The best cooling pillows to prevent night sweats, tried and tested by hot sleepers

To find the cooling pillows that genuinely provide light relief – whether you're after a reliable summer option, going through the menopause, or simply run hot at night – we work with a panel of testers who trial them at home for at least two weeks. This allows us to capture a broad range of experiences on cooling performance and comfort.

At the end of the testing period, they provide comprehensive feedback on the things that really matter including comfort, support, washability and overall design. Crucially, they tell us how breathable each pillow is to sleep on, considering whether it kept their head cool overnight and whether it helped them sleep better overall. They also let us know whether they'd continue to use it after the trial period and if they'd recommend it to others.

Back at the Good Housekeeping Institute, our in-house testers assess durability by conducting further wash tests and checking for any changes to colour, quality or size after washing.

Once all our testing is complete, our experts analyse the feedback and award each product a final score out of 100, based on how they performed across the key criteria. Only the ones that impress make it into this round-up.

Helping our readers get the best night's sleep possible is our life's work at the Good Housekeeping Institute. So far, we've tested over 85 pillows, with our senior sleep and wellness tester, Kim Hawley, coordinating all the feedback from our very picky (because we ask them to be) reader panel!

Our sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi, then turns that feedback into clear, easy-to-understand reviews. She's written about hundreds of products and looks after our other best pillow buying guides, which include the best memory foam pillows, so she knows a thing or two about what to look for in the perfect sleep companion.

Do cooling pillows actually work?

Yes, if you're someone who runs hot, a cooling pillows can make a huge difference to your sleep, as long as you choose a high-quality option. The best designs are constructed with breathable materials and boast clever temperature-regulating features to help prevent heat from building up overnight.

Rest assured, all the pillows in this list have been carefully tested and come highly recommended for their cooling performance.

How to choose the best cooling pillow

To ensure you choose the best option for your needs – whether you're looking for a menopause pillow or a travel-friendly gel pad – consider these factors.

• Cooling technology: Designs will vary but pillows with cooling tech often feature gel pads to absorb the heat (drawing it away from you) or special fabrics (like the one used for REM-Fit's Snow Pillow) that dissipate heat better than regular textiles.

• Material: Many cooling pillows also have covers and fillings that are designed to regulate your temperature. Natural fibres such as cotton, wool, linen and bamboo are best for this, thanks to their airy weaves and moisture-wicking properties, while, conversely, memory foam traditionally holds a lot of heat.

• Care instructions: If you often wake up covered in sweat, it's important to find a pillow you can wash and clean easily. Some designs are completely machine washable, while others have removable covers that can be machine washed. Some may need hand washing though, so it's worth checking that you're happy with the level of care required before parting with your money.

• Trial periods: Finding the right pillow for you and your preferred sleeping position is important to help improve rest overall and ease aches and pains. Some brands offer trial periods, so you can check your new pillow suits your needs before you commit. We've highlighted which ones do this in our key specifications, to help you feel confident in your purchase.

Do I put a pillowcase on my cooling pillow?

Yes, in most cases, you should use a pillowcase with your cooling pillow. A pillowcase helps to keep it clean and extend its lifespan.

To avoid reducing the cooling effect, it's a good idea to choose a breathable pillowcase that's made from natural fibres like cotton, bamboo or linen, rather than thick, synthetic fibres which tend to trap heat. Read more about the best cooling bedding in our guide.

Note, some cooling pillows have their own cooling covers or come with lightweight cases. It's best to check the manufacturer’s guidance if you're unsure what's included.

Do you put cooling pillows in the fridge?

No, cooling pillows aren't generally designed to be kept in the fridge. Instead, their cooling effect comes from breathable materials and temperature-regulating technology. Putting a pillow in the fridge can damage the materials and may not be hygienic.

That said, the Silentnight Restore Cooling Pillow Pad featured above is a gel insert that can be popped in the fridge. It's a worthwhile pick if you're after instant, next-level cooling.

How long does a cooling pillow stay cool?

Most cooling pillows have material that feel cool to the touch and, depending on the technology used, can stay cool throughout the night. Many are also designed to wick away heat and moisture while promoting better airflow, helping to regulate temperature as you sleep. As a result, you’re less likely to wake up feeling hot and sweaty.

Are these pillows as effective as they claim? In short, yes. Those that feature cooling technologies are definitely worth the investment if you constantly wake up sweaty.

Our top pick is Luff's The Mayfair Gel Pillow, which our panellists loved for its cooling gel pad. But if you want a budget pick, we recommend Slumberdown's Climate Control Pillow, a savvy buy that's sure to lessen sweaty nights, even if it doesn't have a dedicated cool side.