Rest Your Head on a Greener, Healthier Pillow in Eight Ways

You may not think too much about where you lay your head at night-and, hey, you're asleep, so we don't blame you-but there are handful of things to look for if allergies or the thought of breathing in chemical fumes or being exposed to synthetic dyes and other toxins are keeping you up at night. As Sami mentioned in his Detox Your Bedroom piece, there are a number of an increasingly available options for eco-friendly pillows.

1. Hemp can be spun into pillow packing that is very similar to cotton, creating a soft feel that only gets softer with use. If you prefer a medium-loft, not-so-fluffy pillow, and a very durable filling/cover with mold-resistant qualities. Check in with Gaiam to find one that looks good to you.

2. Natural latex rubber offers a nice alternative for you memory foam fans, since latex conforms to the body's contours and evenly supports the spine just like memory foam. Natural latex has antimicrobial properties that resist dust mites and other allergens, making it a favorite among allergy sufferers. Like memory foam, these pillows can run a little hot, but many models come with venting holes to allow body heat and moisture to dissipate. Northern Naturals has a fair selection.3. Wool is so durable, it can bend back on itself 20,000 times without breaking; compare that to cotton at 3,200 times and silk at 1,800. And, just like Mom said, wool is great for being warm when it's wet; when it comes to pillows, that means it wicks away extra moisture, keeping your head warm, but dry. Check out the Organic Mattress Store to start shopping.

4. Kapok fiber is very similar to silk, giving the pillow a firm yet soft feel, and since it doesn't mat down quickly, as cotton will, it'll have a nice long life. This filling is also recommended to those who suffer from allergies. Satara has three sizes of pillows.

5. Duck down offers a bouncier, more buoyant alternative to goose down filling, earning a thumbs up for side-sleeping allergy sufferers. The smaller feathers also make the pillows less "pokie" than their goose counterparts. Royal Pillow can hook you up, if you desire the duck.

6. Horse hair, though it sounds strange, creates a sturdy, firm pillow that is naturally springy and elastic. The hair also has a very dry texture that also works to wick away moisture, if you're plagued by night-time sweats. Click on over to Greenfibres.com for more info and to pick one out.

7. In Asia, buckwheat pillows are recommended for sufferers of headaches, back pain, snoring, neck pain, migraine headaches, tension, muscle pain, stress, and other problems associated with sleep apnea. Even better, the buckwheat hulls allow for solid air circulation, making for cool
sleeping on hot summer nights. Comfort House has buckwheat pillows with an additional layer of wool, so they aren't too firm.

8. Millet offers another seed option, taking advantage of the hulls high silicic acid content; some claim that body heat releases the compounds' ability soothe muscle pain, stimulate the metabolism and improve the immune system. The smaller millet hulls might be also preferable for those who find the buckwheat too loud; combine the two and get the best of both worlds.

[Via ::Apartment Therapy]

Difficulty level: Easy

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