Are Polyester Pillows Safe? + 4 Non-Toxic Alternatives

If you’re like us, you want your home to be as non-toxic as possible.

And considering not only what materials you wear and what fabric you sleep on, plays an important role in achieving that goal.

…but that’s much easier said than done. Especially with all the misinformation out there but don’t worry, we got you covered.

In this article, we’re getting through all the fluff and discussing the truth about polyester pillows.

TL;DR

Are Polyester Pillows Safe?

No. Polyester pillows, made from synthetic materials, have the potential to off-gas harmful substances like VOCs and break off microplastics, which we can breathe in. Not only that, polyester fabric is harmful to the environment due to its non-biodegradable nature. We recommend choosing non-toxic options like organic cotton, wool, latex, and buckwheat pillows.

Polyester Filling in Pillows

Polyester filling is a synthetic plastic made from petroleum products; it’s a popular choice for pillows because it’s normally the more affordable option.

Not to mention, polyester pillows are actually pretty comfortable!

But the problem is in the details… in this case, the fabric. Polyester is used as a clothing fabric as well as stuffing for comforters, furniture, toys, car seats and so much more.

However, polyester compared to more natural fillings and fabrics, is not as breathable, can become lumpy over time, and has a pretty big environmental footprint.

Health Concerns of Polyester

Chemicals In Your Pillows

Since polyester is a synthetic material, its production involves various chemicals, which can result in residual chemicals in the final product:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Like formaldehyde, toluene, and benzene.
• Flame Retardants: Reduces flammability but is linked to endocrine disruption and neurodevelopmental issues.
• Antimony: Associated with skin irritation and other health risks with prolonged exposure.

Now the amount of these chemicals in polyester pillow fillings can vary widely due to different manufacturing processes but most of them are pretty low, if any. And after a good wash, the overall health risk of them isn’t significant.

However, paired with the uncertainty of these chemicals, there is another main reason we recommend avoiding polyester pillows, and that is microplastics.

Microplastics in Your Pillows

This might be a surprise, but polyester is actually a plastic that releases tiny microplastics. These tiny fragments detach from polyester fabrics through friction, regular use, wear and tear, and washing.

The health risks of microplastics are a growing area of study but current research indicates the following health risks:

• Respiratory Deposits: Microplastics deposit in the respiratory tract.
• Oxidative Damage: These particles cause oxidative stress, leading to lung inflammation and tissue harm.
• Bloodstream Translocation: Smaller microplastics can enter the bloodstream, inducing cellular toxicity.
• Inflammation and Cancer Risk: Persistent respiratory irritation from microplastics might increase the risk of cancer development.

And these microplastics aren’t only toxic to us, but also to animals and the environment.

So, what are some better alternatives?

Choosing Healthier Alternatives

There’s no need to settle for polyester pillows because there are healthier options out there, including:

• Organic Cotton: Free from pesticides and chemicals.
• Wool: Naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites.
• Latex: Derived from the rubber tree, it’s biodegradable and resistant to mold and dust mites.
• Buckwheat: A natural and organic option that’s both breathable and supportive.

To make it even better, look for pillows with the following certifications:

CertiPUR-US or OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications indicate that products, specifically polyurethane foams and textiles, meet safety standards for toxic chemicals and environmental safety.

Final thoughts

Polyester pillows just have too many negative effects on us and our environment to continue using them. Even if it’s one pillow at a time, making the switch to pillows made of natural materials is worth it.

Trust me, you’ll sleep better knowing you’ve made a healthier choice.

Pillowcase closed.

As always thank you so much for reading!! We hope this article helps to clear the air on the safety of polyester pillows.