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There are cool sleepers, and then there are those who seem to radiate heat. Nobody enjoys tossing and turning through a hot, sweaty night or waking up with wet hair matted to their face. Not only is it unpleasant, but poor sleep is bad for your health and your frame of mind.

You’ve probably felt the allure of air conditioning, fans, and cool, crisp sheets, but let’s not underestimate the contribution of the right pillowcase.

With so many kinds of cooling pillowcases, it’s hard to know where to start. So, we’ve chosen eight cooling pillowcases to highlight key features and things to consider as you shop.

We chose each of these products independently. Here’s what we considered as we created our list:

  • Design: We looked at quality construction, comfort, and eye appeal.
  • Ease of care: Pillowcases shouldn’t be a hassle. We prefer to throw them in the wash and call it a day, but you might be inclined to make an exception for the right pillowcase.
  • Variety: We like having different sizes and colors to choose from.
  • Value: We want our money’s worth and know you do too.
  • Uniqueness: Bonus points for those special touches that stand out from the crowd.

Learn more about how we select brands and products to feature in our content.

Pricing guide

Our pricing guide is based on the price of a standard-size pillowcase unless otherwise noted. Some of the pillowcases on our list are sold in sets of two, while others must be purchased individually.

  • $ = under $20
  • $$ = $20–$50
  • $$$ = over $50

Best overall cooling pillowcase

Slumber Cloud Core Pillow Covers

Price: $$$ (set of 2)

Key features: These stand out for the NASA-engineered fabric called Outlast, which is used on both sides of the pillowcase. Outlast is made up of tiny beads that adapt to temperature fluctuations during the night. They absorb heat so it doesn’t build up and get you all hot and sweaty. It’s hypoallergenic and machine washable, and it zips closed.

Who it’s best for: hot sleepers and people who experience night sweats or hot flashes.

Sizes available: standard and king

Considerations: It’s not actually a pillowcase, but a pillow cover that’s meant to be used under a pillowcase. That may be a bonus because it means you can use it with a pillowcase that complements your other bedding. It’s on the expensive side, especially if you need a king size. But it does come with a 60-night satisfaction guarantee and a 180-night warranty.

Pros

  • features NASA-engineered fabric that’s designed to keep you cool
  • hypoallergenic and machine washable
  • 60-night satisfaction guarantee and 180-night warranty

Cons

  • higher price point
  • not an actual pillowcase — it’s a pillow cover that’s meant to be used under a pillowcase
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Read our full review of Slumber Cloud here.

Best cotton cooling pillowcase

LUXEAR Cooling Pillowcase

Price: $–$$ (set of 2)

Key features: Naturally breathable, absorbent cotton is a tried and true material for sleeping. But if you’re looking for extra cooling power, this pillowcase has 100 percent cotton material on one side and special cooling fibers on the other, so you can flip it as needed. Reviewers give high ratings for comfort, softness, and coolness against the skin. The pillowcases also include hidden zippers and are machine washable.

Who it’s best for: hot sleepers who are looking for an affordable, cotton pillowcase

Sizes available: standard, king, and queen

Considerations: Reviews tilt strongly toward the positive, but some people say the cooling power doesn’t last the night. They come with a lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • breathable, absorbent cotton material
  • lifetime warranty
  • machine washable
  • affordable price point

Cons

  • some reviewers say the pillowcase loses its cooling power throughout the night
  • some complained the material isn’t soft enough
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Best silk cooling pillowcase

Beauty of Orient Natural Hypoallergenic Silk Pillowcase

Price: $$ (each)

Key features: Silk is soft, comfortable, and super cool against the skin. It can also cut down on hair frizz during the night. This pillowcase is made from high-grade silk, has no harmful chemicals, and is hypoallergenic. Silk can be slippery, but the zip closure keeps the pillow from sliding out. It comes in tons of colors to match your décor.

Who it’s best for: people looking for a hypoallergenic, cooling fabric that’s gentle on hair and skin

Sizes available: standard, king, and queen

Considerations: Silk absorbs sweat, which helps keep you cool, but it’s a bit of a high maintenance fabric. Handwashing or dry cleaning is usually best for silk, but the manufacturer says this pillowcase is machine washable. It comes with a 30-day, money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • silk can reduce hair frizz
  • hypoallergenic
  • several color options are available
  • 30-day, money-back guarantee

Cons

  • handwashing or dry cleaning is recommended
  • some users reported the fabric dye ran after washing
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Best Tencel cooling pillowcase

SHEEX Arctic Aire Max Pillowcases

Price: $$$ (set of 2)

Key features: Tencel is brand-name lyocell, a fabric made from wood pulp. It’s breathable and moisture-wicking, so if night sweating is a concern, these pillowcases should keep your head dry and cool while you sleep. They’re eco-friendly and there are no toxic chemicals to worry about. The cases come in several colors.

Who it’s best for: hot sleepers who are looking for an eco-friendly option

Sizes available: standard, king, and queen

Considerations: Reviews are all over the place. They seem to keep you cool, but some people take issue with the quality, saying they don’t stand up well to washing. It’s worth noting that while they are machine washable, manufacturer instructions advise against using bleach, fabric softener, or dryer sheets.

Pros

  • eco-friendly
  • breathable and moisture-wicking material
  • machine washable
  • several color options are available

Cons

  • some reviewers say the pillowcases don’t stand up well to washing
  • some users say the pillowcases wrinkle easily
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Read our review of SHEEX sheets.

Best silk pillowcase for skin and hair

GhostBed 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

Price: $$$

Key features: These pillowcases are made with 100% certified mulberry silk — a high quality fabric that comes from the domestic silk moth, a larva that feeds on white mulberry leaves. The breathable yet durable silk is designed to keep less friction on hair and skin. It may also help regulate your temperature by wicking away moisture to keep you cooler and drier. The design features double-stitched edging and a strong internal zipper. It’s available in two colors: blush and white.

Who it’s best for: people looking for a luxurious silk option that’s gentle on hair and skin

Sizes available: king and queen

Considerations: Since this is a delicate silk, the manufacturer recommends handwashing the pillowcases. The company does not offer returns.

Pros

  • made with 100% certified mulberry silk
  • breathable and moisture wicking
  • features double-stitched edging and a strong internal zipper

Cons

  • handwash only
  • no returns accepted
  • higher price point
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Best quick-drying pillowcase for sweaty sleepers

Columbia Organic Cotton Sateen Weave Performance Pillowcases

Price: $$ (set of 2)

Key features: These pillowcases are made from 100% organic cotton, so they should feel luxuriously soft and comfy. Moisture-wicking technology is designed to deal with perspiration so you don’t wake up in a pool of sweat. They come in several colors and are machine washable and can be thrown in the dryer.

Who it’s best for: sweaty sleepers who are looking for a quick-drying cotton pillowcase

Sizes available: twin, full, standard, queen, king, and California king

Considerations: Cotton is super absorbent, but it can bunch up on you and cause temporary face creases. The pillowcases come with a limited lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • made from 100% organic cotton
  • moisture-wicking technology
  • limited lifetime warranty
  • comes in a variety of sizes and colors

Cons

  • cotton can bunch up and cause temporary face creases
  • some users report pilling after washing
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Best cooling pillowcase for the value

Bedsure Cooling Bamboo Pillowcases

Price: $ (set of 2)

Key features: When it comes to value, it’s hard to beat these bamboo pillowcases at this price point. They’re soft and breathable. Bamboo’s moisture-wicking properties help keep you dry and cool through the night. These pillowcases are available in a variety of colors.

Who it’s best for: people looking for a cooling pillowcase at an affordable price

Sizes available: standard, queen, and king

Considerations: They’re machine washable, but the manufacturer recommends hanging the pillowcases to dry.

Pros

  • machine washable
  • moisture-wicking bamboo stays cool and dry
  • affordable price point

Cons

  • some users say their pillowcases became wrinkled after washing
  • some found the material to be itchy and uncomfortable
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Best splurge-worthy cooling pillowcase

slip Pure Silk Pillowcase

Price: $$$

Key features: Pure silk has a luxurious feel and is cool to the touch. This pillowcase has splurge written all over it. Aside from its cooling properties, it can help save you from face creases and bed head caused by friction. It comes in several colors.

Who it’s best for: hot sleepers looking for a luxurious splurge that’s gentle on hair and skin

Sizes available: queen and king

Considerations: It’ll put a dent in your wallet. It’s received rave reviews, but some people say it’s not very durable. One reason for this may be that while you can put it in the washing machine, you should opt for the gentle cycle, and the dryer is a no-no.

Pros

  • luxurious feel that’s cool to the touch
  • gentle on hair and skin
  • available in multiple colors

Cons

  • high price point
  • some reviewers say the material is not very durable
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There are multiple options to consider when selecting a cooling pillowcase. These fabrics are usually breathable, and they encourage air circulation while sleeping.

  • Bamboo: Bamboo can be chemically processed into rayon or lyocell material. The resulting fabric is naturally cool to the touch.
  • Silk: Silk is a natural fabric made from the cocoons of silkworms. This is a fairly labor-intensive process, so silk pillowcases usually have a higher price tag than other types.
  • Cotton: Cotton is a common type of fabric that’s naturally breathable. While it doesn’t trap heat, it isn’t very moisture-wicking, so keep this in mind if you tend to sweat at night.
  • Synthetic fabrics: While some synthetic materials, such as polyester, have a reputation for being hot, there also are some fabrics that are made to be cooling.

Cooling pillowcases can work in a number of ways. Some are designed to be breathable, allowing air to flow freely through the pillowcase. This prevents heat from getting trapped.

Other cooling pillowcases are designed to wick moisture away from your head and face. This allows you to stay cool and dry even if you tend to sweat at night.

Pros

  • don’t retain heat
  • reduce the possibility of night sweats
  • tend to be made of durable fabrics
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Cons

  • often priced higher than traditional pillowcases
  • may have a chemical smell, depending on the fabric
  • may be harder to care for than traditional pillowcases
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There’s a lot more to a pillowcase than meets the eye, particularly if you’re looking for relief from the heat. Comfort is subjective, but here are some things to consider as you shop:

Sleeping style

Consider whether you sleep face-down or on your back. For example, if you’re a face-down sleeper, the feel of the pillowcase may be key to a good night’s sleep. If you sleep on your back, you might lean more toward moisture-wicking fabric to keep your hair free of sweat.

Ease of use

If your pillowcase needs dry cleaning, handwashing, or line drying, you’ll probably need to have several on rotation. If laundry isn’t your thing, you might want to stick with pillowcases you can easily toss in the washer and dryer.

Features

Cooling pillowcases come in a variety of fabrics, some of which you’ll find soft and cozy and some that won’t be to your liking. If you don’t like the feel of a polyester shirt, you probably won’t want it in a pillowcase.

Additionally, think about your must-have features. Do you want a pillow that will also keep your hair from frizzing or your face from crinkling? Do you want something that’s hypoallergenic?

Price

How much are you willing to spend for a cooling pillowcase? And what happens if it doesn’t live up to the hype? Can you get your money back? These are all things to consider before pulling out your wallet.

Reviews

It’s not a bad idea to check out product reviews. There will always be negative reviews, but they’re not always about the product itself. If more than a few reviewers mention the same flaw, it’s worth looking into.

Questions to ask when pillowcase shopping

  • Does it have the features at the top of my list?
  • What materials is it made of?
  • What are the care instructions?
  • Is it sold individually or in a set?
  • How much is it, and is there a money-back guarantee or warranty?
  • What do reviews say?
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It takes more than a pillowcase to keep cool when you sleep. Here are a few other tips to help you get a better night’s sleep:

  • The temperature in your bedroom should be around 65°F (18°C) for optimal sleep, so set your thermostat accordingly.
  • If air circulation is a problem, turn on the ceiling fan or use a portable fan.
  • Keep the room completely dark — no glowing electronics.
  • If you wear pajamas, keep them light. Make sure they’re made with natural, breathable fabrics.
  • Invest in cooling sheets or cooling mattress pads.
  • Change your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week.
  • Remove extra blankets and comforters.
  • Avoid strenuous physical exercise in the hour before bedtime.
  • Take a cool or lukewarm shower just before you get into bed.

What’s the coolest material for a pillowcase?

Fabrics like cotton, silk, or bamboo are the coolest materials. Which one you choose will depend on personal preference.

Do cooling pillowcases really work?

Depending on the fabric, cooling pillowcases can help with managing temperature changes during warmer weather. These pillowcases can absorb heat and can promote air circulation to prevent any heat buildup while sleeping.

Are silk pillowcases worth it?

Silk has the double benefit of being temperature regulating and insulating. This means in cooler months, it can help you stay warm, while in warmer weather, it can help keep you cool.

However, silk pillowcases are also pricey. Whether or not the cost feels justified is up to you.

When hot, sweaty nights keep you tossing and turning, investing in a cooling pillowcase may help. You’re not the only one with this issue, as there are options aplenty, from cotton to silk to bamboo.

After you settle on a pillowcase, cooling sheets might be a good addition. Also, there are a few other adjustments you can make to help keep cool during the night so you can start your day feeling refreshed.

If you have persistent night sweats or trouble sleeping, talk with a doctor.