We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
If you find yourself flipping your pillow back and forth searching for the "cool side," it's time to make a change. The best cooling pillows help regulate your body temperature by using breathable materials, phase change technology, and moisture wicking fabrics, making them ideal for hot sleepers. As a fiber scientist in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, I have tested more than 200 pillows for all types of sleepers. The other analysts and I vet all cooling claims, test their performance and durability, and have hot sleepers test the pillows at home. After completing our 2026 Good Housekeeping Bedding Awards, we updated this story using newly tested pillows.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: REST Evercool Pillow
- Best Value: Sijo FlexCool Memory Foam Pillow
- Best Temperature Regulating: Slumber Cloud UltraCool Pillow
- Best Latex: Purple Harmony Pillow
Best Deal
Pros
- Contoured shape for neck support
- Breathable solid foam material
- Hot sleepers reported that they slept significantly cooler with this pillow
Cons
- Unique silicone feel may not be for everyone
BEST FOR: The contoured shape is best suited for side and back sleepers looking for a cooling pillow that really works. It's sold in three height options to suit people of different body shapes and sleeping positions.
WHY IT'S COOLING: This REST pillow uses an innovative blend of silicone sponge and memory foam; it cradles your head while allowing air to flow through.
LAB TEST PERFORMANCE: This pillow is a 2026 Bedding Awards winner! GH fiber scientists noted the unique use of silicone for a bouncy, responsive feel. Unlike with most solid memory foam pillows, this whole pillow (cover and fill) is machine washable—and it washed seamlessly in our Lab tests with no shrinkage or changes in appearance. The foam maintained its shape after our pressure resistance tests.
FEEDBACK FROM HOT SLEEPERS: All testers reported that they slept cooler with this pillow. "The cooling nature of the pillow helped my body temperature stay more regulated through the night," shared one tester. "The pillow attributed to some of the best sleep I've had in years!" Another tester reported that this pillow “keeps its cool temperature and never overheats,” while a different tester called it “truly the perfect pillow.” Some testers found the feel of the pillow too unique and preferred a more traditional fill. Testers also appreciated that this pillow comes with pillowcases that fit the contoured shape perfectly.
Features at a Glance
| Fill | Silicone, memory foam blend |
| Outer cover | Nylon, spandex |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Sizes | Standard with Low, Medium, and High heights |
Pros
- Affordable price
- Icy cover that absorbs and releases heat
- Testers liked its supportive and plush feel
Cons
- The cover shrunk a bit in Lab tests
BEST FOR: Budget shoppers will like the under-$100 price tag, but this adjustable cooling pillow works well for anyone looking for neck support and a breathable feel.
WHY IT'S COOLING: Featuring a sleek nylon-blend cover, this Sijo pillow has a chilly feel when you touch it. The pillow uses phase change material to absorb and release heat to keep you at a stable body temperature.
LAB TEST PERFORMANCE: The shredded foam fill with a bit of added microfiber fluff is adjustable to ensure you have the best height for optimal neck support. Analysts found it easy to adjust the amount of fill in the pillow. While the pillow fit perfectly into a pillowcase and looks great on the bed, the cover did shrink a bit during Lab wash tests.
FEEDBACK FROM HOT SLEEPERS: “I just melt into the pillow while still being supported," noted one tester. Another said, “I’ve even overslept twice because this pillow is so comfy!” Testers gave it high marks for comfort, support, and temperature regulation, with one describing as “the perfect combination of supportive, soft, and fluffy.”
Features at a Glance
| Fill | Shredded memory foam and microfiber clusters |
| Outer cover | Nylon |
| Firmness | Adjustable |
| Sizes | Queen, King |
Pros
- The pillow washed beautifully in Lab tests
- Uses phase change material to help keep you at a stable body temperature
- Sold in two firmness levels
Cons
- The blue color was visible through some pillowcases
BEST FOR: This plush pillow is good for anyone who likes a plush pillow that helps regulate your body temperature. It works for all sleeping positions, thanks to the two softness options (side sleepers should opt for the firmer style).
WHY IT'S COOLING: The outer cover of this Slumber Cloud pillow is made with Outlast technology, which stores and releases heat to keep you at a stable body temperature. It has an initially icy feel, but the phase change technology helps regulate your body temperature for a cooler feel all night.
LAB TEST PERFORMANCE: The polyester fill stood up very well to Lab tests as this pillow kept its shape without snagging and washed beautifully. One thing to note: The blue color of the pillow is visible through some pillowcases.
FEEDBACK FROM HOT SLEEPERS: Testers agreed that they felt cooler when using it with comments like, "It's so icy to lie on" and "[This pillow] has more of a cooling effect than other cooling pillows I've tried." Another tester shared, "There was a noticeable cooling feeling about the pillow throughout the night—it maintained a consistent cool feeling." Testers of all sleeping positions gave this pillow high comfort and support scores too.
Features at a Glance
| Fill | Polyester |
| Outer cover | Polyester with Outlast coating |
| Firmness | Soft/Medium or Medium/Firm |
| Sizes | Standard, King |
Pros
- Latex doesn't trap heat like memory foam does
- Testers said this pillow helped alleviate neck strain
- The fill maintained its shape after pressure resistance tests
Cons
- Some testers did not like the feel of the grid material
BEST FOR: Sleepers who are looking for both cooling and top-notch neck support with a responsive material that doesn't trap heat will appreciate this latex style. Plus, it's sold in three heights, so every sleeping position can find a suitable option.
WHY IT'S COOLING: Unlike memory foam pillows that tend to run warm, latex has an open-cell structure that allows air to flow through it, making it a great option for hot sleepers. This Purple pillow also is covered in the brand's breathable "Purple Grid" polymer technology on the outside for improved ventilation as well as neck and shoulder support.
LAB TEST PERFORMANCE: We washed the polymer grid cover in our Lab and it showed no signs of shrinkage or change in appearance. The latex fill quickly returned to its shape in our Lab pressure resistance tests, and testers agreed when they used it at home.
FEEDBACK FROM HOT SLEEPERS: "The best part about this pillow for me was that it relieved my neck pain," said one tester. "This pillow is much more supportive and soft while still keeping its shape." Testers loved how breathable this pillow felt, keeping them cool all night long with one tester who said, "Other pillows tend to make me overheat even on the coldest nights, but this pillow kept me consistently cool." That said, some testers did not like the feel of the unique grid material.
Features at a Glance
| Fill | Latex and breathable elastic grid |
| Outer cover | Nylon mesh |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Sizes | Standard, King with Low, Medium and Tall |
Pros
- Perforated memory foam to encourage airflow
- Foam maintained its shape after Lab pressure resistance tests
- Testers reported that they didn't overheat with this pillow
Cons
- Must hang the cover to dry
BEST FOR: Memory foam lovers who want a cooler feel will appreciate this Tuft & Needle pillow. It's only sold in one height, so it will fit back sleepers or side sleepers with smaller frames best.
WHY IT'S COOLING: Foam is known to trap heat, but this pillow uses ventilated foam to help encourage airflow. The gel-infused foam helps dissipate heat as well.
LAB TEST PERFORMANCE: The top-notch foam has a medium to soft feel and it immediately bounced back to its shape after we removed weights in our pressure resistance tests. The pillow was a bit loose in a Standard size pillowcase. Note that the cover is machine washable, but not dryer safe, so we recommend hanging it to dry.
FEEDBACK FROM HOT SLEEPERS: All testers said they maintained a comfortable body temperature when sleeping on this pillow. "I really liked the support that it gave. It wasn’t too soft," said one tester. "I also like that it maintained a good temperature and never overheated." Another tester shared, "This pillow might be the most comfortable one I’ve ever slept on."
Features at a Glance
| Fill | Foam |
| Outer cover | Polyamide/polyester blend |
| Firmness | Medium-Soft |
| Sizes | Standard, King |
How we test cooling pillows
All the pillows we receive are evaluated in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab using our standard battery of tests. We’ve tested over 200 pillows, including dozens of hours of Lab evaluations and feedback from hundreds of consumer testers, before making these picks.
Fiber scientists vet all cooling claims to ensure that the brands aren't overpromising their performance. We look for reputable cooling technologies that are designed to regulate your body temperature all night.
✔️ Pressure resistance: To mimic the pressure from your head lying on the pillow all night, analysts conduct pressure resistance tests. Weights are left on the pillow for an extended period, then we measure how quickly it returns to its original shape.
✔️ Washability: For fully machine-washable and dryer-safe pillows, analysts wash each one five times according to its care label. For pillows with only machine washable covers, we launder only their covers following the same protocol.
✔️ Pillowcase fit: Analysts check how well the pillow fits in a Standard-sized pillowcase to ensure it's compatible with your own bedding.
✔️ Consumer feedback: Consumer testers who identify as hot sleepers try these cooling pillows at home. They sleep on them for at least a month before providing both scored and open-ended feedback on attributes like comfort, support, and temperature regulation.
How to buy the best cooling pillow
✔️ Cooling technology: Look for fabrics with proven cooling technologies like Outlast or 37.5 phase change materials, which can absorb and release heat to keep your body at a more stable temperature while you sleep. This type of phase change material helps prevent night sweats before they start. Some other fabrics offer a cool-to-the-touch feel, but it may not stay that way all night long.
✔️ Ability to clean: If you tend to sweat at night, it’s even more important that you are able to wash your pillow. Opt for a pillow that's entirely machine washable or has a washable cover. Some of the top-tested pillows on our list only have machine-washable covers, so we recommend investing in a good pillow protector for those picks.
✔️ Sleeping position: Even if it has the coolest feel, an uncomfortable pillow will keep you up at night. Make sure to choose a pillow that's suitable for your sleeping position, whether you’re a side, back, or stomach sleeper. That’s the best way to avoid neck pain in the morning.
✔️ Fill material: While using a cooling pillowcase will make a big difference, the fill material can still have an effect on the pillow's cooling capabilities. We recommend opting for whichever fill material you prefer to ensure the pillow is, first and foremost, comfortable.
- Memory foam tends to hold onto heat, so opt for styles with added cooling gel or perforations to reduce overheating.
- Polyester will have a plusher feel similar to down while being easy to care for. It can also be easily infused with cooling technologies.
- Latex doesn't trap heat like memory foam does and offers a supportive and bouncy feel, great for anyone who suffers from neck pain.
FAQs about cooling pillows
Do cooling pillows actually work?
Yes, but don't expect miracles. Certain materials common in pillows, like memory foam, trap heat and can feel sweaty and hot by morning. Choosing a pillow with phase change materials, a breathable design, and moisture-wicking fabrics can help alleviate overheating, but it may not fully stop night sweats.
How do I keep my pillow cool all night?
Because cooling pillows don't have an active cooling element like an air conditioner, they likely won't feel cool all night long. Pillows with phase change materials store and release heat, so you stay at a more stable body temperature throughout the night to help prevent night sweats. If you want ultimate cooling at night, opt for a mattress cover with an active cooling element like this popular sleep system from Eight Sleep.
Do I add a pillowcase over a cooling pillow?
If your cooling pillow includes a machine-washable cover, you do not need to add a pillowcase. Adding a cool-to-the-touch pillowcase to a pillow can help make your pillow even cooler. Plus, if you tend to get night sweats, adding a pillowcase is a good idea for easy cleaning (it will also help extend the life of your pillow!).
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is the associate Textiles Lab director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has rigorously tested more than 200 pillows in the Textiles Lab and she has coordinated pillow sleep testing with hundreds of at-home reviewers. Seymour has a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University and has tested bedding for over seven years at Good Housekeeping.
