“Instead, think of them as temperature-regulating pillows [that] won’t absorb heat like others on the market,” says Logan Foley, managing editor at SleepFoundation.org. “When we’re talking about cooling pillows, the marketing can be slightly misleading.” With that in mind, we tested and researched the best cooling pillows available online, evaluating each on quality and skin-feel of shell, cooling properties of fill, how easy it is to keep clean, and the type of support it provides sleepers. Our top pick is the Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow, which features gel-infused memory foam inside a breathable viscose shell that’s comfortable for most types of sleepers. Ahead, find the best cooling pillows to stay supported and cool at night. If we could only recommend one pillow for hot sleepers, we’d have to go with the Eden Pillow from Coop Home Goods. Earning an almost-perfect score from our testers, we love the luxuriously thick and stretchy shell and adjustable fill. It’s easy to add and remove the filling, as needed, and it comes with extra foam for those who prefer a firmer bed pillow. Inside is a supremely plush blend of gel-infused, CertiPUR-US certified, shredded memory foam and ultra-fine microfiber pieces that mimic the natural loft of real down. The unique mix promises to deliver a cooling effect while you doze. What’s more, the bamboo-derived viscose rayon shell ensures breathability and draws sweat away from your body. Our tester noticed a slight odor upon unboxing the Eden Pillow, but it was gone once she washed the cover. Though it’s on the pricier side for a single pillow, the high-quality design and fill of this option make it well worth the initial investment. Sizes: Queen, king | Fill Material: Gel-infused shredded memory foam, microfiber | Shell Material: Viscose rayon and polyester | Care: Machine-wash cold, tumble-dry low The best part of this pick, according to our tester, is how little it changes after washing. The brand recommends popping the pillow into the dryer to puff it up, which our tester found made the pillow look brand new. This pick proves to be durable and maintains its shape after multiple laundry loads. And because the pillow remains fluffy and lifted, it provides valuable support for side and stomach sleepers—which our tester especially loved. Sizes: Standard, queen, king | Fill Material: Down-like microfibre | Shell Material: 100% Microfiber fabric material | Care: Machine washable The material is dense but lightweight and plush, and it conforms to your shape and preferred sleeping position. This pillow isn’t adjustable, and the foam core shouldn’t be washed in a washing machine. However, the soft, stretchy case is removable and machine-washable. The pillow appears durable according to our tester, who loved the support and comfort even after multiple nights. As a combination sleeper, it worked for every position, making this a universally comfortable and supportive option. Sizes: Standard, king | Fill Material: Adaptive foam, graphite, cooling gel | Shell Material: Micro-polyamide, polyester | Care: Machine-washable cover What’s more, the down alternative filling remained comfortable and supportive even after washing. While it appears thin, it supports the neck and shoulders, even for combination sleepers like our tester. There are two firmness levels to choose from so you can find the perfect fit for you. Plus, the website offers tons of helpful information for finding the best fit for your sleep style. Sizes: Standard, king | Fill Material: 100% down alternative fiber-fill | Shell Material: Cotton | Care: Machine-wash Made from honeycombed GelFlex layer and Talalay latex core that our tester compared to jello, this pillow maintains its shape through the night and after repeated washes. They noted that the pillow feels heavy out of the package, adding to its high-quality construction and heavy-duty support. The moisture-wicking comfort kept our tester cool through the night, who noted that it regulated their temperature while sleeping. As a side and stomach sleeper, they felt optimal comfort, maximized by the three different height options suitable for every sleeping position. Sizes: Standard, king | Fill Material: Hypoallergenic ventilated latex | Shell Material: 92% Nylon Fiber, 8% Spandex Fiber | Care: Machine wash cover on cold, Air dry Within the shredded latex is another small pillow filled with down-like microdenier fibers (a finer version of microfiber fill). Though you can’t add or remove the latex pieces, you can take out the inner core to adjust the thickness and support. Our tester also likes that it has a removable and machine-washable organic cotton cover, ensuring breathability, softness, and easy cleaning. The pillow returned to its original fluffy size after washing, but it takes a few cycles to get fully dry. Sizes: Queen, king | Fill Material: Shredded latex, micro-denier fiber | Shell Material: Organic cotton | Care: Machine-washable cover We love that the brand provides very detailed instructions for caring for your silk pillow at home. After drying on low, the pillow maintained its shape and softness, says our tester. Sizes: Standard, king | Fill Material: 100% Mulberry Silk | Shell Material: Premium 100% viscose from bamboo fabric | Care: Rinse-cycle only, do not spin, machine dry on low heat Marlow stuffs its pillows with 80 percent gel-infused, chopped memory foam and 20 percent down-alternative polyester fibers. This ratio was thoughtfully gauged to provide the perfect level of plushness for all types of sleepers. Our tester, a combination sleeper, loved the comfort the pillow provided after adjusting. Coupled with a sateen cotton shell and airy mesh gussets, the proprietary fill blend adds supplementary cooling properties. Though this pillow isn’t machine-washable, we appreciate the reasonable price point and two-year warranty. Sizes: Standard, king | Fill Material: Gel-infused chopped memory foam, poly fiber | Shell Material: Sateen cotton, polyester mesh | Care: Spot-clean This pillow has a soft, naturally breathable percale cotton case with a 280 thread count to encourage airflow. Between the fill and the case is a waterproof microfiber shell that prevents sweat and body oils from getting trapped inside. We also like that you can wash both the case and the entire pillow. The Stomach Sleeper is somewhat pricey, and it’s not adjustable, but it’s an all-around excellent lightweight choice, especially if you favor a fluffy pillow. Sizes: Standard/queen, king | Fill Material: Gel-infused poly fibers | Shell Material: Percale cotton | Care: Machine-wash cold, tumble-dry low Bear in mind this pillow isn’t adjustable, and the shell doesn’t come off. However, the entire thing is machine-washable for your convenience. Not only that, but Sealy backs this product with an almost unheard-of lifetime warranty. Sizes: Queen, king | Fill Material: Poly fiber | Shell Material: Microfiber | Care: Machine-wash cold, tumble-dry Inside, you’ve got a special poly-fiber fill designed to mimic the loftiness and temperature-regulating abilities of real down. It’s made to provide ample cushioning while conforming to your shape and alleviating your pressure points. Whether you sleep hot, are prone to night sweats, or like to switch between different positions, this pillow won’t disappoint. Sizes: Standard, queen, king | Fill Material: Poly fiber | Shell Material: Sateen cotton | Care: Machine-wash cold, tumble-dry low
What to Look for in a Cooling Pillow
Material
There are a couple of materials to source for cooling properties. “The best cooling pillows are usually made out of gel or latex and feature a cotton or bamboo fabric cover,” says Foley. While she notes that memory foam can trap heat, shredded options are usually a bit more breathable as they allow for more airflow. Additionally, Foley explains that pillows infused with cooling materials, such as gel, copper, or graphite, can provide a temperature-regulating effect, like our top pick from Coop Home. Real goose or duck down and vegan-friendly down-alternative fill fibers also tend to be relatively breathable. For those with allergies or ones who prefer a vegan lifestyle, the Slumber Cloud down alternative is meant to mimic the natural material. Foley notes the cover also helps keep you cool, so look for lightweight (preferably natural) bedding fabrics with relatively low thread counts to ensure adequate airflow. A great cover also contributes to the pillow’s softness. For example, our tester loved the feel of Cozy Earth’s silk pillow.
Cooling Technology
Specific cooling technology includes temperature-regulating gel beads, heat-absorbing liners, moisture-wicking fabrics, or a proprietary material with a unique ability to keep you at a comfortable temp throughout the night. Some brands use fancier language than others, but our tester was definitely impressed with Slumber Cloud’s NASA-approved technology.
Care Instructions
It’s important to check the care requirements before buying any type of bedding or insert. Some cooling pillows can be safely laundered in a standard washing machine and tumble-dried in a dryer. Some come with removable, machine-washable covers, and others are meant to be spot-cleaned only. When in doubt, follow the brand’s recommended cleaning instructions. Luckily, most brands include detailed instructions on their website for the best results. Some, like The Pillow from Marlow, are completely non-machine washable, which contributed to our tester’s ratings.
Support
While staying cool is the primary goal, you’ll also want to choose a pillow that offers the right amount of support for your sleep position. For example, according to Foley, side sleepers need a thicker pillow that supports the head and neck, while back sleepers need a lower pillow that supports the head, neck, and shoulders.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in textiles and sleep products. She analyzed first-hand reviews from our home testers and referenced several peer-reviewed articles on the breathability and moisture-wicking properties of various fabrics, foams, and fill fibers. All of Theresa’s final picks are well-designed, easy to care for, effective in regulating body temperature, and ultimately a good value. Theresa has personally tested bedding products from many brands on this list, including Coop Home Goods, Marlow, Tuft & Needle, Saatva, and The Company Store. But as a side sleeper, her go-to is the Pillow Cube. Logan Foley, managing editor at SleepFoundation.org provided additional information for this story, including insight into materials and cooling technologies. Helen Sullivan, APR, Fellow PRSA and Communications Counsel of the CertiPUR-US program, provided guidance on the toxicity regulations of cooling pillows.
What Is Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend, and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.
