If you tend to wake up in sweat in the middle of the night you should consider getting a cooling pillow. Our ultimate guide to choosing the best cooling pillows can help you make the right choice. It is based on thorough research and verified customer experiences.
Many people who tend to sleep hot are aware that kicking the covers off is not always good enough. Waking up in sweat in the middle of the night and not being able to fall asleep after can be very unpleasant. Some people sleep hotter than others, and they often have troubles getting enough shut-eye at night because of the night sweats. Sleep deprivation can take a toll on their health and well-being, especially if it is chronic. Luckily, cooling pillows can help them get a good night’s rest that they deserve.
Investing in cooling pillows can make a big difference and help hot sleepers get enough comfortable and undisrupted sleep that they deserve. Do cooling pillows work? These pillows don’t retain heat from the body, and they provide a perfect sleep temperature. Many models of cooling pillows are available on the market, and they have different designs, covers, and materials. We have picked out a few best cooling pillows available that can provide relief from sweat and help hot sleepers get enough restful and cool sleep that they deserve. Here are our top picks for hot sleepers, based on product research, analysis, and customer reviews:
If you tend to wake up in sweat and are searching for the perfect cooling pillow, the Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo is an excellent model that you should take into consideration. This pillow is from Relief Mart, and it is also known simply as the Snuggle-Pedic. It is an excellent option for all sleep positions, and sleepers in all weight groups. This memory foam pillow has advanced cooling features, and it can help those who tend to sleep hot to get enough undisrupted rest that they deserve. Some sleepers consider it the best cooling pillow 2018.
The outside cover of this model is very soft, and it has a textured pattern. It is made with the mix of polyester, viscose from bamboo, and lycra. This bamboo cooling pillow cover is very breathable, and it has micro vents which improve its breathability even more. This pillow also has an inside cover, which is very thin and holds the filling in place. The pillow is filled with a proprietary mixture of Biogreen and CertiPUR-US certified shredded memory foam. It provides excellent airflow thanks to being filled with small chunks of memory foam that allow the air to circulate through the pillow. As you can see, the fill of this model also provides extra cooling benefits.
When it comes to firmness, Snuggle-Pedic is medium, and it is a fantastic model for people who have neck pain and shoulder pain. It is made with hypoallergenic materials, and it is a perfect pillow for allergy sufferers as it doesn’t contain any allergens. It has excellent cooling features and fantastic breathability, and as a result, it helps people sleep cool on it without having to worry about waking up all sweaty at night. It is one of the best cooling pillows that you can find on the market, and it is available in three sizes – standard, queen, and king.
This pillow has a moderate amount of sinking, but sleepers won’t bottom out on it, and it provides the right amount of bounce, despite being an all-foam model. It offers fantastic support, excellent pressure relief benefits, and close conforming to the sleeper’s head and neck. Additionally, it is very comfortable and provides much-needed support. It is also possible to adjust the loft by removing some of the filling, depending on your preferences. Maintenance is easy as the entire pillow is completely washable. What makes this pillow a fantastic option for hot sleepers is the fact that it provides the same comfortable and cooling sleep experience as high-end models, but its price is below average for cooling pillows.
Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo model comes with a 120-night trial period and a warranty of 20 years, which is exceptionally long. The shipping is free for shoppers in all 50 states.
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The Layla is a cooling pillow with excellent breathability, and it is a fantastic model for hot sleepers. The pillow is filled with shredded memory foam which allows amazing airflow and helps keep the entire pillow cool. It is an ideal model for every sleep position, and it is the best for sleepers in the light and average weight category. When it comes to firmness, it is medium soft, and it is an excellent product for people who prefer pillows on the softer side. Despite being medium soft, it offers the proper support.
Layla pillow has an incredibly soft cover which is very comfortable, durable, and made from polyester, viscose, lycra, and rayon. The cover is also infused with copper, which improves air circulation of the entire pillow and reduces pressure on sensitive areas of the sleeper’s body. It is antimicrobial, and it is a fantastic model for people who are prone to allergies. The filling of the pillow is made with a mixture of shredded memory foam and Kapok fibers. Memory foam that goes into this pillow is responsive and CertiPUR-US certified, which means that it is friendly to the environment, and Kapok fibers are natural and also eco-friendly. Memory foam is dense and resilient, and it provides the right support and conforms to the sleeper’s head, neck, and shoulders. Fibers from the Kapok tree are airy, soft, hypoallergenic, and very comfortable.
The primary benefit of the Layla is its exceptional coolness, and that’s what makes it a perfect pillow for people who tend to sleep hot. It doesn’t retain body heat, and sleepers don’t have to worry about night sweats with it. It is considered the best cooling pillow for night sweats. Besides being very cool, this pillow has excellent pressure relief benefits on sensitive body areas and soft contouring. It offers significant pressure relief for sleepers with pains and aches. Thanks to being very moldable, the pillow is perfect for sleepers who want to snuggle with a pillow. It can maintain a full shape with only minimal fluffing. Additional health advantages that this pillow provides thanks to its copper-infused cover are improved blood circulation, clean skin, reduced sleep apnea and snoring.
The Layla comes with a 120-night trial period and a warranty of 5 years. The shipping is free for shoppers in the continental U.S. The delivery fee for Alaska and Hawaii is $20, and if you want this pillow delivered to Canada, you need to pay $40.
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Easy Breather pillow is another excellent cooling pillow. It is filled with shredded gel-infused memory foam that sleeps much cooler compared to standard memory foams. The pillow is very comfortable and has excellent breathability. It is a perfect option for lightweight sleepers, sleepers with average weight, and for those who like to sleep on medium pillows. It is one of the best pillows 2018.
The cover is very breathable and soft, and it is made of Tencel-blended fabric, which is a plant-based substitute to cotton. This fabric is very sensible and delicate, and it is known for its moisture-wicking properties. It helps the entire pillow stay cool and dry throughout the night. The cover of the Easy Breather also comes with a very reliable zipper. The pillow is 8 inches thick and it is filled with shredded gel-infused memory foam that delivers exceptional coolness to the pillow and has enhanced molding and contouring capabilities. The filling of this model is adjustable, and sleepers can add or remove it to increase or decrease the thickness. Thanks to the adjustable loft, the pillow is excellent for all sleep positions, and for people with changing loft preferences.
This pillow sleeps exceptionally cool compared to most of the other memory foam pillows thanks to its breathability and gel-infused cooling foam. This model is the best pillow for sweaty head. Pressure relief is fantastic on this pillow, and it is a perfect model for those who suffer from pain in shoulders and neck. You can choose from three sizes of this model – standard, queen, and king depending on your preferences. The response to pressure is slow, and the support is fantastic. However, the downside of this pillow is that you can’t wash it in the washing machine, which means that you should get a pillow cover to keep it clean. What sets this pillow apart from other models is the outstanding warranty – Nest Bedding offers a lifetime warranty on this pillow model.
Easy Breather comes with a trial period of 100 nights and free shipping to customers in the continental U.S. It also comes with free returns and lifetime warranty.
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If you tend to sleep hot, and you are looking for an innovative pillow for your bedroom, you should consider the Original Water Pillow from Mediflow. Although getting water on the pillow can seem like a strange idea, it is not. This unique and innovative model offers excellent cooling benefits, amazing neck support, and provides relief from neck pain. The Original Water model was clinically proven to improve sleep and reduce neck pain, and that’s what makes it an ideal option for people who suffer from whiplash or different sleep issues. If you decide to get this pillow, you can rest assured you’ll get good night’s rest that you need and deserve.
The cover of this pillow is made of pure 200 thread count cotton shell which is very smooth and soft and stays comfortable and cool all night long. Not only it provides exceptional comfort for the head and neck, but it is also hypoallergenic. Inside the pillow, there is a fully sealed and insulated water pouch that can hold five quarts of water. It provides the proper support, adjustable height, and flexible movement. There is a layer of resilient Dacron Hollofil fiber on top of the water pouch which is hypoallergenic, incredibly soft, and it provides fantastic comfort for the sleeper’s head.
Thanks to the layer of water, this pillow provides responsive support. It is available in one universal size, and its dimensions are 20” x 28”. It is an excellent and innovative model for all sleep positions and every weight group of sleepers. Another amazing thing about this model is that it is entirely adjustable. It is possible to adjust the firmness of the pillow to your liking by adding or removing a certain amount of water until you achieve the perfect level of support that matches your sleeping preferences. Thanks to the adjustability of this pillow, it is a perfect model for all sleepers, especially those with shifting loft preferences. The layer of water and a cover made of 100% high thread cotton allow the Original Water model to stay very cool, and that’s why it is one of the best cooling pillows available. It is one of the best things for hot sleepers. Sleepers can even try different water temperatures when filling the pillow with water and find what works for them.
The Original Water is an amazing true cooling pillow that helps sleepers avoid waking up in sweat. It has excellent cooling benefits and provides fantastic support and comfort. It provides relief from neck pain and shoulder pain, and it allows the proper spinal alignment. Additionally, it is very easy to maintain as it can be washed in a washing machine. There is no need to worry about waking up at night to fluff the pillow as it adjusts to the sleeper’s head motions and maintains outstanding support.
This pillow comes with a trial period of 30 nights and a 3-year warranty. If you don’t like it, you can return it within 30 days, no questions asked.
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The Bear Pillow is another excellent model for people who tend to sleep hot. It is made by a company with an established reputation, and it delivers an outstanding sleeping experience. The Bear is a hybrid poly foam model and it is a perfect combination of the response of latex and comfort of memory foam. Although it has the comfort of memory foam, it responds quickly, and sleepers don’t have to worry about feeling stuck. Additionally, it is very cool to the touch, and it is one of the best cooling pillows available on the market. It is considered the best cooling pillow for night sweats.
The cover of this pillow is revolutionary and thanks to it the Bear pillow stays cooler than most of the other pillows in the industry. This cover is made with 60% polyester and 40% cool yarn, and it is unique. It has a satin-like feel, and it is very soft and comfortable. The cover is also breathable thanks to mesh caps on the sides that allow air to circulate through the pillow. The inside of the pillow is made with a proprietary blend of polyurethane foam, and it is a hybrid of memory foam and latex. The Bear is a one-piece hybrid model with excellent breathability thanks to holes punched into it that promote air circulation.
This pillow is a suitable sleep solution for all sleep positions. However, it is best suited for back sleepers and stomach sleepers. When it comes to firmness, the Bear Pillow is medium, which makes it an excellent option for people in light and average weight group. It is also a good fit for heavier sleepers who want a softer pillow with a balanced feel. It provides close conforming to the sleeper’s head, shoulders, and neck, and it alleviates pressure on these sensitive areas. The cover of this model is entirely washable, even in the washing machine, but the foam core of this pillow isn’t, and it shouldn’t get wet. If you must spot clean it, you should use a mild detergent and a damp cloth, and wait until it is completely dry. The entire pillow is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic inside and out, and it provides protection against bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens.
This model comes with a sleep trial period of 100 nights and a 2-year warranty. The shipping is free for buyers within the continental United States.
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In case you are searching for the right cooling pillow, you need to determine the size of the pillow that you need. Your choice should depend on your needs and preferences. People with broader shoulders opt for larger-sized pillows, while sleepers with small body frames choose smaller models. Also, people who toss and turn a lot while sleeping need a pillow of the larger size. Once you determine the right size of cushion for your bed, you can start shopping. We will explain typical sizes of cooling pillows that you can find on the market, and help you make an informed decision.
This size of pillows is the most common all over the world. The reason for this is simple – it is very compact, which makes it a suitable option for most sleepers. It is also the cheapest option available as fewer materials are used in the production of standard pillows. The dimensions of the standard pillow models are 20” x 26”.
The dimensions of queen-size models are 20” x 30”. As you can see, these pillows are 4” longer compared to standard models, and they are perfect for those who shift positions a lot while sleeping. This size of pillows is also ideal for people who tend to toss and turn a lot during the night. If you think that standard models are too compact and short, you should opt for pillows of queen size.
This size of pillows is also excellent for restless sleepers and those who shift positions a lot. The dimensions of king size pillows are 20” x 36”, and they are the largest option available. You can also use them as backrests and headrests when watching TV or reading a book. King-sized pillows are also perfect for sleepers with broad shoulders as these people need additional support that standard pillows simply don’t offer.
Some cooling models are also available in a specialty size. The dimensions of this size of pillows are 24” x 16”, and they are perfect for people who don’t think that standard, queen, and king size is what they need.
| Pillow Size | Measurements |
| Standard | 20” x 26” |
| Queen | 20” x 30” |
| King | 20” x 36” |
| Specialty | 24” x 16” |
Each type of pillows has its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are the most important advantages that you can expect to get from sleeping on a cooling pillow:
Unlike some types of pillows, cooling pillows don’t produce noise. These models are usually made from materials like memory foam or latex, and these materials produce little to no noise when the pressure is applied. It is a critical benefit as sleepers don’t have to worry about being woken up by the noise. This benefit is especially relevant to people who can be woken up very easily, by even the slightest sound.
The most obvious advantage of using cooling pillows is that they help sleepers to sleep cool on them. Unlike other pillow types, that tend to retain body temperature and sleep hot, cooling pillows don’t retain body heat. These pillows help diffuse heat from the body instead of trapping it, and they stay cool to the touch throughout the night. People don’t have to worry about night sweats when sleeping on this type of pillows thanks to the cooling benefits that they provide.
Due to being made with memory foam or latex, or both materials, cooling pillows are very supportive. Latex and memory foam provide above-average support, in comparison to other materials of pillows. Pillows made with these materials adjust to the sleeper’s shoulders, neck, and head, and they help keep the spine properly aligned. Cooling models provide the right amount of support that sleepers need, and they can help prevent neck pain and back pain.
Another benefit of this type of pillows is that they are quite comfortable. These pillows are made with materials that provide an excellent level of comfort and the right cushioning. They spread and diffuse pressure and conform to the sleeper’s body. Thanks to them, people can sleep comfortably throughout the night and wake up refreshed and full of energy in the morning.
Pillows made with latex and shredded memory foam have a longer life expectancy compared to models made from other materials. If you opt for these pillows, you will enjoy at least a few years of restful sleep. The average lifespan of these pillows is four to five years, and it is considered above average. You can also increase the life expectancy of your cooling pillow if you take proper care of it and maintain it regularly.
Since most cooling pillows are made with memory foam or latex, they provide excellent pressure relief on sensitive areas such as neck, head, and shoulders, and they can prevent the pain in these areas. These pillows are perfect for people who tend to suffer from neck pain and similar issues, especially if they are chronic.
Some of the drawbacks that you can expect from cooling pillows include:
If you want to get a pillow that sleeps cool, you need to be prepared to pay the price for it. Of course, these pillows are not unreasonably expensive. They are simply slightly pricier compared to regular pillows, but it is completely understandable due to their specialized designs. Most people are ready to pay a bit more for these models so that they don’t need to worry about night sweats. All in all, cooling pillows are worth it, and they are a wise investment.
In case you suffer from allergies, you need to be very careful when choosing the right pillow. Pillows that contain latex can trigger allergies in sleepers who are allergic to this material. Also, memory foam can attract dust mites that can also trigger allergies. It is crucial to be careful when searching for the best cooling pillow for your bedroom. However, you can avoid this problem by opting for hypoallergenic pillows. Some cooling pillows are hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, and you can sleep comfortably knowing they won’t trigger your allergies.
Another drawback of cooling pillows can be their weight. Some of these pillows are much heavier compared to normal models, which can make it difficult to move or flip them throughout the night. Latex and memory foam pillows can be dense and heavy. For example, they tend to be heavier than down pillows. However, most sleepers don’t consider their weight an issue, and they don’t have any problems moving the pillow throughout the night.
Pillows made with shredded memory foam need to be fluffed regularly so that they keep their full shape and provide the right level of comfort. On the other hand, latex cooling pillows are usually one-piece models and they don’t require being fluffed, but they can’t be washed in a washing machine, which makes their maintenance a bit difficult. Of course, these pillows can be dry cleaned or spot cleaned. It is crucial to use warm water and mild detergent when removing spots on these models. Additionally, cooling pads, no matter the material that they are made from, need to be entirely dried in a well-ventilated area so that they don’t pick up mold.
Cooling models made with latex can have a rubbery smell as latex comes from rubber trees. Some sleepers can find this smell unpleasant. Memory foam models also sometimes produce strong off-gassing odors. Of course, these odors usually last only for a couple of days, but if you want a completely odor-free pillow, you should opt for a different type of pillows.
Renata is an economist who has always had a passion for writing. She is a dog lover, Netflix addict and a sleepaholic. When she is not busy doing sleep research, she spends her time reading books, hiking and playing video games.
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