The 11 Best Cooling Pillows, Tested by Hot Sleepers on Their Backs, Sides, and Stomachs

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Rachel Marek

People / Rachel Marek

If you’re a hot sleeper, you know that all theair conditioningin the world won’t prevent that sweaty, uncomfortable feeling that comes with using the wrong bedding. Whilecooling sheetsand comforters can help, if your pillow retains too much heat, you’ll be tossing and turning all night long. The best cooling pillow, however, can lead to a more restful night’s sleep without having to flip the pillow over and over again to find the cool side.

The More You Know

Keep scrolling for the 11 best cooling pillows that PEOPLE tested, including ones for side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and adjustable options for a customizable sleep experience.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Coop Sleep Goods The Eden Pillow at Amazon$99Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Mainstays Cooling Pillow at Walmart$20Jump to ReviewBest for Very Hot Sleepers:Slumber UltraCool Pillow at Amazon$79Jump to ReviewBest for Side Sleepers:Saatva Latex Pillow at Amazon$185Jump to ReviewBest for Stomach Sleepers:Sleep Number True Temp Pillow at Amazon$130Jump to ReviewBest Down Alternative:Slumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow at Slumber Cloud$64Jump to ReviewBest Firm:Marlow The Pillow at Amazon$49Jump to ReviewBest Memory Foam:SALETempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pillow at Amazon$89$60Jump to ReviewBest Foam:Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow at Amazon$80Jump to ReviewBest Adjustable:SALEQutool Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillow at Amazon$50$37Jump to Review

Best Overall:Coop Sleep Goods The Eden Pillow at Amazon$99Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Mainstays Cooling Pillow at Walmart$20Jump to ReviewBest for Very Hot Sleepers:Slumber UltraCool Pillow at Amazon$79Jump to ReviewBest for Side Sleepers:Saatva Latex Pillow at Amazon$185Jump to ReviewBest for Stomach Sleepers:Sleep Number True Temp Pillow at Amazon$130Jump to ReviewBest Down Alternative:Slumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow at Slumber Cloud$64Jump to ReviewBest Firm:Marlow The Pillow at Amazon$49Jump to ReviewBest Memory Foam:SALETempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pillow at Amazon$89$60Jump to ReviewBest Foam:Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow at Amazon$80Jump to ReviewBest Adjustable:SALEQutool Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillow at Amazon$50$37Jump to Review

Best Overall:Coop Sleep Goods The Eden Pillow at Amazon$99Jump to Review

Best Overall:Coop Sleep Goods The Eden Pillow at Amazon$99

Best Overall:

Best Budget:Mainstays Cooling Pillow at Walmart$20Jump to Review

Best Budget:Mainstays Cooling Pillow at Walmart$20

Best Budget:

Best for Very Hot Sleepers:Slumber UltraCool Pillow at Amazon$79Jump to Review

Best for Very Hot Sleepers:Slumber UltraCool Pillow at Amazon$79

Best for Very Hot Sleepers:

Best for Side Sleepers:Saatva Latex Pillow at Amazon$185Jump to Review

Best for Side Sleepers:Saatva Latex Pillow at Amazon$185

Best for Side Sleepers:

Best for Stomach Sleepers:Sleep Number True Temp Pillow at Amazon$130Jump to Review

Best for Stomach Sleepers:Sleep Number True Temp Pillow at Amazon$130

Best for Stomach Sleepers:

Best Down Alternative:Slumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow at Slumber Cloud$64Jump to Review

Best Down Alternative:Slumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow at Slumber Cloud$64

Best Down Alternative:

Best Firm:Marlow The Pillow at Amazon$49Jump to Review

Best Firm:Marlow The Pillow at Amazon$49

Best Firm:

Best Memory Foam:SALETempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pillow at Amazon$89$60Jump to Review

Best Memory Foam:SALETempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pillow at Amazon$89$60

Best Memory Foam:

SALE

Best Foam:Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow at Amazon$80Jump to Review

Best Foam:Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow at Amazon$80

Best Foam:

Best Adjustable:SALEQutool Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillow at Amazon$50$37Jump to Review

Best Adjustable:SALEQutool Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillow at Amazon$50$37

Best Adjustable:

Best OverallCoop Sleep Goods The Eden PillowPHOTO: Coop Sleep Goods$99 at Amazon$99 at TargetView on Coopsleepgoods.com

Best OverallCoop Sleep Goods The Eden Pillow

Best Overall

Coop Sleep Goods The Eden Pillow

PHOTO: Coop Sleep Goods

$99 at Amazon$99 at TargetView on Coopsleepgoods.com

Star QualitiesFits a wide variety of standard pillowcasesIt’s gel-infused throughout to keep you cool all night longEntire pillow is machine washableRed FlagsPillow has a light odor when first opened

Star QualitiesFits a wide variety of standard pillowcasesIt’s gel-infused throughout to keep you cool all night longEntire pillow is machine washable

Fits a wide variety of standard pillowcases

It’s gel-infused throughout to keep you cool all night long

Entire pillow is machine washable

Red FlagsPillow has a light odor when first opened

Pillow has a light odor when first opened

This one would have received a perfect score if it didn’t have a noticeable odor upon taking it out of the packaging that lingered even after consistent use. While it was only really noticeable when we buried our face in it, we could see this being irritating for people who sleep on their stomachs. With this in mind, we still loved this pillow and were amazed at just how well it worked all night. Plus, the customization option is great for those who have a hard time finding the right pillow.

Dimensions:27 x 18 inches |Sizes:Queen, king |Fill Material:Memory foam with gel and microfiber |Cover Material:Polyester, rayon |Height:8.5 inches |Care:Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Best BudgetMainstays Cooling PillowPHOTO: Walmart$20 at WalmartStar QualitiesComfortable and noticeably coolGreat valueProvides ample neck supportRed FlagsGets a little lumpy with useNo cover includedThis pillow from Walmart’s Mainstays line functions as two pillows in one: one side has cooling properties, and the other is meant to be soft and comfortable. Not only is the price right, it felt noticeably cool to the touch during testing, and the other side was pleasantly soft and springy.Testers were pleased with its temperature regulation and performance but were also impressed with how well it maintained its shape and provided ample neck support for those who sleep on their back and side. The fill also happens to be antimicrobial and hypoallergenic and is even made from recycled plastic bottles.It’s important to note that this pillow does not come with a cover, so you may have to purchase a protective cover separately. However, perhaps its biggest drawback is that it became a bit lumpy when the fill was moving around, so it may function better as a pillow for a guest room where affordability might be more of a deciding factor than longevity.Dimensions:20 x 28 inches |Sizes:Standard |Fill Material:Polyfill |Cover Material:Polyester |Height:5 inches |Care:Spot clean onlyPHOTO: People / Margot CavinPHOTO: People / Margot CavinPHOTO: People / Margot CavinPHOTO: People / Margot CavinPHOTO: People / Margot Cavin

Best BudgetMainstays Cooling PillowPHOTO: Walmart$20 at Walmart

Best BudgetMainstays Cooling Pillow

Best Budget

Mainstays Cooling Pillow

PHOTO: Walmart

$20 at Walmart

Star QualitiesComfortable and noticeably coolGreat valueProvides ample neck supportRed FlagsGets a little lumpy with useNo cover included

Star QualitiesComfortable and noticeably coolGreat valueProvides ample neck support

Comfortable and noticeably cool

Great value

Provides ample neck support

Red FlagsGets a little lumpy with useNo cover included

Gets a little lumpy with use

No cover included

This pillow from Walmart’s Mainstays line functions as two pillows in one: one side has cooling properties, and the other is meant to be soft and comfortable. Not only is the price right, it felt noticeably cool to the touch during testing, and the other side was pleasantly soft and springy.

Testers were pleased with its temperature regulation and performance but were also impressed with how well it maintained its shape and provided ample neck support for those who sleep on their back and side. The fill also happens to be antimicrobial and hypoallergenic and is even made from recycled plastic bottles.

It’s important to note that this pillow does not come with a cover, so you may have to purchase a protective cover separately. However, perhaps its biggest drawback is that it became a bit lumpy when the fill was moving around, so it may function better as a pillow for a guest room where affordability might be more of a deciding factor than longevity.

Dimensions:20 x 28 inches |Sizes:Standard |Fill Material:Polyfill |Cover Material:Polyester |Height:5 inches |Care:Spot clean only

PHOTO: People / Margot CavinPHOTO: People / Margot CavinPHOTO: People / Margot CavinPHOTO: People / Margot CavinPHOTO: People / Margot Cavin

Best for Very Hot SleepersSlumber UltraCool PillowPHOTO: Slumber Cloud$79$72 at Amazon$109 at Slumber Cloud$72 at Macy’sStar QualitiesMaintains its coolness through the nightComes in two firmness levelsKeeps neck and head supported and comfortableRed FlagsSoft/medium pillow gets too soft as it warms upAccording to our tester, this Slumber Cloud pillow maintained its cool-to-the-touch feel for days, even writing, “How is this still cool?” during their first night with the pillow. That’s why we think it’s a great option for very hot sleepers who would pick cooling properties in their pillow over any other attribute. Luckily, there’s not much to sacrifice with this option: its down alternative fill is thick and sturdy while still managing to feel extra soft.It comes in two firmness levels. Those who sleep on their stomach will likely enjoy the softer option, while side sleepers might appreciate a sturdier pick. Plus, it’s softer than memory foam because it uses down alternative polyfill, which is likely to please stomach sleepers as well.Our tester did find that the soft/medium pillow may get too soft over time — as it warms up, it gets softer until it loses its structure entirely. While that may be solved with the firmer option, those who prefer a medium between the two will likely not appreciate how compressed it gets.Dimensions:20 x 26 inches |Sizes:Standard, king |Fill Material:Down alternative polyester fiberfill |Cover Material:Polyester knit |Height:Not listed |Care:Machine wash cold, tumble dry lowPHOTO: People / Gillian TellingPHOTO: People / Gillian TellingPHOTO: People / Gillian TellingPHOTO: People / Gillian Telling

Best for Very Hot SleepersSlumber UltraCool PillowPHOTO: Slumber Cloud$79$72 at Amazon$109 at Slumber Cloud$72 at Macy’s

Best for Very Hot SleepersSlumber UltraCool Pillow

Best for Very Hot Sleepers

Slumber UltraCool Pillow

PHOTO: Slumber Cloud

$79$72 at Amazon$109 at Slumber Cloud$72 at Macy’s

Star QualitiesMaintains its coolness through the nightComes in two firmness levelsKeeps neck and head supported and comfortableRed FlagsSoft/medium pillow gets too soft as it warms up

Star QualitiesMaintains its coolness through the nightComes in two firmness levelsKeeps neck and head supported and comfortable

Maintains its coolness through the night

Comes in two firmness levels

Keeps neck and head supported and comfortable

Red FlagsSoft/medium pillow gets too soft as it warms up

Soft/medium pillow gets too soft as it warms up

According to our tester, this Slumber Cloud pillow maintained its cool-to-the-touch feel for days, even writing, “How is this still cool?” during their first night with the pillow. That’s why we think it’s a great option for very hot sleepers who would pick cooling properties in their pillow over any other attribute. Luckily, there’s not much to sacrifice with this option: its down alternative fill is thick and sturdy while still managing to feel extra soft.

It comes in two firmness levels. Those who sleep on their stomach will likely enjoy the softer option, while side sleepers might appreciate a sturdier pick. Plus, it’s softer than memory foam because it uses down alternative polyfill, which is likely to please stomach sleepers as well.

Our tester did find that the soft/medium pillow may get too soft over time — as it warms up, it gets softer until it loses its structure entirely. While that may be solved with the firmer option, those who prefer a medium between the two will likely not appreciate how compressed it gets.

Dimensions:20 x 26 inches |Sizes:Standard, king |Fill Material:Down alternative polyester fiberfill |Cover Material:Polyester knit |Height:Not listed |Care:Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

PHOTO: People / Gillian TellingPHOTO: People / Gillian TellingPHOTO: People / Gillian TellingPHOTO: People / Gillian Telling

Best for Side SleepersSaatva Latex PillowPHOTO: Saatva$185 at Amazon$165 at SaatvaStar QualitiesLatex core keeps you nice and coolHas a loftier feel, which is ideal for side sleepersMachine washable and bounces back to its original shapeRed FlagsTakes a few cycles to fully dryThis pillow from Saatva comes with a zippered cover, a machine-washable outer pillow, and an interior pillow with latex filling. This unique design is why it does an excellent job of keeping you cool throughout the night — but it won our vote for side sleepers because it was loftier than other options we tested, which means it’ll support your head and neck while you sleep.Because it is a bit firm, it does take a few days for it to truly mold to your body shape and provide ample support. It’s also almost entirely machine washable — aside from the latex core, you can throw the whole thing into the washer with no fuss. We did find, however, that it took several dryer cycles to properly get all of the moisture out.Dimensions:27 x 17 inches |Sizes:Standard, king |Fill Material:Latex |Cover Material:Organic cotton |Height:8 inches |Care:Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Best for Side SleepersSaatva Latex PillowPHOTO: Saatva$185 at Amazon$165 at Saatva

Best for Side SleepersSaatva Latex Pillow

Best for Side Sleepers

Saatva Latex Pillow

PHOTO: Saatva

$185 at Amazon$165 at Saatva

Star QualitiesLatex core keeps you nice and coolHas a loftier feel, which is ideal for side sleepersMachine washable and bounces back to its original shapeRed FlagsTakes a few cycles to fully dry

Star QualitiesLatex core keeps you nice and coolHas a loftier feel, which is ideal for side sleepersMachine washable and bounces back to its original shape

Latex core keeps you nice and cool

Has a loftier feel, which is ideal for side sleepers

Machine washable and bounces back to its original shape

Red FlagsTakes a few cycles to fully dry

Takes a few cycles to fully dry

This pillow from Saatva comes with a zippered cover, a machine-washable outer pillow, and an interior pillow with latex filling. This unique design is why it does an excellent job of keeping you cool throughout the night — but it won our vote for side sleepers because it was loftier than other options we tested, which means it’ll support your head and neck while you sleep.

Because it is a bit firm, it does take a few days for it to truly mold to your body shape and provide ample support. It’s also almost entirely machine washable — aside from the latex core, you can throw the whole thing into the washer with no fuss. We did find, however, that it took several dryer cycles to properly get all of the moisture out.

Dimensions:27 x 17 inches |Sizes:Standard, king |Fill Material:Latex |Cover Material:Organic cotton |Height:8 inches |Care:Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Best for Stomach SleepersSleep Number True Temp PillowPHOTO: Sleep Number$130 at AmazonView on Sleepnumber.com

Best for Stomach SleepersSleep Number True Temp Pillow

Best for Stomach Sleepers

Sleep Number True Temp Pillow

PHOTO: Sleep Number

$130 at AmazonView on Sleepnumber.com

Star QualitiesStays cool through the nightSupportive yet soft, making it ideal for stomach sleepersRed FlagsPile height decreases after extended use

Star QualitiesStays cool through the nightSupportive yet soft, making it ideal for stomach sleepers

Stays cool through the night

Supportive yet soft, making it ideal for stomach sleepers

Red FlagsPile height decreases after extended use

Pile height decreases after extended use

If firmer pillows are your preference, foam options like our pick fromTuft & Needleare a far better fit, but stomach sleepers are likely to love this one’s more plush feel. Plus, it still provides ample support, holding its shape well during testing.

This Sleep Number pillow did start to lose a bit of its pile height over time, and while this is fairly common for softer pillows, it’s something to note. And while the cover is washable, the pillow is not, so if you need to clean it, you’ll have to take it to the dry cleaners.

Dimensions:24.5 x 16.5 inches |Sizes:Standard, king |Fill Material:Memory foam |Cover Material:Synthetic fiber |Height:8.5 inches |Care:Machine wash cold, tumble dry low (cover only)

People / Katelyn Chef

Best Down AlternativeSlumber Cloud Core Down Alternative PillowPHOTO: Slumbercloud$64 at Slumber Cloud

Best Down AlternativeSlumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow

Best Down Alternative

Slumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow

PHOTO: Slumbercloud

$64 at Slumber Cloud

Star QualitiesEven after washing, pillow maintains its fluffinessOutlast lining fabric repels heatRed FlagsIsn’t as soft as expected for a down alternative pillow

Star QualitiesEven after washing, pillow maintains its fluffinessOutlast lining fabric repels heat

Even after washing, pillow maintains its fluffiness

Outlast lining fabric repels heat

Red FlagsIsn’t as soft as expected for a down alternative pillow

Isn’t as soft as expected for a down alternative pillow

This pillow, however, isn’t overly soft, which may be a drawback for those looking for something that directly mimics down feathers. However, if you’re a hot sleeper who prefers pillows that are on the softer side, this is a great pick.

Dimensions:25 x 18.5 inches |Sizes:Standard, king |Fill Material:Poly-silk fiber fill |Cover Material:Silk |Height:4 inches |Care:Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

PHOTO: People / Lesly BernalPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Lesly Bernal

Best FirmMarlow The PillowPHOTO: Marlow$49 at AmazonView on Marlowpillow.com$65 at Brooklinen

Best FirmMarlow The Pillow

Best Firm

Marlow The Pillow

PHOTO: Marlow

$49 at AmazonView on Marlowpillow.com$65 at Brooklinen

Star QualitiesTwo side zippers allow you to modify the firmnessHolds its shape over timeRed FlagsSpot clean only

Star QualitiesTwo side zippers allow you to modify the firmnessHolds its shape over time

Two side zippers allow you to modify the firmness

Holds its shape over time

Red FlagsSpot clean only

Spot clean only

For those who want firm pillows that aren’t entirely made of foam, like theTuft & Needleoption, this one is only 80 percent foam, allowing for the pliable customization that makes it so unique. And while it isn’t exactly cool to the touch, it still has cooling properties — and during testing, nobody reported getting noticeably hot overnight.

Dimensions:24 x 16 inches |Sizes:Standard, king |Fill Material:Memory foam and polyester |Cover Material:Cotton |Height:5 inches |Care:Spot clean only

PHOTO: People / Kaya AbrahamsonPHOTO: People / Andrea CablePHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Andrea Cable

Best Memory FoamTempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud PillowPHOTO: Amazon$89$60 at Amazon$64 at Wayfair$89 at Tempurpedic.com

Best Memory FoamTempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pillow

Best Memory Foam

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pillow

PHOTO: Amazon

$89$60 at Amazon$64 at Wayfair$89 at Tempurpedic.com

Stays cool to the touch all night

Cover is machine washable

Red FlagsPillow is heavy, so it’s not going to look plush and airy on a made bed

Pillow is heavy, so it’s not going to look plush and airy on a made bed

As soon as we took this Tempur-Pedic pillow out of the packaging, we were amazed at how luxurious and soft it felt. With most pillows we tested, we noticed a chemical smell (even with our top pick, theEden pillow), but we didn’t find that at all with this option. The cooling features were also on point, as one side stays cool all night long.

Whether you’re a side, stomach, or back sleeper, you’ll appreciate how this pillow is flexible but firm and adjusts to your unique movements so it can provide support in all the right places when you change positions at night. Additionally, the material itself is incredibly flexible, so you can compress it and pack it for travel without it losing its shape.

However, one potential drawback we noticed was that, due to its firmness, it won’t look full and airy on a made bed. Still, the comfort combined with the cooling technology allowed us to see a noticeable difference in sleep quality from the jump, which makes it worth the price.

Dimensions:24 x 15 inches |Sizes:Standard |Fill Material:Memory foam |Cover Material:Polyester |Height:5 inches |Care:Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Best FoamTuft & Needle Original Foam PillowPHOTO: Tuft & Needle$80 at Amazon$100 at Target$100 at Wayfair

Best FoamTuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow

Best Foam

Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow

PHOTO: Tuft & Needle

$80 at Amazon$100 at Target$100 at Wayfair

Star QualitiesStays cool all night even with prolonged useHigh-quality foam provides a supportive yet bouncy feelRed FlagsNot machine washable

Star QualitiesStays cool all night even with prolonged useHigh-quality foam provides a supportive yet bouncy feel

Stays cool all night even with prolonged use

High-quality foam provides a supportive yet bouncy feel

Red FlagsNot machine washable

Not machine washable

Even after consistent nightly use, it maintained its shape and loft regardless of how it was moved throughout the night, which is one of the things foam pillows are known for. Basically, if you’re a big fan of flat, sturdy pillows over light and fluffy options, this is a great pick.

One thing we didn’t love, which is pretty standard with foam, is that the pillow itself wasn’t machine washable — just the cover. Throwing the cover in the wash is easy, but if you want a pillow that you can clean as needed, you may find this frustrating. However, the cooling properties and the support exceeded our expectations, even for dense foam.

Dimensions:25 x 16 inches |Sizes:Standard, king |Fill Material:Adaptive memory foam |Cover Material:Micro polyamide and polyester |Height:5 inches |Care:Machine wash cold (cover only)

PHOTO: People / Kaya AbrahamsonPHOTO: People / Kaya AbrahamsonPHOTO: People / Rachel Marek

Best AdjustableQutool Cooling Shredded Memory Foam PillowPHOTO: Amazon$50$37 at AmazonView on Snapklik.comStar QualitiesRetains its shape with extended useStays cool through the nightComes with two pillowsRed FlagsNoticeable odor out of the bagOur tester described this adjustable pillow from Amazon as “icy to the touch,” while the fill and soft outer shell kept the neck supported and comfortable through the night. Like theMainstays option, this pillow only has one cooling side, which allows you to use it in two different ways. Our tester didn’t have any hot or uncomfortable nights, and even though it looked flatter than other options they had tried, they noted it was soft and fluffy to sleep on.The biggest drawback was the chemical smell that came with the pillow right out of the packaging, although it did dissipate quickly. There also wasn’t a lot of fill that came with the pillow, so if it does get flatter over time, it may be difficult to bring it back to its original shape. Still, for under $50, you can get two cooling pillows, which is quite a deal.Dimensions:19 x 30 inches |Sizes:Standard, queen, king, camping |Fill Material:Shredded gel memory foam |Cover Material:Polyester |Height:Not listed |Care:Machine wash cold (cover only)PHOTO: People / Andrea CablePHOTO: People / Andrea CablePHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura Gurfein

Best AdjustableQutool Cooling Shredded Memory Foam PillowPHOTO: Amazon$50$37 at AmazonView on Snapklik.com

Best AdjustableQutool Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

Best Adjustable

Qutool Cooling Shredded Memory Foam Pillow

$50$37 at AmazonView on Snapklik.com

Star QualitiesRetains its shape with extended useStays cool through the nightComes with two pillowsRed FlagsNoticeable odor out of the bag

Star QualitiesRetains its shape with extended useStays cool through the nightComes with two pillows

Retains its shape with extended use

Comes with two pillows

Red FlagsNoticeable odor out of the bag

Noticeable odor out of the bag

Our tester described this adjustable pillow from Amazon as “icy to the touch,” while the fill and soft outer shell kept the neck supported and comfortable through the night. Like theMainstays option, this pillow only has one cooling side, which allows you to use it in two different ways. Our tester didn’t have any hot or uncomfortable nights, and even though it looked flatter than other options they had tried, they noted it was soft and fluffy to sleep on.

The biggest drawback was the chemical smell that came with the pillow right out of the packaging, although it did dissipate quickly. There also wasn’t a lot of fill that came with the pillow, so if it does get flatter over time, it may be difficult to bring it back to its original shape. Still, for under $50, you can get two cooling pillows, which is quite a deal.

Dimensions:19 x 30 inches |Sizes:Standard, queen, king, camping |Fill Material:Shredded gel memory foam |Cover Material:Polyester |Height:Not listed |Care:Machine wash cold (cover only)

PHOTO: People / Andrea CablePHOTO: People / Andrea CablePHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura Gurfein

Best SplurgeTempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling PillowPHOTO: Tempur-Pedic$189$94 at Amazon$129 at Walmart$148 at WayfairStar QualitiesStrong memory foam bounces back after useFirm yet comfortable and supportiveMachine-washable coverRed FlagsStarts to lose its cooling feel overnightPillow itself isn’t machine washableInitially, we weren’t sure how this model would perform in testing, as it felt heavy and firm. But that signature Tempur-Pedic foam really earned its spot on this list. Although dense, it was still very supportive and bounced back as soon as we pulled our hand away from it, looking just as smooth as it did the day we took it out of the packaging.Even if you prefer pillows on the fluffier side, you’ll appreciate that this one molds to your head’s shape and cradles it in all the necessary places. It’s also cool to the touch, and you can tell that it is designed to keep you from overheating at night. But those who only want a pillow due to its cooling properties may not love this option — while it definitely made a difference, it wasn’t as cool to the touch come morning as some of the other options we tested.Dimensions:27 x 19 inches |Sizes:Queen, king |Fill Material:Memory foam |Cover Material:Cotton |Height:6.4 inches |Care:Machine wash cold, tumble dry low (cover only)PHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel Marek

Best SplurgeTempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling PillowPHOTO: Tempur-Pedic$189$94 at Amazon$129 at Walmart$148 at Wayfair

Best SplurgeTempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow

Best Splurge

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow

PHOTO: Tempur-Pedic

$189$94 at Amazon$129 at Walmart$148 at Wayfair

Star QualitiesStrong memory foam bounces back after useFirm yet comfortable and supportiveMachine-washable coverRed FlagsStarts to lose its cooling feel overnightPillow itself isn’t machine washable

Star QualitiesStrong memory foam bounces back after useFirm yet comfortable and supportiveMachine-washable cover

Strong memory foam bounces back after use

Firm yet comfortable and supportive

Machine-washable cover

Red FlagsStarts to lose its cooling feel overnightPillow itself isn’t machine washable

Starts to lose its cooling feel overnight

Pillow itself isn’t machine washable

Initially, we weren’t sure how this model would perform in testing, as it felt heavy and firm. But that signature Tempur-Pedic foam really earned its spot on this list. Although dense, it was still very supportive and bounced back as soon as we pulled our hand away from it, looking just as smooth as it did the day we took it out of the packaging.

Even if you prefer pillows on the fluffier side, you’ll appreciate that this one molds to your head’s shape and cradles it in all the necessary places. It’s also cool to the touch, and you can tell that it is designed to keep you from overheating at night. But those who only want a pillow due to its cooling properties may not love this option — while it definitely made a difference, it wasn’t as cool to the touch come morning as some of the other options we tested.

Dimensions:27 x 19 inches |Sizes:Queen, king |Fill Material:Memory foam |Cover Material:Cotton |Height:6.4 inches |Care:Machine wash cold, tumble dry low (cover only)

PHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel MarekPHOTO: People / Rachel Marek

Other Cooling Pillows We Tried

People / Signe Bamsey

What to Know About Cooling Pillows

Material

Paying attention to the materials of a cooling pillow is important to gauge both their heat retention and durability. However, the materials that make a pillow durable and long-lasting can sometimes be the exact ones that trap heat, which is most common when working with memory foam.

Memory foamis a material that’s known to be durable and long-lasting, but it also uses the body’s heat to contour comfortably to your head and neck. To combat that, as seen in ourtop pick, cooling pillows that contain memory foam will sometimes add gel,which helps to dissipate heat while still providing the same level of comfort. Another material inside a pillow’s core that keeps things cool is latex, which utilizes natural rubber tree sap to create a cooler, bouncier fabric that’s still long-lasting.

On another note, material will add to the comfort of your pillow as well; high-quality materials like shredded memory foam or a well-made down alternative will provide a lighter, fluffier feel that won’t flatten out after prolonged useor become lumpy.Memory foam is made to go back to its original shape after use, so it won’t become overly flat over time.

Sleep Position

“Back sleepers, like myself, tend to prefer medium-soft pillows, which are those that measure between three and five inches thick,” says interior designerMikel Welch, which usually translates to foam or down pillows. Back sleepers likely benefit from something like theTempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pillow, which is made from soft but sturdy memory foam.

Side sleeperswill benefit more from a firm, bouncier pillow like theSaatva Latex Pillow, as it’s important to keep the space between the ear and shoulder comfortable without straining the neck.

Conversely,stomach sleeperswill need soft or flat pillows to ensure their head isn’t elevated enough to cause neck pain. TheSleep Number True Temp Pillowis a great pick for stomach sleepers with its plush and airy feel.

Care

There are three main categories of care that cooling pillows fall into. Either the whole pillow is machine washable, only the cover is machine washable, or it’s spot clean only.

For a pillow that will last the longest, look for one that’s entirely machine washable, like theCoop Eden Pillow. This will add to its durability and ensure it stays looking brand new for years to come. Most of the picks on our list are conveniently machine washable.

A machine-washable cover can also preserve your pillow for much longer — as long as you use a pillowcase on top of the cover and wash both frequently.

Finally, spot cleaning is a way to save some money on a pillow, but it’s likely not going to last as long. If you stain it, you’ll have to hope it comes out with warm water or a gentle stain remover.

Our PEOPLE Tested team selected 35 cooling pillows to try firsthand at our homes. After taking them out of the packaging, testers slept on them for a cumulative 3,672 testing hours and periodically checked in with reviews and reflections over six months to see how their quality and performance changed. We also recently retested this category and added three new products to our list. To find the best cooling pillows, we assessed them on the following qualities:

Each cooling pillow was evaluated for quality, comfort, airflow, durability, and value. For those that didn’t quite make the cut but still had some positive qualities, we outlined why in our Others We Tried section.

Frequently Asked QuestionsIn addition to a cooling pillow, using cooling bed sheets or abreathable comfortercan work to improve temperature regulation, as does lowering the thermostat at night or keeping acooling fanat your bedside to circulate air. If you still run hot at night, putting your pillow in asilk pillowcasecan help diffuse heat, too.In a word, yes. During testing, we found comfortable pillows that helped testers stay cooler throughout the night, allowing them to sleep more comfortably. We also found that some cooling pillows perform better than others. All the pillows that made our list exhibited cooling properties during testing.Gel memory foam and latex were the best performers during our tests. Additionally, an outer layer made from breathable materials helps to provide an extra boost to achieve that cool-to-the-touch feeling. If you’re looking for cooling pillowcases for an extra boost, anything made from bamboo, cotton, or silk is also a safe bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to a cooling pillow, using cooling bed sheets or abreathable comfortercan work to improve temperature regulation, as does lowering the thermostat at night or keeping acooling fanat your bedside to circulate air. If you still run hot at night, putting your pillow in asilk pillowcasecan help diffuse heat, too.

In a word, yes. During testing, we found comfortable pillows that helped testers stay cooler throughout the night, allowing them to sleep more comfortably. We also found that some cooling pillows perform better than others. All the pillows that made our list exhibited cooling properties during testing.

Gel memory foam and latex were the best performers during our tests. Additionally, an outer layer made from breathable materials helps to provide an extra boost to achieve that cool-to-the-touch feeling. If you’re looking for cooling pillowcases for an extra boost, anything made from bamboo, cotton, or silk is also a safe bet.

Olivia Avittis a writer for PEOPLE who specializes in thorough, honest product reviews. She is an expert on creating a cozy, comfortable bedroom and has covered the bestduvet covers,mattress toppers,mattress pads, and more. For this article, she pored through the real-world insights from our first round of pillow testing to create this guide on the best cooling pillows. She also interviewed interior designer Mikel Welch about what to look for in pillows regarding design and comfort.

Our Expert PanelMikel Welchis an interior designer based in New York City and an expert designer on Netflix’s home renovation series,Hack My Home.

Our Expert Panel

Mikel Welchis an interior designer based in New York City and an expert designer on Netflix’s home renovation series,Hack My Home.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

SourcesPEOPLE uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.What is Memory Foam?Sleep Foundation.Gel Foam vs. Memory Foam: The Detail That Makes a Difference. Casper.Latex vs Memory Foam Pillow: Differences and Benefits. Sleepopolis.

Sources

PEOPLE uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.What is Memory Foam?Sleep Foundation.Gel Foam vs. Memory Foam: The Detail That Makes a Difference. Casper.Latex vs Memory Foam Pillow: Differences and Benefits. Sleepopolis.

PEOPLE uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

What is Memory Foam?Sleep Foundation.Gel Foam vs. Memory Foam: The Detail That Makes a Difference. Casper.Latex vs Memory Foam Pillow: Differences and Benefits. Sleepopolis.

What is Memory Foam?Sleep Foundation.

Gel Foam vs. Memory Foam: The Detail That Makes a Difference. Casper.

Latex vs Memory Foam Pillow: Differences and Benefits. Sleepopolis.

source: people.com