There are various types of bamboo pillows with memory foam fillings that cater to different sleeping positions. Some bamboo pillows also come with safety certifications. So how to choose a bamboo pillow?
In this article we’ll discuss the options you might want to consider when choosing your bamboo pillow.
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- Bamboo Pillow Types
- What are the different bamboo pillow types?
- 1. Solid Memory Foam Bamboo Pillows
- Adjustable Orthopedic Contour Pillow
- 2. Shredded Memory Foam Bamboo Pillows
- Premium Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
- 3. Gel-infused Shredded Memory Foam Bamboo Pillows
- Adjustable Gel-Infused Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
- 4. Thin Memory Foam Bamboo Pillows
- Stomach Sleeping Memory Foam Pillow
- Bamboo Pillow Certifications
- What are the different bamboo pillow types?
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Bamboo Pillow Types
What are the different bamboo pillow types?
There are four bamboo memory foam pillow types that you will want to consider depending on your sleep position — side, back, or stomach sleeper.
1. Solid Memory Foam Bamboo Pillows
Solid memory foam bamboo pillows contain a memory foam filling that has not been shredded.
This type of bamboo pillow is firm, thick and dense which provides very good support for the neck and head. These pillows retain their shape well and will not require being re-fluffed.
Side sleepers need a higher, thicker pillow to hold their head and neck level while easing pressure on their shoulders.
This is why a solid memory foam pillow is best for side sleepers but will also work for back sleepers.
This memory foam pillow conforms to the natural curve of your neck to promote proper spine alignment. Including an adjustable height that means you can take out the middle memory foam layer.
2. Shredded Memory Foam Bamboo Pillows
Shredded memory foam bamboo pillows are the most popular bamboo pillow type because they provide the most flexibility.
The shredded memory foam can be moulded and adjusted to suit your sleeping style. These pillows have lots of loft but they still maintain a firm feel.
If you need a thicker pillow then you can plump and fluff it up by hand. This article gives detailed instructions on how to fluff your bamboo pillow by hand.
If you need a flatter pillow (suitable for stomach sleepers) then many bamboo pillows include a zipper that allows you to remove the filling. (Read more: Why Do Pillows Go Flat?)
As a result a shredded memory foam pillow can work well for all types of sleepers — side, back, or stomach sleepers.
Customize this pillow to achieve just the right individual balance between support and comfort. Whether you are a side, back or stomach sleeper – this is the pillow for you!
3. Gel-infused Shredded Memory Foam Bamboo Pillows
Gel-infused shredded memory foam pillows are made with memory foam that has been infused with gel particles or beads. As a result, the gel is evenly spread throughout the memory foam — from core to surface.
Gel-infused memory foam helps to disperse heat and keeps you cool for longer periods of time because gel is part liquid and liquid is a cooling agent. This type of pillow is a premium choice especially if you want a cooler night’s sleep. Charcoal pillows (memory foam infused with activated charcoal) are also perfect for hot and sweaty sleepers.
Gel also provides a higher level of support, and when combined with memory foam, it promotes better spinal alignment.
Gel-infused shredded memory foam pillows are best for side and back sleepers. However, it can also work for stomach sleepers if the pillow includes a zipper to remove some of the filling to create a flatter pillow.
Lightweight, gel-infused memory foam filling provides you with the perfect balance of firmness and support.
4. Thin Memory Foam Bamboo Pillows
Thin memory foam bamboo pillows are made specifically for stomach sleepers.
Sleeping on your stomach is considered the most unhealthy position for spine alignment because you need to turn your head.
The result is a twisting of your head and neck to one side, causing your spine to be out of alignment.
So if this is your preferred sleeping position then you might want to consider a pillow made specifically for your needs.
These slim pillows reduce strain on the neck and back, soothing pain and stiffness. The moldable memory foam cradles your head, providing stability, and can help with breathing and snoring.
Bamboo Pillow Certifications
What are the bamboo pillow certification types?
Many consumers are concerned that the products they buy are safe to use and don’t contain toxic chemicals that can harm them or the environment.
As a result several certification types have emerged to help customers identify products that meet safety, quality and environmental standards.
The certification programs can be broken down into two types:
Certifications for polyurethane foams used in memory foam pillows:
- CertiPUR-US®
- GREENGUARD GOLD
Certifications for textiles (including foams and fabrics used in memory foam pillows):
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100
- Global Organic Textile Standard
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
The most common certifications for bamboo pillows are CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD GOLD.
CertiPUR-US® Certification
The CertiPUR-US certification applies to various different polyurethane foam types as well as some gel versions.
Certified CertiPUR-US foams are guaranteed to have been made without:
- Low VOC emissions for indoor air quality (less than 0.5 parts per million)
- PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP (“Tris”) flame retardants
- Heavy metals such as lead and mercury
- Mercury, lead and other heavy metals
- Ozone depleters
- Formaldehyde
- Phthalates
CertiPUR-US certified products have low levels of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions that can impact indoor air quality.
High levels of VOC and other toxic chemicals found in memory foam can cause side effects, read more here: Are bamboo pillows dangerous?
Can you wash a bamboo pillow to get rid of VOCs? You might want to read this article.
Read more about CertiPUR-US® Certification here: www.certipur.us
![DreamyBlue Premium Pillow for Sleeping - Shredded Memory Foam Fill [Adjustable Loft] Washable Cover from Bamboo Derived Rayon - for Side, Back, Stomach Sleepers - CertiPUR-US Certified (King)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41rMdmOl-XL._SL500_.jpg "DreamyBlue Premium Pillow for Sleeping - Shredded Memory Foam Fill [Adjustable Loft] Washable Cover from Bamboo Derived Rayon - for Side, Back, Stomach Sleepers - CertiPUR-US Certified (King)")
CertiPUR-US Certified and freshly manufactured instead of using recycled contaminated and unregulated materials to ensure the ultimate quality and safety control.
GREENGUARD GOLD
GREENGUARD GOLD certification helps to identify indoor products with low chemical and particle emissions.
GREENGUARD GOLD tests VOC emissions by comparing them against various global emissions standards, such as:
- CDPH Standard Method
- BIFMA M7.1/X7.1
- AgBB and French A+
Read more about GREENGUARD GOLD Certification here: www.greenguard.org
Rest easy knowing that our memory foam pillows are put under stringent third party lab testing and are GreenGuard Gold Certified to ensure your safety, quality and comfort.
Oeko-Tex Standard 100
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification tests various textiles including the foams and fabrics found in bamboo pillows.
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 tests for harmful substances that are controlled and legally banned as well as chemicals harmful to health, but not yet legally controlled.
They also check various parameters for health protection, for example, the closer the product is in contact with human skin, the stricter the requirements it must meet.
Their website includes:
- A Buying Guide for companies that use the certification
- A Label Check to see if a STANDARD 100 certificate is still valid based on the certificate numbers.
Read more about Oeko-Tex Standard Certification here: www.oeko-tex.com
This pillow uses zero toxic chemicals and has been certified according to rigorous OEKO-TEX Standard 100 requirements, meaning every component of it has been tested to ensure a product that is safe, skin-friendly and environmental for your home.
What is a bamboo pillow’s lifespan and warranty?
Bamboo pillows with lower quality memory foam, can lose their support and shape after 6-12 months. However, on average you should replace a memory foam pillow every 1.5 – 3 years.
Unlike memory foam mattresses, many bamboo pillows don’t come with a warranty. However, some bamboo pillows do come with a warranty period of between 1 – 3 years. Most pillow warranties only protect you from any rare and unexpected manufacturer defects and not against pillows that have been damaged, abused, or neglected.
If you are concerned about the terms of return for a pillow then you should carefully read it’s product warranty as well as customer reviews on third party websites.