Sauna pillows and backrests are an extremely underrated component of any sauna experience. There I said it. I can’t be the only one who finds it tough to sit on a hard wooden bench for 30+ minutes while trying to relax. I need COMFORT! And if you’re reading this article, you probably do, too.
Combine the support of a backrest with the comfort of a pillow and BOOM! You’re in Comfort Town.
Anyways! In this article, we’ll explore why a good sauna pillow is an essential sauna accessory, the top 5 pillows on the market today and what factors to consider when choosing the right one for you.
Sound good? Let’s get right to it.
NOTE: We’re reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which helps us continue to provide high-quality content for the Squad.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sauna Pillow
There are a few key things to take into consideration when shopping for a sauna pillow:
1. Material
Heat resistance: Choose a sauna pillow made from heat-resistant materials that can withstand high temperatures in a sauna environment.
Waterproof and moisture-wicking: A good sauna pillow should be made from waterproof materials that wick away moisture to keep the pillow dry and comfortable.
Hypoallergenic and antibacterial: Opt for a sauna pillow made from hypoallergenic and antibacterial materials to ensure a clean and hygienic sauna experience.
2. Size and shape
Matching body dimensions: Choose a sauna pillow that matches your body dimensions and provides adequate support for your neck and head.
Contouring and support: A contoured sauna pillow can help support the natural curve of your neck and head, reducing tension and promoting relaxation.
3. Maintenance and care
Easy cleaning: Look for a sauna pillow that is easy to clean and maintain, ensuring a hygienic and hassle-free sauna experience.
Drying and storage: Consider how the sauna pillow will dry and be stored between uses. Some pillows may require special care or have specific storage needs.
Top 5 Best Sauna Pillows
It was really tough to narrow this down to 5 products. We may end up having to do a part two article on this topics down the line. However, based on our experience, these are the top 5 sauna pillows available in 2023 for your sauna enjoyment needs.
Each option caters to different user needs & preferences. Depending on the type of sauna you have, you may prefer one option over another. If you end up having questions, feel free to hit us up on our contact page or DM us on Instagram.
Here’s a high level look at the top 5 products we recommend in 2023.
| Product Name | Material | Size (LxWxH) | Shape | User Ratings | |
| Novelty Bamboo Sauna Headrest Pillow | Bamboo | 14″x7.5″x3.5″ | Rectangular | 5/5 | Buy now on Amazon |
| Novelty Bamboo Sauna Headrest Pillow | 60% linen, 40% bio-organic cotton | 13″x9″x3″ | Rectangular | 4.5/5 | Buy now |
| amocane Cedar Sauna Headrest Pillow | Cedar | 15.75” x 13.38” x 4.72” | Contoured | 5/5 | Buy now on Amazon |
| Pasithea 4-Point Sauna Headrest Pillow | Canadian red cedar | 20” x 15.75” x 2.2” | 4 Point | 5/5 | Buy now on Amazon |
| BASIC CONCEPTS Luxury Bath Pillow | Polyester, foam, mesh | 15.12” x 12.95” x 3.5” | Contoured | 4.4/5 | Buy now on Amazon |
1. Best Overall Sauna Pillow:
Novalty Bamboo Sauna Headrest Pillow
User Rating: 5/5
As the name implies, the Novalty pillow is handcrafted from bamboo, which is a heat resistant material. It delivers excellent upper back & neck support with its ergonomic design. Overall, this is an excellent product, especially for the price.
Pros:
- Plant-based material:
Made from 100% natural bamboo. Plant-based & eco-friendly (relative to synthetic materials like polyester or vinyl) - Handmade craftsmanship:
Each pillow is handcrafted with attention to detail. Bonus: it comes with a money-back guarantee. - Ergonomic design:
Designed to support the upper back & neck, forming to contours of your body. - Easy maintenance:
The bamboo material is durable & easy to clean. - Versatile application:
Can be used in various types of saunas, making it a practical addition to your sauna accessories. - Heat resistance:
What we particularly like about this product is that bamboo is resistant to high temperatures and tends to stay cool during sauna sessions.
Cons:
- Limited adjustability:
The pillow has a fixed shape that may not suit everyone’s individual preferences for comfort and support. - Possible discomfort due to material:
Bamboo is not a cushiony material. It is designed to be firm and heat-resistant.
2. Best Pillow for Traditional Dry Saunas:
Lapuan Kankurit Tulitikku Sauna Pillow
Price: $40.00 User Rating: 4.5/5
We loved the Lapuan Kankurit Tulitikku Sauna Pillow for a few reasons:
- It’s a Finnish product and obviously the Finns know saunas (and accessories).
- The craftsmanship is unrivalled. Handmade in Finland, you just know you’re getting a good product.
- The linen-cotton blend makes this the most comfortable product on our list.
Pros:
- Quality materials:
Made from a blend of linen and cotton, providing a soft and comfortable texture for optimal relaxation. - Comfort:
This is the softest and most comfortable product on the list. It delivers from a true pillow standpoint. - Breathable fabric:
The light linen-cotton blend allows for excellent air circulation so the pillow remains cool & comfortable even under high heat. - Easy care:
Machine washable for easy and hassle-free maintenance. - Finnish craftsmanship:
Lapuan Kankurit is a well-known Finnish brand, renowned for its high-quality textiles & attention to detail.
Cons:
Price:
The Lapuan Kankurit Tulitikku sauna pillow may be more expensive compared to other sauna pillow options available in the market.
Soft material:
It’s a pillow. It’s soft and malleable, so it’s not going to provide the support some of the wood products on this list will, but that can also be a pro.
3. Best Wooden Sauna Pillow:
amocane Cedar Sauna Headrest Pillow
User Rating: 5/5
You’re simply not going to go wrong with the amocane pillow. It is constructed from quality cedar wood, which as we’ve discussed before, is generally speaking the best wood for saunas.
We also really like that it is contours to your head and neck for better support than a wedge shape.
Pros:
- Cedar construction:
Crafted from natural cedar wood so it smells nice and looks great. - Ergonomic design:
Contoured to support your head & neck during sauna sessions. - Non-toxic materials:
Free from glues and other toxic chemicals, the amocane is a good non-toxic option. - Durable construction:
Sauna Squad loves cedar. It’s a high quality wood with little to no knots and warping. Cedar products tend to last a long time. - Easy to clean:
Wood is easy to clean, so maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down after each use and boom! You’re done.
Cons:
- Uncomfortable:
It is wood after all. Laying your head on wood is certainly not as comfortable as cotton or linen.
- Potential for splintering:
This is a low risk due to the use of cedar wood but again it is wood. There is a non-0% chance of splinters. Again, given that is a finished product, the risk is very, very low.
4. Best 4-Point Pillow:
Pasithea Canadian Cedar 4 Point Headrest
User Rating: 5/5
The Pasithea Canadian Cedar Headrest has a funky design and honestly, it works. It’s a great product for people looking for adjustable head and neck support. Think of it as a travel pillow for the sauna.
This product is just so unique. It’s awesome. The four adjustable discs allow you to contour the pillow to the shape of your head and neck. For my big-headed brethren out there, this headrest is great because you can adjust it to comfortably support your big melon.
Pros:
- Premium Canadian cedar:
Sourced from high-quality Canadian cedar, providing a robust and aromatic material.
- Adjustable 4-point design:
Offers a unique and customizable support system that allows users to find their ideal comfort level. - Enhanced neck relief:
The innovative design targets specific pressure points, providing improved neck support and relaxation.
- Elegant appearance:
The headrest’s natural wood finish and thoughtful design add an element of sophistication to your sauna space. - Chemical free:
Pasithea is known for their natural, chemical-free products. They also use all organic material.
Cons:
- Price
The Pasithea Canadian Cedar 4 Point Headrest may come with a higher price tag compared to other sauna headrest options.
- Durability:
The 4-point design is both its biggest strength and its biggest weakness. The adjustable swivels are made of plastic and could be prone to breaking with long term usage.
5. Best Steam Sauna Pillow:
BASIC CONCEPTS Luxury Bath Pillow
User Rating: 5/5
Steam saunas require a different product than traditional dry or infrared saunas due to the humid, steamy environment. Generally speaking wood products don’t play nice with humidity and can be prone to warping.
Enter the Basic Concepts Luxury Bath Pillow. It’s designed for bath tubs, hot tubs and saunas, and is made of a combination of polyester, foam and mesh. It’s heat resistant, quick-drying and comfy as heck.
Pros:
- Enhanced comfort:
In terms of comfort, this pillow blows the others out of the water. Foam and mesh > wood for comfort. - Premium materials:
Foam and mesh are encompassed by a polyester cover. While not quite as natural as some of the wood products on the list, it certainly is made of quality materials. - Quick–drying:
The fabric is breathable so even when wet this bad boy dries quickly and thoroughly
- Odor-resistant:
The polyester cover is resistant to unpleasant odors, making it more hygienic and enjoyable to use.
- Easy to clean:
The pillow’s removable cover is machine washable;
Cons:
- Compatibility with tubs:
Although designed for versatility, the pillow may not fit all bathtub shapes and sizes, potentially affecting comfort. - Suction cup durability:
Over time, the suction cups may lose their grip, requiring repositioning or replacement to maintain stability.
Article Wrap up
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this article so let’s recap it. Here are the top 5 takeaways from this article:
- The best pillows are moisture and heat-resistant, hypoallergenic and antibacterial
- The best materials tend to be wood, bamboo or specially designed moisture and heat resistant polyester/mesh products
- The 5 best products in 2023 are all under $100 USD with most being under $40
- Investing in a high-quality sauna pillow can significantly enhance your sauna experience by providing support, comfort, and relaxation
- Combining a pillow and a backrest gets you a one way ticket to Comfort Town
A message from Sauna Squad
We hope we’ve provided some value in your research. But if you have any questions or concerns, hit us up on Instagram @thesaunasquad or feel free to fire us a message on our contact page.
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