It's Not All Fluff: Sleep On a Sound Decision

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Kapok

Kapok pillows provide a similar loft to down, and, because the fibers are very water-resistant--they've been used as fill for life preservers--they are inhospitable to mites and mildew. Kapok also avoids the cruelty issues posed by down, which, according to United Poultry Concern, is frequently gathered from maltreated, factory-farmed birds. Instead, this fiber comes from the seedpods of the tropical kapok tree.

Traditionally, the seedpods naturally break open and fall to the ground, then the fibers are gathered. "The harvest of kapok is only potentially damaging if the tree is cut down to get the fruits or if all the fruits are taken, seeds and all," says Catherine Woodward, president of the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation.

See White Lotus' kapok pillow in "green cotton" ($35; above); kapok pillows with organic cotton covers from Organic Cotton Alternatives ($54; www.organiccottonalts.com, 888-645-4452) or Eco Bedroom ($65.99; www.ecobedroom.com, 626-969-3707).

Wool

Also water-resistant, wool wicks moisture off your skin and dries quickly. Look for the "Pure Grow Wool" label, representing 200 farm families in California who conduct humane sheep ranching without pesticides.

Pure Grow Wool pillows covered in organic cotton are available from Organic Cotton Alternatives ($54; above); Eco Bedroom ($69; above); Lifekind ($70; www.lifekind.com, 800-284-4983) and Dream Soft Bedware ($86; www.dreamsoftbedware.com, 877-768-4233).

Natural Latex

Help support tropical rainforests—and your neck—by choosing this product of tapped (not logged) rubber trees. Try a natural latex pillow from Northern Naturals ($54; see above) or Eco Bedroom (from $44; both covered in organic cotton; see above).

A Note for the Allergic

A washable, tightly woven encasement in untreated cotton can be zipped over any pillow to block dust mite allergens ($55; www.rawganique.com, 877-729-4367). For more, see our new Pillow Product Report at thegreenguide.com.

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