The 8 best cooling pillows we tested are game-changers for hot sleepers

If you’re in search of the best cooling pillow, you’re likely familiar with the nightly struggle of overheating and flipping all night long.

Studies show that temperature regulation is crucial to restful sleep, so it’s essential to consider materials that provide temperature control, moisture wicking, and comfort that supports your neck.

We have tested many pillows, cooling sheets, and even top sleeping products, so when we say we’ve seen it all, we really have, and we are testing every day.

Best Cooling Pillow Overall: Coop Sleep Goods Eden Pillow

COOP

Great for hot sleepers of all positions. The gel memory foam of the Coop Sleep Goods Eden Pillow regulates heat, while the bamboo cover adds breathability. Its adjustable fill lets you fine-tune the loft and firmness for your sleep position, while the gel-infused foam works to dissipate heat throughout the night.

Fill type: Hypoallergenic, non-toxic blend of memory foam and microfiber | Firmness level: Medium-soft to medium | Cover material: 100% polyester

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Best Down Alternative Cooling Pillow: Cozy Earth Bamboo Down Alternative Pillow

Cozy Earth

New York Post Review: “Most of us who cherish good sleep are well acquainted with the Cozy Earth brand. The Post Wanted team swears by their cooling sheets, fluffy duvets, and sleek pajama sets, but the single item I can’t sleep without is easily the Bamboo Down Alternative Pillow. In my experience, this is about as close as true Down you can get, without sacrificing any real feathers.

The hypothermic combination of temperature-regulating bamboo and recycled polyester offers that cooling, sinkable feeling that cradles your head and neck, no matter what position you find yourself in (ideal for tossers and turners).

The viscose also wicks away moisture, keeping you cool year-round. I’m not overly sensitive to heat, but I’ve noticed such a difference in the amount of airflow I get with this pillow. It’s the air around you, not just the material beneath you, that feels much more breathable. I’m betting it’s the only reason I can survive this year’s heat wave, without waking up in a pile of sweat.” – Miska Salemann, commerce reporter

Miska Saleman

Fill type: Recycled polyester down-alternative blend | Firmness level: Medium-soft | Cover material: Viscose from bamboo

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Best Cooling Neck Pillow for Side Sleeper: Eli & Elm Best Pillow for Neck Pain

New York Post Review: “I was forced to learn how to side-sleep during pregnancy, and one of the best ways to get myself properly situated was investing in a side-sleeping pillow. What I wish I had found was one that also offered a cooling effect, because, like many pregnant women, I was hot, bothered, and hardly sleeping most of the third trimester. I’ve since come to discover the Eli & Elm Cotton Side-sleeper Pillow, and my only regret is that I hadn’t invested in one earlier.

The design is carefully shaped to support the head and neck and keep you in the proper form while you sleep, and it’s also encased with a breathable cotton cover, with cooling gels, and a proprietary shredded latex fill that offers ideal airflow and keeps temperatures lower through the night. Here’s the deal: If you’re not a side-sleeper, you may have trouble with the way this pillow positions you. But if you are one, you’re probably missing out. It’s soft, supportive, yet cooling at the same time. Kind of dream if you’re pregnant, suffer from back pain, or need to be the little spoon.” — Salemann

Fill type: 75% latex & 25% polyester fiber | Firmness level: Medium | Cover material:  smooth cotton, blended with ultra fine polyester and spandex

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Best Adaptive Foam Cooling Pillow: Sleep Number True Temp Pillow

Sleep Number

New York Post Review: “On first look, I wondered if the True Temp Adapt’s unique design would help keep me cool at night, or if it was just a piece of bubbly modern decor (that cover definitely has a different look than some others I’ve slept on). But, since I’ve started sleeping on it, the first point has proven true. Sleep Number’s cooling pillow features adaptive foam contours that mold to the head and neck and enhance airflow. Unique active-particle technology traps heat and humidity, and a cool-to-the-touch cover slips off easily, as pictured. My sleep hasn’t been affected by NYC’s heatwave (thus far), so I’d say it’s doing its job. If you’re not a fan of the thicker, textured cover, you can easily replace it with another pillow case.” — Salemann

Fill type: 46% polyethylene, 31% 37.5 polyester, 23% polyester, filled with 80% polyester, 20% 37.5 polyester| Firmness level: Medium | Cover material: Cool-touch hypoallergenic fabric

Miska Saleman

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Best Bamboo Cooling Pillow: Cariloha Retreat Bamboo Pillow

Cariloha

This eco-friendly option uses bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam to combat heat and odors while providing steady support. The bamboo-derived cover is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, which helps regulate body temperature. It’s ideal for sleepers who want a sustainable and hypoallergenic alternative.

Fill type: Bamboo viscose blend | Firmness level: Medium | Cover material: Bamboo viscose blend

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Best Budget Cooling Pillow: Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow

Beckham Hotel Collection

This bestselling set of two pillows offers plush comfort and effective cooling without the premium price tag. Filled with a soft gel down alternative and encased in a breathable cotton shell, the Beckham Hotel Collection pillows are a go-to choice for budget-conscious shoppers who want that luxury hotel feel without breaking the bank.

Fill type: 100% polyester fiber | Firmness level: Medium | Cover material: 100% cotton

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Best Memory Foam Cooling Pillow: TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow

Amazon

The TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze is a splurge-worthy option that combines Tempur-Pedic’s signature contouring foam with dual gel layers to keep both sides of the pillow cool. It offers excellent support for side and back sleepers and holds its shape exceptionally well. If you want luxurious comfort and long-lasting cooling, this one is hard to beat.

Fill type: TEMPUR memory foam with cooling gel layers | Firmness level: Medium-firm | Cover material: N/A

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Best Cooling Pillow for Back/Stomach Sleepers: Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology

Casper

Casper’s Snow Technology adds an instant cooling feel the moment your head hits the pillow, while the perforated foam core enhances breathability. The soft yet supportive design is best suited for back and stomach sleepers who want plush comfort without overheating. Bonus: it bounces back quickly and keeps its shape well.

Fill type: AirScape perforated foam + fiber | Firmness level: Soft to medium | Cover material: Cool-to-the-touch knit

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How We Tested

We read hundreds of customer reviews, consulted third-party ratings, and personally tested two top-rated cooling pillows over several nights of sleep. Our goal was to assess how well they delivered on comfort, cooling, and support for different sleep styles.

We evaluated the following:

• Cooling ability: Was it actually cool? If so, how long did it stay that way?
• Support & comfort: We reviewed whether the pillow provided a stabilized cushion throughout multiple sleeps.
• Material quality: We looked at each pillow’s materials and gave extra points to those that had cooling technologies and materials known to fight heat.
• Sleep position adaptability: For each pillow, we questioned who it was best for and whether it could work for various types of sleepers.
• Price point: We looked at all of the above criteria and measured them against the asking price of each pillow. Pricier pillows that had minimal cooling design features but a higher price were quickly removed from our final edit in favor of options that provided more bells and whistles for the same price.

What is the best material for a pillow to stay cool?

Gel-infused shredded memory foam is a popular choice due to its combination of breathability and support, especially for those who suffer from night sweats. Latex and microfiber clusters also do well. Look for fillings labeled with phase-change materials. Memory foam infused with gel or graphite tends to perform best for both cooling and support. Latex is another excellent choice — it’s naturally breathable and resistant to heat retention. If softness is key, down-alternative fills with moisture-wicking covers (like bamboo or Tencel) offer airy comfort.

What is the coolest pillow filling?

Gel-infused shredded memory foam is a popular choice due to its combination of breathability and support. Latex and microfiber clusters also do well. Look for fillings labeled with phase-change materials or proprietary blends from brands like Tempur-Pedic, Columbia, and Sealy.

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