The Importance of Breathability in Pillows

Getting a good night’s sleep often starts with the right pillow. While we usually focus on firmness or loft, breathability deserves more attention. Pillows with good airflow help regulate temperature, wick away moisture, and create a cleaner, more comfortable sleeping environment. 

When it comes to breathable materials, natural options like British wool and organic Buckwheat Hulls stand out for their superior performance compared to synthetic alternatives.

If you’re in the market for a new pillow, understanding how breathability impacts sleep and why organic materials are worth considering can help you make an informed choice.

Why Breathability in Pillows Matters

Breathability is about how well air flows through a pillow. This characteristic affects your body temperature, sweat regulation, and even how clean your sleeping environment feels.

Temperature Regulation

Pillows that breathe keep your head and neck cool by dissipating heat. Overheating at night disrupts your sleep cycle, often waking you up during REM sleep when your body should be recovering. Natural fibres like British wool are exceptional here because their airy structure permits heat to escape.

A study by the International Wool Textile Organisation confirms that wool optimises thermal comfort. Its fibres absorb and release moisture while providing insulation, ensuring a consistent, comfortable sleep temperature year-round.

Moisture Control

Night sweats or humidity in your room can leave your pillow damp, creating an unhealthy sleeping surface. Breathable pillows wick away moisture so it evaporates quickly. Wool, for example, absorbs up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet, helping to keep you dry throughout the night. Similarly, Buckwheat Hull pillows allow consistent airflow, which prevents the buildup of dampness.

Allergy Prevention

Synthetic pillows can trap dust mites, mould, and bacteria, all of which thrive in warm, moist environments. By contrast, natural materials like wool are hypoallergenic and resist these allergens, providing a cleaner option for people prone to allergies or asthma. Buckwheat Hull pillows are also naturally resistant to mites and mould due to their breathable structure, which keeps humidity levels low.

Comparing Organic and Synthetic Pillows

When choosing between an organic and synthetic pillow, the differences go beyond aesthetics or price. Here’s how they stack up:

Why British Wool?

British wool offers a perfect balance of breathability, durability, and sustainable luxury. It adjusts to your body’s temperature, keeping you warm during colder nights and cool as things heat up.

Additionally, its natural elasticity ensures a long-lasting pillow that doesn’t flatten out over time.

At Putnams, we have developed a range of wool pillows that are as functional as they are eco-friendly. Our pillows are sourced from local farms, with an emphasis on ethical farming and animal welfare, ensuring peace of mind alongside exceptional comfort.

Why Buckwheat Hull?

Buckwheat Hull pillows are unique in their ability to mould to your head and neck, providing customizable support while maintaining airflow. The hulls create thousands of tiny air pockets, ensuring consistent cooling throughout the night.

They’re an ideal choice for those seeking a more customisable and breathable pillow.

Natural 100% British Wool Mattress Topper - So thick, the cotton is a lovely quality and I sleep better knowing there is a natural barrier between me and my mattress. I am trying to remove/reduce synthetic materials being near/on my skin. Lovely and soft. I feel like the topper has reduced sweatiness too as we are coming into the warmer weather. I would recommend and I will be buying them for my children. - Mo R

Key Considerations for Buyers

When shopping for a breathable pillow, keep these features in mind:

1. Material – Look for pillows made from British wool or organically grown Buckwheat Hulls for superior air circulation.
2. Support – Ensure the pillow aligns with your sleep posture. At Putnams, our organic Buckwheat Hull pillows can be adjusted to your liking.
3. Maintenance – Wool pillows like those from Putnams are naturally resistant to odour and bacteria, requiring less frequent washing. Buckwheat Hull pillows typically feature washable covers to keep them fresh.
4. Environmental Impact – Organic pillows are not only better for your health but also for the planet. Wool is renewable, biodegradable, and supports local farmers, while Buckwheat Hulls are waste-free and compostable.

Why Choose Putnams?

Putnams integrates the best of British wool into their pillows, making them breathable, temperature-regulating, and sustainable. Our commitment to local sourcing and ethical practices means every product supports British farmers and protects the environment. By choosing Putnams’ wool or Buckwheat Hull pillows, you’re investing in sleep quality while reducing your carbon footprint.

Final Thoughts before Bedtime...

Breathability is a game-changer when it comes to sleep quality. Organic pillows made from materials like British wool and Buckwheat Hull provide natural airflow, temperature regulation, and hypoallergenic benefits that synthetic alternatives can’t match.

Brands like ours at Putnams take this a step further by combining sustainability with thoughtful design, ensuring you sleep better while making greener choices.

When buying your next pillow, prioritise breathability and the benefits of natural materials. Whether you choose the soft luxury of British wool or the customisable support of Buckwheat Hull pillows, your sleep quality will thank you.