Non-toxic wedge pillows are a popular choice with people who find the wedge design comfortable for sleeping, sitting in bed, lounging, or leg support.
The wedge pillows are divided into two categories – all-natural and low-toxin synthetics. Some are the traditional wedge pillow shape, and others are more of a reading pillow or bolster pillow.
Here are the best choices for those shopping for non-toxic wedge pillows.
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1. Natural Latex Wedge Pillows
Natural latex wedge pillows are a durable option that can last up to 10 years.
The foam is made from natural rubber, giving it a firm shape without any polyurethane foam (which off-gasses VOCs).
The Churchill Smith Wedge Pillow is made from natural latex with an organic cotton/polyester blend cover.
I own this one and I like it a lot.
The odor is very mild and it’s nice and firm which is what you want in a wedge pillow. Some natural latex is a lot softer than this.
Over $200 (prices fluctuate on Amazon).
If you want to go with organic latex, look for a GOLS certificated latex like this organic Dunlop latex wedge pillow from Avocado. The cover is also a GOTS-certified organic cotton.
$179-199
2. Kapok Fill Wedge Pillows
Kapok is a natural fill material that comes from a tree native to warm climates. It’s a soft seed hair fiber that makes a good filling for natural pillows.
The Bed Backrest Cushion and the LEEWADEE Triangle Cushion both feature this fill material.
These triangle-shaped wedges make great back supports for sitting in bed reading books. These bolsters are firm.
Under $100 (prices fluctuate on Amazon)
3. Wool Fill Wedge Pillows
Wool filling is another all-natural, sustainable, and non-toxic material making it a great choice for those concerned with the environment as well as toxins in their home.
The Home of Wool Wedge Pillow features the comfort and cooling properties of natural wool.
They offer organic wool and OEKO-Tex-certified wool as the fill options. The cover options are silk, OEKO-Tex linen, or wool.
$171– $531 Use code mychemicalfreehouse for 10% off.
4. Organic Cotton Wedge Pillows
Cotton is a non-toxic cushioning material that can work well in a wedge pillow fill.
This organic bedside cushion provides lumbar support and is filled with organic cotton. Add a natural linen exterior for a truly all-natural pillow.
$59-$209 plus shipping from Ukraine.
5. Buckwheat Hull Wedge Pillows
The hulls of the buckwheat plant are soft and give a sort of bean bag feel.
This wedge pillow filled with organic buckwheat hull with a linen cover is adjustable.
$62 plus shipping from Poland.
6. Low Tox Polyurethane Wedge Pillows
Polyurethane does off-gas VOCs, but some types and some brands are lower in off-gassing than others. Generally, memory foam is higher in off-gassing than regular foam, and most wedges have a memory foam layer.
Foam that arrives rolled up will also be higher in off-gassing than foam that is already expanded.
Airing out your pillow for a few days to a few weeks will also help get it most of the way off-gassed.
The Crystal Cove Wedge Pillow is charcoal-infused, which helps trap some VOCs and prevent them from becoming airborne. This pillow is a memory foam option that conforms to your body. This large wedge pillow is $109.
If you see one with loose fill foam this is also a “better polyurethane” because it has already been cut up into smaller pieces, facilitating faster off-gassing.
7. Plastic Beads Fill Reading Pillow
For lounging, rather than sleeping, low-toxicity plastic beads are a good choice. They move with the body when necessary, adjusting to the shape of the person. They also help keep the body cool.
The Yogibo Reading Pillow has plastic beads as the fill and these types of beads don’t tend to have off-gassing.
Over $100
8. Polyester Fill Wedge Pillows
A final option to consider when shopping for a less toxic wedge pillow is polyester.
While polyester is not a naturally occurring material, it’s very low in VOCs (lower than polyurethane).
Consider the attractive VERCART Wedge Pillow as an option. Around $60
The Company Store also makes a polyester-filled wedge pillow in two sizes. They are $32 and $52.
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Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.
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Mary
I have been chemically sensitive all of my life and I try to avoid polyester. Polyester is often treated with endocrine-disrupting chemicals like PFAS, phthalates, and formaldehyde. These substances can be absorbed through your skin, especially when mixed with heat, sweat, and friction. I also find that polyester sometimes makes my skin itch
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Polyester is not necessarily treated with more chemicals than other fabrics. It’s actually natural fabrics that are the most likely to have more treatments, although PFAs are being phased out on fabrics in general right now. Phthalates would only be found in recycled PET. And formaldehyde can be used on many different fabrics, but it doesn’t seem to be as common anymore either.
Tanman
Hi! I’m looking for a full wedge placed under the mattress. I see some products from Reflux Guard or Avana, but these are Polyurethane Foam with CertiPUR-US certification. I was hoping for something better and more non-toxic than CertiPUS after reading Corrine’s article. I don’t want a bed riser because we already have a bed frame.
Jo
help looking for a wedgie non toxic… need like 4 pillows tall
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
some do custom
Rachel
I purchased the Crystal Cove Wedge Pillow and a matching pillow cover during a sale. The cover was sent right away, but no information was sent on the pillow. Several days after the two week delivery window, I finally got a response to my inquiries about when I would receive the pillow. Not only were there no pillows in stock, they did not have any idea when they would be receiving the raw materials to make new wedge pillows. I cancelled the order and had to rush to return the pillow cover before the 30 day deadline, after which I was informed they would not accept returns. The agent who finally told me the status of their inventory was helpful and did process my cancellation and return quickly. However, it was a stressful situation, and I never ended up with the pillow.
The Crystal Cove Wedge Pillow is made by Brentwood Home, which was bought out by Avocado Green, the company that is under legal investigation for falsifying the health claims and materials contents of their products. Based on that, and the lack of transparency regarding the actual availability of their stock, I would not advise ordering from them. There are other polyurethane wedge pillows available.
Corinne
thanks for sharing
Sandra Sabloff
Non toxic wedge pillows
Do you ship to Toronto Canada
If so what do you recommend for a 5foot senior wit reflux/GERD-also chemical.scent sensitive?
Corinne
This list is all about chemical sensitivity, but each person is different with what they tolerate, so that is individual and you will have to check which is best for you and also check shipping to Canada. They ordered in the way that I would consider them for people with chemical sensitivity, though some people don’t do well with natural latex it has the type of shape and firmness that most people want so see if you do well with that one first.