It’s important to have a good night’s sleep—but have you ever stopped to think about what you’re actually sleeping on? While we focus on food or skin products when it comes to our health, one surprising source of potentially harmful exposure is something we rest our heads on every night: our pillows.
Alarming as it sounds, some pillows contain toxic chemicals like flame retardants, which are added to reduce fire risk but may pose long-term health hazards. Others release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can trigger headaches, dizziness, and even respiratory issues. But that’s not all—over time, your pillow can become a breeding ground for dust mites, mold, and bacteria, which may lead to skin irritation or breathing problems. All this might make you wonder: what exactly is inside the pillow you’re sleeping on tonight?