Is Your Pillow Making You Sick?
Considering we spend over 1/3 of our days sleeping (and for kids it’s more), what we’re laying our heads on and by default inhaling, MATTERS!
Are pillows something you’ve considered on your low tox journey?
Polyurethane foam (memory foam) or synthetic fibers are often treated with chemicals like formaldehyde, flame retardants, or VOCs. These chemicals can off-gas over time, releasing fumes that may irritate the respiratory system and contribute to allergies, headaches, or asthma.
common pillow fill
Polyester fiberfill: made from polyethylene terepthalate. Poly fiberfill is registered in the US Toxic Substances Control Act. The production of polyester itself is toxic involving chemical ingredients like formaldehyde, benzene & toluene.
Memory Foam: a conforming visco-elastic foam made by adding chemicals to the petrochemical foam, polyurethane.
Synthetic latex: a synthetically produced petroleum based compound, most commonly styrene-butadiene rubber, which is made to have similar properties to natural latex. It can emit high levels of VOCs.
Even if a pillow’s toxin output doesn’t immediately affect our sleep (though many experience respiratory irritation from the initial off-gassing odours), breathing in chemical fumes which are emitted from petrochemical foams can potentially have detrimental long term health effects.
dust mites
If your pillow is older, it can accumulate dust mites, allergens, or even mould which can trigger allergies, asthma, or respiratory issues, leading to repeated sickness.
Dust mites can make up to one third of a pillows volume and can leave droppings which exacerbate asthma, hayfever and eczema! PMC8407038
VOCs
The most concerning toxins which are commonly in pillows include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde and phthalates
It is not just new pillows which “off-gas”, it has been shown that over time as foams break down, they also release toxins into the air for us to unwittingly breathe in.
I advise to avoid:
polyurethane foam
memory foam
‘contour’’ pillows
what to look for in a non-toxic pillow?
Low VOC certification
No added fragrances or antimicrobials
No polyurethane foam
No PVC or vinyl
fillers I like
what about down pillows?
Definetly a lower tox option, Down and Feather fills tend to be quite clean and chemical free when coming from a reputable source, BUT I still don’t recommend them as they can be prone to fungi growth (aka MOULD!).
A study in the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology shows fungi growth found in synthetic and feather pillows. (PMC16364170)
There is also the animal rights issue with feather pillows. It’s often hard hard to trace where they’re from and live plucking is a common practice in certain countries where animal rights aren’t a priority.
what I choose for my family
better PVC-free mattress protector brands 💤
Avoid all PVC mattress protectors!
Phthalates, chemicals often added to make PVC flexible, linked to hormone disruption, developmental issues in children, and fertility problems.
PVC often release toxic fumes (off-gassing), can be irritating, especially for asthmatics and affect air quality.
LOOK FOR: Natural materials like organic cotton, wool, or bamboo. non-toxic, breathable protection without harmful chemical exposure.
NZ/AUS - adults/kids
Peace Lily
The Midnight Gang
The Natural Bedding Company
Organature Australia
Cots-babies
Innature
Living Textiles Co
US
Naturepedic
Avocado Green
Happsy Sleep
