Hemp is a much less common material for pillows, but if you’re a fan of the fiber and like a firmer support for your head and neck, it’s definitely worth considering a hemp pillow. Here are the pros and cons of hemp pillows and a look at the sustainability of hemp.
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What is a Hemp Pillow?
Hemp pillows may comprise hemp inside and out or might have just hemp filling in a cotton cover, a hemp cover and other type of filling, or a combination of hemp and other (usually softer and loftier) fill material.
While looking for hemp pillows as part of my research for this guide, I thought I’d hit the jackpot. There were thousands of results for a simple ‘hemp pillow’ search. Amazing, I thought! People have really caught onto the benefits of hemp.
Nope.
Unfortunately, most of the ads and search results were actually for pillows infused with CBD that claim (without evidence) to reduce anxiety and back pain.
These are not hemp pillows and usually comprise synthetic materials such as polyester with CBD microbeads of some kind.
Hemp Pillows – Benefits
Hemp is a wonderfully sustainable, renewable resource with myriad applications across multiple industries.
- Hemp is naturally odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and thermoregulating. It is a fantastic material in hot and humid places and for anyone who sleeps very hot and sweaty.
- Hemp pillows are very firm, which is great if you sleep on your side and find the perfect height hemp pillow.
- You can also use a hemp pillow as a firm base pillow and top it with a softer, low-profile latex (like Turmerry’s – see review) or kapok pillow for a softer sleep surface.
The Downsides of Hemp Pillows
A pillow with genuine hemp filling will be less fluffy than most other kinds of pillows.
Hemp is low-loft and will also flatten over time. This is why very few hemp pillows are on the market. Most people prefer fluffier, softer pillows.
Organic hemp pillows are even rarer (I haven’t found one in all my searching!). And hemp pillows can be expensive compared to pillows made with other materials.
Hemp pillows are also not machine washable. Instead, you can only spot-clean a hemp pillow. Getting the hemp batting wet is risky as it is tough to dry out hemp pillows, meaning they can develop mold.
Is Hemp Sustainable?
I’m a huge fan of hemp, for pretty much everything. This is a truly versatile plant!
Hemp is one of the most sustainable crops grown in America (and elsewhere). Thanks to its deep root system, it requires no pesticide or fertilizer inputs and very little water. Hemp also helps to bioremediate soil, reduces soil erosion, and improves overall soil quality.
Some estimates suggest that growing hemp requires less than a third of the land needed to grow the equivalent in cotton fiber and a quarter the amount of water.
How Much Does a Hemp Pillow Cost?
A hemp pillow typically costs somewhere between $80 and $200 depending on the size and design of the pillow. Some pillows are little more than bolsters, while others can be folded and rolled to increase height.
Rawganique is a brand we have tested and reviewed extensively at LeafScore that makes high-quality hemp pillows.
In Summary – Pros and Cons of Hemp Pillows
| Pros | Cons |
| Sustainable, biodegradable material | Hard to find |
| Odor-resistant | Expensive |
| Moisture-wicking | Very firm, not fluffy |
| Thermoregulating | Heavy and dense |
| Grown and made in the U.S. | Can have a natural hemp smell, especially if wet |
| Hemp farming doesn’t require pesticides, fertilizers, or much water | Harder to clean |
| Firm and supportive enough for side-sleepers |