The 8 Best Latex Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Birch by Helix Organic Pillow because it's easy to manipulate and fold based on your sleeping position and preferences. And after six months, it didn't flatten or lose any of its buoyancy. For a lower-budget alternative, we also recommend the Elite Rest Slim Sleeper, which stays cool as you sleep and provides back and neck support.

Our Testing Process

To find the best latex pillows, we tested 17 popular models in the lab, evaluating them on quality, breathability, support, durability, comfort, and value.

During our lab tests, we first noted each pillow’s construction and materials, considering the cover, shape, slope, and how high the loft (height) is. We also measured the loft of each pillow using rulers. Then we unzipped and removed the cover from our pillow, noticing how well the zipper worked and if there was any latex odor. We replaced the pillow and took note if it was challenging to reinsert. 

We also manipulated the pillows, folding them "hamburger style" and "hotdog style" to see how easily they bent and how quickly the pillow returned to its original shape. 

To determine the level of support, we placed a 6-pound medicine ball on the center of the pillow and studied how far the ball sunk into the pillow and whether the latex conformed to its shape. We let the medicine ball rest on the pillow for 15 minutes and then removed it, timing how long it took to return to its original shape. 

Next, we laid on each pillow in different positions (side, back, and stomach). We evaluated our comfort in each position and recorded these results. For the adjustable fill pillows, we tested how much fill we needed to remove or add to achieve a comfortable fit and how difficult (and messy) that process was.

We also considered the breathability of each pillow, noting if it remained cool after laying on it for five minutes or if it retained body heat. After lab testing was complete, we took the top performers home and reported back on how they fared after three and six months. 

How to Shop for Latex Pillows Like a Pro

Firmness & Loft

Latex pillows come in multiple firmness levels, typically including soft, medium, and firm.

“Soft latex pillows offer a plush feel and gentle support, ideal for stomach sleepers or those who prefer a softer surface,” says Winnel. “Medium firmness provides a balanced level of support and works well for back and combination sleepers. Firm latex pillows offer more substantial support, making them suitable for side sleepers or individuals who need extra neck and head support.”

Then there’s the loft, which refers to the pillow's height at its fullest. Latex pillows usually have low, medium, and high loft options. “Low loft pillows are thinner, providing a flatter sleeping surface, and are recommended for stomach sleepers," says Winnel. "Medium loft is a moderate thickness suitable for back sleepers, while high loft pillows are thicker and better suited for side sleepers as they help fill the space between the shoulder and neck.”

“Selecting the right firmness and loft depends on your sleep position and comfort preferences for proper spinal alignment and a restful night's sleep,” says Winnel. 

Materials

There are two main material types for latex pillows: natural and synthetic latex. 

“Natural latex is derived from the sap of rubber trees and processed using the Dunlop or Talalay method to create a latex foam used for pillows,” says Winnel. “It is considered eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and provides a supportive yet responsive feel.”

Synthetic latex, meanwhile (sometimes referred to as man-made or blended latex), “is made from petroleum-based materials and replicates the properties of natural latex. It is generally more affordable but may lack some of the eco-friendly and hypoallergenic properties of natural latex," says Winnel. 

Some latex pillows may feature a blend of both types of latex “in an attempt to achieve a balance of properties and cost,” according to Winnel. Most latex pillows also have protective covers, usually made of soft, machine-washable cotton. 

Care

The longevity of your latex pillow largely depends on your care and maintenance. Winnel recommends specific steps to extend the lifespan of your pillow, outlined below: 

“First, use a pillow protector or a pillowcase to keep it clean and protect it from stains and dust," says Winnel. "Regularly wash the pillowcases to maintain a hygienic sleep environment. Avoid exposing the latex pillow to direct moisture and keep it dry to prevent mold growth. Fluff and rotate the pillow regularly to maintain its shape and even out wear.”

If your pillow gets dirty, “spot clean the affected area with a mild detergent and a damp cloth,” says Winnel, adding that you should avoid machine washing and drying, “as excessive moisture can damage the latex foam.” 

She also recommends occasionally airing out the pillow “in a well-ventilated area to refresh it,” and if possible, using “a pillowcase with a zipper closure to keep the pillow securely covered.” 

Certifications

Some latex pillows have a Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certification, which means that the pillow contains at least 95 percent certified organic raw material. Another common certification for latex pillows is the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which certifies that the latex has no harmful chemicals. If sustainability is your focus, check for these certifications while shopping.

Return Policy

Latex pillows can be an investment, so it’s important to consider the brand’s return policy beforehand. Buffy, for instance, allows returns with full refunds within 50 days of purchase, while Birch lets users do a 100-night sleep trial, during which time you can return the pillow free of charge.

More Latex Pillows to Consider

Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Pillow: This durable pillow started off with plenty of bounce and resistance. However, it lost some of its loft during long-term testing and caused us to experience some neck pain as a result.

Eco Terra Natural Latex Pillow: This pillow is comfortable, cooling, and fairly inexpensive. Unfortunately, you can’t adjust its filling without the pieces getting everywhere, and the pillow has a noticeable latex smell.

Organic Textiles Natural Latex Pillow: This pillow comes in four different firmness levels, making it a good option if you're picky about your pillow height. We found it to be a bit too springy though, although that might not bother some people.

Questions You Might Ask

What are the benefits of a latex pillow?

There are several benefits to latex pillows, according to Winnel. First and foremost, “their natural responsiveness and supportive properties can provide proper alignment for the head and neck, reducing neck pain and promoting better sleep posture,” she says.

Additionally, “being hypoallergenic, latex pillows are resistant to dust mites and mold, making them a helpful option for allergy sufferers,” Winnel says. “Their durability ensures long-lasting support, and the open-cell structure allows for breathability, keeping the pillow cool and comfortable throughout the night.”

And that’s not all; natural latex pillows are “eco-friendly, as they come from renewable resources, making them a sustainable choice for environmentally-conscious consumers,” says Winnel.

Do latex pillows feel similar to memory foam pillows?

“Latex pillows and memory foam pillows have some similarities, but they offer distinct differences in feel and support,” says Winnel. “Latex pillows have a responsive and supportive feel, conforming to the shape of the head and neck. They provide a balanced level of support and have a quicker bounce-back. On the other hand, memory foam pillows offer a contouring sensation, molding to the head and neck's shape and providing a cradling feel. They have a slower response time and may feel more conforming compared to latex pillows.”

Not sure which pillow type is better for you? Consider how much support, responsiveness, and contouring you want from your pillow and decide from there.

How often should you replace a latex pillow?

“The lifespan of a latex pillow can vary, but on average, they should be replaced every five to 10 years,” says Winnel. “High-quality latex pillows can maintain their shape and support for an extended period, but over time, they may lose their resilience and effectiveness in providing proper neck and head support.”

To determine when it’s time to replace your pillow, Winnel suggests looking for visible wear and tear, changes in shape and support, and odor. “Regularly caring for and rotating the pillow can help prolong its life, but eventually, replacing it ensures continued sleep quality and proper spinal alignment,” she adds.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications. We tested 17 latex pillows in the lab and at home over six months, evaluating them on breathability, comfort, value, and more. For expert insight, we spoke to Elina Winnel, a sleep expert and master sleep coach at The Sleep Expert.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.