Overheating at night disrupts REM sleep and triggers frequent waking. As a certified sleep science consultant, I tested over a dozen cooling pillows throughout the summer to evaluate temperature regulation, loft retention, and pressure relief. Like other cooling bedding products, they're designed to prevent night sweats and overheating with enhanced breathability and cooling materials.
Our picks for the best cooling pillows
Best overall cooling pillow: Coop Sleep Goods Cool+ Adjustable Pillow - See at Amazon
Best budget cooling pillow: Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow - See at Amazon
Best memory foam cooling pillow: Tempur-Cloud Dual Cooling Pillow - See at Tempur-Pedic
Softest cooling pillow Slumber Cloud Ultra Cool Pillow - See at Slumber Cloud
Best latex cooling pillow: Purple Harmony Pillow - See at Amazon
Best cooling pillow for combination sleepers: Nest Easy Breather Pillow - See at Nest Bedding
Best organic cooling pillow: Birch Organic Pillow - See at Birch
Best silk: Cozy Earth Silk Pillow - See at Cozy Earth
Best cooling body pillow: Pluto Puff Body Pillow - See at Pluto
Best overall
The Coop Cool+ Pillow keeps you cool with its gel-infused foam, offers two sides for different feels, and adjusts to your liking.
What we like
What we don't like
What makes it cooling: The Coop Cool+ pairs a cool-to-the-touch cover and a firmer phase-change-gel side with gel-infused shredded memory foam. From the moment I first lay my head on it, it delivered one of the most noticeable cooling sensations and did not develop the heat buildup we often notice with foam-heavy pillows.
Why it's a top pick: The adjustable fill is what makes it our best overall pick. You can remove or add the shredded foam-and-fiber blend to change the loft for your ideal sleep position and desired support. The two sides offer different feels: one is plush, and the other is firmer. This makes it especially well-suited to combination sleepers and anyone who is particular about pillow height. For added flexibility, Coop also offers its Cool+ design in Cut-Out and Crescent shapes, designed specifically for side sleepers, to close the awkward gap between a side sleeper's shoulder and head.
The trade-off is maintenance. Adding or removing fill can be messy, with fine microfiber pieces sticking to nearby surfaces, and only the cover is machine washable. But if you want a pillow that combines a genuinely cool surface with customizable support, this is the most complete option we tested.
Best budget
The Beckham Hotel Collection Down Alternative Pillow is a budget-friendly option with a plush, premium feel and breathable cotton fabric.
What we like
What we don't like
What makes it cooling: Unlike the picks with cooling gel or phase-change materials, the Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow relies on breathable cotton and airy down-alternative fill to limit heat buildup. It does not feel cold to the touch, but it is noticeably less heat-trapping than denser memory foam pillows or even other down alternative designs.
Why it's a top pick: It earns our best-budget spot because it delivers soft, comfortable support and dependable breathability at a far lower price than most cooling pillows—and it is sold as a set of two. Former deputy editor Lauren Savoie slept on these pillows for months and found they maintained a comfortable temperature and held up well, especially for the price, calling them "airy and breathable." They are also machine washable, making them a practical choice for a guest bed or anyone replacing multiple pillows at once.
The hypoallergenic polyester fill feels soft and fluffy with a lower loft that is best for stomach sleepers and some back sleepers; most side sleepers will need a more supportive option. Choose this pair if your goal is a pillow that sleeps relatively cool without a premium price tag, but skip it if you want a pronounced cool-touch feel or adjustable support.
Best memory foam
The cool-to-the-touch Tempur-Cloud pillow is perfect for hot summer nights, offering substantial support that effectively relieves neck and shoulder tension
What we like
What we don't like
What makes it cooling: The Tempur-Cloud Dual Cooling Pillow sandwiches dense TEMPUR foam between gel layers and a moisture-wicking, cool-to-the-touch quilted cover for 360-degree cooling. That construction gives it the contouring support memory foam is known for without the pronounced heat retention of a standard solid-foam pillow.
Why it's a top pick: It was the best option we tested for sleepers who want the stable, pressure-relieving feel of a traditional memory foam pillow. The surface stayed comfortably cool through the night, while the medium-firm, dense foam kept my head and neck from sinking too far out of alignment, so I never experienced any neck discomfort or pain. After a year of use, it has also retained its shape and support without flattening or clumping.
Its height, firmness, and weight will not suit everyone. The pillow is best for side and back sleepers who prefer a substantial, contouring feel; stomach sleepers and anyone who likes a plush, moldable pillow should choose a softer option. It also has a short-lived off-gassing smell when new and is not returnable when purchased directly though Tempur-Pedic, so it is a more committed purchase than many picks in this guide.
Best soft cooling pillow
The Slumber Cloud Ultra Cool pillow offers a soft, down-like fill wrapped in cool-to-the-touch Outlast fabric designed to resist heat build-up.
What we like
What we don't like
What makes it cooling: The Slumber Cloud Ultra Cool pairs airy down-alternative fiberfill with a cover featuring the brand's proprietary Outlast technology, which incorporates phase change material. The cover has a clear, cool-to-the-touch feel, even under a pillowcase, while the loose fill allows more airflow than a dense foam pillow.
Why it's a top pick: This is the best option we tested for hot sleepers who want a soft, flexible pillow rather than the firmer feel of foam or latex. It has the lofty, moldable feel of down but stayed comfortable throughout the night without the heat buildup we expect from fluffy pillows. Choose the soft version for stomach sleeping, or the medium version for a little more support for back or side sleeping. Even with a pillowcase, it consistently remained cool and comfortable throughout the night, preventing moisture buildup.
Its plush feel comes with a trade-off: it needs regular fluffing, and the fill can become lumpy after washing. The medium loft may also feel too low for larger-framed side and back sleepers. Still, it is a strong choice if your priority is a cool-to-the-touch pillow that feels soft and traditional rather than dense or structured.
Best latex
The innovative Purple Harmony incorporates a honeycomb-patterned Grid (the same material as in its mattresses) that surrounds a supportive inner core of hypoallergenic ventilated latex for an extremely comfortable and supportive pillow that sleeps cool.
What we like
What we don't like
What makes it cooling: The Purple Harmony uses a ventilated Talalay latex core wrapped in Purple's open and airy honeycomb-shaped GelFlex Grid. That breathable construction provides more airflow than solid foam and draws away heat, while the moisture-wicking mesh cover helps keep the surface from feeling clammy.
Why it's a top pick: It is the most supportive and resilient cooling pillow we tested. The latex-and-grid construction has a buoyant, springy feel that holds its shape better than softer fiberfill pillows, and it stayed comfortably temperature-neutral through the night. 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. It is also available in three loft heights—5.5, 6.5, and 7.5 inches—so side, back, and stomach sleepers can choose a height that best suits their frame.
The distinctive, responsive feel is not for everyone. It's 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. However, it is less moldable than a traditional pillow, and the higher lofts will be too substantial for most stomach sleepers. But if you want durable, breathable support rather than a plush pillow you can scrunch into shape, the Purple Harmony is the best latex option we tested.
Best for combination sleepers
The Easy Breather Pillow’s luxurious feel and durable construction, combined with its cooling properties, make it a great option for anyone seeking personalized comfort and reliable temperature regulation.
What we like
What we don't like
What makes it cooling: The Nest Bedding Easy Breather pairs shredded gel foam with a silky and cool-to-the-touch Icecore cover. The cover helped wick away moisture and limit heat buildup in testing, while the shredded fill is more breathable than a solid foam pillow.
Why it's a top pick: Its adjustable fill makes it especially useful for combination sleepers who need varying amounts of loft as they move between side, back, and stomach positions. I have used this pillow on and off for about a year, and I'm impressed by how well it has retained its shape. It also has a softer, more flexible feel than the Coop Cool+, making it a better adjustable pick for sleepers who do not want a firmer cooling pillow.
It needs occasional maintenance to perform its best. Nest recommends kneading the fill regularly to restore its loft and prevent clumps, and the denser shredded foam feel may not appeal to anyone who wants an especially airy or down-like pillow. Still, it is a dependable choice if adjustable support matters as much as cooling.
Best organic
The Birch Organic pillow combines premium organic wool, latex, and cotton for a comfortable, temperature-balanced sleep experience, featuring GREENGUARD Gold & GOTS certifications for eco-friendly assurance.
What we like
What we don't like
What makes it cooling: The Birch Organic Pillow uses breathable organic wool, shredded latex, and organic cotton rather than gel or foam-based cooling materials. It does not deliver the immediate cool-touch sensation of our top overall pick, but its natural fill and cotton cover allow heat and moisture to move more easily than denser synthetic materials.
Why it's a top pick: It is our favorite option for shoppers who want a firm, temperature-neutral pillow made with natural materials. It's also adjustable to adjust the pillow's height or plushness. In testing, it stayed comfortable overnight without noticeable heat buildup, and its medium-firm, medium-loft profile provided steady support for back and side sleeping. Its material credentials—including GOTS and GREENGUARD Gold certifications—also give shoppers a clearer way to evaluate the product's organic and low-emissions claims.
The pillow requires more upkeep than some others in this guide. Over time, I noticed that the pillow tends to decompress and bunch, requiring frequent fluffing and kneading. The pillow itself is not machine washable, but the casing is. Choose it for naturally breathable materials and supportive loft, not for a strongly cold-to-the-touch feel.
Best silk
For those seeking a pillow that’s exceptionally soft, breathable, and promises a fresh start every morning, the Cozy Earth Silk pillow is definitely worth considering.
What we like
What we don't like
What makes it cooling: 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, with a lower-loft design that is best for stomach sleepers.
Why it's a top pick: It is the best luxury cooling pillow we tested for stomach sleepers and anyone who prefers a low-loft, exceptionally soft feel. The silk fill is light and pliable, with less heat retention than most fluffy pillows, and the low profile helps keep a stomach sleeper's neck from being pushed too far upward. Senior home editor Jaclyn Turner has also slept on it regularly for more than a year, giving us a useful long-term perspective beyond an initial testing period.
The delicate construction and high price make it a niche choice. The pillow needs frequent fluffing to maintain the plush feel, does not include a removable cover, and the outer fabric began pilling during long-term use — although that issue is covered by Cozy Earth's 10-year warranty and has not affected the pillow's comfort or support. Choose it for its unique soft, breathable feel; skip it if you need firm support, a higher loft, or an easy-care pillow.
Best body pillow
Pluto Puff is built with side sleepers in mind. It’s flexible, soft, and durable.
What we like
What we don't like
What makes it cooling: The Pluto Puff's quilted microfiber-and-cotton cover has a noticeably cool-to-the-touch feel, while its down-alternative fiberfill is less heat-trapping than dense foam. That combination is especially valuable in a body pillow, since more of the material rests against your body throughout the night.
Why it's a top pick: It is the best body pillow we tested for side sleepers who want full-body support without the extra warmth that often comes with large, dense bedding. The flexible, medium-firm fill supports the knees, hips, and upper body without feeling stiff, and it has retained its loft well over time. It is also machine washable, an important practical advantage for a pillow this large. Despite its size, the Pluto Puff maintains exceptional temperature regulation, ensuring it stays cool without overheating, which is perfect for warm sleepers.
Its 21-by-54-inch size and weight could be too much for smaller beds or sleepers who want to reposition their pillow easily, a common pitfall of body pillows. It is not adjustable, either, so choose Coop's body pillow instead if you want to customize the loft. But for a cool-feeling, supportive, ready-to-use body pillow, the Pluto Puff is our top pick.
Our top picks, compared
| Our pick | The winner | Cooling Tech | Firmness | Washability |
| Best overall | Coop Sleep Goods Cool+ Pillow | PCM Gel Greedded Gel Foam | Medium-Firm (Adjustable) | Cover only |
| Best budget | Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow | Breathable polyfill and cotton | Soft-Medium | Machine washable |
| Best memory foam | Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Dual Cooling Pillow | Dual TEMPUR-Breeze gel layers | Medium-Firm | Cover only |
| Softest | Slumber Cloud Ultra Cool Pillow | Outlast® PCM Technology | Soft or Medium-Firm | Machine washable |
| Best latex | Purple Harmony Pillow | GelFlex Grid & Ventilated Latex | Medium | Cover only |
| Best for combination sleepers | Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow | Shredded Gel Foam & Icecore Cover | Customizable | Cover only |
| Best organic | Birch Organic Pillow | Organic wool, latex, and cotton | Medium-Firm | Spot clean |
| Best silk | Cozy Earth Silk Pillow | Mulberry Silk & Bamboo Viscose | Soft | Spot clean/dry clean |
| Best body pillow | Pluto Puff Body Pillow | Quilted Microfiber & Airflow Fill | Medium-Firm | Machine washable |
What to look for in a cooling pillow
Like choosing any pillow, choosing a cooling pillow comes down to your sleep position, preferred feel, and how you tend to sleep hot.
Cooling Performance: Cooling pillows work in two ways: active cooling materials, such as gel, phase-change layers, and cooling covers, create a cool-to-the-touch feel; passive cooling materials, such as ventilated latex, wool, silk, and airy fills, help reduce heat and moisture buildup. Choose active cooling if you want an immediate cold sensation and passive cooling if you prefer a pillow that stays more temperature-neutral through the night.
Match loft to your sleep position:
- Side sleepers: Opt for a medium-to-high loft for neck support.
- Back sleepers: Choose a medium loft for spinal alignment and balanced cushioning and support.
- Stomach sleepers: Prefer a soft lower loft to prevent neck strain.
- Combination sleepers: Adjustable fill lets you tailor the pillow's height to the positions you use most.
Consider the cover and care: A cooling pillow can lose some of its benefit under a thick, heat-trapping pillowcase. Use a breathable cotton, linen, Tencel, or bamboo-viscose pillowcase, and wash it regularly to manage sweat and body oils. Also, check the care label before buying: many cooling pillows have machine-washable covers but spot-clean-only fills, while down-alternative pillows are often easier to wash at home.
Check the trial period: Pillow comfort is personal, so a sleep trial can be especially valuable. Give a new pillow several nights in your normal sleep environment before deciding whether its cooling feel, loft, and support are right for you.
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 then tested each pillow using the same hands-on criteria, with particular attention to cooling feel, heat buildup, support, and long-term upkeep.
- Overnight comfort and cooling: I slept on each pillow for at least seven consecutive nights in warm conditions, with a climate ranging from 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. I evaluated its immediate cool-to-the-touch feel, how well it limited heat and moisture buildup overnight, breathability, comfort, and support. I also enlisted my larger-framed, back- and side-sleeper husband to test select pillows to assess how their loft and support worked for a different body type and sleep position.
- Support and adjustability: I assessed each pillow's loft, firmness, and ability to support different sleep positions. For adjustable models, I added and removed fill to determine how easily the pillow could be tailored for side, back, stomach, and combination sleeping.
- Shape retention: I checked for flattening, lumps, and clumping after regular use and noted how often each pillow needed fluffing or kneading to restore its loft.
- Materials and cooling design: I reviewed each pillow's fill, cover, ventilation, and cooling features to distinguish between cool-to-the-touch materials, such as gel or phase-change layers, and breathable materials that help reduce heat buildup. I also considered relevant third-party certifications, including CertiPUR-US for foam.
- Care and durability: I followed the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and assessed how easy each pillow or cover was to wash and dry. I also noted whether the cover was removable, whether the pillow was machine washable or spot-clean only, and how the materials held up after cleaning.
- Trial period and warranty: Finally, I reviewed each brand's return policy, sleep trial, and warranty, since pillow comfort is personal and shoppers should have a reasonable opportunity to decide whether a pillow is right for them.
Meet the expert behind the guide
Suzy Hernandez, freelance 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.
How do cooling pillows work?
Cooling pillows largely depend on the materials, according to Dr. Dimitriu. Cooling pillows work through either active heat absorption or passive airflow enhancement. Active cooling incorporates materials such as Phase Change Materials (PCMs) or gels that absorb body heat and draw it away from the skin, while more traditional passive cooling pillows rely on naturally breathable materials like cotton or wool, or on ventilated or shredded foams and latex designs to facilitate airflow and reduce heat trapping.
Can cooling pillows help with night sweats and hot flashes??
Yes, cooling pillows help manage the discomfort of night sweats by absorbing excess heat and wicking away surface moisture. Dr. Nishi cautions that while cooling pillows may not entirely prevent night sweats or hot flashes caused by underlying medical conditions, they can offer a soothing cool-to-the-touch sensation that makes it easier to fall and stay 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 are the best cooling fabrics for sheets, thanks 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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