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Cooling pillows may help prevent overheating and keep a person cool during sleep by allowing airflow and dissipating excess body heat. When choosing a cooling pillow, some factors to consider are the materials, firmness, and level of support.

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MNT chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:

  • Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
  • Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
  • Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
  • Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
  • Sleep trials: MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial.
  • Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers to and whether shipping is free.
  • Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products that carry warranties and clear returns policies.

Many cooling pillows are available to buy online. Below are five of the top cooling pillows for 2022 in more detail.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

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Best overall cooling pillow: TEMPUR–Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow

Tempur Cloud Breeze Dual cooling pillow
  • Size: queen and king
  • Height: 6.4 inches (in)
  • Fill: memory foam with TEMPUR material
  • Firmness: medium
  • Sleep position: all sleep positions
  • Price: from $199

TEMPUR’s memory foam pillow has two layers of cooling gel on either side of the pillow. TEMPUR states that this can help people sleep cooler. It also comes with a removable, 100% premium cotton machine-washable cover.

A person can consider the following pros and cons:

Pros

  • includes cooling gel on each side of the pillow
  • uses breathable cover
  • cover is removable
  • reviewers state it is cooling and supportive for all sleep styles
  • reviews claim it holds its shape

Cons:

  • expensive
  • some reviewers found it too firm
  • limited size range

The TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze pillow may be best suited to people who need extra cooling properties in their pillow, owing to its double-sided cooling gel design.

This pillow is available in queen and king size, costing $199 and $239, respectively.

Best supportive cooling pillow: Therapedic Cooling Gel & Memory Foam Bed Pillow

Therapedic Cooling Gel and Memory Foam cooling pillow
  • Size: one size
  • Height: 5.75 in
  • Fill: 70% foam and 30% gel fiber
  • Firmness: medium support
  • Sleep position: all sleep positions
  • Price: $69.99

Bed Bath & Beyond sells the Therapedic cooling pillow, which features memory foam and cooling gel.

Memory foam pillows mold to the user’s head, neck, and shoulders, which may provide pressure relief and support.

The pros and cons a person can consider include:

Pros:

  • affordable
  • suitable for all sleep positions
  • side sleepers report it is comfortable
  • 5-year warranty

However, some reviewers say the pillow is not cool and found the support too firm.

Cons:

  • comes in one size
  • some claim it is too firm
  • not cooling enough for some reviewers

This pillow may suit those who prefer firmer pillows and those who need enhanced support for their head and neck.

This pillow is available in one size and costs $69.

Best adjustable cooling pillow: COOP Eden pillow

COOP Eden cooling pillow
  • Size: queen and king
  • Height: no information available
  • Fill: gel-infused memory foam and microfiber
  • Firmness: medium-soft
  • Sleep position: stomach sleepers
  • Price: from $96

The Eden pillow features shredded, gel-infused memory foam. It is breathable and dissipates body heat to help individuals stay cool as they sleep.

The pillow also comes with the option to add or remove filling from the inner liner, making it possible to adjust the pillow’s height or loft to suit the user’s preference. The company includes extra fill with each order.

This medium-soft pillow features a removable, machine-washable cover.

Before making a purchase, a person can consider the following pros and cons.

Pros:

  • GREENGUARD Gold- and CertiPUR-US-certified
  • comes with extra filling
  • adjustable loft
  • uses gel-infused memory foam

Cons:

  • limited size range
  • king size costs over $100
  • not cooling enough for some reviewers

The Eden pillow may be best suited to people who are not sure how high they would like their pillow to be, or those who expect their needs may change over time.

This pillow comes in queen and king sizes. The queen costs $96 and the king costs $108.

Best cooling body pillow: Golden Linens Bamboo Double Standard Full Body Pillow

Golden Linens Bamboo Double Standard Full Body cooling pillow
  • Size: one size
  • Height: 7 in
  • Fill: bamboo memory foam
  • Firmness: firm
  • Sleep position: all sleep positions
  • Price: $36

Unlike other cooling pillows, the Golden Linens cooling pillow provides individuals with full body cooling and support.

This body pillow contains shredded memory foam for improved ventilation and reduced overheating during sleep.

It also comes with a washable cover consisting of bamboo and polyester.

Users can adjust the amount of filling inside the pillow to maximize comfort.

Before making a purchase, a person can consider the following pros and cons.

Pros:

  • provides full-body support
  • uses some natural materials
  • reviewers state it stays cool overnight
  • affordable

Cons:

  • reports of a strong odor
  • some users found filling lumpy
  • only one size available

This pillow may be best suited to people who sleep on their sides, as it can provide support for the hips and knees as well as the head and neck.

The Golden Linens Bamboo Body Pillow is available for $35.99.

The following table compares each of the cooling pillows in this article.

SizeHeightFillFirmnessSleeping position List price
TEMPUR–Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillowqueen and king6.4 inmemory foam with TEMPUR materialmediumall sleep positions $199 and $239
Therapedic Cooling Gel & Memory Foam Bed Pillowone size5.75 in70% foam and 30% gel fibermediumall sleep positions$69.99
COOP Eden pillowqueen and kingadjustablegel-infused memory foam and microfibermedium-softstomach sleepers$96 and $108
Golden Linens Bamboo Double Standard Full Body Pillowone size7 inbamboo memory foamfirmall sleep positions$35.99

Body temperature is a significant factor in sleep quality. Whereas traditional pillows may retain body heat, cooling pillows may help regulate body temperature, making them suitable for people who tend to feel hot during sleep or experience night sweats.

There are several types of cooling pillows, which work in various ways. Some draw the heat away from the body, while others wick away sweat and excess moisture. Manufacturers achieve this by using materials, such as cooling gel or fibers, that draw heat away from the body or increase airflow.

A person may wish to take into account the following factors when choosing a cooling pillow:

  • Preferred sleeping position: Some pillows are specifically designed for particular sleep positions. A person should consider their usual sleep position and choose a pillow that accommodates their preference to decrease the risk of neck pain.
  • Filling and cover material: Pillows are made with a wide range of materials, and a person should consider any allergies they have, and how soft and comfortable these materials may be to sleep on. A person should also consider whether they can wash or clean their pillow to reduce the risk of mites, mold, and bacteria building up with use.
  • Firmness: Preferred firmness will differ from person to person. Firm pillows can provide greater support for the head and neck, while softer pillows can reduce pressure. A person can consider choosing pillows from brands that offer sleep trials or allow returns so they can replace or exchange their pillow if it is not comfortable.
  • Loft: Cooling pillows can be adjustable, with some brands offering the option to add and remove filling if a person finds their chosen pillow is too flat or too high. Getting the right loft is important as it will impact how well-supported the head and neck are overnight. Different sleep positions may require different lofts.
  • Price: The cost of cooling pillows can vary. A person can consider the features and materials they need and see how these factors affect the price. A person should choose a pillow that fits into their budget, especially if they are buying multiple pillows.

The type of pillow a person finds comfortable will largely depend on personal preference, but cooling pillows may help reduce sweating, overheating, and general discomfort from sleeping hot.

Sleeping at a comfortable temperature can improve a person’s sleep. Sleep is important for many aspects of a person’s health, including lowering their risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and stroke, and regulating how the body digests fat.

Additionally, many cooling pillows contain hypoallergenic materials, which may be beneficial for those with allergies or asthma.

People who get hot during sleep can try using other products to achieve a cool, comfortable slumber. These include:

  • Cooling sheets: Breathable linen sheets made from natural fibers, such as cotton, bamboo, or silk, may help regulate body heat and reduce overheating.
  • Cooling mattresses: Cooling mattresses increase airflow and help remove excess body heat. They may also provide a more comfortable and supportive sleeping experience.
  • Cooling mattress pads: Cooling mattress pads can help regulate body temperate throughout sleep to minimize overheating. These are a convenient and affordable option for those wishing to reap the benefits of a cooling mattress without replacing the one they currently use.
  • Cooling devices: Some bedroom accessories can help a person get a cool and comfortable sleeping experience. These devices include temperature-controlled mattress pads that heat and cool, adjustable cooling pads that can track sleep, and bladeless fans to offer cooling at reduced noise levels. Some of these devices may also feature sleep timers and automatic shutoff functions.

Sleep is vital to a person’s physical and psychological health, and being uncomfortably hot can disrupt sleep.

Research shows that body temperature naturally fluctuates alongside the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. When the body prepares for sleep, levels of the hormone melatonin increase, causing a rapid decrease in body temperature.

However, body temperature can then increase during certain parts of the sleep cycle. Sweating, which is part of the body’s natural temperature control system, may sometimes occur to release excess heat and keep the skin cool.

Overheating

If a person’s body temperature gets too high during sleep, they may have difficulty falling or staying asleep. There are many possible causes of an increased body temperature, including:

  • sleeping in a warm or humid environment
  • sleeping under a heavy blanket
  • wearing warm clothes or nightwear to bed
  • exercising before bedtime
  • eating spicy foods
  • fighting off infections, such as influenza

Overheating at night may also lead to night sweats, a condition that causes excessive sweating during sleep.

Night sweats

People who have night sweats may wake up with damp nightwear or sheets.

The same factors that cause overheating can also lead to night sweats, but other possible causes include:

People should not worry about having occasional night sweats. In most cases, lowering the thermostat at night or replacing linens is enough to stop them.

However, a person may consider contacting a doctor if they experience frequent night sweats that do not improve despite trying different preventive strategies. The doctor can then investigate whether an underlying health condition might be responsible.

Learn more about night sweats here.

Below, we answer some common questions about cooling pillows:

What materials should a cooling pillow feature?

Materials that allow airflow and dissipate heat from the body may have cooling benefits. Most cooling pillows include cooling gel, often in combination with memory foam, cotton, and latex.

Generally speaking, natural materials are more likely than synthetic ones to have breathable properties.

What types of pillows should hot sleepers avoid?

Synthetic materials prevent airflow and retain heat, so they may not suit people who overheat when sleeping or experience night sweats. Materials to avoid include polyester and nylon.

How else can a person keep cool at night?

A person can lower their body temperature during sleep by ensuring that their sleeping area is well-ventilated. They can achieve this by opening windows and doors or using air conditioning or fans. Using cooling sheets and pads may also help people stay cool.

Is it better to sleep on a cold pillow?

Research shows that a warm environment may keep people awake and disrupt the body’s regular sleep-wake cycle, resulting in poor quality sleep. A cold pillow may help a person feel cool enough to fall asleep.

How do I keep my pillow cold at night?

People may wish to consider the following ways of keeping their pillow cold during sleep:

  • Use a reusable gel cooling pack: People can place a cooling pack under the pillow or inside the pillow cover.
  • Purchase a breathable pillow cover: Some companies offer pillow covers with breathable technology that may reduce heat and promote optimal temperatures.
  • Flip over the pillow: People may find that flipping over the pillow to the cooler side helps reduce overheating.

Cooling pillows help regulate body temperature and may prevent overheating and relieve night sweats.

These pillows draw heat away from the body through a cooling gel or breathable fibers. Many of them come with covers made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric.

People who find that overheating or night sweats frequently disrupt their sleep may wish to consider contacting a doctor to rule out an underlying health condition.