Waking up with a stuffy nose or scratchy throat? You might chalk it up to the weather or your pet. But the real troublemaker could be right under your head.
Yep—your pillow.
And if you’ve ever found yourself wondering what kind of pillow is best for allergies, you’re already asking the question that could change your sleep (and mornings) for the better.
Key Takeaways
- The best pillow for reducing allergies should be made from hypoallergenic materials like natural latex or memory foam, have a washable cover, and avoid feather or down fillings.
- Your pillow could be triggering allergy symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and poor sleep—especially if it’s old, unwashed, or made from materials that trap dust mites and mould.
- Preventing pillow allergies is easier than you think: wash bedding regularly, use protective covers, run a HEPA air purifier, and replace pillows every 1–2 years to keep allergens at bay.
Most pillows quietly collect dust mites, mould, and other allergy triggers over time. But here’s the good news—you don’t need a full bedroom overhaul to breathe easier. Start with the right pillow, and you’re halfway there.
This guide unpacks how pillows can make allergies worse, the materials that matter, and what you can do—today—to start waking up clear-headed and comfortable.
Jump to a section:
- The Best Pillow For Reducing Allergies
- Can My Pillow Cause Allergies
- What Kind of Pillow Is Best for Allergies (and What Wreaks Havoc)
- Common Allergy Triggers in Pillows
- Tips to Prevent Pillow Allergies
The Best Pillow For Reducing Allergies
Before we dive into the causes of pillow allergies and how to fight them, let’s talk about a quick win: upgrading to a hypoallergenic pillow.
If you’re searching for the best pillow for reducing allergies, Ecosa’s options are designed to help you breathe easier and sleep better—night after night.
Here’s a quick look at our top pick for allergy-friendly sleep:
| Pillow | Hypoallergenic | Best For | Price |
| Ecosa Loft Pillow | ✅ Yes | Allergy-prone sleepers who are budget conscious or prefer a softer feel | $50 ($40 for Ecosa members) |
| Ecosa Pillow | ✅ Yes | Allergy-prone sleepers who need ergonomic support | $150 ($120 for Ecosa members) |
| Ecosa Cooling Pillow | ✅ Yes | Allergy-prone sleepers who sleep hot | $200 ($160 for Ecosa members) |
| MemoryFirm Pillow | ✅ Yes | Allergy-prone sleepers who sleep on their side or back | $150 ($120 for Ecosa members) |
| Ecosa Classic Foam Pillow | ✅ Yes | Allergy-prone sleepers who want classic, all-position support | $120 ($96 for Ecosa members) |
Ecosa Loft Pillow
Soft, lofty, and built for allergy-friendly comfort.
The Ecosa Loft Pillow combines planet-conscious materials with feather-like fluff—minus the allergens, moisture, or clumping.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Hypoallergenic hollowfibre fill made from GRS-certified recycled bottles
- Soft and lofty for that cloud-like, sink-in feeling
- Dual-sided cover: cooling side + all-seasons side
- Fully machine-washable for easy care and allergen control
- Ideal for all sleep styles—especially freestyle sleepers
Ecosa Pillow
Designed for ultimate comfort and cleaner sleep, the Ecosa Pillow offers ergonomic support and hypoallergenic protection in one sleek, easy-care design.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Ergonomic memory foam for neck and spine support
- Adjustable height for a personalised fit
- Naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites
- Removable, washable TENCEL™ cover for easy cleaning
- Suits back, side, and stomach sleepers
Ecosa Cooling Pillow
Beat the heat and the sniffles in one go.
The Ecosa Cooling Pillow brings together cooling technology and hypoallergenic materials for a sleep that’s fresh, breathable, and allergy-friendly—even through hot Aussie nights.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Embedded cooling particles for temperature regulation
- Memory foam core for ergonomic neck and spine support
- Naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites
- Adjustable height for a customised fit
- Removable, washable TENCEL™ cover for easy cleaning
- Suits back, side, and stomach sleepers
Ecosa MemoryFirm Pillow
Prefer firmer support without the morning aches?
The MemoryFirm Pillow offers structured comfort with ergonomic zones that adapt to your sleep style—so you get pressure-free rest that still feels supportive and clean.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Firm memory foam provides pressure-free support
- Zoned ergonomic design targets neck and shoulder tension
- Naturally hypoallergenic—ideal for allergy-prone sleepers
- Thermo-regulating outer cover made with TENCEL™ and recycled polyester
- Removable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning
Ecosa Classic Foam Pillow
Timeless in shape, modern in function.
The Ecosa Classic Foam Pillow delivers adaptive support in a familiar form—perfect for those who want comfort without complication, and protection against allergens.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Classic shape with pressure-relieving memory foam
- Naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites
- Medium firmness for all-position support
- Dual-sided cover: cooling side + all-seasons side
- Compressible, vacuum-sealed for travel
- Removable, washable cover for simple cleaning
Can My Pillow Cause Allergies?
Yes, your pillow can indeed be a source of allergies.
“Allergies are common in Australia and New Zealand, affecting around 20% of people at some time in their lives,” as noted by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA).
Over time, pillows can become a haven for dust mites, mould, and other allergens, especially in humid climates, where these microscopic pests thrive.
Dust mites feed on dead skin cells—something we all shed nightly—and your pillow becomes prime real estate for them over time.
The National Asthma Council Australia states plainly: “The greatest exposure to house dust mite allergen is from your bed.” Considering we spend up to eight hours there every night, that’s a long time to be breathing in potential irritants.
Not sure if your pillow is the problem? Here are common signs to watch for:
- Waking up with a runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes first thing in the morning
- Persistent sneezing while in bed
- Dry or irritated throat upon waking
- Coughing that’s worse at night or early morning
- Mild headaches that improve after getting out of bed
- Trouble sleeping due to nasal congestion
Many people don’t connect the dots until they replace their pillow—and suddenly start waking up feeling clearer.
In short: your pillow may look innocent, but if it’s been around a while, it could be quietly fuelling your symptoms.
What Kind of Pillow Is Best for Allergies (and What Wreaks Havoc)
If you’re waking up congested or rubbing your eyes before your feet hit the floor, your pillow could be more of a foe than a friend.
Here’s what to look for (and what to avoid) if you want to breathe easier at night:
1. Hypoallergenic Materials
This term gets thrown around a lot, but it actually means something important.
Hypoallergenic pillows are made from materials that naturally resist dust mites, mould, mildew, and other allergens. They’re also less likely to trigger allergic reactions because they don’t shed tiny fibres or trap moisture the way traditional pillows do. If the tag doesn’t clearly say “hypoallergenic,” it’s worth digging deeper or skipping it altogether.
Pro tip: Just because something’s labelled “natural” doesn’t mean it’s hypoallergenic. Feathers are natural—and they’re also notorious for trapping allergens.
2. Natural Latex or Memory Foam
When it comes to the best pillow filling for allergies, natural latex and high-density memory foam are top contenders.
Here’s why: their dense structure leaves little room for allergens to hide. Unlike fluffy polyester or feather fillings, these materials don’t easily absorb sweat, oils, or skin flakes (aka dust mite buffet). They’re also less prone to breaking down over time, which helps maintain a cleaner, healthier sleep environment.
Bonus: latex is also naturally antimicrobial, which gives you even more peace of mind if you’re allergy-prone.
3. Washable (or At Least Wipeable)
We get it—not everyone wants to toss their entire pillow in the washing machine every week. But at minimum, a removable and machine-washable cover should be non-negotiable.
Cleaning your pillow cover every few weeks is one of the easiest ways to cut down on allergens—and keep dust mites from turning your pillow into their playground.
If your current pillow is “spot clean only,” it’s probably not the long-term solution you need. That’s especially true if you’ve ever wondered, how do you know if you have dust mites in your pillow? Spoiler alert: if you’ve never washed it and it’s more than a year old… you probably do.
4. Avoid Feather and Down
Feather pillows may feel fancy, but they’re a hidden minefield for allergy sufferers.
Not only are they difficult to clean thoroughly, but they also tend to trap moisture—something that dust mites and mould love. Worse, feathers can break down into fine particles that you breathe in while you sleep, even if you’re not allergic to feathers themselves.
In short: soft doesn’t always mean safe. If you’ve been struggling with unexplained congestion or sneezing, feather pillow allergies could be the reason.
5. Avoid Funky Off-Gassing
You know that “new pillow smell”? Yeah, it’s not just unpleasant—it can also be irritating to people with allergies or asthma.
Some synthetic pillows release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can trigger symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or sinus irritation.
To stay on the safe side, sensitive sleepers should watch for low-emission certifications like OEKO-TEX or CertiPUR-US. The fewer chemicals involved, the cleaner the air around your bed.
When in doubt, simpler is better. Focus on pillows that are clean, sealed, and easy to maintain. That’s your best bet for creating a sleep space that doesn’t make you sniffle, sneeze, or wake up halfway through the night wondering if you’re getting sick.
Common Allergy Triggers in Pillows
Here are the most common culprits making your sleep space anything but soothing:
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny but mighty when it comes to allergy triggers.
These microscopic critters feed on your dead skin cells and love warm, humid spots—like the inside of your pillow. Their droppings are the real problem, sparking sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion.
Mould and Mildew
If your pillow traps moisture—from sweat, damp hair, or even the air—it can invite mould. Noticed a musty smell or little dark spots? That’s a warning sign.
And the impact goes beyond stuffy noses. One study found that “household molds were correlated with increased sleep problems like insomnia, snoring, and excessive daytime sleepiness.”
If you’re wondering why is there mould on my pillow, the answer often comes down to poor ventilation, trapped moisture, or a pillow that’s long overdue for replacement.
Pet Dander
Even if your pet sleeps elsewhere, their fur and skin flakes (aka dander) float through the air and settle on bedding.
Once it clings to your pillow, it’s hard to remove without regular washing. For allergy-sensitive sleepers, that build-up can quietly worsen symptoms night after night.
Old Age
Yes, even age is an allergy trigger.
Older pillows tend to collect years of dust, dander, and microscopic debris. If you’ve ever wondered how much of your pillow collects dust mites, one British study found that “up to a third of the weight of your pillow could be made up of bugs, dead skin and house dust mites and their feces.”
If it’s been a while since you replaced yours… it might be time.
Tips to Prevent Pillow Allergies
Stopping pillow allergies before they start isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being consistent. A few simple habits can go a long way in keeping allergens out of your sleep routine and your nose out of trouble.
Wash What You Can (and Often)
Wash your pillowcases, covers, and sheets weekly—hot water is your best bet to get rid of dust mites. If your pillow has a removable inner cover, toss that in the wash regularly too. For foam or latex pillows, stick to spot cleaning and occasional sun exposure to keep mould at bay.
Always check the care label. Some pillows need washing every 3 to 6 months to stay clean without losing their shape.
Use an Anti-Allergy Pillow Cover
These zippered protectors are like armour for your pillow. They block dust mites, mould spores, and pet dander from getting in (or out). The best ones are tightly woven, breathable, and machine washable. It’s a small change that makes a massive difference.
Not sure how an anti dust mite pillow works? It’s all about physical barriers. Think of it like bug-proof mesh—only for microscopic pests.
Use an Air Purifier with a HEPA Filter
Dust mites, pet dander, and mould spores don’t just settle—they float through the air and land right where you sleep. That’s where an air purifier comes in handy.
A unit with a certified HEPA filter can trap airborne allergens and keep your bedroom air cleaner. Run it during the day or while you sleep to give your sinuses a break—especially if your space gets stuffy or lacks good ventilation.
Replace Pillows Regularly
No one likes to say goodbye to a perfectly broken-in pillow—but trust us, there’s an expiration date. Every 1–2 years, swap it out. If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms, even sooner.
Dry Your Hair Before Bed
It sounds small, but going to sleep with damp hair can add just enough moisture to create mould risk over time—especially deep inside the pillow. Quick towel dry? Good. Blast with a hairdryer? Even better.
Air Out Your Pillow
Sunshine is the OG disinfectant. Set your pillow out in direct sunlight for a few hours every month or so. UV rays help kill off bacteria and evaporate hidden moisture. Just be sure not to leave foam pillows out too long—heat can break them down.
The best pillow for reducing allergies does more than support your head—it helps you wake up without the sniffles, sneezes, or scratchy throat.
At Ecosa, our pillows and pillowcases are designed to keep dust mites, mould, and moisture out—so you can sleep cleaner, deeper, and more comfortably.