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When you think of bamboo, you probably picture tall green stalks covered in narrow leaves – maybe even a panda munching on it. While bamboo is often grown ornamentally in the Western world, it has major economic and cultural significance in the East. Used for building materials, food, and textiles, bamboo is a versatile material – it’s even used to make pillows.
Bamboo is a fast-growing resource and much more sustainable than alternatives like cotton – it also has natural antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties. That being said, all bamboo pillows are not created equal, and they can get pretty pricey.
If you’re looking for a durable, eco-friendly pillow that offers cooling benefits, a bamboo pillow might be just what you need. We’ve taken the time to research the market, bringing you our shortlist of the best bamboo pillows on the market. Check them out below.
FAQ
Q. What makes for a good pillow
A. First and foremost, the pillow should support your head and neck without throwing your spine out of alignment. The wrong pillow will leave you with a stiff neck in the morning or worse. Lack of support can exacerbate joint issues and back pain, so it’s important to choose a pillow that works for your sleeping position. Firmness level plays a role here as well, but that too is largely a matter of preference.
In addition to being supportive, a good pillow is made from high-quality materials to ensure it lasts for more than a few months. It’s generally a good idea to replace your pillow after three years, but a pillow made from cheap materials won’t last that long.
Q. Are Bamboo Pillows Any Good?
A. The term “bamboo pillow” typically refers to one of two things. First, it might refer to the filling in the pillow. Bamboo fiber is a long-lasting, durable material that dissipates heat well and it doesn’t have the same off-gassing tendencies as memory foam. The second option is a pillow made with a bamboo fiber cover. Most bamboo pillows in this category have memory foam filling and a bamboo cover.
Q. What to Consider When Buying a Bamboo Pillow
A. The market is flooded with pillows, so it can be difficult to tell the difference between the options, let alone make a decision on one. If you’re looking for bamboo pillows in particular, there are a few key factors you should consider before making your choice.
Q. Are bamboo pillows good for side sleepers?
A. Side sleepers require a high-loft pillow that provides support for the head and neck to keep the spine in proper alignment. Bamboo pillows are often stuffed with memory foam which is a very supportive material. Pillows stuffed with bamboo fiber are also very supportive and could be a good option.
Q. Can bamboo pillows be washed?
A. Yes. For the most part, bamboo pillows can be washed, though it depends on the types of materials used. Bamboo pillow covers are generally washable, as is the shredded memory foam filling used in many bamboo pillows.
Q. Why does my new bamboo pillow smell?
A. Bamboo tends not to off-gas as much as memory foam, but many bamboo pillows only use bamboo in the cover – the pillow is filled with memory foam. Memory foam is made from polyurethane, so it can sometimes give off a chemical odor after unpackaging.
Q. Do bamboo pillows get softer?
A. The firmness of a bamboo pillow depends on its filling material. Many are filled with shredded memory foam which can be softened by placing the pillow in the dryer or fluffing it by hand.
Q. Can I be allergic to bamboo pillows?
A. Bamboo is generally considered a hypoallergenic material because it has natural antimicrobial properties. Traditional pillows can accumulate sweat, oil, and dead skin cells which creates the ideal environment for bacteria and dust mites to gather. Bamboo pillows help repel dust mites and mold.
Q. Why does my bamboo pillow smell like mold?
A. While bamboo has antimicrobial properties, other pillow materials do not. If your pillow has a bamboo cover but memory foam filling, it could still be prone to odor from off-gassing or mildew. Fortunately, most bamboo pillows are washable so it should be fairly easy to remove the odor.
Q. Can you be allergic to bamboo?
A. Generally speaking, bamboo is considered a low allergen plant, but it is still possible to develop an allergic reaction. People with grass allergies may react to bamboo because it belongs to the same family, but reactions are more likely with fresh bamboo than with bamboo pillows or pillowcases.
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Our top overall pick for the best bamboo pillows is these Zen Bamboo Pillows.
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Whether you suffer from back pain or joint stiffness, a body pillow could help solve your issues.
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There’s nothing worse than flopping down into your hotel bed just to find that the pillows are either hard as rocks or flat as pancakes.
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If you tend to sleep hot, it’s important to find a pillow that helps dissipate your body heat rather than holding it in.
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