The best latex pillows

Latex pillows can help deliver a great night's sleep because they provide an optimal mix of support and cushioning. Many are also designed to be cooling.
The Saatva Dreams Pillow is our overall favorite thanks to its layered construction intended to support the head and neck with a cool, comfortable feel.

Everyone wants a great night of sleep. But if you're someone who has kids, pets, or a spouse who hits snooze all morning, restful sleep can be a challenge.

With all of those things working against you, the last thing you need is an uncomfortable pillow. If the pillow doesn't encourage airflow or leaves you with a pain in your neck, it's not doing its job of helping you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up well-rested.

To provide a high level of support and comfort, consider latex pillows. Latex is firm enough to support the neck, head, and shoulders, yet soft enough to create a comfortable sleeping environment.

Benefits of latex pillows

Latex pillows certainly aren't for everyone, as we discussed recently when looking at the best pillows. But they do offer advantages in quite a few areas over other types.

Latex, which is extracted from rubber tree sap, works a lot like memory foam, however, it's more breathable and typically cooler than what you'll find with memory foam. According to Sleepopolis, that's because it can have better heat and water dissipation, meaning it won't heat as easily in hot weather and will feel more cooling to those whose body temperatures typically run warm. The popular sleep blog also maintains that latex won't feel like you're sinking too far into the pillow, either, because while latex will mold to the contours of the head and neck, it won't hold it as distinctly as foam will.

Mattress and pillow manufacturer Purple also claims that latex pillows can help alleviate neck and shoulder pain through soft but firm cushioning that helps ensure proper spinal alignment and pressure relief.

Both sources also cite that latex pillows have antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties, so you don't have to worry about bacteria forming inside latex pillows over time.

However, it's worth noting that some people don't like the dense nature of latex pillows, as they're a little heavier than other types of pillows. But the denseness allows latex pillows to hold their shape better over time — which is also why they can often be a little more expensive.

Options for latex pillows

Latex pillows may consist of a single piece of, or shredded pieces of material. A shredded latex fill will have better airflow, Sleepopolis said. On the other hand, some manufacturers place holes, slots, or ridges in the single piece of latex to allow for airflow in that style, too. With a shredded latex design inside a zippered pillowcase, you can remove some of the fill if desired, creating a personalized feel.

A single piece latex pillow may be molded with contours, which conform to the head and neck, providing support. Some latex pillows will have ridges or bumps.

Manufacturers make latex pillows in almost any size, including standard, queen, and king, as well as body pillows. Various firmness levels are available too.

Here are the best latex pillows:

Best overall: Saatva Dreams Pillow
Best on a budget: Organic Textiles All-Natural Latex Pillow with Organic Cotton Covering
Best for a cooling, breathable feel: Nest Bedding The Easy Breather Natural Pillow

Updated on 7/9/2020 to edit the prices, titles, links, and remove one discontinued item, as well as reviews and ratings from third-party sites, because we've found them to be unreliable in the past.

The best overall

For a comfortable sleep, Saatva Dreams Pillow uses a layered construction that supports your head and neck appropriately, while staying soft to the touch.

Saatva is a luxury mattress company that also happens to make one of the best pillows you can buy.

The Saatva Dreams Pillow uses the same layered design as its mattresses, which consists of a core made out of shredded Talalay latex, surrounded by microdenier fiber. The core provides support for the neck and head, while the down-like microdenier fiber provides the plush feel of a down pillow, minus the feathers. The third layer is a 100% organic cotton cover that's moisture-wicking to keep you cool. The pillow is available in queen or king size.

Insider Picks contributor Kylie Joyner tested the pillow and "was impressed with the head and neck support it offered." She added, "It reaches a perfect middle ground of feeling soft and plush while being just firm enough to keep its shape throughout the night. I never once woke up with a flattened pillow or sore neck."

The pillow may be too high for those who sleep on their stomachs, but side and back sleepers will find the Saatva Dreams Pillow comfortable. "I typically sleep on my stomach and found that to be the case when in this position. However, when I slept on my back or side, I had no issues," Kylie said, who simply removed the inner core (yes, it's removable) as an adjustment for sleeping on her stomach (although, sleeping on your stomach isn't recommended by many experts).

Pros: Three-layer design provides support and luxurious feel, removable inner latex core, removable cover

Cons: Expensive, stomach sleepers may find elevation too high

The best on a budget

The Organic Textiles All-Natural Latex Pillow is a great all-around latex pillow offering multiple firmness options in a breathable construction.

The Organic Textiles All-Natural Latex Pillow has a breathable design and a comfortable organic cotton cover. Add in an affordable price tag, durable construction, and multiple firmness options, and this latex pillow makes for an outstanding choice.

Compared to other latex pillows, the Organic Textiles pillow has an average price point. Yet, its organic cotton cover delivers a feeling of luxury. The porous design also allows for maximum ventilation, though it might make it feel a bit heavy and dense.

Pros: Excellent all-around pillow for many different types of sleepers, good value, available in multiple sizes and firmness levels

Cons: May not hold its shape over several months

The best for cooling, breathable feel

It's expensive, but the Nest Easy Breather Natural Pillow has a shredded latex interior and cotton cover that allow just the right amount of airflow to feel comfortable.

The combination of eight inches of shredded latex inside and a soft organic cotton cover on the outside help gives the Easy Breather Natural Pillow a cooling feel. It's available in standard, queen, and king sizes, and the company claims that no chemicals are used in manufacturing.

This pillow has a high-quality Oeko-Tex-certified latex material, which enhances its ability to deliver a cool feel all night, according to Sleepopolis. Users may remove some of the shredded latex to adjust the fill level of the Nest Bedding pillow to match their individual needs.

The pillow is pricey, but Nest Bedding offers a 30-night trial to make sure you like it. Unfortunately, it is not machine washable, however, the outer cover can be washed when the fill is removed. A pillow protector is also recommended.

Pros: Excellent mix of comfort and support, latex is cooling, users can remove some of the fill if desired

Cons: Expensive, pillow seems a little small versus others, not machine washable

Check out our other buying guides for bedding

The best mattresses

A great mattress can be the difference between a good night's sleep that results in a productive day or a horrible night that makes you feel like you didn't sleep at all. Here are our top picks for the best mattress you can buy.

The best mattresses for side sleepers

Finding the perfect mattress is tough for side sleepers. We've done the research and some testing to find the best mattresses for side sleepers. Regardless of which one you choose from our favorites, though, we're confident that you'll get a good night's sleep. And if you find that these mattresses don't work for you, rest assured that they come with a sleep trial so you can take these beds for a test run before making a long-term commitment. Here are the best mattresses for side sleepers.

The best sheets for your bed

Few would deny that at the end of a long, hard day, sliding into a comfortable bed outfitted with soft, smooth sheets that pamper your skin is one of life's greatest pleasures. After all, you spend nearly a third of your life between those sheets, so why wouldn't you want the best?

So we've made it easy for you: We checked out all the top consumer buying websites, listened to opinions from bed sheet buyers, and tried sheets ourselves to compile our list of the best bed sheet sets you can buy.