Best Cooling Pillows

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Updated March 12, 2024

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/ Best Pillows of 2024

Most people know the feeling of turning over the pillow to the “cool side” in the middle of the night. Flipping pillows may 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.

Our best cooling pillow picks vary in composition, firmness, and thickness. Some of the pillows are composed of materials with great temperature control, while others promote airflow and breathability. Our testers are people who tend to sleep hot as well as those who normally don’t overheat, so our picks below should reflect the experiences of most sleepers.

What’s the Best Cooling Pillow?

We recommend hot sleepers look for pillows made with breathable materials or enhanced cooling technology to keep them comfortable throughout the night. The Saatva Latex Pillow is made from organic cotton and latex, both naturally breathable materials that help prevent overheating.

The Best Cooling Pillows

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.

In-Depth Reviews

Why You Can Trust Us

Our team at Sleep Foundation has tested over 300 pillows in order to find the best models for every type of sleeper. Each pillow undergoes the same rigorous testing process, during which we examine and handle the pillow to evaluate it for performance areas such as shape retention, moldability, and overall support. Technological implements allow us to track heat buildup and measure concentrations for particles that emit bothersome odors. We also take weight, firmness options, and ease of care into account when assigning pillow ratings.

How We Evaluated These 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.

Best Cooling Pillows Video

In the video below, our testers take a closer look at our top five picks for best cooling pillows. Watch the video to see how the pillows performed in the Sleep Foundation Test Lab.

What is a Cooling Pillow?

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 your body and increase airflow to prevent heat retention. The materials used in the pillow cover are often moisture-wicking and breathable.

Finding 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.

Based on data from roughly 160,000 Sleep Foundation profiles, sleeping hot is a major disruptor for a good night’s rest. More than 25% of these profile owners claim to “frequently” sleep warm, and among this group, the vast majority say feeling hot has led to sleep problems.

How to Choose a Cooling Pillow

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 you 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.

“Regulating your core body temperature during the night can make a huge difference in your overall sleep quality, so breathable materials are optimal to promote cooler temperatures. I recommend looking for breathable, natural fibers for bedding, pillows, and cooling sheets, especially if you’re a hot sleeper. Opt for more hypoallergenic materials like cotton, linen, silk, or bamboo, as synthetic fibers tend to be less breathable and trap more heat at night. Your body temperature needs to drop a few degrees to transition to sleep, so having breathable bedding that promotes cooler temperatures is optimal and can help assist with your body’s natural temperature regulation process at night.”

– Sarah Silverman, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and holistic sleep wellness consultant who treats patients in New York and Florida.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Cooling Pillow

Below are some key factors you should keep in mind when purchasing a cooling pillow. A cooling pillow draws heat away from your 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 your head, neck, and shoulders. While the focus of our guide is a pillow’s cooling properties, there are additional factors that can help you determine if a pillow is a good purchase or not. You should consider what type of pillow you want, and what is most important to you in addition to cooling properties.

Cooling Properties: The cooling properties of a pillow determine how well it regulates your temperature, dissipates heat, and keeps you cool throughout the night. Most cooling pillows have passive cooling properties, meaning they are constructed with materials that either encourage airflow or draw heat away from your body. Gel, copper, phase change materials, and graphite are all conductive materials that dissipate heat. Moisture-wicking materials like wool, cotton, and bamboo are helpful if you’re prone to sweating throughout the night. These breathable materials also circulate air and prevent heat retention. For shoppers, it is important to focus on the materials and construction of the pillow over any marketing buzz.
Sleeping Position: The position you sleep in each night determines the firmness and loft you should look for in a pillow. Side sleepers need a pillow with a higher loft that fills the space between the neck and shoulders. This helps keep the spine aligned and reduces pressure. Back sleepers maintain a neutral posture, but need a pillow that keeps their head level and not tilted too far forward or back. Stomach sleepers prefer thinner pillows that keep their head and neck at a comfortable angle.
Price: Pillows are available at a wide range of price-points, so we recommend setting a budget before shopping. Keep in mind that some materials are more expensive than others. A high-quality cooling pillow can range between $75 to $150 or more, which is more expensive than the average pillow.
Pressure Relief: A pillow provides additional support and relieves pressure and tension in your neck and shoulders. Pillows that conform to the shape of your head and neck help keep the spine aligned. Memory foam is well-known for its conforming nature, while latex also offers pressure relief.
Quality Materials: The quality of materials used in a cooling pillow determines its lifespan. Many cooling pillows are made with high-quality materials that are especially durable. This includes natural latex and foams that offer shape retention and support. As a result, cooling pillows often last longer than other pillows.
Firmness Level: For cooling pillows, a medium soft to medium firm feel is common. Materials like wool, down, and shredded memory foam are often soft. Solid foam and latex pillows are more likely to be medium to medium firm. Buckwheat pillows and some foam options can be firm. When shopping for a pillow, personal preferences and sleeping position can help you determine which firmness level is the right fit.
Loft: Loft refers to the height of the pillow. Cooling pillows often have a medium to high loft. Certain cooling pillows have an adjustable loft, meaning you can remove or add filling to change the height of the pillow. A higher loft is better for side sleepers, while back sleepers tend to prefer a medium loft. Stomach sleepers benefit from a low loft.

What Materials are in a Cooling Pillow?

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.

Fill Materials

Latex: Latex is made from rubber tree sap, which is harvested and processed using the Dunlop or Talalay method. Dunlop latex is heavier, with a dense bottom and resilient feel. Talalay latex requires more processing, with a homogenous and breathable result. Latex offers ample pressure relief and is more breathable than synthetic foam. Some heat retention is possible, but many cooling pillows use aerated latex to dissipate heat and encourage airflow.
Memory Foam: Memory foam is a viscoelastic polyfoam that responds to heat and pressure to conform closely. This results in a customized feel for sleepers and pressure relief for the head, neck, and shoulders. Memory foam pillows may retain heat and restrict airflow, so look for a cooling pillow that offsets this. Open-cell memory foam has better airflow. Memory foam can also be shredded to let air circulate, or infused with gel or copper to draw heat away from the body.
Gel or Copper: Gel and copper are highly conductive materials that pull heat away from the body. These can be added to other fill materials, most often foam. Gel has a cool to the touch feel. Copper is antimicrobial. These materials prevent heat from building up in the pillow, but they often result in a higher price-point.
Buckwheat: Buckwheat hulls are the shells of the buckwheat grain. The hulls have an open shape and create air pockets in the pillow. This prevents heat retention. The hulls are malleable and supportive. Buckwheat pillows may take some getting used to, as the hulls have a natural odor and are prone to making a rustling noise when moved.
Wool: Wool is harvested from lambs and sheep. The natural fiber has a crimped shape that adds ample loft and airflow to a pillow. Wool acts as natural insulation, so it pulls heat and moisture away in warmer climates and retains heat in colder areas. A wool pillow is best for those who want year-round temperature regulation.
Down Alternative: Down alternative is often made with polyester or synthetic fibers that imitate the feel of down. This offers a vegan alternative to down, which is made with the down feathers of geese or ducks. Down alternative fill is less likely to retain heat than down. It is also more affordable.

Cover Materials

Cotton: Natural cotton fibers are soft and breathable. There are several varieties of cotton, and the fibers can vary from short-staple to extra-long staple. Pima cotton and Egyptian cotton are types of extra-long staple cotton that are soft and breathable. Cotton naturally wicks away moisture for a cooling feel. This material is often used in covers as it increases airflow and is easy to clean.
Phase Change Material: Phase change materials control temperature by absorbing body heat and releasing it. These materials change from a liquid to solid state to regulate temperature. Textiles that incorporate phase-change materials are often used in cooling pillows to draw heat away from the body.
Bamboo: Bamboo is a natural fiber that is moisture-wicking and lightweight. It is more absorbent than cotton, making it an ideal choice for hot sleepers who sweat throughout the night. Bamboo is breathable and increases airflow throughout the pillow.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Cooling Pillow?

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.

Pros	Cons
Temperature Neutrality: Cooling pillows draw heat away from the body and prevent sleeping hot. Long Lifespan: Cooling pillows are made with durable materials that result in a longer lifespan. Pressure Relief: Tension in the neck and shoulders is relieved by cooling pillows that have a latex or foam construction. Adjustable Loft: Shredded foam, buckwheat, or wool fill can be removed or added to an adjustable pillow for a customized feel. Often Allergen Resistant: Materials like latex, foam, and wool are often used in cooling pillows and resist common allergens.	Cost: Cooling pillows have a higher-than-average price-point due to the quality of materials used. Maintenance: Many cooling pillows are difficult to clean, especially if they have a solid foam or latex core that cannot be washed. Not for Everyone: Those who do not sleep hot may find a cooling pillow is unnecessary. Odor: Materials used in cooling pillows may off-gas or have a natural odor.

Pros

Cons

Temperature Neutrality: Cooling pillows draw heat away from the body and prevent sleeping hot.
Long Lifespan: Cooling pillows are made with durable materials that result in a longer lifespan.
Pressure Relief: Tension in the neck and shoulders is relieved by cooling pillows that have a latex or foam construction.
Adjustable Loft: Shredded foam, buckwheat, or wool fill can be removed or added to an adjustable pillow for a customized feel.
Often Allergen Resistant: Materials like latex, foam, and wool are often used in cooling pillows and resist common allergens.

Cost: Cooling pillows have a higher-than-average price-point due to the quality of materials used.
Maintenance: Many cooling pillows are difficult to clean, especially if they have a solid foam or latex core that cannot be washed.
Not for Everyone: Those who do not sleep hot may find a cooling pillow is unnecessary.
Odor: Materials used in cooling pillows may off-gas or have a natural odor.

Who is Best Suited to a Cooling Pillow?

Hot sleepers especially benefit from cooling pillows, but there are also benefits for side and back sleepers. It is important for you to consider sleeping position and personal preferences when shopping for a pillow. A cooling pillow might not be right for you and there are special considerations that should be kept in mind.

A cooling pillow is best suited for:

Hot Sleepers: Hot sleepers need cooling bedding to prevent overheating. This allows them to sleep comfortably, as temperature and sleep quality are connected. A cooling pillow can help draw heat away from the body and provide a cooling surface for hot sleepers. A cooling pillow will also wick away sweat.
Side Sleepers: Side sleepers need a higher loft pillow to keep the head elevated and neck aligned. Many cooling pillows have a higher loft that is suitable for side sleepers. Adjustable cooling pillows allow for additional fill and a higher loft.
Back Sleepers: Back sleepers need a medium loft pillow that supports the head without letting it tilt too far forward or back. Most cooling pillows have the ideal loft and firmness for back sleepers. Materials like memory foam and latex contour to the shape of the head for proper support and alignment.

These kinds of pillows are not well suited for:

Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers need a low loft pillow. This keeps the neck at a comfortable angle. Some cooling pillows are adjustable, but most have a medium to high loft that is less than ideal for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers often prefer a soft pillow and most cooling pillows are considered medium soft to firm.
Sleepers with Odor Sensitivities: Cooling pillows often use synthetic foams or natural materials that prevent heat retention. Synthetic foam tends to off-gas, which causes a chemical smell in the pillow. This usually dissipates within a few days, but those who are sensitive to odors may notice it for longer. Materials like wool and buckwheat also have a natural odor that may be off-putting to sleepers with odor sensitivities.

Other Tips for Sleeping Cool

A cooling pillow is an essential part of a comfortable sleep environment, but it is just one component. You can take additional measures to stay cool throughout the night.

Bedding: Using breathable, lightweight bedding prevents heat retention. Natural materials like cotton, bamboo, and eucalyptus are ideal. These fibers are commonly used in cooling bed sheets, comforters, and duvets. Pay attention to thread count and weave to ensure your bedding allows air to circulate. A percale weave offers a crisp and cool feel for hot sleepers. Avoid heavy fabrics and synthetic materials that are not breathable.
Room Temperature: A cool room improves sleep quality. The ideal room temperature is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Set the thermostat in this range, and use a fan to keep air circulating. Window shades can act as insulation, keeping hot air out of your room and preventing cool air from escaping.
Mattress: There are plenty of mattress options that regulate temperature and reduce heat retention. The best mattresses for hot sleepers are often made with latex or gel-infused memory foam. A hybrid construction with coil support increases airflow throughout the mattress and can make a significant difference for hot sleepers.
Pajamas: What you wear to bed plays a role in how well your body regulates temperature. Opt for natural, breathable fabrics like cotton and bamboo. Avoid heavier fabrics, thermal pajamas, or flannel pieces.
Mattress Topper: If buying a new mattress is not in the cards, a mattress topper can be an affordable way to make your current mattress more comfortable. Toppers act as an additional comfort layer and can improve the temperature regulation of the mattress. Aerated or gel-infused foam, latex, and wool are all breathable mattress topper options.

Cooling Pillow FAQs

How do cooling pillows work?

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.

How do you wash a cool gel pillow?

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.

Can cooling pillows be toxic?

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.

How long do cooling pillows last?

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.

Still have questions?

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.

Written By

Daniel Noyed, Senior Product Editor

Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.

Learn more about our Editorial Team

Best Cooling Pillows

What’s the Best Cooling Pillow?

On This Page:

The Best Cooling Pillows

In-Depth Reviews

Best Overall

Saatva Latex Pillow

Most Comfortable

Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow

Best for Side Sleepers

Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow

Best for Neck Pain

Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow

Best Temperature Regulating

Cozy Earth Silk Pillow

Best for Back and Stomach Sleepers

Helix GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Back & Stomach Sleeper

Best Value

Bear Pillow

Best for Combination Sleepers

Luxome LAYR Customizable Pillow

Softest

Layla Kapok Pillow