals and treatments.
An easy way to know if youre investing in a healthy pillow is to check if it has been certified non-toxic by MADE SAFE, or if the brand received the Greenguard Gold certification. Both are proof that you will not be exposed to unsafe chemicals while sleeping.
Do not forget to make sure that the pillow you are purchasing is of good quality. It needs to be comfortable, provide proper support, and keep its shape with time.
Sustainable pillows are also made by transparent companies that pay their workers well, and that often give back to non-profit organizations.
