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Written by
Lauren Fountain, Certified Sleep Coach
We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guide to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Learn More
We've updated this page following some recent product tests, and the Sijo Clima Latex Pillow is now our pick for best airflow. The Saatva Latex Pillow remains our best overall pick.
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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 wash 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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“It’s hard to find a pillow that feels both soft and supportive, but that’s exactly what the Saatva Latex Pillow accomplishes. We also noticed very little heat retention.”
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. A reasonable price-point also makes the pillow accessible to shoppers on a budget.
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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“Anyone who enjoys the feel of memory foam but also sleeps hot should definitely try out the GhostPillow. The cover fabric feels remarkably cool.”
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. Cozy Earth provides free shipping.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“We’ve tested out a lot of different pillow materials and very few offer the natural breathability of silk. The Cozy Earth pillow made me feel like my head was resting on a cool cloud.”
Most Comfortable
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Brooklyn Bedding pillows
Brooklyn Bedding’s Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is constructed with solid memory foam that adapts closely to the head and neck. The memory foam construction is especially notable for gently cradling the head to prevent neck pain.
The pillow is covered in a knit cover that is designed for enhanced breathability. The open-cell design of the memory foam won’t trap as much heat compared to the denser foams used in many competing pillows. 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, but Brooklyn 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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Cooling Memory Foam Pillow truly lives up to its name. Comfortable cushioning for the head and neck, even contouring to prevent pressure buildup, and almost no heat retention – the cover fabric works wonders.”
Softest
Down alternative pillows tend to carry affordable sticker prices, but some offer higher quality and stronger performance than others. The Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow is a great example of a product that is both reasonably priced and well-made. The lofty fill and thick profile make the Plant-Based Pillow a good option for side sleepers, as well as back sleepers who prefer extra cushioning for the head and neck.
The fill consists of plant-based down alternative clusters that don’t contain any real down, which should appeal to both people with down allergies and animal-conscious shoppers. A smooth cotton cover encases the fill and promotes air circulation to help the pillow sleep cool.
Queen and king sizes are available. Both the cover and fill are fully machine washable, making the pillow cheap and easy to keep clean. You can also recover the full shape by placing it in your household dryer from time to time.
In addition to carrying a below-average price-point, the Plant-Based Pillow qualifies for free ground delivery throughout the contiguous U.S. Shipping rates for Canadian customers are also relatively low. Each order comes with a 50-night sleep trial, and those who choose to keep the pillow also receive a manufacturer’s warranty that covers structural defects for up to 1 year.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Plant-Based Pillow has a fuller, loftier feel than many of the down alternative pillows we’ve tested. We expect it to be quite popular with side sleepers and anyone else who enjoys lots of cushioning.”
Best Bamboo
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Luxome pillows
The Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow is one of the most versatile models on the market today. The pillow comes with three inserts, each of which offers a distinct firmness and loft level. An outer cover made of breathable viscose derived from bamboo helps sleepers stay cool. This material also has moisture-wicking properties, and ventilated side panels provide additional airflow.
The softest insert for the pillow consists of down alternative fibers that mimic the plushness and airiness of natural down, but without triggering allergy symptoms. The medium-feel insert blends these down alternative fibers with shredded memory foam to provide balanced contouring for the head and neck. Since the soft and medium inserts are composed of shredded materials, you may add or remove as much fill as you need to achieve a comfortable loft level.
The firmest option features two inserts of solid memory foam, one measuring 1 inch thick and the other measuring 2 inches. If these inserts feel too firm, you may feel more comfortable after adding some of the down alternative fibers and/or shredded memory foam for extra cushioning. Luxome encourages owners to mix and match the inserts to create their ideal feel and loft level. An inner liner holds the inserts. You can remove this liner and machine wash the cover whenever it needs to be cleaned.
The LAYR Customizable Pillow is competitively priced, and those who buy two pillows receive a 50% discount on the second model. Your purchase also includes inner liners for each insert for convenient storage. Standard ground delivery is free of charge for customers in the contiguous U.S., and flat shipping rates are reasonable for international orders. Luxome allows returns and exchanges within 30 days of the delivery date.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Luxome LAYR is one of the most customizable pillows we tested. With so many possible combinations, most people should be able to nail down an arrangement that feels comfortable and supportive enough.”
Best Airflow
The Sijo Clima Latex Pillow offers deep cushioning without the bothersome heat retention of solid foam. The Talalay latex core is perforated with small holes intended to circulate air throughout the interior, dissipating – rather than absorbing – heat in the process. Another temperature-regulating element is the cover woven with Clima, a proprietary fiber engineered for a cool-to-the-touch feel even on hot or humid nights.
The pillow has a medium feel, so sleepers should expect close cushioning from the latex. The material is also naturally responsive, creating a light yet noticeable bounce when you rest your head and neck on the pillow. Many sleepers find that solid latex pillows provide even support and don’t sink excessively, making them a comfortable alternative to those who find foam pillows too soft.
The cover can be separated from the latex and laundered in your household machines. Wash on a cool, gentle cycle, then tumble dry on low heat. The latex should only be spot cleaned as needed, as exposure to moisture can cause permanent damage. Standard and king sizes are available, both of which are reasonably priced compared to competing latex pillows.
Sijo offers free standard delivery on all orders of $65 or more, a range that applies to both of the Clima Latex Pillow’s sizes. Return shipping is also free within 30 days of the original delivery date.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“I’m a big fan of latex pillows like this because they cushion and support in equal measure. The Clima Latex Pillow from Sijo also sleeps very cool thanks to the core and cover components.”
Best for Side Sleepers
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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The kapok fibers mixed into the fill make the Layla Pillow stand out from other pillows with shredded foam. You get more softness and cushioning, and overheating is virtually nonexistent.”
Best for Neck Pain
A memory foam pillow that cushions and contours to the head and neck can benefit people who experience pain in these areas – but for some, this material can absorb too much heat and feel uncomfortably warm. The TEMPUR-Ergo Cooling Neck Pillow from Tempur-Pedic is constructed with solid memory foam infused with cooling gel, which offsets some of this heat retention and helps the pillow sleep cool. The breathable stretch-fabric cover contains the same gel for added comfort.
By lifting the neck and cradling the head, the pillow’s ergonomic shape is well suited to both side and back sleepers. A firm feel also ensures great overall support. Proprietary TEMPUR memory foam has a dense composition that makes the material quite durable and resistant to impressions, indentations, and other types of wear and tear that commonly affect foam. The cover can be removed and machine washed for quick and easy care, but you should only spot clean the foam if stains or smudges occur.
Given its expected longevity, the TEMPUR-Ergo Cooling Neck Pillow is reasonably priced and Tempur-Pedic offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. All sales are final, so the pillow cannot be returned at any point, but each customer receives a 5-year warranty against structural defects.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The TEMPUR-Ergo Cooling Neck Pillow is both firm and adaptive. The foam provides plenty of cushioning but never sank too much beneath my head or neck.”
Our team at Sleep Foundation has tested over 300 pillows in order to find the best models 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.
A cooling pillow prevents heat retention and provides a cool or temperature neutral sleep surface. This type of pillow is constructed to draw heat away from the body and increase airflow to prevent heat retention. The materials used in the pillow cover are often moisture-wicking and breathable.
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.
Below are some key factors to keep in mind when purchasing a cooling pillow. 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.
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