The Best Bamboo Pillow of 2021 – Soft and Breathable

People will spend a third of their life in bed, and one of the most important things you need for a good night’s rest is the best pillow possible for your situation. It’s imperative to choose a pillow that will ensure your comfort while also being kind to your pocketbook/wallet. Now, there are all kinds of pillows out there – from cotton pillows to latex to memory foam to bamboo pillows. 

And, it’s the bamboo pillow that’s garnered a lot of attention lately. After all, the best bamboo pillow can ensure one gets better sleep quality where they wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go. 

There are all kinds of benefits to using bamboo in various household products, including sleeping products. It’s not uncommon for toothbrush manufacturers, air freshener manufacturing and so many others are using it to create their products.

Why is bamboo such a popular material, especially in pillows and other bed-designed products? First off, bamboo will quickly grow, which makes it eco-friendly. As a fabric, it’s breathable and softer and will whisk moisture away far better than synthetic or cotton fibers. If you have a problem with getting too hot at night, bamboo will keep you cooler without making you feel all wet.

Regardless of the reason for you to use a bamboo pillow – breathability, neck support, dust mite prevention, etc. the following bamboo pillow manufacturers are some of the best the market has to offer. What do these bamboo pillow reviews have to share with you? 

The Best Bamboo Pillows

Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow Review

When it comes to bamboo pillows, the Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow is one of the best options on the market for softness and breathability. The pillow is manufactured in the U.S. and has a 60 percent polyester and 40 percent bamboo rayon pillowcase.

This is a very comfortable pillow that suits all types of sleepers, no matter what their sleeping position is. It has a side zipper so you can freely add or take out filling to adjust the loft (pillow height). If you’re a back sleeper, side sleeper, or stomach sleeper, it offers a fantastic balance between comfort and support.

The Coop Home Goods is a mixture of microfiber and memory foam, which is vacuum-packed into plastic and folded as tightly as possible. When you remove it from the plastic, it starts to inflate, gaining height and loft. Shake it a bit and push on the sides to ensure it rises quicker. Or, you can just throw it in the dryer for five minutes. Within an hour, it will be fully expanded, and the loft is going to be eight inches high (unless you remove some of the fill).

If you suffer from allergies, then this pillow will undoubtedly help you out. It’s both dust-mite resistant and hypoallergenic. You can wash the bamboo pillowcase to get rid of stains or dirt. Since bamboo is a breathable material, those who sleep hot will stay cool during the night.

Another significant aspect of the Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow is the stringent, third-party lab testing it goes through, which has also earned it Certi-PUR-US and GreenGuard Gold certifications for quality and safety. The manufacturer offers a five-year warranty should your pillow flatten at any time. You can also try the product out for 100 days risk-free to see if it’s right for you.

Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow Review

The Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow features a pillowcase that’s an amalgamation of materials – bamboo viscose, polyester and lycra, which makes it exceptionally soft to the touch, eco-friendly and cooling during the night.

This pillow is known for orthopedic neck support for any sleeper regardless of their sleeping position. It comes with an outer cover that you can remove, which also allows you to make adjustments to the pillow thickness. With the inclusion of Micro-Vents, the air can freely circulate, and there is no accumulation of heat.

The great thing about this micro-vented fabric is its durability and breathability, which lets the made-in-USA, Biogreen, and Certi-US Certified memory foam spread out. This fabric will absorb sweat and moisture better than cotton. It will also fight against bacteria that can accumulate on the pillow and lead to bad odors.

The Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow offers a 120-Night satisfaction guarantee as well as free shipping, which gives you plenty of time to decide if it works for you or not. Customers also get a 20-year replacement warranty. While this does not include physical damage, rips, and tears, it protects you in case the pillow flattens.

Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow Review

The Coop Home Goods Eden adjustable pillow comes with a 40 percent bamboo rayon cover with exceptional cashmere-like softness, which can keep you cool as you sleep. Its gusseted design provides edge-to-edge support, and the adjustable loft means anybody can use it – side sleepers, back sleepers, or stomach sleepers.

Every pillow comes with gel-infused memory foam and a microfiber fill blend. The gel helps provide even more softness and cooling, aids in breathability, and brings out heat to offer users a comfortable temperature all during the night. The gel is blue in color and has small fibers all over it. On the zipper side, you can open it up and feel just how soft and cool the gel fibers are.

What makes this bamboo pillow one of the best on the market is the strict, third-party lab testing it goes through. It’s been CertiPUR-US, and GreenGuard Gold certified for the utmost quality and safety. The Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow is filled entirely with shredded memory foam, and because it’s adjustable, you can find the right height that’s best for you. Keep the extra foam in a plastic bag, so you can use it when you need it.

Coop Home Goods is all about proving the best customer service, which is why they offer a 100-night sleep trial. If you’re unhappy with your pillow, you can send it back for a refund. If you keep the product, it comes with a five-year warranty that ensures protection against the pillow going flat. 

Zen Bamboo Ultra Plush Gel Pillow (2 Pack) Review

The Zen Bamboo Ultra Plush Gel Pillow (2 Pack) are made of an incredibly soft gel fiber, which is covered by a jacquard bamboo cover. Ideal for anybody who wants to buy an affordable bamboo pillow, they are great for taking on vacation or guest rooms, as well.

There is a drawback to these pillows – they are non-adjustable. You can’t remove or add to the pillow’s height unless you cut it apart and sew it for yourself. Still, the very soft gel fiber makes them very comfortable to use for all types of sleepers.

The cover, which is made out of bamboo rayon, is both soft and breathable. Thanks to its no-shift design, you’ll have support all during the night. The pillowcase provides additional support and firmness, but you may need to bunch up the sides a small bit. The first time you use the Zen Bamboo Ultra Plush Gel Pillow (2 Pack), you may notice them fluff up a little more after several days, giving you even more support.

The pillowcase is both stain and fade-resistant, and even though you can’t separate the fill from the pillowcase, you can put the pillow in the washer machine to get it cleaned. Allow for plenty of drying time to ensure you can sleep on it again that night. You can always add another pillowcase to the pillow to make washing much easier.

People who suffer from allergies will love that this product is hypoallergenic and completely free of all chemicals and allergens. If you have asthma or other breathing issues, this may be what you’ve been looking for. Zen Bamboo provides a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, which allows you to get a full refund if you’re unhappy during this time.

Malouf Memory Foam Pillow Review

There are five variations to the Malouf Memory Foam Pillow that customers can pick from. While they have similar measurements and lofts, they have different features that make them unique.

With the white pillow, you get a soft dough memory foam; with the blue pillow, you get a temperature-regulating gel foam; the purple pillow has lavender infused in it, and the black one consists of bamboo charcoal. You can find these pillows in the standard size, King and Queen.

The Malouf offers terrific neck and back support, but only if you got the right amount of loft. It can’t be adjusted, which means finding and buying the correct loft is essential in getting a good night’s rest. With the open-cell technology, you can sleep comfortably because more air can flow freely through. Since it’s hypoallergenic, it’s ideal for people who have allergies (it’s also resistant to dust mites).

Thanks to the exclusive DOUGH memory foam formula, this is one of the softest bamboo pillows on the market. However, the Malouf Malouf Memory Foam Pillow is not only comfortable but therapeutic too offering fantastic pressure relief and helping to alleviate the pain you can get while sleeping. Combine this with the zoned pin-core design for pressure relief, and you can say goodbye to painful awakenings from bad nights.

Memory foam keeps its shape, so you never have to fluff the pillow or worry it’ll flatten. It is covered by a bamboo velour rayon that can be removed and washed when needed. There is a five-year warranty that protects you in cases of manufacturing defects. Normal wear and tear and a pillow case are not covered. 

Levesolls Gel Memory Foam Contour Pillow Review

When it comes to the Levesolls Gel Memory Foam Contour Pillow, you’ll find that this is the only product on the list that includes an adjustable solid memory foam option. How can the manufacturer pull this off? They added an additional thin layer of foam that is snuggled between the two thicker layers. If you have neck pain or sleep in all kinds of positions, this may be an excellent choice for you.

Like other bamboo pillows, the most significant benefit of sleeping with the Levesolls is the cooler night sleep and allergy relief. You have four different heights to choose from, all depending on what you want for that night. If you want additional support for your shoulders, you can choose to add all the layers; however, if you want to sleep on your stomach, then you can use a single layer.

It’s best to know what pillow size you need before you buy one. This is especially important when it comes to the loft and thickness. With all its layers, the Levesolls will end up being 4.7 inches high on one side and 3.9 inches for the other side. If you use just two layers, the height is 3.5 and 2.8 inches, respectively. Thanks to this contour shape, one side is thicker than the other. Thus, you can flip the pillow over as you sleep to lower your neck or raise it as you see fit.

With the additional solid foam layer, the Levesolls Gel Memory Foam Contour Pillow can be used by anyone no matter what their sleep preferences are. It rebounds slowly, and with the gel-infused solid foam, you can stay cool all during the night. Since durability is so important, you should know that Levesolls offers a two-year warranty in cases of defects in the product quality. This doesn’t extend to the bamboo pillowcase offered with the purchase.

Cariloha Gel-Top Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow Review

When it comes to bamboo pillows, you’ll find that the Cariloha Gel-Top Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow ranks high up there. With a cooling gel infused in the pillow, it’s expensive, but a well-worth-it pillow. The cover is made of 70 percent viscose and 30 percent polyester.

With medium firmness, the pillow keeps its shape and contours to your head size, relieving pressure for a good night’s sleep. Since the foam is made with holes in it, plenty of air will flow through to ensure a more refreshing night as you sleep.

The Cariloha Gel-Top Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow is naturally hypoallergenic, helping to resist dust must and toxins. With the cooling gel-top layer, you can rest assured that you’ll stay cool as you sleep (even more so than other pillows on the market). The bamboo viscose cover takes moisture away and keeps odors from seeping into the pillow. You can remove the cover to wash it.

If you’re not happy with the pillow, you have 30 days to request a replacement or refund. If you plan to return it, you’ll cover the shipping costs, and then the company will reimburse you for it. The pillow has a lifetime quality guarantee.

Plixio 2 Pack Shredded Memory Foam Bed Pillows Review

The Plixio 2 Pack Shredded Memory Foam Bed Pillows are made with a 60 percent polyester and 40 percent rayon bamboo cover. These pillows won’t flatten unlike what you see with the down, feather, down alternative, latex, and foam fillings. Instead, they can withstand several years of use. 

Made with shredded memory foam, these bamboo pillows offer a high loft for back and stomach sleepers. However, some stomach sleepers may also benefit from using them as well. Thanks to its flexibility, the shredded foam can contour to your neck and head, making sure the spinal column and back are aligned properly. What's more, the foam is infused with gel that ensures you stay cool all night.

The Plixio 2 Pack Shredded Memory Foam Bed Pillows are hypoallergenic and stain-resistant, which makes them ideal for allergy sufferers. The cover is breathable, so no moisture stays on the material. It can also be washed in the washer when needed. The company provides a three-year warranty for any manufacturing defects of the product.

Hotel Comfort Premium Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow Review

The Hotel Comfort Premium Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow is made of very firm 100 percent polyurethane foam fill, which is wrapped in a 60 percent polyester and 40 percent bamboo cover. If you like the idea of a hard pillow and bamboo, this is a great choice.

What makes this bamboo pillow unique is that it uses a very supportive foam, which can still contour to the body and give you a good night’s rest. It alleviates any pain you might have in your shoulders caused by flat pillows. The soft bamboo cover can be washed in a machine, getting rid of any buildup of dust and dirt. Bear in mind that the pillow is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. Thanks to the adjustable Certi-PUR-US Certified foam, the filling is safe and won’t shift while you sleep.

The Hotel Comfort Premium Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow is offered in three sizes: Queen, King, and body pillow. With a customizable foam filling, you can adjust it to the shape you feel is best for you. It’s ideal for any back, stomach, and side sleepers. While there is no listed warranty on Amazon, the company does offer a 30-Night sleep trial. If you’re unhappy with the product, you can return it anytime in the 30 days period and get a full refund.

A Look At Bamboo Pillows

The name bamboo pillow comes from the outer bamboo shell that keeps the pillow together. Usually called a pillow cover, the fabric uses bamboo plant fibers, which can spin thousands of yarn. 

Bamboo pillows are not like traditional pillows, which are usually filled with alternative down or cotton. These pillows have a lot of loft using high end, solid memory foam or shredded memory foam for the fill. Each pillow varies in its density and style. The loft of the fill and price is going to vary from one pillow manufacturer to the next one. 

Still, every one of these materials ensures a sleeping experience that’s hypoallergenic, breathable and soft. 

4 Reasons Your Sleep Quality Could Benefit From A Bamboo Pillow

If you shop smart, you won’t purchase anything you hard about on the commercial or radio. Instead, you’ll take your time and do some research to find products that are best for you. When it comes to bamboo pillows and why you should buy them, you’re going to look at the reasons they are so beneficial to you and your sleep quality. What are the advantages of using a bamboo pillow over other ones?

Ideal For Any Sleeping Position 

These pillows can be found in all kinds of lofts and shapes, which is why you need to take the time to really look at ones that will fit your sleep style and needs. Before you buy any pillow, think about how you sleep and then decide which one is best for you. 

Eco-Friendly

Bamboo is a completely natural product, growing in various locations around the world 365 days a year. This makes it highly sustainable, and even when it’s harvested, it starts growing right away. In a matter of weeks, a full crop is available to process once more. 

Cotton is grown once a year and takes nutrients out of the soil. Bamboo doesn’t stop growing – no need for irrigation, chemical pesticides and it’s not affected by droughts. 

Bear in mind that the processing of breaking down bamboo fibers do use chemicals, but compare these amounts to those used for other materials, and it’s much less dangerous to the environment. You’re also supporting your local farms who invest in bamboo for their crops.

Regulation Of Heat and Moisture 

The bamboo’s viscose rayon is exceptionally effective at taking away heat and moisture that can accumulate on the pillow surface. A key reason people don’t get a good night’s sleep is that they wake up constantly in the night because of terrible air circulation in their pillow.

If you’re looking at memory foam bamboo pillows, this is extremely important to consider. Memory foam is well-known for heating up. When enveloped in bamboo fibers, the heat will dissipate rather than be absorbed into the pillow. This means any sweat or moisture is eliminated before it can build up.

Hypoallergenic 

Bamboo, unlike polyester, cotton and nylon, is hypoallergenic naturally, which means most people will never suffer from allergies when using products with bamboo in it. 

Who Could Benefit Most From Using A Bamboo Pillow?

Anybody can benefit from a high-quality bamboo pillow, but some people could benefit more than others. Who are these individuals?

Anybody who suffers from allergies - Thanks to its hypoallergenic properties, people who have skin irritations or allergies with regular bedding materials can use bamboo pillows and not have these problems. If you wake up with a stuffy nose or have skin problems due to irritation, then getting the best bamboo pillow may be the right investment for you. 

Anybody who has neck and back pain - A bamboo pillow with the right amount of loftness can ease their suffering. Many times, the pain is the result of spine misalignment. If you subject your spine to odd positions, it’s going to become sore eventually. This neck pain can become persistent if left alone. However, with the right pillow loft, you can get rid of this pain and feel like yourself again. 

Anybody who suffers from insomnia - This could be the result of too much heat inside a pillow. Bamboo filling allows air to flow through, which will take away the heat and let you sleep better at night – all night.

What Qualities Should You Look For In A Bamboo Pillow?

The best bamboo pillow is going to depend on the kind of fill you want, what loft is comfortable to you and your finances. There are several things to consider before you purchase a bamboo pillow, such as how to properly clean the pillow, if there are any warranties, etc. 

Fill Material

The majority of bamboo pillow manufacturers will use memory foam to fill their pillows. Memory foam is made via a chemical treatment that causes the material to become supportive and soft. The goal of memory foam is to ensure it cradles your neck, head and shoulders. Once pressure is off of it, it’s supposed to return to its original shape.

There are two forms of memory foam bamboo pillows – solid or shredded. 

As the name stipulates, shredded memory foam is tiny pieces of memory foam that are found inside the pillow’s inner liner. Some of the best bamboo pillow manufacturers offer a zipper on this liner so that you can make adjustments to the pillow. 

If you want more loft, you add more foam to the pillow. You need a lower loft, and you take some of the foam out. Customizing a pillow is one thing you should really consider because it makes the pillow ideal for any person regardless of their sleeping position. And, if you find the loft isn’t to your liking because it’s not high enough, many of the best bamboo pillow manufacturers will send you additional filling for no money.

Solid memory foam is one piece of foam that’s cut to fit the pillow size. They can be a flat service or contour to support the upper body. It’s not uncommon for solid memory foam to have holes in them to allow air to flow through, which makes them a great choice when using them in a warm climate. 

Cost 

When looking at bamboo pillows and considering which ones are the best bamboo pillows on the market, price isn’t always indicative of the best. After all, some bamboo pillows have a starting price of $30 and are very good pillows. Some bamboo pillows can cost $90 or more, and not be ideal for your sleeping needs. 

Price of a bamboo pillow is going to be dictated by three things:

• Filling
• Size
• Amount of bamboo used in cover material

Cheaper bamboo pillows with a standard pillowcase size have around 40 percent bamboo-derived viscose/rayon. The larger size pillows – Queen and King – can easily run into the upper tens of dollars. And, any pillowcase covers made entirely from bamboo will cost far more than the combo pillows. 

And, if you choose a body size bamboo pillow, you’re going to pay a lot more money because of the size. 

Sleeping Positions

How you sleep will dictate what kind of bamboo pillow is best for you. Spinal misalignments tend to happen at night, which can cause you to wake up with stiff, sore neck or aching back. Your sleeping position will factor in into which is the best bamboo pillow for you.

Sleeper – This is the worst way to sleep, as facing down causes additional stress on the spine and lead to chronic back issues. Neck pain is also prevalent among these types of sleepers. It’s best to switch to side or back sleeping to get a good night’s rest. If you can’t change how you sleep, the type of pillow you get and the mattress you use can help you get a better night’s rest. 

Back Sleeper – This is considered the healthiest sleep position since your spine stays neutral all night long. With this position, you just need a firm and low loft pillow to sleep on. An excessive amount or not enough loft will create an uncomfortable sleeping position.

Side Sleeper – Most people tend to sleep on their side, but a lofty pillow is necessary to ensure the gap between the mattress and neck is closed. Find a high loft pillow that offers firm support to help you sleep on your side without any soreness.

Combination Sleeper – People who are constantly switching their positions in the night need a medium-high and firm pillow to help them stay comfortable as they sleep and move around. 

Cleaning

The majority of bamboo pillows that use shredded memory foam can be washed in a washing machine. Solid memory foam, on the other hand, should be hand-washed (spot-cleaned). However, the pillowcases of either one can be thrown into the washer. The best thing you can do is read the manufacturer’s care instructions and follow them to the tee. 

Warranty/Lifespan

The kind of warranty a manufacturer provides can give you some insight into its durability. Before products are introduced to the market, they go through stringent tests to see how long it’s going to last. The results give the company an idea of what kind of warranty to offer to its consumers.

Mattresses tend to have a 10-to-20-year warranty, but bamboo pillows don’t have a specified length of warranty. You should always look for pillows that offer at least a two-year warranty, especially if the fill is memory foam.  

Pillow warranty tends to cover the workmanship and materials. If the memory foam begins to disintegrate or loses its loftness, you can file a warranty claim. 

Should You Buy Import or USA Products

The majority of people go for U.S. bedding over China products. There’s the perception that U.S. products offer higher quality products, use fewer chemicals and have a better customer support team. However, the real difference is the price. 

Shredded materials tend to be higher in grade quality, especially those made in the U.S., but when it comes to comfort, there really is no difference. 

Safety and Certification 

When it comes to buying products, make certifications your best friend. There are a plethora of certifications out there – all of them state a product has met a specific set of standards. Two of the common certifications out there for bedding products include CertiPUR-US and GreenGuard Gold. 

CertiPUR-US – This certification means materials were manufactured without using flame retardants, TDCPP, PBDEs, etc. They contain no lead, mercury or other heavy metals see in many products. It also means the product met the guidelines stipulated by the Customer Product Safety Commission and doesn’t release a lot of volatile organic compounds into the air. 

Special Note – You always want to buy a product that as a low VOC, so you know that little to no dangerous toxins are being released into your home’s air. High VOC levels can cause irritations of the throat, eyes and nose. You could also have coordination problems, headaches and nausea. In very severe cases, there could be liver and kidney damage. You could even have a problem with your central nervous system. 

GreenGuard Gold – This certification means products and materials emit very low levels of chemicals, as noted by the standards of the chemical exposure benchmarks. 

4 Sizes You Can Find A Bamboo Pillow In

All the sizes of a bamboo pillow, not including the body pillow, are the same width. It’s the length of the pillow that changes on the size. Bamboo pillows are found in four different sizes:

• Standard – This is the most common pillow size you’ll see on the market. It’s the shortest one of them all, and more compact. It’s also the least expensive of all of them.
• Queen – These pillows are four inches longer than the standard pillows. They are ideal for people who feel standard pillows are not long enough. They are great for people who toss and turn all night. 
• King – These pillows are two inches longer than Queen size pillows, and are great for people who are restless when sleeping. They are also great for people who love to watch TV or read in bed. 
• Body – These are oversized pillows in terms of width and two times the size of a standard pillow. They’re geared toward people who need something to snuggle or need a pillow between their legs. When used in a cradle-between-the-legs position, the spine becomes better aligned with the head and neck. 

Should You Use Bamboo Pillows Over Other Pillow Types

Memory Foam

It’s not uncommon for pillow manufacturers to overlap memory foam and bamboo materials together since there is a modified memory foam filling. However, traditional memory foam pillows tend to lack the comfort bamboo memory foam pillows have. For example, they are usually hotter and uncomfortable after some time.

Bamboo pillows do have a smell to them, but standard memory foam pillows have a pungent smell that can be overwhelming. For people who are sensitive to the smell or are worried about the off-gassing process, they may forgo the use of anything with memory foam in it. 

Down

Down is the softer part of bird feathers, which makes them quite luxurious and moldable. However, there are some critical issues with using down as a pillow fill. For instance, the method in which to get the down is often seen as inhumane. They are also very expensive pillows, can’t be easily cleaned, always need to be fluffed and can cause allergies in some people. 

Down pillows are famous for going flat at night, which means people wake up feeling uncomfortable. 

Latex

This type of material is great for orthopedic support, which is why back pain sufferers often seek them out. They are also cheaper than other bedding materials, and they don’t have the off-gassing problems, as noted with memory foam. That doesn’t mean they don’t have a drawback or two.

First off, latex is a harder material, which means it’s not as comfortable to sleep on. While you can get a natural latex pillow to alleviate that issue, it’s usually much more expensive than synthetic latex pillows. 

Tempurpedic

Tempur is a kind of memory foam that Tempurpedic came up with. It was first created thanks to a NASA contract and is an amalgamation of an array of materials to create the memory foam. Since its inception, scientists have refined the material. However, the synthetic polyurethane foam blend causes off-gassing odors that can be possibly dangerous to one’s health. 

Other issues you may have with Tempurpedic products are the retention of heat and cost (which can be extraordinarily expensive). 

Should You Spend Your Money On A Bamboo Pillow?

When looking for the best bamboo pillows and reading all the bamboo pillow reviews, you may be wondering if the cost outweighs the benefits and vice versa. Yes, bamboo pillows – even cheaper ones – are very expensive, but not as much as what you’d see with a Tempur-Pedic pillow. 

Although they are expensive, the benefits even the best bamboo pillow provide can make it worth it, including but not limited to:

• Eco-friendly in development process
• Moisture-wicking properties
• Better support of head and neck
• Better heat whisking abilities 

The only thing left to understand is their durability. Traditional cotton pillows need replacing at least once a year – even not twice a year – to ensure the same kind of support you must have. ‘

Bamboo pillows are incredibly durable, and since they regulate both moisture and heat so well, the pillow won’t soak these into the inner layers. Both moisture and heat are what causes the fibers of pillows to break down. 

This means a bamboo pillow will last up to three times longer than traditional pillows, which means you can save yourself money that you’d be spending on replacement pillows. 

Are You Trying To Be Eco-Friendly? What You Need To Know About Bamboo Manufacturing

Some bamboo bedding manufacturers claim they use only all-natural bamboo, but the reality is that’s not completely true. Yes, bamboo is a much more sustainable source of filling, but producing it means using chemicals as well. 

For dense bamboo fibers to become incredibly soft Rayon yarn for a bamboo pillow cover, it must be processed in heavy machinery and exposed to chemical enzymes that break the hard cellulose down. 

Still, every manufacturer does not process bamboo bedding in the same manner. Some companies, Bamboo Supply Co. and Cariloha, will use a sustainable production that also used advanced filtration and recycling techniques to reduce how much chemical is produced. 

Don’t forget the say, “You get what you pay for.” If you’re looking for budget-friendly choices, then you’re getting one of two things – a product that’s not entirely bamboo or a company not worried about the impact it's making on the environment. 

How To Properly Take Care Of A Bamboo Pillow

If all you ever had is a memory foam pillow, then you know how important it is to preserve a hypoallergenic pillow to ensure a supportive sleep environment. The best way to extend a pillow’s life is to take care of it, cleaning and air it properly. Some people find that washing a pillow and allowing it to air-dry is too much of a hassle. The majority of people would rather throw their pillow in the washer and dryer. 

The key to extending the life of a bamboo pillow is to wash it by hand (as most pillows are filled with memory foam and are not safe for the washer machine). Shredded pillows can be thrown in the dryer on low heat. Solid memory foam bamboo pillows must be air-dried. Using a fan can speed the process up. 

How To Properly Air Out Your Bamboo Pillow

When you first get your pillow, it may have a chemical smell to it. This is called off-gassing, which is common in many foam-filled products due to chemicals needed to produce. However, the smell isn’t toxic and, within a couple of hours, it’s usually gone. 

Of course, after using it for months, it’s going to eventually stink thanks to the accumulation of facial oils, sweat and dead skin. When this happens, you need to sprinkle a little bit of baking soda on it and put it in the sun for a couple of hours. Vacuum the baking soda up and repeat the process for the other side. 

How To Fluff Your Bamboo Pillow

Bamboo pillows will be packaged firmly, and once you take it out, it’ll fluff up. However, after a couple of weeks of use, you may find it doesn’t have the fluff it once did. That’s because your neck, shoulders and back have caused the stuffing to flatten out a bit. All you need to do is throw the pillow in the dry on a low heat for 15 minutes to get it back to its fluffy stage. This will cause the fibers to break apart from each other and tumbling will fluff the pillow stuffing. 

Remove it from the dryer after 15 minutes, and it’s just like new. 

How To Wash Your Bamboo Pillows

Even the best bamboo pillows need to be taken care of properly to ensure a long life span. When it comes to keeping your bamboo pillow looking and smell its best, washing it regularly is a must. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly care for your pillow. 

Most will recommend it be washed once every two months. This will take care of any dead skin cells or dust on the pillow that can cause the materials to break down and lead to dust mites accumulating on it. 

While some manufacturers claim that throwing your bamboo pillow in the washer is fine, it’s really a better idea to wash it by hand. Most washer machines are rough on clothing and bedding materials, even on the delicate setting. Therefore, this can damage the pillow’s cover and structure. 

Cleaning it by hand is the best way to address this issue: just fill up your sink or bathtub with lukewarm water. Put in some mild laundry detergent (no bleach or bleach-added products) since this can damage the rayon yarn. 

Submerge the pillow in the water and gently massage the pillow and squeeze it. This will let the soapy water to get through the pillow and clean it thoroughly. Do this for several minutes, and empty out the soapy water. Refill it with clean, cold water to rinse the pillow out. Repeat the massaging and squeezing steps for several minutes to eliminate the soap from the pillow. You may need to do this several times until the soap is completely gone.

Once you’re done, your pillow will need to be dried. If you can wait and let it air dry, that would be better. However, if you’re in a rush, you can toss it into the dryer for 30 minutes on a low heat setting. 

7 Frequently Asked Questions People Have About Bamboo Pillows?

What Are Bamboo Pillows Really Comprise Of?

Bamboo pillows comprise of the same materials traditional pillows are comprised of. This is dependent on the kind of pillow you want though. The covers are usually the same, consisting of viscose rayon yarn. It’s the filling where you’ll find the most difference. Many bamboo pillows use memory foam or shredded memory foam made out of cotton, bamboo fibers, goose down and synthetic materials.

Do Bamboo Pillows Have A Smell?

A huge consumer complaint is the smell that surrounds bamboo pillows, which is a powerful chemical smell when they are first pulled out of the package. This smell is not dangerous to your health but can be nauseating for some. 

In most cases, the smell dissipates after a day in the air. However, that still hasn’t stopped some from wondering why the smell is there in the first place. The odor is the result of the cleaning process manufacturers use before the pillow is packaged. Since cleaning gases don’t air out before the pillow is sealed up, it means it won’t air out until you open and remove it from its packaging. 

Another possible reason for the smell is your choice in pillows such as the memory foam bamboo pillow. When memory foam is first taken out of its package, you’ll notice a robust chemical smell comes from it when the pores open up, and the gases are released.

While these smells do disappear within a few days of being opened, manufacturers will replace or refund you the money if you reach out to them about the issue. 

Should You Use A Bamboo Pillowcase?

The majority of people use a pillowcase to protect their pillows, but some people wonder if sleeping directly on the pillow is possible. Yes and no!

Rayon yarn is very soft – one of the most delicate materials you’ll sleep on. However, if you decide to use it without a pillow cover, you will need to wash it more often to get rid of the hair oils, dust, germs, etc. It also won’t last near as long as a pillow with a pillowcase on it.

How Firm Are Bamboo Pillows?

Solid memory foam bamboo pillows range in various levels of firmness and softness. You have the option for a soft, medium or firm pillow – it all depends on what you want and how you sleep.

One of the key benefits to a Shredded Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow is that you can choose how much loft and firmness the pillow has. 

And, if you need it, some companies will give you extra memory foam to add to your pillow.

How Can A Bamboo Pillow Get Its Fluff?

Anytime you purchase a new bamboo pillow; it will be vacuum sealed and flat (like a pancake). The primary way to fluff it is to take it out of the package. You can throw it into your dryer for five minutes on the low heat setting. Or, if you’d rather do it naturally, you can take it out of the package and leave it be for an hour. 

This is naturally the best thing to do because fresh air means the chemicals will dissipate as it expands. Place it near an open window or in a room that has access to fresh air. 

How To Know A Bamboo Pillow Is A Fake?

With bamboo-related products on the rise, some companies are allegedly selling fake bamboo pillows. It can be hard to know which ones are legitimate and which ones are fake. However, one tell-tale sign is using generic pictures to describe the pillow. You’ll only recognize it as a fake when you get it in the mail. 

The best way to protect yourself from scams is to remember the following:

• Purchase pillows from reputable companies only
• Read customer feedback
• Reach out to the company before you put in an order
• Keep receipts and packaging in case you need to return the pillow 

Is It Possible To Be Allergic To Bamboo?

Most people are not allergic to bamboo, and it’s a rare allergy. However, if someone is using a bamboo pillow and does have a reaction, it could be the result of something blended into it, the detergent used, and dust mites. 

What To Keep In Mind

If you want a more affordable in which to get a good night’s rest, a bamboo pillow may be just what you need. Lay your head on one of these bad boys, and you may never spend your money on anything else again. These pillows are so comfortable and will last far longer than the traditional cotton-filled and memory foam pillows you have been using to date. Thanks to Rayon yard and robust bamboo fibers, there’s no need for you to look any further for a decent pillow. 

Why waste another night in pain when you can get the sleep you long for and more when you use the best bamboo pillow for you?