Skip to main content

What to look for in a cooling pillow?

If you find yourself waking up hot or having trouble sleeping because you’re too warm, then you might be someone who could benefit from a cooling pillow. Since it’s widely known that approximately 10% of the body heat is released through the head (think winter hats), it makes sense that keeping the head cool with a pillow can help keep the body cool. And once you’ve cooled the body down enough, your sleep quality is sure to improve as well. The right cooling pillow can lower the temperature of the head, as well as the neck and shoulders, to help you fall asleep faster and get to levels of more rejuvenating, deeper sleep.

What properties will you find in the best cooling pillows?

The optimal pillow dissipates heat with any of several types of technology usually utilized, most often cooling gel coupled with moisture wicking properties, heightened breathability, i.e. ventilation constructed into the materials for greater air flow, and/or a fabric that tends to remain cool to the touch, i.e. bamboo. Natural fabrics like bamboo and cotton tend to be more breathable, so they can stay cooler than synthetics.

Related Videos

Gels can be infused into other materials, like in the case of gel-infused shredded memory foam fill in some cooling pillows, or kept in their own layers alongside a plush core to promote cooling no matter which side of the pillow faces the sleeping person.

Well-ventilated materials strategically placed throughout the pillow can help you cool off, as can moisture-wicking properties in fabrics and other materials.

Look for endorsements from the right organizations

If you’re unsure, look for pillows endorsed by physicians or other professionals familiar with the problems of hot sleeping. For example, a mattress by Saatva is endorsed by the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations, which means it’s recommended by groups of leading American chiropractors. The mattress, among other sleep advantages, has a highly breathable organic cotton cover to promote cooling air flow throughout the mattress. Each of the 3 layers of the Saatva Talalay Pillow incorporates cooling properties as well, making it likely to help a hot sleeper rest.

Editors' Recommendations

What we want the Apple Watch to be in 2023
Here's our list of ways the biggest tech company in the country can improve its watch game this year
An Apple Watch SE being worn on someone's wrist with the apps displayed on its screen.

In 2014, Apple announced it was going to release its version of the activity tracker but branded it as a fashion accessory. The goal was to make a stylish watch that could complete any ensemble easily and keep track of the wearer's fitness and health status. Not long after its release, the Apple Watch seemed to pigeonhole itself as a fitness tracker and somehow lost the original goal of being a fashion accessory. If you're looking to buy a new Apple Watch for men, you should be aware that there aren't many options for different Apple Watch bands or Apple Watch faces.

Along with a few other issues that the Apple Watch has faced in the last near-decade of development, there are some other ways they can step up their game in 2023. Here's our list of ways the biggest tech company in the country can improve its watch game this year.

Read more
The 7 best turtlenecks for men: Be effortlessly stylish with this classic look
Discover the perfect mix of casual and class with these turtlenecks for men

Nothing beats turtlenecks when it comes to looking stylish and staying warm. What's more versatile and more remarkable than a turtleneck? Not much at all. What served as a uniform for 19th-century polo players back in the day has become a modern menswear staple today. Whether you're planning on layering a lightweight version or rocking a sturdier knit on its own, turtlenecks add an element of sophistication no matter the outfit.

These sweaters from our favorite men's clothing brands are versatile enough to style with any of your favorite jeans or suits, keeping you protected from the elements. Moreover, they're a sleek and easy look to throw on during your video conference calls. We've made it easy by carefully hand-picking the best of turtlenecks in prints, stripes, solids, merinos, and cashmere to get you through this season.

Read more
5 men’s winter trends that never go out of style (and still look good in spring)
Look good every winter with these fantastic trends

Cold weather can feel like you don’t have a lot of options with your wardrobe, and warmth takes center stage over fashion. Though December may be merry with its holidays and light, the long march from January to April can feel like a slog of dark colors, bulky coats, and sweaters designed to fight against the cold. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up your sense of style to survive this frigid season.

To that end, here are five classic winter trends that are as stylish as they are practical. They run the gamut from casual to party-ready but are all unified by the fact that they’re utterly impervious to passing fads. Take advantage of these trends to ensure you stay warm all season, all while looking great.

Read more