The best cooling pillows in 2024: Sweet dreams for hot sleepers (2024)

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

For those who tend to run hot at night, a cooling pillow can make all the difference between a night of tossing and turning or rejuvenating rest. As with any of the best pillows, you'd want to prioritize your sleep position and consider breathable materials with advanced cooling features that can help regulate sleep temperature. The best cooling pillows offer much-needed relief from nighttime overheating and sleep disruptions.

We tested over a dozen top-rated pillows and consulted with sleep experts to find the very best cooling pillows available. Our top choice, the Coop Sleep Goods Eden Cool+ Pillow, met every criterion for the best cooling pillow — not only is it specially designed for hot sleepers, but its advanced Cool+ technology provides exceptional comfort, plus, it's fully adjustable, making it stand out as the best solution for those seeking relief from nighttime heat. The latex Purple Harmony Pillow has exceptional airflow with its unique cooling technology, complemented by a range of lofts to accommodate any type of sleeper.

Our picks of the best cooling pillows

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

Best budget: Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow - See at Amazon

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

Best latex: Purple Harmony Pillow - See at Amazon

Best memory foam: Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow - See at Brooklyn Bedding

Best organic: Birch Organic Pillow - See at Birch

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

Best for neck pain: TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow- See at Amazon

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

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

Best overall

The Eden Cool+ Pillow has become my ultimate 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 Coop's innovative Cool+ foam fill makes. Crafted specifically for individuals who sleep hot, this pillow blends cooling gel-infused memory foam and recycled polyester fibers to create a heavenly combination of comfort and breathability.

What I love most about this pillow is its dual-sided design. One side features a cooling and firmer phase change gel layer, perfect for those warm nights, while the other side offers a softer, plush feel for when I need a little extra coziness. During testing, I didn't notice any significant heat build-up, and any warmth dissipated quickly, I also found myself experiencing unparalleled support and maintaining ideal spinal alignment, waking up each morning feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, without any hint of shoulder tension or headaches.

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.

Coop offers various ergonomic options, like the Cool+ Cut-Out Pillow, which I also tested and loved. It is made with the same cooling technology and designed specifically for side sleepers. As someone who has long trusted Coop's products for a good night's sleep, I appreciate their dedication to crafting pillows that not only meet but exceed expectations.

Best budget

The best cooling pillows often come with a higher price tag, finding options under $60 can be a challenge due to the cost of cooling materials. However, the Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow offers a budget-friendly alternative. Despite the "Gel pillow" label, these pillows don't contain liquid or cooling gel; instead, they're filled with hypoallergenic polyester gel fiber, similar to down alternative in feel and performance.

Deputy editor, Lauren Savoie, spent months sleeping with these pillows, consistently noting the breathable cotton and down alt fill's ability to maintain a comfortable temperature. The plush, premium feel of these pillows, combined with their soft and breathable fabric, ensures a cool and restful night's sleep, even on warmer nights. 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 provide a cool sleeping experience without stretching your budget.

That said, side sleepers may find that they'll need two or more of these pillows for optimal comfort, it's also worth noting that they are not adjustable. Even though these pillows aren't necessarily actively cooling, their relatively cool nature makes them a comfortable and budget-friendly choice.

Best down-alternative

The Slumber Cloud Ultra Cool features a soft and flexible interior reminiscent of down, offering just the right level of comfort, available in soft/medium and medium/firm firmnesses. Meanwhile, the outer shell boasts a cool-to-the-touch sensation, courtesy of its NASA-engineered Outlast® fabric. I must admit that the pillow shell's texture isn't as smooth as I'd hoped; it has a slight grittiness that requires a well-fitted pillowcase to prevent slipping. Even with a pillowcase, its technology consistently maintained a refreshing coolness throughout the night, preventing any moisture buildup. It kept me cool during testing, maintaining a consistently comfortable feel without ever getting hot.

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. It appears best suited for individuals with smaller to medium frames or larger-framed stomach sleepers who don't require as much loft.

One downside worth noting is the maintenance. After machine washing, the pillow tends to become lumpy and needs reshaping, which could be a hassle, especially considering the recommended wash frequency. 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

The Purple Harmony Pillow is a great choice for hot sleepers seeking a latex option. 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.

My husband has quickly become a fan of the Purple Harmony. He loves its soft, bouncy, and airy feel, finding 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.

That said, I don't recommend this pillow to individuals seeking a plush feel, as it lacks the flexibility and moldability of a traditional pillow. Overall, the Purple Harmony Pillow offers unparalleled cooling and support, making it a top choice for hot sleepers.

Best memory foam

I was excited to test out the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow, especially since we love the latex pillow that we tested for our guide to the best pillows for side sleepersfor its bouncy and responsive design, with airways that dissipate heat, enhancing temperature regulation even more. I received the king-size, high-loft version with a shell that is silky, smooth, and cool-to-the-touch. Sleeping on this pillow was incredibly satisfying; it kept me cool even during warmer nights. The naturally copper-infused memory foam enhances breathability and comfort. The cooling effect also comes from the infusion of cooling gel that pulls excess body heat away from the surface.

The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling pillow provided excellent support for my head and kept my spine aligned as a side sleeper. It adapts well to the head and neck and is very responsive. It's great that it comes in low or high profiles to accommodate all sleeping positions.

The pillow is medium-firm, a bit thick, but balances softness well. Thanks to its memory foam construction, it retained its shape during and after testing, and knowing Brooklyn Bedding products, I expect it will hold its shape long-term. My husband and I found it equally comfortable despite our different shapes and sizes. This pillow is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking cooling comfort and reliable support with solid memory foam.

Best organic

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.

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.

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 sleep solution with the assurance of eco-friendly and ethical environmental values.

Best silk

The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow has been an absolute luxury to sleep on. From the moment it arrived in its beautifully designed reusable packaging; an elegant canvas bag with leather-like straps, I knew it was going to be a remarkable sleep experience. Filled with 100% long-strand mulberry silk and encased in premium bamboo viscose, it is as sumptuous as it sounds. The natural breathability of silk and bamboo viscose made it ideal for maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the night, leaving me feeling refreshed every morning during my testing period. It truly stands out as one of the best, softest pillows I've tested.

Currently, in my first few weeks of testing, I am happy with the luxurious, high-quality materials and the undeniable comfort it provides.

There are a couple of things to consider before purchasing, 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 and expressed concerns to me about its longevity, noting that the outer cover started pilling, which is not ideal given the price point, but admittedly still continues to reach for it despite this pain point because of the comfort, appreciating its breathable, soft, and moldable design. Pilling is also covered under Cozy Earth's lengthy 10-year warranty. We both love this pillow but we will have to test it further to see how durable it proves to be long-term.

Best for neck pain

The TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow quickly became my go-to choice, especially during hot summer days when its cooling properties shine. Featuring dual gel layers and a cool-to-the-touch quilted cover, it effectively regulates temperature throughout the night, ensuring a consistently cool sleep experience that also helps alleviate discomfort. Throughout testing, I never experienced significant heat buildup, and any warmth dissipated quickly.

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 my head stays securely in place through the night, providing relief and comfort where needed the most.

Despite being made of dense TEMPUR material, it maintains a soft and plush feel. The high-quality construction ensures durability without clumping or flattening over time; even after a year of use, it still bounces back like new.

Personally, I'm not usually a fan of foam pillows, there are only a handful that I like, but I find the TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze very comfortable, especially in alleviating neck pain and keeping me cool. However, its thickness, firmness, and weight may not suit everyone's needs. One downside to this pillow is that TEMPUR does not offer any trial period, and it cannot be returned once purchased. However, they do offer a 5-year warranty.

Best for combination sleepers

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.

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. However, the pillow's density does make it slightly heavier compared to others, which may be something to consider for those who prefer a lighter pillow.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 body pillow

I've been pretty 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 and silky quilted microfiber case that I personally love for its soft and smooth feel. The quilted cover is also removable for those who prefer the feel of smooth 300-thread count cotton feel.

The breathable quilted cover keeps me feeling refreshed throughout the night, while the fiber fill, which mimics the plushness of 600-fill European down, 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.

The COOP body pillow has been my favorite for years, but Pluto Puff is a strong contender. While not adjustable like the COOP, which might be a downside for those who prefer a customizable option, its consistent performance and luxurious, cool feel make the Pluto Puff a standout choice among cooling body pillows.

What to look for in a cooling pillow

With many cooling pillow options on the market, selecting the right one 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:Avoid heat-retaining materials like down or wool; 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

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. 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 conducted a thorough assessment by testing over 12 top-rated pillows on the market, focusing on the following critical factors:

• 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/Trial Period: I thoroughly investigated the return policies and warranties for each pillow, understanding that individual preferences vary and ensuring flexibility in exchange or return options.

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?

Most cooling pillows in this guide come with a machine-washable cover, although the pillow itself 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.