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Written by
Lauren Fountain
Most people know the feeling of turning over the pillow to the “cool side” in the middle of the night. Some pillows retain heat and feel warm against the sleeper’s face. Flipping these pillows will help them feel cooler, but only briefly. A pillow specifically designed with breathable components can reduce sweating, overheating, and the general discomfort that comes from sleeping hot. Since warm temperatures can negatively affect sleep quality, a cooling pillow can also curb sleep interruptions and help you avoid daytime fatigue.
Our best cooling pillow picks are a diverse assortment in terms of composition, firmness, and thickness. Some of our selections are composed of fill and shell materials noted for superior temperature control, while others are equipped with features that promote airflow and breathability. Our testing team consists of people who tend to sleep hot as well as those who normally don’t struggle with overheating in bed, so our recommendations should reflect the experiences of most sleepers.
Check out the pillow profiles below to learn more about each of our top picks and why they stand out from the rest of the pack. We’ve highlighted key strengths of each pillow and who we think will enjoy them the most. Our cooling pillows guide also includes detailed information for first-time buyers. We’ll discuss types of pillows that sleep cool – as well as those known for overheating – and how much you can expect to pay for different types of pillows.
Best Overall
The Saatva Latex Pillow offers several benefits to sleepers aside from cooling and breathability. Constructed with a chambered design, the pillow features a core containing shredded Talalay latex and an inner pillow cushioned with plush microdenier material. You can remove the microdenier to change the loft, but the pillow retains a comfortably soft feel without losing support.
The pillow’s cover is composed of 100% organic cotton, another material that regulates temperature quite well. Gusseted sides help maintain good loft and neck support. The cotton and latex are also both durable, giving this pillow a longer-than-average expected lifespan. You may remove and machine the cover whenever it needs to be cleaned.
King and queen sizes are available, and both carry reasonable price-points. You can save $20 by buying two queens at the same time, or $40 when you buy two kings. Shipping is free for all orders in the contiguous U.S., and your purchase will include a 45-night sleep trial and 1-year warranty.
Best Value
If you’re in the market for a memory foam pillow that runs cooler than the average foam pillow, the GhostBed GhostPillow – Memory Foam is a worthwhile contender. The pillow has a medium firm feel and loft that should appeal to a broad range of sleepers, and it’s designed with an array of cooling features meant to reduce heat retention.
The pillow core consists of a solid piece of memory foam that is aerated to promote air circulation. An inner cover is made from a mesh cotton fabric for added ventilation, while the outer zippered cover is made of proprietary Ghost Ice fabric engineered to feel cool to the touch. The pillow also contains phase change material that maintains temperature neutrality throughout the night, adjusting to fluctuations in body temperature.
The pillow has a 6-inch loft and medium firm feel. Both of these features are compatible with back and side sleepers, who tend to find the most comfortable support from pillows with medium to high thickness and middle-of-the-road firmness. The foam’s deep contouring is beneficial to people with sensitive pressure points in the head and neck area.
GhostBed provides free shipping and returns within the contiguous U.S. Customers receive a 101-night sleep trial and a 5-year warranty with their pillow.
Most Comfortable
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Brooklyn Bedding pillows
Brooklyn Bedding’s Cooling Memory Foam Pillow provides excellent comfort across sleeping positions and weight groups. The memory foam construction gently cradles the head to help prevent neck pain.
The pillow is covered in a knit cover that is designed for enhanced breathability. The open-cell memory foam fill won’t trap as much heat compared to the denser foams used in many competing pillows. . The material also contours closely relieve and prevent pain. The medium feel suits most types of sleepers, and customers can choose between two loft options. Back and stomach sleepers will probably prefer the 4.5-inch medium loft option. Side sleepers may want to opt for the 6-inch higher loft option instead, since this thicker profile lifts the head and neck to promote healthy spinal alignment. The pillow comes in queen and king sizes. The cover is removable and machine washable, butBrooklyn Bedding recommends only spot cleaning the pillow insert.
The company offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and a 120-night sleep trial. It ships to customers in Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada for an additional fee. Purchases also come with a 10-year warranty.
Best Luxury
Few textiles offer the same natural cooling as silk. The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow contains fill made from Grade AAA long-strand mulberry silk, an exceptionally soft and breathable material that provides plush cushioning for the head and neck. This type of silk is also highly durable, so the pillow shouldn’t lose shape too quickly. A cover made of viscose from bamboo adds to the luxurious design.
The fill resists clumping and shifting, meaning you won’t need to fluff the pillow too often. The bamboo used to produce the cover fabric is sustainably grown without pesticides and the pillow is not treated with any harmful dyes or chemicals, making the pillow an appealing option for eco-conscious shoppers. The entire pillow can be washed and dried in any household appliance for easy cleaning. Standard and king sizes are available.
The Silk Pillow’s sticker price may seem steep at first glance, but strong performance and a long expected lifespan make it a good investment for shoppers. Each order also comes with a 100-night sleep trial for testing out the pillow and a 10-year warranty against defects such as pilling or discoloration.
Best for Neck Pain
Many people have a fixed preference when it comes to pillow loft, but those with neck pain may feel more comfortable sleeping on a thinner or thicker pillow depending on their comfort level. The Layla Kapok Pillow offers adjustable loft, so you can customize the volume to your liking. The fill consists of shredded memory foam blended with down-like fibers from the kapok tree, creating a plush feel no matter how much fill you use. The adjustable nature of this pillow also makes it suitable for any sleep position, though side and back sleepers will probably feel most comfortable due to the pillow’s softer feel.
The cover is made from a breathable blend of polyester and viscose. A copper infusion in the fabric is designed to enhance the breathability and help the cover maintain a reasonable temperature any time of year. The cover can be removed and machine-washed for easy care. If you’d like to launder the entire pillow, wash on a gentle cycle and dry on a low heat setting – though Layla notes multiple drying cycles may be needed.
The Layla Kapok Pillow is available in queen and king sizes, both of which are priced competitively. If you buy two pillows, the second one will qualify for a 50% discount. Ground shipping is free of charge for all customers in the contiguous U.S. All orders are backed by 120-night sleep trials and 5-year warranties.
Best Airflow
Many memory foam pillows capture and store body heat, causing them to sleep uncomfortably warm, but some pillows are an exception. The Infinite Zen Performance Pillow from SHEEX is a memory foam model designed to promote cooling and temperature control. Its cooling components include inner gel layers that dissipate heat and a breathable polyester-blend cover that provides added airflow. These features help to offset the heat-trapping properties of the pillow’s solid memory foam core.
A medium feel ensures a balance of contouring and support, so the pillow shouldn’t hug too closely or feel excessively stiff. The 5-inch loft makes it particularly well-suited to back sleepers, and the design – which includes a 2-inch gusset – provides optimal support for the head and neck. Side sleepers who experience pressure due to alignment issues should also find the pillow comfortable.
The cover can be removed and laundered in any household washer and dryer. The Infinite Zen Performance Pillow is affordably priced for a solid memory foam model and all orders are backed by 5-year manufacturer’s warranties. You’ll also receive a 60-night sleep trial with your purchase.
Best for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers often need a higher loft pillow that keeps the head and neck aligned with the spine. The Luxury Side Sleeper Pillow from Sleep Artisan has an adjustable loft to fit a side sleeper’s individual needs. The latex fill also conforms to relieve pressure in the neck and shoulders.
The Side Sleeper Pillow is encased in an organic cotton, polyester, and hemp cover, which is naturally breathable and soft to the touch. The fill is 90% shredded Talalay latex and 10% poly-silk fibers. Talalay latex is noted for its airy feel that gently cradles the head and neck without excessive sinkage. The extra lift is significant for side sleepers to keep their spines in healthy alignment. The pillow also has a unique curved shape to better support the neck and shoulders. It comes in two sizes, standard and queen. The cover is machine washable, but Sleep Artisan only recommends spot cleaning the insert.
Sleep Artisan offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and a 30-day trial. All pillow purchases come with a 3-year warranty.
Best Pressure Relief
The Bear Pillow feels cool to the touch, making it one of the best cooling pillows for hot sleepers. Aerated foam and mesh panels add breathability to the pillow and prevent heat retention.
The Bear Pillow has a unique Double Ice fabric cover that wicks away moisture. The pillow cover has dual mesh corner accents to help dissipate heat and regulate temperature. The cover can be removed and machine washed.
The pillow fill includes a proprietary Loft-X foam blend. This hybrid foam has qualities similar to memory foam and latex. It contours to the shape of the head and neck, but offers resilience that makes it easy to shift your head and neck as needed. The foam core is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. It should be spot cleaned as needed but cannot be washed.
The Bear Pillow is designed for hot sleepers who sweat throughout the night, as it wicks away both heat and moisture. The Loft-X foam blend relieves pressure with its responsive, contouring nature. Since the foam is ventilated, it retains less heat than a solid foam pillow would.
The medium firmness and loft of the pillow are not adjustable. We found this combination of firmness and loft is best for back and side sleepers, but may not be suitable for stomach sleepers. There is some potential for off-gassing, though any initial smell should dissipate within a few days.
The Bear Pillow is available in a queen or king size. Bear offers a 100-night sleep trial and covers the pillow with a 2-year limited warranty.
Best Organic
Latex pillows typically sleep cool, but the Birch Organic Pillow is a standout because it is also made using sustainably sourced materials. The cover is composed of organic cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), one of the world’s leading authorities on these types of fabrics. The core contains natural, shredded Talalay latex, while the outer chamber is cushioned with organic wool. These materials make the pillow a good option for consumers who would rather purchase eco-friendly products.
The pillow has a medium feel, but its layered design also ensures full loft and great overall support for side and back sleepers. The cotton cover is highly breathable and the wool has moisture-wicking properties, so hot sleepers and those who reside in warm or humid climates should find the pillow comfortable as well. In addition to GOTS, the pillow has earned certifications from OEKO-TEX and eco-INSTITUT, indicating the different materials don’t contain any harmful substances or chemicals.
While latex pillows tend to be pricey, the Birch Organic Pillow is priced reasonably and customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free ground shipping. Your purchase includes a 100-night sleep trial for testing out the pillow and a 1-year warranty should you decide to keep it.
With so many pillows on the market, finding a model that meets your needs can be a daunting task. Our team at Sleep Foundation has tested over 300 pillows in order to find the best pillows for every type of sleeper. We draw on years of experience in the sleep product industry as well as hands-on testing to determine the top pillows.
Since sleep position plays a large role in how comfortable a pillow feels, we’ve included side, back, stomach, and combination sleepers on our team, in order to address the needs of as many sleepers as possible. During the testing process, our team members lay their head on each pillow to evaluate firmness, contouring, and temperature neutrality. We’ve synthesized our findings to present what we believe are the best cooling pillows on the market. Our testers found that these pillows retained little heat, wicked away moisture, and slept cool compared to other models we evaluated.
Choosing the right pillow is just one component of creating a cooling sleep environment. There is a direct relationship between temperature and sleep, and your bedroom should be set to a comfortable temperature to improve sleep quality. Colder room temperatures facilitate better sleep, and many studies recommend keeping the bedroom around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Your body has a circadian rhythm that lowers your body temperature when it is time to prepare for sleep. A hot room can increase wakefulness. This disrupts the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and results in poor quality sleep. Some people sleep hotter than others. This can make it harder to fall asleep. Cooling bedding can provide comfort and encourage restful sleep.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a cooling pillow, including its cooling properties and the quality of materials used. Every sleeper has unique needs, but there are common elements that can help each person determine if a pillow is right for them. These include price, loft, firmness level, and pressure relief. Keep in mind your sleeping position, weight, and personal preferences when shopping for a cooling pillow.
When purchasing a cooling pillow, these are the top things to focus on. A cooling pillow draws heat away from the body, and certain materials do this better than others. That being said, each person is different and what works for one may not work for another.
In addition to regulating temperature and providing a comfortable sleep environment, a cooling pillow may also relieve pressure and provide ample support for the head, neck, and shoulders. While the focus of this guide is a pillow’s cooling properties, there are additional factors that determine if a pillow is a good purchase or not. Shoppers should consider what type of pillow they want, and what is most important to them in addition to cooling properties.
A cooling pillow uses materials in its fill and cover to regulate temperature and dissipate heat. We’ll break down common fill and cover materials here. It should be noted that certain materials are highly conductive and draw heat away from the body. Others allow air to flow through them to dissipate heat. There are multiple options available, and certain pillow types will work better for some than others.
Many shoppers are drawn to cooling pillows for their temperature-regulating properties. These pillows reduce heat retention and are an important part of creating a comfortable sleep environment. However, due to the cooling properties and materials used, cooling pillows are more expensive. There are a few pros and cons shoppers should consider before purchasing a cooling pillow.
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Hot sleepers especially benefit from cooling pillows, but there are also benefits for side and back sleepers. It is important to consider sleeping position and personal preferences when shopping for a pillow. A cooling pillow might not be right for everyone and there are special considerations that should be kept in mind.
A cooling pillow is best suited for:
These kinds of pillows are not well suited for:
A cooling pillow is an essential part of a comfortable sleep environment, but it is just one component. Hot sleepers can take additional measures to stay cool throughout the night.
Cooling pillows are often infused with materials like gel, graphite, or copper that help draw heat away from your body. Certain models combine these elements with a construction that promotes airflow so that heat can escape. Cover fabrics like cotton, rayon derived from bamboo, and wool are beneficial too since they wick sweat and increase breathability.
Your pillow’s shape can also have an effect on how cool it feels. A solid piece of foam will generally retain more heat than it will when the foam is shredded, as air can better circulate around the shredded fill. Consider your sleeper type and fill preferences to find a cooling pillow that has all the qualities you need.
While exact washing directions will vary by manufacturer, many cool gel pillows are spot clean only and should not be put in a washing machine. Most cooling pillows take this into account and provide a washable cover that’s easily removed. If you need an option that’s simple to launder, make sure to research the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Purchasing a pillow that’s OEKO-Tex certified and CertiPUR-US certified can help you ensure that your pillow has low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In small doses, VOCs aren’t a threat to your health but can be irritating to people with allergies or respiratory problems. VOCs are present in many foam products and can have an unpleasant smell. It typically takes about 24 to 48 hours for these VOCs to dissipate, so sleepers particularly sensitive to smell should allow their pillow to fully air out before use.
Your cooling pillow’s lifespan will depend on the quality of its materials, but you can expect a well-made pillow to last 3 to 4 years. Your weight and sleeper type can also affect how long your pillow lasts. A pillow that gets significant amounts of direct pressure will likely break down faster than one that has less weight applied. Choosing a high-quality fill and the correct firmness level for your sleeper type can help ensure your pillow goes the distance.
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Certified Sleep Coach
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
Certified Sleep Coach
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
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