Benefits of Wool Pillows: Are they Good for Sleep?

Are Wool Pillows Any Good?

Many of us rest our heads on our pillows at night when we go to bed, but how much thought do we actually put into finding that perfect pillow? Are you a stomach sleeper, back sleeper or side sleeper? That matters. Does your bed pillow cradle your head and support your neck or do you have pain? Does it align your spine? That matters, too. There are many different pillow types and they come in many shapes and are filled with natural and synthetic materials such as down, feathers, cotton, latex, foam, memory foam, polyester and wool filling. A quality wool pillow made in the USA is the way to go if you are looking for a durable, sustainable, non-allergenic pillow using organic materials. We are going to take you on a little tour of our Wool Filled Pillows and tell you why they are so good. 

Adjustable Pillow Fill Options

Wool tends to offer more neck support than other fibers such as cotton, down or synthetic fibers making it an ergonomic pillow that will help you get a deeper sleep. One of the biggest benefits of the American Blossom Linens wool filled pillow is the zipper closure which makes it fully adjustable. The wool fibers can be removed if too full, or added if not full enough to give you the perfectly customized height and firmness. We sell extra wool bolus in 8-ounce increments in the event you need to add to your organic pillow cover. Email [email protected] for more information. Any stuffing you remove and are not using, you can store it in a plastic Ziploc® bag.

Kind to the Environment, Locally Produced and Free from Harmful Chemicals

Natural fibers are more durable than synthetic fibers which makes them less likely to wear out. When they do wear out, they are biodegradable and compostable which means they can be broken down by bacteria over time and do not end up in in a land fill for years and years, which, of course, is better for the environment and lowers your carbon footprint. Synthetic fibers, made from petroleum-based products can take hundreds of years to break down. Wool is also a natural product and a renewable resource since sheep can grow their wool coat yearly. 

When looking for the best types of pillows, look for a pillow with wool that comes from small farms in the Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwest states that are known for sustainable practices like: proper grazing methods that sequester carbon, healthy veterinary practices, and no use of herbicides or pesticides in the fields or on the animals. The wool should be cleaned and carded in the USA into tiny bolus pieces that are slightly felted.

The wool bolus and cotton cover are free from harmful chemicals. Since our pillows are made right here in the USA, we can guarantee no toxic chemicals are used in the manufacturing process. As we make our pillows completely in the USA, we use only USA wool not British wool. Pillows produced overseas may not have that guarantee.

Durable and long lasting

Wool pillows are incredibly durable, can withstand wear and tear without losing comfort or loft and provide years of use before they need to be replaced which makes them an economical choice. Although the initial investment may be a bit higher, think low cost per use. 

The natural properties of the wool bolus make it less likely to flatten giving a wonderful cushion for your head and providing the most comfortable and restful sleep. The ideal fill weight for a standard size pillow is 30 ounces and a king size pillow is 40 ounces.

The wool itself has no harsh chemicals added, has hypoallergenic properties and is naturally flame retardant. The pillow covers are made with the durable material of 100% USA organic cotton twill which is a soft fabric that is also a breathable material.

The durable metal zipper keeps the natural fibers inside the pillow and gives you the option of adjustability.

Temperature Regulating

Temperature control is critical for good sleep. Since wool and cotton are natural materials which allow for temperature regulation, the organic wool pillows will keep a constant temperature at night, help maximize REM sleep and lower your heart rate which allows you to wake up feeling refreshed. This is a pillow for all seasons. 

Wool products have moisture-wicking properties i.e. moisture management and encourage better airflow which will keep you cool at night and you will sweat less. Synthetic pillows become clumpy after extended us and air does not pass through as well. Down is great at keeping people warm but because it traps moisture it creates a more humid sleeping environment which may be uncomfortable on hotter days. On colder nights when your body temperature drops the wool fibers can hold and retain heat to keep you warm. 

Unparalleled Comfort For all sleepers

Wool pillows provide good support for the neck and shoulders, help to relieve pressure points and improve spinal alignment while you sleep. Instead of dealing with an uncomfortable pillow, you have the option of a fully adjustable pillow that you can adjust to your liking. You can make it softer and thinner or add stuffing to make it thicker and firmer. Side sleepers generally prefer thicker, firmer pillows whereas stomach sleepers like thinner, softer ones. Back sleepers are usually somewhere in between and wool pillows help give proper head and neck support. Since wool pillows are for all sleepers, it is the top choice for pillows.

They’re Hypoallergenic and anti-microbial

Other attributes of wool pillows that contribute to its health benefits include its hypoallergenic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Since wool pillows are not treated with chemicals, they are safe for people who suffer from chemical sensitivities. Pillow fills that cause allergic reactions include: down, feathers and synthetic and polyester fills. These fibers most likely contain dust mites, mold, mildew, fungus and bacteria after only a short period of use. Wool is a perfect choice for people with allergies.

Resistant to Mold and Dust Mites

Moisture in your bedding can lead to mold growth and of course a pillow filled with mold and dust mites can be harmful to heath. Unlike a synthetic pillow, wool’s properties are inhospitable to dust mites because wool absorbs moisture and keeps the area dry which makes the pillows dust mite resistant. Lanolin and the microscopic bristles of wool fiber are resistant to the dust mites and bugs and it does this with no added toxic chemicals. Several of the frequent allergic symptoms to dust mites are sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, postnasal drip, and cough. 

Care Tips for Your Wool Pillows

First note that wool is a delicate fabric and rough washing can damage the fiber. Remove the wool from the cover. Machine wash cover on the gentle cycle using a mild detergent. Only use cold water (not hot, warm or lukewarm water, as the cover will shrink) and line dry or spot treat only.

While you wash the outer cover, lay the wool bolus in the sun for a few minutes. The sun will evaporate any moisture on the wool helping to clean the wool. Remember to secure it so that it does not blow away with a netted laundry bags or large pieces of cheesecloth. Pull apart any larger clumps. Never put the wool in the washing machine!

For more fluffy pillows you can pop your pillow into the dryer for 10 minutes with a couple of tennis or wool dryer balls in the “air only” setting. Try to fluff your pillows once a month to help keep them looking and feeling newer, some choose to fluff once a week.

Advantages of our twill cover

Our pillow cover is made from 100% USA Organic Cotton. It is woven with a twill weave (like your favorite jeans) which is stronger than a plain weave, yet breathable. The twill weave does not allow the wool to escape through the fabric. It’s a sustainable material for pillows made out of organic cotton from West Texas. Synthetic fabrics, like nylon and polyester, are not breathable and may cause you to sweat at night.

Conclusion

On average, we spend a third of their lives in bed, so making sure it is as comfortable as possible is so important as no one wants to wake up with a stiff neck. The perfect pillow needs to provide appropriate support and help you to relax.

No matter what type of pillows you choose, be sure to choose one that will help you get a good night’s rest. So, try out our wool pillow for yourself, you can’t go wrong with our 2-Year Happiness Guarantee!