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15 Best Cooling Pillows for Sweaty Sleepers (Updated!)

cooling pillow

Tempur-Pedic

Are you a sweaty sleeper? Join the rest of us who wake constantly to flip our pillow in search of a cool spot. It’s not just a curse for menopausal women. Lots of people sleep warm but a cooling pillow can help you wake up refreshed, rested, and ready to face the day.

There’s plenty of scientific research to prove that we sleep better when the room and our bodies stay cooler, so it’s good news that sleep experts have come up with a real solution to help. If you haven’t tried a cold pillow, whether it’s water-filled, ventilated, or cooling gel, you’ll be amazed at the positive snooze potential they offer.

If you’re sick of tossing and turning, why waste those precious middle of the night minutes in sweaty misery when a cooling pillow could be the key to more comfortable, restful sleep? And consider taking your bedding in the same direction with some awesome linen sheets that will surround your body in comfort too.

double sided cooling pillow Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Two sided cooling
  • Comfy cotton cover
  • Supports every position
Price: $153.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
bamboo charcoal infused memory foam cooling pillow Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Bamboo charcoal infused
  • Cooling gel topper
  • Cooling bamboo viscose cover
Price: $109.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
two sided cooling gel pillow Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Moisture wicking
  • Cooling gel layer
  • Medium firm memory foam
Price: $139.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
memory foam gel cooling pillow Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Extra thick gel pad
  • Antibacterial and allergen resistant
  • Works well for all sleeping positions
Price: $199.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
shredded memory foam cooling pillow Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Customizable fill
  • Shredded memory foam conforms to you
  • Cooling bamboo pillow cover
Price: $96.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
cool gel memory foam cold pillow Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Cooling cover
  • Ventilated memory foam core
  • Relieves neck pressure
Price: $49.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
cooling memory foam pillow Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Cool to the touch
  • Aerated memory foam
  • Plush cover
Price: $54.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
reversible memory foam cold pillow Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Very affordable
  • Compresses to your head shape
  • Cooling gel layer stays cool
Price: $42.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
double airflow cooling pillow Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Low VOC and non-ozone-depleting
  • Dual ventilation system
  • Excellent head and neck support
Price: $48.59 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
cooling gel pillow Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Free of harmful chemicals
  • Medium firm support
  • Aerated cooling gel
Price: $50.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
cooling gel pillow Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Thinner than many
  • Cooling gel topper is designed well
  • Good for flat pillow lovers
Price: $89.68 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
memory foam bamboo cooling pillow Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Keeps you cool
  • Sweat wicking cover
  • Customizable firmness
Price: $29.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
hole punch cooling memory foam pillow Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Unique ventilated design
  • Cooling gel infused memory foam
  • Washable pillow cover
Price: $29.95 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
memory foam contour cooling pillow Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Dual cooling technology
  • Two firmness options
  • Supports neck and shoulders
Price: $34.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
water base cold pillow Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Reduces neck strain
  • Customizable firmness
  • Keeps you sleeping cool
Price: $129.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Our Unbiased Reviews
  1. 1. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Cooling Pillow

    Pros:
    • Two sides of cooling gel
    • Supportive memory foam core
    • Relieves neck and back stiffness
    • Cozy washable cotton covering
    Cons:
    • It's an investment
    • Stiff right out of the box
    • Some off-gassing at first
    • Too thick for some frame sizes

    Stop and catch your breath – yes, we know this pillow seems mighty darned spendy, but the TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze has lots of advantages that we think make it worth the extra investment. The biggest attribute we absolutely love is the patented TEMPUR-Breeze gel layer on both sides of the pillow. Honestly, there aren’t many pillows that can stay cool after an eight-hour night, but when you turn this one over you get that whole fresh and cooling experience just like when you hopped into the sack. Yes!

    Tempur-pedic’s pressure-relieving memory foam makes this pillow totally stand up to the pack with a firm feel and lots of support for side, back and tummy sleepers. We also love the quilted washable cotton cover, as cotton is one of our fave fabrics to snuggle up with.

    This cooling gel pillow nicely holds its shape without flattening out, so you’ll get great support whenever you change positions. And we love that the cooling effect lasts longer than many, plus the fact that you get two-sided cooling in the same pillow. Bonus!

    For those that need full-body support when they sleep, the TEMPUR-Body Soft Support Pillow can give you all the comfort you need from the shoulders down.

  2. 2. Cariloha Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Pillow with Cooling Gel

    Pros:
    • Bamboo charcoal infused
    • Odor resistant and moisture wicking
    • Washable bamboo viscose cover
    • Very supportive for head and neck
    Cons:
    • Super spendy
    • Gel layer could be thicker
    • Not thick enough for some

    This memory foam cool pillow has some unique characteristics that make it a contender as one of our favorites. First, it’s made with super supportive memory foam which always adds to a good night’s sleep, but if you’re wondering why the pillow is dark gray, it’s because the memory foam here is infused with 100 percent pure bamboo charcoal which helps to regulate moisture, temperature, and odor. Great news if you’re a sweaty sleeper, right?

    Second, the pillow features a cooling gel top layer that not only helps to keep you cool and comfy but disperses your body heat away from your head and neck. On the outside, it comes with a machine washable cover that’s a blend of bamboo viscose and polyester, but what makes this cover better in our opinion is the blend. This pillow cover is 70 percent bamboo viscose, whereas most of the others were only 30 percent.

    Bamboo viscose is an amazing fabric that’s super breathable, moisture-wicking, antibacterial, and hypoallergenic so it’ll feel soothing and sweet when you lay your cheek on this baby.  This pillow is medium-firm so it will nicely retain its shape, even when you change positions. 

    To make your sleep even sweeter, consider a set of 100 percent bamboo viscose sheets that promise to let you sleep three degrees cooler. Nice. Cariloha also makes a perforated bamboo charcoal memory foam pillow that sleeps you cool thanks to increased airflow.

    BTW, Cariloha also makes awesome bamboo pajamas with that same cooling breathability.

  3. 3. Columbia Extreme Cooling Memory Foam Pillow

    Pros:
    • Disperses moisture to keep you dry
    • OMNI-Freeze layer keeps you cool
    • Medium density
    • Removable washable cover
    Cons:
    • Cooling benefits diminish over time
    • A bit of an investment
    • Too firm for some

    Those smart folks at Columbia have been working for decades on ways to keep people dry, warm and cool with a vast line of sportswear and outdoor gear that rocks. It’s no wonder that they’ve mastered the art of keeping you cool while you sleep with their new extreme cooling double-sided pillow that gives you a great night’s sleep.

    This memory foam pillow features a super breathable Omni-Wick layer on one side that allows for maximum air circulation. It helps to disperse moisture so you don’t end up a sweaty mess. Its cooling effectiveness is bolstered by an awesome Omni-Freeze layer on the other side to keep you cool and comfy while you snooze. 

    This memory foam pillow is medium-firm, so you won’t feel like your head just hit a brick when you lay down, and there’ll be no more waking up with a stiff neck because it has just the right amount of stability and support to reduce neck and shoulder pressure. 

    This pillow comes with a five-year warranty, and because Columbia has a commitment to satisfaction (which we’ve tested on other products) they promise to find a way to make you happy. We do love that. 

    Want to know more about OMNI-Freeze technology? This article does a great job of breaking it down

  4. 4. Technogel Deluxe 5 ½-inch Height Cooling Pillow

    Pros:
    • TRxtra thick cooling gel pad
    • Thick memory foam conforms
    • Improves your sleeplessness
    • Easily fits most people
    Cons:
    • Very firm compared to others
    • Smells odd at first
    • Too thick for some sleepers

    Think of it like a layer of ice cubes, each with cool airflow running between them. That’s the beauty of the Technogel Deluxe which features a one-inch thick cooling gel layer that keeps you from waking up a hot mess. It draws and channels heat away from your head and neck while keeping you comfortable and supported. 

    The thick memory foam layer beneath has an antibacterial surface and is allergen resistant. Because it conforms to the natural contours of your body, it delivers sweet support, helping to alleviate neck and shoulder stiffness too. Cool to the touch, this comfy pillow will help you sleep more soundly and mornings will look a whole lot brighter because of it.

    Because this pillow isn’t contoured, it works well for most sleeping positions, easily conforming to your posture as you turn. It doesn’t flatten out in the night thanks to the quick recovery memory foam that adjusts to you.

  5. 5. COOP Home Goods Eden Shredded Memory Foam Pillow with Cooling Cover

    Pros:
    • Gel infused foam draws heat away
    • Shredded foam increases airflow
    • Moisture wicking bamboo pillow cover
    • 100 day no hassle guarantee
    Cons:
    • Foam can have a chemical smell at first
    • Takes time to find the right fill and loft levels
    • Not as cooling as others

    This comfy Eden Pillow uses a two-pronged approach to keeping you cool while you sleep. First and foremost, this pillow is filled with gel-infused shredded memory foam. That means you can customize the fill to your preferred comfort level. But it’s the cooling gel infusion that gets at the heart of better sleep, along with the airflow, thanks to the pockets created between each piece of shredded foam. 

    This gel literally draws the heat away from you and disperses it throughout the pillow which means no more hot spots. The crosscut foam is blended with polyester fibers to prevent clumping and getting dense spots inside your pillow after lots of use. And, unlike solid memory foam pillows, you can punch this pillow into whatever shape feels best to you.

    Next, the pillow comes with a cooling cover that is made with 40 percent bamboo viscose or rayon. This fabric is super breathable, moisture-wicking, and naturally antibacterial. Just like the awesome bamboo pajamas we love, this fabric is a key to cool comfort. It’s blended with washable poly, so you can keep your pillow clean and germ-free as well. 

    Another huge bonus? You can try it for up to 100 days and return it if you don’t love it. Since it’s not cheap, that automatically makes us sleep better.

    Just in case you feel like you need more loft, you can also purchase additional gel infused shredded memory foam to give your pillow a firmer feel. 

     

  6. 6. Sleep Innovations Forever Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow

    Pros:
    • Memory foam support
    • Cooling fibers woven into the cover
    • Helps to increase REM sleep
    Cons:
    • Support is too firm for some
    • Not as cooling as some others
    • Cooling effect may dissipate over time

    Did you know that if you stay cool and relieve pressure on your neck and head you can actually increase that all-important REM sleep? This Forever Cool Gel Pillow features special cooling fibers in the cover that constantly move heat away from your head and neck, keeping you cool and comfy all night long. These fibers won’t wash out because they’re woven in for good.

    A gel memory foam core allows you to scrunch and manipulate your pillow to be the perfect fit for you, plus it adds to the cooling comfort and helps to cradle your head and neck for optimum comfort and a deep sleep. This pillow has a fairly firm feel, so keep that in mind when you’re choosing. If you prefer a soft and squishy pillow, this might not be the right choice for you.

  7. 7. GhostBed Luxury Memory Foam Cooling Pillow

    Pros:
    • Thermo sensitive technology
    • Aerated memory foam for air flow
    • Zip off cover for easy maintenance
    • Responsive feel with good support
    Cons:
    • Embroidery is uncomfortable
    • Not as durable as some
    • It might feel damp to some

    You could almost consider this pillow from GhostBed a smart pillow because the ice fabric cover adapts throughout the night to help keep you cool and comfortable. The cool burst airflow technology will give you a rush of cooling comfort the minute you lay your head on this pillow. The high-performance fabric cover is actually cool to the touch, which will feel great against your neck and face as you settle in to sleep.

    The newest thermo-sensing technology means you sleep soundly without overheating. Aerated gel memory foam allows air to circulate and offers a plush but supportive feel. With a blend of both comfort and support, this pillow is ideal for many sleeping positions, but it adjusts to align your head and neck for optimal spinal alignment. The plush embroidered cover zips off to allow for easy laundering. 

  8. 8. Comfort Revolution Memory Foam Bubble Gel Cooling Pillow

    Pros:
    • Vented memory foam
    • Cooling gel pad stays comfortable
    • Square shape
    Cons:
    • Too firm for some
    • Quite heavy
    • Slow to fully inflate

    This two-sided Comfort Revolution Pillow gives you different options for maximum comfort. One side is breathable vented memory foam which allows for more air circulation and moisture dispersal. The second side offers a cooling gel pad to you comfy, even in the hottest weather.

    This square pillow arrives decompressed, and after a short time fully inflates to the maximum comfort level. It’s square, versus contoured, so it compresses to your exact head shape rather than a predetermined size which doesn’t always fit. It delivers great neck and head support for a good night’s sleep and comes with a machine washable cover.

    It’s also priced well in the category and we give it a thumbs up thanks to that cooling gel side which seems to stay comfortable throughout the night. 

  9. 9. Perfect Cloud Double Airflow Memory Foam Cooling Pillow

    Pros:
    • Supportive memory foam
    • Dual ventilation system
    • Washable breathable pillow cover
    • Great for side and back sleepers
    Cons:
    • Too thick for some sleepers
    • Not as cooling as some others
    • It still smells when first unboxed

    A pillow with lots of airflow is, by default, cooling. It’s that ventilation that allows heat to flow away from your body, helping to keep you cool throughout the night. This air infused Perfect Cloud memory foam pillow is designed with multiple layers of built in ventilation. 

    It’s been designed with a breathable visco foam core that allows continuous airflow for temperature-controlled sleep. It adds a ventilated mesh surround to keep that air flowing freely, so you’ll stay cool throughout the night. With a super soft stretch cover that easily comes off for laundering, it will feel fresh every time you lay your head on it.

    We also think you’ll appreciate that this pillow is made with non-ozone-depleting components. It is low VOC and formaldehyde and phthalate free to improve your indoor air quality. It also comes with a three year warranty and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. 

    The Perfect Cloud Lavender Bliss Pillow might be a nice option for your guest room if you’re not looking specifically for cool pillows for that space. Perfect Cloud also makes a visco gel cooled memory foam mattress that sounds heavenly to sleep on if you’re on fire at night.

  10. 10. KUNPENG Cooling Gel Pillow

    Pros:
    • Good for all sleeping positions
    • Three certifications for health & eco-safety
    • Very affordable
    • Two washable pillow covers
    Cons:
    • Strong smell when first unboxed
    • Doesn't stay cool as long as some
    • Not firm enough support for some

    It’s hard not to feel cooler just looking at this memory foam gel pillow from Kunpeng, thanks to the clever polar bear design on the pillow cover. But it’s not simply looks alone that will make you love this pillow. It’s made with CertiPUR-US certified foam that is never ozone-depleting and free from mercury, lead, heavy metals, and formaldehyde. (Scary that some memory foam does contain those things, isn’t it?)

    This medium-firm memory foam pillow is supporting for most sleeping positions and the top is covered in proprietary Iceland gel to keep you cool throughout the night. It features a knitted cover as well as a polar bear cloth pillowcase. Both add to your chill nighttime experience. Perhaps most important is that this pillow has three separate certifications for its components, which is important to anyone who is health-conscious as well as environmentally conscious.

  11. 11. Comfort Revolution Memory Foam & Hydraluxe Cooling Bed Pillow

    Pros:
    • Cooling gel disperses heat well
    • Thinner memory foam layer for smaller frames
    • Breathable mesh cover for more airflow
    • Good for all sleep positions
    Cons:
    • Some initial off-gassing
    • A bit firm at first
    • Thinner cooling pad than some others

    As with many of our favorite cooling pillows, this one features a cooling gel top layer. This HydraLuxe Gel Technology pillow keeps you sleeping soundly because it disperses your body heat away. The topper texture is like half marbles in a geometric pattern that really allows for tons of airflow, allowing your heat to move efficiently away from your head and neck. 

    Beneath that layer, a memory foam bottom allows this pillow to easily conform to your natural curves making it comfy whether you sleep on your back, tummy, or sides. One thing we’ve noticed is that the memory foam pad is somewhat thinner with this pillow than many others. That’s great, especially if you’ve got a smaller frame or you’re a fan of flatter bed pillows. 

    This one comes with an easily removable and washable cover that is made of a breathable mesh knit to further aid in heat dispersion. Frequently sold at major retailers, this pillow is priced well among the pack, but keep in mind it could change at any time.

  12. 12. LIANLAM Memory Foam Bamboo Cooling Pillow

    Pros:
    • Shredded gel memory foam
    • Increased airflow
    • Pillow and cover are machine washable
    • Breathable bamboo blend pillow cover
    Cons:
    • Smells off when first unpackaged
    • Takes a long time to dry if washed
    • Inconsistent sizes of shredded foam

    This Gel Infused Pillow is super popular because it’s affordable and effective. Made with 100 percent shredded cooling memory foam, it contours to your unique head and neck shape for all-night comfort. With a 4D breathable mesh design, it allows for greater airflow, maximizing the speed of heat dispersion and making for a cool and comfy night’s sleep.

    This pillow is wrapped in a soft to the touch breathable bamboo rayon and polyester washable cover that is hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and naturally antibacterial, minimizing that sweaty bed head. This zippered cover and the pillow are both machine washable, guaranteeing you can always feel like you’re sleeping on a fresh clean surface. 

    We like the fact that you can customize your comfort by removing some of the shredded gel foam filler, giving you complete control of how it forms to your head and neck. Another plus is the 100 percent money back guarantee, so if you’re not completely happy, you’re not out a penny.

  13. 13. PharMeDoc Blue Cooling Memory Foam Pillow

    Pros:
    • Hole punch design to increase ventilation
    • Cooling gel infused memory foam
    • Easily contours to fit your body
    Cons:
    • Somewhat small size
    • Tends to flatten out with sleep
    • Feels stiff when you first lay down

    This PharMeDoc Pillow gets winning marks from us on a number of fronts. First, it’s a budget-friendly option, especially if you’re looking to replace more than a single pillow in your house. (We’re fans of uniform pillow sizes for making your bed look neat and tidy.) Second, this pillow features a unique hole punch design that makes often impenetrable memory foam far more efficient at heat dispersion. 

    That design means more airflow and ventilation to draw your inner flame away from your head and neck through the pillow and out into the room. The viscoelastic memory foam is infused with tiny beads of cooling gel to aid in giving you a great night’s sleep, while the pliable memory foam supports your overall comfort by conforming to your natural contours.

    This pillow comes with a soft and breathable zip off pillowcase that’s quick to refresh with a toss in the washer. 

    This cool company also makes a great collection of pregnancy pillows (another time of life when you’re likely to sleep hot and wake up a lot.) Browse for them here.

  14. 14. Revel All Climate Cooling Gel Memory Foam Therapeutic Contour Pillow

    Pros:
    • Uses dual cooling technology to keep you comfortable
    • Double sided memory foam for firm or softer options
    • Very supportive for head, neck and shoulders
    Cons:
    • Chemical odor when first unpackaged
    • Not cooling from both sides
    • Isn't as firm a support as some others

    We admit it. We’re always thrilled when a pillow not only promises the specific benefits we’re looking for – in this instance nighttime cooling power, but also delivers flexibility for different sleepers. This well-priced pillow delivers a one-two punch in favor of comfort. 

    This pillow features dual cooling action with a temperature activated foam insert that literally draws the heat away from you as well as a “cool burst” cover that wicks sweat and moisture and disburses heat throughout the night.  It offers beaded gel technology to keep you cool and comfy.

    Another feature that sets this pillow apart though is the two-sided memory foam that allows you a firmer feel on one side, and a cushier and more giving feel on the other. Frankly, we think that’s genius.

    It works well especially for back sleepers as it cradles the head and neck throughout the night so you’ll wake up well rested and ready to take on the day without stiffness or soreness.

     

  15. 15. Editor’s Choice: Chiroflow Waterbase Waterpillow

    Pros:
    • Internal water bladder makes it like a waterbed for your head
    • Stays cool and comfortable all night
    • Reduces stiffness and neck pain
    • Customizable firmness
    Cons:
    • Can leak if you don't seal it properly
    • Kind of heavy
    • Need to empty all the air out or you hear the water sloshing

    Remember how comfy that water bed was in the 70s? This crazy cool pillow is like a waterbed for your head. I’ll admit it, I sleep on it every night, and while it’s marketed more for neck and back pain, I can tell you this pillow stays cool and comfy all night long. So much so, my spouse demanded one for himself.

    I first started talking about cold pillows with my chiropractor, but I also let him know that I’d tried at least a dozen different pillows to get comfortable and stay cool since I’m a light sleeper. He asked if I’d consider a little different option, and brought this pillow out for me to look at.

    Here’s why I love it, three years in and still counting. First, it’s completely adjustable to your desired firmness because you decide how much water to fill it with. It took about a week to get it just right, but I’ve never looked back. I purchased this cooling pillow while in the throes of menopause. After plenty of miserably sweaty nights with no sleep, I took to keeping the window open even in the coldest weather, much to my husband’s dismay.

    Since I started sleeping on the Chiroflow pillow, I’ve stayed cool, slept better, and even though the hot flashes and night sweats are long gone, I can’t imagine sleeping on anything else. This pillow has the water bladder on the bottom, and a soft dacron fiber topper inside of a washable zip off cover. 

    It hits about the middle of the range in terms of price, and it keeps me sleeping cool even during the hottest months. I personally give this one my biggest thumbs up. Once I added these bamboo pillowcases, it was even more cool and comfy. It’s perfectly supportive, and I never wake up with back or shoulder pain from a pillow that’s too thick or not flexible.

    If you love memory foam and the idea of waterbase technology, the Mediflow Water Pillow is another awesome choice, and I can again say from experience, it will give you an awesome night’s sleep.

    If you’re not sure about trying out a water pillow, this article helps break down the great reasons to give one a try.

     

Why Should I Get a Cooling Pillow?

Medical News Today lays out the research that backs up the fact that sleeping cooler improves both the duration and quality of our sleep. That's why these cool pillows may go a long way toward giving you some relief from sweaty nights, and constant waking due to the discomfort that causes.

The bottom line with most of our choices came down to a combination of factors - cooling gel layers, cooling gel infused memory foam, ventilation options, and breathable and washable covers.

What Makes Gel Pillows Cooling?

A layer of cooling gel keeps your pillow cooler near the surface which is almost always where you'll see it in pillows. Some pillows have combined beads of cooling gel with their memory foam to produce a similar effect throughout the pillow.

Both help to regulate temperature and reduce heat buildup to give you a better night's sleep. 

Are There More Organic Options Besides Foam and Gel?

While we didn't include any buckwheat pillows in our list of top picks, they do get great reviews for being cool and comfy as well. Additionally, buckwheat pillows are known for their firm but springy support which is a plus for those who want good alignment of their head, neck, and spine.

Another big benefit of buckwheat pillows is they have good airflow, which makes sense as they're many grains of buckwheat rather than a gel or foam. Because they naturally create better sleeping posture, these pillows may help to reduce snoring and neck aches in the morning as well.

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