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Facts are facts, and a cooler room can actually help you sleep deeper. According to the Cleveland Clinic and Sleep Psychologist Michelle Drerup, your room should be dark, quiet and cool—somewhere between 60-67° F. Regulating the temperature in your room and having the proper cooling pillow can lead to a better sleep experience altogether.
We spend nearly a third of our life sleeping, so when you’re shopping for the best pillows to pair with your mattress and a fresh set of bedsheets, there are a few things to consider when browsing through the best places to buy pillows. First, think about what kind of fill and firmness you prefer. Are you looking for the best down pillow, or something a bit firmer? Second, consider your preferred sleeping position. Are you a stomach sleeper, back sleeper, or side sleeper? Once you narrow it down, add the cooling element to your pillow search and your purchase can lead to better comfort and higher quality rest.
How to choose the best cooling pillow
Cooling technology
When you’re looking for a cooling pillow, it’s important to get something high-quality with cooling gel, memory foam, or other methods of cooling technology. The fabric wrapped around the pillow should also be moisture wicking and breathable.
Sleep position
Make sure you’re looking for a pillow based on your actual sleep position. It’s important to get a product that will support your neck and head, so find something specifically for side sleepers, back sleepers, or stomach sleepers, to get the proper support needed for quality sleep.
Fill
Whether you choose down, down alternative, memory foam, or even water, consider the fill when you’re shopping for a cooling pillow. Firmness is an important factor for each shopper.
Our top picks for the best cooling pillows
Best cooling pillow for side sleepers: Eden Cool+ Adjustable Cut-Out Pillow
When you’re looking to get rid of night sweats and sleep deeper, the CertiPUR-US & GREENGUARD Gold Certified Eden Cool+ Adjustable Cut-Out is perfect for side sleepers. The pillow is stuffed with memory foam and microfiber combined to create a filling that keeps you cool thanks to a cooling gel component. It’s adjustable, so side sleepers can add more stuffing to the pillow, leading to the firmness and height needed to keep them comfortable and avoid any neck pain or strain.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Memory foam & microfiber, gel infused
- Cover: Microfiber
- Firmness level: Adjustable
- Sizes: Queen, King
- Care: Outer Cover: Machine wash separately in cold gentle cycle
What we like:
- Supportive
- CertiPUR-US & GREENGUARD Gold Certified
What we don’t like:
- Pricier option at $149
- The foam can have a bit of an odor that takes time to vent out
The bottom line:
The Eden Cool+ Adjustable Cut-Out is a great adjustable, cooling pillow for side sleepers to use to avoid any strain and keep you cooled off.
The Eden Cool+ Cut-Out
Best cooling pillow for stomach sleepers: BLISSBURY Thin
If you're a stomach sleeper, the BLISSBURY Thin is the ideal option. It’s an extremely thin pillow (hence the name) stuffed with gel infused memory foam and holes throughout the stuffing for proper ventilation. Being a stomach sleeper, too much stuffing can put a strain on your neck, so a nice and comfortable pillow wrapped around a bamboo textured pillowcase, built to wick away moisture, keeps you lying almost flat.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Memory foam
- Cover: Double weave bamboo polyester pillowcase
- Sizes: Ultra thin in Standard and King
- Care: Machine wash, cover only in cold water
What we like:
- It reduces strain on the neck and back
- Easy to clean
- Very affordable at just $39.99
- Good to travel with and comes with a carry case
What we don’t like:
- Very thin, might not work for everyone's preference
The bottom line:
With how thin the pillow is, it's a fantastic option for stomach sleepers to keep you cool without curving your spine or neck out of alignment.
BLISSBURY 2.6 Inch Ultra Thin Pillow for Sleeping | Premium Memory Foam Flat Pillow for Stomach Sleeper | for Back & Stomach Sleeper | Certified Foam for Neck and Back Support | Removable Pillow Case
Best cooling pillow for back sleepers: Vaverto Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Shopping for the best pillow for back sleepers can be difficult because there’s a lot out there that claim to be top of the line. The Vaverto Gel Memory Foam Pillow creates the proper positioning with CertiPUR-US quality memory foam, a cooling gel, and a bamboo cover that is completely washable. The Vaverto Gel Memory Foam Pillow is built to maintain its firmness while providing users a cool, restful sleep and proper ventilation.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Memory foam
- Cover: Bamboo
- Firmness level: Firm
- Sizes: Standard, Queen, King
- Care: Machine wash (cover only)
What we like:
- It’s CertiPUR-US foam is a great option for those with sensitivities and allergies
- It’s built to improve the user's sleeping position
- Budget-friendly price
What we don’t like:
- It’s extremely firm, so it might not be to everyone's liking
The bottom line:
When you’re looking for something supportive and cooling specifically built for back sleepers with proper ventilation and firmness, the Vaverto Gel Memory Foam Pillow is a great option.
Vaverto Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Best cooling pillow for neck pain: CushionCare Cooling Gel Cervical Neck Pillow
Waking up with neck pain from a pillow that isn’t quite supportive enough, not firm or soft enough for your liking or not created specifically with your sleep position in mind can be rough. The CushionCare Cooling Gel Cervical Neck Pillow is an orthopedic pillow specifically built to provide proper air flow and a cooling gel pad to keep the user relaxed while supporting your neck and head. The design makes this one of the best pillows for neck pain, as it keeps you from tossing and turning all night—movement that not only contributes to pain, but also can lead you to feeling overheated.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Cooling Gel Memory Foam/High Density Memory Foam
- Cover: Cotton, Polyester
- Firmness level: Firm
- Sizes: One standard size (23.5 x 13 x 4.5 inches)
- Care: Machine wash
What we like:
- Created to eliminate painful pressure points and even help reduce snoring
- Made with high quality memory foam, a cooling gel pad and high-density ventilated blue foam to keep users from overheating
- Affordable price
What we don’t like:
- It’s a little firm and flat, so it can take some getting used to
The bottom line:
The design of the pillow is perfect for someone looking to alleviate any neck pain that they might be having, while keeping the user from overheating.
Cooling Gel Cervical Neck Pillow for Pain Relief Sleeping – Ventilated Blue Memory Foam - Orthopedic Contour Pillow for Side, Back, Stomach Sleeper - Ergonomic Neck and Shoulder Support Pillows
Best cooling memory foam pillow: Serta Arctic Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
If you’re looking for a memory foam pillow that will cool you off throughout the night, sleep comfortably with the Serta Arctic Cooling Fiber Pillow Powered by Reactex®. The cooling element is triggered by pressure, built to wick away moisture and heat for a temperature-controlled sleep. Add a set of cooling sheets for even more comfort.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Memory foam
- Cover: Polyester
- Sizes: Standard
- Care: Spot clean using a gentle detergent
What we like:
- Good quality cooling pillow
- Supportive and comfortable
What we don’t like:
- A bit pricey at $149.99
- Cover can’t be removed to machine wash and the pillow can’t be washed as a whole
The bottom line:
This is said to be one of the coolest memory foam options on the market, so if you’re looking to keep things cold throughout the night, this is a solid option for you.
Serta Arctic Cooling Queen Medium Memory Foam Bed Pillow Polyester in White | 500442799-8050
Best down-alternative cooling pillow: SensorPEDIC Epic Chill
If you’re a friend to the animals and looking for a down alternative option as your next pillow purchase, the SensorPEDIC Epic Chill is ideal. It still gives the feeling of that luxurious, down experience while using polyester fiber and REACTEX technology to keep things cool. It features a double sided cooling element, activated when you put pressure on the pillow, for a supportive, chilled product.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Supportive down alternative polyester fiber
- Cover: Cotton
- Firmness level: Firm Density
- Sizes: Standard, Queen, King
- Care: Spot clean
What we like:
- A great down alternative that’s still comfortable
- Cooling and moisture wicking to regulate temperature
What we don’t like:
- Must spot clean
- On the pricier side
The bottom line:
This pillow is perfect for the person that doesn’t believe in down pillows for ethical reasons, but still wants the luxurious, plush feel and a cooling feature.
SensorPEDIC Epic Chill 20x Cooling Memory Foam Oversized Bed Pillow Powered by REACTEX
Best foam cooling pillow: LOFE Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow
If you’re looking for a foam cooling pillow on the market, the LOFE Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow is a fantastic choice. The pillow comes in a variety of height and size combinations, so you can choose the one that works best for your needs. It’s important to buy the proper size so you don’t put unnecessary strain on your neck or head, leading to uncomfortable aches and pains. The pillow is filled with CertiPUR-US foam, so users know it’s high quality. It's also wrapped in a bamboo cover that is machine washable to keep things clean and long lasting.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Gel memory foam
- Cover: Washable bamboo cover
- Firmness level: Medium
- Sizes: Standard and King
- Care: Machine wash
What we like:
- It’s a great price at only $45.99
- High end, medium firm memory foam with a CertiPUR-US certification
- Supportive
What we don’t like:
- The foam has an odor that will take time to ventilate due to quick packaging
- To speed up the process, buyers can remove the core of the pillow from the pillowcase to give it more air and run the pillowcase through the wash
The bottom line:
If you’re looking for a reliable foam pillow that will keep you cool throughout the night with high quality CertiPUR-US foam, the LOFE Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow is available in different sizes to match a variety of needs.
LOFE Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow
Best cooling gel pillow: Mediflow's Elite Cooling Gel Memory Foam Water Pillow
When shopping for the best cooling gel pillow, Mediflow's Elite Cooling Gel Memory Foam Water Pillow is the solution. Water pillows are a reliable option when it comes to alleviating neck pain and getting better sleep. Not only can it help with neck pain, but the Mediflow's Elite Cooling Gel Memory Foam Water Pillow has a cooling gel foam layer to keep the user from overheating. Plus, it’s fully adjustable, allowing the user the ability to control the firmness level based on the amount of water they pour in.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Fully sealed and insulated water pouch with cooling gel memory foam
- Cover: Sateen weave, cotton shell
- Firmness level: Adjustable
- Sizes: Standard or Queen
- Care: Remove all water from the water pocket, and hand wash with warm water before letting it air dry
What we like:
- There’s a 3 year warranty
- Designed to keep you comfortable and cool
- There’s a 30-Day guarantee
What we don’t like:
- Priced on the higher end
- Might take some getting used to if you can hear the water moving around
The bottom line:
Using cooling gel technology and water to create a supportive, refreshing pillow, this will keep you cold and relaxed throughout the night.
Elite Cooling Gel Memory Foam Water Pillow
Best cooling body pillow: MIULEE Long Body Pillow
If you’re looking for something not just for your head, but to keep your body cool and supported throughout the night, the MIULEE Long Body Pillow is the ideal pillow to snuggle up to. It has a breathable cover that allows for consistent airflow, while being stuffed with memory foam to keep you comfortable.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Memory foam
- Cover: Q Max Cooling Fiber
- Firmness level: Soft
- Sizes: One size (54 x 20 x 0.1 inches)
- Care: Leave the pillow for a full day to fluff up when you receive it and wash the cooling covers
What we like:
- A breathable cover
- Budget-friendly price
What we don’t like:
- Can slip out of place or slip around inside the cover a bit
The bottom line:
This body pillow is built to keep you cool and keep out moisture, leaving you relaxed and refreshed through the night.
MIULEE Long Body Pillow for Adults ,Memory Foam Cooling Body Pillow for Bed Full Body Pillow for Back/Stomach/Side Sleeper 20x54 Inch Grey
Best cooling pillow on Amazon: Eden Adjustable Cooling Pillow
If you tend to be a hot sleeper, and you’re looking for the best cooling pillow on Amazon, the Eden Adjustable Cooling Pillow is for you. It has a comfortable, gel infused memory foam and microfiber combination that is meant to keep the user cool. The pillow is adjustable, so you can use extra stuffing if you need it to be on the firmer side or less if you’re a stomach or back sleeper. If you need more proof, it has the qualifications to back it up being both CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Memory foam.
- Cover: Case made of Lulltra fabric, viscose rayon and polyester.
- Firmness level: Medium.
- Sizes: Queen.
- Care: Machine wash.
What we like:
- It is CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified.
- Stays cool.
- Fully adjustable to keep the user comfortable.
What we don’t like:
- Middle to high price point at $96.
The bottom line:
If you’re looking for the best cooling pillow on Amazon, this is a fantastic option with the qualifications to back it up like CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified.
Eden Adjustable Cooling Pillow
Best firm cooling pillow: EASELAND Firm Pillow
If you’re looking for a reliable, firm cooling pillow, the EASELAND Firm Pillow is the ideal pillow for you. It’s fully adjustable, so you can add or remove foam based on your preference. The EASELAND Firm Pillow is stuffed with a cooling material that is moisture wicking, keeping things dry and chill throughout the night with OEKO-TEX certified materials.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Memory foam and soft down alternative.
- Cover: Rayon.
- Firmness level: Medium-Firm.
- Sizes: Standard, Queen, King.
- Care: Pillowcase is machine washable. Spot clean pillow core.
What we like:
- Only $44.98.
- Keeps the user cool and relaxed.
- Supportive and breathable.
What we don’t like:
- Takes time for the EASELAND pillow to fluff up after being compressed in the packaging.
The bottom line:
For a firm, adjustable, cooling pillow, the EASELAND Firm Pillow is an incredible option at a great price.
EASELAND Firm Pillow Shredded Memory Foam(Adjustable Loft), Cooling Breathable for Sleeping King Size 2 Pack
Best cooling pillow for back sleepers: Coop Crescent Pillow
The Coop Crescent Pillow is the ideal cooling pillow for back sleepers. It’s lined with a bamboo Lulltra pillowcase, and stuffed with safe GreenGuard Gold and Certipur-US certification stuffing to keep any back sleeper comfortable throughout the night and of course, cool. The design is specifically created to be comfortable for back sleepers, but could work for other sleep styles as well if you tend to rotate between side, sleeping and back sleeping.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Memory foam
- Cover: Polyester, viscose rayon,bamboo Lulltra pillowcase
- Firmness level: Adjustable, soft
- Sizes: Queen, King
- Care: Outer cover is machine washable
What we like:
- Reasonably priced at $89
- It’s durable and supportive
- Made with good quality materials
What we don’t like:
- Has an odor and will need airing out time
The bottom line:
Not only is this a great cooling pillow for back sleepers, but if you tend to rotate sleep positions throughout the night from side to back sleeping, the Coop Crescent Pillow will be perfect for you.
Coop Crescent Pillow
Best cervical cooling pillow: DONAMA Cervical Pillow
When shopping for a cervical cooling pillow that keeps your neck, head, and shoulders in place to ensure you have minimal pain, the DONAMA Cervical Pillow is a wonderful option. Not only does this orthopedic pillow help with maintaining a good sleeping position, but it keeps you cool throughout the night with its memory foam blend and breathable cover.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Memory foam
- Cover: Hypoallergenic cotton and polyester
- Firmness level: Soft
- Sizes: Standard, Queen, King
- Care: Machine washable (cover only)
What we like:
- Affordable price
- It’s compressible and breathable
What we don’t like:
- The pillow might have a slight odor from the polyurethane in the memory foam, so users should plan to air the pillow out for about a week or so
- There’s a possibility the user might go through an adjustment period while getting used to this sleep position, dealing with a little discomfort in the first week
The bottom line:
If you tend to experience back pain or neck pain that leads to tossing and turning, the DONAMA Cervical Pillow is built to help you maintain good sleep posture and keep you cool.
DONAMA Cervical Pillow
Best latex cooling pillow: Cool Fit Hybrid Pillow
For the best latex cooling pillow on the market, the Cool Fit Hybrid Pillow is ideal. It is built with comfort in mind to help you get a restful night sleep. The Cool Fit Hybrid Pillow uses a combination of natural memory foam, blending Talalay latex and their Nano Coo™ memory foam, to create a cooling, breathable latex foam that’s meant to balance temperature. You can rest assured that the fabric is safe, with a STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Talalay latex and Nano Coo™ memory foam
- Cover: Our Cool Fit performance fabric
- Sizes: Queen/medium
- Care: Machine washable (cover only)
What we like:
- It has a 3 year warranty
- STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification
- Cooling and breathable
What we don’t like:
- A bit expensive
The bottom line:
For a reliable latex option, the Cool Fit Hybrid Pillow is a great safe pillow with a STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification.
COOL FIT HYBRID PILLOW (4 COLORS TO SELECT)
Most comfortable cooling pillow: Utopia Cooling Hotel Quality Pillows
For the most comfortable cooling pillow on the market, the Utopia Cooling Hotel Quality Pillow is top of the line. The pillows are plush and extremely fluffy, meant to wrap around and support your head, shoulders, and neck. The breathable material and cover helps to keep things ventilated and cool, leaving the pillows feeling luxurious and plump.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Polyester, down alternative
- Cover: Polyester, cotton
- Firmness level: Soft
- Sizes: Standard, Queen, King
- Care: Spot clean
What we like:
- Very affordable
- Comes in a set of two
- Durable and soft
- Cooling and comfortable
What we don’t like:
- It is recommended to spot clean the pillow or hand wash the fabric
The bottom line:
The Utopia Cooling Hotel Quality Pillow is easily one of the most comfortable and luxurious feeling cooling pillows on the market—perfect if you don’t really know where to start and you just want something comfortable, reliable and even better, inexpensive.
Utopia Cooling Hotel Quality Pillows
Most supportive cooling pillow: Marlow Adjustable Cooling-Infused Memory Foam Pillow
For the most cooling and supportive pillow on the market, the Marlow Adjustable Cooling-Infused Memory Foam Pillow is the way to go. The firmness is fully adjustable, making it a great pillow for any sleep position, and the memory foam adds a cooling element to the pillow to keep you relaxed for the night.
Specifications:
- Fill material: Polyurethane foam and polyester fiber
- Cover: The fabric on the shell is 100% cotton
- Firmness level: Adjustable
- Sizes: Standard and King
- Care: Spot clean only and be sure to regularly fluff the pillow
What we like:
- The filling is adjustable to fit your needs
- It’s 100% vegan
- Free 365 day returns
- Affordable—and Marlow offers further discounts if you buy multiples (when purchased through the Marlow site)
What we don’t like:
- It’s spot clean only
The bottom line:
If you’re looking for an overall supportive cooling pillow, the Marlow Adjustable Cooling-Infused Memory Foam Pillow is a great option and it’s adjustable for any sleep position.
Marlow Adjustable Cooling-Infused Memory Foam Pillow
How we selected the best cooling pillows
When selecting cooling pillows, there are many things to keep in mind. We look into what kind of fabrics are being used, specific sleep positions, among other things like care instructions and product reviews. There are a lot of factors that can contribute to the right cooling pillow for your needs, and we take all of that into consideration when researching the best products on the market.
Best type of pillow for back sleepers
If you’re a back sleeper searching for the best type of pillow to keep you comfortable and cool throughout the night, it’s what’s inside that counts. Look for a good memory foam option with high quality certifications attached that wraps around and supports your head, neck, and shoulders, relieving pressure.
Tips for back sleepers
In addition to having a good, supportive, cooling pillow, a good mattress is also key. Tucking a pillow behind your lower back and even your knees, while you sleep can also help to keep you more comfortable if you’re strictly a back sleeper.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Do cooling pillows really work?
You’re not going to feel like you’re sleeping in a freezer or on an ice pack, but cooling technology does work to regulate your body temperature while you sleep. It’s built to be breathable, giving ventilation and removing heat while wicking moisture away. Certain pillows are designed to keep the tossing and turning minimal, to avoid overheating from excess movement through the night.
What is the coldest pillow on the market?
Many pillows claim to be the coldest on the market. What it really comes down to is there are a lot of great, memory foam, cooling pillow options out there that work with different sleep styles, positions, and specific needs.
Is there a pillow that's always cold?
Some might claim to be the coldest, but there’s not a pillow out there that always stays freezing cold. The purpose is to reduce night sweats by wicking away moisture, keep the user from tossing and turning which exudes more heat, and include a cooling element like a memory foam gel to keep the pillow a little cooler than usual, which will hopefully lead to better sleep.
How to keep my pillow cool all night?
In addition to buying a cooling pillow, there are other ways to try to keep your pillow cold at night while you’re trying to fall asleep. Your body gives off a good amount of heat, so it’s hard to keep the pillow freezing cold all night long. It can help if you keep your cooling pillow in a breathable pillowcase. You can even go as far as putting your pillowcases in the freezer, removing them just before bedtime.
How often should I replace my pillow?
This can really depend on the kind of pillow that you buy. Some really high quality pillows can last you a long time if you take care of them properly. Most likely, you will probably start to feel that it’s time for a replacement based on how the pillow feels. However, when it comes to a general rule of how often you should replace your pillows, a good rule of thumb is one to two years—but again, pillows can last longer if you take proper care of them and keep them clean.
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