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8 Best Cooling Pillows for Sleeping – How To Get A Comfortable Sleep

Sleeping hot is a common problem, especially when you’re choosing the wrong type of mattress or when your bedroom doesn’t have the most ideal sleeping temperature. But the mattress isn’t the only thing in your bed that could cause you to sleep hot. There are also the bedding sheet choices that might need some reconsidering, as well as the pillow that you rest your head on. And speaking of pillows, today we wanted to go over the specs of some such products. In the end, we’re going to examine what the market’s best cooling pillows have to offer.

editor’s choice
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow

Signature pressure-relieving TEMPUR-Pedic pillow material adapts to your head, neck, and shoulders for personalized comfort.

View Deal
best with cooling gel
Reversible Cool Gel and Memory Foam Double-Sided Pillow
Reversible Cool Gel and Memory Foam Double-Sided Pillow

A must have reversible cool gel and memory foam pillow; cool gel layer on 1 side for warm nights and memory foam on the other side for cooler nights

View Deal
best with bamboo cover
Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

NO ZIPPERS, NO FUSS...Self-Adapting technology that doesn't require you to make any adjustments!

View Deal
bargain buy
WEEKENDER Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow
WEEKENDER Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow

Soft, yet supportive CertiPUR US certified memory foam provides superior pressure relief and comfort

View Deal
best for allergies
Live & Sleep Resort Classic - Memory Foam Pillow
Live & Sleep Resort Classic - Memory Foam Pillow

Queen size pillow provides anti snore relief and has firm neck support. No feather, down or latex used

View Deal
best bulk-buy
Clara Clark Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Clara Clark Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Its soothing shape provides pain relief and enhances

View Deal
best overall
Coop Home Goods - Eden Adjustable Pillow
Coop Home Goods - Eden Adjustable Pillow

The case is made with Lulltra fabric, a blend of bamboo-derived viscose rayon and polyester that provides breathability and softness.

View Deal
customer’s choice
Sweetnight Pillows for Sleeping-Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Sweetnight Pillows for Sleeping-Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow

Help alleviate chronic pain and tension in the core neck and shoulder area.

View Deal

What Are Cooling Pillows Filled With?

Naturally, the materials that are used to make a pillow will have a great impact on the temperature neutrality feature of the product. For a better understanding of what each possible material does, let’s examine the following ones:

  • Down is one of the most praised fill materials for pillows. Natural down is actually the soft plumage found underneath the feathers of ducks and geese. However, if you’ve ever owned a natural down comforter, then you know how good they are at insulation and trapping heat underneath to keep you warm. Naturally, that means that a down pillow will do pretty much the same thing, so you can’t expect any miracles when it comes to temperature neutrality. Pillows that are filled with natural down are more expensive, but they are also soft and lightweight. They still aren’t the best choice for people who tend to sleep hot.
  • Down alternative pillows are made with polyester balls that are always looking to replicate the feel and comfort of natural down. Compared to their natural counterpart, down alternative pillows are hypoallergenic, but they are also better at providing temperature neutrality. The polyfill doesn’t absorb heat as much as natural down, and they can cost up to four times less as well. They are a good choice for people looking for an alternative to natural down pillows.
  • Feather pillows are filled with the outer plumage of ducks and geese. They are better in terms of temperature neutrality compared to down, which is denser and has better insulating properties. Feathers will allow air to circulate in the space between them, which makes them better options for hot sleepers.
  • Memory foam is a very common option for pillow fill material. Memory foam is great at contouring because it is a material that absorbs the body heat of the sleepers and uses that heat to take the shape of the body and cradles it. When cool, memory foam returns to its original shape. However, one of the main downside for this otherwise comfortable material is the fact that it can retain a lot of heat. For the most part, memory foam pillows are extremely hot, but if they are infused with something like gel, copper, or granite, the material loses its tendency of absorbing heat, allowing you to sleep cooler. Another choice would be to opt for pillows that are filled with shredded down, as this is better at promoting airflow.
  • Latex pillows are probably the best option for people who sleep hot. Known as one of the most durable materials, latex comes from the sap of rubber trees and it is well-known for its natural cooling properties. However, it is very important to choose an aerated type of latex. You are likely to find pillows that come with such textures or ones that have punctured surfaces that promote airflow.
  • Buckwheat pillows aren’t as common, mostly because they are filled with buckwheat hulls, which are hard casings that make the pillow firmer compared to others that are filled with softer and more contouring materials. However, buckwheat pillows sleep cooler than most of the other types we’ve mentioned above, as air can freely circulate in the spaces between the shells. They are also the third most expensive types of pillows, after those made from natural down and latex.

What Are Cooling Pillow Covers Made From?

While the material that’s used to fill the pillows is important, so is the choice of fabric for the outer cover. Needless to say, some fabrics will trap heat more than others, so let’s go over the different types of fabric used to make pillow outer shells and understand what sets one apart from the others:

  • Cotton is and always will be the number one fabric of choice in the comfortable clothing industry. Cotton has made an entrance into the bedding world a while back, and is surely here to stay. That’s because the fibers that are made from cotton are highly breathable and very soft. Cotton is often the number one choice for pillow casings made by brands who value quality over lower costs. You can find pillows with casings made from organic cotton or long-staple cotton, as these two are the best varieties out there.
  • Bamboo rayon covers are also a big hit right now. Even if rayon is a synthetic material overall, you can find rayon derived from bamboo, which is used to make breathable covers that are also soft like silk. You can find pillows made by certain brands that have natural cooling properties because they use eucalyptus-derived rayon.
  • PCM (which is short for “phase change material”) is a fabric designed to retain body heat up to a certain temperature. When the material reaches that threshold, it will maintain the temperature at that specific level until you get up. PCM isn’t that common of a choice for pillow casings, but it is used in the mattress industry quite often.
  • Naturally, you can also find pillows with covers made from synthetic microfibers. They are usually used to make low-cost pillows, as man-made synthetic fibers are inexpensive to produce. They are fairly decent at staying cool, but they aren’t as durable in the long term.

1. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow

Sweetnight Pillows for Sleeping Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow 150x150

The first item on today’s list is a pillow designed by Tempur-Pedic, a company that has proven time and time again that it knows its way around mattresses. The pillow is filled with cooling memory foam, to help combat some of the heat retention we spoke about when we referred to this particular type of filling.

The fill material is highly adaptive, so you should find that it contours your head, neck, and shoulders up to a point where you can comfortably switch between sleeping positions and still find the right level of comfort. The cover can be removed and cleaned, although the company fails to specify the exact material used in the manufacturing process.

Who Should Buy This?

The Tempur-Pedic is a great product for combination sleepers that require support even when they’re rolling from the back to the side and vice-versa. It’s also a good option for hot sleepers.

editor’s choice
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow

Signature pressure-relieving TEMPUR-Pedic pillow material adapts to your head, neck, and shoulders for personalized comfort.

View Deal

Pros:

  • Cooling memory foam.
  • Removable and washable cover.
  • Adaptive fill.
  • Good for combination sleepers.
  • Quality brand.
  • Two sizes available.

Cons:

  • Complaints about being too firm.

2. Reversible Cool Gel and Memory Foam Double-Sided Pillow

 

Sweetnight Pillows for Sleeping Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow 150x150

If you have a tendency to sleep hot, but you also don’t want to give up on memory foam, then you definitely need a product that’s good at preventing heat retention, just like this Classic Brands pillow. This is a product designed with a layer of gel on each side, which means that you can reverse the pillow by switching from one side to the other and still get the very same benefits.

The layer of gel which is placed on each side will make sure to combat some of the heat retention that memory foam is known to have, allowing you to sleep cool even during hot summer nights. The memory foam will then do its part, making sure you get the right amount of comfort and contouring.

Who Should Buy This?

The Classic Brands pillow is designed for hot sleepers who appreciate a pillow that has taken all necessary measures to ensure a high level of cooling. It’s also great for memory foam lovers, and for those who want a reversible pillow.

best with cooling gel
Reversible Cool Gel and Memory Foam Double-Sided Pillow
Reversible Cool Gel and Memory Foam Double-Sided Pillow

A must have reversible cool gel and memory foam pillow; cool gel layer on 1 side for warm nights and memory foam on the other side for cooler nights

View Deal

Pros:

  • Reversible design.
  • Two-sided gel layers.
  • Good level of support.

Cons:

  • Noticeable off-gassing.

3. Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Sweetnight Pillows for Sleeping Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow 150x150

 

When it comes to breathable covers, bamboo is one of your best options, and this is what the Snuggle-Pedic Original Pillow is looking to deliver: a combination between shredded memory foam and a bamboo cover that works to bring forth a cool sleeping experience.

But what else makes this pillow stand out of the crowd, except for the ultra-breathable cover and the interlocking foam pieces? First of all, let’s talk about the fact that the product is machine washable, which is a hassle that most people are thrilled to find a solution for, as spot cleaning a pillow isn’t always the ideal choice.

With its hypoallergenic properties, it is pretty clear that the Snuggle-Pedic Original Pillow is designed for people who have allergies triggered by a product that’s maybe filled with something like natural down. The pillow is available in three sizes, it’s made with CertiPUR-US Certified foam, and comes with 120 nights of free sleep trial.

Who Should Buy This?

The Snuggle-Pedic Original Pillow is for people who are looking for a product with a comfortable and breathable cover, but also for those who suffer from allergies and can’t use a pillow filled with natural down.

best with bamboo cover
Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

NO ZIPPERS, NO FUSS...Self-Adapting technology that doesn't require you to make any adjustments!

View Deal

Pros:

  • Fully machine washable.
  • 120 nights of sleep trial.
  • Breathable cover.

Cons:

  • Flattens quickly.

4. WEEKENDER Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow

Sweetnight Pillows for Sleeping Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow 150x150

Out next item on the list might not be a pillow from a brand that we’ve all heard of, but it’s surely something that deserves more praise because of the amazing price-to-quality ration. We’re talking about a comfortable pillow with a memory foam fill that brings more benefits than you can imagine.

The memory foam inside it is infused with gel, but also has punctured holes in the surface. It basically provides you with double cooling measures that don’t just prevent heat retention, but also make sure that air can flow freely inside the pillow.

The fact that the product is made from memory foam is a bonus, as we always praise the material’s excellent capability of providing contouring like no other. The cover is zippered, can be removed and washed with ease.

Who Should Buy This?

The WEEKENDER memory foam pillow is a product suitable for people who have to stick within a strict budget, but also for hot sleepers who just can’t stand waking up feeling sweaty simply because their pillow isn’t capable of regulating temperature.

bargain buy
WEEKENDER Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow
WEEKENDER Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow

Soft, yet supportive CertiPUR US certified memory foam provides superior pressure relief and comfort

View Deal

Pros:

  • Removable/washable cover.
  • Punctured design.
  • Gel-infused memory foam.
  • Highly contouring.
  • Three size options.

Cons:

  • Complaints about not being the right firmness level.

5. Live & Sleep Resort Classic – Memory Foam Pillow

Sweetnight Pillows for Sleeping Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow 150x150

 

Those of you that suffer from allergies know what a hassle it is to have to pay attention to all the products that you buy, as well as be always aware of your surrounding environment so nothing can trigger an allergic reaction. One of the major disadvantages of down pillows is the allergy triggering factor, but when you buy a pillow like the one we’re focusing on right now, you can just get the problem out of the way.

The Live & Sleep pillow is a memory foam product that is designed to be hypoallergenic but also to provide decent temperature neutrality. The memory foam used to make the pillow is CertiPUR-US certified so that you know it doesn’t use the chemicals that a lot of sleepers find sketchy, to say the least.

Who Should Buy This?

The Live & Sleep is made with CertiPUR-US certified foam and doesn’t have any formaldehyde, TCEP, ozone depleters, phthalates, and no other VOCs, making it a great choice for sleepers with allergies.

best for allergies
Live & Sleep Resort Classic - Memory Foam Pillow
Live & Sleep Resort Classic - Memory Foam Pillow

Queen size pillow provides anti snore relief and has firm neck support. No feather, down or latex used

View Deal

Pros:

  • CertiPUR-US certified foam.
  • OEKO-TEX Certified.
  • Washable cover.
  • Highly contouring.

Cons:

  • Too tall for back sleepers.

6. Clara Clark Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Sweetnight Pillows for Sleeping Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow 150x150

The Clara Clark pillow is definitely the kind of product that stands out of the crowd due to its features and benefits. It is a product filled with shredded memory foam that adds major contouring properties and is capable of supporting sleepers in a multitude of different positions.

The shredded memory foam can be accessed via a side zipper, which also allows you to remove or add fill to make the pillow as thin or thick as you need it to be. The fill is also hypoallergenic, so you can rest assured that your allergies are kept at a distance.

The cover is made from bamboo, a material that we’d honestly like to see being used more often in pillowcases. The cover is removable, washable, and comes with an adorable bamboo-style pattern that gives it a very distinct look.

Who Should Buy This?

The Clara Clark pillow is available in a variety of different sizes and can be bought in packs of two, four, and six pillows, leading to a convenient price per unit. That makes it ideal for large families or people who are looking to buy bulk pillows and get a good price per pack.

best bulk-buy
Clara Clark Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
Clara Clark Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Its soothing shape provides pain relief and enhances

View Deal

Pros:

  • Adjustable loft.
  • Bulk-buy offers.
  • Branded pillow cover.

Cons:

  • Considered expensive by some.

7. Coop Home Goods – Eden Adjustable Pillow

Sweetnight Pillows for Sleeping Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow 150x150

There are plenty of things that make the Coop Home Goods pillow one of the best in this category. While the price may be a little spicy compared to some of the other cooling pillows we’ve seen today, we do believe that the quality of the construction and the ease of adaptation to multiple sleeping needs make this product an excellent one.

The Coop Home Goods pillow is made with gel-infused memory foam plus a microfill blend that ensures you get to enjoy a cool sleeping environment. The pillow is designed to grant you access to the fill, which you can remove or add per your convenience, therefore being able to adjust the height of the pillow.

The cover of the pillow is made with Lulltra fabric, which is a combination of polyester and bamboo-derived viscose rayon, one of the most breathable cover choices out there, except for maybe cotton. The pillow is available in three sizes: Standard, Queen, and King.

Who Should Buy This?

The Coop Home Goods pillow is a breathable microfiber and shredded memory foam product that’s designed for people who value quality over everything else.

best overall
Coop Home Goods - Eden Adjustable Pillow
Coop Home Goods - Eden Adjustable Pillow

The case is made with Lulltra fabric, a blend of bamboo-derived viscose rayon and polyester that provides breathability and softness.

View Deal

Pros:

  • 3 size options.
  • Adjustable loft.
  • Breathable cover.
  • CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified.
  • 100 nights of sleep trial.

Cons:

  • On the heavy side

8. Sweetnight Pillows for Sleeping-Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow

Sweetnight Pillows for Sleeping Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow 150x150

The last item we have in store for you today is a pillow that is available in multiple versions, including one with bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam. However, the model we are going to focus on today is the gel memory foam pillow, a product with high praise among its customers.

The pillow is filled with shredded memory foam, which doesn’t just mean good contouring, but also better airflow. The cover is made from rayon cotton, and it can be removed and washed at any time. There is also an inner zipper that prevents that stuffing from flying all over the place as you’re removing the cover for cleaning.

The pillow is also adjustable, which means that the second zipper will grants you access to the fill, allowing you to remove and add more, as per your own comfort desires.

Who Should Buy This?

Are you looking for a cooling pillow that has been well-received and bought time and time again by many customers? Then the Sweetnight pillow might be the right product for you.

customer’s choice
Sweetnight Pillows for Sleeping-Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Sweetnight Pillows for Sleeping-Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow

Help alleviate chronic pain and tension in the core neck and shoulder area.

View Deal

Pros:

  • Removable and washable cover.
  • Adjustable loft.
  • Dual-zippered design.
  • Multiple fill options.
  • Gel-infused memory foam.

Cons:

  • Strong off-gassing.

Bottom Line

As you can see, finding cooling pillows is easy, but picking the very best one isn’t a walk in the park. With cooling pillows, it takes a little bit of effort to understand what each material does and what benefits it brings to the table. Considering your favorite sleeping positions or how many cooling features a product should have are the first two steps in narrowing down your pool of options.