Pillows by Sleep Position
Cooling Pillows for Hot Side Sleepers: Top Picks
7 picks compared
6 min read
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The short answerThe best cooling pillows for side sleepers who sleep hot are the Sleep Number PlushComfort Pillow Ultimate, the Coop Home Goods Eden, and the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow. These offer breathable materials, adjustable loft, and cooling covers.
?How we pickedWe compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.
Sleep Number PlushComfort Pillow Ultimate
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 best overall
This pillow features a breathable cotton cover and a fill blend of microfiber and down alternative. It has an adjustable inner core so you can add or remove fill to customize loft. Side sleepers report good neck support and reduced heat buildup.
Fill Microfiber and down alternativeCover CottonAdjustable YesSize Standard/Queen/King
- Adjustable loft for personalized support
- Breathable cotton cover
- Machine washable
- May be too soft for some side sleepers
- Requires fluffing to maintain shape
Coop Home Goods Eden
★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 best value
The Eden is filled with a blend of memory foam and microfiber, which you can adjust to your preferred loft. Its cover is made from a cooling bamboo-derived rayon, and the fill is infused with gel to dissipate heat. Many side sleepers find it supportive and cool throughout the night.
Fill Memory foam and microfiberCover Bamboo-derived rayonAdjustable YesWarranty 5 years
- Adjustable fill for perfect loft
- Cooling cover material
- Machine washable cover
- Some users find it too soft
- May need periodic fluffing
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 best for natural cooling
This pillow is made from Talalay latex, which has an open-cell structure that promotes airflow. The latex is naturally heat-dissipating and resistant to dust mites. Side sleepers appreciate its firm support and consistent coolness.
Fill Talalay latexCover CottonFirmness MediumSize Queen/King
- Excellent breathability
- Natural materials
- Long-lasting support
- Firm feel may not suit all
- Higher price point
Best for: best for natural cooling
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 best for pressure relief
This pillow combines TEMPUR material with a cooling cover that feels cool to the touch. It offers a medium feel that contours to the head and neck, providing pressure relief. Side sleepers report reduced neck pain and a cooler sleep surface.
Fill TEMPUR materialCover Cooling fabricFirmness MediumSize Queen/King
- Superior pressure relief
- Cool-to-touch cover
- Durable construction
- Not adjustable
- Can retain heat over time
Best for: best for pressure relief
Xtuks Mini Cooling Pillow
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 best budget
The Xtuks Mini is a small, rectangular pillow filled with shredded memory foam and a cooling gel layer. Its cover is made from a breathable fabric that helps wick moisture. Despite its size, it provides adequate support for side sleepers who prefer a lower loft.
Fill Shredded memory foam with gelCover Breathable fabricSize MiniAdjustable No
- Very affordable
- Cooling gel layer
- Compact for travel
- Small size may not suit all
- Limited loft adjustment
Mediflow Waterbase Pillow
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 best for adjustable firmness
This pillow uses a water chamber that you can fill to your preferred firmness. The water helps dissipate heat, keeping the surface cool. Side sleepers can adjust the water level to achieve the right support for their neck.
Fill WaterCover Cotton blendAdjustable YesSize Standard/Queen/King
- Adjustable firmness
- Water naturally cools
- Good neck support
- Requires filling and maintenance
- May slosh if not filled properly
Best for: best for adjustable firmness
Sleepgram Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 best for side sleepers with allergies
This pillow is filled with shredded memory foam and has a hypoallergenic cover. It is adjustable, allowing you to remove fill for a lower loft. The cover is made from a cooling fabric that helps regulate temperature.
Fill Shredded memory foamCover Cooling, hypoallergenic fabricAdjustable YesSize Queen/King
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Adjustable loft
- Cooling cover
- Some users find it too firm
- May need regular fluffing
Best for: best for side sleepers with allergies
We compared specifications like fill material, cover fabric, and adjustability. Owner feedback on heat retention and support guided our picks.
Cooling materials
Look for pillows with breathable fills like latex, gel-infused memory foam, or shredded foam. These materials allow air to circulate and draw heat away from your head. Covers made from cotton, bamboo, or cooling fabrics also help. Avoid dense memory foam that traps heat.
Loft and support for side sleepers
Side sleepers need a higher loft to fill the gap between the shoulder and neck. A pillow that is too low can cause neck strain. Adjustable pillows let you add or remove fill to get the perfect height. Look for a medium to firm feel to keep the spine aligned.
Cooling features to consider
Some pillows have phase-change materials or gel layers that feel cool to the touch. Others have ventilation holes or breathable covers. Consider how these features work with your sleep habits. If you toss and turn, a pillow that stays cool is essential.
Maintenance and durability
Check if the pillow is machine washable or has a removable cover. Pillows that require fluffing may need more upkeep. Read owner reviews about durability and how well they hold their shape. A good cooling pillow should last for years with proper care.
Questions people ask
What is the best cooling pillow for side sleepers?
The Sleep Number PlushComfort Pillow Ultimate is a top pick because it offers adjustable loft and a breathable cotton cover. It provides the support side sleepers need while keeping cool.
How do I choose a cooling pillow for side sleeping?
Look for a pillow with a higher loft to support your neck. Choose materials like latex or gel-infused foam that breathe. Consider an adjustable pillow to fine-tune the height.
Are gel memory foam pillows cooler than regular memory foam?
Gel-infused foam can help dissipate heat better than traditional memory foam, but it is not always cool. The gel helps, but the cover and structure also matter. Look for pillows with cooling covers and breathable fills.
Can a cooling pillow help with night sweats?
Yes, a cooling pillow can reduce heat retention and help with night sweats. Materials like latex and gel-infused foam draw heat away. A breathable cover also promotes airflow.
What is the ideal loft for a side sleeper?
Side sleepers typically need a medium to high loft, around 4 to 6 inches, to fill the space between the shoulder and neck. Adjustable pillows let you customize the loft to your body.
Is a latex pillow good for side sleepers?
Latex pillows are supportive and breathable, making them a good choice for side sleepers. They offer a firm feel that keeps the spine aligned. The open-cell structure promotes airflow, helping you stay cool.
How often should I replace my cooling pillow?
Most pillows should be replaced every 1 to 2 years. Signs of wear include loss of support, lumps, or an unpleasant odor. If your pillow no longer keeps you cool, it may be time for a new one.
Can I wash a cooling pillow?
Many cooling pillows have removable, machine-washable covers. The inner fill may need spot cleaning or airing out. Always check the care instructions from the manufacturer.
Do cooling pillows really work?
Cooling pillows can help regulate temperature, but results vary. Materials like latex and gel-infused foam are effective at dissipating heat. The cover also plays a role in keeping you cool.
What is the difference between a cooling pillow and a regular pillow?
Cooling pillows use materials and designs that promote airflow and heat dissipation. Regular pillows, especially memory foam, can trap heat. Cooling pillows often have breathable covers and special fills.
The bottom lineSo which one?
For hot side sleepers, the Sleep Number PlushComfort Pillow Ultimate offers the best balance of support and cooling. If you want adjustability and value, the Coop Home Goods Eden is a strong choice. Consider the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow for natural breathability.
