Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers, Worth To Buy!

When it comes to a restful night’s sleep, side sleepers face unique challenges, particularly in finding the right pillow. If you’re someone who tends to sleep hot, selecting a cooling pillow designed specifically for side sleepers can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll break down the best cooling pillows, exploring the key features to look for and reviewing top products based on their cooling technology, support, breathability, and more.

What to Know About Choosing a Cooling Pillow

When choosing a cooling pillow, there are several factors to consider, especially for side sleepers. Here are the most important ones:

Cooling pillows are designed to help regulate temperature, ensuring that sleepers remain cool and comfortable throughout the night. Various cooling technologies are integrated into these pillows to dissipate heat and prevent it from being trapped around your head and neck. Here are some of the most common and effective cooling technologies found in modern cooling pillows:

1. Gel-Infused Foam: Many pillows, such as the TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow, use gel-infused memory foam. The gel works by absorbing body heat and redistributing it, creating a cooling effect that lasts throughout the night. This technology is ideal for side sleepers who need both support and heat relief.
2. Phase-Change Materials (PCM): Found in products like the Bedgear Storm Performance Pillow, phase-change materials are advanced cooling technologies that actively absorb and release heat to maintain a stable temperature. As your body warms the pillow, the PCM absorbs that heat and releases it when you start to cool down, helping to regulate temperature.
3. Ventilated Memory Foam: This type of foam, used in pillows like the Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow, is designed with ventilation holes or an open-cell structure. This allows for increased airflow through the pillow, helping to dissipate heat and moisture while keeping the pillow breathable.
4. Cooling Gel Layer: Some pillows, such as the Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow, include a top layer of cooling gel. This layer directly interacts with the skin, providing a cool surface while supporting heat dissipation throughout the foam layers beneath.
5. Cooling Fiber Fill: Pillows like the Casper Foam Pillow with Snow Technology use specialized fibers designed to wick away heat and moisture. These cooling fibers are typically lightweight and breathable, ensuring proper airflow and reducing heat buildup.

Each of these cooling technologies is crafted to suit different sleep preferences, but all aim to enhance comfort by regulating temperature and improving breathability for side sleepers.

2. Material Composition

The material of a cooling pillow significantly impacts its effectiveness. Here are the top materials used in cooling pillows:

Material	Example	Score
Memory Foam	Layla Kapok Pillow	10/10
Latex	Purple Harmony Pillow	9/10
Polyester Fiber	Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow	8/10
Bamboo Fabric	Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow	8/10
Down Alternative	Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow	7/10

3. Support for Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need extra support to keep their necks and spines aligned. The best options for side sleepers include:

• High-Density Memory Foam: Provides firm support, as seen in the Coop Home Goods Original Pillow (10/10).
• Adjustable Loft Design: Allows for a customized fit, like the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow (9/10).
• Contoured Shape: Offers ergonomic support, as with the EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow (8/10).
• Firm Support: Ideal for side sleepers needing firmness, such as the Pillow Cube Side Sleeper Pro (10/10).

How to Test the Best Cooling Pillow

4. Breathability

A highly breathable pillow allows air to circulate and prevents heat buildup. The following materials enhance breathability:

Breathability Feature	Example	Score
Ventilation Holes	Purple Harmony Pillow	10/10
Open-Cell Foam Structure	Leesa Hybrid Pillow	9/10
Bamboo Cover	Elite Rest Slim Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow	8/10
Cooling Gel Beads	Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow	7/10
Airflow Channels	TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow	9/10

5. Moisture-Wicking Properties

For those who sweat during sleep, moisture-wicking fabrics can make a huge difference. Here are some top choices:

• Bamboo Rayon Cover: Available in the Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Pillow (9/10).
• Outlast Fabric: Found in the Slumber Cloud Performance Pillow, helps to regulate moisture (9/10).
• Tencel Fabric: Used in the Nest Bedding Cooling Pillow, provides good moisture-wicking properties (8/10).
• Organic Cotton Cover: Seen in the Avocado Green Pillow, offers a natural solution (8/10).

6. Durability

Durability ensures your pillow will last for years without losing its shape or cooling properties. The most durable options are:

Durability Feature	Example	Score
High-Density Foam Core	Layla Kapok Pillow	9/10
Resilient Latex Core	Purple Harmony Pillow	9/10
Long-Lasting Gel Memory Foam	TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow	9/10
Shredded Memory Foam Fill	Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow	8/10
Washable Cover with Strong Seams	Coop Home Goods Original Pillow	8/10

7. Adjustable Loft

Adjustable loft pillows allow you to customize the height of the pillow to meet your exact preferences, which is especially important for side sleepers:

• Removable Fill: Available in the Coop Home Goods Original Pillow (10/10).
• Zippable Inner Compartment: Found in the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow (9/10).
• Customizable Shredded Foam: Seen in the Layla Kapok Pillow (8/10).
• Removable Foam Inserts: Available in the EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow (7/10).

8. Hypoallergenic Features

For those with allergies, hypoallergenic materials can ensure you sleep comfortably:

Hypoallergenic Feature	Example	Score
CertiPUR-US Certified Foam	Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow	9/10
Dust Mite Resistant	Elite Rest Contour Pillow	8/10
Hypoallergenic Bamboo Cover	Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow	8/10
Anti-Allergy Down Alternative	Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow	7/10
Organic Latex	Avocado Green Pillow	8/10

9. Ease of Cleaning

If ease of maintenance is a concern, choosing pillows with removable, washable covers is a smart move. Here are some easy-to-clean options:

• Removable, Machine-Washable Cover: Seen in the Layla Kapok Pillow and Coop Home Goods Original Pillow (9/10).
• Machine Washable Entire Pillow: Available in the Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow (8/10).
• Quick-Dry Fabric: Featured in the Slumber Cloud Performance Pillow (8/10).

10. Price vs. Value

Balancing price with features and durability is essential. Here are some top choices in various price ranges:

Price Range	Example	Score
Luxury High-End Option	TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow	9/10
Mid-Range Quality	Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow	8/10
Budget-Friendly Option	Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow	9/10
Innovative Cooling Technology	Purple Harmony Pillow	9/10
Cost-Effective Adjustable Loft	Coop Home Goods Original Pillow	10/10

 

Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleepers: Pros and Cons Table

Product	Pros	Cons	Score
TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow	– Dual-sided cooling gel for all-night comfort – High-density foam provides excellent support for side sleepers	– Expensive – Can feel too firm for some sleepers	10/10
Bedgear Storm Performance Pillow	– Phase-change material helps regulate temperature – Ergonomic design provides targeted support	– Pricey – Can be too thick for some users	9/10
Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow	– Adjustable loft for custom height – Hypoallergenic and CertiPUR-US certified	– Requires regular fluffing to maintain shape – Might feel too soft for some	8/10
Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow	– Cooling gel layer keeps the pillow temperature neutral throughout the night – Contoured shape offers great neck support for side sleepers	– Heavier than other pillows – Gel layer may lose effectiveness over time	8/10
Casper Foam Pillow with Snow Technology	– Cooling fiber fill provides excellent air circulation – Multi-layer construction for better support	– Expensive compared to other fiber-filled pillows – Limited adjustability	7/10
Layla Kapok Pillow	– High-density foam core for durability – Adjustable loft for personalized comfort	– Expensive for those on a budget – May feel too firm for some side sleepers	10/10
Purple Harmony Pillow	– Ventilated latex core provides excellent breathability – Hypoallergenic material and eco-friendly design	– Expensive – Too firm for sleepers who prefer a softer pillow	9/10
Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow	– Budget-friendly option – Cooling gel beads provide good airflow	– Not adjustable – Less durable over time compared to premium options	8/10
Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow	– Adjustable loft design allows you to customize the height – Made from CertiPUR-US certified memory foam	– Expensive – Requires frequent fluffing to maintain shape	9/10
Snuggle-Pedic Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow	– Hypoallergenic bamboo cover provides natural cooling – Adjustable fill for personalized comfort	– May lose shape over time – Can be bulky and heavy	8/10
Pillow Cube Side Sleeper Pro	– Specifically designed for side sleepers – Provides firm neck and shoulder support	– Only suitable for side sleepers – Can feel too firm for people who prefer a softer pillow	10/10
EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow	– Ergonomic contoured shape provides excellent cervical support – Breathable memory foam keeps you cool at night	– Can be too firm for some sleepers – Takes time to adjust to the shape	8/10
Avocado Green Pillow	– Organic and eco-friendly material – Adjustable loft with natural latex fill	– Expensive – Latex core may feel too firm for some sleepers	8/10
Elite Rest Slim Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow	– Slim design is perfect for side sleepers who prefer lower loft pillows – Bamboo cover provides natural breathability	– Limited support for heavier individuals – Not adjustable	8/10
Slumber Cloud Performance Pillow	– Phase-change material actively regulates temperature – Moisture-wicking fabric prevents overheating	– Higher price range – Less support compared to firmer pillows	9/10

Choosing the best cooling pillow for side sleepers depends on a variety of factors, from cooling technology to the level of support it offers. High-quality options like the Coop Home Goods Original Pillow, Layla Kapok Pillow, and Purple Harmony Pillow all provide excellent support for side sleepers while keeping you cool throughout the night. Whether you’re looking for adjustability, breathability, or hypoallergenic features, there’s a cooling pillow on this list to meet your specific needs. Sleep cool and comfortably with the best cooling pillow designed just for side sleepers!