Nothing beats the feeling of sinking into bed after a long day’s work. That moment the head hits the pillow, and with it, every tense and aching bone becomes one with the bed. It is such a relief that it is no wonder most of us quickly call it a night the moment we collapse into this haven of comfort.
Because the rest is so crucial for us to recharge, our beddings must be up to standard. The pillow is essential because it plays a massive role in the head, neck, and spine alignment. As such, it needs to be firm while comfortable, customizable, while affordable.
The material composition of the right pillow is a crucial consideration as it influences how comfortable a user will be. While pillows are made from varying materials, sleepers are drifting towards environmental considerations each day.
Why?
Some sleepers are very sensitive and therefore need to lie on hypoallergenic material that will not irritate them. Moreover, mother earth needs us to be more concerned for her state and requires us to reduce pollution as much as we can and then some. The renewed championship for animal rights impresses upon us to manufacture and consume products that are animal and cruelty-free yet high-quality and sustainable.
It is no surprise that vegan pillows are gaining traction in the market today as a healthy option for any sleeper.
What are vegan pillows?
A vegan pillow is made purely from plant-derived material such as cotton, kapok, or buckwheat. It differs from a natural pillow, which would use animal-derived material such as wool or down feathers.
Simply put, a vegan pillow will be made entirely free of any animal-derived filling. Its manufacturing process should be free of animal cruelty.
A vegan pillow will be ideal for anyone with allergies or skin conditions that require contact with gentle, chemical-free material. It is for that environment conservation enthusiast that wishes to lower their carbon footprint contribution.
We have put together a list of our top 7 picks for comfortable vegan pillows and why they are so great.
Our 7 Top Picks for Amazing Vegan Pillows
1. Editor’s Pick: Bean Products Standard Organic Kapok Pillow
These pillows are going off the shelves faster than candy in a kid-filled store, and with good reason. Made from a blend of 100% organic cotton and rain forest kapok fibers, it promises luxury and restful sleep.
The material is breathable and moisture-absorbent and will be great for victims of overheating during the night. The blend allows for adequate airflow that limits dust mites’ settling and any other germs on the material.
While the pillow is designed with comfort in mind, the loft is adjustable to suit personalized needs. This means that you can add or remove the filling until you have arrived at the ideal firmness to accommodate your sleeping position. The cover is removable and machine-washable.
A huge plus for this kapok pillow is that it is available in numerous sizes, from a neck roll size to a standard size to a king size. This variety is a major selling point as it is possible to get a pillow for everyone in the home!
Major features:
- Made from a blend of cotton and kapok fibers
- Breathable material
- Adjustable loft
- Removable and machine-washable cover
- Available in numerous sizes
2. Runner’s Up: Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow
This pillow prides itself on being vegan and cruelty-free. It is made from gel-infused memory foam and a micro-fiber fill blend that is adjustable and contours with your head for superior comfort. You can remove or add the foam to your liking based on your size, the desired shape, and sleeping position. A bonus ½ lb bag of loft comes with each purchase should you want more firmness.
The cover is made from a blend of bamboo-derived viscose rayon and polyester that is so soft and plush to your skin. It is hypoallergenic and will be dust mite resistant. For easy cleaning, the cover is removable and machine-washable.
Beyond being vegan, the pillow ranks highly in terms of organic material content. It is GreenGuard Gold certified, implying that it has almost zero Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions. It is Certi-PUR-US certified, therefore safe from toxins and harmful chemicals.
Just in case you are not satisfied with the pillow, Coop Home Goods offers a 100-day return policy. Additionally, the pillow comes with a 5-year warranty.
Major features:
- Made from gel-infused memory foam and micro-fill blend
- Cover made from a hypoallergenic blend of bamboo-derived rayon and polyester
- Removable and machine-washable cover
- Bonus ½ lb bag of loft for adjustable filling
- GreenGuard Gold certified
- Certi-PUR-US certified
- 100-day return policy and 5-year warranty
3. Also Great: NTCOCO Pillow- Shredded Memory Foam Bed Pillow
This pillow may not be 100% organic, but it is undoubtedly considered 100% vegan as it contains no animal-derived filling. It is made from shredded memory foam that is adjustable and that contours with your head to give delightful comfort and pleasurable rest.
The cover is made from a blend of bamboo-derived rayon and polyester to make a material that is breathable and that allows for plenty of airflow. With its capacity to absorb heat and regulate temperature, you are assured of a cool night. The cover is removable and machine washable for easy cleaning.
Dual zippers on each end of the pillow allow you to add onto or remove the filling in the search for the ideal firmness to support your head, neck, and spine for proper alignment. The adjustable loft makes this pillow great for any sleeper, whether you stick to one position or fidget around.
The pillow is available in king and queen sizes, which accommodate different customers. Moreover, these sizes are super easy to find additional pillowcases. You can opt to buy the pillow in a one-pack or two-pack.
Major features:
- Made from adjustable, shredded memory foam
- Cover made from bamboo-derived rayon and polyester blend
- Removable and machine washable cover
- Dual zippers for adjustable loft
- Available in king and queen sizes
- Available in one-pack or two-pack
4. Best Value: Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
The Beckham Hotel Collection offers comfort at a great value in its 2-pack pillows. These pillows are made from 100% poly-gel fiber that is luxurious and divine. With their no-shift construction, they are ideal for any sleeper and any sleep position.
The material is breathable to regulate and keep temperatures cool throughout the night. It is dust mite, mold, and mildew resistant to maintain healthy rest throughout extended use. Moreover, the material is hypoallergenic and free from any chemicals. It is a fantastic option for users with allergies, asthma, or any other respiratory challenges.
The pillows are fade and stain resistant to retain their new feel and look. The cover is removable and machine-washable to facilitate easy cleaning,
The pillows come with a 30-day guarantee to reassure you that they mean comfort. If unsatisfied, you may return the pillows for a full refund.
Major features:
- Made from poly gel fiber filling
- Material is breathable and dust mite, mold, and mildew resistant
- Hypoallergenic material
- Removable and machine washable cover
- 30-day guarantee
5. Best Buckwheat Pillow- Beans72 Pillow
Beans72 go miles to design their pillow from buckwheat that is chemical and toxin-free, and that has no animal-derived filling. This fill is then covered with 100% unbleached cotton cover soft to the touch and even snugger to lie on.
Buckwheat hulls are incredibly breathable and will allow for air circulation in the pillow, such that it will regulate temperature and keep hot sleepers cool throughout the night. It is adjustable, meaning you can purchase more buckwheat hull to add to the pad or remove some of it until you have found the ideal firmness.
The Beans 72 pillow has USDA Organic Buckwheat Hulls certification, indicating that it is chemical-free. As such, it will be comfortable even for sensitive users.
All these superb qualities of the Beans72 pillow come at an affordable budget that is relatively lower than other such pillows.
Major features:
● Made from organic buckwheat and unbleached cotton cover
● Adjustable loft
● Most importantly, USDA Organic Buckwheat Hulls certification
6. Best for Neck Pain: Sleepsia Bamboo/ Memory Foam Pillow
Sleepsia is dedicated to providing maximum comfort for rest-filled nights and rejuvenated mornings. This is true of their vegan pillow made from shredded memory foam and polyester.
The shredded foam contours to cradle your head and keep it along with the neck and spine in proper alignment. The fill is adjustable, allowing you to add onto or remove the loft for optimal firmness and personalized comfort.
The material is breathable and moisture-wicking. It is a sure winner with hot sleepers. It is dust-mite and germs resistant, keeping a user healthy even with prolonged pillow use. The cover is removable and machine-washable for easy cleaning.
The pillow is available in standard, king, and queen sizes.
Major features:
- Made from shredded memory foam and polyester
- Adjustable loft
- Breathable and moisture-wicking material
- Removable and machine-washable cover
- Available in standard, king, and queen sizes
7. Best for side sleepers: Zoey Curve Pillow
Side sleepers often suffer challenges finding the proper alignment for the head and spine while asleep. The Zoey Curve Pillow is designed to offer these sleepers the best in quality rest. It is so designed to contour with the head for that elusive bit of comfort.
However, the pillow is not only ideal for side sleepers- The adjustable loft offers back and stomach sleepers the ideal firmness to ensure they wake up happy and healthy too.
The pillow is made from shredded memory foam. The material is derived from sustainable woods like Birch, Eucalyptus, and Oak. The cover is breathable and allows for adequate airflow. It is removable and machine-washable.
The pillow material is hypoallergenic. No chemicals or toxins are used in its making. As such, it is a healthy option even for sensitive persons or those that suffer allergies.
The pillow is available in king and queen sizes.
Major features
- Adjustable loft
- Material derived from sustainable woods such as Birch, Eucalyptus, and Oak
- Breathable, removable, and machine-washable cover
- Hypoallergenic
- Available in king and queen sizes
Types of Vegan Pillows
The type of vegan pillow will depend on the main material component. Types of pillows include:
a) Cotton pillow
Cotton is a naturally grown plant fiber. While it can be grown organically or inorganically, it is devoid of any animal-derived component.
The fiber derived after ginning is strong, breathable, hypoallergenic, and comfortable.
The cotton pillow will stay cool in the hot season and warm up during the winter. It is exceptionally absorbent and will keep you dry even through night sweats that would otherwise be very uncomfortable.
b) Kapok pillow
Kapok is a tree that produces pods with cotton-like fiber. The fibers are silkier than cotton and are separated from the seeds to fill mattresses and pillows. Kapok fiber is mixed with latex fiber for fuller pillows.
A kapok pillow will feel like a down pillow as it will be extra soft and luxurious. Like cotton, kapok is purely plant-derived, and as such, the material is free from animal-derived components.
c) Latex pillow
Latex is harvested from rubber trees to create a material that is sturdy and comfortable. It can either be produced organically or inorganically.
Latex pillows are breathable and will keep you cool throughout the night for great sleep.
Shredded latex will contour to your neck and head for a boost of coziness. Some pillows will come with a zipper and adjustable loft to allow you to add or remove the material to your liking.
d) Buckwheat pillow
Buckwheat is a naturally durable grain that has been used in Asia for eons. The seeds are removed, and the hulls are cleaned and dried to make the pillow. Such a pillow tends to be more firm than one made from wool, kapok, or latex.
It is an excellent alternative to other organic or inorganic materials you may be allergic to. This pillow will contour to your head for extra comfort and will not flatten over time like other materials. The hull is breathable to promote air circulation.
What to Consider when Choosing a Vegan Pillow
i) Material
For a pillow to qualify as vegan, the material will be derived from natural plant material such as cotton, buckwheat, latex, or synthetic material. The material must contain no animal-derived filling and must be produced in such a manner that no animal cruelty was involved.
Even where the ad claims that it is vegan, always check what the pillow is made from and see if it agrees with you.
ii) Firmness
A pillow’s firmness determines the level of support it offers. If it is too firm, it may leave you with a stiff neck. On the other hand, if it is too soft, it may fail to offer the necessary reinforcement. A vegan pillow is not in any way supposed to fail in terms of firmness. It should deliver sturdy support and soothing rest at the same time.
iii) Loft
A pillow ought to fill in the space between the head, neck, and mattress. A side-sleeper will need a higher pillow to allow room for the shoulders’ breadth. A stomach sleeper, on the other hand, will need a flat pillow to avoid twisting their neck.
An adjustable loft is the best purchase as it will allow you to add or remove the filling until you have found the best level for your sleep needs. Luckily, many vegan pillow brands are adjustable to meet this very demand.
Loft and firmness are intertwined. A big but soft pillow will allow the head to sink in further, which will reduce the loft.
iv) Moldability
Sometimes we want to mold the pillow we lie on to fit the most comfortable shape or cuddle our heads and necks while we sleep. If this is you, consider the material making the pillow. A cotton pillow will be moldable, while one made from latex may not be so.
v) Breathability
A good sleep accessory will regulate the temperature so that you are neither too hot nor too cold. As such, the material should be breathable, allowing for air circulation. Most vegan materials are breathable, making these pillows all the more favorable.
vi) Price
The budget will play a massive role in the pillow you ultimately settle for. Purely vegan pillows may be priced a bit steeper than conventional pillows. However, with increased demand, more and more brands are being introduced to offer this quality at lower prices. Consider more affordable material such as cotton if more expensive latex or buckwheat is outside your budget.
vii) Durable
Good quality vegan material, such as cotton or latex, is durable. Of course, the durability of the pillow will be determined by more than the material composition. How you use and take care of the pillow will go a long way in ensuring that it lasts you a good long while.
The Drawbacks of using Vegan Pillows
Like any other product in the market, some challenges come with using vegan pillows. While they are such a healthy and animal-cruelty alternative, not all manufacturers use purely vegan material.
What may be touted as pure bamboo, for example, may be sawdust used to add to the pillow’s feel. Be on the look-out for certification that a pillow is made from at least 80% vegan filling.
Moreover, vegan material such as buckwheat may come with a natural odor that takes some getting used to. Thankfully, the odor is likely to dissipate over time and should not be a cause for concern. If you are sensitive to smells, however, you may have to contend with a few uncomfortable nights.
Vegan pillows are often densely packed and, as such, may not be as shifty as those made from down-filling. While firmness is suitable for head, neck, and spine alignment, adjusting to a new pillow, especially from a softer, down-filled one, may take a moment or two.
Final Say
When it comes to sleep, we really should not compromise on quality. Healthy rest is necessary for us to be rejuvenated and productive.
A vegan pillow goes a long way in ensuring that we achieve this comfort. Made mostly from natural plant material, such a pillow is designed to be hypoallergenic and luxurious. This aside, it will contribute to protecting the environment, reducing the carbon footprint, and protecting animals from cruelty.
As the need for more vegan brands steadily rises, there are more and more options in the market each day for your selection. Keep in mind your firmness, material component, sensitivity, and budgetary needs.
With the best vegan pillows, your sleep health is guaranteed of a steady incline.
FAQ Section
1. Why are vegan pillows better than conventional pillows?
In plenty of ways, a vegan pillow is a better option than conventional pillows. Made from plant material, the pillow will be formed using hypoallergenic material that is comfortable and gentle even for sensitive skin.
Harvesting the filling material from plant sources contributes to protecting animals from cruelty, a cause that has gained traction in recent years.
Moreover, it is argued that using vegan pillows contributes to environmental protection by lowering the carbon footprint.
2. Are vegan pillows more expensive than conventional pillows?
A vegan pillow will be relatively more expensive than a conventional pillow, mostly where the filling is derived from natural plant fiber. This is attributed to the production process, which may be more costly than a regular pillow.
Nevertheless, this does not mean that you cannot find the right pillow within your budget. There are lots of options out there, as well as discounts and offers to take advantage of. Do your research thoroughly and patiently to match what you need to what you can afford.
3. How can one check if a pillow is genuinely vegan?
Be on the look-out for labels such as ‘animal-cruelty free.’ Check the material composition of the filling and the cover for any animal-derived products such as down-filling or wool.
Moreover, it will be prudent to check whether the plant fiber counts as vegan, for instance, where sawdust is used as a filler to improve texture. Natural vegan fiber will include kapok, buckwheat, latex, and cotton.
4. Does a vegan pillow mean that it is also organic?
Not necessarily. Organic products are made using purely organic materials and processes from beginning to end. Animal-derived filling such as wool can be termed as organic depending on how the sheep are reared.
On the flip-side, a vegan pillow may be made both from natural plant fiber and from synthetic material.