Wool bedding is becoming a fixture in mainstream retail as natural fibers gain greater appeal among hot sleepers, allergy-sensitive shoppers and eco-conscious buyers looking for healthier rest. The best wool pillows have a fluffy, snuggle-worthy feel, but maintain better structure and support than down. Plus, they come bolstered by third-party certifications that speak to a brand’s commitment to sustainability and responsible farming. Our top choice is the , which we selected for its luxuriously soft and supportive materials, adjustable design that accommodates most sleep postures and high praises from online reviews.
Why We Named It Best Overall
Underneath its plush, box-stitched cover made from organic cotton are clusters of fluffy, organic British wool, fully traceable with a British third-party seal to back the material’s quality. The pillow also bears other prestigious certifications like Oeko-Tex and British Allergy Foundation.
But as important as a pillow’s fill is for comfort, so is its loft and firmness, which play a part in maintaining your body’s spinal alignment. That said, we appreciate the Organic Washable Pillow’s adjustable profile, which lets you add and remove filling according to your sleep posture. Those who like an ultra-supportive feel, like side sleepers or those over 250 pounds, can consider adding an to their purchase. The pillow’s cover is also removable and machine washable for easy care.
Who Won’t Like It
With a 4.4-star rating on Amazon and over 300 reviews, there are plenty who are pleased with the pillow’s performance. However, those who need a larger queen- or king-size pillow should look to directly, as Amazon only carries a standard size (20 x 26 inches).
Why We Named It Best Soft
Because of the durable and sturdy nature of wool, which is denser and more supportive than down, wool pillows tend to be on the firmer side of the spectrum. The Piglet In Bed Wool Pillow, however, utilizes luxurious Merino wool and offers three firmness profiles: soft, medium and firm. Soft is most optimal for back and stomach sleepers who can get away with a shorter pillow, so side sleepers should consider the medium or firm model for more bolster. In addition to quality wool sustainably sourced from Europe, the brand also utilizes cotton for its smooth cover.
Who Won’t Like It
Unlike the , this one’s cover is not removable or washable. For upkeep, the brand recommends hanging your pillow on a line in the sun every three months, which also breathes life back into its loft and dissipates moisture. Also note that the brand calls attention to a possible lanolin scent, which is a natural oil from sheep that helps maintain the quality of its wool fibers. With limited processing during manufacturing, the smell may linger, but quickly airs out with time.
Why We Named It Best For Side Sleepers
In addition to the , this option from Shepherd’s Dream has the idealistic loft and firmness for side sleepers so constant fluffing isn’t necessary. Different from the rest of the pillows on our list, the All Wool Dream Pillow is made with a fuzzy, soft Merino wool cover, which helps regulate temperature and wick away moisture better than cotton. It also makes the pillow more sturdy, adding a touch more support for side and back sleepers.
Who Won’t Like It
Keep in mind that wool isn’t smooth and slick like cotton, which can be a difference from your traditional cotton-shelled pillow. It’s also not recommended for stomach sleepers, as it’s a little too lifted. For care, the brand recommends you lay it in the sun, which allows the wool to decompress and bounce back into shape. Note that it flattens after regular use, but frequent sunlight helps decelerate the process.
Why We Named It Best Organic
Naturepedic, as its name implies, is known for its eco-conscious approach to bedding. This pillow is made with organic materials, including cotton and wool, and is validated by like Made Safe, and UL/Greenguard, which speak to its harmful-chemical- and VOCs-free construction. The brand also practices sustainability and responsible farming, and donates 1% of every mattress purchase to green-friendly organizations. Aside from being healthy for sleep, the Organic Wool Pillow’s also designed to be ultra-comfortable, with a supportive medium-firm feel and spring-like wool coils that provide proper structure with ample cushiness.
Who Won’t Like It
Due to its firmer and more lifted feel, this pillow is most ideal for side and back sleepers. Stomach sleepers should consider the adjustable or option instead. Although some customers claim you can adjust the fill for the Naturepedic pillow, I’m not confident it’ll keep its intended feel.
Why We Named It Best Value
A quality wool pillow can easily cost upwards of $100, but the Your Moon option combines comfortable Australian wool with soft microfiber filling. The result? A plush, fluffier feel than you get from traditional wool pillows and a more competitive cost. It’s also finished in a soft, diamond-stitched cover made from 100% cotton, and it can be thrown in the washing machine when in need of a refresh.
Who Won’t Like It
Those prone to night sweats or overheating during sleep should consider a cooler pillow filled with 100% wool, as it’s better at wicking away moisture and dissipating heat than down or down-alternative materials. I also think side sleepers should consider a loftier choice, as its pillowy feel may provide too much sinkage.
How We Chose The Best Wool Pillows
- Quality of materials: Leaning into expert insight into the best wool types, we chose pillows that are made from quality Merino, British or Australian wool. We also took third-party certifications into account, which help to verify value, sustainability and use of organic materials.
- Versatility: We prioritized pillows that accommodate a wide range of sleeping positions and size needs.
- Customer reviews: We scanned verified reviews to determine customers’ gripes and compliments. We only considered pillows with a 4-star rating or higher.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Wool Pillows
- Fill weight: This unit measures the amount of wool batting inside a bedding item. The higher the weight, the heavier and warmer the pillow or comforter will typically be. (We also offer recommendations for the best wool comforters.)
- Wool type: When comparing wool types, experts commonly recommend Merino as the top choice because “it is extremely soft, but is known for being breathable and durable, which makes it fantastic to use for bedding,” says Anna Casselton, merchandising and design manager at Room & Board. She adds that it can also be more easily sourced “ethically and with sustainability in mind.” British and Australian wool also rank highly for quality, supported by strong ethical farming practices and animal-welfare standards.
- Sleep position: Side sleepers typically require a tall pillow to prevent back pain, back sleepers need a medium height and stomach sleepers should consider a low-loft pillow.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Our team covers all angles of product recommendations, from mattresses and bed frames to sheets and bedding. To build our library of sleep content, our editors and writers rely on their long-time experience, research and expert advice.
- McKenzie Dillon, author of this article, is a mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted with seven years of experience in the sleep and wellness space. She has a certification in sleep science and stress management coaching, and has tested hundreds of sleep products.
- is the senior mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted with over a decade of reporting experience and a sleep science coach certification. She has also tested a long list of sleep products, including pillows, mattresses and sleep tech.
Our Experts
- Anna Casselton, merchandising and design manager at .
- Melanie DiSalvo, apparel manufacturing expert of 15 years and founder of .