Best Pillows for Allergy & Asthma Sufferers

For asthmatics and people with allergies, a good night's sleep is a luxury. Hypoallergenic pillows help keep allergens like dust mites, mold, and pet dander out of the filling, which helps keep hay fever and other allergic reactions at bay.

In this guide, we will show you how to choose a hypoallergenic pillow based on the best materials and covers on the market today, and how to care for each one without damaging it.

Hypoallergenic Pillows

Hypoallergenic pillows are made from materials that resist allergens like dust mites and pet dander from getting into the filling of the pillow and aggravating allergic reactions and asthma.

Hypoallergenic Features

Material — Choose materials that resist allergens, like latex, memory foam, polyester, and bamboo. The cover should be tightly woven to keep out any allergens that may be present.

Certifications — Look for certifications from trusted organizations, like OEKO-TEX, which tests textiles for harmful substances, or the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's certification program. These show a product has been independently tested, which is more useful than a manufacturer simply describing itself as hypoallergenic.

Hypoallergenic Pillows for Asthma and Allergy Relief

1. Latex Pillows

 

Latex pillows usually get picked if you struggle with allergies. They're naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and just about anything else that triggers sneezing or wheezing.

Pros: You don't have to worry about dust mites or mold with these. They're going to last and keep allergens at bay.

Cons: They can cost more than other types, and not everyone loves the feel. Some folks find them a little too firm or just not comfortable. Anyone with a latex allergy should avoid them entirely.

2. Memory Foam Pillows

 

Memory foam is dense, and that density makes it a poor home for dust mites, which prefer loose, fibrous fill they can burrow into. It also conforms to your head and neck for support.

You may want to think twice if you sleep hot, since solid foam can hold body heat.

Pros: Conforms to the shape of your head and neck for optimal support. Dense structure resists dust mites.

Cons: Can trap heat for warm sleepers. Some people find it too firm. Can't be machine washed, so it relies on a good washable cover.

3. Polyester Pillows

 

Polyester makes a good alternative to down or feather pillows, especially for people with allergies. This man-made material is less likely to absorb and hold on to common allergens like dust and pet dander, which makes it a popular choice.

Pros: Affordable and easy to find. Machine washable at hot temperatures, which is the most effective way to kill dust mites.

Cons: Less durable and supportive than foam or latex, and tends to flatten sooner.

4. Bamboo Pillows

Bamboo is considered a good hypoallergenic material that resists dust mites and other allergens. Plus, it is breathable and helps keep the pillow cool during the night.

Pros: Resistant to dust mites and other allergens. Comfortable and cooler through the night.

Cons: Higher price than polyester. Can be more particular to wash and care for.

5. Microfiber Pillows

While there are several options for hypoallergenic material, microfiber is not the best option since it can be prone to retaining allergens.

Considerations When Buying a Hypoallergenic Pillow

Material

 

• Latex resists dust mites and other allergens and provides good body support
• Memory foam's dense structure resists dust mites and conforms to the body
• Polyester is resistant to allergens and mimics the feel of down

Cover

 

• Look for tightly woven covers that keep mites and other allergens out
• Tightly woven cotton covers are a good option, since the weave is what blocks allergens
• Some covers are specifically rated as allergen barriers, which is worth looking for if dust mites are your main trigger

How to Care for Your Hypoallergenic Pillow

Care depends entirely on the filling. Getting this wrong ruins a pillow, so check the label first.

1. Washing

Polyester and down-alternative pillows can usually be machine washed every 3–6 months, or more often if you have allergy issues. Wash in hot water, at least 130°F, which is the temperature needed to kill dust mites. Use a mild, unscented detergent so you're not adding an irritant.

Memory foam and latex pillows can't be machine washed or soaked. Hot water and agitation break the foam down, and it takes days to dry, which encourages the mold you're trying to avoid. These are spot clean only. Wash the removable cover instead, in hot water where its label allows.

2. Drying

Polyester pillows can go in the dryer on a high heat setting with dryer balls or old tennis balls, and the heat helps kill any remaining dust mites.

Memory foam and latex should never go in a dryer. Air dry them flat somewhere with good airflow, out of direct sun.

Whatever the fill, make sure the pillow is fully dry before putting it back in use, since dampness encourages mold.

3. Airing

 

Airing a pillow out a few times a year helps, mainly by drying it properly. Dust mites need humidity to survive, so a dry pillow is a less hospitable one. The sanitizing claims often made for sunlight are overstated, and direct sun degrades foam, so for foam and latex, airy shade is the better choice.

4. Vacuuming

 

Vacuum the pillow surface weekly using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which captures the fine allergens a standard filter blows back into the room.

5. Pillowcases

 

Use allergen-resistant pillowcases and wash them weekly in hot water. This is the single most effective habit for allergy sufferers, since the case takes most of what would otherwise reach the pillow.

6. Pillow Fluffing

 

Fluff your pillow every day to keep the filling even. Once a week, take the case off and let the pillow air out.

7. Pillow Replacement

 

Even the best hypoallergenic pillows eventually wear out, so it is good to start thinking about replacing yours every 1–2 years.

The Bottom Line

 

Hypoallergenic pillows provide an extra degree of comfort to allergy and asthma sufferers. When purchasing one, consider both the filling and the cover, since a dense filling and a tightly woven cover work together. And match your care routine to the fill: hot washing works for polyester, but foam and latex need spot cleaning and a washable cover instead.

 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you experience persistent allergy or asthma symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.