With the hottest part of summer right around the corner, people are getting creative with staying cool.
There are a number of common things that we do to stay cool, including wearing wet clothes around our necks, wetting our hair, and relaxing in the pool.
Luckily, for staying cool at night, we have cooling pillows. Cooling pillows are pillows that are made with specific material that is designed to keep us cool while we sleep, and not trap extra heat.
Cooling pillows are a summer staple for many people, as they can make a huge difference in how comfortable we are at night and in the quality of our sleep.
What Is a Cooling Pillow?
Cooling pillows are made to keep us cool (this can be figured out from their name, of course) – but what exactly are they and what makes them different from regular pillows?
They are usually made out of gel, memory foam, and fiber, or a careful mixture of any of these materials.
The materials used to make the cooling pillow are used due to their cooling properties and their ability to release the heat that our heads create and that normal pillows would hold onto.
Regular gel and memory foam pillows are known to be less heat conducting than stuffed pillows, but they are still no match for cooling pillows.
What makes cooling pillows so unique? Perhaps it’s the type of gel and foam that is used within the pillows.
Like everything else, there are different types of gel and memory foam, and each pillow brand uses a different type.
Cooling pillows can be divided into two categories – stuffed and solid. Stuffed meaning that the pillow is stuffed with small scraps of the cooling material, and solid meaning that the pillow is made of one solid piece of material such as a large piece of memory foam.
Typically, stuffed cooling pillows are softer than solid cooling pillows.
Features to Consider When Buying a Cooling Pillow
It can be hard to decide which cooling pillow to buy- especially when there are so many different cooling pillows on the market.
Store shelves are lined with them, online shelves are filled with them, and there are too many to choose from. So to help you decide which is best for you, here are a few things to consider when buying a new cooling pillow.
1. Material
The material that your cooling pillow is made from is an important thing to consider when shopping, as it sets the stage for the comfort level of your pillow.
Cooling pillows are made from a variety of inner materials such as gel, fiber, feathers, and memory foam or any combination of the materials put together.
Before you buy a pillow, consider which inner material you prefer and which is most comfortable for you as to make sure that you get the most comfort for the money you spend on your cooling pillow.
2. Outer Fabric
Not only do cooling pillows contain inner material, but they’re also covered in soft material to contain their insides.
Cooling pillows come covered in a variety of different materials including the classic cotton covering, and sometimes even, silk-like materials.
Others are covered in rougher materials and require a pillow case to be put on them before they are slept on (unless you like itching and scratching).
Keep in mind what the pillow is covered in before you bring it home, and also consider whether or not you want to use a pillow case or would rather just sleep on the pillow itself.
3. Sleep Habits
Your personal sleeping habits are a good thing to think about, as well (although this factor is often overlooked).
Cooling pillows come in different thicknesses, and the thickness of your pillow combined with your sleeping habits and positions can impact your comfort level to a great extent.
People, who sleep on their sides, generally need a thicker pillow, while back and stomach sleepers, can usually get away with a thinner cooling pillow.
In general, people sleep better when their spines are aligned, and depending on the position in which you sleep in, this could mean a thick or thin pillow.
4. Durability and Maintenance
Like other bedding such as blankets, pillows can and will wear out over time. The key to buying a cooling pillow is to buy one that is as durable as possible, meaning that it will last you a long time.
You should also consider the maintenance needed for the cooling pillow of your choice.
Some pillows do better being washed by hand, while others can handle being thrown in the washing machine- others, though, might only be able to handle a spot wash here and there.
Each cooling pillow comes with a set of instructions to follow when it comes to washing. This ensures that if the instructions are followed correctly, the pillow will be good to use for years.
5. Testing
It’s a good idea to test your cooling pillow out before you commit, if it’s at all possible.
Some pillow retailers offer tests in store, so that you can choose a pillow and use it to relax with for a few minutes while you get a sense of how it feels and how it reacts to your head’s weight.
If during a 10 minute test, your head slumps or rolls off the pillow, consider looking for a different pillow. For stores that don’t allow tests, you need to purchase the pillow and then take it home to test it.
6. Replacement
When buying a cooling pillow, you probably aren’t thinking about returning it or replacing it- but maybe you should be.
Before buying the pillow, you should learn to recognize when you need to get a new cooling pillow and when the pillow you’re about to buy might start to need extra care.
If your pillow starts to feel lumpy, stops feeling supportive, or stops keeping you cool, it might very well be time to invest in a new one.
This being said, don’t be afraid to try a different kind of pillow or a different shaped cooling pillow, as some of the best surprises are the ones that come from being curious.
7. Price
The price of a pillow can be the deal breaker when it comes to purchasing and final decisions.
Cooling pillows, in general, are more expensive than regular pillows. However, they still fall within a price range of low to high.
It’s easy to think that the most expensive pillows are the best, but this isn’t always the case- especially when you take into consideration your unique cooling pillow needs.
As a rule of thumb, try to find pillows that fall within the middle of the price spectrum. This way, you aren’t left feeling cheap, and you aren’t left without emergency cash, either.
Best Cooling Pillows
With the number of cooling pillows on the market, there are bound to be a few gems and a few duds. The trick is to find the pillow that works for you.
This, though, is easier said than done and can be intimidating to do. So to help, here are a few of the best cooling pillows around.
1. PharMeDoc Contour Cooling Gel Pillow
The PharMeDoc Contour Cooling Gel Pillow has a complex name but a simple use- the pillow is ideal for cooling down on hot summer nights.
The pillow is made of sturdy memory foam and topped with a gel area to release extra heat. The pillow is curved to align the sleeper’s spine and make for a comfortable night’s sleep.
The height of the pillow is reversible, and sleepers can choose between a 4 inch high pillow and a 5 inch high pillow.
The case that the pillow comes in is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, and comes off easily for a quick cleaning experience that is convenient for even the busiest of people.
Features include:
- Cooling gel topper that is comfortable and durable, but discreet enough to be unable to be felt through the pillow case
- Curved design to relieve and prevent back and neck pain, as well as allow a good night’s sleep. Curved design also allows for the spine to be aligned.
- Hypoallergenic pillow case that is dust mite-friendly and won’t cause any allergic reactions, making it so that individuals with allergies to fabric can still benefit from using the pillow
- Firm structure that allows for a comfortable position and reduces the amount of neck pain that is associated with unstable pillows
Pros:
- Easy to wash
- Durable and supportive
- Hypoallergenic
- Soft
- Resistant to dust mites
Cons:
- May smell of mild chemicals
2. Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Cooling Pillow
Number two on our list, the Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Cooling Pillow is no less beneficial than number one on the list.
It comes in three sizes: king, queen, and standard. It’s filled with a combination of memory foam and other foams to achieve the perfect result, and the pieces of foam are small, so they can maintain their light weight and fluffy qualities.
The pillow is covered in a ventilated bamboo covering to allow air to circulate through the pillow and take the heat with it.
The Snuggle-Pedic is ideal for pregnant women and people who suffer from neck or back pain, or who have a problem sleeping at night.
Features include:
- Shredded foam interior that allows for air circulation and softness, despite being very supportive
- Removable bamboo fiber covering that is ventilated to further aid in air circulation and coolness
- Hypoallergenic materials that prevent irritation and itchiness, and won’t cause allergic reactions in people with allergies and sensitive skin
- Small foam pieces that can be added or removed to create a customized pillow that fits the sleepers unique standards and comfort level
Pros:
- Comes in 3 sizes
- Ventilated
- Soft but firm and durable
- Hypoallergenic
- Free return shipping if not happy with order
Cons:
- Can feel lumpy
3. Classic Brands Reversible Cool Gel Pillow
Classic Brands’ Reversible Cool Get Pillow is exactly what it sounds like – a highly effective cooling pillow that can be reversed for added coolness or warmth.
One side of the pillow is purely memory foam, while the other is topped with a cooling gel pad to keep the sleeper cool.
The pillow is made of memory foam that is sturdy enough to hold the sleepers head in the optimal sleeping position (their spine aligned).
The pillow is a generous medium-plush pillow that is comfortable for people who like neither too soft or too firm pillows. The pillow is covered in a hypoallergenic knit cover that wicks away heat.
Features include:
- Soft gel topper on one side to keep the sleeper cool all night. Won’t be uncomfortable to sleep on for long periods of time, and doesn’t heat up after a long use
- Hypoallergenic mesh covering that is soft and breathable, and can be removed and washed in the washing machine as well as dried in the dryer for easy cleaning and maintenance
- Medium-soft memory foam side that is somewhat firm but sturdy and allows for a comfortable sleep
- 5 inch height (thickness) to provide optimal support for the neck and spine, as well as the perfect amount of cushion for a deep sleep
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic
- Gel topper
- Made of durable memory foam
- Comfortable 5 inch height
- Breathable
Cons:
- Cooling gel isn’t always noticeable
4. GhostPillow
GhostPillow comes in two options: a two pack and a single pack, and both are great for hot nights.
GhostPillow comes with a 100 night trial, during which, if you aren’t satisfied with your pillow you can return it hassle free.
It’s made of sweat-wicking fabric that is designed to reduce the amount of sweat and heat that gets trapped within the pillow.
The GhostPillow contains special airflow technology to ensure that you stay cool all night long, and is made with head and neck support in mind. It is supportive and comfortable, but not too hard or soft.
Features include:
- Coolburst airflow technology for heat relief that lasts all night and happens as soon as your head hits the pillow
- Performance fabric that is made specifically to get rid of excess moisture and heat without disrupting your sleep
- Embroidered zipper cover that can be taken off and washed in the washing machine or by hand for easy cleaning and refreshing
- Lightly scented to give off a calming scent as you are falling asleep and to minimize the smell of the packaging that may linger on the pillow’s fabric
- Free returns within 100 days of shipping date, hassle free and affordable
Pros:
- Lightly scented
- Airflow technology
- Removable pillow covering to make for easy cleaning
- Supportive and comfortable
- Designed to aid in spinal alignment and neck comfort
Cons:
- Reportedly not as effective as it claims to be
5. Iso-Cool Memory Foam Pillow
The Iso-Cool Memory Foam Pillow is made of 100% cotton and comes in 5 options if you buy it on Amazon.
The options are contour, standard, and gusseted- all of which comes in a single pack or a two pack. The pillow has microscopic PCM beads that either absorb heat and feels cold, or releases heat and feels warm.
It’s filled with a visco-elastic memory foam filling that is ideal for side sleepers and people who have a hard time getting comfortable, as it can be fluffed and adjusted to the right position.
Features include:
- PCM beads that, depending on the temperature in the room, will absorb heat and cool, or release heat and warm the pillow
- Memory foam filling that is fluffy and comfortable, but still firm and easy to adjust to get the perfect pillow position
- 100% cotton cover for ultimate comfort and softness, as well as an affordable price
Pros:
- PCM cooling and heating technology
- 100% cotton cover
- Available in different sizes and packaging options
- Visco-elastic memory foam filling
Ideal for side sleepers
Cons:
- 2 pack can be expensive
6. Sleep Restoration Gel Pillow
The Sleep Restoration Pillow comes in both queen and king size options.
The pillow is made with plush gel fiber that is comfortable and makes for a good night’s rest.
The pillow is also made with movement in mind, as it is made with no-shift construction to ensure that they don’t slip or slide underneath the sleeper’s head.
The pillows are dust, mite, mildew, and mold resistant so that they can be used for a long time without being compromised by these common pests.
It is also fade and stain resistant and easy to clean as it can be washed in the washing machine.
Features include:
- No-shift construction to ensure that the pillow won’t move, slide, or become uncomfortable during the night
- Fade and stain resistant, as well as machine washable and easy to clean
- Gel fiber filled to give added comfort and aid in deep restful sleep and reduce the risk of neck pain that is associated with inadequate pillows and neck position
- Two sizes- king and queen, both of which are guaranteed to be comfy and good to sleep on for extended periods of time
Pros:
- Available in two sizes
- Supportive and soft
- Fade and stain resistant
- Dust, mite, mildew, and mold resistant
- No-shift construction
Cons:
- Some pillows have been reported to have mild on them at the time of purchase
7. Equinox Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Our number 7 recommended cooling pillow is the Equinox Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow- it is innovative and useful, but also affordable.
The pillow is made of sturdy memory foam and equipped with cooling honeycomb cooling gel technology, and both materials work to keep the sleeper cool.
Included with the pillow is a set of care instructions on how to best care for and clean the spandex mesh pillow case that covers the pillow.
The pillow comes in a single pack or 2 pack and has a 5 year warranty from the manufacturer.
Features include:
- Unique honeycomb cooling gel technology that draws heat from your body and releases it for the ultimate cool down process
- Breathable spandex mesh pillow case that comes off and can be washed easily and without special care
- Made of high-quality memory foam to ensure that the sleeper gets the best night’s sleep possible
- Detailed care instructions to ensure that the pillow can be taken care of properly and used for many years before being switched out
Pros:
- Cooling gel topper
- High quality materials
- Instruction sheet
- Breathable pillow case that is easy to clean
- Two packaging options
Cons:
- Cooling effect has been known to sometimes wear off during the night
8. Acanva Memory Foam Pillow
The Acanva Memory Foam Pillow is a good addition to any hot bedroom.
Its pillow case is made of a specific blend of 60% Tencel botanic fiber and 40% polyester, giving it a soft and smooth feeling that is comfortable to sleep on.
The pillow itself is made of slow rebound memory foam, which means that the pillow bounces back into shape after each use and doesn’t end up looking deformed.
It contains a cooling gel topper that whisks away excess heat and aids in air circulation through the pillow’s fibers.
Features include:
- Hydrogel cooling gel (a solid cover that contains a liquid) that is made to regulate the pillow’s temperature and produce a cooling effect that the sleeper can benefit from
- Natural Tencel fiber cover that is soft and environmentally friendly, as well as breathable and high quality
- Argyle embossed design to add a high-end appearance to the already high-end pillow, and add a touch of added sophistication to the bed it is placed on
- One side is made of high quality memory foam, and the other is topped with the unique cooling gel pad that the pillow is praised for
- Hypoallergenic materials that are also known to be antibacterial to not only aid in sleep, but also aid in fighting off germs
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic and antibacterial
- Made of natural Tencel fiber from eucalyptus trees
- Cooling gel topper on one side, memory foam on the other
- Argyle design for added style
- Good temperature regulation and air flow conductor
Cons:
- Can be too firm for some people’s liking
In Conclusion
The perfect cooling pillow can be hard to find, but by keeping a few basic questions in mind, and taking into consideration the above recommendations, finding the right one isn’t impossible. In fact, it can be a fun and rewarding experience.
After finding the right pillow, it’s important to take care of it and keep it clean and in good condition so that it can be used for years to come, but if it needs to be replaced make sure that you take into consideration things like price, texture preference, cooling methods, and internal technologies as well as pillow size and shape.
With any luck, the new pillow that you purchase will be just as good as the one you had before (if not better).
