Are you getting a good night’s sleep? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably no.
It’s no secret that our sleeping habits significantly impact our overall health. But what you may not know is that your pillow could be making you sick.
Wait! What? Is my pillow toxic?
Potentially, yes! Some pillows contain high levels of toxic chemicals, which can cause various health problems.
In this article, I discuss the dangers of toxic pillows and how you can find safe alternatives.
Contents
Synthetic pillows (polyester, memory foam, polyurethane) frequently contain chemicals, including flame retardants, and VOCs such as formaldehyde.
One of the most dangerous toxins in pillows is polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a commonly used flame-retardant chemical.
Brominated flame retardants linked to PBDE exposure were detected at much higher bromine levels in polyurethane foam pillows than in feather or polyester pillows. Bromine in sleeping pillows is a strong predictor of PBDEs in blood (Imm et al., 2009).
Pillows made from synthetic materials such as polyester, urethane foam, and polyethylene emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Laboratory testing found that all evaluated pillows emitted VOCs, including formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene (Oshima et al., 2021).
The polyester samples were found to emit the most formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (cancer.gov).
Pesticides are used to kill pests when growing crops for traditional fabrics such as non-organic cotton.
Toxic pesticide residues from cultivation or storage can be detected in finished textiles (Carlsson et al., 2021).
Many pillows are treated with perfumes and deodorants such as limonene via a process known as microencapsulation.
"In textiles, the major interest in microencapsulation is currently in the application of durable fragrances and skin softeners," says Dr Gordon Nelson, director of technology at Fluid Technologies Ltd.
But public-health agencies classify limonene as a skin sensitizer that may cause an allergic skin reaction (National Library of Medicine).
Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments and are more common on synthetic pillows.
In a 12-month test, synthetic pillows accumulated higher levels of dust-mite allergen (Der p 1) than feather pillows placed on the same beds (Rains et al., 1999).
They feed on dead skin cells, and their excrement can trigger allergies and asthma attacks in sensitive people.
Fungi are another type of microorganism found in pillows. The most common household fungi are Aspergillus fumigatus.
Like mold and mildew, fungi can cause various health problems if inhaled.
Ticks, fleas, and bed bugs can also be found in pillows, especially if they’re second-hand or have been stored in an unclean environment.
These pests can cause numerous health problems, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Any time you find bed bugs, treat them immediately with a non-toxic bed bug treatment.
Exposure to VOCs, flame retardants, and other chemicals has been linked to a variety of health problems, including:
Source: EPA.
In other words, if your pillow is full of toxic chemicals, it could make you sick!
So, what can you do to protect yourself?
The best way to avoid chemicals under your head at night is to switch to a pillow made from non-toxic materials.
Choose a certified organic pillow made from natural materials with no added synthetic dyes, chemicals, or flame retardants.
There are many safe and healthy alternatives available, such as:
Many conventional fabrics are treated with harmful chemicals, such as:
Try to avoid these at all costs.
Memory foam pillows can be an excellent solution for people who suffer from neck pain.
A visco-elastic polyurethane foam (memory foam-type) pillow used alongside chiropractic care improved neck pain scores more than chiropractic care alone in adults with chronic neck pain (Soal et al., 2019).
However, you need to be very careful. A memory foam pillow, especially a cheap imported one from less regulated countries (China, for example), can contain harmful chemicals.
Down and feather pillows can be an excellent option for people who want a natural pillow.
However, you need to make sure that the down is ethically sourced. Unfortunately, many companies cut corners and use down from birds that have been live-plucked or force-fed. This is inhumane.
Also, as reported by this study, down and feather pillows often contain high levels of glue (used to bind the filling and create weight or support).
Synthetic latex pillows usually contain fewer toxins than memory foam pillows.
However, you should still think twice about buying them, as they will still have significantly more toxins than certified organic latex pillows.
Respected and well-known third-party certifications help give you peace of mind that your pillow has been made by an ethical company using eco-friendly and sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.
Some of the leading ones to look out for include:
These non-toxic certifications also validate that any eco claims the manufacturer makes about their product are true, and they’re not trying to trick you with underhanded greenwashing tactics.
Do your research (or read my articles and let me do it for you!) until you’re 100% certain that the product and manufacturer meet your strict eco-friendly and ethical standards.
Not 100% sure? Contact the company directly and grill them.
Or, contact us with your questions, and TheRoundup team will try to find the answers for you.
Now you know what to avoid, let’s finish with a buyer’s guide to help point you in the right direction the next time you’re in the market for a new pillow.
There are two main parts to a pillow, and both need to be as natural as possible to ensure your bedroom remains free from toxic chemicals:
Look for a pillow made from organic materials.
As we’ve seen, many conventional pillows are full of chemicals that can off-gas into your bedroom and cause all sorts of health problems.
So, switch to non-toxic pillows and cut out the chemicals.
Pillowcases are an essential barrier between you and your pillow. They help to keep dust mites, dead skin cells, and other nasties out of your pillow (and away from your face!).
They also extend the life of your pillow by protecting it from spills, sweat, and other stains.
Pillows come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The right one for you will depend on your sleep position, body type, and personal preferences.
Some popular pillow shapes include:
A good warranty, or sleep trial, indicates that the manufacturer is confident in their product and stands behind it. It also gives you peace of mind that you can return or exchange the pillow if it’s not right for you.
Most pillow companies offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, but some offer longer warranties of up to five years.
As with any product, it’s essential to check the labels before you buy to ensure it doesn’t contain anything that will cause you to react adversely.
You should also check the care instructions to ensure you can wash and care for the pillow according to your needs.
If you suffer from allergies, it’s crucial to choose a pillow that won’t trigger your symptoms.
Look for a hypoallergenic pillow made from natural materials resistant to dust mites and other allergens.
Yes. Most organic and sustainable products are more expensive than their mainstream counterparts. However, if your budget can stretch that far, it’s worth it for the added peace of mind.
If you can’t quite afford organic pillows right now, maybe wait for holiday sales, or even ask friends and family for gift vouchers for your favorite organic bedding store for your birthday or Christmas.
Not all pillows are machine washable, so always check the care label.
If it’s not machine washable, you can still help keep it sanitary by vacuuming regularly and placing it in direct sunlight for a few hours every few months.
When pillows are not used for a while, it’s best to store them in a cool, dry place. Using protective under-bed storage baskets can also extend the storage life.
It’s generally recommended that you replace your pillow every two to three years, but this will vary depending on the type of pillow and how often you use it.
Once you notice the level of support waning, it’s time to replace it before you experience neck or back pain.
If you think you may be allergic to your pillow, the first step is to consult with an allergist. They’ll likely recommend a series of tests to determine what you’re allergic to.
Once that’s determined, they can help you find a hypoallergenic pillow or recommend other solutions.
According to their Amazon listing, the fill material is polyester.
No, they’re made in Chanhassen, Minnesota.
No.
If your pillow does contain toxins, the best thing you can do is dispose of it responsibly and find a safe alternative.
There are many safe and non-toxic pillows on the market; you can find the best ones in this guide. These pillows are free of dangerous chemicals and are much better for your health.
So, if you’re looking for a safe and healthy pillow, choose one made with natural materials. Your body will thank you!
Synthetic pillows or natural pillows; what do you rest your head on? Are you worried you might have a toxic pillow? Do you wake up with a bad headache or experience breathing difficulties?
What’s your favorite non-toxic pillow brand? Do you swear by organic pillows, or are you happy with memory foam? Drop me a line and let me know.
