Best Pillows for Allergies and Asthma

Allergies and asthma often go together. The NHS says asthma symptoms can be triggered by something you are allergic to, such as pollen, dust, mould or animals.[4] The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) calls dust mites one of the most common triggers of year-round allergies and allergic asthma.[1]

You spend about a third of your life with your face on a pillow, so the pillow and its cover are worth a look. This guide covers what builds up in a pillow, what the health agencies advise, and six pillows that are in stock on the web US. For an even wider choice, see our guide to hypoallergenic pillows.

Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. Allergies and asthma need a diagnosis and a treatment plan from your doctor. If you have an asthma attack, follow your asthma action plan and call emergency services if you do not improve.

Allergies and asthma pillow basics

  • Dust mites live in nearly every home, however clean, and they feed on the skin flakes that collect in bedding.[1]
  • AAFA advises zippered allergen-barrier covers on pillows and mattresses, a weekly wash of sheets and blankets in water at 130°F or hotter, and new pillows every 2 years.[1]
  • NIEHS recommends humidity at or below 50 percent and swapping wool or feather bedding for synthetic materials.[3]
  • Encasings stay zipped, and your regular sheets and pillowcases go on top. An encasing is one part of an allergen avoidance plan, not the whole plan.[2]
  • Of the six pillows below, only the Mission: Allergy is sold as a dust mite and allergen barrier. Pair the other five with a zippered allergen-barrier pillow cover.


Key Specs

No.ProductTypeFill / materialCoverSizesCare
1Tempur Pedic TEMPUR-CloudMemory foam pillowTEMPUR-MaterialQuilted cotton, removableQueen, 27 x 19 x 6.4 inCover is machine washable
2Casper EssentialDown-alternative pillowDown alternative100% cotton percaleKing–
3Fern and Willow Premium SetDown-alternative pillowGel down alternative, adjustable–26 x 20 in, set of 2Machine washable
4Coop Home Goods Original AdjustableMemory foam pillowCross-cut memory foam and microfiberLulltra fabricQueen–
5Mission Dust Mite ProofAllergen-barrier pillowComfortFill microfiber, 20 ozTightly woven microfiberStandard, 20 x 26 in–
6DreamField Bamboo Rayon SetShredded memory foam pillowShredded memory foam60% polyester, 40% rayon from bambooQueen, set of 2Cover is removable and washable

– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.


Asthma and Allergies

An allergy is your body reacting to something that is normally harmless. The NHS lists house dust mites, pollen, animals such as cats and dogs, and foods among the common allergens.[5] Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, wheezing and breathlessness.[5]

Asthma is a separate condition that affects breathing, and the NHS says it cannot currently be cured, although well-treated asthma should not cause symptoms. Triggers include exercise, air pollution, cold air and contact with something you are allergic to.[4] Not all asthma is allergic, so knowing your own triggers matters. A doctor can test for them.[1]


Asthma and Allergy Triggers in Your Pillow

  • Dust Mites – These microscopic pests are about a quarter to a third of a millimeter long. They feed mainly on the skin flakes we shed each day, and they thrive at about 70°F and above and at humidity over 50 percent. Pillows and mattresses are where those flakes collect.[1] NIEHS says dust mites are a big source of allergens that can worsen allergies and asthma.[3]
  • Down and Feather Fill – AAFA lists down-filled covers, pillows and blankets among the fabrics dust mites love.[1] NIEHS advises replacing wool and feathered bedding with synthetic materials.[3] If you are allergic to birds, a feather pillow is a poor fit anyway.
  • Pollen and Animal Dander – The NHS lists pollen and pets such as cats and dogs among the common allergens.[5] Washing your bedding weekly and keeping pets off the bed cuts what collects there.
  • Old Pillows – AAFA advises replacing pillows every 2 years, because pillows collect dead skin cells, dust mites and their debris over time.[1]

What Helps with Pillow Allergens

  • Zippered Allergen-Barrier Covers – AAFA says the fabric has pores too small to let dust mites and their waste through, and it points to the Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly mark.[1] Cover every pillow and bed in the sleeping area.[2]
  • Hot Washes – Wash sheets, blankets and pillowcases weekly in water at least 130°F. NIEHS gives a range of 130 to 140°F.[1][3] Even covered pillows can host mites in the bedding on top.[1]
  • Dry Air – Keep humidity between 30 and 50 percent with a dehumidifier or air conditioner.[1]
  • Air the Bed – Leave the bed unmade during the day so it airs out.[1]
  • Medicine and Testing – Avoidance works alongside medicine. Antihistamines and corticosteroid nasal sprays treat symptoms, and a doctor can set up testing or immunotherapy.[1]

Features of a Good Allergies and Asthma Pillow

Allergies and Asthma Pillow

  • Barrier Fabric or Cover – This is the feature with the most support from AAFA, so look for a pillow with a tightly woven allergen-barrier shell or add a zippered cover to the pillow you already like.[1]
  • Washable Parts – A removable, machine-washable cover lets you do the weekly hot wash that AAFA advises. Check the care label for the maximum water temperature.[1]
  • Synthetic or Foam Fill – Choose down alternative, microfiber or shredded memory foam over down and feathers.[1][3]
  • Honest Cover Labels – Many covers sold as bamboo are rayon. The FTC says a textile made from bamboo cellulose is rayon, and any claim about natural antimicrobial properties needs scientific proof.[6] A rayon from bamboo cover is soft and breathable, but it is not a dust mite barrier.

How We Chose These Pillows

These picks come from research. We compared the makers’ specifications, the The web product pages and buyer feedback, and we checked that every pick is in stock on the web US. We did not test the pillows ourselves.

We looked at these factors:

  • Barrier Fabric – Whether the pillow has an allergen-barrier shell, or works with a zippered cover.
  • Washability – Whether the cover or the whole pillow goes in the washer.
  • Fill – Down alternative, microfiber, memory foam or cross-cut foam rather than down or feathers.
  • Fit – The loft and firmness for your sleeping position, and whether you can adjust the fill.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pillows for Allergies and Asthma

  1. Which pillow is best for allergies and asthma?
    A pillow with a tightly woven allergen-barrier shell or a zippered allergen-barrier cover, in a synthetic or foam fill that you can wash. AAFA advises covers on all pillows and mattresses.[1] Of the pillows here, the Mission: Allergy is the one sold as a dust mite and allergen barrier.

  2. How often should I replace my pillow if I have allergies?
    AAFA advises replacing pillows every 2 years and mattresses every 10 years.[1]

  3. How often should I wash my pillowcases and sheets?
    Weekly, in water at least 130°F. NIEHS gives a range of 130 to 140°F.[1][3]

  4. Can a pillow cure my allergies or asthma?
    No. A pillow can reduce what you breathe in at night, and avoiding dust mites is the most important step in managing a dust mite allergy.[1] You still need a doctor’s treatment plan, and the NHS says asthma needs ongoing care from a GP or nurse.[4]

  5. Are feather and down pillows bad for allergies?
    AAFA lists down-filled pillows among the fabrics dust mites love, and NIEHS advises replacing feathered bedding with synthetic materials.[1][3] A barrier cover reduces the problem, and a synthetic pillow avoids it.

  6. Is a bamboo pillow cover hypoallergenic?
    Not by itself. Most bamboo textiles are rayon made from bamboo, and the FTC says antimicrobial claims need scientific proof.[6] For dust mites, what matters is a barrier fabric and weekly washing.[1]


Our Picks: Allergies and Asthma Pillows

Here are six pillows that are in stock on the web US. We hope you find the right pillow for your allergies and asthma.
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This does not change your price.


1

Tempur Pedic® TEMPUR-Cloud Dual Cooling Memory Foam Pillow

Currently unavailable

The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud is a queen pillow made from one piece of extra-soft TEMPUR-Material, with a cooling gel layer on both sides.
  • The medium profile suits side, back and stomach sleepers, and it measures 27 x 19 x 6.4 inches.
  • The quilted cotton cover is removable and machine washable.
  • The foam is CertiPUR-US certified, and the pillow carries a 5-year limited warranty.


2

Casper® Essential Down-Alternative Three-Chamber Pillow

Currently unavailable

The Casper Essential is a king down-alternative pillow with a three-chamber design that keeps the fill in place.
  • The medium-soft feel works for side, back and stomach sleepers.
  • The cover is crisp 100% cotton percale.
  • You can fluff it back to shape, so it keeps its loft through the night.


3

Fern and Willow® Premium Set Gel Down-Alternative Pillow Pair

Currently unavailable

The Fern and Willow Premium is a set of two 26 x 20 inch pillows filled with gel down alternative, for side, back and stomach sleepers.
  • A zipper opens the cover so you can remove fill to set the loft.
  • The pillows are machine washable, and the seller says to air dry them thoroughly.
  • Piping runs along the edge for a tailored look.


4

Coop Home Goods® Original Adjustable Cross-Cut Memory Foam Pillow

Currently unavailable

The Coop Home Goods Original is an adjustable queen pillow filled with a blend of cross-cut memory foam and microfiber.
  • You add or remove fill to change the firmness, and an extra bag of fill comes in the box.
  • The foam is CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified.
  • The Lulltra fabric cover is breathable, and the foam is new, not recycled.


5

Mission® Dust Mite Proof ComfortFill Allergen-Proof Pillow

Currently unavailable

The Mission: Allergy Dust Mite Proof is a standard pillow with a tightly woven microfiber shell that is sold as a dust mite and allergen barrier.
  • Mission: Allergy states that Indoor Biotechnologies tested the fabric and that it blocks dust mite and animal dander allergens. Because the shell is the barrier, you do not need a separate encasing.
  • The fabric is air and water vapor permeable, and the pillow is made in the USA.
  • ComfortFill gives it a slightly firmer feel.


6

DreamField® Bamboo Rayon Set Adjustable Shredded Foam Pillow Pair

Currently unavailable

The DreamField Linen Bamboo Rayon Set is a pair of queen pillows filled with shredded memory foam, with a zippered cover of polyester and rayon from bamboo.
  • The cover is removable and washable.
  • You adjust the loft by adding or removing fill.
  • It is made for back, side and stomach sleepers.


Index Table: Allergies and Asthma Pillows

No.ProductImageFeaturesBrand
1Tempur Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud - Dual Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow, Queen
  • TEMPUR-Material
  • Cooling Gel Layers
  • Cotton Cover
  • Medium Profile
Tempur Pedic
2Casper Essential - Down-Alternative Three-Chamber Pillow
Casper Sleep Essential Pillow for Sleeping, King, White
  • Down Alternative
  • Three Chambers
  • Cotton Percale Cover
  • Medium-Soft
Casper
3Fern and Willow Premium Set - Gel Down-Alternative Pillow Pair
Fern and Willow Pillows for Sleeping - Set of 2 Standard Size / Kids Size Down Alternative Pillow Set w/ Luxury Plush Cooling Gel for Side, Back & Stomach Sleepers
  • Set of 2
  • Gel Down Alternative
  • Adjustable Fill
  • Machine Washable
Fern and Willow
4Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable - Cross-Cut Memory Foam Pillow
Coop Home Goods Original Loft Pillow Queen Size Bed Pillows for Sleeping - Adjustable Cross Cut Memory Foam Pillows - Washable White Cover from Bamboo Rayon - CertiPUR-US/GREENGUARD Gold Certified
  • Adjustable Fill
  • Cross-Cut Memory Foam
  • CertiPUR-US
  • GREENGUARD Gold
Coop Home Goods
5Mission Dust Mite Proof - ComfortFill Allergen-Proof Pillow
Dust Mite- and Allergen-Proof Pillow; “ComfortFill / Premium Microfiber” (Standard 20
  • Allergen Barrier Fabric
  • ComfortFill
  • Standard Size
  • Made in USA
Mission
6DreamField Bamboo Rayon Set - Adjustable Shredded Foam Pillow Pair
Bamboo Pillows Queen Size Set of 2 Shredded Memory Foam for Sleeping - Ultra Soft, Cool & Breathable Cover w/ Zipper Closure - Relieves Neck Pain, Snoring, Helps w/ Asthma - Back/Stomach/Side Sleeper
  • Shredded Memory Foam
  • Rayon from Bamboo Cover
  • Adjustable
  • Set of 2
DreamField

Sources

  1. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Dust Mite Allergy. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  2. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, New England Chapter. Allergy Control Products. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  3. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Dust Mites. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  4. National Health Service (NHS). Asthma. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  5. National Health Service (NHS). Allergies. Accessed October 27, 2026.
  6. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). How to Avoid Bamboozling Your Customers. Accessed October 27, 2026.

Update History

  • Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around AAFA, NIEHS and NHS guidance on dust mites, allergens and asthma, replaced the unsourced trigger percentages and the Poland and mold claims, rewrote all six product notes and added a disclaimer, a takeaways box, How We Chose and an FAQ
  • Oct 2026: Replaced the Sources with six reviewed pages
  • Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs comparison table and a Sources section
  • Jan 2023: Published


About the Author

Eliza Ward

Eliza Ward is a health enthusiast, nature lover, and full-time mother for 3 lovely kids in South Africa. She has always had a passion for pillows and has the best product recommendations for all her friends and family. So she turned what she loved into her full-time job - by testing and recommending the best pillows for our online readers. Read her reviews to know how detailed her observations are.