10 Best Cooling Pillows That Will Keep You Cool All Night

Unfortunately, what is good for marketing might not end up being all that good for us as consumers. That’s why I decided to complete this review of the top cooling pillows available today.

I will walk you through the distinguishing features of each of the best cooling pillows that you can make a decision about whether or not these will help keep you cool throughout the night. 

The pillow am reviewing is completely adjustable. If you are a side sleeper and need a bit more height, then use as is. If you sleep on your back or side, then just take out enough of the fill to suit you.

This cooling pillow combines the power of Kool-Flow microvented technology with Bamboo to create a cover that is soft and provides superior air circulation and breathability.

The fill is contained in a zippered pouch making it easy for you to make adjustments. The pillow filling is made of CertiPUR-US certified memory foam. That means no nasty off-gassing at night when you are sleeping.

The foam is shredded to allow better air circulation around your head and aid cooling. The bamboo fiber cover wicks water away from your face and head. It is highly absorbent and breathes very well. This all contributes to the cooling effect.

You sleep more comfortably, and it gently helps to keep your spine in alignment properly. The pillow is hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and mildew. It is machine washable and so is excellent for those suffering from allergies.

And, since it is made in the USA, this pillow thus receives my best recommendation for being a great quality, healthy cooling option.

High-quality is just one of the qualities I considered when compiling this review. Unfortunately, high-quality does not always equate to value for money when it comes to prices, especially when it comes to the pillow you want to buy.

I am pleased to say that with the Eden pillow, you do get the best of both worlds. It is not the cheapest pillow by any means, but it is one that holds up well over time and provides the best in cooling benefits.

And, while it is a little more than you will pay for some imported cheap options, they are still reasonable in price. It is a great, home-grown brand and one that could deliver you your best pillow ever.

I could tell immediately that I would like this the minute I came across it. The cover is completely natural bamboo fiber that feels soft and silky.

The filling of the pillow is memory foam -  not always the best for cooling sleep, but the twist here is that it is shredded. This helps up the cooling factor substantially and, with the bamboo, pillow cover delivers a knockout.

Adjusting the loft of the pillow is simple. Less filling is better for stomach sleepers. More filling is better for side sleepers.

Worried about your pillow going flat? Never worry again, just toss it into your dryer for around ten minutes or so, and your pillow will look like new again. Best of all, if you like, you can run it through the washer first so that you get rid of any dust or dirt buildup.

When memory foam was first developed, it was hailed as a revolution in sleeping. You would get the best comfort by using a mattress or pillow made of the stuff. It wasn’t long, however, before it became apparent that there was a fly in the ointment.

The foam was extremely comfortable and did deaden motion transfer, but it had no cooling properties whatsoever. So, sure you might have the best night’s sleep of your life, but only if you could find some way of cooling yourself off.

Early foam pillows and mattresses ended up being the best for comfort but not for cooling, and so it was time for developers to improve the original design.

And that is exactly what they have done. The first issue Classic Brands decided to tackle was the material’s cooling ability. They found an easy solution by creating a less-dense product, foam that uses open-cell tech so that cooling can naturally occur.

In addition, they prepped one side of the pillow with a cooling gel. This gel helps to dissipate the heat of your body so that your neck and shoulders experience the cooling sensation this pillow provides.

Now, in winter, when you would prefer your pillow to be warming rather than cooling, all you need to do is to turn it over.

This particular pillow is more suitable for side or back sleepers because it has a slightly higher loft. This is one area where this pillow might be seen to fall a little short. It would be nice if you could adjust the filling a bit.

That said, there is no doubt that this pillow will keep you cool as a cucumber when you go to sleep. Whether that cooling effect lasts all night long is another matter, though.

Still, it is more cooling than your traditional memory foam pillows at least. It is also great for supporting the neck and head, and the cover can be removed and washed.

The cover is made from 40% bamboo fiber to help maximize air circulation and moisture wicking. You are not going to wake up looking like a hot mess when you use this cooling pillow.

The pillow is comfortable, with memory foam creating that perfect level of comfortable support. The foam is shredded to help improve the cooling properties of the pillow as a whole.

This pillow features contouring that makes it really comfortable for those that sleep on their sides or their backs. The contouring along one edge of the pillow is higher than that on the opposite edge making it adjustable for different sleeping positions and requirements.

It is a high-quality pillow that is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and mold. The contours are especially useful if you have shoulder pain and the cooling effect of this pillow gets a very high rating.

This pillow, much like the one above, also features contours and an inner made of memory foam. This means that this pillow will keep its shape well and provide you the support that you need for many years to come.

But, let me be honest here, I am more interested in the cooling ability of the pillow than anything else at this stage. The makes have inserted a cooling gel into the foam of the pillow so that the heat dissipates quickly.

This pillow is better suited to side or back sleepers, with the contouring allowing you to get your perfect pillow height.

The material that the pillow is made from is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and mold.

This pillow is something completely different. It has clusters of what the company calls Gel Dough. This is essentially their brand of memory foam that has been shredded. This makes it easier to mold your pillow to your specifications.

What makes this different from many of the models out there, though, is that the shredded foam is encased in a single layer of gel dough.

This helps to smooth out potential lumps and bumps on the surface but does not affect your ability to customize the cushioning. The casing is designed to allow air to circulate easily and effectively allowing you to cool down at night.

The cover is rich in bamboo-based fabric to help improve breathability. Everything about this option screams luxury, from the super-soft cover to the encased shredded foam.

This is also reversible and features one side that has cooling gel on it. The other side is made from memory foam and will work well if the air outside is colder. The gel does an excellent job of regulating the heat, and the foam provides the right support.

There are those that have dubbed this the best option if you have hot flashes and it is true that it is exceptional under such circumstances. However, it is good for anyone who tends to sleep hot, not just menopausal women.

You can remove and wash the cover and, if absolutely necessary, wipe down the outside with a damp cloth but that is as far as you can get when it comes to cleaning.

I do need to give you fair warning – don’t plan on using it for a couple of nights after you have received it. When it comes out of the plastic, it stinks rather unpleasantly.

But don’t let that put you off, all you need to do is to air it well for a couple of days, and the smell will be a distant memory.

This pillow is going to be the best option for you if you sweat a lot in general, or if your neck sweats a lot in particular. The pillow features memory foam at its core to ensure that you are always comfortable.

The foam in the pillow helps relieve pressure on your upper body and back. To combat the heat retentive properties of this foam, and to ensure that this is truly a cooling pillow, a cool gel layer has been placed over the top.

The pillow cover is made out of bamboo fibers; making is soft to the touch. Bamboo has a more cooling effect than cotton because it can breathe better.

It is a hypoallergenic pillow and, according to the manufacturer’ claims, it will help reduce snoring and headaches thanks to its design.

It is a great pillow but it should also be noted that it falls on the firmer side of the pillow softness scale so it won’t be for everyone.

On the plus side, if you prefer a larger pillow, you can order a queen size with this brand.

Okay, stomach sleepers, I did not forget about you. And putting this pillow on the list proves that. This slim pillow from Xtreme Comforts is perfect for those who like sleeping on a more slender pillow.

The inner is made from memory foam, so you do have ample support, there is just not quite as much filling in this pillow. It is a great pillow for maintaining proper spinal alignment if you sleep on your back or stomach.

This pillow will not do a shoulder sleeper any favors, though so look for another cooling pillow if you are a shoulder sleeper.  

You will like this pillow if you prefer a softer touch. It does have cooling technology built into it and a bamboo pillow cover as well. The bamboo fibers make it easy for air to circulate between the pieces of foam, thereby completing the cooling effect.

This is a dual-sided pillow that feels amazingly soft and comfortable. The one side of the pillow has a layer of cooling gel on it to use during those hot nights. The ventilation holes within the pillow’s main body and the gusseted design help to further project the cooling sensation of the surface.

It is contoured so that your neck is supported perfectly, and it is also hypoallergenic.

There are a lot of different designs, combinations, and materials to choose from here. In this section, I will look at what is most commonly available so that you can narrow down your options

Gel Layers/ Injection

A lot of pillows on offer make use of either a gel layer or gel that has been injected into the foam or fabric to help dissipate your body heat. This is most common with memory foam models.

These can be effective, as long as you choose a reputable vendor and a good quality product. The cooling effect will only be as good as the gel is.

The downside of such models is that they must be washed by hand. You can then let them dry naturally.

Natural Fibers

The incorporation of natural fibers is something that we are starting to see more of. The use of buckwheat as a cooling medium is something that has been used for centuries, and it highlights the advantages of sticking to natural fillers and covers.

The latest trend in this area has been to make 100% natural fillers and covers from bamboo fibers. Bamboo allows air to circulate well and can draw moisture away from the skin, leaving you feeling cooler.

Buckwheat has the same effect, and both are naturally hypoallergenic and have natural antibacterial properties.

On the downside, you cannot take your buckwheat filler for a spin in the washer. You can, however, wash the cover.

Bamboo is quite a bit hardier and will usually work well in the general wash and dryer cycle.

Phase Changing Material

These always remind me of something out of Star Trek, and that is not far off – NASA developed it. They are responsive to heat and cold. When it is hot, they help to divert heat from your body. If you are cold, on the other hand, it helps to keep you warmer.

 These won’t usually stand a wash cycle, so you need to clean by hand. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to be absolutely sure.

Memory Foam

This is extremely popular when it comes to pillows. These will usually last longer and tend to be on the firmer side. You will usually find this type in a solid slab or shredded bits.

The latter is better for someone who likes more adjustability as you can always remove some. The former is better for a side sleeper or someone who needs a firmer level of support.

Gel Fiber

This is not quite as common as the foam, but it is a lot more luxurious and plush. It also has the advantage of being breathable and easy to clean.

You need to consider the materials that are used as much as the style you choose. A good buckwheat model might, for example, not look as impressive as a molded foam one, but you could still get a much more comfortable night’s sleep from it.

Consider how much support you need and choose the material for the inner accordingly. Ideally, your spine and neck should be properly aligned to get the best benefits.

Do consider the warranty that the makers have offered you. Most good companies will offer at least a three-year warranty. If the company you are considering offers no warranty or one that is very limited, look elsewhere.

It helps keep you cooler at night. When our bodies prepare for sleep, our body temperatures drop a little. If the temperature doesn’t drop, we battle to fall asleep or don’t sleep well.

That is why most of us cannot fall asleep easily when the mercury climbs.

If you live in a warm and humid area and you find it hard to get to sleep because your face feels too hot for the pillow, you might want to consider buying one of the cooling pillows.

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to adjust your pillow time after time because you are just feeling too hot.

The next thing to think about is how you feel when you get out of bed. Are you all hot and sweaty or do you wake refreshed? If you wake up regularly with your hair plastered to your face by sweat, you need to make a change.

Perhaps the area that you live in isn’t all that warm, but you are going through the change of life and experiencing hot flashes. A good cool option that draws the heat away from your face can help you to minimize those negative side effects.

References:

• Effects of humid heat exposure on human sleep stages and body temperature - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• Menopause-related hot flashes and night sweats can last for years - Harvard Health Publishing
• Cooling Pillow for Atopic Dermatitis - ClinicalTrials.gov

More reading:

• Top Rated Cervical Pillows for Neck Pain
• How to Stay Cool in Bed While Sleeping