Nylon vs Straw
Professional Material Comparison
Nylon
Nylon Fabric (Polyamide)
Durable synthetic fabric cover material known for strength, moisture resistance, and healthcare applications
Average Price
$45
Lifespan
3-7 years
Straw
Natural Wheat Straw
Traditional agricultural byproduct used historically for centuries in bedding and pillows
Average Price
$20
Lifespan
0.5-1.5 years (6-18 months)
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Nylon | Straw |
|---|---|---|
| Support Level | N/A (Cover Material Only) | Medium to High |
| Firmness | N/A (Cover Material Only) | 6-8/10 (Medium-firm to Firm) |
| Temperature | Cool to Neutral | Cool |
| Durability | 3-7 years | 6-18 months |
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Avg Price | $45 | $20 |
Physical Properties & Feel
Nylon
Support Level:
N/A (Cover Material Only)
Firmness:
N/A (Cover Material Only)
Durability:
3-7 years
Bounce:
N/A (Cover Material Only)
Contouring:
N/A (Cover Material Only)
Straw
Support Level:
Medium to High
Firmness:
6-8/10 (Medium-firm to Firm)
Durability:
6-18 months
Bounce:
Very Low
Contouring:
Very Low
Temperature Regulation & Breathability
Nylon
Temperature Rating:
Cool to Neutral
Breathability:
Limited breathability compared to natural fabrics. Nylon fibers do not absorb moisture effectively, leading to potential heat and sweat retention. Particularly problematic for direct skin contact in warm climates. Some advanced nylon fabrics incorporate ventilation panels or moisture-wicking treatments to improve breathability. Significantly inferior to cotton, linen, or bamboo for temperature regulation. Better suited for protective barrier applications than comfort-focused bedding.
Straw
Temperature Rating:
Cool
Breathability:
Excellent breathability and temperature regulation due to hollow tubular structure of wheat stalks allowing superior air circulation. The natural spacing between straw pieces creates air channels that prevent heat buildup. Straw remains cool to the touch and does not retain body heat like dense foam materials. This cooling property made straw popular in hot climates historically. However, the same porous structure that provides breathability also allows dust mite colonization and particle accumulation.
Certifications & Standards
Nylon
Straw
Advantages & Disadvantages
Nylon
Advantages
Disadvantages
Straw
Advantages
Disadvantages
Expert Recommendation
Both Nylon and Straw are excellent pillow materials with distinct advantages. Your optimal choice depends on your individual sleep needs, physical requirements, budget constraints, and personal preferences.
Choose Nylon if you:
- •Healthcare and institutional settings
- •Allergy sufferers (dust mites and bed bugs)
- •Incontinence or fluid protection needs
- •High-use commercial applications
Choose Straw if you:
- •Extreme eco-consciousness
- •Living history projects and museums requiring authentic historical bedding materials
- •Temporary or camping situations where disposability after short use is acceptable
- •Budget-conscious consumers in developing regions where straw is readily available
Ideal Use Cases
Nylon
Healthcare and institutional settings - hospitals, nursing homes, and care facilities requiring sanitizable pillows
Allergy sufferers (dust mites and bed bugs) - tightly woven nylon with sealed seams prevents pest colonization
Incontinence or fluid protection needs - waterproof barrier prevents liquids from reaching pillow fill
High-use commercial applications - hotels, dormitories, and rental properties needing durable covers
Camping and outdoor use - weather-resistant and quick-drying for outdoor conditions
People requiring frequent pillow washing - withstands repeated laundering without deterioration
Hygiene-conscious individuals - easy sanitization and antimicrobial treatment compatibility
Travel pillows - lightweight, compact, and durable for frequent use and transport
Straw
Extreme eco-consciousness - willing to sacrifice comfort for minimal environmental impact
Living history projects and museums requiring authentic historical bedding materials
Temporary or camping situations where disposability after short use is acceptable
Budget-conscious consumers in developing regions where straw is readily available
People seeking carbon-negative, zero-waste bedding options above all other considerations
Allergen Resistance & Health Concerns
Nylon
Hypoallergenic:
Allergies:
Generally hypoallergenic when properly constructed with tight weaves and sealed seams. Synthetic nylon fibers naturally resist dust mites, mold, and mildew better than natural materials. However, nylon itself may cause allergic reactions in some sensitive individuals. Antimicrobial treatments applied to nylon can sometimes trigger sensitivities. Not suitable for those allergic to synthetic materials or petroleum-based products. Regular washing essential to prevent allergen accumulation on fabric surface.
Dust Mites:
Tightly woven nylon fabric with inverted and sealed seams provides excellent dust mite barrier when properly constructed. Synthetic fibers offer smooth, non-porous surface preventing mite attachment and colonization. Commonly used in healthcare and allergy-control bedding specifically for dust mite prevention. However, effectiveness depends entirely on construction quality - loose weaves or unsealed seams compromise barrier properties. Regular washing essential as dust mites can colonize surface debris. Studies show nylon sheds less compared to fleece fabrics but still releases microfibers. Superior to cotton or down for dust mite resistance when maintained properly.
Chemical Concerns:
Significant chemical concerns throughout production and lifecycle. Manufacturing involves benzene (known human carcinogen associated with leukemia), cyclohexane, adipic acid, and hexamethylenediamine. Production releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic waste into environment. Some nylon pillows contain antimicrobial treatments using silver ions, triclosan, or quaternary ammonium compounds that may have health implications. Look for OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification ensuring testing for over 1,000 harmful substances including heavy metals, pesticides, phthalates, and formaldehyde. Recycled nylon options reduce virgin material chemical processing. Monomers can off-gas during production posing respiratory hazards to workers.
Straw
Hypoallergenic:
Allergies:
Straw is NOT hypoallergenic despite being gluten-free (gluten is in wheat grain, not stalks). While straw itself rarely causes direct allergic reactions, it readily harbors dust mites, mold, and accumulates environmental allergens. The organic material provides food and habitat for dust mites, which are among the top five most common allergens. As straw breaks down over time, it creates fine dust particles that can irritate airways and trigger respiratory symptoms. Studies on natural organic bedding materials show they accumulate allergens more rapidly than synthetic alternatives. Anyone with dust mite allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivities should avoid straw pillows.
Dust Mites:
Straw provides an ideal environment for dust mite colonization and allergen accumulation. The organic material serves as food source for mites, while the structure creates warm, protected spaces for mite habitation. Research shows natural organic materials accumulate dust mite allergens more rapidly than synthetic alternatives. As straw breaks down into fine particles, it creates additional dust that can harbor mite feces and body parts - the actual allergen sources. Cannot be washed to remove mite allergens. For dust mite allergy sufferers, straw pillows are among the worst options and should be avoided entirely.
Chemical Concerns:
Minimal chemical concerns when using organic wheat straw - naturally grown agricultural byproduct without synthetic processing. Conventionally farmed wheat straw may contain pesticide residues from crop treatment. Look for USDA Organic certified wheat straw to ensure no pesticide, herbicide, or synthetic fertilizer exposure. No VOC off-gassing or synthetic additives. However, some processors may treat straw with anti-pest chemicals - verify processing methods. The natural lignin and cellulose in straw are non-toxic plant compounds.
Care & Maintenance
Nylon
Washable:
Washing Instructions:
Machine washable in warm to hot water (up to 60°C/140°F) - nylon withstands higher temperatures than many fabrics. Use mild to strong detergent depending on application. Healthcare settings may use bleach and harsh disinfectants. Wash every 1-2 weeks for home use, daily for institutional settings. Nylon releases significant microplastic fibers during washing - consider using Guppyfriend bag or similar filter.
Drying Instructions:
Tumble dry on low to medium heat or air dry. Nylon dries quickly due to water-repellent synthetic fibers. Avoid high heat which can damage fibers or cause shrinkage. Air drying recommended to reduce microplastic release. Remove promptly from dryer to minimize wrinkles.
Maintenance Tips:
- •Inspect regularly for tears or compromised seams that could allow pest entry or fluid penetration
- •Use pillow protector underneath decorative cases to extend lifespan and reduce washing frequency
- •Avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure which degrades nylon fibers through UV damage
Straw
Washable:
Washing Instructions:
NOT WASHABLE. Straw cannot be washed as water exposure causes immediate decomposition, breakdown, and potential mold growth. Once soiled, the entire pillow must be discarded and replaced. This is a major hygiene limitation of straw pillows.
Drying Instructions:
Cannot be dried after washing. If straw becomes damp from humidity or sweat, air out pillow outdoors in direct sunlight for several hours. Ensure complete dryness before returning to use to prevent mold formation.
Maintenance Tips:
- •Air out weekly outdoors in direct sunlight for 2-3 hours to prevent moisture buildup and kill potential mites
- •Shake and fluff daily to redistribute straw pieces and prevent permanent compression in one area
- •Use multiple pillow protectors - thick inner cover prevents stalk penetration plus washable outer pillowcase
Price Range & Value
Nylon
Low
$20
Average
$45
High
$80
Expected Lifespan:
3-7 years
Straw
Low
$10
Average
$20
High
$40
Expected Lifespan:
0.5-1.5 years (6-18 months)
Durability & Longevity Factors
Nylon
Factors Affecting Lifespan:
- •Fabric quality and denier rating - higher denier (thicker fibers) provides greater durability
- •Washing frequency and method - frequent hot water washing accelerates microfiber breakdown
- •Quality of antimicrobial treatments - some treatments degrade over time reducing protective properties
- •Exposure to sunlight and UV radiation - prolonged UV exposure weakens nylon fibers causing brittleness
- •Type of nylon (nylon 6 vs nylon 6,6) - nylon 6,6 generally more durable and heat-resistant
- •Construction method (woven vs knitted) - tightly woven fabrics last longer than loose knits
- •Usage intensity - healthcare settings with daily laundering wear faster than home use
Straw
Factors Affecting Lifespan:
- •Quality of initial processing - properly cleaned and debris-free straw lasts longer
- •Humidity and moisture exposure - damp conditions accelerate decomposition and mold growth
- •Frequency of use and head weight - heavier use causes faster compression and breakdown
- •Quality of pillow cover - thick, tightly woven covers prevent stalks from protruding
- •Storage conditions - must be kept completely dry in well-ventilated area
- •Pest exposure - insects and rodents attracted to organic material can damage fill
- •Initial dryness of straw - properly dried straw at harvest time lasts longer than damp straw
Environmental Impact & Sustainability
Nylon
Sustainability:
Poor environmental sustainability profile. Nylon production is petroleum-dependent, deriving from non-renewable crude oil through energy-intensive chemical processes. Manufacturing requires double the energy of cotton production, using high temperatures (up to 290°C) and significant fossil fuels. Production of adipic acid for nylon 6,6 releases nitrous oxide (N2O), a greenhouse gas with global warming potential 300 times greater than CO2. Annual nylon production (estimated 60 million tons for nylon-6 alone) responsible for approximately 60 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Water usage extensive during cooling processes, often resulting in micropollutant contamination of surrounding water systems. Recycled nylon (ECONYL from fishing nets and fabric waste) reduces virgin material energy use by 59% but still contributes to microplastic pollution.
Biodegradable:
Manufacturing:
Highly polluting manufacturing process with significant environmental and health impacts. Production begins with petroleum extraction, followed by chemical synthesis of monomers (caprolactam for nylon 6, or adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine for nylon 6,6). Polymerization requires extreme heat and pressure using non-renewable energy sources (coal, oil, natural gas). Benzene, a known carcinogen, is essential precursor in cyclohexane production. Workers exposed to toxic chemicals including formaldehyde and various solvents. Wastewater contains unreacted monomers (caprolactam considered polluting and toxic). Takes decades to centuries to decompose in landfills. Microfiber shedding during washing represents major source of marine microplastic pollution - studies show nylon sheds hundreds of thousands of fibers per wash. These microfibers comprise significant portion of ocean plastic pollution, contaminate marine life, and enter human food chain. Recycling infrastructure limited - most nylon pillows end in landfills. Chemical recycling emerging but energy-intensive.
Straw
Sustainability:
Exceptionally sustainable and environmentally friendly material. Wheat straw is an agricultural byproduct that would otherwise be discarded or burned after grain harvest, making pillow use a form of upcycling waste. No additional farming, land use, or resources required beyond existing wheat production. Utilizing straw prevents open-field burning which releases significant CO2 and air pollution. Wheat plants absorb atmospheric CO2 during growth, making straw carbon-negative when sequestered in products. Requires virtually zero processing energy - simple cleaning and drying. Provides additional income stream for farmers from waste material, supporting rural agricultural economies. Completely renewable with annual wheat harvests.
Biodegradable:
Manufacturing:
Minimal manufacturing impact - among the lowest embodied energy of any pillow material. Process involves: collection after wheat harvest, drying if needed, removal of seeds and debris, and simple filling into pillow covers. No chemical processing, energy-intensive manufacturing, water usage, or industrial facilities required. Can be processed at farm level or through simple local facilities. Transportation is the primary energy input. At end of life, straw decomposes naturally within 90-180 days in compost, enriching soil with organic matter and nutrients. Creates zero waste in circular agricultural system. However, very short lifespan means frequent replacement, which may offset some environmental benefits compared to longer-lasting natural alternatives like latex or wool.