Outdoor Knotted Border Pillow vs Outdoor Rib Stripe Pillow: which is safer?

West Elm Outdoor Rib Stripe Pillow is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.

West Elm

Outdoor Knotted Border Pillow

PFAS grade

C 75/100

Overall grade

F 45/100

Verdict

Buy with care

Hazard flags

⚑ 4

Material

outdoor pillow, likely synthetic fibers or polyester blend

Confidence

45%

Possiblewater-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) treatments - undisclosed chemistry

PossibleAzo dyes and heavy metals in pigments

PossibleVOC off-gassing from finish or adhesives

Why this gradeBuy

Our pick

West Elm

Outdoor Rib Stripe Pillow

PFAS grade

C 75/100

Overall grade

F 57/100

Verdict

Buy

Hazard flags

⚑ 3

Material

cotton/linen blend fabric, no stated treatments

Confidence

72%

PossibleAzo dyes (carcinogenic synthetic dyes)

PossibleVolatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing

ReportedMildew and microbial growth

Why this gradeBuy

Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →

More waterproof outdoor cushions: see the full ranking