Pillows play a huge role in having a restful sleep. While they certainly bring comfort as you rest your head on them every night, they can contain chemicals that might cause health concerns or an allergic reaction, especially with prolonged use. Unfortunately, these toxic ingredients may be inhaled without you knowing.
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If you’re now asking yourself, “Is my pillow safe?,” the good news is there are tips for having a healthier sleep and sleeping environment. These include choosing the best pillows that are non-toxic and safe for you and your family.
Do Pillows Have Harmful Chemicals?
Some bolsters include hidden ingredients that are associated with health concerns. To determine if they are safe, here are some chemicals to watch out for:
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Flame Retardants
Flame retardants, also known as Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), are added to manufactured materials to prevent fire from starting or spreading. They are linked to various negative health effects, including cancer, neurological issues, and endocrine and thyroid disruption.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Some memory foam pillows and other types made from synthetic materials emit them through a process called off-gassing. Once released into the air and your system, they can cause harmful health effects through toxicity.
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Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)
Prolonged exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) can disrupt hormones, which is why they are connected to sex organ abnormalities and certain cancers. They are also linked to foetal development and puberty issues, sperm quality and fertility concerns, and neurological and learning disabilities.
This means a cushion with these chemicals can be especially concerning for children. The best non toxic toddler pillows or home products that are baby-friendly should be used instead for safety.
Perfumes And Deodorizers
Some VOCs and flame retardants give off strong chemical odours, so manufacturers sometimes use perfume or deodorisers to mask the smell. This would negatively impact people who suffer from asthma, allergy, or breathing issues.
What Are The Top Non-Toxic Pillow Filling Materials?
Choosing the healthiest bolster can be complicated. To help you, here are some safe materials worth considering.
Latex
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If you’re planning to invest in non-toxic products and wondering, “Are latex pillows safe?,” the answer is yes. Since latex is derived from the sap of a rubber tree, it is considered an eco-friendly and renewable material, making it a better option than memory foam.
A latex bolster is also a great option because it is supportive and durable. When buying, note that this can be blended with synthetic materials, so opt for an all-natural instead of a mixed or synthetic latex pillow. Look for one certified organic to the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). This ensures that it is produced in strict compliance with the GOLS standard.
Down
Down is one of the top picks for materials for healthy non-toxic pillows. It is made from soft feathers taken from the chest area of swans, ducks, or geese. It is considered more luxurious than feathers. Moreover, it is breathable, long-lasting, and naturally hypoallergenic, making this soft pillow a safe purchase.
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Kapok
The ones made of kapok fibres are considered cruelty-free alternatives to down. They are organic, renewable, biodegradable, and fully compostable materials, making them an environmentally friendly option. Plus, producing them doesn't require any chemicals.
Organic Wool
The organic wool cushion is worth buying especially for those looking for hypoallergenic pillows. It is made from a non-toxic, eco-friendly material that lets you enjoy a relaxing night’s sleep.
Additionally, the material is naturally obtained. Thanks to the microscopic bristles of wool fibres and the moisture-wicking properties of the material, it creates an unfavourable environment for microbes, so it becomes resistant to dust mites and mould.
Organic Cotton
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Organic cotton can be used as a cushion fill and a cover. Unlike conventional types made from non-organic cotton treated with insecticides, fungicides, and chemical flame retardants, organic cotton is free from chemicals and synthetic fertilisers.
They also are not genetically modified. In short, they are sustainably sourced and produced using natural practices, so they are a better alternative to traditional cotton.
Organic Buckwheat
An organic buckwheat cushion is made from buckwheat hulls, which are the hard outer shells of buckwheat grains. Since buckwheat seeds are organic and all-natural, they do not use harmful chemicals or toxins. They are also naturally hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant.
In addition, this material exudes a subtle fresh scent that promotes relaxation, unlike a traditional cushion that releases a chemical smell. In particular, poor-quality memory foam products are known for off-gassing.
This process happens when new products with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emit chemical odour a few days after they have been unboxed. It’s similar to how brand new cars or freshly applied paints smell. Cheap memory foam products that are low in quality may take up to months before the unpleasant odour dissipates. You need to look for certified memory foam as it is likely to stop off-gassing after a few hours or days.
Why Choose Non-Toxic Pillows
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You spend one-third of your life in bed, which is why buying the best non-toxic pillows is essential. With your face against your cushion for hours, making sure it is safe should be a priority. This mainly means it shouldn’t contain toxins to avoid breathing in chemical fumes that might cause detrimental health effects due to off-gassing.
How To Choose Safe Pillows
Besides firmness, loft, size, and sleeping position, there are several factors to consider when buying essentials for your bedroom. These include the following:
Material
The material can affect your sleep experience and health more than you might think. For example, it can disperse toxins and chemicals or cause allergic reactions.
This is why when you buy pillows, one thing you should always ask is this: is the pillow material filling non-toxic? For easier reference, here are the fill materials for the best non-toxic pillows, including their pros and cons:
|
Pillow Filling Materials |
Pros |
Cons |
Natural Latex |
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Kapok |
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Down |
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|
Organic Wool |
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Organic Cotton |
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Organic Buckwheat |
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Pillow Case And Cover
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The cover or shell is the outer layer of the cushion. Like the filling, it can affect your health and sleep experience in the long run, so carefully picking out your pillowcase should be a priority as well. Ideally, it should be made from natural materials.
For extra protection and comfort, using pillowcases is also necessary. They serve as a barrier between your skin and the cushion, keeping it fresh for longer and helping you stay protected from allergens. To help you choose the right case or cover, learn more about the difference between pillow shams and pillowcases and the various types of cases, such as silk pillowcases, TENCEL™ bolster cases, and cotton bolster cases.
Manufacturer
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The manufacturer is another factor to consider when looking for a non-toxic pillow. Each has different practices, so it’s important to look for one that values high-quality and non-toxic materials.
If you’re after products from a reliable manufacturer, then you’ve come to the right place. Weavve takes great pride in offering silk, loft, and down alternative pillows made with the highest possible standards. We also collaborated with Sofzsleep to bring to you premium quality latex bolsters.
Certifications
One of the best ways to ensure that a pillow is non-toxic is to check whether it has certifications. This assures that it passed stringent testing and meets the quality criteria, giving you peace of mind. For instance, if it is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, it is low in chemical emissions.
Featuring Sofzsleep’s Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 Certification
Whether you’re buying a baby-safe pillow in Singapore or looking for a non-toxic pillowcase, you can find the product you’re looking for at our shop. We have Sofzsleep-manufactured items and Oeko-Tex® Standard 100-certified pillowcases, meaning they are free from harmful substances.
Where To Buy Non-Toxic Pillows In Singapore
A quick search online will show you several bedding stores in Singapore that offer non-toxic pillows. They help ensure not only a good night’s rest but also your peace of mind. Make sure to look into the factors mentioned, such as the material, manufacturer, and certifications, to better determine if a cushion fits your safety needs and preferences.
Looking for a high-quality pillow in Singapore for you and your family? Shop Weavve Home’s pillow and bolster collection now!
