9 Firmest Nontoxic Pillows For Supportive Sleep
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Our editors have caught Zzzs on dozens of nontoxic pillows over the years — these are our favorite options if you’re looking for a firm (yet comfortable!), durable, and affordable option.
Few things can disrupt our sleep like a saggy pillow or one lacking support. The number of times we’ve had to call our chiropractor for a last-minute appointment due to pillow problems is, well, more than we can count. This is why we’re passionate about investing in plump, supportive, and firm pillows for quality sleep. Nontoxic and organic materials are also of the utmost importance.
What should you look for when shopping for a firm pillow?
Firm pillows are great for back and side sleepers, mainly because they can help with alignment and ensure your neck, head, and shoulders are exactly where they should be (so you won’t wake up with pinched nerves or neck kinks). Studies show that having optimal support impacts quality sleep and overall health.
While support and comfort are subjective (many of these companies offer trial periods just in case!), the general consensus is that side sleepers want the firmest option, while back sleepers will want medium to firm support. Many of these brands offer adjustable firmness via extra fill, which we love, so you can find your perfect pillow. Oh, and for our stomach sleepers, check out our recommendations for the softest pillows.
As for the materials to check for, we love foam, down alternatives, and even buckwheat fills. We recommend looking for nontoxic and organic certifications to ensure you’re getting the support you need while keeping your bed safe for your health, too. Remember that many conventional pillows use a polyester filling derived from petroleum and shown to emit toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds). The production of polyester can cause harm to workers and the earth during the manufacturing process. Additionally, many traditional pillows are coated with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) for a fire retardant. PBDEs are known endocrine disruptors and can be harmful to health.
Our criteria:
Our editors have slept on, researched, and reviewed the top nontoxic pillows on the market. For this guide, we chose our favorite options for a firm pillow, considering the materials used, how the pillow will hold up over time, and each brand’s sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives. We regularly update this piece when new favorites emerge that match the criteria below.
- NATURAL MATERIALS | These brands use non-toxic and organic materials with no off-gassing. None contain harsh flame retardants, and all are free from toxic chemicals. We also look for brands committed to not using PFAS in any of their production.
- DURABLE | We want our pillows to last! That’s why we’ve selected pillows that will maintain their firmness even after years of washing and sleeping on them.
- SUSTAINABLE & ECO-FRIENDLY | The brands below are committed to sustainable production and eco-friendly practices. Any animal products used for fill come from brands with ethical certifications and standards. We also look for brands that give back through environmental initiatives and prioritize recycled or low-waste packaging options.
While swapping out your pillow, consider upgrading to a nontoxic and organic mattress. Then get cozy with our favorite sustainable bedding brands!
1. Nest
Best For | Adjustable support
Organic Materials | Non-Toxic CertiPUR-US® Certified Virgin Foam and breathable cotton
Firmness Available | Soft to firm with adjustable fill
Price of Standard Pillow | $119
If you love your memory foam pillow, you’ll love Nest Bedding’s Easy Breather Natural Shredded Latex pillow even more (read our editor’s personalized review here). It contours to your body, making it perfect for side sleepers or during pregnancy. It’s made with a nontoxic CertiPUR-US® Certified virgin foam fill and breathable cotton, and we love that the fill can be customized for the support you want. The pillow even comes with a fill bag so you can store what you don’t use and plump it up again later! The Nest pillow is also a great option for hot sleepers because of its unique design: the cooling fabric disperses heat and wicks away excess moisture for a comfortable night’s sleep.
As for certifications, the brand is Fair Trade and FSC certified, so manufacturing and production are ethical. Plus, Nest is committed to reducing waste through the Lifetime Renewal Exchange program for mattresses. We love to see it!
Customer Review | “This pillow is the ONLY pillow that has worked for my scoliosis. Yes, it’s a little work setting up the correct stuffing for my neck & size I need but at least I have control over what my body needs rather than returning pillow after pillow & not getting a good night sleep in the process. I love the fact I can control my pillow height & fluff it up or redistribute stuffing when needed. I think this pillow is genius!” – Toria F. (Read all reviews.)
2. Brooklinen
Best For | Responsibly filled down
Organic Materials | Hypoallergenic DOWNMARK® Certified, OEKO-TEX® Certified
Firmness Available | Plush, mid-plush, firm
Price of Standard Pillow | $129
Next up on our list is Brooklinen‘s responsibly certified down pillow, which is filled with responsibly sourced Canadian down. This one comes with three firmness options, and we recommend mid-plush for back sleepers and firm for side sleepers to maintain proper neck alignment.
This pillow is super healthy, too! The down fill is hypoallergenic DOWNMARK® Certified and the pillow is OEKO-TEX® Certified for chemical safety. It’s also treated with ultra-fresh antimicrobial and wrapped in a silky smooth 100% cotton sateen shell; plus, you can add a protector to keep it clean. We love that Brooklinen sells multi-packs so you can stock up for the whole family and save on money! Read even more about the brand’s pillow certs and manufacturing processes here.
Customer Review | “Get this pillow. You won’t be disappointed. The quality is obvious. You can feel the weight of the pillow and the comfortable cloudlike feel when you press on it. The pillow is not mushy and offers the perfect support for your head. We have had this pillow for a few months now and it’s like new. Same great support, no “pillow smell” at all.” – Dawn V. (Read all reviews.)
3. Avocado
Best For | Charcoal-infused latex
Organic Materials | GOLS Certified organic latex, GOTS certified organic cotton cover
Firmness Available | Firm
Price of Standard Pillow | $109
It wouldn’t be a pillow guide without a shout-out to one of our favorite sustainable bedding brands. Avocado is one of the best in the business when it comes to nontoxic comfort, and the molded organic latex pillow is no exception. It’s handmade in Los Angeles and molded from a charcoal-infused latex core. This one was specifically designed for back- and side-sleepers and others needing a firmer pillow for improved neck support. The brand describes this pillow as one that regulates temperature while eliminating odors and excess moisture. We’re especially fans of the removable, GOTS-certified organic cotton cover (easy cleaning!).
We’re even bigger fans of Avocado’s certifications though. This B Corp has some of the most rigorous certifications when it comes to nontoxic and organic mattresses and bedding, including being GREENGUARD Gold and GOLS Certified. Everything in their collection is nontoxic and safe fo you and your family. It’s a company we recommend and keep returning to for good reason! This pillow also comes with a one year warranty and 100-night sleep trial, so you can confidently test it out!
Customer Review | “I sleep on a medium firm mattress and needed a pillow that supported my head and neck better when I sleep on my side. It’s only been about 2 weeks but I’ve noticed the difference. I’ve woken up a few times on my back which never happened with my old foam/gel pillow.” – Jason S. (Read all reviews.)
4. Sol Organics
Best For | Custom firmness options
Organic Materials | GOTS Certified cotton and natural fibers
Firmness Available | Soft, medium, or firm support
Price of Standard Pillow | $147
One of the more luxurious pillows on our list comes from Sol Organics, a Canadian brand known for its dreamy sustainable bedding. Sol makes pillows too, and this one is filled with responsibly grown and harvested white down for optimal firmness. It’s 100% GOTS Certified cotton and hypoallergenic, plus it’s super light and breathable for a cool night of rest. The robust construction cradles the head and neck, preventing discomfort and ensuring you stay aligned throughout the night.
When it comes to manufacturing, we love that Sol prioritizes ethics by ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for their employees. Best of all, the brand has pillows in different sizes and firmness options. Snag one for you, then snag a few for your family!
Customer Review | “Pillow is great and family member loved it straight out of the box. Was told by others to stop using down pillows because of the toxic cleaners used before hand. So I was pleased to find these ones. I hope they are better so that we are not breathing in toxic chemicals as we sleep.” – Patricia L. (Read all reviews.)
5. Coyuchi
Best For | Unique neck support
Organic Materials | GOLS Certified organic dunlop latex, GOTS Certified organic cotton
Firmness Available | Medium-firm support
Price of Standard Pillow | $128
Coyuchi wins the award for the most unique pillow on our list. The Molded Organic Latex Pillow is a dream when it comes to supporting your neck and improving alignment as you sleep. It’s crafted with GOLS Certified organic dunlop latex and is touted as breathable (due to the airflow holes), resistant to mold and mildew, and biodegradable. It’s shipped without plastic packaging (love this) and instead arrives in a canvas bag, which you can use to store other items or protect the pillow when you want to travel with it (because you will).
Did we mention there is a hole to support your neck? The pillow’s design allows for your head to sink in comfortably while still holding its shape and offering support. If you’re still undecided, read our editor’s firsthand review here.
Customer Review | “I feel like Goldilocks. First I tried the Turia serenity pillow and it was too high, then I tried the shredded latex and it was too lumpy, but the Organic Latex Molded Pillow is just right for me! I love it. Great for sleeping on my back or side and there was not a hint of any odor from the latex. Beautifully packaged, and great customer service.” – Jenny C. (Read all reviews.)
6. Saatva
Best For | Spine or neck pain relief
Organic Materials | Organic cotton and American Talalay latex
Firmness Available | Medium-Plush Support
Price of Standard Pillow | $165
This organic firm pillow option is a bit pricier, but hear us out: The Saatva’s Graphite Memory Foam Pillow is a literal game-changer for spine or neck pain (just read our editor’s firsthand review). Most ideal for side sleepers, it has contouring support and comes with two removable covers and an inner pillow. The fill is made from shredded memory foam and latex, which makes it durable yet plush (i.e., it is soft to sleep on but won’t flatten throughout the night, or over time). As for the nontoxic certs, Saatva’s firm pillow option is made with organic cotton and sustainable American Talalay latex. It’s also hypoallergenic and CertiPUR-US® certified, so no harmful chemicals and only safe materials. You can even try it for 45 nights to see if it fits your sleep needs perfectly.
Customer Review | “I like memory foam pillows that feel heavy and substantial- this is it. I was skeptical of the high price, but this is definitely way higher quality than your typical department store pillow. Can’t wait to buy a 2nd Saatva pillow now.” – Patrick (Read all reviews.)
7. Earthfoam
Best For | Side and back sleepers
Organic Materials | Natural foam rubber and two outer layers of soft organic cotton
Firmness Available | Squishy with firm head support
Price of Standard Pillow | $99
Earthfoam is a small and independent company keeping it simple. They offer just one mattress, one mattress topper, and one pillow — and we like it this way. They don’t need an expansive collection; it’s perfect as it is because it meets all our sleep needs and provides the support we’re after. And this especially goes for the springy foam pillow.
“Perfectly pillowy” is how Earthfoam describes it, and we have to agree. The breathability of the cotton cover and the open cell structure of the foam keep this pillow cool and comfy, and the spongy shape means our heads are supported throughout the night. We appreciate the brand’s transparency too: this one isn’t for stomach sleepers. Rather, it’s perfect for those of us who need a firm pillow to support our necks and back. As for certs and sustainability, this Chicago-based brand is leading the charge with several internationally recognized certifications for fair trade, organic, safety, and emissions standards. You can read more here.
Customer Review | “This one is a game-changer. I felt the difference after night one; significantly reduced tension in my neck and a feeling of being well-rested and energized…As a bonus, because it is all-natural and organic, it didn’t have a weird factory smell. It was also delivered with minimal compression so it was ready to use right out of the box. I’ve found that with this pillow, it’s hard not to get a good night’s rest.” – Phillip M (Read all reviews.)
8. Coop
Best For | Adjustable memory foam
Organic Materials | GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US® certified
Firmness Available | Squishy with firm head support
Price of Standard Pillow | $75
The price is right on this firm pillow option from Coop Sleep Goods — an LA-based bedding brand. The Original Adjustable Pillow started it all for the company and it’s filled with a hypoallergenic, non-toxic proprietary blend of cross-cut memory foam and microfiber — a.k.a. the meeting place between comfort and support. This pillow is designed for both immediate and lasting comfort and support, and the adjustable fill means you can customize the support level.
Best of all, the brand touts GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US® certifications and makes this pillow right here in the USA. What about the pillowcase you ask? It’s made with a super-breathable Lulltra™ fabric that is 40% bamboo-derived viscose rayon. Don’t miss the hefty discounts if you buy a pack of two or four!
Customer Review | “This pillow has changed my sleeping experience. I have gone from using multiple pillows to one — the coop original. I usually sleep on my side but I sometimes sleep on my back. The pillow is great either way. I bought it after ordering the toddler pillow for our 3 year old. He used to throw his old toddler pillow off the bed. He uses the coop pillow every night and loves it.” – Susan M (Read all reviews.)
9. Quince
Best For | Extra-firm
Organic Materials | Responsible down
Firmness Available | Soft/medium, medium/firm, firm/extra-firm
Price of Standard Pillow | $50
Quince has broken into the home game and recent months, and we are here for it. Take the Premium Down Alternative pillow, for example. It’s made with a hypoallergenic fill and 100% cotton. It’s also made in the United States. It already achieved 950+ five-star reviews from verified customers, who claim it offers premium comfort and support for back and side sleepers.
While these materials and Quince’s certifications are not the most organic or sustainable on our list, this is a good option for someone who needs a firm or extra firm pillow and is on a tighter budget. This one comes in at the lowest price point and we love the steps the brand is taking to make sustainability more accessible to everyone.
Customer Review | “This is a good pillow. Supports the neck and head without being too soft or too firm. So far, sleeping great.” – Cristina P (Read all reviews)
