Summary: While pillows are an essential element of one’s bedding setup, I’d never found one I loved for optimal sleep until I tried Avocado’s line of luxury pillows for a week. In the process, I discovered what I love and don’t love in a pillow. My favorite from their line is the Molded Latex Pillow. It’s made with charcoal-infused latex and responsibly sourced GOTS certified organic cotton. Not to mention, it’s crafted specifically for side-sleepers like me. Below, I discuss which Avocado pillow will be best for you based on your specific preferences and needs.
Pros:
- Each of Avocado’s pillows is tailored to fit a particular sleeping style — so there’s something for every preference and type of sleeper.
- Picking up a toddler all day makes my shoulders and neck tight, I noticed a huge difference in my overall physical comfort upon waking up once I started sleeping on Avocado pillows.
- With expert craftsmanship and certifications like GOTS, GOLS, MADE SAFE®, and GREENGUARD Gold (the list goes on!), Avocado thoughtfully produces pillows that will last a long time.
Cons:
- These pillows are luxurious, with a price point that matches. Avocado’s pillows will run you $119 – $259 each.
I have sensitive skin and an allergy-prone immune system so I need to sleep on pillows made from natural, nontoxic materials. It’s a burden that’s taught me a lot (and led me to more luxurious choices in the bedding department!).
Over the years, I’ve learned that most pillows you might pick up at furniture or big box stores contain harmful chemicals. Especially unpleasant are the standard flame retardants which are known to release VOCs (volatile organic compounds). If you don’t pay attention to your pillow, you risk breathing these in while asleep. Alongside that, pillow materials can trap dust and bacteria. And even with cases and covers, icky stuff gets into the fibers and can cause allergies and acne. As if you didn’t have enough to worry about already!
To avoid all these unwanted hazards, Avocado is a safe bet for the top-quality natural, organic fibers they use to make their pillows. Not only does it mean they’re not treated with harmful chemicals, these natural and organic fabrics also allow for more moisture-wicking throughout the night. Any sweat or wetness (we humans do tend to drool) will not sit or sink into the surface, helping to decrease dust and bacteria.
“Avocado is a safe bet for the top-quality natural, organic fibers they use to make their pillows.”
Our team has looked to Avocado for safe and healthy mattresses again and again because of their credentials, initiatives, and ethics. They have an ambitious mission “to be the world’s most sustainable brand,” and that’s something we can get behind. Since launching in 2016, their fierce dedication has come with a sparkling laundry list of highly respected certifications and awards. They’re the first bedding brand to earn a Climate Neutral Certification for zero carbon emissions, as well as a B Corp award for “Best for the World.” Their products are made in the USA, and they donate a percentage of their revenue to nonprofits. They’re committed to 1% For the Planet, too. To top it off, their factories keep 78% of their waste out of landfills.
But back to pillows. I was able to test out all four of their full-sized organic pillows, spending several nights sleeping on each to get a good sense of what each product had to offer. It can be pretty challenging to buy a pillow at this price point without testing it out first, and product descriptions can sometimes read like a commercial more than a true review. So allow me to be your guide! Read on for all the considerations I kept in mind along with my honest review of each pillow.
How to choose your pillow
When choosing the right pillow for your sleep, there’s a lot to consider. First, you want to think about the positions you normally sleep in. For instance, a side sleeper will need different support than a tummy sleeper.
“First, you want to think about the positions you normally sleep in. For instance, a side sleeper will need different support than a tummy sleeper.”
Next, you’ll want to consider the materials used with regard to what’s best for your health and/or aligned with your values. Latex is the most common material used in Avocado pillows — but different types of latex make for a different level of comfort. For instance, molded latex is made into a shape or infused with other materials. Another variation is latex that’s shredded. This allows for more custom tailoring to individual sleep needs. For example, the Green Pillow is a blend of organic kapok fiber and shredded organic latex. Latex materials are a great option for vegans and those looking for no animal components.
However, anyone with latex sensitives or looking for something softer might be more interested in a down pillow. In that case, Avocado’s Down Pillow is an ethical option, since it’s filled with responsible, RDS-certified down.
Let’s check out all of Avocado’s pillows, keeping in mind all these points — from sleep position to health needs, values, and general preferences — so you can find the best fit for your best sleep.
Shipping and setup
Let’s start with how these pillows arrived! I loved how they were wrapped airtight to allow them to fit inside smaller boxes. It was fun watching them expand and then, of course, sleeping on them later that night.
I only wished that they had a small insert naming the pillow and giving pillow care tips. For instance, the Green Pillow arrived with an extra bag of organic kapok fiber and shredded organic latex in the box. At first, I didn’t understand the purpose of the bag, but then I looked at the site and learned that it has extra fill for a more customizable experience. So, be sure to bookmark their site as a resource!
Testing Avocado’s pillows
“The good news is Avocado offers a 100-day trial to test your pillow’s performance, plus a 1-year limited Pillow Warranty.”
It can be overwhelming to choose the right pillow for you and your body. The good news is Avocado offers a 100-day trial to test your pillow’s performance, plus a 1-year limited Pillow Warranty which ensures that it can still be returned if there’s any manufacturing defect that occurs during your first year of use.
It’s always helpful when testing out a pricier product to know that there are buffers in place in case you aren’t completely in love! It’s nice to take the pressure off, so you can really take the time to test the product and be positive that you’re investing in a pillow that’s truly right for your sleep needs.
Alright, time to take a look at these pillows one by one to see how they stack up!
Avocado Green Pillow
Price | $119
Best For | Contouring support for all sleep positions
Avocado’s Green Pillow is unique because you can adjust the pillow’s firmness. Included with their green pillow is an extra bag of fill, as mentioned above. Add or subtract how much you want based on your firmness preference. The fill is made from shredded GOLS certified organic latex rubber and GOTS certified organic kapok tree fiber. Another cool sustainable practice is that they upcycle the latex from their mattresses for this pillow.
I love how personal this pillow feels. Using the extra fill, you get to play with making it your own. Because the material is a fill versus a mold, it’s more able to be shaped to your body. I slept on this pillow the first night without adding any fill but found it to be a little too flat for my preference. I added most of the bag into the pillow the next day. It was fuller and more supportive for me with the added fill. For those who really want to dial in on the perfect level of fill, this could be for you — especially if you’re a combination sleeper.
Avocado Molded Latex Pillow
Price | $139
Best For | Back and side sleepers, plus overall neck support
Avocado’s Molded Latex Pillow is designed for cooler sleep. It’s uniquely made with charcoal — a natural material made from rice husks — that is then infused into the latex during the production process. With charcoal spread throughout, this pillow offers temperature regulation, moisture, and odor control. As for who will sleep best on this pillow, the design is great for side and back sleepers who need extra support.
At first, I thought this pillow was a bit too firm. But as a side sleeper, I realized it’s the perfect pillow to support my head and neck. I’m also seven months pregnant, and the added firmness and overall cooling support have gifted me a more sound sleep. This was my personal preference, and the one I’ll be sticking with for many nights to come!
Luxury Organic Plush Pillow
Price | $219
Best For | Gentle support for head and neck
Avocado’s Luxury Organic Plush Pillow is made from responsibly sourced Talalay latex molded into a soft and, well, plush pillow. Stitched around the latex is organic cotton, providing an extra cushion for your sleep. It’s also temperature-regulating and humidity-controlling, adding to the unique comfort it offers.
Avocado calls this pillow “buoyant.” It’s the best descriptor. Unlike their other pillows that mold to your head, this one feels like you’re sleeping on top of the air. It’s still firm but has a unique quality that’s like no other pillow I’ve ever experienced. The whole pillow feels supportive with no sinking in. Every time you move your head while sleeping, it feels like you’re on a new pillow. It even keeps its light and airy shape throughout the night. What a dream.
Down Pillow
Price | $119
Best For | Stomach sleepers and children
Avocado crafts its Down Pillow with responsible labor practices. It uses down that meets the Responsible Down Standard, meaning they only use down from ducks and geese raised with care. What makes this pillow unique is you can choose from three firmness levels: Soft, medium, or firm. Each offers a different level of comfort and support. Their soft option is best for stomach sleepers. The medium is for those who need moderate head support. And the firm is ideal for back sleepers.
When comparing the Down Pillow to Avocado’s latex pillows, I found that they are very different. This traditional fluffy pillow lets you shape and change it while sleeping. I tried the soft firmness, and discovered that I wanted more support. If I were to do it again, I’d get the firm. But aside from that, I love how airy and soft this pillow is. It’s especially great for using on top of other pillows for added softness, or for those who sleep on their stomachs.
Final verdict
After many nights of sound sleep thanks to Avocado, I’m excited to be going steady with their Molded Latex option. It gives my neck and shoulders the most overall balance and support I need while sleeping — especially while pregnant and only sleeping on my side. I experienced a profound difference in sleep quality with this pillow — a deeper, more supported sleep. I love that it supports my neck and shoulders without me ever needing to resituate it throughout the night. I also love that they infuse the latex with charcoal. I love using charcoal in beauty and hygiene products, and it aligns with my values of using clean, sustainable ingredients.
Now that I found my pillow match, I’ll be protecting them with Avocado’s Organic Waterproof Pillow Protector so they last as long as possible. It’s rare to find an organic and waterproof option — and this will offer even more protection from allergens (not to mention stains and bed bugs too!) without changing the feel of your pillow.
For those looking to upgrade their pillows, I can’t recommend Avocado’s line enough. Each of their pillows is distinctly different so it may take some time to find the perfect one for your sleep needs — but no matter the design, you can rest your head knowing your health and the health of the planet is in good hands.
THIS STORY IS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR FRIENDS AT AVOCADO
Courtney Jay is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade. She is also a yoga instructor, health enthusiast, and sustainable fashion advocate. You can find more of her writing and take one of her online yoga classes on her website, Coincide.
