You might be familiar with pillow fillings like down, down alternatives, memory foam, or even latex, but have you ever heard of a kapok pillow? Or for that matter, have you ever even heard of kapok? It’s a unique, natural filling that Layla combined with shredded memory foam to create the Layla Kapok pillow.
In this Layla pillow review, I’ll go over exactly what this pillow is made of and based on my personal experience testing it, I’ll give you the lowdown on how it feels and who it’s best suited for to help you decide if this should be your next new pillow.
Short on time? Skip to the end for my review summary.
Constructed with shredded foam and natural fibers from a Kapok tree, this pillow is both plush and dense enough for side sleepers.
Layla Kapok Pillow
Sleepopolis Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
Is the Layla Kapok a Good Pillow for You?
There’s a lot of factors at play when it comes to choosing a pillow, such as your sleeping position, body type, whether you sleep hot, and more. Here’s who I would recommend the Layla Kapok pillow to and who should consider buying a different pillow.
Who should try the Layla Kapok pillow
- Side sleepers should feel right as rain on the Layla Kapok pillow. This was by far the most comfortable position for me on the Layla Kapok pillow and I thought this pillow was one of the better side sleeper pillows I’ve tested.
- Hot sleepers will also likely be comfortable on the Layla Kapok pillow, as the fill is breathable, meaning hot air won’t be trapped within the pillow.
- Sleepers who want a customizable pillow will appreciate that the Layla Kapok pillow has an adjustable loft — all you have to do is remove some filling from the pillow to lower the loft.
Who should not try the Layla Kapok pillow
- Stomach sleepers are not well-suited to the Layla Kapok pillow, as it is a lofty and firm pillow. While you could remove enough fill to get a low enough loft, it would be more worthwhile to buy a lower loft, softer pillow in the first place.
- Shoppers looking for an all natural sleep product may want to consider a different pillow. While this pillow does incorporate natural kapok fibers, the rest of the materials are synthetic.
- Sleepers looking for a more traditional memory foam feel may not like the blended mix of shredded foam and kapok fibers, which isn’t as conforming as just memory foam.
What Does the Layla Kapok Pillow Feel Like?
I personally tested the Layla Kapok pillow in different sleeping positions to get a sense of how it feels and how it works for each sleeping position. Keep in mind that feel is subjective, so you may have a different experience than I did.
Layla Kapok Pillow Firmness
For each sleeping position, I recommend a different firmness level in their pillow. A firm pillow is best for side sleepers, a medium pillow is best for back sleepers, and a soft pillow is best for stomach sleepers.
I thought the Layla Kapok pillow had a fairly firm feel. I felt my head and neck were quite elevated on this pillow and I didn’t sink into it very much. The mix of kapok fibers and foam gives this pillow a plush, yet dense feel.
Layla Kapok Pillow Loft
Like firmness, each sleeping position is best suited to a different loft, or height, of pillow to best maintain spinal alignment. I recommend a low loft for stomach sleepers, a medium loft for back sleepers, and a high loft for side sleepers.
The Layla Kapok is an adjustable pillow, meaning you can remove fill to lower the loft to your preferred height. When you take it out of the box, the pillow will be overstuffed to have a very high loft.
Now let’s go over my experience with this pillow in each sleeping position.
Side — This Layla pillow is ideal for side sleepers, in my opinion! The high loft and firm feel are exactly what is best for a side sleeper to keep their head and neck supported, as they have the greatest distance between their neck and the mattress while they’re sleeping. I felt my head and neck were nicely supported on the Layla Kapok, which helps to prevent neck pain.
I think many side sleepers could leave the loft as is, or remove some fill to lower the loft to around five to six inches, if they have narrower shoulders.
Back — I think the Layla Kapok could work well for back sleepers, as long as they lower the loft of the pillow. As it comes out of the box, the loft is way too high and would cause back sleepers’ necks to crane. However, if you lower the loft to a medium loft of around four to five inches, this pillow sleeps quite comfortably for back sleepers.
Stomach — I didn’t find the Layla Kapok pillow to be comfortable for stomach sleepers, as it is simply too lofty and too firm. I felt my neck craning a lot on this pillow and I would have had to remove the majority of the fill to get the loft low enough to be comfortable. I think it would be more worthwhile for stomach sleepers to go for a different pillow.
Under the Arm — The Layla Kapok is pretty cozy for sleeping with under the arm. Because it is decently moldable and squishable, it’s quite comfortable to hug as you sleep.
Between the Legs — I think the Layla Kapok pillow is a bit too firm and lofty for this position to be comfortable. However, if you do sleep with it between your legs, I would recommend lowering the loft to prevent your hips from becoming misaligned.
Constructed with shredded foam and natural fibers from a Kapok tree, this pillow is both plush and dense enough for side sleepers.
Layla Kapok Pillow
Sleepopolis Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
What is the Layla Kapok Pillow Made Of?
Cover: The Layla Kapok pillow’s cover is made from a blend of 66 percent polyester, 30 percent viscose, and 4 percent poly lycra, which is woven with copper fibers called CuTEC yarn. The copper is intended to draw heat away from you for a cooling effect.
Fill: The fill of this pillow is a mix of shredded memory foam and kapok fibers. Kapok fibers come from the kapok tree, which is native to areas such as Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and West Africa. The kapok fibers come from the seeds of the tree and make a soft, fluffy, natural down alternative.
All the foam used in the Layla Kapok pillow is CertiPUR-US certified to be free from harmful chemicals and pollutants.
Additionally, the Layla Kapok pillow is available in either a queen or king size. I tested the queen size for this review.
Is the Layla Kapok Pillow Good for Hot Sleepers?
Yes, the Layla Kapok pillow is a great option for hot sleepers. The shredded foam and kapok fill allows for lots of airflow, while the CuTEC copper yarn in the cover promotes cooling on the surface of the pillow, as well. Hot sleepers would be quite comfortable on the Layla Kapok pillow.
If you want to see more hot-sleeper-approved options, take a look at our best cooling pillows. And make sure your whole bed setup is cool and breezy with some of our best cooling sheets.
Layla Kapok Pillow Sizes and Prices
Curious how much the Layla Kapok pillow costs? Here’s a breakdown of the prices, by size.
Prices listed will be before discount or offer for each size.
| Size | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen | 18″ x 28″ | 3-3.5 lbs | $109 |
| King | 18″ x 34″ | 4-4.5 lbs | $129 |
Constructed with shredded foam and natural fibers from a Kapok tree, this pillow is both plush and dense enough for side sleepers.
Layla Kapok Pillow
Sleepopolis Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
My Final Thoughts About the Layla Kapok Pillow
The Layla Kapok pillow is a great pillow for side sleepers, perhaps even one of the best pillows for side sleepers that I’ve tested. The high loft (which you can still adjust to your preferences) and firm feel make this pillow ideal for supporting side sleepers’ necks and maintaining their alignment.
The mix of shredded foam and kapok fibers gives this pillow a unique feel that is plush, but dense. It doesn’t offer as much contouring as a memory foam pillow might, but that elevating feel is great for side sleepers. I also like that you can fluff and mold this pillow a bit, since the fill is shredded foam and fiber. Additionally, this pillow sleeps fairly cool, with a breathable fill and cooling copper cover.
However, the Layla Kapok pillow isn’t a good choice for stomach sleepers, as it is too firm and lofty for them to sleep comfortably, without their necks craning. The Layla Kapok pillow also probably isn’t the best choice for anyone who prefers a traditional memory foam feel — sinking deeply into contouring foam — as the fill doesn’t conform around you quite as much as just memory foam.
Layla Kapok Pillow Policies and FAQs
How does the Layla Kapok pillow ship?
Layla ships for free within the contiguous United States. They ship to Hawaii and Alaska for an additional shipping fee, as well as to Canada for an additional shipping fee.
Does the Layla Kapok pillow come with a sleep trial?
Layla offers a 120-night sleep trial period for the Layla Kapok pillow, meaning you can test it out for 120 nights. Layla asks that you test it for at least four weeks, but after that point, you can return the pillow free of charge, for a full refund within the 120 night period.
Does the Layla Kapok pillow come with a warranty?
The Layla Kapok pillow comes with a 5-year warranty.
Is the Layla Kapok pillow machine washable?
The cover of the Layla Kapok pillow is removable and machine washable. Layla recommends dry cleaning it to keep the cover super soft, but they say it can be washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and dry on a delicate cycle on a low heat setting.
Does the Layla Kapok pillow need a pillowcase?
Since it has a washable cover, the Layla Kapok pillow doesn’t necessarily need a pillowcase. However, I generally still recommend using one to ensure your pillow stays as clean as possible.
Does the Layla Kapok pillow smell?
Sometimes new sleep products have an off-gassing smell when you open up the box — essentially gasses that were trapped in the packing and shipping process escaping. I didn’t notice any smells when I opened up the Layla Kapok pillow, but if you do, simply let it air out a day or so before use.
Is the Layla Kapok pillow the same as the Layla Memory Foam pillow?
No, these are two different products that Layla offers. The Layla Memory Foam pillow is filled with shredded memory foam and polyester fiber, as opposed to shredded foam and kapok fibers.
Layla Kapok Pillow Vs
Now let’s compare the Layla Kapok pillow to another great pillow for side sleepers, the Nolah Squishy pillow.
Layla Kapok Pillow vs Nolah Squishy Pillow
- The Nolah Squishy pillow is another favorite of mine for side sleepers, as it also has a high loft, is medium-firm, and has a supportive, buoyant feel.
- This pillow is filled with shredded memory foam fill and has a bamboo blend cover that promotes cooling. You can also remove fill from the Nolah Squishy to adjust the loft, like the Layla Kapok pillow.
- The pillow also uses a dual chamber design, with the inner pillow filled with shredded foam being encased in polyurethane foam pads that give the pillow that extra “squishy” feel.
- Want to learn more about this pillow? Read my full Nolah Squishy pillow review.
The Nolah Squishy pillow definitely lives up to its squishy name! It’s squishy, but the shredded foam fill is very elevating and supportive—making it an especially great pillow for side sleepers, who need to keep their head and neck in alignment.
Nolah Squishy Pillow
Other Products from Layla
Finally, here are my star ratings for the Layla Kapok pillow.
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Materials
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Comfort
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Cooling
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Value
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Durability
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Trial
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Warranty
