We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
- Best overall: Tempur-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow
- Best gel: PharMeDoc Blue Cooling Gel Pillow
- Best option for comfort: Helix Ultra-Cool Pillow
- Best for night sweats: Cariloha Gel Pillow
- Best for back and side sleepers: Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow
- Best buckwheat cooling pillow: PineTales Cooling Pillow
- Best option for softness: Sealy All Night Cooling Pillow
- Best memory foam cooling: Therapedic Cooling Gel & Memory Foam Pillow
- Best for side sleepers: Made by Design Cool Touch Memory Foam Bed Pillow
- Best breathability: Nestl Coolest Pillow
- Best waterproof cooling pillow: The Coldest Pillow
- Best design: Pillow Cube Ice Cube Cooling Pillow
Staying cool while you sleep can be important to get a good night’s rest. Enter: cooling pillows.
There are several different types of cooling pillows. Some work by absorbing and dissipating heat. Others wick away sweat or increase airflow, keeping the pillow cool to the touch.
In choosing the best cooling pillows, we looked at features, analyzed manufacturers’ claims, and checked out customer reviews. We also took price and money-back guarantees into consideration.
No matter why you want a cooling pillow, here are twelve options to keep you cool so you can get some rest.
A cooling pillow is a special type of pillow that’s designed to draw heat away from your body and keep you cool overnight.
They’re often recommended for people experiencing insomnia, menopause, or night sweats, as well as anyone who gets hot when they sleep. The idea is that a cooling pillow will help you get a better night’s sleep and feel more refreshed in the morning.
Cooling pillows are made from materials that are designed to help prevent overheating at night. This might happen by promoting airflow or drawing heat away from your body.
Some of the most common materials used in cooling pillows include:
- latex
- memory foam (often infused with gel)
- wool
- buckwheat
- bamboo
A gel layer or pillow stays at room temperature. It likely won’t stay cold all night since your body temperature heats it up. The gel absorbs body heat from your neck and head and disperses it across the entire pillow.
Pros
- Cooler temperature. Cooling pillows draw heat away from your body and can help prevent overheating at night, allowing for better sleep.
- Comfort. Cooling materials like gel and memory foam are often higher quality and thus very comfortable.
- Durable. Cooling pillows are often made from high quality materials that result in a longer product life span. Many come with warranties that will extend out to 2 years or longer.
- Often hypoallergenic. The most commonly used materials in cooling pillows are latex, memory foam, and wool. All of which are known to resist common allergies, unless you have a latex allergy.
Cons
- Price. Cooling pillows are often more expensive than non-cooling pillows, as they’re made with specialized materials.
- Weight. Many cooling pillows on the market are either too firm or too heavy for those who prefer a soft, lightweight pillow.
- Maintenance. Unless your cooling pillow comes with a machine-washable cover, there’s a high chance the pillow itself has to be dry cleaned. This can be time-consuming and expensive for many.
- Odor. The latex and memory foam commonly used in cooling pillows is known to produce lingering scents (rubber) and off-gassing.
As we searched for cooling pillows, we kept a few key factors in mind:
- Price. Cooling pillows can be pricey. We did our best to provide options that would work for a range of budgets.
- Materials. Different materials have different benefits when it comes to cooling pillows. Here, we selected products made from high quality materials that focus on functionality.
- Available sizes. Some cooling pillows come in a range of sizes. Others don’t. Again, we tried to include choices to fit everyone’s needs.
Pricing guide
In cases where pricing varied across sizes, we used the price of the standard or queen size pillow.
- $ = under $70
- $$ = $70–$130
- $$$ = over $130
Best overall
Tempur-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow
Price: $$$
This Tempur-Pedic pillow features an inner layer of memory foam surrounded by a wraparound layer of cooling gel. It’s covered in a removable, cotton-knit case that’s machine washable.
The pillow has a very dense feel and provides extra soft support. It comes with a 5-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
- Pros. Because the entire pillow is surrounded with a single, continuous gel layer, it’s a good option for restless sleepers and those who want cooling during the entire night. The firm support provides a comfortable night’s sleep for all sleeping positions.
- Cons. Some people require more firm support than this pillow offers. It’s also heavy, weighing in at around 5 pounds.
Available sizes:
- Queen: 27 x 19 x 6.4 inches
- King: 35 x 19 x 6.4 inches
Shop for the Tempur-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow on Amazon or Tempur-Pedic.
Best gel
PharMeDoc Blue Cooling Gel Pillow
Price: $
The Advanced Cooling Technology used in this pillow is perfect for all sleepers, but especially anyone with back pain or neck pain.
The cooling memory foam material provides firmer support than regular pillows while still feeling soft and comfortable. The orthopedic design of the viscoelastic memory foam also upholds the neck and head by evenly distributing weight and relieving pressure.
- Pros. The pillow comes with a machine washable cover and is available in a two-pack or individually.
- Cons. This pillow may be stiffer than most cooling memory foam pillows. Some customers also complained of an odor when first purchased.
Available size:
- Standard: 24 x 16.5 inches
Shop for the PharMeDoc Blue Memory Foam Pillow at Amazon, PharMeDoc, or Walmart.
Best option for comfort
Helix Ultra-Cool Pillow
Price: $$
This pillow uses cooling phase change material, sewn over a down-like fiber filling. Unlike gel, phase change material works by absorbing your body’s heat and dispersing it.
The Helix Ultra-Cool Pillow is available in standard and king sizes. The outer fabric is 100 percent cotton, while the inner fabric is microfiber.
- Pros. Reviewers say this pillow is super comfortable and cooling. It’s antimicrobial and comes with a 1-year guarantee. It also has two pillow inserts instead of one, so you can adjust the width and firmness to your specific liking.
- Cons. Some users complain that the pillow has a chemical smell.
Available sizes:
- Standard: 20 x 28 inches
- King: 20 x 36 inches
Shop for the Helix Ultra-Cool Pillow on Helix.
Best for night sweats
Cariloha Gel Pillow
Price: $$
The Cariloha Gel Pillow is made with fibers from bamboo, memory foam, and with a cooling gel layer on top. It’s moisture-wicking and repels odors, making it good option for people who deal with night sweats. The washable cover is also removable.
- Pros. This pillow is firm, with a soft center, and provides some orthopedic support in addition to cooling capabilities. Users say it retains its cooling capabilities throughout the night and provides headache and sweat relief.
- Cons. Some users complain about a chemical smell that lingers.
Available sizes:
- Standard: 27 x 20 inches
- King: 36 x 20 inches
Shop for the Cariloha Gel Pillow on Amazon or Cariloha.
Best for back and side sleepers
Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow
Price: $
Cooling body pillows can provide extra body support and cooling, and can be especially helpful when you’re trying to sleep when pregnant.
The Snuggle-Pedic is designed for back and side sleepers. It features a patented cover that’s made from bamboo, polyester, and Lycra, designed to allow good ventilation. Bamboo fiber has the potential for cooling and temperature regulating fabric.
- Pros. This pillow conforms readily to your shape, providing comfortable, full-body coolness. It’s hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. It’s manufactured in the United States, and according to users, has no chemical smell. The pillow is also machine washable.
- Cons. The pillow takes some time to fully plump up, so make sure to give yourself at least half an hour after taking it out of the box before it’s sleep ready. The manufacturer suggests tumbling it briefly in a drier to fluff it. Some people feel they need an additional head pillow in order to get a really comfortable and cool night’s sleep.
Available size:
- Standard: 20 x 54 inches
Shop for the Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow on Amazon or Snuggle-Pedic.
Best buckwheat cooling pillow
PineTales Cooling Pillow
Price: $$$
Buckwheat pillows offer great temperature control because the air is able to circulate freely between the hulls. It’s almost like the pillow is cooled from the inside out. This option from PineTales is fully adjustable, cool to the touch, and breathable.
- Pros. The pillow is firm but adjustable, making it a great choice for people who prefer firm surfaces for their neck and head. It’s filled with 100 percent organic, United States-grown buckwheat hulls and is also hypoallergenic.
- Cons. You have to remove all of the hulls to be able to wash the pillow.
Available sizes:
- Compact: 12 x 18 inches
- Japanese: 14 x 20 inches
- Standard size: 20 x 26 inches
Shop for the PineTales Cooling Pillow on PineTales or Amazon.
Best option for softness
Sealy All Night Cooling Pillow
Price: $
The Sealy All Night Cooling Pillow uses bio-based cooling to respond to your body temperature. The brand’s HeiQ Smart Temp technology works to regulate heat while also supplying ample softness and comfort.
The pillow is made with a soft fabric and hypoallergenic fill. It’s also machine washable for easy care and continued use.
- Pros. The sophisticated cooling system keeps you cool by responding to your body temperature. It’s easy to clean the pillow, which also comes with a certified lifetime warranty.
- Cons. Some reviews state the pillow was not cooling for them.
Available sizes:
- Standard queen: 28 x 30 inches
- King: 36 x 20 inches
Shop the Sealy All Night Cooling Pillow at Macy’s and Walmart.
Best memory foam cooling
Therapedic Cooling Gel & Memory Foam Pillow
Price: $$
The Therapedic Cooling Gel & Memory Foam Pillow has a soft jersey knit cover with cooling gel on one side. The other side features a plush knitted jacquard cover with high-density memory foam for added comfort. Stay cool with this medium-support, pressure-relieving pillow that’s appropriate for all sleep positions.
- Pros. The pillow works for all sleep positions. It also features a removable machine washable cover.
- Cons. If you don’t like it firm, the pillow can take a few nights to soften up.
Available sizes:
- Standard: 24 x 16 inches
Shop for the Therapedic Cooling Gel & Memory Foam Pillow at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Best for side sleepers
Made By Design Cool Touch Memory Foam Bed Pillow
Price: $
Made By Design’s Cool Touch Memory Foam Bed Pillow is designed to prevent warm air from building up inside the pillow. Instead, the air moves freely, providing comfortable breathability. The 6 inches of memory foam create a soft yet supportive design to keep your head cool without sacrificing comfort.
- Pros. The cover is removable and machine washable. Air circulates easily throughout the pillow, and the pillow features 6 inches of memory foam filling that contours to your head.
- Cons. Some reviewers found that the outer material is scratchy. This pillow is also not recommended for back or stomach sleepers.
Available sizes:
- Standard/queen: 22 x 16 inches
- King: 32 x 16 inches
Shop for the Made By Design Cool Touch Memory Foam Bed Pillow at Target.
Best breathability
Nestl Coolest Pillow
Price: $
Stay cool with this double-sided pillow that features ice silk material on one side and soft bamboo rayon on the other. The Nesvtl Coolest Pillow is designed for breathability and allows you to adjust the pillow’s height and density by adding or removing the foam fill.
- Pros. Ideal for stomach, side, and back sleepers. The Nestl is available in a set of two or individually.
- Cons. The pillow flattens quicker than most gel pillows.
Available sizes:
- Toddler: 18 x 13 inches
- Body: 54 x 20 inches
- Queen: 26 x 18 inches
- King: 36 x 18 inches
Shop for the Nestl Coolest Pillow at Amazon.
Best waterproof cooling pillow
The Coldest Pillow
Price: $$
Engineered to be as comfortable and as cold as possible, this pillow uses cooling technology, like mesh ventilation to allow heat to escape from the inside. The stuffing is made from 7D Fiber (PSF) and memory foam that aids in support and resiliency. Cooling gel is embedded into threading that absorbs heat slowly and discharges heat quickly.
- Pros. The Coldest Pillow has a waterproof encasing over the memory foam. The fill amount size is adjustable, and the pillow also includes a machine washable cover and 7D Fiber Foam.
- Cons. Some reviewers complain that the coolness does not last throughout the entire night
Available sizes:
- Queen
- King
Shop for the Coldest Pillow on Amazon or Walmart.
Best design
Pillow Cube Ice Cube Cooling Pillow
Price: $$$
The Pillow Cube Ice Cube Cooling Pillow is created with high quality foam made of breathable, viscoelastic polyurethane. It’s designed so you’ll never have to flip your pillow to find the cool side.
Its quilted cover is made from polyester. The frozen fibers inside promise to keep your head cool all night long.
- Pros. The Ice Cube Cooling Pillow is great for side sleepers, plus kid-friendly.
- Cons. The square shape of this pillow can be a drawback for some. This is also a pricier option than most.
Available sizes:
- Classic: 5 x 12 x 12 inches or 6 x 12 x 12 inches
- Thin: 4 x 12 x 24 inches
- Regular: 5 x 12 x 24 inches
- Thick: 6 x 12 x 24 inches
Shop for the Ice Cube Cooling Pillow on the Pillow Cube website.
Still searching for the right sleep products?
Let us help. Shop our top picks for pillows by condition or sleep position to get the sound sleep you deserve.
| Price | Material | Sizes available | Customer rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tempur-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow | $$$ | 100 percent polyester knit and hypoallergenic cover, Tempur material | king, queen | 4.5 stars |
| PharMeDoc Blue Cooling Gel Pillow | $ | memory foam | standard | 4.5 stars |
| Helix Ultra-Cool Pillow | $$ | cotton on outside with microfiber on inside | standard, king | 4.5 stars |
| Cariloha Gel Pillow | $$ | 100 percent bamboo charcoal memory foam with cooling gel | standard, king | 4.2 stars |
| Snuggle-Pedic Body Pillow | $ | 43 percent viscose of bamboo, 56.4 percent polyester, and 0.6 percent lycra | standard | 4.5 stars |
| PineTales Cooling Pillow | $$$ | 100 percent organic United States-grown buckwheat hulls | compact, Japanese size, standard | 4 stars |
| Sealy All Night Cooling Pillow | $ | polyester fill | standard queen, king | 4 stars |
| Therapedic Cooling Gel & Memory Foam Pillow | $ | viscose, gel fiber, foam, polyester, and spandex | standard | 4 stars |
| Made By Design Cool Touch Memory Foam Bed Pillow | $ | 100 percent memory foam | standard/queen, king | 4 stars |
| Nestl Coolest Pillow | $ | memory foam | toddler, body, queen, king | 4.5 stars |
| The Coldest Pillow | $$ | memory foam | queen, king | 3.5 stars |
| Pillow Cube Ice Cube Cooling Pillow | $$$ | memory foam | classic, thin, regular, thick | 4.8 stars |
Cooling technology
You should opt for external gel layers that are specifically engineered to keep you cool. You can also keep an eye out for fabrics with cooling technologies like Outlast.
Ability to clean
Sleepers who may want a cooling pillow may often sweat during the night and need to wash their pillows more frequently. You should look for a pillow that is machine-washable or comes with a washable pillow cover.
Material
Check what fill your pillow is made of. Memory foam pillows retain heat, as do solid foam pillows. You should look for cooling gels, shredded foam, or other innovative material that reduce overheating.
Sleeping position
There are many different types of cooling pillows out there. If you’re a stomach sleeper, you might prefer a softer pillow, while back and side sleepers may prefer a firmer material like memory foam.
Price
When compared to other types of pillows, cooling pillows are often most expensive. However, many cooling pillows will offer a trial period of at least 30 days, and many have warranties that will extend out to 2 years or even longer.
In addition to using a cooling pillow, here are some other ways to keep cool during the night:
- Sleep in a room that’s around 60 to 67°F (16 to 19°C) or lower, if possible.
- Opt for sheets in breathable, cooling fabrics, such as 100 percent cotton. Avoid sheets and pillowcases that are flannel or brushed, even if they’re cotton.
- Avoid sleeping on polyester sheets or wearing acrylic fabrics to bed, as these can produce and trap heat.
- Try silk pillowcases or even a whole silk sheet set.
- Take a cool shower or bath before bed. This can help lower your body temperature.
- Stay hydrated, as this can help your body maintain coolness.
- Consider a cooling mattress or mattress topper. While these products may be more expensive than cooling pillows, they can provide additional, all-over cooling relief.
- Avoid foam mattresses that trap heat.
- Try sleeping with a fan or the air conditioning on.
- Hot sleepers. Those who overheat when sleeping should opt for a cooling pillow to prevent overheating. A cooling pillow can also minimize sweating, as it draws heat away from the body and provides a cooler surface to lay on.
- Back and side sleepers. People who sleep on their back and side may prefer a cooling pillow as most of the ones on the market are medium loft, which can aid in natural spinal alignment.
- Light sleepers. Popular materials like shredded memory foam and latex produce virtually no noise when compressed.
How do cooling pillows work?
Some cooling pillows work by absorbing and dissipating heat. Others wick away sweat, or increase airflow, keeping the pillow cool to the touch.
How do you clean a cooling pillow?
If your pillow is made of foam, you likely can’t wash the inner foam core of the pillow, nor get it wet. If you need to spot-clean the foam, use a damp, clean cloth with a mild detergent, then allow it to dry. Most outer covers are washable, but the washing directions will vary by manufacturer.
How often do I need to replace my cooling pillow?
While your pillow may lose some of its cooling intensity over time, a well-made pillow should last you up to 3 to 4 years. Choosing a high quality pillow and purchasing a warranty can help ensure its life span.
If you get hot when you sleep, cooling pillows are an excellent option to help control your body temperature throughout the night. No matter your preference on material, size, or budget, there are plenty of choices on the market for everyone.
