Sleep Products The 7 Best Hypoallergenic Pillows of 2023 Coop Home Goods Pillow is made of bamboo-rayon that keeps dust away By Danielle Zoellner Danielle Zoellner LinkedIn Twitter Danielle Zoellner is a freelance writer with an emphasis in health and wellness. She graduated from the University of Missouri at Columbia. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 04, 2022 Medically reviewed by Jurairat J. Molina, MD Medically reviewed by Jurairat J. Molina, MD Facebook Jurairat J. Molina, MD, is a board-certified allergist who has been practicing in field of allergy and clinical immunology for the past two decades. She owns Corpus Christi Allergy Associates in Corpus Christi, Texas. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Hypoallergenic pillows are pillows that are designed to prevent allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold from accumulating on the surface and burrowing into the product’s filling. This can be imperative to those who suffer from allergies and asthma, as their bedding could trigger symptoms when they’re trying to sleep. “Dust mites may be the most common trigger of year-round allergies and asthma,” says Melanie Carver, the chief mission officer for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). When looking for a hypoallergenic pillow, consider a protective outer barrier that works to keep out dust mites and other allergens. High-quality hypoallergenic pillows should also be easy to clean and “contain no chemicals above certification levels known to trigger allergy and asthma symptoms,” Carver says. We researched dozens of hypoallergenic pillows and evaluated them for reviews, materials, trial periods, available sizes, pricing, and return policies. Here are the best hypoallergenic pillows on the market today. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Coop Home Goods Original Pillow at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Aller-Ease Hot Water Washable Pillow at Amazon Jump to Review Best Pillow Covers: National Allergy Pillow Protector at Natlallergy.com Jump to Review Best for Neck Pain: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Ergo Neck Pillow at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Side Sleepers: WonderSleep Premium Adjustable Loft at Amazon Jump to Review Best Cooling: Columbia Allergen Barrier Pillow at Kohls.com Jump to Review Best Memory Foam: WonderSleep Dream Rite Shredded Memory Foam Pillow at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall Coop Home Goods The Original Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Coophomegoods.com Pros Adjustable filing Machine washable 100-day trial period Cons Price Foam can be too firm We recommend this pillow from Coop Home Goods as our top pick because it is comfortable and has easy-to-remove memory foam. Customers rave that the pillow molds to their bodies and helps with any back or neck pain. Then the soft bamboo-rayon pillow cover works to keep allergens like dust mites out. If you’re not sold yet, the company offers a 100-day trial period to test the pillow. You can return it at the end of the 100 days for a full refund if you’re not satisfied. For those who want to customize their sleep experience, this pillow is as good an investment as an adjustable bed. Price at time of publication: $72 Material: 60% polyester, 40% bamboo-derived viscose rayon, memory foam filling | Sizes Available: Queen, King The 11 Best Body Pillows of 2023 Best Budget Aller-Ease Hot Water Washable Pillow Courtesy: Amazon View On Amazon View On Kohls.com View On Overstock Pros Refluffs after washes Price Three-year warranty Cons Limited sizes Stuffing degrades overtime Pillows can get expensive, especially if you’re looking for hypoallergenic options. One key quality for a hypoallergenic pillow is for it to be washed in hot water to help kill target any dust mites or other allergens on the surface. The Alter-Ease Hot Water Washable Pillow boasts the ability to wash it in hot water without worrying about the material deteriorating while in the washer. The pillow comes with a hypoallergenic down alternative fiber fill that should create an allergy-free sleep environment for you every night. Additionally, the pillow is able to be refluffed after each wash to help it keep its form. But, be warned, the pillow might deteriorate faster than more expensive pillows on the market. The company does offer a three-year limited warranty, though, in case you find the pillow has deteriorated faster than anticipated. Price at time of publication: $25 Material: 65% Polyester 35% Cotton | Sizes Available: Queen Best Pillow Covers National Allergy Cotton Dust Mite & Allergy Standard Pillow Protector Courtesy of Amazon. View On Natlallergy.com Pros Washable Protects against air allergens No harsh chemicals Cons Can be scratchy Shrinks slightly in dryer Instead of replacing all of your pillows, you could consider altering your pillow covers when addressing allergic reactions caused by dust mites and other allergens. The zipper enclosed pillow case will seal off any unwanted allergens from you when you’re sleeping, creating a restful night free of sneezing and congestion. Allersoft says the pillow is made with no harsh chemicals and is 100% cotton, which should feel smooth against the skin. But customers have warned that the pillow protector can be slightly scratchy at the beginning before its first initial wash. Also it might shrink slightly after being placed in the dryer. Price at time of publication: $34 for standard Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes Available: 26 inches by 26 inches What the Experts Say “Covering your pillows with covers that are proven effective at blocking moisture and the passage of dust mites will reduce how many allergens can be found in your bed.” — Melanie Carver, the chief mission officer for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) The 6 Best Silk Pillowcases for Hair and Skin Best for Neck Pain Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Ergo Neck Pillow Courtesy: Amazon View On Amazon View On Macy's View On Wayfair Pros Size options Contours to neck Washable Cons Price Too firm for some Tempur-Pedic has made it easy to address any neck pain while also making sure your allergies aren’t triggered when using its Tempur-Ergo Neck Pillow. The pillow comes with a 100% polyester knit hypoallergenic cover, which is formulated to seal off any unwanted allergens that might rest on the pillow. The cover is machine-washable, making it easy for you to clean it as often as needed to remove any dust mites. As for comfort, the pillow conforms expertly to your neck, helping to relieve any neck pain and tension. For those who wear a posture corrector and need a pillow that promotes proper alignment, this is especially beneficial. The pillow is more expensive than others on the market, but its comfortability and hypoallergenic cover makes it a good option. Price at time of publication: $99 Material: Tempur material and 100% Polyester Knit Hypoallergenic cover | Sizes Available: Travel-sized, small, medium, medium cooling, and large Feel Supported With the Best Pillows for Back Sleepers Best for Side Sleepers WonderSleep Premium Adjustable Loft Amazon View On Amazon Pros Two-pack of pillows Price Adjustable filling Cons Can be lumpy Initially smells Limited sizes The WonderSleep Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow makes it easy for side sleepers to get rest with comfortable support by allowing for filling to be removed and added to the product. The pillows (there are two included with each purchase) arrive thick with shredded memory foam filling. It is then up to you to decide how much of that filling to remove to fit your own needs. We recommend removing at least a little bit of the filling, as the pillow will likely be too thick for most users. The ability to adjust the filling makes the pillow not just great for side sleepers, but also people who choose to sleep on their back or stomach. The pillow cover is made of 40% viscose rayon and 60% polyester, and it is both machine washable and resistant against pesky dust mites. To keep the stuffing firm, the company recommends doing a tumble dry cycle with the pillow once every six months. Price at time of publication: $60 Material: 40% Viscose Rayon and 60% Polyester, filling is shredded memory foam | Sizes Available: Queen The 12 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers of 2023 Best Cooling Columbia Down-Alternative Allergen Barrier Pillow Kohl's View On Kohls.com Pros Machine washable Moisture-wicking technology Medium firmness Cons Can be too thick Stuffing might flatten down over time Even with cooling bed sheets, hot sleepers sometimes struggle to find a pillow that will cool them down instead of retaining heat overnight. With the wrong pillow, it can cause night sweats and make some struggle to get to sleep. To address this, Columbia’s Allergen Barrier Pillow is created with moisture-wicking technology, which works to remove any moisture from your skin to keep you cool all night long. Additionally, the pillow comes with an allergen barrier protection that works to keep the pillow free of any dust mites or other allergens that could impact you if you have allergies. There are two sizes you can choose from when selecting the pillow, and the best part is that it’s machine washable so cleaning the surface of any lingering allergens is easy. Price at time of publication: $50 for king Material: Polyester | Sizes Available: Queen, King Best Memory Foam WonderSleep Dream Rite Shredded Memory Foam Pillow View On Amazon Pros Lightweight Cooling Adjustable height Cons Only one size available The WonderSleep Dream Rite Memory Foam Pillow gives you the comfort of a luxury memory foam pillow in addition to protecting you from dust mites and other allergens. While most memory foam pillows have a set height, this pillow allows you to remove filling to adjust the height to your comfort level. It's cover is light and breathable, so you'll stay cool throughout the night. Price at time of publication: $30 Material: Memory Foam | Sizes Available: Queen Best At-Home Allergy Tests Final Verdict The COOP Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow (view at Amazon) is a solid choice for anyone who may be allergic to dustmites. The pillow is durable, good at blocking allergens, and according to reviews one of the most comfortable pillows on the market. If you can't go without memory foam bedding, the WonderSleep Dream Right Foam Memory Pillow (view at Amazon) is a great option that keeps your face fresh while cradling your head for a good night's sleep. What to Look for in Hypoallergenic Pillows Fabric Barrier The fabric barrier of the pillow is instrumental in preventing allergens from living in and on the surface of the product. When deciding between pillows with different outer barriers, make sure the fabric used is capable of being cleaned on its surface and withstand washes in hot water. “The pillows need to allow for regular washing without losing their shape and appearance,” Carver says. The product label can indicate if the pillow is capable of being cleaned. “Some pillows should not be washed in a machine, so this will mean that it will be more difficult to remove allergens and so the pillow should have a zippered allergen cover,” Carver says. One concern some people have is that the filing of a pillow could cause an allergic reaction or asthma. However, a variety of materials (such as polyester, feather, or memory foam) are capable of receiving its asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Mark. Washability Finding a pillow, or pillow cover, that can withstand multiple washes and cleanings is important when preventing dust mites and other allergens from accumulating. “Pillows and bedding you can’t wash in hot water can be a main source of indoor allergens,” Carver says. “Pillows can hold bacteria, allergens like dust mites or animal dander, and sometimes fungi like mold.” The pillow should be washed in hot water (130°F) once a month to ensure any possible dust mites are being removed. Wiping the surface of the pillow can also help remove other allergens like pet dander. Pillows, despite their ability to withstand washings, will lose their shape and appearance over time. “Pillows that are CERTIFIED asthma and allergy friendly® have been tested and proven that they can maintain an effective barrier to block 95 percent of dust mites after 12 to 18 washings (depending on size of pillow),” Carver says. Pillow protectors are a viable option for those with allergies and asthma because of their ability to extend the life of a pillow. There are several cases on the market that can be washed and also prevent dust mites and allergens from breaking the barrier to access the pillow. Bedroom Conditions Your bedroom conditions can actually impact the number of allergens in your environment and their impact on bedding like pillows. There are several ways to improve your bedroom conditions that will help prevent allergies like pet dander, dust mites, and mold from becoming prevalent in your living space. First, Carver recommends keeping pets out of the bedroom to avoid pet dander from lingering in the air and on the surface of bedding. Altering your bedroom in the warmer summer months can prevent allergens from thriving. “Air conditioning in warm weather can help keep you cool as well as reduce humidity to control dust mites. Make sure to change your air filters every three months or as recommended by the manufacturer,” Carver says.” Purchasing a humidifier can help reduce mold and dust mites in the bedroom, she adds. “Improving air circulation in your bedroom can also reduce dust mite and mold growth. Leaving your bed ‘unmade’, keeping furniture a few inches away from the wall, and running a nearby bathroom’s exhaust fan will all help improve air flow and cut down on moisture,” Carver says. Finally, she says, investing in a pillow protector no matter the type of pillow you are using can further prevent allergens accumulating. Frequently Asked Questions What makes a pillow hypoallergenic? Hypoallergenic means that the product is unlikely to cause allergies or an allergic reaction. But, according to Carver, there is no strict criteria companies have to follow in order to label their product as “hypoallergenic”. “It’s important to know there is no regulation on how a product can be labeled ‘hypoallergenic.’” Carver says. The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says: “There are no Federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term ‘hypoallergenic’. The term means whatever a particular company wants it to mean.” In collaboration with Allergy Standards Limited, AAFA developed an asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program that tests products to see if it works for asthma and allergies. Carver says some considerations AAFA looks for include that the pillow “can be easily cleaned to remove allergen accumulation” and contains “no chemicals above certification levels known to trigger allergy and asthma symptoms”. The pillow’s outer fabric should also have “an effective barrier to the passage of allergens” to receive asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Mark. “When you see this mark, you know the product is proven to be better suited for those with asthma and allergies,” Carver says. Can you wash hypoallergenic pillows? To receive the full benefits of a hypoallergenic pillow, it should be able to withstand washing in order to remove any dust mites or other allergens. AAFA recommends for pillows to be washed “monthly in hot water (130°F) to remove allergens like dust mites," Carver says. Hot water will work best to kill any dust mites (microscopic insect-like pests capable of sparking an allergic reaction or asthma in individuals) that might be living in the bedding. “In general, pillows and pillow protectors will need to be replaced every two years or sooner based on a manufacturer’s recommendations,” Carver says. She adds that washing a pillow will slowly break down the barrier, allowing for dust mites to access the inner filling—which is why it’s important to replace your pillows when needed. There are hypoallergenic pillow covers that help keep out dust mites and allergens as well. These can help extend the life of your pillow by only washing the cover as opposed to the entire pillow. Can kids benefit from hypoallergenic pillows? Children over the age of two are capable of sleeping with a pillow because most are no longer at risk of suffocation. Additionally, children who suffer from allergies and asthma can use hypoallergenic pillows to assist in preventing symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. What you would consider when selecting and cleaning a hypoallergenic pillow for an adult is similar to how you would manage one for a child. If a pillow is too fluffy, it could make it hard for your child to breathe properly while sleeping. Additionally, look out for any small pieces (like cushioning beads or decorative additions) that could be a choking hazard. It's always best to speak with a pediatrician or allergist if you’re unsure if a hypoallergenic pillow is right for your child. What the Experts Say “There is no one pillow fill that is best for people with allergies. It’s most important to look for pillows that meet AAFA’s strict, allergy friendly standards which require that pillows have an effective fabric barrier that prevents dust mites from passing through and making contact with skin.” —Melanie Carver, the chief mission officer for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Why Trust Verywell Health As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life. 3 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Certified Products. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Hypoallergenic" Cosmetics. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Dust Mite Allergy. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit