Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams: Best Cooling Pillows for a Better Sleep

A cooling pillow prevents heat retention, offering a neutral temperature or cool sleep surface. It increases airflow and draws heat away from the body so you don't find yourself waking up covered in sweat. Although everyone has their own style of sleep comfort, there are a few common elements every person can consider to improve their quality of sleep.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Cooling Pillow

Cooling Properties

If you’re specifically looking for a pillow to help with overheating at night, skip the marketing buzz and head straight for the construction material description. The fabrics used in pillow design are probably the most important feature for indicating temperature regulation and improved airflow.

Copper, gel, graphite, and phase change materials tend to work best when it comes to drawing heat away from the body. Remember that the actual outer pillow cover needs to be made from cooling fabrics as well to get the full benefit. Cotton and bamboo are good options for pillowcases since they'll wick moisture away and remain breathable enough to allow the pillow itself to work throughout the night.

Material Quality

Good quality materials will last longer, offer better support and shape retention. Cooling pillows are ‌made with high-quality fabrics that allow them to last a few years. If you’re spending a little extra on excellent quality fabric, cooling properties, and durability, see it as a worthy investment in your sleep and your health.

Sleeping Position

Your sleeping position will determine the height and firmness of the pillow type that will offer you the most comfort. Spinal alignment is important for good sleep and for your long-term health. If you sleep on your side, look for a slightly higher pillow that fills the space between your shoulder and neck. A firm pillow is a good choice to reduce pressure on the neck and spine, and to maintain alignment.

If you sleep on your back, you already maintain somewhat of a neutral posture, but you need to prevent your head from tilting too far forward or back. Choosing a pillow that keeps your head level is ideal. Thinner pillows are best for people who sleep on their stomach to keep their head and neck comfortable.

Due to their design characteristics, cooling pillows tend to sleep higher than regular pillows. Although materials like down and shredded foam have a high loft, they compress quickly, and the height won’t ‌last. Getting something with an adjustable loft where you can add or remove filling is a great way to optimize comfort.

Pressure Relief

While memory foam pillows are well known for relieving neck and shoulder tension, they do not ‌prioritize cooling properties and can be ‌dense. Some pillows are designed with shredded memory foam for improved breathability. If you're considering a memory foam pillow, check the fabric breathability. It may keep you well aligned but no cooler than before.

Firmness

Cooling pillows range from medium soft to medium firm, though you'll encounter the odd pillow or two that buck the trend. The interior construction can include wool, shredded memory foam, down, solid foam, or aerated latex. The firmness of the pillow largely comes down to your ‌preference.

Allergies

If you have allergies, be picky about the fabric type you choose. Allergies can cause severe discomfort and completely ruin a good night’s sleep. To ensure that your pillow has low levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), look for OEKO-TEX certified fabrics and CertiPUR-US certified products. Although VOCs are not a health threat in small quantities, they can cause irritation for people who have allergies or respiratory issues. If you are ‌sensitive to smell, let your pillow aerate for 24-48 hours before sleeping on it.

Cooling Pillow FAQ

Q: What makes a cooling pillow unique?

A: Cooling pillows are ‌filled with materials that specifically emphasize heat dissipation. Solid foam, for example, retains more heat, whereas shredded foam allows better air circulation. Pillowcases and covers that are made from moisture-wicking and breathable fabric (such as bamboo, wool, and cotton) also allow for better heat dissipation.

Q: How should I wash a gel cooling pillow?

A: While some companies state that the entire pillow is machine washable, others include a removable cover that can be washed on a cool cycle. For the best care and longevity of your pillow, check the product guidelines. Although it is uncommon, there are products that can also be tumble dried on a low setting.

Q: How long can I expect a cooling pillow to last?

A: Your pillow's lifespan will depend on the amount of pressure applied over time and the quality of the material. A well-constructed pillow should last three to four years.