This post is part of the complete latex pillow buyers guide
Are you in the market for some good pillows but feel overwhelmed by all the choices out there? If comfort, good support, and natural material are what you are looking for, latex pillows may be suitable for you.
Latex comes from the sap of a rubber tree, so it’s a natural, safe, and eco-friendly material. What’s more, it creates soft, bouncy, and healthy pillows that have made their way to the top of the most popular pillows today.
But who are latex pillows best for? How do they feel? And how do you pick the best pillow? This guide answers all these questions and more. But first, let’s start with a list of the best latex pillows in 2022.
1. Sweet Zzz Organic Latex Pillow
No other pillow quite gets it like this Sweet Zzz Latex Pillow when it comes to adjustability.
The pillow has a unique fill adjusting feature that works with all body shapes and sizes. Besides feeling good, it also looks nice thanks to its soft, GOTS certified cotton cover.
Pros
- Certified latex fill and cotton cover for a better, more natural feel and cooling.
- The pillow is adjustable, so you don’t have to worry about the loft.
- It comes with a 50-day sleep trial and free shipping.
- Sweet Zzz is a reputable and green-conscious company.
Cons
- The pillow is not suitable for people who want a more solid latex feel.
You can learn more about the Sweet Zzz latex pillow over at their shop here.
2. Saatva Talalay Latex Pillow
Saatva is another reputable brand offering excellent green bedding, and the best among them is this Talalay latex pillow.
It is constructed with shredded, American-made Talalay latex and encased in a smaller removable pillow padded with micro-denier fiber.
The fiber has the same consistency as down to provide extra cushioning, but you can remove it to decrease the loft if you are a stomach sleeper.
The Saatva Latex Pillow is an excellent option for people who experience aches and pressure points in the neck and back. It is suitable for sleepers who weigh under 230 pounds because it’s soft and spongier than solid latex pillows.
Pros
- The pillow comes with a removable organic cover that is breathable and helps you sleep cool.
- Natural Talalay latex offers incredible comfort and support.
- The plush microfiber layer increases cooling and loft.
- It has a 45-day sleep trial.
Cons
- The pillow has a somewhat high profile unless you remove the microfiber part inside. It’s also quite pricey compared to other latex pillows in the market.
You can learn more about the Saatva Talalay latex pillow over at their shop here.
3. Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Brooklyn Bedding Latex Pillow is made of eco-friendly Talalay latex formed into a firm, solid pillow. Unlike our first two recommendations, which contain shredded latex, this specific pillow has one solid piece. As a result, it’s denser and has a higher loft which is good if you are looking for extra support.
Brooklyn Bedding Latex Pillow is more suitable for side and back sleepers, and it’s also good for heavier people. It is covered in a removable cotton cover that’s quite soft and stays cool all night long.
Pros
- Unlike most solid pillows, Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow has excellent airflow meaning your head will stay cool.
- The pillow is made of all-natural latex, which is hyper-responsive, hypoallergenic, and gentle on your skin.
- It is quite affordable.
- It comes with a 30-day sleep trial.
Cons
- Some people claim it’s too thin for side sleepers.
You can learn more about the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay latex pillow over at their shop here.
4. PureTree Shredded Latex Pillow
This exceptionally comfortable pillow features shredded latex from the sap of rubber trees. You should experience better airflow and temperature regulation thanks to the shredded latex.
The pillow feels like premium memory foam pillows, but it’s more resilient and offers additional support without losing its shape.
To ensure your comfort, PureTree Shredded Latex Pillow has a zippered inner lining that allows you to adjust the firmness and height of your pillow by removing some of the fill. Both the fill and the outer casing are GOTS certified for your health. The outer cover is removable and machine-washable.
Pros
- The pillow is available in several sizes with multi-pack options.
- The price is quite friendly.
- Adjustable loft and firmness so you can custom make your perfect pillow.
- Breathable materials allow sleepers to stay cool all night.
- The entire pillow can be washed and machine dried.
Cons
- Adjusting the shredded latex can be quite messy.
You can learn more about the PureTree latex pillow over at Amazon here.
5. Malouf Z Zoned Latex Pillow
Malouf Z Zoned Latex Pillow is the best pillow for back sleepers for several reasons. First, it provides the perfect amount of loft and firmness to keep your neck and spine aligned all night.
Secondly, it retains its form all night, so your head will not sink due to pressure. The pin-core holes in the middle and around the perimeter allow cradling support for your neck and head.
Malouf Z Zoned Latex Pillow features natural latex from rubber trees like all the other pillows highlighted here. The inside is 100% natural Talalay latex which allows ventilation and breathability. As if that wasn’t enough, it comes with a breathable cotton cover to keeps you cool all night long.
Pros
- The pillow is highly ventilated for comfort and breathability.
- It’s lightweight and easy to move.
- It’s available in several sizes and firmness levels
- The soft, breathable cover can be removed, and machine washed.
- The pillow is one of the bouncier and more resilient pillows out there.
Cons
- Malouf Z Zoned Latex Pillow is a bit costly and needs to be aired for at least a day to get rid of the smell.
You can learn more about the Malouf latex pillow over at Amazon here.
6. Avocado Green Pillow
The Avocado Green Pillow is a natural and eco-friendly latex pillow with an adjustable loft. This makes it ideal for people with neck pain issues because you can adjust the loft to a height that best suits your sleeping position.
The pillow is made with shredded latex, kapok fiber fill, and encased in a cotton liner. It’s also covered with a zippered cotton cover. You can add or reduce the fill to achieve the desired height and support, and it comes with a bag of extra fill.
Pros
- The pillow provides excellent contouring to cradle your neck perfectly and relieve pressure points.
- It’s perfect for back and side sleepers because of the excellent support.
- All the components of the pillow are GOTS, and GOLS certified.
- The pillow comes with an outstanding 100-night sleep trial and a 1-year warranty.
Cons
- The pillow is not washable, but you can remove the top cover and wash it.
You can learn more about the Avocado Green latex pillow over at their shop here.
What is a Latex Pillow?
While not as common as memory foam and fiber pillows, latex pillows are on an all-time high. They have grown in popularity mainly thanks to their soft, bouncy, and breathable nature, not to mention the incredible support.
Ideally, latex pillows are derived from the sap of rubber trees, but that’s not always the case. There are three types of latex pillows;
- Natural latex – These pillows are made purely from the sap of rubber trees, and no chemicals are used in the process.
- Synthetic latex – The pillows are made from a petrochemical called Styrene-Butadiene rubber which looks and feels like natural latex.
- Blended latex – This is the most common latex, and it’s a mixture of natural and synthetic latex.
Besides the source, latex also differs in the production process.
Dunlop Latex
Dunlop is the original and most natural method of producing latex. It involves collecting the sap from the trees, frothing it, pouring it into a mold, baking it, washing it, and finally drying the resultant foam.
The method is environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient. However, due to the frothing, sediments tend to settle at the bottom of the mold, making Dunlop latex a bit heavy and dense.
Talalay Latex
Producing Talalay latex is similar to the Dunlop, apart from one step. After frothing the sap, the mixture is only poured halfway into the mold. They then apply a vacuum to expand the other half of the sap, and the resultant mixture is frozen and then baked, washed, and dried.
The vacuuming and freezing make the latex much softer, airier, and fluffier. This makes Talalay latex the preferred production method for pillows because they are cooler, bouncier, and softer.
Benefits of Latex Pillows
As you may have noticed, all the latex pillows we have listed here are natural latex. This is because natural latex provides plenty of benefits such as durability, superior support, breathability, and antiallergenic properties. However, those are not the only reasons you should choose latex pillows over other types of pillows in the market.
1. Contouring
Like memory foam, the best latex pillows contour your head, neck, and shoulders, giving you a perfect resting position. Latex in nature is bouncy and resilient, which keeps your pillow from bottoming out.
The pillow provides the optimum amount of support and promotes proper spinal alignment. What’s more, latex is springy, which allows you to sleep on the surface instead of sinking into the pillow. This makes it ideal for people who deal with neck and back pain.
2. Cool and Breathable
One of the issues people have with memory foam and down alternatives is overheating. This is not an issue with latex pillows, as they are naturally cool and breathable. Since latex comes from a plant, it features a natural open-cell structure that makes it highly breathable and cool.
Besides, the best latex pillows feature pinhole patterns that allow more airflow, especially if you go with shredded latex pillows.
3. Hypoallergenic
Good quality sleep is among the most critical factors for your overall health. Unfortunately, allergies can get in the way of that and make your nights and mornings a nightmare. Thankfully, latex is 100% hypoallergenic. It helps keep off dust mites, mold, and other allergens so you can sleep soundly and wake fresh.
4. Eco-friendly
If you are looking for a green pillow, then latex is your solution. Natural latex is the most eco-friendly option out there because collecting sap from rubber trees doesn’t harm them at all. In fact, rubber trees can live upwards of 25 years with a constant flow of sap. In the end, natural latex is easily recycled and biodegradable, so it won’t end up in landfills.
5. Long-lasting
Latex is naturally dense, strong, and very resilient. Because of its bouncy nature, latex is quite responsive, which means it springs back to its original shape once you get up. A combination of these factors make latex pillows quite durable. Shockingly, Dunlop latex, which is denser than Talalay can last over 15 years, while Talalay will still look good after seven years with proper care.
6. Good for Side Sleepers and Heavy People
More often than not, side sleepers have a hard time finding the perfect pillow because they require extra support and loft. Latex pillows, especially Dunlop are dense, lofty and very supportive which makes them ideal for side sleepers. The pillows are also responsive so side sleepers can sleep on a consistent loft, which is crucial for spinal alignment.
The same problem affects heavier people who require a pillow that can handle a little more pressure. Not only do latex pillows offer the necessary support, they also fight back by being responsive and don’t bottom out after a week of use. Therefore, heavy individuals should go with denser pillows for more support when choosing the best latex pillows.
7. Little Maintenance
Most latex pillows cannot be machine washed or even hand washed with water. However, the material doesn’t really need all that much maintenance. Simply wipe the surface of the pillow with a clean wet cloth and allow it to air dry. Ideally, the pillow should always have a cover to keep it from dirt and fluids.
How to Choose the Best Latex Pillow
Purchasing the best latex pillow is influenced mainly by your sleeping position, body type, and personal preference. Sometimes, your mattress can even affect the kind of pillows you get.
That said, the most significant consideration should be filling, or rather what’s inside the pillow. Filling determines the level of support you get, pressure relief, and comfort. Latex pillows may be shredded or solid, depending on how cool and soft you want them to be.
When you are in the store comparing several latex pillows, ask yourself the following;
Is It Adjustable?
Comfort is the number one reason we buy pillows. But, if the pillow is uncomfortable, can you do something about it, or do you have to buy another one? A natural latex pillow that allows you to adjust the loft and density by removing or adding fill comes in handy. It also helps during different times of the year when you need different things from the pillow. For example, when you have neck pain and pressure points, you need a pillow that is the same level as your mattress.
Is the Latex Natural or Synthetic?
As mentioned above, latex pillows can be natural, synthetic, or a mixture of both. While natural is a bit on the expensive side, it comes with many benefits that you can’t get from synthetic latex. For example, natural latex is antimicrobial, bouncy, cool, and more resilient, making it more supportive.
How Firm is the Pillow?
Again, the best latex pillows come in several firmness levels ranging from 1 to 10. One is the softest while ten is the firmest. How firm or soft a pillow is affects your comfort, depending on your sleeping style. For example, back and side sleepers require a firm pillow to provide consistent support and spinal alignment. On the other hand, Stomach sleepers need a soft pillow to ensure the entire body is flat to avoid neck and back pain.
On the issue of height, stomach sleepers require low loft pillows, while back sleepers need high to medium loft pillows.
Final Verdict
Using this guide, you can easily pick the best latex pillow for your specific needs. Consider one of the six natural latex pillows highlighted here as they were handpicked for their exceptional qualities. Whatever you do, know that choosing the best latex pillow comes down to personal preference, so pick what makes you happy.
Latex Pillows: A complete buyers guide – Parts:
1. Why Should You Use A Latex Pillow? The Pros and Cons
2. Latex vs Memory Foam Pillows: What’s the difference and which is better?
3. Are Latex Pillows Safe? What about the smell?
4. How Long Do Latex Pillows Last? This is the replacement time
5. How to Wash And Dry a Latex Pillow: Step by step guide
6. Best Latex Pillows of 2022 – Full Guide and Review
