What is the Best Pillow to Keep You Cool This Summer?

Getting a good night’s sleep can be challenging as the temperature rises during the summer months. Sweaty and uncomfortable nights can disrupt sleep quality and overall well-being, leaving you tired and grumpy. A pillow specifically designed for hot weather can make a significant difference in ensuring a restful sleep experience. There are different types and materials available, plus a range of interesting features.

What is the cooling pillow concept?

The cooling pillow concept is all about creating a sleep surface that helps you stay at a comfortable temperature all night long. Instead of trapping heat like traditional pillows, cooling pillows use breathable fabrics such as bamboo and advanced materials like gel-infused or ventilated memory foam to promote airflow and disperse body heat. Many are also moisture-wicking, keeping you dry if you tend to sweat at night. The goal is to prevent overheating, support better sleep quality, and leave you feeling refreshed in the morning, making them especially popular with hot sleepers or those who struggle with night sweats.

What do cooling pillows do?

Cooling pillows are designed to help regulate your body temperature while you sleep, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night. Unlike traditional pillows that can trap heat, cooling pillows use breathable materials and moisture-wicking fabrics, such as bamboo, to encourage airflow and prevent overheating. Many also feature gel-infused or ventilated memory foam that disperses body heat, reducing the chance of night sweats. By staying cooler, you’re more likely to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed without the discomfort of a hot, restless night.

What are some factors to consider when choosing a cooling pillow?

When selecting a cooling pillow, it’s important to consider various factors that contribute to its cooling properties and your overall comfort:

Material

You should look for pillows made from breathable and moisture-wicking materials such as bamboo, cotton, or cooling gel-infused memory foam. The properties of these materials will help with that cool side of the pillow feeling we all crave on hot nights…

Loft Height

The loft height of a pillow is important for your comfort; generally, the higher the loft, the more comfortable the pillow. Your overall comfort will help you sleep better and stay cool at night.

Fill

The pillow fill is important, too. If a pillow is filled with feathers, it might be itchy and uncomfortable, which won’t make sleep any easier; memory foam has natural heat retention, so it’s best to look for fillings which counteract this by adding gel or other technologies.

Technologies

Cooling pillows are often set aside from normal pillows due to the technologies used in their construction: this might be the use of a gel layer within the pillow, or using a mesh frame with spaces to allow for airflow. These innovations are what help make it a cooling pillow, as opposed to just a normal pillow.

Types of cooling pillows

There are various types of cooling pillows on the market, each made slightly differently to help keep you cool on warm nights.

Latex Pillows

These are pillows filled with a shredded latex material; it is an alternative to down and offers a cooling effect, but it doesn’t work for people with latex allergies.

Bamboo Pillows

Bamboo pillows are hypoallergenic, naturally antibacterial, and inherently breathable and thermoregulating. Bamboo is a soft and comfortable material; bamboo-filled pillows are particularly squishy.

Hybrid Pillows

A hybrid pillow generally refers to pillows made from memory foam, which naturally retain heat but are tweaked to ensure a cooling effect too, by utilising open-cell technology, for example, and incorporating cooling fabric like bamboo or linen.

What are the pros and cons of different cooling pillow types?

As with all types of pillows, there are pros and cons to various cooling pillows. It comes down to personal preference and what is best for you, so it is worth considering these.

Latex Pillows – Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Cooling and breathable: Latex allows for excellent airflow, helping hot sleepers stay comfortable.
  
• Durable: High-quality latex pillows can last many years without losing shape.
  
• Soft yet supportive: They contour gently to the head and neck while maintaining resilience.
  
• Eco-friendly options: Natural latex is biodegradable and free from animal products, appealing to eco-conscious buyers.
  

Cons:

• Latex allergies: Not suitable for those with relatively common latex sensitivities.
  
• Heavy: Latex pillows tend to be denser and heavier, making them less easy to move or fluff.
  
• Higher price point: Natural latex pillows can be more expensive than synthetic alternatives.
  
• Distinct smell: Some latex pillows may have a natural rubbery scent when new.
  

Bamboo Pillows – Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Naturally hypoallergenic: Resistant to dust mites and ideal for those with allergies or asthma.
  
• Antibacterial properties: Keeps bedding fresh and cleaner for longer.
  
• Moisture-wicking: Absorbs and evaporates sweat quickly, preventing night sweats.
  
• Soft and breathable: Provides a luxurious, cloud-like feel while regulating temperature.
  
• Durable quality: Bamboo fibres are strong, meaning the pillow maintains its structure for years.
  
• Eco-friendly: Bamboo is a sustainable material, growing quickly with minimal water and pesticides.
  

Cons:

• Not always machine washable: Many bamboo pillows have memory foam cores that require spot cleaning.
  
• Adjustment period: Some sleepers may need time to get used to the unique feel of bamboo and memory foam blends.
  
• Price: Bamboo pillows can be slightly more expensive compared to synthetic options.
  

Hybrid Pillows – Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Blended comfort: Combines the best features of materials like memory foam, bamboo, or latex for tailored support.
  
• Enhanced support: Ideal for maintaining spinal alignment in multiple sleeping positions.
  
• High quality: Designed with advanced construction and innovative technology for long-lasting use.
  
• Cooling technology: Many hybrids include gel-infused foam, bamboo covers, or micro-pods to improve airflow.
  
• Versatility: Suits side, back, and combination sleepers.
  

Cons:

• Higher cost: Premium design and materials often make hybrids more expensive.
  
• Heavier than standard pillows: Added layers and technology can make them less lightweight.
  
• Maintenance: Some hybrids require special care for covers or inserts.
  
• Not “one size fits all”: While versatile, they may still feel too firm for sleepers who prefer softer pillows.
  

What are some additional features to consider?

When buying a cooling pillow, look for additional features that might help you decide which one to purchase. Do you want a washable zip-off cover, for example, or do you need a pillow with orthopaedic-grade support for a bad back? Consider your budget, any allergies or sensitivities, and the eco-friendliness of different pillows.

Keep cool this summer with a cooling pillow

Hot nights can significantly affect your sleep quality, so looking at pillows which offer cooling properties is important when purchasing a new one. Comfort and support are crucial for a good night’s sleep, and staying cool helps matters even more. Consider your personal preferences, as well as materials and technologies, when buying a cooling pillow.