What's the Deal With Latex Pillows? We Slept on the Best Ones to Find Out

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

When it comes to sleeping pillows, memory foam and down options tend to get all the attention, but there's something to be said about latex. After sleeping on the best latex pillows for two weeks or more, the House Beautiful editors have determined that this is an underrated material that deserves much more attention than it gets because it's just that good. No, it's not the slippery, shiny latex you'd find in a doctor's office or even on the red carpet. Saatva's Director of Content, Christina Heiser, says it best: "Latex is an all-natural and a hypoallergenic material that is responsive, breathable, and contours to your head and neck."

Though she just mentioned several elements worth noting, we want to focus on one: It's all-natural, which is never a bad thing, considering it's something you'll be in contact with daily. "The healthiest pillow is one made from natural materials that are hypoallergenic and free of harmful chemicals. Good nontoxic materials to look for in a pillow include latex (in the fill) and cotton (in the cover)." The House Beautiful editors took that to heart and ordered some of the Internet's favorite options, from Saatva to Avocado. Keep reading to hear our thoughts on latex, our pillows, and more.

Shop more bedding essentials below:

• The 10 Best Pillows on Amazon, Tested and Reviewed

• We Slept on Linen Sheets for Months, Here Are the 9 We Love

• 12 Best Cooling Comforters, According to Editors and Reviews

Down Alternative Pillow

Saatva has some of the best bedding on the market, a fact we can gleam for experience. Quite a few of the House Beautiful team members have something from Saatva, including the linen sheets, the Rx and Classic mattresses, and, of course, the latex pillow. Deputy Digital Editor Katelyn Lunders, a happy owner of the now famed Rx mattress tested out the latex pillow and had some thoughts. "I am a huge fan of Saatva’s Rx mattress, so I was really excited for the chance to test one of their pillows. Like the brand’s mattresses, the latex pillow is designed to keep your neck and head in alignment for quality sleep. I sleep on my back and side, so I tested the high loft pillow, which is designed for side and combination sleepers," she explains. "It’s six inches in height, so taller than the pillow I am used to and I actually think I might’ve preferred the five-inch standard loft version for back sleepers. That being said, I loved how luxurious and cool to the touch the pillow felt. I’d recommend this for anyone who prefers a firmer pillow that is comfortable, durable, hypoallergenic, and machine washable."

Sizes: Standard and king | Fill Material: Shredded natural latex | Cover Material: Organic cotton | Care: Machine wash the cover on the gentle cycle, then tumble dry on low or lay flat to dry. Spot clean pillow.

Premium Latex Pillow

Like so many products that flex their all-natural composition, latex pillows tend to fall on the pricey side of the spectrum, so when we happened upon this Leesa one (a brand most famous for its impressive selection of mattresses), for only $66, we had to add it to the list. Even though latex is naturally cooling, this pillow is even more chill than you'd expect, with ventilated channels that draw heat away from your head. One happy customer said, "Best pillow! It was a recommendation from a friend and I’m so glad I went for it. I have gone through so many pillows with no luck, but this helped my neck pain and I can finally sleep without discomfort."

Sizes: Standard and king | Fill Material: 100 percent Talalay latex | Cover Material: Polyester, TENCEL Lyocel, and rayon | Care: Machine wash the cover on the gentle cycle, then tumble dry on low or lay flat to dry.

Molded Latex Pillow

Avocado is famous for its use of natural materials, and the molded latex pillow is no exception. It's designed for back and side sleepers because the fill, which is molded from a charcoal-infused latex, makes for improved neck support. "My neck/back did feel great after sleeping on it. No complaints there! I was really looking forward to trying this pillow because sleeping is one of my favorite activities. Right out of the box, it had a distinct odor, reminiscent of hay or hamster bedding," Deputy Managing Editor Sarah Esgro mentions. "That smell never totally went away, but did lessen over time. It was the heaviest pillow I've slept on by far, a good weight though, and sufficiently smushy." Of course, if you like a plush pillow, this will definitely get the job done. "It was cozy—the pillow casing was quilted, which made it warmer than I wanted it to be, especially as someone who sleeps hot, but at the same time felt like a warm hug for my head."

Sizes: Standard, queen, and king | Fill Material: Charcoal-infused latex | Cover Material: Organic cotton | Care: Machine wash your cotton cover only in cold water with an eco-friendly laundry detergent. Lay flat or hang to dry.

Turiya Organic Latex Pillow

"I'm not particularly picky about pillows, but I tend to feel most comfortable on a soft, down one, so when Coyuchi sent me this, I was a bit skeptical," Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner says. "The fact that the brand recommends sleeping on it for a full 30 days before deciding how you feel about it didn't help." Unlike your typical fluffy pillow, this one is on the denser side and complete with three noticeable dips—one large one in the middle and two smaller ones flanking it. The central one is to align your neck and spine when sleeping on your back and the two flanking it are for side sleepers. All three are designed to release any pressure on those areas (neck and back) while you rest. "I fall asleep on my side and eventually roll over onto my back, so this pillow definitely worked for me. Although, I can't lie, the first night was a challenge. It took a while to get used to this because it feels so different than what I'm used to. After two weeks, though, I have completely adapted. It doesn't feel weird at all. The best part, though, is that I don't wake up with any cricks in my neck or soreness in my back because it's actually quite difficult to sleep with your neck in an odd position on this pillow, courtesy of the divots," Cherner adds. Of course, no pillow is perfect, though, and Cherner did have one qualm with hers. "I ordered a standard and this one is definitely on the larger side. I had to really jam it into my pillowcase."

Sizes: Standard | Fill Material: Organic dunlop latex | Cover Material: Organic cotton | Care: Spot clean latex. Remove and machine-wash pillow cover.

Organic Shredded Latex Pillow

"I had truly never heard of latex pillows until I was asked to test one out, but I truly am so happy I learned about them. I was suffering from something so many of us deal with—old, flat pillows—that opening up this bouncy, large, and surprisingly heavy one from Coyuchi left me feeling immediately hopeful," Assistant Editor Meghan Shouse says. "Though there was a definite chemical smell at first, I couldn’t detect it through my silk pillowcase, so it didn’t bother me once I finally laid my head down to rest." While she did, indeed, have a restful sleep on her new pillow, she admits that the firmness took a bit of getting used to. "I won’t lie, the firmness is kind of confusing because it is bulky and fairly firm, but it’s also very bouncy. It’s very easy to sleep on, and I’ve been waking up in the mornings without any pain because my head rests on the pillow, it doesn’t sink in like it would if it were filled with down." She hasn't gotten rid of her former pillow (yet), but Shouse did say she'd keep trying the latex one out—for now. "I do really enjoy this pillow—it was so different to what I was expecting, but I’m going to keep using it over my old one."

Sizes: Standard, queen, and king | Fill Material: Organic dunlop latex | Cover Material: Organic cotton | Care: Spot clean latex as needed.

Everyday Memory Foam Pillow

Eli & Elm's latex pillow is weighty like some of the other options on this list, courtesy of the five pounds worth of fill that comes with it. You can remove the fill as needed, depending on how stuffed you want your pillow. "Like some of our other editors, I never slept on latex pillows before, but when I heard they were good for people with allergies—I have a lot of allergies—I was game to try," Senior Commerce Editor Marina Liao says. "The pillow was heavier than my down and memory foam options, and I played around with the fill until I felt like it was at a good height and cushion for my head. I am a back sleeper who doesn't toss and turn, so having that support on my spine throughout the night is crucial. This pillow did support my neck and shoulders! I actually like the firmer feeling on pillows, so this is more on the medium-firm side than soft side. I made my husband sleep on this, too, because he was complaining about neck pains from another pillow we had. He is also a back sleeper. One week in, he has not made any efforts to give this pillow back to me—suffice it to say, it's helped him too."

Sizes: Queen | Fill Material: Dunlop latex | Cover Material: 37 percent cotton, two percent spandex, and 61 percent polyester | Care: Cover is machine washable, tumble dry on low.

Organic Solid Latex Pillow

Made with a solid core of extra-soft organic latex harvested from tree sap and wrapped in organic cotton stretch-knit fabric, this is one of the best latex pillows on offer. Make no mistake, though, at five pounds, this pillow is dense and heavy, so if you're looking for something plush and airy, this isn't the pillow for you. Otherwise, enjoy the bouncy nature of this five-star find. It cradles your neck and head in all the right ways, so you'll never wake up with aches.

Sizes: Standard and queen | Fill Material: 100 percent organic latex | Cover Material: Organic cotton | Care: Spot clean.

Latex Foam Bed Pillow

Similar to Naturepedic (and the Leesa one), this pillow is the brainchild of a brand more famous for its mattresses than its bedding accessories, but that doesn't mean it's not worth adding to cart. In fact, this one is so good that it already sold out in the king size, so if you are into it, snap it up fast. It's made from 100 percent talalay latex (latex foam that's made from the sap of the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree), so it will pop back into shape the moment there's no weight on it. Plus, the perforated cover means ultimate breathability. One customer said, "This is the best pillow I've ever owned. I bought one four years ago, still a great pillow, but since then, I have ordered two for my husband and son, and got myself another one. It's like sleeping on a cloud. Never flattens. I highly recommend this pillow!"

Sizes: Standard | Fill Material: 100 percent talalay latex | Cover Material: Cotton | Care: Spot clean.

How We Tested the Best Latex Pillows

Several of my fellow House Beautiful editors, writers, and I tested the aforementioned latex pillows in our homes for a period of at least two weeks (some of us though, have lived with them for several years) to give us enough time to review them properly. In either case, it's a real testament to the pillows' durability and longevity. It's also worth noting that a few of us started with latex pillows from other brands and had less-than-ideal experiences, so I left these options off the list because we want to recommend only the products we really love. That said, no product is perfect, so none of the testers held back on pointing out some noteworthy cons for shoppers to consider as they shop for this specific type of pillow fill.

As for the rest of the products on the list (the ones we did not test at home), I looked for options at our trusted brands and retailers. I picked out the best latex pillows that look perfectly plush (since latex is known for having a firmer, more dense feel), then read through every single review to see what customers had to say about them. I selected only the ones with the most positive feedback and highest ratings.

Is Latex a Good Sleeping Pillow?

The short answer? Yes, latex is a good sleeping pillow. Here's why: Whether you like a firm or plush pillow, ultimately, it needs to be supportive so that you don't wake up with neck pain that comes back every night. Heiser adds, "Latex is buoyant, responsive, cooling, and excels at head and neck support, which is essential for back sleepers." It's also ideal for anyone who sleeps warm. "This fill is best for hot sleepers, as it has better airflow than memory foam and remains cooler against your skin at night." Not to mention, though there are plenty of differences between latex and memory foam (namely, the breathability), these two materials share one huge benefit: They both mold to the contours of your specific head, providing support and easing any pressure on the base of your neck. Lastly, it's a healthier option than anything made with harmful or toxic chemicals because latex is completely natural. Speaking of which, latex is resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew, which anyone with allergies or respiratory sensitivities may find more comfortable than down or foam pillows.

What Is the Lifespan of a Latex Pillow?

Among many other elements, latex is famous for its durability and its ability to quite literally bounce back to its original plump shape once you lift your head up. "We recommend replacing your latex pillows after about three years of regular use," Heiser instructs. That may seem like a short amount of time, but Heiser insists it's much longer than anyone should keep any other type of pillow. "Most experts would advise replacing your pillow every one or two years. Research indicates that after a couple of years of daily use, up to 30 percent of a pillow's weight will be made up of dead skin cells and dust mites, which can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, watery eyes, and a stuffy nose. If you've been experiencing more allergy-like symptoms, it might be time to replace your old pillow."

Coyuchi's shredded latex pillow is one of the fan-favorites on offer. Unlike memory foam, which is just one single unit that you have to kind of just sink into, this is chunks of latex, so it feels more like it's cocooning your head and neck. "It's much more comfortable," Shouse says, who tested this pillow.

What Is the Difference Between Dunlop and Talalay Latex Pillows?

Though these names may imply that they represent different types of latex, dunlop and talalay actually refer to the method that produces latex. According to Heiser, "In the Dunlop method, rubber tree sap is mixed with non-toxic ingredients, poured into a mold, and baked in a vulcanization oven at 212 degrees Fahrenheit to form a solid. After that, it's taken out of the mold, washed, and then baked for a second time to remove excess moisture." While that is definitely a process, she says the alternative method is even more involved. "With the talalay method, liquid latex is whipped into a froth, poured into a partially filled mold, and then vacuumed to disperse it evenly. The latex is flash-frozen to make it light and airy, then baked into a solid form, washed, and dried," she explains. They both make for different feels: Dunlop is more dense and firm and talalay is a bit more plush and breathable. It just boils down to preference. "There are differences in the latex produced," Heiser notes. "Still, ultimately, the finished construction of the pillow plays a role in how the pillow feels to the sleeper, for example, whether the latex in the pillow is shredded or formed into a shell."

We don't generally think of pillows as being particularly innovative, but this one, also from Coyuchi, is an exception. It's more ergonomic than anything else, because it's designed for every kind of sleep position. There are three divots meant for your head: one in the middle for back sleepers and one flanking it for side sleepers.

Why Trust House Beautiful?

When it comes to picking out the best (and affordable) pieces for any bedroom, including my own, I have been reviewing home products, especially bedding, for nearly eight years. In fact, I currently have six pillows and counting. I have worked with countless interior designers and product designers on what makes something worthy in the home. Not to mention, I've been on a never-ending quest to maximize the comfort and look of my own bed, so you can trust that I've done my homework to find the best and most beloved pieces on the market. Plus, as a shopping editor, I've covered everything you could possible need for your bed, including the best cooling mattress toppers, the softest sheets, the best linen sheets, and even dedicated brand reviews.

For this story, I spoke with Christina Heiser, content director, at Saatva, to understand more about this pretty underrated material. Heiser has been an invaluable member of Saatva's team for more than six years. Though Heiser may not be a sleep scientist or a product developer, she does know a thing or two about both sleep and quality products. Not only has she worked with and tested Saatva's products, but her background also has a serious focus on beauty and health: Before joining Saatva, Heiser worked as a beauty editor at Webedia and Women's Health.

You Might Also Like

• 15 Home Bar Gifts Every Cocktail Enthusiast Will Appreciate

• 32 Low Light Indoor Plants That Can Survive in the Darkest Corners of Your Home

• These Are the 50 Best Paint Colors for Your Living Room