Many people know the feeling of turning their pillow over to the “cool side” in the middle of the night. Traditional pillows often retain heat and feel warm against the sleeper’s face. Flipping the pillow over to the other side feels cooler, albeit briefly. Hot sleepers especially may be wondering if there is a cooling pillow that provides that feeling consistently throughout the night.
Sleeping hot can result in sweating, overheating, and general discomfort. It can also interrupt sleep and cause daytime fatigue. Temperature affects sleep quality, and there are plenty of factors to consider when creating a comfortable sleep environment. The mattress, pillows, and bedding all play a role. A cooling pillow can help people sleep comfortably by regulating temperature and dissipating heat.
We’ll cover our top picks for the best cooling pillows and what to look for when shopping. We break down what a cooling pillow is and its pros and cons for sleepers. You’ll also find helpful tips for sleeping cool.
Though memory foam has a reputation for retaining heat, the Ronkoff Pillow takes measures to offset this. The shredded memory foam pillow uses gel pads on both sides to dissipate heat. The pillow also offers standout pressure relief.
The 100 percent premium cotton knit cover is quilted and breathable. It wicks away moisture and adds airflow throughout the pillow. The pillow core consists of a medium feel, Ronkoff’s proprietary memory foam blend that conforms closely. This conductive material draws heat away from the body and dissipates it.
The pillow has a cool feel initially. This helps users feel comfortable as they fall asleep, but there is still the possibility of heat retention throughout the night.
This pillow is also the most expensive option on our list, so it is best for shoppers with bigger budgets. Memory foam often has an initial odor due to off-gassing, though it should dissipate quickly in a well-ventilated room. The Ronkoff Pillow is available in queen and king sizes. It has a medium firmness that is best for side and back sleepers.