The best cooling pillows

If you're chasing the feeling of flipping over your pillow and pressing your face into its refreshingly cold surface, I have great news for you: when you snuggle up with one of the best cooling pillows, every side is the cool side. Like other cooling bedding products, they're designed to prevent night sweats and overheating with enhanced breathability and cooling materials.

As a certified sleep science consultant with extensive experience in sleep research and product reviews, I understand the importance of a well-equipped bedroom for a comfortable and healthy night's sleep. I conducted a thorough assessment by putting a dozen cooling pillows through a series of objective tests. Below, you'll find the best cooling pillow for every kind of sleeper.

Our picks for the best cooling pillows

Best overall: Coop Sleep Goods Cool+ Adjustable Pillow - See at Coop Sleep Goods

Best budget: Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow - See at Amazon

Best memory foam: Tempur-Cloud Dual Cooling Pillow - See at Tempur-Pedic

Best down alternative: Slumber Cloud Ultra Cool Pillow - See at Slumber Cloud

Best latex: Purple Harmony Pillow - See at Amazon

Best for combination sleepers:Nest Easy Breather Pillow - See at Nest Bedding

Best organic: Birch Organic Pillow - See at Birch

Best silk: Cozy Earth Silk Pillow - See at Cozy Earth

Best body pillow: Pluto Puff Body Pillow - See at Pluto

Best overall

Coops's Cool+ pillow blew the competition out of the water. The Cool+ Pillow has become my top choice for achieving a refreshing and restful night's sleep. From the moment I first laid my head on it, I could feel the difference that the cooling cover and foam fill make. Crafted specifically for individuals who sleep hot, this pillow blends cooling gel-infused memory foam and recycled polyester fibers to create a combination of comfort and breathability. It delivers a level of cooling better than anything else on our list — and that's quite the compliment.

It's versatile, adjustable, and supportive. One side features a cooling and firmer phase-change gel layer, while the other side offers a softer, plush feel for when you need a little extra coziness. During testing, I didn't notice any significant heat build-up, and any warmth dissipated quickly. I also experienced excellent support and maintained ideal spinal alignment, waking up each morning feeling refreshed and rejuvenated without any hint of shoulder tension or headaches. This is thanks to the adjustable fill — I was able to create the perfect loft for my sleep style. If you frequently wake up with a sore neck, this pillow could be the solution to your problems.

Adding and removing fill can get messy. While this pillow is mostly perfect, there is one minor inconvenience I encountered: adjusting the fill can sometimes lead to a bit of a mess, with lightweight microfibers floating around and sticking to nearby surfaces. However, this is a small price to pay for the overall comfort and quality that this pillow provides.

It comes in other shapes, too. The Cool+ Cut-Out and Crescent Pillows are made with the same cooling technology and designed specifically for side sleepers, aiming to close the awkward gap between a side sleeper's shoulder and their head.

Best budget

Not all cooling pillows are expensive. The best cooling pillows often come with a higher price tag, and finding options under $60 can be a challenge due to the cost of cooling materials like infused memory foams and cooling covers. The Beckham Hotel Collection Down Alternative Pillow offers a simple, budget-friendly alternative. It's filled with hypoallergenic polyester fill, which feels soft and fluffy. Plus, it's sold in a pack of two — perfect if you're looking to outfit an entire bed without breaking the bank.

The cool feel is subtle. Former deputy editor Lauren Savoie spent months sleeping with these pillows, consistently noting the breathable cotton and fill's ability to maintain a comfortable temperature. While they may not deliver the most intense cooling sensation, they excel in breathability and offer exceptional value. Unlike denser materials like memory foam, these pillows are airy and breathable, allowing heat to dissipate quickly. Still, this isn't the pick for you if you're looking for something intensely cool.

Side sleepers need more support. Side sleepers may find that, even when stacked, this pillow might not provide enough support. Those who prefer a thinner pillow — like stomach sleepers — should stay comfortable with the low loft and mildly supportive feel.

Best memory foam

Memory foam can trap heat — but this pillow doesn't. Memory foam contours to your body and cradles your head and neck, but simple blocks of memory foam struggle to dissipate heat effectively. The Tempur-Cloud Dual Cooling Pillow, however, features dual gel layers and a cool-to-the-touch quilted cover to effectively regulate temperature throughout the night. It both provided a consistently cool sleep experience and also helped alleviate discomfort or pain in my neck. Throughout testing, I never experienced significant heat buildup, and any warmth dissipated quickly.

It's best for side and back sleepers. As a medium-firm pillow, it offers substantial support for side and back sleepers, ideal for maintaining proper spinal alignment and reducing pressure points around the neck. This pillow's density and somewhat heavy composition ensure that your head stays securely in place through the night, providing relief and comfort where needed the most.

It's lasted years. The high-quality gel-and-foam construction ensures durability without clumping or flattening over time — even after a year of use, it still bounces back like new. However, its thickness, firmness, and weight may not suit everyone's needs, especially if you prefer a soft, fluffy pillow.

Best down alternative

This is the softest cooling pillow you can find. The Slumber Cloud Ultra Cool features a soft and flexible interior reminiscent of down, offering just the right level of comfort. The outer shell boasts a cool-to-the-touch sensation, courtesy of its cooling fabric shell. Even with a pillowcase, it consistently maintained a refreshing coolness throughout the night, preventing any moisture buildup. It kept me cool during testing, maintaining a comfortable feel without ever getting hot.

It's ideal for most stomach sleepers and back and side sleepers who prefer a soft pillow. With its medium loft, the pillow perfectly suited my needs as a side sleeper, offering optimal support for my head and neck. Yet, my taller and heavier husband found the loft insufficient, especially as a back and side sleeper. Back and side sleepers should opt for the medium density, while most stomach sleepers should be perfectly happy with the soft firmness. This pillow can also be returned, even if used, within 30 days, which can help if you find the loft isn't for you.

It requires frequent fluffing. After machine washing, the pillow tends to become lumpy and needs reshaping, which is a hassle. Overall, the combination of its down-like interior feel, cooling technology, and customizable firmness levels makes the Slumber Cloud Ultra Cool pillow a standout option for those seeking a high-quality alternative to traditional down pillows.

Best latex

This pillow is breathable and bouncy. If you like a supportive pillow with a bouncy feel, The Purple Harmony Pillow is a great choice for you. Its exceptional airflow kept me cool all night long, eliminating the need to constantly flip it over. The temperature-neutral, airy honeycomb grid and ventilated Talalay latex with aerated structures work wonders in drawing away heat, while the moisture-wicking mesh cover adds to its cooling effect. Plus, the fact that it features a machine washable cover is a huge convenience. What's more, the pillow comes in various lofts and sizes, offering options in both standard and king, as well as preferred loft levels of low, medium, or tall, so there's an option for every need.

The latex stands up to wear and tear. My husband has quickly become a fan of the Purple Harmony. He finds it perfectly supportive for his head and neck as a side and back sleeper. Its relatively heavy weight ensures it stays in place all night, and its high-quality build and durable materials will prevent it from going flat or lumpy over time.

Skip it if you prefer a soft pillow. That said, I don't recommend this pillow to individuals seeking a plush feel or stomach sleepers, as it lacks the flexibility and moldability of a traditional pillow.

Best for combination sleepers

This pillow wicks away moisture and heat. I've been using the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow on and off for about a year now, and I've really enjoyed it. The pillow's cover is luxuriously silky and cool-to-the-touch, specifically crafted with Nest Bedding's Icecore material to actively regulate temperature throughout the night. It is filled with breathable shredded gel foam, and I found the cooling fabric to be great at dissipating heat and wicking away moisture.

It's adjustable. One stand-out feature of this pillow is its adjustability to accommodate any sleeping position. I was able to easily customize the firmness and loft by adding or removing filling, making it perfect for combination sleepers who need versatility from time to time. Nest recommends regularly kneading the pillow to maintain its shape and loft over time, which I've found to be helpful in preventing lumps or clumps from forming. After using this pillow for about a year, I'm impressed by how well it has retained its shape.

Best organic

This pillow cools with eco-friendly materials. The Birch Organic Pillow proved to be a great choice for those seeking natural materials and eco-friendly options. It maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the night, striking a balance between warmth and coolness. Despite not being cool-to-the-touch or as cold as other pillows I tested, I never experienced any significant heat buildup or discomfort during testing. The pillow is made with premium organic and naturally breathable wool and cotton, and is also Greenguard Gold & GOTS-certified, ensuring peace of mind by avoiding polyurethane-based foams and adhering to sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices.

It's fairly firm. The pillow offers substantial support for back and side sleepers, though some may find it too firm for stomach sleeping due to its medium loft. While not machine washable, the super soft 100% organic cotton pillow case can be easily removed and washed.

It needs fluffed regularly. Over time, I noticed that the pillow tends to decompress and bunch, requiring frequent fluffing and kneading. Despite this minor challenge, I recommend this organic pillow for environmentally conscious individuals seeking a comfortable, breathable with the assurance of eco-friendly and ethical environmental values.

Best silk

This unique, luxury pillow is equally soft and cool. The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is filled with long-strand mulberry silk and encased in premium bamboo viscose — two naturally breathable materials that helped to maintain a comfortable temperature during testing. It feels a bit like down but runs much cooler than typical fluffy pillows, and the lower loft is best for stomach sleepers.

It's more delicate than other pillows. There are a couple of things to consider before purchasing. First, the pillow doesn't come with a removable case, so using a protective cover is a must. It also requires frequent fluffing to maintain its plush feel. Jaclyn Turner, our senior home editor, has been regularly sleeping with the Cozy Earth Silk pillow has concerns about its longevity, noting that the outer cover started pilling. After a year of use, however, the pilling has not caused any other long-term durability issues. Pilling is also covered under Cozy Earth's lengthy 10-year warranty.

Best body pillow

Body pillows give a little extra support — and Pluto's stays cool, too. I've been impressed with the Pluto Puff Body Pillow ever since I tested it for our best body pillows guide. Not only is it our top recommendation for side sleepers, but it has quickly become a personal favorite because of its cool-to-the-touch quilted microfiber case.

The Pluto Puff is a snuggle buddy that keeps you cool. The breathable quilted cover keeps me feeling refreshed throughout the night, while the fiber fill adds to its overall comfort. Despite its size, the Pluto Puff maintains exceptional temperature regulation, ensuring it stays cool without overheating, which is perfect for warm sleepers. It provides robust support ideal for both side and back sleepers, and it has retained its loft well over time.

I also recommend Coop's body pillow. The Coop body pillow has been my favorite for years, but the Pluto Puff has more impressive cooling. If you're looking for an adjustable option, I recommend the Coop.

Our top picks, compared

What to look for in a cooling pillow

Like choosing any pillow, selecting the right cooling pillow depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some important factors to consider during your search for the best cooling pillow:

Sleeping Position and loft: Look for a pillow that fits your sleeping style:

• Side sleepers: Opt for medium to high loft for neck support.
• Back sleepers: Choose a medium loft for spinal alignment.
• Stomach sleepers: Prefer lower loft to prevent neck strain.

Materials and fill:Choose cooling options like latex, silk, or memory foam pillows with ventilated designs that allow for better airflow. Opt for hypoallergenic fills and check for CertiPUR-US certification for foam quality. Use covers made with breathable materials such as cotton, linen, bamboo, and TENCEL.

Cooling technologies: Look for pillows with innovative cooling features like Gel-infused fills, breathable covers, and moisture-wicking materials that enhance heat dissipation.

Return policy and trial period: Prioritize pillows with flexible return and trial periods to ensure you can exchange or return them if they don't meet expectations. Allow time to adjust to your pillow as well.

Ease of cleaning: Consider maintenance needs, especially for hot sleepers. Look for designs with removable, washable covers, and we recommend using a pillowcase that is washed regularly.

How we tested cooling pillows

Our testing methodology

To identify the best cooling pillows, I consulted experts like Nishi Bhopal, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and sleep specialist, and Alex Dimitriu, MD, dual board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. With their guidance, I put each pillow through a series of objective tests. Here's how we test to find the best cooling pillows:

• Sleep quality testing: I personally slept on each pillow for seven consecutive nights, evaluating factors such as comfort, support, and, most importantly, temperature regulation and breathability in a climate ranging from 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. To broaden our perspective, I also enlisted my husband, who has a larger frame, experiences sleep apnea, and primarily sleeps on his back and side to provide additional insights into each pillow's performance from his perspective.

• Materials and certifications: I scrutinized each pillow's cooling properties, looking for features like breathability, CertiPUR-US certifications for foam quality, innovative cooling technologies, and specific maintenance requirements.
• Cleaning: Recognizing the accumulation of body oils and sweat, especially for hot sleepers, I followed cleaning instructions for each pillow. I assessed ease of washing and drying, durability, and noted which pillows came with removable and washable covers.
• Shape retention: I examined post-use pillows for any signs of lumps or clumping, noting how well they maintained their shape and loft over time and how frequently they required fluffing.
• Return policy: I thoroughly investigated the return policies and warranties for each pillow, understanding that individual preferences vary and ensuring flexibility in exchange or return options.

Meet the expert behind the guide

Suzy Hernandez, freelancer contributor: I write about bedding for Business Insider Reviews with a specialty in cooling bedding for hot sleepers. I'm a sleep expert with a background in sleep research and product testing.

Cooling pillow FAQs

What are the best pillows for hot sleepers?

Hot sleepers benefit most from pillows equipped with advanced cooling technologies or materials that effectively regulate temperature and dissipate heat. These include cooling gel foam fills, latex, and silk, which are known for maintaining a cool sensation throughout the night.

What makes a pillow cooling? Or How do cooling pillows work?

According to Dr. Dimitriu, depending on the materials, cooling pillows can improve comfort. Cooling pillows work to help manage temperature and promote a cooler sleeping environment. They generally use materials to absorb and pull away heat from the body, like a gel layer or memory foam.

Can cooling pillows help with night sweats?

Dr. Nishi emphasizes that while cooling pillows may not entirely prevent night sweats or hot flashes, they can offer a soothing cool-to-the-touch sensation that promotes easier falling asleep and staying asleep.

Are cooling pillows machine washable?

Many cooling pillows in this guide come with a machine-washable cover, although most pillows should not be washed as the fill or cooling technology could be damaged. It's important to follow the care instructions carefully. Using an extra protective pillowcase can also help keep the pillow clean and extend its lifespan.

Can I use a pillowcase with a cooling pillow?

Yes, you should always use a pillowcase to keep your cooling pillow in top shape. Most cooling technologies work effectively even with a pillowcase, but it's important to choose the right materials. According to Dr. Nishi, natural fibers such as cotton, linen, bamboo, and Tencel make up the best cooling fabrics for sheets, and are excellent choices due to their breathability and cooling properties. These materials offer a comfortable, cool-to-the-touch experience while maintaining the pillow's cooling benefits.

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