The correct pillow is equally as important as a mattress as it will ensure that our head and neck receive the necessary comfort and support and keep correctly aligned with the spine. Bamboo pillows are among the many different types of pillows on the market. They have experienced a surge in popularity as many people try to move towards more "green" options wherever possible in their lifestyles.
Bamboo pillows usually contain memory foam, down, or polyester fill, among others, encased in a woven outer cover made partly from bamboo fibres. This creates a soft, breathable, and durable surface on which to sleep. However, there are many factors like fill type, quality, and of course, the price that you may need to consider. Therefore, it's important to be aware of the available options and the differences between them so that you can make the best decision.
(Important Facts, Studies, Advice, Considerations & FAQs In Conclusion)
PILLOW | TYPE | TRIAL & WARRANTY | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
Panda Luxury Bamboo Pillow | Memory foam | 30 Nights 10 Years | £44.95 |
Supportiback Bamboo Pillow | Adjustable memory foam | 100 Nights Lifetime | £21.50 |
Martian Made Luxury Bamboo Pillow | Adjustable memory foam | NA Nights 5 Years | £29.99 |
Tminnov Soft Pillow | Down feather alternative (polyester) | 90 Nights NA Years | £25.49 |
Mastery Mart Bamboo Pillow | Adjustable memory foam | NA Nights NA Years | £19.99 |
Silentnight Bamboo Pillow | Polyester | 60 Nights 2 Years | £25 |
1. Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
---|---|
• 3rd generation memory foam • 30-night trial • 10-year guarantee | • Those with a higher budget • Sleepers seeking medium-firm support • Individuals with allergies |
The Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow comprises a 3rd generation memory foam fill encased in a removable soft and luxurious bamboo cover. The memory foam offers comfort and support without the danger of it flattening while you sleep or over time.
The pillowcase is made up of 40% bamboo and 60% polyester. The manufacturers describe this product as ethically sourced from organic bamboo, grown pesticide-free, and vegan-friendly. Due to the bamboo's natural qualities, the pillow cover is naturally breathable, encouraging airflow and coolness. It is also antibacterial, hypoallergenic, sustainable, and free of harmful substances (OEKO-TEX® certified).
There is a built-in pillow protector that comprises a strong and breathable mesh fabric around the memory foam pillow, ensuring it stays intact and is dust and dirt free. This pillow is described as having medium-firm support. Panda offers free UK delivery and returns, as well as a 30-night trial and a 10-year guarantee to make sure you are satisfied with your purchase.
2. Supportiback Bamboo Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
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• FreshTouch cooling fabric • 100-night trial • Lifetime guarantee | • Budget-friendly • Those sensitive to off-gassing odours • Individuals with allergies |
The Supportiback Bamboo Pillow is a potentially good option if you're looking for an affordable bamboo pillow that offers you custom head and neck support. It contains an Ergo-Bounce accelerated recovery and supportive CURALIGN structure shredded memory foam fill.
The pillow cover comprises a cooling FreshTouch fabric derived from bamboo that moves heat away from the body and a Silver-Bac antibacterial thread layer directly underneath. The Supportiback Bamboo pillow is hypoallergenic, contains no petrochemicals and won't release any off-gassing odours.
There is a side zipper where some of the shredded foam can be removed if you need to adjust the loft (height). Customers generally seem happy with their purchase, although some comment that the pillow does not offer adequate support. This pillow is designed in Britain, and the manufacturers offer a 100-night trial and lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects.
3. Martian Made Bamboo Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
---|---|
• Thick breathable bamboo-derived cover • Adjustable loft • 5-year guarantee | • Those seeking an ergonomic pillow • People with allergies • Hot sleepers |
The Martian Made Bamboo Pillow has a thick bamboo-derived and polyester outer cover constructed with micro-vents to facilitate maximum breathability and a mixed density shredded memory foam fill. This pillow offers a soft, comfortable, cool surface and supports the head and neck for correct spinal alignment.
The 100% bamboo rayon inner cover further facilitates thermoregulation by promoting air flow and moisture wicking. In addition, manufacturers describe this pillow as ergonomic and hypoallergenic. The loft height is adjustable by removing the filling so that you can customise it to best suit your needs.
This pillow is designed in the UK, and manufacturers offer a 5-year guarantee on your purchase. Customers overall rate this bamboo pillow very highly and many people mention good value for money.
4. Tminnov Bamboo Pillow

HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
---|---|
• 2-pack • Bamboo and polyester removable cover • Machine-washable | • Those who prefer a soft feel • People seeking a mid-range buy • Allergy sufferers |
The Tminnov Bamboo "hotel quality" pillow comes in a 2-pack and is composed of 25% bamboo fibre and 75% polyester case, filled with 100% down feather alternative polyester materials. These materials give the pillows a smooth and soft, breathable sleep surface and are hypoallergenic, antibacterial, anti-dust mite, and anti-odour.
This pillow is described as having a "super soft" feel; however, the polyester filling ensures that the pillow maintains its shape and does not flatten. Therefore, the Tminnov Bamboo pillow is both fluffy and plump and could be a good option for side, back, or stomach sleepers, as well as those with neck or shoulder pain.
These pillows are machine washable, and the pillowcases are removable. In addition, manufacturers offer a 3-month return and replacement service. Customer reviews are largely positive, and people are very satisfied with their purchases.
5. Mastery Mart Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow

HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
---|---|
• Gel-infused memory foam • Machine-washable cover • CertiPUR-US certified | • Those seeking adjustable loft • People with allergies • Individuals with orthopaedic requirements |
The Mastery Mart Memory Foam Bamboo pillow has a memory foam fill covered in a 60% polyester and 40% viscose-rayon (derived from bamboo) pillowcase. This pillow is hypoallergenic and anti-mites and made without any environmentally harmful materials (CertiPUR-US certified).
The shredded gel-infused memory foam and microfibre prevent heat from getting trapped and promotes optimal cooling. The stuffing itself is composed of 60% memory foam and 40% polyester. This pillow could be a good option for those who want to adjust the loft, as this can be done easily by adding or removing the inside stuffing. And the pillowcase is removable for easy machine washing.
Manufacturers describe this pillow as orthopaedic, so it might be a good option for those with any back pain. A full money-back refund is available for those who are not completely satisfied with their purchase.
6. Silentnight Bamboo Pillow

HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
---|---|
• 100% recycled polyester • Machine-washable • 2-year guarantee | • Sleepers who prefer a medium-firm feel • People with allergies • Those who are eco-conscious |
The Silentnight Bamboo Support Pillow is encased in a soft knitted cover composed of bamboo and an eco-fibre blend that is breathable, hypoallergenic and antibacterial.
The pillow is filled with 100% recycled polyester hollow fibre transformed from plastic bottles into soft fluffy fibres, bring you both comfort and support. The bamboo fibres ensure that this pillow is strong and durable and is machine-washable. Silentnight describes this pillow as having a medium-firm feel and suitable for side and back sleepers.
Manufacturers offer free UK delivery, as well as a 60-night trial and 2-year guarantee. Customer reviews are generally very positive, with many people commenting on how comfortable the pillow is.
What Is A Bamboo Pillow
As more people are turning to use natural materials for bedding, bamboo has grown in popularity. As a result, there is no shortage of available bamboo mattress toppers or bamboo pillows currently on the market. Bamboo pillows are called as such due to the bamboo fibres in the casing of the pillow. These fibres, which come from a mixture of bamboo leaves and pulp, help create the weave in the casing. Other natural or synthetic threads are often combined with the bamboo fibres, and these pillows are generally filled with other materials such as shredded memory foam, down or polyester.
The Origin Of Bamboo
Bamboo (Bambusoidae) is a member of the grass family (Poaceae), and there are more than 1,400 different species, growing to heights of 10cm to 40m. It is found most abundantly and in the widest variety in East and Southeast Asia and on islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans.
Fun fact!
Bamboo grows on every continent except Antarctica.
Benefits Of A Bamboo Pillow
Due to the popularity of all things "natural" these days, there is a wealth of information on bamboo pillows' potential advantages and disadvantages.
A quick browse online may, however, leave you with more questions than answers. For example, many sites draw attention to the fact that the bamboo itself is only used in the cover, sometimes in small amounts, and describe fillings as not environmentally friendly. Other sources emphasise that bamboo is treated with harmful chemicals during processing.
There is, unfortunately, not much solid research on the health benefits of bamboo pillows. There is, however, evidence that bamboo fibres themselves may have the following potential benefits✓:
- Thermoregulatory: The fibres of the bamboo plant are hollow, and small gaps and holes in the fibres absorb moisture and allow hot air to be released.
- Antibacterial: Some evidence shows that bamboo fibres may naturally resist the growth of bacteria.
- Hypoallergenic: There is evidence that bamboo is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than some other materials.
- Easy to care for: Bamboo textiles are less likely to wrinkle or shrink in the wash than some other textiles.
- Eco-friendly: Bamboo can be more eco-friendly than some other textiles (more on this later).
Bamboo Pillow Considerations
Although bamboo pillows are often known for their breathability and natural materials, not all bamboo pillows are created equal. They can vary in type and quantity of bamboo, fill material, design, and construction. Below we’ve listed a few factors you may want to consider before purchasing a bamboo pillow.
- Loft: The loft refers to how high your pillow is. Side sleepers usually do best with a higher loft, while stomach sleepers with a firmer low loft and back sleepers are somewhere in the middle. Often bamboo pillows allow for adjustable loft by being designed so that you can add or remove fill to best suit your needs and preferences.
- Fill: Bamboo pillows come with various fills - memory foam, down, cotton, latex, wool, cotton, buckwheat, or other synthetics. Each of these materials has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the type of fill will significantly impact the quality and comfort of your pillow.
- Support and firmness: The type of fill will directly affect the support and firmness of your pillow. This often comes down to personal preference.
- Temperature regulation: Both the pillow cover and the fill will determine how well temperature is regulated. Bamboo is known for its breathability. Some fillers may or may not further facilitate and promote this.
- Price: As with all bedding, the price will vary depending on the materials used and construction.
- Quality of materials: Bamboo is generally considered a long-lasting, durable material. However, the quality and lifespan of your pillow may come down to the type of fill. Some fillers will degrade over time, which will result in reduced support. On the other hand, some bamboo pillows made with shredded materials may be re-stuffed, extending their lifespan.
Types Of Bamboo Pillow Fills
Bamboo pillows are available with many different fills. The type of fill will significantly impact the quality, comfort, and lifespan of your pillow. A few of the typical fillers are discussed below.
Memory Foam
Memory foam pillows compress and conform to the shape of your head, providing comfort and the necessary support to keep the head and neck correctly aligned. In addition, they evenly distribute weight, facilitating pressure point relief. Many of these types of pillows contain shredded memory foam that can be accessed through a zipper. This may be a great option for those who would like to customise the loft. However, memory foam tends to retain heat, so if you’re a hot sleeper, perhaps best to check out other filler options.
Down
Goose down or duck feather fillers generally provide a soft cushioning, light and fluffy-type feel, which is great for comfort; however, they may not provide the necessary support. They can also flatten a bit over time and retain heat. Hot sleepers may be better suited to a cooling pillow.
Polyester Hollow Fibre
This material is commonly used in pillows and is made using fine, hollow strands of polyester. These hollow fibres trap air inside them, and this material is therefore known to be lofty, lightweight, soft and breathable. Additionally, hollow fibre tends to be cheaper than other materials, such as foam.
Did you know?
Bamboo can tolerate extreme conditions and was actually the first plant to re-sprout after the atomic blast in Hiroshima in 1945.
Bamboo Pillows And Sustainability
What is important to note here is that, although there can be harmful environmental consequences due to the processing of bamboo for textiles, there is not only one processing method. And the use of natural fibres will always require processing of some kind. So, the best we can do as consumers is to be as informed as possible, read the labels and make our decisions accordingly. Some of the environmental pros and cons to using bamboo in pillows are tabulated below.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✓ Bamboo absorbs carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and releases over 30% more oxygen into the atmosphere compared to an equivalent mass of trees. | ✗ Because the raw product is innately stiff and rough, some manufacturing and processing methods may use harmful chemicals that can impact the environment (solvents dumped as wastewater). |
✓ Bamboo grows back much more quickly than most plants and is a renewable resource. | ✗ Some processing methods may emit volatile gasses (carbon disulfide) that are harmful to factory workers as well as the environment. |
✓ Compared to other textile crops, bamboo doesn't require as much use of fertilisers or pesticides. | ✗ Bamboo pillows made with memory foam filling often release off-gassing odours compared to pillows made with more natural fills. |
✓ Bamboo greatly reduces soil erosion. | |
✓ It biodegrades easily, and it doesn't require much water relative to growth. | |
✓ Cultivation is relatively eco-friendly. |
Fun fact!
One Japanese species of bamboo has been recorded as growing over 1m per day.
Types Of Bamboo Pillow Fabrics
Bamboo fibres are all cellulose fibres extracted or produced from natural bamboo; however, the techniques and methods vary widely. These fibres are essentially either chemically or mechanically manufactured✓.
Rayon
Rayon derived from bamboo is one of the most common forms of bamboo-based fabrics. Bamboo rayon (also called bamboo viscose) is a semi-synthetic fabric made by chemically processing raw bamboo to extract the plant’s fibres to make textiles. Rayon is a soft fabric, budget-friendly, and often used in pillows.
Lyocell
Lyocell bamboo has similar properties to bamboo rayon, but the manufacturing process is more environmentally friendly. In addition, this fabric is soft and airy and is still an affordable option, although often more expensive than rayon.
Linen
Unlike bamboo rayon and lyocell, which use a chemical process to produce fibres, bamboo linen is made mechanically without chemicals (same process used to produce hemp or flax linen). As a result, it is considered the most environmentally friendly option in terms of bamboo fabrics. In addition, bamboo linen is durable and soft (the higher thread counts), but a pillow that uses this fabric will be on the pricier side because the process is more labour intensive and costly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bamboo pillow?
Bamboo pillows usually contain one or several fillers like memory foam or polyester encased in an outer cover consisting of bamboo fibres and typically other natural or synthetic threads.
What is a bamboo memory foam pillow?
A bamboo memory foam pillow contains memory foam (viscoelastic) filler encased in an outer cover consisting of bamboo fibres and typically other natural or synthetic threads.
How do you wash a bamboo pillow?
This is entirely dependent on the pillow itself. Many bamboo pillows can be hand washed with a mild detergent and air dried; however, it's important to first check the label for specific washing instructions.