What are the benefits of a wool pillow?
A wool pillow is more than just a comfy place to rest your head at night. Wool has some powerful benefits to help you sleep more easily:
- Wool is breathable and has temperature-regulating properties. This will help you sleep more comfortably all year round.
- Wool is naturally hypoallergenic. It's a naturally hostile environment for the allergens that can irritate sensitive sleepers.
- Wool is a natural, sustainable material that can be recycled or composted at the end of its life.
Do hotels use wool pillows in their bedrooms?
Many luxury hotels offer a pillow menu. It's common to see the option of a wool pillow on these pillow menus, providing guests with the comfort of a temperature-regulating, naturally hypoallergenic pillow.
What is Mitchell wool, and where does it come from?
Mitchell wool is a premium grade of wool sourced from ethically reared sheep in New Zealand. New Zealand's climate and pasture conditions produce wool with a particularly fine, soft fibre that is both supportive and resilient as a pillow fill. It is one of the most sustainable natural fills available - biodegradable, renewable, and free from synthetic processing.
Is a wool pillow better than memory foam?
It depends on what you're looking for. Wool pillows are better for temperature regulation and breathability - wool actively manages moisture and keeps you cool, whereas memory foam tends to retain heat. Wool also has natural hypoallergenic properties and a more traditional springy feel. Memory foam offers more contouring support and is often recommended for neck and shoulder pain where precise alignment is needed. For hot sleepers and allergy sufferers, wool is generally the superior choice.
Is a wool pillow good for hot sleepers?
Yes, wool is one of the best pillow fills for hot sleepers. Unlike synthetic fills that trap heat, wool fibres actively absorb excess moisture from the air around your head and face, then release it back into the atmosphere as conditions change. This keeps your sleeping temperature stable rather than letting it build up overnight. If you regularly wake up feeling too warm, a wool pillow is a more effective solution than most cooling synthetic alternatives.
Do wool pillows go lumpy?
Our wool pillows are filled with carded wool, which is shaped into a pillow. They are unlikely to become lumpy because, unlike feather and down pillows, the fill isn't freeform.
Washing a wool pillow can cause it to go lumpy. To avoid this, follow our care instructions - remember that professional laundering is always best for pillows.
What firmness is the New Zealand Wool Pillow?
The New Zealand Mitchell Wool Pillow has a medium-firm feel with a shallower profile than most down or synthetic pillows. The dense wool fill provides a gentle, supportive spring rather than a soft sink. It is best suited to back sleepers and side sleepers who prefer a firmer, more supportive pillow. Some customers use it as a base layer paired with a softer pillow on top for a customised feel.
