Sustainable, Wicking and Omigosh–Soft: The Parallel Pillow's TENCEL™ Outer Cover

Sustainable, Wicking and Omigosh–Soft: The Parallel Pillow's TENCEL™ Outer Cover

When you hug a Parallel Pillow for the first time, expect to be in awe.

You’ll have already noticed what a gorgeous pillow it is. Whether it’s our streamlined Low Profile Pillow or plush High Profile Pillow with its signature parallel-gusset piping, every Parallel Pillow is meticulously stitched and assembled.

We’ve discussed why the inside  of our Parallel Pillow is paradise to the touch in our What’s the BluTech Fusion Fill (BFF) in the Parallel Pillow?  blog post.  But what about its pleasantly cool, exquisitely soft outer cover?

“What IS this?” people always want to know as they stroke the flowing ridges against their cheek or fingertips.

"Is it bamboo? Silk? Some new synthetic?"

None of these — and much better. The answer is TENCEL™.

What is TENCEL?

TENCEL Lyocell fibers are what we use to weave the Parallel Pillow’s Omigosh-soft! outer cover.

TENCEL Lyocell is a botanical-origin material, mainly made from renewable wood fibers harvested from certified and tightly-controlled sources. Tencel fibers are known for their environmentally closed-loop and carbon-neutral production process, which turns wood pulp into smooth fibers. TENCEL fabric is renowned for its sustainability, moisture-wicking properties, hypoallergenic properties, and for its incredibly soft feel.

Yes, you read that right: the TENCEL cover is made from wood! Historically, we humans can credit much of our survival and evolution to wood. From the furniture in our homes to the trees that prosper in our farms, we’ve coexisted with wood for millennia. So, it only makes sense that wood is the perfect material to source for high-quality, long-lasting applications.

Sustainable and Omigosh-Soft!

Wood fiber is an efficient raw material for making textiles, and replenishes quickly in a vast range of climates and soil conditions. In other words, it’s a fairly sustainable resource compared to other pillow cover materials. From one field of farmed trees, we get ten times the amount of pulp as from the same field area of cotton!

TENCEL also has a higher vapor uptake capacity than cotton, which helps support your body’s natural temperature regulating mechanisms. In fact, TENCEL wicks moisture better than bamboo, polyester, synthetics or cotton! So, all year round, you can comfortably revel in the regulated tranquility of your TENCEL-covered Parallel Pillow. 

Germs, Beware!

Germaphobes, this is your IDEAL pillow for dispelling all those nasty unwanted germs. Just like you, TENCEL sincerely dislikes bacteria. In fact, its structure is unaccommodating to microbial growth! This makes the Parallel Pillow an incredibly clean, hygienic place to lay your head - especially when paired with our ParaPur antimicrobial, anti-odor inner cover!

Oh, and did you know that TENCEL fabric is hypoallergenic? Since it’s not bleached, dyed and doesn’t generate static charge, this comfy slice of heaven doesn’t accumulate dust and other uncomfortable particles that contribute to irritation and unwanted side effects.

And finally, TENCEL Lyocell is biodegradable and compostable — enabling it to revert back to its place in nature after you’ve thoroughly enjoyed your Parallel Pillow.

To Sum Up

TENCEL is an amazingly soft, sustainable and long-wearing material, which made it our most obvious choice for the outermost layer of every Parallel Pillow. And remember, the outer cover is just the prelude to the enjoyment that awaits YOU, as you discover the many sleeping delights of the Parallel Pillow. 

Skip to product information
Low Profile Standard Size Parallel Pillow

Parallel Adjustable Pillow

The Sleep Solution That Adapts to You

Not just a pillow—Parallel is a fully adjustable sleep system designed to support your posture, reduce pain, and help you wake up feeling better.

  • Fully adjustable: add or remove fill to find your perfect height
  • Dual-density fill + TENCEL™ provides breathable support and no flattening
  • Omigosh-soft cover is cool to the touch and machine-washable
  • ParaPur™ antimicrobial protection keeps the pillow clean and fresh
Profile
Size
Logo of The Salvation Army on a white background

We donate a pillow to The Salvation Army for every pillow purchased

A truck icon

Free Shipping

A credit card icon

90-Day Risk-Free Trial

A heart icon

Try, Give Back

Details

High Profile
Ideal for side sleepers or those with broader shoulders

  • Standard: 26" x 18" — 4 lb
  • King: 34" x 18" — 5 lb
  • Height: 7"

Low Profile
Great for smaller frames, stomach sleepers, or back sleepers who prefer less head support

  • Standard: 26" x 18" — 3 lb
  • King: 34" x 18" — 4 lb
  • Height: 5.75"

Adjustable to You
Every Parallel Pillow includes a zippered inner liner so you can easily add or remove fill to suit your sleep style.  Prefer more loft? We’ll send extra fill at no charge.

Premium Materials

TENCEL™ Washable Outer Cover
The outer cover is ultra-soft and breathable, made from sustainable TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers that wick moisture and dissipate heat to maintain a consistent, comfortable sleep surface.
Enhanced with Move and Cool™, a plant-based moisture management treatment that improves evaporation and stays effective for up to 30 washes.

ParaPur™ Antimicrobial Inner Cover
Our 4-way stretch inner liner is permanently embedded with Ionic+™ silver ions—a mineral-based antimicrobial technology that destroys 99.99% of microbes.
Because this layer isn’t washable, we made sure it stays fresh for the life of the pillow.


Blutech Fusion Fill (BFF)
Inside is our custom blend of:

  • Down-alternative microfibers (25% by weight): soft, lofty, and made from 100% recycled material—the equivalent of up to 23 plastic bottles per pillow
  • Traditional memory foam (37.5%): plant-based polyol foam for deep, conforming support
  • Gel memory foam (37.5%): temperature-stable and quick-response for consistent support and airflow

All foams are CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning they're made without harmful chemicals and meet rigorous standards for content, emissions, and durability.

Cleaning & Care

Before First Use
Tumble your Parallel Pillow in the dryer on low heat for 5 minutes to restore loft after shipping.

Outer Cover

  • Zippered and removable
  • Machine wash cold with mild detergent
  • Tumble dry low
  • Do not bleach

Inner Cover

  • Spot clean only with mild soap and water
  • Lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low
  • Do not bleach

The inner liner is treated with ParaPur™ and should remain fresh without regular washing.

How We Give

For every Parallel Pillow sold, we donate one to someone in need.Having worked with community organizations for years, our founders saw firsthand how something as simple as a clean, supportive pillow can provide comfort during difficult times.

We’ve partnered with The Salvation Army to ensure donation pillows are delivered to displaced children, adults, and seniors across North America—where they’re needed most. We’re committed to sharing our impact as we grow.