If you find yourself tossing and turning in the heat, one of the best cooling pillows could change your sleep experience for the better. We've tested a whole range from big names like Dreams and Silentnight, alongside sustainable brands like Panda London, to help you find the best one for you.
Cooling pillows sit among the best pillows for 2024 overall, given their extensive benefits for anyone who finds themselves too warm in bed or suffers from night sweats thanks to menopause. Their light, breathable materials and often interchangeable layers also make them one of the most versatile pillow types around.
As a warm sleeper myself, I'm all too familiar with the benefits of cooling pillows. Taking factors like materials, support, durability, and delivery into account, I've spent months reviewing the very best cooling pillows alongside several other testers to find the top pick for every type of sleeper.
The best cooling pillows, reviewed by us in 2024
Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Memory foam is notorious for retaining heat, but the innovative Dreams TheraPur memory foam pillow is among the most comfortable cooling pillows I've ever rested my head on. It has a cooling layer of ActiGel foam and an ActiCool knitted cover - a material with an open-cell, breathable structure - that instantly relieves pressure and pushes heat away from the body.
I tested the Dreams TheraPur memory foam pillow for three weeks and slept better than I have in ages. This is a firm pillow that feels very supportive around the neck, helping with aches and pains in this area. It's one of the best pillows for neck pain as well for this reason. It only lightly compresses when you rest your head against it too, far less than some softer memory foam pillows I've tried. It offers about the same support as two of my regular pillows stacked together, so this pillow would make a good alternative if this is your usual setup as it also sits level against the bed, blending into the other bed furniture. It's moisture-wicking and cooling at once too, so I woke up without feeling damp or even slightly sweaty on the hottest day of the year.
However, the pillow does feel cool to touch when you first take it out of the package, which may feel unusual if you're not used to it. I'd recommend leaving it to air out for at least one night before using it on your bed too as it has that distinctive memory foam smell.
The Silentnight Airmax pillow may only cost around £15, but make no mistake: this is a spectacular cooling pillow. Plush as a cloud yet incredibly supportive, it has a soft microfibre cover with Airmesh walls around the sides for ample airflow. Inside the Silentnight Airmax is a hypoallergenic polyester, hollow fibre fill that feels very comfortable - but will require regular fluffing to help it retain its shape.
Despite the brand describing the Airmax as ideal for front/stomach sleepers, the higher loft makes it one of the best pillows for side sleepers, in my view. I'm a dedicated side sleeper and initially, I was uncertain that the marshmallow-like Silentnight Airmax pillow would offer enough support but I was pleasantly surprised at how well it aligned my neck and shoulders whilst gently cradling my head. Another tester - a hot back sleeper - appreciated that they didn't have to turn this pillow over to the 'cool side' in the middle of the night. It also worked with most of the other best sleeping positions for hot weather.
A trade-off for buying such an inexpensive pillow is the lack of a trial period or guarantee. Many other pillows on the list offer trial periods that allow you to return the pillow if it doesn't work for you. However, your purchase will be backed by a 2-year warranty, so you can kit out your room with several Airmax cooling pillows without breaking the bank. If you have a spare room, your overnight visitors will thank you for the comfortable night's sleep too.
Check out our full review of the Silentnight Airmax pillow.
If you're a combi sleeper wanting to go all out for a cooling pillow, check out the astronaut-inspired Simba Hybrid. It has lightweight foam Nanocubes you can add or remove to make the pillow as high and firm as you'd like. (Spare Nanocubes can go right in the included storage bag.) The Stratos-infused phase-changing outer cover regulates temperature and the Aerelle cooling layer directly beneath it combines with a mesh border for maximum airflow.
The bespoke element of the Simba Hybrid pillow means it'll appeal to most types of sleepers - but mainly combination sleepers keen to switch positions at night. Some trial and error is required to find the ideal amount of Nanocubes for your preferences but it's worth it once you hit that sweet spot as you'll learn how to sleep better for your personal preferences. I also found the Simba pillow extremely comfortable when it came to keeping night sweats away and I didn't have to turn it over to the 'cool side' once.
You'd think Simba would include a trial period for the lofty price you pay for its space-age tech - but they don't. You do get a 1-year warranty in return, however. That makes it somewhat of a risky purchase but we trust that with some patience you'll be able to fashion it into your perfect cooling pillow.
Check out our full review of the Simba Hybrid pillow.
The Emma Original Foam Pillow is similar to the Dreams TheraPur Memory Foam Ice Pillow in that it's a memory foam pillow - but this one doesn't come with specialist cooling technology. Instead, its cooling properties come from the interchangeable and removable memory foam layers made up of different types of foam to enhance airflow, absorb moisture, and improve comfort. The outer cover is made from breathable, temperature-regulating fibres that allow air to flow freely and stretch to accommodate all the layers you need.
The Emma pillow's foam layers can be removed as you see fit, depending on your preferences. As a side sleeper, I found this pillow most comfortable with all three layers intact while our other testers - restless combination sleepers - preferred a dual-layer of Airgocell and pressure-relieving memory foam. If you regularly battle neck pain (say, from spending your days hunched over a computer), the Emma memory foam pillow will contour the area around your head and neck nicely to relieve that pressure.
Not sure if this is the best cooling pillow for you? You'll have time to try your new Emma pillow out with a 30-night trial in the UK. It will take some experimentation to find the ideal combination of foam layers and I trust you'll be able to find what you need in about a month.
Check out our full review of the Emma memory foam pillow.
The Soak&Sleep New Zealand Wool standard pillow is an eco-friendly solution for warm sleepers who are extra mindful of their bedding materials - whether it's because of allergies or general care for the environment. It's filled with sustainably sourced 100% Mitchell New Zealand wool, which regulates temperature naturally and repels dust. The outer casing is 100% cotton, another breathable material that allows for good airflow.
Thanks to its wool filling and soft cotton outer, the Soak&Sleep pillow has a fluffy feel that's soft to lay on, but with a slight bounce to it for proper support and alignment. If you sleep with a pillow between your legs for spine support and comfort, it's also a good option. Our warm, allergy-prone sleeper woke up refreshed every morning whilst sleeping on this pillow, with no stuffiness nor sweat to contend with. It's also dead simple to care for - just throw it in the washing machine at 30°C and tumble dry on low.
Soak&Sleep New Zealand Wool pillow does not include any trial period, but instead, a very generous 5-year warranty will cover your purchase, should a manufacturing issue pop up.
Check out our full review of the Soak&Sleep New Zealand Wool standard pillow.
The Panda Memory Foam Bamboo pillow stands out for its wonderfully soft outer cover, which is made from a bamboo-polyester blend and removable, making it easy to wash your pillow. Not only is bamboo naturally reactive to changing temperatures (which will keep you cool in summer), but it's also a hypoallergenic material that'll safeguard you against dust mites and bacteria. Meanwhile, the fill consists of three layers of pressure-sensitive memory foam - the centre layer is the most firm with softer surrounding layers.
It's shorter than most standard pillows at under 25in/70cm long, but that didn't matter to me when I slept on it. The Panda pillow is on the firmer side but still offers enough 'give' around the neck and shoulders to alleviate pressure and stiffness. As an overheating sleeper, I also liked the feel of the bamboo outer cover, which kept me cool throughout the night. It suited our back sleeper tester as well, though our restless sleeper found more comfort on her side than on her stomach.
Panda includes a 30-night trial so you can properly test it out. There's also a 10-year warranty - which outpaces the standard lifespan of a pillow by far, but that's a testament to how much faith Panda has in the integrity of its products. And if you consider yourself an ethical shopper, know that Panda donates a portion of proceeds towards protecting the at-risk habitat of its wild namesake.
Check out our full review of the Panda Memory Foam Bamboo pillow.
How we chose the best cooling pillows
- Materials: This includes the outer cover and inner fill, both of which factor into a pillow's cooling properties. We followed a dedicated pillow testing process and reviewed each pillow to see how well its materials successfully wick away sweat and body heat.
- Support: Of course, the best pillow has to be able to maintain proper alignment and support. Each pillow has been used by back, front, side, and combination sleepers for us to provide a full assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.
- At-Home Trial: Most pillows nowadays include an at-home trial so you can sample it before making a final decision. This is especially important if you're buying a pillow online sight unseen. Most entries on our list come with a trial period of at least 30 days.
- Warranty: Once you decide on a cooling pillow you want to ensure you're protected against any manufacturing flaws. The pillows on our list all have a minimum 1-year warranty.
- Value For Money: Cooling pillows range in price depending on the quality of materials used plus included amenities (like a full-year at-home trial or a lengthy warranty period). Our buying guide features a mix of budget and premium pillows.
How to choose the best cooling pillow for you
'Best' is a subjective qualifier - everyone will go through a different process when considering how to choose a pillow. What may be right for one sleeper may not vibe with another. Thus, it's important to think about what you need in order to purchase a cooling pillow that'll help you sleep comfortably each night:
- Your Sleeping Position: Do you sleep on your back, front, or side? Knowing this will determine what type of firmness and loft (height) you should choose. If you are a combination sleeper, choose a pillow based on your dominant position.
- Firmness and Loft: Side sleepers need a thicker, firmer pillow, one that will fit the nook between their ear and neck. Back sleepers will benefit from a thin yet supportive pillow, especially if they regularly experience pain. Stomach sleepers can go for a soft pillow...or opt to go without a pillow at all if they wish.
- Materials: Hot sleepers require materials that are breathable and good at regulating temperature. Thus, seek pillows that contain cotton, wool, or bamboo. Memory foam tends to trap heat but if you like the way it feels otherwise, then look for foam pillows infused with cooling elements like gel or graphite. Whether you want to know how to nap in summer or get the most out of your eight hours, this will help.
- Price: As our list shows, you don't have to shell out a load of cash for a quality pillow. But if you want a pillow with more luxurious fillings or extremely generous trial and/or warranty periods, know that it'll cost you so have a budget in mind.
Do cooling pillows actually work?
Yes, pillows designed with specific cooling materials can help bring your body temperature down - whether you're dealing with a hot summer's night or the symptoms of perimenopause.
"Cool bedding, including pillows designed with specific cooling materials, may help mitigate night sweats and overheating for menopausal women. These pillows often utilise materials that absorb excess heat or promote airflow, such as gel-infused memory foam or breathable fabrics like bamboo or moisture-wicking polyester," says Dr Chandni Rajani, GP and women’s wellness expert.
"By maintaining a cooler surface temperature, these bedding options can in some women reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flushes during sleep. They can also provide a more comfortable environment, helping to regulate body temperature and thereby supporting uninterrupted sleep patterns. This cooling effect not only enhances comfort but can also contribute to overall sleep quality, which is particularly crucial during the menopausal transition when sleep disturbances are common," she says.
Should I put a cover on a cooling pillow?
Covers on cooling pillows are a somewhat controversial topic, believe it or not. Some people suggest that a cover on a cooling pillow can limit the benefits of the cooling technology as it fails to get through the cover material, while others are perplexed by the sleep hygiene implications of putting their heads straight on the pillow.
The answer? It's ultimately up to you - but if you do want to sleep with a cover on your cooling pillow, opt for one made of lightweight, breathable materials such as cotton or linen, rather than polyester or nylon, which aren't as breathable.
If you're happy to sleep without a pillow cover, opt for a cooling pillow that comes with its own cover - like the one from Panda London. This way you'll reap all the benefits of your cooling pillow without having to worry so much about cleaning it.
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