If You Always Wake Up With A Scratchy Throat, Your Pillow Might Be To Blame

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If you’re someone who struggles with allergies, you’re probably all too familiar with dust mites. And if you’re just learning about them now, you won’t be thrilled to know that these microscopic bugs live pretty much everywhere.

They tend to hang out in your bed, couches, rugs, and curtains. And to make matters even worse, they feed off your dead skin cells, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. You would think that because they’re around humans so frequently people would be immune to them. But as it turns out, dust mites are a major source of allergies and can lead to asthma or sinus infections, per Mayo Clinic.

“People with a dust mite allergy may develop a stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, post nasal drip, and a cough,” says Kathleen Dass, MD, an allergist and immunologist based in Michigan. “One clue that you may have a dust mite allergy is if you go to sleep feeling well but wake up with significant nose, eye, skin, or respiratory symptoms.”

See some of the best hypoallergenic pillows below:

Unfortunately, dust mites along with other possible allergens can also be found in pillows. Luckily, there are a few work-arounds that can help you achieve quality Z’s. Enter: hypoallergenic pillows. “Hypoallergenic pillows are great for people with hay fever, seasonal allergies, year-round allergies (allergic rhinitis or allergic rhino-conjunctivitis), asthma, or eczema,” says Dr. Dass.

Ready to get some allergy relief? If so, read on for 10 hypoallergenic pillows that will help you sleep symptom-free all night long.

Meet the experts: Kathleen Dass, MD, is an allergist and immunologist based in Michigan. Tania Elliott, MD, is chief medical officer at Nectar Life Sciences and a clinical instructor at NYU Langone Health.

Cloud Pillow

This pillow is known for being super high-quality without emptying your wallet. Not only is it hypoallergenic, but it's also cool-to-the-touch, and made of smooth eucalyptus fabric. Plus, with over 3,000 reviews on the site, it's still maintained a 4.6 star rating.

Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow

This pillow is a patient favorite in Dr. Dass's practice. She also loves that it can be returned after 100 days if it’s not a good fit for you (like if you're not a fan of memory foam). It’s adjustable, stays cool, and is machine-washable.

Oh, and it has nearly five stars on Amazon—and more than 56,000 ratings. One buyer said, "Ever had a pillow so good you want to stay in bed? Yeah. It’s like that."

Hypoallergenic Bed Pillow

Prefer a sturdy feel? You’ve met your match. This cushion is made of shredded foam, which is antibacterial and removable (so you can get exactly the right height for your sleep position, a feature that gets two thumbs up from Dr. Dass). Reviewers also described it as having the perfect density.

One word of warning: The shredded foam might come with a temporary odor that should fade over time.

Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow (2 Pack)

This pillow arrives flat but does inflate to between four and five inches (so don’t be concerned when you take it out of the box). Dr. Dass compliments the plush gel fiber and the promise of mold-and- mildew-free slumber.

Reviewers also commented on how this contours nicely to your head and neck curve. And two for $35? Talk about a bargain.

Down-Alternative Allergen Barrier Pillow

Attention back and side sleepers: This affordable pillow is a soft, cool, and machine washable alternative to down pillows, which can be irritating for many allergy sufferers. It's also frequently on sale (score!).

Down-Alternative Pillows

Calling all stomach sleepers! This super supportive pillow will provide comfort for your head, neck, and shoulders throughout the night. The shell was also developed using breathable microfiber to increase the airflow, making it a great option for hot sleepers.

Reviewers note that despite the size, these pillows are incredibly lightweight and keep their shape over time.

WonderSleep Pillow

Another fan-favorite among Dr. Dass’s patients, the WonderSleep pillow is a tad more expensive than the others but comes with a warranty and super adjustable shredded memory foam to accommodate literally *any* weird sleeping positions you end up in.

Luxury Hotel Pillows

Comfort seekers, this one's for you! These hotel-favorite pillows have a high thread count, so they’ll feel super soft on your skin. Dr. Dass praises the fact that they come in a firm, medium, and soft option and explain how to determine the best fit based on your preferred sleeping position.

Cotton Pillow Protector

Technically, these aren't pillows, but they still deserve a spot on this list. These pillow protectors are tightly-woven to prevent icky particles that may bring on allergies from collecting in your pillow. They're made from cotton, so they won't retain heat, and instead keep you cool.

Hypoallergenic Pillow with Recycled Fill

If you love Sealy mattresses, you'll be just as obsessed with the brand's hypoallergenic pillows. This one is sustainably made using recycled down alternative fiberfill. It also has a breathable cotton cover that's gentle on skin. Just pop it in the dryer for up to 10 minutes before use, and it's good to go.

How Our Team Chose The Best Hypoallergenic Pillows

Women’s Health editors, including editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert, vetted the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated hypoallergenic pillows. Our team consulted two doctors, and then evaluated customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best hypoallergenic pillows for a wide range of preferences and budgets.

What should I look for in a hypoallergenic pillow?

For starters, make sure your pillow of choice is *actually labeled* hypoallergenic before you press purchase, Dr. Dass notes.

Otherwise, you're free to look at the same basics you would want in any pillow: firmness, filling, height, and size. You also want to avoid pillows with harsh chemicals, raw materials, and down feathers (if you’re allergic), since they can make you feel even worse.

Still, "hypoallergenic" is mostly subjective depending on the allergy. "Don't look at the general claims of something being hypoallergenic. Look at what exactly is in the pillow, and [decide] based off of that and your knowledge of what you're allergic to," says Tania Elliott, MD, chief medical officer at Nectar Life Sciences and clinical instructor at NYU Langone Health.

If you have a dust mite allergy, opt for tightly woven cotton. For a goose down or feather allergy, reach for a down alternative. And for latex allergies, use non-latex related products, adds Dr. Elliott.

Finally, make sure you can thoroughly wash your pillow, as they should be cleaned once a week.

Do hypoallergenic pillows really work?

Yes. Depending on what you're allergic to, getting a pillow that doesn't have that kind of fill will work. However, Dr. Elliott notes that when it comes to staying clear of allergens, it has to be an all or nothing approach.

For example, a pillow is only going to work if you have a hypoallergenic comforter, boxspring or mattress cover. "If you only focus on one thing, you're not addressing the rest of your bed. You should also think about decorative pillows or carpets," says Dr. Elliott. "It needs to be taken into context with other things in your bedroom that might be triggering your symptoms."

Are allergy pillows worth it?

If you have a specific allergy, it would be worth the investment. "I would cautiously consider things that have a hypoallergenic label because it typically represents a company or brand that's trying to be environmentally conscious," says Dr. Elliott. "However, it's really important to reads the fine print and find out where the claim is coming from."

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