Horsehair vs Microbeads
Professional Material Comparison
Horsehair
Natural Horsehair (Mane and Tail)
Premium luxury filling material from horse manes and tails, used for centuries in high-end bedding
Average Price
$250
Lifespan
20-40+ years
Microbeads
Polystyrene Microbead Fill (EPS Beads)
Tiny polystyrene foam spheres that shift and conform to provide firm, moldable support
Average Price
$25
Lifespan
2-5 years
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Horsehair | Microbeads |
|---|---|---|
| Support Level | High | Medium to High |
| Firmness | 6-8/10 (Medium-firm to Firm) | 6-8/10 (Medium-firm to Firm) |
| Temperature | Cool | Cool to Neutral |
| Durability | 20-40+ years | 2-5 years |
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Avg Price | $250 | $25 |
Physical Properties & Feel
Horsehair
Support Level:
High
Firmness:
6-8/10 (Medium-firm to Firm)
Durability:
20-40+ years
Bounce:
High
Contouring:
Low to Medium
Microbeads
Support Level:
Medium to High
Firmness:
6-8/10 (Medium-firm to Firm)
Durability:
2-5 years
Bounce:
Low
Contouring:
High
Temperature Regulation & Breathability
Horsehair
Temperature Rating:
Cool
Breathability:
Exceptional breathability - among the best of all pillow materials. Each horsehair strand functions as a hollow tube with microscopic capillary action that channels away moisture while constantly funneling fresh air through the material. The natural curl of processed horsehair creates spacing between fibers allowing unobstructed air circulation. Horsehair is so effective at moisture management that if soaked with water and shaken, it dries almost immediately. This superior ventilation keeps the pillow cool and dry throughout the night, preventing the growth of fungi, bacteria, and dust mites that thrive in damp conditions. Temperature regulation is excellent - cool in summer, dry in winter.
Microbeads
Temperature Rating:
Cool to Neutral
Breathability:
Excellent breathability due to air spaces between millions of individual beads. Air circulates freely through bead structure preventing heat buildup and moisture retention. Significantly more breathable than solid foam materials like memory foam. However, breathability can vary based on fabric casing - tight-weave fabrics restrict airflow while mesh or stretchy fabrics enhance circulation. The 98% air composition of expanded polystyrene beads promotes natural temperature regulation. Sleeps cooler than most synthetic pillows.
Certifications & Standards
Horsehair
Microbeads
Advantages & Disadvantages
Horsehair
Advantages
Disadvantages
Microbeads
Advantages
Disadvantages
Expert Recommendation
Both Horsehair and Microbeads are excellent pillow materials with distinct advantages. Your optimal choice depends on your individual sleep needs, physical requirements, budget constraints, and personal preferences.
Choose Horsehair if you:
- •Hot sleepers and night sweaters
- •Dust mite allergy sufferers
- •Those seeking long-term investment
- •Luxury bedding enthusiasts
Choose Microbeads if you:
- •Neck pain sufferers
- •Frequent travelers needing portable comfort solutions
- •Hot sleepers
- •Allergy sufferers
Ideal Use Cases
Horsehair
Hot sleepers and night sweaters - superior moisture-wicking prevents damp, uncomfortable sleeping surface
Dust mite allergy sufferers - processed horsehair creates inhospitable environment for mite colonization
Those seeking long-term investment - 20-40+ year lifespan justifies high initial cost over time
Luxury bedding enthusiasts - appreciate premium materials with centuries of aristocratic heritage
People with chemical sensitivities - natural material processed without synthetic chemicals or additives
Those with neck and shoulder pain requiring firm support - maintains proper cervical alignment
Humid climate sleepers - moisture-wicking properties prevent mildew and maintain dry environment
Microbeads
Neck pain sufferers - firm contouring provides precise cervical support
Frequent travelers needing portable comfort solutions
Hot sleepers - excellent breathability between beads prevents overheating
Allergy sufferers - synthetic material naturally resists allergens and dust mites
Those wanting unique sensory experience - distinctive squishy, moldable feel
Post-surgery support - can be shaped to support specific body areas
Pregnant women - moldable support for changing body positions and needs
Allergen Resistance & Health Concerns
Horsehair
Hypoallergenic:
Allergies:
Properly processed horsehair is considered hypoallergenic and suitable for most allergy sufferers. The manufacturing process involves washing in boiling water, then steaming at 284°F (140°C) at four times atmospheric pressure with high humidity. This thorough sanitization removes proteins, allergens, and bacteria that could trigger allergic reactions. Multiple manufacturers report they have not encountered customers experiencing allergies to properly processed horsehair. The material has earned NOMITE certification, indicating suitability for house dust mite allergy sufferers. However, individuals with specific horse protein allergies should test before purchasing. Always verify the horsehair has undergone proper high-temperature processing rather than simple washing.
Dust Mites:
Horsehair provides excellent resistance to dust mite colonization when properly processed. The high-temperature steaming process (284°F at four times atmospheric pressure) kills any existing mites and removes allergens. More importantly, horsehair's superior moisture-wicking properties create an inhospitable environment for dust mites, which require warm, humid conditions and human skin scales for survival. The constant air circulation and rapid moisture removal prevent the damp conditions dust mites need to thrive. Many horsehair products earn NOMITE certification, the anti-allergen standard indicating suitability for house dust mite allergy sufferers. This makes horsehair significantly better for dust mite allergies than organic materials like down, wool, or cotton which retain moisture and provide favorable habitats.
Chemical Concerns:
Minimal chemical concerns when purchasing from reputable manufacturers. Quality horsehair processing involves only water, steam, and high heat - no bleaching or chemical treatments. The entire sanitization process at high temperatures and pressure is completed without addition of foreign substances or synthetic chemicals. Look for OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification ensuring horsehair has been tested and verified free from harmful chemicals and substances. No VOC off-gassing or synthetic processing. However, be cautious of very cheap horsehair products which may undergo inferior processing or use chemical treatments. Always verify the manufacturer uses proper steaming methods at 284°F+ temperatures.
Microbeads
Hypoallergenic:
Allergies:
Generally hypoallergenic for most users. Synthetic polystyrene beads do not contain proteins that trigger allergic reactions. Material naturally resists dust mite colonization, mold growth, and mildew. However, individuals with chemical sensitivities may react to residual styrene vapors, though levels are extremely low in finished products (estimated exposure around 6.6 micrograms per person per day, well below FDA safety limits). Outer fabric casing may harbor allergens over time if not cleaned regularly. Overall considered safe for allergy sufferers when compared to natural fill materials.
Dust Mites:
Synthetic polystyrene material provides inhospitable environment for dust mites. Beads do not provide food source for dust mites (which feed on dead skin cells and natural fibers). However, dust mites can colonize on outer fabric casing over time. The bead core itself remains largely protected from dust mite infiltration when casing is intact. Regular cleaning of outer casing or use of removable, washable covers significantly reduces dust mite accumulation. Research shows synthetic materials accumulate fewer dust mites than natural materials when properly maintained.
Chemical Concerns:
Polystyrene beads are manufactured from styrene monomer, a chemical classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as Group 2A "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" based on occupational exposure studies. However, the U.S. National Toxicology Program states that styrene levels from polystyrene consumer products are "hundreds if not thousands of times lower" than occupational exposures. FDA has determined polystyrene safe for consumer use with estimated daily styrene exposure at 6.6 micrograms per person per day - over 10,000 times below FDA safety limits. New pillows may off-gas slight chemical odor initially that dissipates within days. Choose OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified products ensuring no harmful substances.
Care & Maintenance
Horsehair
Washable:
Washing Instructions:
NOT MACHINE WASHABLE. Horsehair pillows cannot be washed in machines as water and agitation damage the natural curl and resilience of the fibers. Spot clean only with damp cloth and mild soap for stains. The processed horsehair itself is inherently clean and antimicrobial after high-temperature steaming, so washing is rarely necessary.
Drying Instructions:
If pillow becomes damp from spot cleaning or humidity, air dry completely in well-ventilated area before use. Horsehair dries remarkably quickly due to water-repellent properties - when soaked and shaken, it dries almost immediately. Never use heat sources like dryers which damage fiber structure. Ensure 100% dryness before returning to bed.
Maintenance Tips:
- •Air out pillow outdoors in fresh air and indirect sunlight monthly for 2-3 hours to eliminate any trapped moisture
- •Fluff daily by grabbing opposite corners and shaking vigorously to redistribute fibers and maintain loft
- •Use tightly woven pillow protector (200+ thread count) to prevent coarse hairs from poking through fabric
Microbeads
Washable:
Washing Instructions:
NOT machine washable. Machine washing will tear thin fabric casing releasing millions of beads that clog washing machines and plumbing. Some manufacturers provide removable outer covers that can be washed separately while inner bead bladder remains unwashed. Never submerge microbead core in water.
Drying Instructions:
Not applicable - inner bead core should never be washed. If outer cover is removable, tumble dry cover on low heat or air dry flat. Keep microbead core away from all heat sources including dryers as heat can melt or damage polystyrene beads.
Maintenance Tips:
- •Spot clean outer fabric only with damp cloth and mild soap - never saturate
- •Use removable pillowcase over microbead pillow to keep exterior clean
- •Shake and fluff daily to redistribute beads and maintain even distribution
Price Range & Value
Horsehair
Low
$150
Average
$250
High
$400
Expected Lifespan:
20-40+ years
Microbeads
Low
$10
Average
$25
High
$50
Expected Lifespan:
2-5 years
Durability & Longevity Factors
Horsehair
Factors Affecting Lifespan:
- •Quality of horsehair processing - properly steamed and cleaned hair lasts significantly longer
- •Distinction between horsehair and horsetail - horsetail (from tail) is longer, stronger, springier and more durable
- •Quality of cover ticking - tightly woven fabric prevents fiber migration and protects fill integrity
- •Frequency of airing and maintenance - regular outdoor airing prevents moisture buildup extending lifespan
- •Storage conditions - keeping pillow in dry, well-ventilated environment prevents deterioration
- •Manufacturing quality - hand-teased loose horsehair outlasts cheaper rolled horsehair pads
- •Combination with other materials - pure horsehair often more durable than blends with shorter-lived fibers
Microbeads
Factors Affecting Lifespan:
- •Fabric casing quality - higher quality casings prevent tearing and bead loss
- •Frequency of use and pressure applied - heavy use compresses beads faster
- •Storage conditions - must be kept away from heat sources that can melt polystyrene
- •Exposure to sunlight - UV radiation degrades polystyrene causing brittleness
- •Quality of bead manufacturing - well-made beads resist compression longer
- •Handling care - rough treatment increases risk of casing tears
Environmental Impact & Sustainability
Horsehair
Sustainability:
Highly sustainable when sourced from reputable manufacturers practicing ethical collection. Horsehair is gathered during routine grooming that horses require anyway for health and hygiene - the mane and tail are trimmed regularly whether hair is collected or not. No horses are farmed specifically for hair production by ethical manufacturers. Quality suppliers verify horsehair is "acquired at the end of life" or from regular grooming, never from living horses farmed for hair. The material utilizes what would otherwise be grooming waste, creating beneficial circular economy. Processing requires only water and steam - no chemical treatments or energy-intensive manufacturing. Horses are not harmed, distressed, or killed for hair collection by ethical producers.
Biodegradable:
Manufacturing:
Relatively low environmental impact for luxury material. Processing involves washing in boiling water, steaming at 284°F at four times atmospheric pressure, rinsing, spinning, and natural drying. The entire process uses only water and heat - no chemical additives, bleaching, or synthetic treatments. Traditional hand-teasing methods (separating and curling individual fibers) are labor-intensive but require no machinery beyond basic equipment. Most environmental impact comes from transportation and the labor hours (150-160 hours for premium mattresses). At end of exceptionally long 20-40+ year lifespan, horsehair is completely biodegradable and decomposes naturally, returning nutrients to soil. The extended lifespan significantly reduces replacement frequency compared to synthetic alternatives lasting 2-5 years, ultimately reducing long-term environmental burden despite higher initial resource investment.
Microbeads
Sustainability:
Extremely poor environmental profile - one of the worst pillow materials for sustainability. Polystyrene is petroleum-based, non-renewable, and non-biodegradable. Research confirms expanded polystyrene (EPS) persists in landfills for approximately 500 years with minimal degradation when shielded from sunlight. Manufacturing process is energy-intensive, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and consuming fossil fuel resources. Styrene production releases millions of pounds of toxic air pollutants including styrene, benzene, and ethylbenzene into atmosphere annually. Lightweight beads easily escape into environment causing significant marine pollution - polystyrene constitutes major component of ocean plastic waste. Breaks down into harmful microplastics that enter food chain and ecosystems. Almost no recycling infrastructure exists for microbead pillows.
Biodegradable:
Manufacturing:
High environmental impact manufacturing process. Polystyrene production begins with extraction of petroleum and chemical synthesis of styrene from benzene and ethylbenzene - both toxic carcinogenic compounds. Expansion process uses pentane gas and steam at high temperatures consuming significant energy. U.S. styrene facilities report releasing approximately 32 million pounds of styrene, 3.2 million pounds of benzene, and 2.1 million pounds of ethylbenzene into air annually according to EPA Toxics Release Inventory data. Manufacturing contributes to global warming, air pollution, and disproportionately impacts frontline communities near production facilities. Recycling rate for EPS remains extremely low due to collection and processing challenges. When incinerated for disposal, releases toxic substances including styrene gas and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into atmosphere.