Here’s the hard truth: there’s no point in investing in a quality pillow if it’s going to leave a person feeling hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. At the same time, finding the best cooling pillow isn’t always easy. So instead of making you spend way too much time searching online, we’ve put together a list of 10 of our favorites! Each of our selections bring a little something special to the table. If you’re still looking for more options after checking out the best cooling pillows, check out our overall best pillows guide.
The 10 Best Cooling Pillows of 2022
Here are our top picks for the best cooling pillows:
- Sleep Number True Temp Pillow – Editor’s Pick
- Bear Contouring Pillow – Best Pillow That Stays Cool
- TEMPUR-Cloud Cooling Pro – Best Cooling Gel Foam Pillow
- Saatva Latex – Best Cooling Latex Pillow
- Layla Kapok – Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Birch Living – Best Cooling Pillow for Back Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex – Best Cooling Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
- Nolah Squishy Pillow – Best Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
- Purple Cloud – Best Value Cooling Pillow
- BeautyRest Absolute Rest Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow for Neck Pain
Video Review: Best Cooling Pillows of 2022
Editor’s Pick – Sleep Number True Temp Pillow
Sleep Number True Temp Pillow
With advanced cooling technology, the Sleep Number True Temp Pillow is a luxurious option. It has a plush and supportive feel, so it's great for back and side sleepers.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.60 / 5
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Nothing beats a product that can work to actively keep you cool. Sleep Number’s True Temp Pillow has 37.5 active particle technology incorporated into it. This material will adjust to your body temperature. When you start to get too hot, the pillow will dissipate body heat away from you.
This pillow comes in three different models, but our favorite of the bunch is the standard, which features plush down alternative, surrounding a perforated memory foam core. You’ll sink into the down alternative, while finding good support from the foam core!
What Makes the Sleep Number True Temp Pillow Stand Out?
- The 37.5 active particle technology dissipates body heat, keeping you at a comfortable temperature while you sleep.
- A breathable cotton cover and perforated memory foam maximize airflow.
- Sleep Number sells this in three differently shaped models, making it a fit for a range of sleepers’ needs.
Read our full Sleep Number True Temp pillow review.
Best Pillow That Stays Cool – Bear Contour Pillow
Bear Contour Pillow
The Bear Contour Pillow has two sides to its outer cover: a cool side and a soft side. No matter your preference, you'll find what you like! It also has a unique U-shaped cut out to account for shoulders for side sleepers!
Mattress Clarity Score
4.30 / 5
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We’ve all had to turn the pillow over to the cold side during the night. And it can be a pain to do so! But the Bear Contour pillow has a double sided cover, with one side that stays icy cool all night.
The cooling side of this pillow is made with ice fabric. This material incorporates phase change material that pulls body heat away from you and stays cool all night long.
What Makes the Bear Contour Pillow Stand Out?
- The cooling side of the cover stays icy cool to the touch.
- It has a unique U-shaped cut out to accommodate shoulders for side sleepers, and will contour to your neck and head if you’re a back sleeper.
- It’s full of siliconized fiber, which provides a great combo of plush comfort and support.
Read our full Bear Contour pillow review.
Best Gel Foam Pillow – TEMPUR-Cloud Cooling Pro Pillow
TEMPUR-Cloud Cooling Pro Pillow
The TEMPUR-Cloud Cooling Pro encompasses height, support, and coolness all into a single pillow.
Mattress Clarity Score
3.90 / 5
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Memory foam was an amazing inclusion to beds and pillows, but it was known to trap heat. One way companies innovated foam was the inclusion of gel, which can pull heat away from your body and keep foam cool.
TEMPUR-Pedic’s Cloud Cooling Pro features TEMPUR’s proprietary TEMPUR material which has been surrounded by gel to keep the pillow from retaining heat.
It’s a medium feel pillow, meaning you’ll be able to sink into the foam, but still get some solid support. This pillow also comes in two loft sizes, making it a great match for all three sleeping positions and body types.
What Makes the TEMPUR-Cloud Cooling Pro Pillow Stand Out?
- This pillow combines slow-moving memory foam and cutting edge gel to keep you cool all night long.
- The two loft options make it a universal pillow for everyone.
- TEMPUR offers an impressive 5-year limited warranty on this pillow.
See what we have to say about all the TEMPUR-Pillows!
Best Latex Pillow – Saatva Natural Latex Pillow
Saatva Latex Pillow
The Saatva Pillow has an organic cotton cover that is removable. Underneath is an outer pillow made up of hypoallergenic microfibers.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.80 / 5
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Unlike polyurethane foam, latex foam is very breathable and doesn’t trap heat! Saatva combines a cotton cover with down alternative around a supportive, breathable shredded latex core.
This pillow feels super plush because of the down alternative, but the latex core keeps you from bottoming out of the pillow.
It works best for back sleepers, but some side sleepers may enjoy this tall pillow, too!
What Makes the Saatva Latex Pillow Stand Out?
- Saatva uses breathable materials like a cotton cover and shredded latex foam to ensure this pillow won’t trap heat.
- The materials are hypoallergenic.
- Back sleepers will find plush comfort with support from the latex foam core.
Read our full Saatva Latex pillow review.
Best Pillow for Side Sleepers – Layla Kapok Pillow
Layla Kapok Pillow
The Layla Kapok pillow combines shredded foam and natural kapok tree fibers to give you a great balance of comfort and support. You can also take out some of this fill to adjust the height of the pillow to make it work for you.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
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Side sleepers need a tall pillow to keep their head and neck in a neutral position while they sleep. The Layla kapok pillow uses shredded memory foam and kapok tree fibers to provide a comfortable, but supportive pillow for side sleepers.
You have the ability to take out or add in the fill which will change the height, but side sleepers will want to keep it stuffed full or nearly full to get a tall enough loft.
This pillow keeps you cool with its shredded fill being breathable, and the cover has been infused with copper to pull away body heat.
What Makes the Layla Kapok Pillow Stand Out?
- It has an adjustable height, which makes it great for all sleeping positions, but side sleepers will want to keep it mostly or all full to be tall enough for their needs.
- The copper infused cover will pull heat away from your body to keep you cool.
- It uses shredded foam, so you’ll sink into this pillow — you’ll feel the filling contour around your head and neck.
Read our full Layla Kapok pillow review.
Best Pillow for Back Sleepers – Birch Pillow
Birch Organic Pillow
The Birch Pillow is an eco-friendly and sustainably made pillow that has an organic cotton cover and fill made with Birch Wool and Talalay Latex shreds. It will work for all sleep positions and needs to be spot cleaned only.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.10 / 5
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Want a pillow that’s great for back sleeping and kind to the earth? Birch makes organic beds, and the company’s pillows are no different!
Back sleepers will be able to enjoy many cooling components in this pillow. It features a breathable cotton outer cover, and on the inside you’ll find New Zealand wool that surrounds a crushed latex core.
Both the wool and latex are breathable, and the wool is also moisture-wicking so you won’t sleep hot and sweaty. The crushed latex core provides a good amount of support, which is ideal for back sleeping.
What Makes the Birch Pillow Stand Out?
- Birch uses certified organic materials in this pillow.
- The combination of wool and the latex core will give back sleepers a good amount of plush comfort and support.
- There are many breathable materials in this pillow to keep you from overheating during the night.
Read our full Birch pillow review.
Best Pillow for Stomach Sleepers –Â Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
Brooklyn Bedding's Talalay Latex Pillow is a supportive and pressure relieving blended latex foam pillow. It has a ventilated core and removable soft knit cover. It comes in two loft options, making it a good choice for any sleep position.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.70 / 5
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Stomach sleepers need a low pillow to keep their head from craning too far upwards. Brooklyn Bedding makes a Talalay latex pillow that comes in two lofts, a low loft and a high loft. For stomach sleepers, we recommend the low loft.
This pillow is made from a solid piece of Talalay latex that has been perforated. This means that the foam will allow air to flow through very easily.
Talalay latex is very soft and almost plush, but it’s very responsive and springy so stomach sleepers will be able to keep their head and neck in a comfortable position all night long.
What Makes the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow Stand Out?
- The two loft options make it ideal for all sleeping positions, but stomach sleepers will enjoy the low loft.
- Talalay latex is soft and springy while being very supportive and breathable.
- This is an affordable pillow that won’t break the bank!
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex pillow review.
Best Memory Foam Pillow – Nolah Squishy Pillow
Nolah Squishy Pillow
If you love that squishy, slow-moving feel of memory foam in your pillows, then the Nolah Squishy Pillows are for you. These cooling foam pillows come in a double pack and are super comfortable but equally supportive.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
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While traditional foam can trap heat, Nolah has made a cool memory foam pillow, even without gel inclusions! The Nolah Squishy pillow is made up of shredded, cooling foam that has room for airflow throughout.
You can take out this shredded foam fill to adjust the pillow’s height to match your sleeping position.
To add to the cooling features, Nolah uses a bamboo pillow cover, which is breathable and moisture-wicking, so say goodbye to night sweats!
What Makes the Nolah Squishy Pillow Stand Out?
- The foam has been shredded and optimized for breathability and airflow, so it won’t trap heat.
- The bamboo cover is moisture-wicking, meaning you won’t feel sweaty on this pillow.
- The ability to adjust the loft of this pillow makes it work for all three sleeping positions.
Read our full Nolah Squishy pillow review.
Best Value Pillow – Purple Cloud Pillow
Purple Cloud Pillow
If you love plush down alternative pillows, the Purple Cloud is for you! This soft, plush pillow is tall and supportive and works best for back and side sleepers.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.10 / 5
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There are four Purple pillows to choose from, but if you’re on a budget, then the Purple Cloud is the one for you.
While this is a simpler pillow – featuring only a breathable cotton cover and down alternative fill – it won’t trap heat nor will it break the bank either.
This pillow is super affordable on its own, but there are always deals going on throughout the year to help you save even more!
What Makes the Purple Cloud Stand Out?
- While there isn’t anything specific for cooling in this pillow, the cotton cover is breathable, and the gel fiber fill won’t trap heat.
- Out of all Purple’s pillows, and the ones on this list, this is the most budget friendly option.
- It’s a taller pillow, making it good for side sleepers and heavier back sleepers.
Read our full Purple Cloud pillow review.
Best Pillow for Neck Pain – Beautyrest Absolute Rest Pillow
Beautyrest Absolute Rest Pillow
The Beautyrest Absolute Rest pillow is full of shredded foam that you can remove to adjust the height. This makes it a win for all sleeping positions. It also has a cooling cover to keep you cool.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.40 / 5
Neck pain can make it feel like you didn’t sleep at all. Many pillows now feature adjustable heights, and our favorite cooling pillow to help with neck pain is the Beautyrest Absolute Rest pillow.
This pillow has a removable fill, meaning you can adjust the height. If the pillow, as is, is too tall, remove the fill to find a height that works for you! Sleeping in a comfortable, neutral alignment will alleviate neck pain.
Hot sleepers can enjoy this pillow, too. The memory foam fill is shredded, which makes air flow much easier, and the cover is cool to the touch.
What Makes the Beautyrest Absolute Rest Pillow Stand Out?
- The adjustable fill means you can find the height that works for you to sleep in a neutral position, which will alleviate neck pain.
- The removable cover is cool to the touch and machine-washable.
- The foam fill will contour to your head, which makes it feel very comfortable.
Full review to come!
How to Choose the Best Cooling Pillow
We all want our pillows to be comfortable, but when selecting the best cooling pillow there are a number of other factors to consider! It all comes down to your sleeping position, how hot you sleep, and your budget.Â
Sleeping Positions, Loft, and Firmness
The proper firmness and loft is dependent on your sleeping position. If you have the wrong height for the way you sleep, it can affect your spinal alignment and cause discomfort. If you’re unsure about what pillow best matches your sleeping position, then we highly recommend an adjustable pillow. That way, you can customize the loft to whatever feels the most comfortable.
Side sleeping: To keep the neck aligned with the rest of the spine, we definitely recommend a pillow with a higher loft. These pillows will often seem fluffier and have a firmer feel.Â
Stomach sleeping: On the other end of the pillow firmness scale, opposite from side-sleeping pillows, are pillows for stomach sleepers. These sleepers should want a softer pillow and a lower loft. Unlike side sleepers, stomach sleepers do not want their neck craned upwards at night.
Back sleeping: These sleepers are likely going to want something in between the lower loft of stomach sleepers and the higher loft of side sleepers. Back sleepers are often most comfortable with a balanced feel, and because of this, they have some room to lean a bit one way or the other in terms of loft and firmness.
Combination sleeping: If you’re a combination sleeper and switch positions throughout the night, we highly recommend the adjustable pillows mentioned above.
One last thing to note is that the higher the loft, the more material in the pillow. This can create a denser construction and may trap heat more than pillows with a lower loft. Of course, we still recommend higher-lofted pillows to side sleepers and some back sleepers, but this is something to keep in mind.
RELATED: Best Mattresses of 2022
Cooling Materials
With so many options on the market, which material is truly the best for cooling? While there’s no one-size-fits-all choice, we do want to give you a guide for all of the most common cooling materials you’ll find in pillows.Â
Cooling Foams: In general, foam pillows are known to trap heat easily. However, companies have figured out ways to overcome this while still keeping the plush, comfy feel that so many people love. A cooling effect is often achieved by infusing another substance into the foam, such as graphite or even copper. Perhaps the most common cooling foam you’ll see out there is gel-infused foam. With infused cooling material, the pillow is able to maintain a cooler surface. So, your head, neck, and shoulder areas should remain cool as well. In turn, your body temperature lowers, and you shouldn’t find yourself overheating at night.Â
Phase Change Material (PCM): A pillow with Phase Change Material uses modern technology to not just make the pillow cool, but keep it cool throughout the night. That’s right, PCM is unique in that it works to stabilize the temperature of the pillow, and consequently, your body temperature as well. PCM achieves this by dissipating your body heat after absorption. Â
Latex: Eco-conscious shoppers and those with allergies should love the option of natural latex because it’s typically non-toxic, chemical-free, antimicrobial, and hypoallergenic. Hot sleepers should appreciate this material primarily because latex itself is naturally cooling and breathable. It should be noted that latex pillows often have a totally different feel than foam pillows; with latex pillows, you should get a bouncier feel that’s great for combination sleepers who like to change positions at night.
Down and Down Alternatives: Despite the fact that they are breathable, authentic down pillows are known to trap quite a bit of heat. That’s why down alternatives are a great material for cooling pillows; they tend to be far less insulating while still maintaining a similar feel of true down pillows.
Price
Cooling pillows are definitely going to be more expensive than your average pillow because of the technology and quality of materials used. You should expect to pay somewhere around $100 for a pillow that will keep you cool throughout the night.
Other Ways to Sleep Cool
If the cooling pillow isn’t quite enough to keep you from overheating, or if it’s a little out of your price range, there are many other products that should help you stay cool.
Accessories
Cooling Pads: Pads infused with gel or other substances are a fantastic option for those who don’t want to spend money on yet another pillow. Just slip the pad into a regular pillow (it goes on the side where you’ll lay your head), and the pad should help cool down the surface and consequently keep you cool as well.Â
Cooling Sheets: Cotton, bamboo, and Tencel are our favorite materials for cooling sheets because they’re naturally breathable. These materials are far better than other materials such as flannel, silk, and linen, which are prone to insulation and might make you overheat at night. For some incredible options, check out our roundup for the best cooling sheets.
Cooling Toppers: Foam toppers, though comfortable and cozy, can trap quite a bit of heat. That’s where cooling technology comes into play! Head on over to our article for the best cooling toppers for some of our favorite options.
Mattresses
If you’re willing to spend the money and need a major game-changer, then we recommend investing in a cooling mattress. Like pillows, mattresses are often made with cooling technology or have a very breathable construction. When used in tandem with other cooling accessories, we can almost guarantee that you shouldn’t have any problems overheating at night.
Check out our roundup for the best cooling mattresses for our top picks!
Bedroom Setup
Using a fan effectively is another way to create a cooler environment to sleep in. Turn ceiling fans counter-clockwise during hotter months, or face a fan out of an open window. It can also make a huge difference if you keep curtains closed during the day and turn off lights when you aren’t using them.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle can impact your body temperature, and this can affect how hot or cold you sleep. We recommend working out in the mornings if you can and limiting physical activity in the evening to keep that body temperature low. Additionally, staying away from warm and spicy foods at the end of the day can help you from overheating.
Who Should Buy a Cooling Pillow
Truthfully, cooling pillows are great for almost anyone. There are a number of brands and models for every preference and sleeping position. Of course, a strictly hot sleeper should buy a cooling pillow for obvious reasons. Additionally, those who experience hot flashes or even those who just need something a little extra during warm summer months can benefit.
Who Shouldn’t Buy a Cooling Pillow
If you find yourself truly uncomfortable at night, we think a cooling pillow will be worth the investment. However, if you’re on a budget, you might want to consider a gel pad as a cheaper alternative, or perhaps some cooling sheets with more breathable materials.
Those looking for easy maintenance might want to check out other options as well. Not all cooling pillows have convenient washing and drying methods, and if this is important to you, then it could be worth sticking to a regular pillow or trying other cooling accessories.
Summary
The best pillow for hot sleepers is going to look different for everyone, but individuals who keep an eye out for ones that offer technology like gel infusions and cores with airflow promotion stand a good chance at sleeping cool all night long.
| Pillow | Best For |
| Sleep Number True Temp Pillow | Editor’s Pick |
| Bear Contour Pillow | Best Pillow That Stays Cool |
| TEMPUR-Cloud Cooling Pro | Best Cooling Gel Foam Pillow |
| Saatva Latex | Best Cooling Latex Pillow |
| Layla Kapok Pillow | Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers |
| Birch Organic Pillow | Best Cooling Pillow for Back Sleepers |
| Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow | Best Cooling Pillow for Stomach Sleepers |
| Nolah Squishy Pillow | Best Memory Foam Pillow |
| Purple Cloud | Best Affordable Cooling Pillow |
| Beautyrest Absolute Rest Pillow | Best Cooling Pillow for Neck Pain |
Comment in the YouTube video if any questions pop up or a personal recommendation is needed. I’m always checking back!
FAQs
What is the best pillow that stays cool?
There are some features in a pillow to look for that will help individuals assess whether or not it’ll say cool.
- Breathable materials - those looking for a cotton cover, choose a percale weave over sateen because that will allow for more airflow. Moisture-wicking material or material designed for athletes are also great options.
- Cores that promote airflow - Usually solid foams will sleep hotter than shredded foam or other material that can be broken up or moved around like fibers; solid foam that is ventilated or contains gel, gel pads or Phase change Material can really help make a solid foam pillow cooler.
Do cooling pillows lose their cool?
Unfortunately, some do lose their cool, and it’s all about what materials and technology are used and the quality of them. This is where trial periods come in handy - it allows sleepers to give the pillow or pillows a chance to stay cool and to discover if it fails after a few hours or a few days. I’ve personally had the best luck with pillows that are made with Phase Change Material and have core fillings that promote airflow, like the aerated core of the Gel Memory Foam GhostPillow.
Are gel pillows good?
The pillow world seems to be somewhat divided on whether or not gel infused into pillows helps keep it cool. I’ve had some gel pad pillows work really well, including the TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling pillow that offers the same gel panels at the TEMPUR-Cloud Cooling Pro pillow that made my list. I’ve also slept on plenty of foam pillows that are infused with gel and haven’t really noticed a big difference with those. Therefore, I am hesitant to say definitively that gel is always a good idea with a pillow, it truly depends on the quality of the brand, the gel they’re using and how they’re using it!
Are cooling pillows safe?
Yes! Pillows made with down are typically responsibly and humanely sourced. Companies that use down alternatives such as polyester or gel infused memory foam get certifications, like an OEKO-Tex certification, to ensure that no harmful chemicals or toxins went into the production of the pillows.
Can you wash a cooling pillow?
Truthfully, the answer is: it depends! Some pillows are fully machine washable, while others might be recommended to be spot cleaned only. Some companies might even suggest just tumble drying them. Regardless, always check the care instructions that the manufacturer provides you for the most accurate information on how to clean your pillow.
Tony Klespis
Tony is a staff writer at Mattress Clarity where he analyzes sleep products and appears in review videos. He earned a B.A in English from Sam Houston State University and a M.A in Mass Communication from Texas State University.
When he isn’t writing about sleep products, Tony loves to unwind with a good book or can be found playing Pokemon Go outside with his friends, or cuddling with his cat, Penguin. He’s always down to try a new, local restaurant and try new foods.