GREENGUARD Gold Certified - A Higher Standard To Eco-Friendly Pillows

When it comes to shopping for new pillows, mattresses and other bedding products, chances are, you will see a number of products that are “GREENGUARD Gold Certified.” This is a very popular, and very important certification that has become an important staple in this industry. GREENGUARD Gold Certification is very important for any product that you sleep on at night, particularly pillows. After all, you spend about 1.3 of your life in your bed asleep, and are putting your face directly on your pillow and breathing in any chemicals that may have been used in that pillow. This is exactly why GREENGUARD certifications were created, to help consumers shopping for pillow, mattresses and other products to make certain they are only buying safe, chemical free products to sleep on at night.

However, while many people have seen the GREENGUARD Gold certification before, they may not know exactly what this certification is or what it takes in order to get this certification on a product. The following guide will help consumers like you get a better understanding for what GREENGUARD Gold Certifications mean, what benefits you can expect from these products and a rundown of different pillows that meet this certification.

What is GREENGUARD Certification?

Most shoppers know that anything with a GREENGUARD Gold Certification on it is safe—but what exactly does this certification actually mean? The GREENGUARD Gold Certification comes from the Greenguard Environmental Institute (GEI), this non-profit organization provides independent, third-party tests and certification for consumer products.

The GEI was set up by Air Quality Sciences, Inc., an indoor air quality firm that is dedicated to helping make indoor air less polluted. The air indoors can be anywhere from 2-5 times as polluted as outdoor air due to all of the airborne chemicals from furniture, building materials, mold and other chemicals. When a product has been GREENGUARD Certified is means that it is designed to be used in indoor spaces in a safe manner that won’t add pollution to the air.

These products have met strict chemical emissions limits and are tested for the presence of more than 10,000 different chemicals, so you can relax knowing that your product is safe and that countless chemicals weren’t emitted into the air during the creation of these products. Today, the GREENGUARD Certification program is accepted by building codes and sustainable building programs across the globe. This is because products that meet this certification are not only sustainable, but safe for in-home use.

How Certification Works

It isn’t easy for a product to get a GREENGUARD Certification. In order to achieve this third-part certification, products must scientifically be proven to demonstrate the use of low chemical and particle emissions for indoor use. GREENGUARD certification requires all products to be tested every year for more than 10,000 individual VOCs.

There are more than 200 different manufacturers that participate in this program and more than 200,000 products that have achieved this certification. In order to meet these requirements, the products are vigorously tested in an environmental chamber that is humidity and temperature controlled to get a specific idea of how many chemicals are emitted into the air.

All About Emissions

When a product gets the GREENGUARD Certification it means that it has been tested and proven to give off low-chemical emissions. Pillows, mattresses, paints, flooring and a number of other products give off what are known as VOCs or volatile organic compounds. These are the vapors or gasses that not only give off a potent smell, but that actually emit gases into the air.

When you breathe in these VOCs, you are breathing in potentially harmful chemicals. It is particularly important for homes with children, pets and elderly individuals who are even more susceptible to these harmful chemicals. Simply put, when you choose a product that is GREENGUARD Certified you are choosing a product that won’t bring in unnecessary chemicals into your home. It is particularly important when you are shopping for products like pillows and mattresses that you spend so much time on.

Products for Kids’ Rooms and Schools

The GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification Program has even expanded into special programs for schools and kids. Since young people are more susceptible to VOCs, the company wanted to help develop a new standard and certification for schools, healthcare facilities that treat children and daycare. Research shows that exposure to VOCs can cause allergies, headaches, asthma and other health complications and that many of these VOCs actually come from the materials, cleaning supplies and furniture that are in schools.

This program is called the GREENGUARD Gold Certification (formerly known as the GREENGUARD Children and Schools Certification Program). The program has very strict criteria and will evaluate different chemical sensitivities to help keep schools, daycares and other buildings safe for children.

GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillows

Products that are GREENGUARD Gold Certified have been put through the most stringent testing procedures to make sure that products and materials are safe enough for children. If you are looking for a pillow that is safe enough to sleep on each and every night without having to worry about inhaling harmful VOCs.

Here is an overview of the top GREENGUARD Gold Certified pillows available on the market today.

Avocado Mattress Pillows

Type of GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillow | Kapok Fill Pillow
Pillow Benefits | GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Eco-Friendly, Fair Trade, Organic, GOTS Certified, Give Back, Socially Responsible, Made in the USA, Green
Sizes | Standard
GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillow Price | $109

Avocado Mattresses are known for being vegan, organic, quality mattresses, but the brand also has a line of organic pillows. These mattresses are hand-made in the United States and crafted out of non-toxic materials. Of course, they are also GREENGUARD Certified.

This particular vegan pillow is made out of 100% natural and organic cotton and GOLS organic certified latex rubber. It is also made with GOTS organic certified kapok fiber. In addition to being safe and non-toxic, this pillow is also designed to allow for airflow so that you can stay cool while you sleep. There is also a great deal of support and resilience in this pillow that will contour around your head and neck so you can stay comfortable and well-supported while you sleep.

Avocado Green Mattress Coupon Code | No code required for Up to $800 Off on any Green, Vegan or Latex mattress + Free Shipping - good through June 19th or click the Avocado Mattress Sale for additional offers.

SHOP AVOCADO PILLOW

Naturepedic

Type of GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillow | Organic Cotton / PLA Pillow
Pillow Benefits | GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Eco-Friendly, Fair Trade, Organic, GOTS Certified, Made in the USA, Green
Sizes | Toddler, Queen Standard, King
GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillow Price | $49-$139

This Naturepedic pillow is made out of 100% organic cotton. The exterior of this pillow is crafted out of 300-threat count organic cotton that is light, safe, non-toxic and breathable. The interior of this pillow is made of a natural filling that is non-GMO plant-based PLA interior that is made out of plants, not chemicals. This filling provides support and comfort with an all-natural non-chemical emitting material.

This pillow is also GREENGUARD Gold Certified and machine washable—making it easy to care for. This pillow is handmade in the United States and has a certification for 100% organic content standards. This mattress also comes with a warranty and comes in a variety of sizes, so the whole family (including kids) can enjoy the benefits of this all-natural pillow.

Naturepedic Coupon Code | Use code NEWYEAR required for 15% OFF all Mattress - while supplies last.

SHOP NATUREPEDIC

See Naturepedic Mattress Review

Brentwood Home

Type of GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillow | Charcoal Memory Foam Pillow
Pillow Benefits | GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Eco-Friendly, Fair Trade, Organic, GOTS Certified, Recyclable, Give Back, Socially Responsible, Made in the USA, Green
Sizes | Standard, Toddler, Queen, King
GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillow Price | $89

This Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Activated Charcoal Pillow features a charcoal-infused memory foam base that is plush, luxurious and designed to keep you cool. This pillow is made without any wool and is 100% vegan. It is also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it is safe for the entire family, including children.

This pillow is hand-made in the United States and comes from a mattress company that is known for their organic mattresses. This pillow, along with all of the brand’s items, are made without toxic flame retardants, chemicals, formaldehydes or heavy metals. The interior of this pillow is also made with Certi-PUR-US certified memory foam that is safe and natural, while the charcoal element of this pillow is known for trapping toxins and chemicals in the body so they can be flushed out.

Brentwood Home Coupon Code | No code required for 10% Off Oceano, Crystal Cove & Hybrid Latex mattresses purchase + Free Shipping - good through June 19th or click the Brentwood Home Sale for additional offers.

SHOP BRENTWOOD HOME

COOP Home Goods

Type of GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillow | Organic Pillow
Pillow Benefits | GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Eco-Friendly, Fair Trade, Organic, GOTS Certified, Made in the USA, Green
Sizes | Standard, Queen, King
GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillow Price | $70 - $90

This COOP Home Goods pillow truly has it all. It is safe, organic, breathable and non-toxic. It also comes with an adjustable fill interior, so that you can get the exact firmness you want on your pillow at night. This all-natural pillow is cruelty-free, hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant. It is also machine washable, making it very easy to clean and care for. We also love that this pillow is made in the USA.

This pillow isn’t just comfortable either—it is a great option for those looking for an eco-friendly and safe sleeping solution. In addition to being GREENGUARD Gold certified, this pillow is also CertiPUR-US certified as well, making it one of the most safe and natural pillows on the market right now.

SHOP COOP HOME GOODS

See COOP Home Goods Waterproof Mattress Protector Review

Beautyrest Kids

Type of GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillow | Non-Toxic Kids Pillow
Pillow Benefits | GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Eco-Friendly, Socially Responsible, Made in the USA, Green
Sizes | Toddler
GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillow Price |

If you are looking for a safe and natural pillow for your kids that is GREENGUARD Gold Certified for their safety, then this pint-sized option from Beautyrest Kids is for you. This pillow is toddler-size and designed for kids between the ages of 2-5 years old. Its fill is soft, yet supportive, and is crafted from all-natural silver that will help wick away surface heat and keep kids cool while they sleep.

This all-natural pillow allow comes with antimicrobial properties that will prevent bacteria growth. When parents do need to wash this pillow they can throw this non-toxic piece right in the washing machine.

SHOP BEAUTYREST KIDS

Moonlight Slumber

Type of GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillow |Toddler Pillow
Pillow Benefits | GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Eco-Friendly, Organic, GOTS Certified, Made in the USA, Green
Sizes | Toddler
GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillow Price |

This toddler pillow from Moonlight Slumber is made out of premium hypoallergenic materials providing toddlers with a safe and healthy place to rest their heads at night. Designed specifically with little ones in mind, this pillow works great for kids from 18 months to 5 years old.

It is made out of a safe and natural cotton and poly blend and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, so you don’t have to worry about harmful VOCs or chemicals when you toddler sleeps on this pillow. This small pillow has also undergone third-party testing for safety and durability, and one of our favorite features is that this pillow is made right here in the USA.

SHOP MOONLIGHT SLUMBER

Tuft & Needle

Type of GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillow | Hypoallergenic Pillow
Pillow Benefits | GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Eco-Friendly, Oeko-Tex 100 Certified, Organic, GOTS Certified, Made in the USA, Green, Recycled
Sizes | Standard, King
GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillow Price |

This Tuft & Needle Premium Pillow is the perfect accessory for anyone who wants a safe, natural yet supportive pillow. With its unique adaptive foam design, this Tuft and Needle pillow provides more support than even memory foam—and the interior of this pillow is created out of recycled, safe and non-toxic materials.

This pillow has been put under the most diligent third-party testing to ensure it meets the highest standards of performance and environmental friendliness. It is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Certi-PUR-US Certified and OEKO-TEX 100 Certified. This means it is sustainable, eco-friendly and free from harmful toxins. Plus, it is made right here in the USA—which is something every consumer can feel good about.

SHOP TUFT & NEEDLE

BIO Sleep Concept

Type of GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillow | Toddler Pillow
Pillow Benefits | GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Eco-FriendlyOrganic, GOTS Certified, Recyclable, Give Back, Made in the USA, Green
Sizes | Toddler
GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillow Price |

This Toddler Pillow from BIO Sleep Concept is a safe and natural addition to any child’s bedroom. Made in the USA, and crafted out of natural and chemical-free materials, this toddler pillow is designed to provide your little one with head and neck support while making sure they aren’t being exposed to any harmful chemicals.

This pillow is made out of safe and organic cotton that is lightweight, breathable and comfortable. It is also hypoallergenic as well. Of course, this pillow has also been GREENGUARD Gold Certified to ensure there are no toxins or VOCs present in this piece of bedding.

SHOP BIO SLEEP CONCEPT

GREENGUARD Gold Certified Pillows To Sleep Great At Night

If you have been looking for a new pillow for your bedding and one that you can feel good about sleeping on at night—take a look at our collection of GREENGUARD Gold Certified pillows. Now that you understand what GREENGUARD Gold Certification means, and have an overview of the best products that meet this certification, you can go out and shop with confidence knowing that you are buying a safe and natural product that you don’t have to worry about in your home.

Shana Thompson is a full time professional writer and editor. Shana has worked extensively in the fields of content marketing, on-page and off-page SEO (guest posts, backlink acquisition), and creative writing. As an experienced pro content writer, Shana has worked on several magazines, publishing companies and marketing agencies. Many recent projects have included everything from nutrition and health services, where a lot of research and citations were needed, to writing about health, sustainable, eco-friendly products.

Follow Shana at Shana Thompson