Organic Down Alternative

Kapok

• A natural, sustainable, non-animal option, kapok is harvested from the pods of kapok trees. This light, silky, cotton-like fiber naturally resists moisture, bacteria and mold, making it resistant to allergens as well. Commonly used as life jacket filler due to its buoyancy, it also has been used as comforter, pillow and mattress filler for years. For those concerned with the ethical aspects of down, kapok is a great alternative. One big drawback of kapok, however, is that it is highly flammable.

Organic Cotton

• A natural, vegan alternative to down, organic cotton is soft, breathable and machine-washable. Grown free of harmful pesticides, organic cotton is safe not only for you and your loved ones, but for the environment and the workers who harvest it as well. Its natural, non-allergenic properties make it a great option for those concerned about allergies. It is not, however, as warm as down or wool. In fact, as one advertiser puts it, "It is ideal for folks who don't need much help keeping warm."

Wool

• Warm and naturally dust mite repellent, organic wool is a popular down alternative. Because of wool's natural warmth, less filling is needed in each comforter making them lightweight and comfortable. Wool also is breathable and absorbent, carrying moisture away from the skin. It is a naturally flame retardant fiber as well as extremely durable. Wool-filled pillows provide firm support for the head, though they may be too firm for those who like down. Wool pillows also tend to maintain their shape well. Though wool offers several advantages, it is not a vegan option and poses ethical concerns to some.

Alpaca

• Though the soft, silkiness of alpaca hair makes it popular for clothing and blankets, it also is used as an organic down substitute in pillows and comforters. Alpaca hair is commonly referred to as wool, though technically the structure is not the same. Each alpaca strand is hollow, making it lightweight and an extremely good insulator. It is also an absorbent, durable, flame-resistant and allergy-resistant option.