Importance Score: 12 / 100 🟠
Finding the Best Cooling Pillow for a Comfortable Night’s Sleep
Waking up feeling uncomfortably hot and stuck to your sheets is an unpleasant experience. For those who naturally overheat during sleep or live in humid climates, finding respite from nighttime heat can be a constant struggle. On sweltering nights, the desire to stop tossing and turning in search of a cool spot on the mattress becomes paramount. Fortunately, innovations in sleep technology offer solutions. Many are turning to cooling pillows to enhance sleep quality and combat nighttime overheating.
A recent survey indicates that Americans are willing to invest significantly in better sleep, averaging around $78 per month on solutions like cooling mattresses, fans, and specialized bedding such as bamboo or Tencel sheets, and importantly, cooling pillows. Pillows incorporating advanced cooling technology, extending beyond just the cover to the internal materials like stuffing or foam, can be transformative. This review examines a selection of top-rated cooling pillows rigorously tested to identify those that genuinely enhance sleep comfort.
Best Cooling Pillows of 2025
The Best Overall Cooling Pillow
Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology
The Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology stands out as the top cooling pillow tested, earning the title of best overall. Its machine-washable cover offers an immediate cool sensation, complemented by the internal construction featuring perforated poly foam, polyester fibers, and gel. Casper’s innovative Snow Technology incorporates phase-change material to maintain a neutral temperature around the head and neck, facilitating optimal airflow.
This pillow provides a balance of softness and support, allowing the head to sink slightly into the poly foam without excessive immersion. Classified as medium firmness, it quickly recovers its shape, surpassing memory foam in responsiveness, eliminating the need for fluffing. The Casper Hybrid Pillow is designed to accommodate various sleep positions, including back, side, and combination sleepers.
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Sleeping position(s): Back, side, and combination
Pros:
- Cool to the touch; the coolest pillow tested
- Soft, machine-washable cover
- Features four layers of foam, fiber, and gel with Snow Technology
Cons:
- Priced over $100
- May not appeal to those who dislike foam pillows
Best Affordable Cooling Pillow: GhostBed Gel Memory Foam Pillow
GhostBed, renowned for its cooling mattresses, extends its cooling expertise to the Gel Memory Foam Pillow. Constructed with a perforated gel memory foam core, a phase-changing material layer, aerated mesh, and a noticeably cool-to-the-touch cover, this pillow delivers on its cooling promise. It effectively conforms to the head and neck while maintaining a cool surface against the face.
The GhostPillow Gel Memory Foam Pillow presents exceptional value, particularly when compared to other memory foam cooling pillows. Its cooling effectiveness surpasses many competing pillows, making it a worthwhile investment. It suits back, side, and combination sleepers seeking an affordable cooling pillow option.
Sleeping position(s): Back, side, and combination
Pros:
- Cool to the touch
- Machine-washable cover
- Affordable price point, with frequent sales
Cons:
- Not recommended for strict stomach sleepers
- Cooling cover is only featured on one side
Best Cooling Memory Foam Pillow: Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow
The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Pillow excels as the best cooling memory foam pillow and a versatile option for all sleep styles. Available in high and low loft options, the high loft is suited for side sleepers, while the low loft caters to back and stomach sleepers. Its hexagon-patterned, machine-washable cover provides a cool touch, predominantly on the hexagon side.
The perforated memory foam infused with copper offers additional benefits by combating mold, allergens, and dust mites. This pillow is well-suited for those who appreciate memory foam and desire the flexibility to change sleep positions comfortably. Brooklyn Bedding often offers promotions, making this cooling memory foam pillow accessible at a reasonable price.
Sleeping position(s): Stomach and combination
Pros:
- Cool to the touch
- Machine-washable cover
- Suitable for all sleeper types
Cons:
- Priced over $100
- Leans towards a thinner profile
Best Cooling Shredded Foam Pillow: Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow
The Nest Easy Breather stands out as a more supportive option among cooling pillows. Featuring a cool-to-the-touch cover and shredded foam filling, its loft can be adjusted by removing fill to customize firmness and height. At maximum fill, it provides substantial neck and head support, ideal for side sleepers who prefer to avoid the sinking sensation of memory foam.
While versatile, the Nest Easy Breather may require fill removal for comfortable back sleeping and is not optimally suited for stomach sleepers, who might need to remove almost all filling. Consider exploring specialized cooling pillows for stomach sleepers for a better fit.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Pros:
- Cool to the touch
- Machine-washable cover
- Adjustable loft
Cons:
- Not ideal for strict stomach sleepers
- May not suit those preferring a sinking feel
Best Cooling Latex Pillow: Purple Harmony Pillow
The Purple Harmony pillow, a smaller rendition of the Purple Mattress, incorporates Purple’s signature GelFlex grid. This unique layer offers flexibility, support, and a slight molding quality akin to memory foam. The pillow’s Talalay latex core, derived from rubber trees, is perforated to enhance airflow and minimize heat retention.
While its machine-washable mesh cover provides a mild cooling sensation, it is less pronounced than the Casper, GhostBed, or Brooklyn Bedding pillows. The Purple Harmony prioritizes internal cooling materials over an intensely cool cover. It effectively supports back and side sleepers seeking a cooling latex pillow.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Pros:
- Cool to the touch
- Unique honeycombed grid pattern
- Soft, machine-washable cover
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Latex-grid feel may not appeal to everyone
Best Cooling Pillow for Back Sleepers: Bear Pillow
The Bear Pillow excels as a cooling pillow for back sleepers. Its cover, crafted with Bear’s Double Ice Fabric, offers a cool touch. Mesh sections at each end further enhance airflow. Hypoallergenic properties resist mold, bacteria, and dust mites. At its core, a hybrid foam blends the bounciness of latex with the molding quality of memory foam, achieving a balanced firmness suitable for both back and side sleepers.
Note that the Bear Pillow cover is spot-clean only and requires a light, breathable pillowcase. While not machine washable, its cooling and supportive qualities make it a strong contender, particularly for back sleepers needing a supportive cooling pillow.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Pros:
- Cool to the touch
- Hypoallergenic
- Features perforated hybrid foam
Cons:
- Not suitable for strict stomach sleepers
- Latex foam bounce may not be preferred by all
- Higher MSRP
Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers: Layla Adjustable Fill Kapok Pillow
Side sleepers seeking optimal neck alignment should consider the Layla Kapok Pillow. Its height and firmness prevent neck strain by maintaining proper spinal alignment. Filled with shredded memory foam for enhanced airflow, its loft is customizable by removing fill. This adjustability also makes it adaptable for back sleepers by reducing the fill for a softer, lower profile cooling pillow.
Kapok fibers offer lighter and more ventilated properties than traditional cotton or wool, contributing to its cooling effect. This pillow provides a desirable balance of sink and support for side sleepers, ensuring comfort and minimizing neck discomfort throughout the night.
Sleeping position(s): Back, side, and combination
Pros:
- Adjustable fill to customize loft
- Plush yet supportive
- Soft, machine-washable cover
Cons:
- Cover is not cool to the touch
- Not suitable for strict stomach sleepers
Best Cooling Pillow for Stomach Sleepers: Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
Finding suitable pillows for stomach sleepers can be challenging. The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow addresses this need by providing both support and a low profile to prevent neck overextension. Constructed from bamboo fabric and 100% mulberry silk, it utilizes light and cooling materials to minimize overheating, offering a noticeably soft touch.
While its cover may not have the immediate cool-to-the-touch sensation of some other pillows, the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow compensates with superior material quality. The premium construction resists pilling, ensuring longevity. Its comfort extends to back and combination sleepers, making it a versatile option despite being specifically highlighted as a cooling pillow for stomach sleepers.
Sleeping position(s): Stomach and combination
Pros:
- Filling composed of 100% mulberry silk
- Cover crafted from 100% bamboo fabric
- Exclusively made with breathable materials
Cons:
- Cover is not cool to the touch
- Most expensive option
Best Adjustable Cooling Pillow: Coop Cool+ Pillow
Coop Sleep Goods has gained prominence for its cooling sleep products. The Coop Eden Pillow has consistently ranked among top cooling pillows, and the Coop Cool Plus Pillow represents an enhanced iteration. It retains the cool-to-the-touch cover of the Eden Pillow and adds a heat-wicking inner liner, a gel layer, and shredded gel-infused memory foam. The fill is Greenguard Gold and CertiPur-US certified. While marketed as having a cooler and firmer side, this distinction was not evident in testing.
A key feature of this adjustable cooling pillow is its customizable loft. It includes extra filling and allows for fill removal to achieve desired firmness and height. The memory foam conforms to the head, providing a cradling sensation regardless of fill level.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Pros:
- Cool to the touch
- Adjustable and hypoallergenic
- Machine-washable cover
Cons:
- Not ideal for strict stomach sleepers
- May not suit those who dislike a sinking feel
Best Organic Cooling Pillow: Birch Organic Pillow
For environmentally conscious consumers, Birch offers a compelling choice. This brand prioritizes organic, eco-friendly, and natural materials. The Birch Organic Pillow features a 100% organic GOTS-certified cotton cover, offering breathability though not a cool-to-the-touch feel. Its core combines a 100% organic cotton outer layer with shredded latex fill, encased in 100% organic, GOTS-certified wool for moisture wicking.
The pillow maintains a smooth feel without lumpiness and offers strong support for back and side sleepers seeking an organic cooling pillow option.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Pros:
- GOTS and Eco-Institut certified
- Incorporates Fair Trade cotton
- Composed of natural and organic materials
Cons:
- Cover is not cool to the touch
- Priced over $100
Best Supporting Cooling Pillow: Sleep Number True Temp Pillow
The Sleep Number True Temp Pillow offers three distinct shapes: classic, contour, and ultimate. The classic shape, tested for this review, is best suited for back sleepers. Side sleepers are advised to consider the contour shape, while the ultimate shape is designed to accommodate all sleep positions through customization. All shapes of the Sleep Number pillow are cool to the touch and feature 37.5 technology, using volcanic minerals to manage moisture.
Filled entirely with foam resembling a medium-firm poly foam, it provides substantial head and neck support without excessive sinking. It is a good choice as a supporting cooling pillow, especially for back sleepers.
Sleeping position(s): Back
Pros:
- Cool to the touch
- Available in classic, contour, and ultimate shapes
- Soft, machine-washable cover
Cons:
- Not optimal for strict stomach sleepers
- Side sleepers should opt for the contour shape
Best Soft Cooling Pillow: Saatva Latex Pillow
The Saatva Latex Pillow distinguishes itself as the softest and thinnest cooling pillow in this selection. Offered in standard and high loft versions, the standard loft is recommended for back and stomach sleepers, while side and combination sleepers may prefer the high loft. The standard loft was evaluated for this review.
It evokes the feel of a luxury hotel pillow with a less dense fill. Composed of a cotton cover (without a cool-touch feature), certified organic cotton, plush down-like fibers, and a shredded natural latex core, it prioritizes breathability and hypoallergenic properties to combat bacteria, mold, mildew, and dust mites. The cotton cover is machine washable, enhancing its practicality as a soft cooling pillow.
Sleeping position(s): Back, stomach, side, and combination
Pros:
- Shredded natural latex core
- Machine-washable, Fair Trade Certified cotton cover
- Available in standard and high lofts
Cons:
- Cover lacks a cool-touch sensation
- May not be suitable for those who prefer thicker pillows
How We Tested the Best Cooling Pillows
Testing methodology prioritized evaluating each cooling pillow’s cooling effect, material composition, overall feel, firmness level, suitability for different sleeper types, price point, and available sizes. Each pillow underwent overnight testing for one to two nights, supplemented by daytime rest evaluations. As a primary side sleeper, diverse sleep positions were tested on each pillow to determine optimal comfort for various preferences.
While sustained ice-cold temperatures throughout the night are not yet achievable in pillows, these cooling pillows incorporate temperature-neutral materials designed to minimize body heat retention. Some provide an initial cool-to-touch sensation, although this effect may diminish over time. The internal materials primarily function to prevent overheating and promote a more comfortable sleep environment.
The choice of pillowcase significantly influences a pillow’s cooling performance. Hot sleepers using flannel or heavy materials should consider switching to silk, bamboo, or cotton pillowcases to maximize the benefits of a cooling pillow.
Other Cooling Pillows Tested
The following pillows received honorable mentions. While not included in the primary list, these options possess noteworthy cooling characteristics that may appeal to some individuals.
Nolah Adjustable Shredded Foam Pillow
The Nolah Adjustable Shredded Foam Pillow is a standout honorable mention. Its shredded foam fill allows for customized loft and firmness. The cover, crafted from Oeko-Tex-certified bamboo blend fibers, is soft and machine-washable. Each purchase includes two queen-size pillows, offering value and convenience.
Falling between the softer Helix pillow and the firmer Marlow pillow in terms of feel, it provides a moderate sink without excessive depth. While not cool to the touch, its adjustable nature and comfortable feel make it a noteworthy contender, although some may find the shredded foam texture less smooth than desired.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Marlow Pillow
The Marlow Pillow, from Brooklinen, is made with memory foam and polyester fiber filling, encased in a 100% cotton cover. Unlike adjustable fill pillows, the Marlow Pillow features zippers (top and bottom) intended to adjust firmness, though the effect is minimal.
It offers more support than shredded memory foam pillows, minimizing sink. However, its firmness might be excessive for some individuals seeking a softer feel in a cooling pillow.
Sleeping position(s): Back and combination
Lagoon Otter Pillow
The Lagoon Otter Pillow is designed for versatility, filled with shredded gel-infused memory foam and covered in a polyester-bamboo blend. It arrives pre-filled but includes extra foam and a pouch for removed fill, allowing for loft adjustments. While soft, its cover lacks a cool-to-the-touch feature.
Marketed for all sleeper types, it is best suited for back and side sleepers. Stomach sleepers would need to remove significant fill, potentially making a pillow specifically designed for stomach sleeping a more efficient choice considering the effort and price.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Sijo Support Pillow
The Sijo Support Pillow caters to those who prefer firmer, bouncier, and more supportive pillows, contrasting with memory foam preferences. Composed entirely of perforated Talalay latex foam and a eucalyptus fiber shell, it is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, hypoallergenic, and uses sustainable materials.
While not cool to the touch, its material composition promotes temperature neutrality. It offers minimal head sink and a light feel despite its density, making it a durable and supportive, albeit firmer, cooling pillow alternative.
Sleeping position(s): Back and side
Factors to consider when choosing a cooling pillow
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Sleeping position
Pillow requirements vary significantly based on sleeping position. Stomach sleepers need thinner, softer pillows, while side sleepers require higher, firmer support. Back sleepers need a balance, seeking a medium firmness and loft.
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Price
Pillow costs can range widely. Quality foam pillows are often found in the $50-$100 range. Premium material pillows, like silk or bamboo, can exceed $150 or $200. Prioritize aligning your choice with your budgetary constraints.
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Material
Optimal cooling pillows utilize materials like latex, foam, silk, cotton, or bamboo. Avoid non-gel, non-perforated memory foam exclusively, as it tends to retain heat.
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Height
High-loft pillows (around five inches) are designed for side sleepers. Stomach or back sleepers should seek low-loft options (under five inches) for better spinal alignment and comfort.
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Size
While standard size is common, cooling pillows are often available in queen and king sizes to suit bed dimensions and personal preference.
Best Cooling Pillows Compared
| Price | Size(s) | Firmness | Materials | Machine-washable? | Hypoallergenic? | Trial Period | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casper Hybrid Pillow | $149 | Standard, King | Medium | Poly foam | Cover only | Not specified | 30-nights | 10-year limited |
| GhostPillow | $55 | Standard, Queen | Medium | Gel memory foam | Cover only | Yes | 101-nights | 5-years |
| Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow | $129 | Queen, King | Medium | Memory foam | Cover only | Yes | 30-days | 3-years |
| Nest Easy Breather Pillow | $119 | Standard, Queen, King, Side Sleeper | Adjustable | Shredded foam | Cover only | Not specified | 30-nights | 2-years |
| Purple Harmony | $199 | Standard, King | Medium | Latex | Cover only | Yes | 100-nights | 1-year |
| Bear Pillow | $125 | Standard, King | Medium | Latex and memory “hybrid” foam | No | Yes | 30-nights | 2-years |
| Layla Kapok | $109 | Queen, King | Adjustable | Shredded memory foam | No | Not specified | 120-nights | 5-years |
| Cozy Earth Silk Pillow | $299 | Standard, King | Medium | Silk and bamboo | No | Yes | 100-day | 10-years |
| Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow | $139 | Queen, King | Adjustable | Shredded memory foam | Cover only | Yes | 100-nights | 5-years |
| Birch Organic Pillow | $149 | Standard, King | Medium | Cotton, wool and latex | No | Yes | 100-nights | 1-year |
| Sleep Number True Temp Pillow | $110 | Standard, King | Medium to Medium-firm | Foam | Cover only | Yes | 100-nights | 1-year |
| Saatva Latex Pillow | $165 | Queen, King | Medium-soft | Cotton and shredded latex | Cover only | Yes | 45-days | 1-year |
Do cooling pillows really stay cool all night?
Despite claims, most cooling pillows, even those with a cool-to-touch feature, rarely maintain coolness throughout the night. The internal materials, rather than just the cover, are key to heat regulation. These pillows utilize materials that resist body heat retention, maintaining a temperature-neutral state. While a cool-to-touch cover offers initial comfort, its effect will likely diminish. The primary benefit is the pillow’s filling, designed to prevent nighttime sweating.
What is the coldest cooling pillow?
Among the tested pillows, the Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology stood out as the coldest. Its high-quality materials, comfort, and genuinely cool feel secured its position as the top recommendation.
How can I make my cooling pillow colder?
While truly ice-cold pillows are not feasible for all-night use, maximizing coolness involves several strategies. First, ensure your cooling pillow is paired with a suitable pillowcase, ideally bamboo, silk, or lightweight cotton, to enhance the cover’s cooling effect and minimize heat retention. Pre-cooling pillowcases or sheets in a freezer before bed can also provide temporary enhanced coolness. Finally, select pillows with fillings like perforated foam, gel, latex, bamboo, silk, or cotton, known for their temperature-neutral properties.
Do you need to use a pillowcase with a cooling pillow?
Yes, pillowcases are essential for prolonging pillow lifespan, maintaining cleanliness, and providing protection. Concerns about pillowcases diminishing a cooling pillow’s effect can be mitigated by using cooling sheets and pillowcases to maintain overall cooling performance.
How often should cooling pillows be replaced?
Replace cooling pillows every couple of years, depending on material quality and care. Memory foam and latex pillows last longer, up to three years. Replacement indicators include reduced cooling, lumps or flattening, persistent odors, staining, or new neck pain/headaches. Extend lifespan by using pillow protectors, washing covers as directed, and avoiding folding or crushing during storage.