Finding the Best Cooling Pillow to Enjoy Sweat-Free Sleep
Our top cooling pillows
Here is the moment you've been waiting for – the UK's best cooling pillows!
According to our team over at The Sleep Advisors' HQ, these six pillows are crème de la crème of cooling pillows. Whether you choose the best overall or the best value pillow on our list – we are pretty confident you'll have a good night's sleep with either.
And now, let's meet our picks!
Pillows
1
Best Overall
Pillows
2
Best Memory Foam
Pillows
3
Best for Neck Pain
Pillows
4
Best Memory Foam
Pillows
5
Best Hybrid
Pillows
6
Best for back and stomach sleepers
Best Overall: Simba Hybrid Pillow
Say goodbye to sleepless nights with the best cooling pillow there is!
Best Overall
The Simba Hybrid pillow is inarguably one of the best pillows the UK has to offer by everyone's standards. And with how much innovative technology was used to make this pillow, it shouldn't be a surprise that it also won our award for the best cooling pillow!
It's fully adjustable, allowing you to add or remove the foam Nanocubes tailoring the loft and support to your liking and sleeping position. So, you don't have to worry about the pillow not being suitable for your build or sleeping style.
Just on its own, this delightfully crafted cotton pillowcase with mesh borders is quite breathable, but once you factor in Simba's active temperature-regulating Stratos technology, you get yourself a pillow that's ideal for year-round use.
For additional info, feel free to check our in-depth Simba Hybrid pillow review.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Shredded memory foam
- Size: 50×70 cm
- Cooling technology: Simba Stratos, shredded memory foam
- Filling: Open-cell foam
- Cover: Cotton
- Weight: 450-640 g
- Trial: 200 nights
- Warranty: 1 year
Advantages
Good for all positions
It is suitable for all sleeping positions – even for restless sleepers.
Good temperature regulation
Excellent temperature regulation all year round.
Durable & long lasting
The product has premium materials, which ensures durability.
Disadvantages
Higher price tag
This isn't a budget-friendly cooling pillow.
1 year warranty
We would expect a longer warranty period, considering this is a premium product.
Best Memory Foam: Emma Premium Pillow
While memory foam pillows tend to struggle with overheating, that isn't always the case. After all, just look at the Emma Premium Pillow!
Best Memory Foam
The Emma Premium Pillow is an upgrade from the Emma Original Pillow and we have to say that it shines in terms of cooling!
By using their patented Premium ThermoSync foam, Emma has made this premium pillow just as comfortable as any other memory foam pillow while also keeping it cool and comfortable.
Plus, just like the Simba Hybrid Pillow, just about anyone can enjoy the Emma Premium. This is because the pillow features 3 separate layers that you can take out if needed. And even when they're used together, you can get a slightly softer or firmer feel depending on how you flip the pillow.
Lastly, no cooling pillow is complete without a cooling pillowcase. So, the Emma Premium utilises a removable and washable UltraDry-Plus cover to keep things fresh.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Memory foam
- Size: 70x40cm
- Cooling technology: Premium ThermoSync foam
- Filling: Memory foam
- Cover: UltraDry-Plus
- Weight: 1.3 kg
- Trial: 30 nights
- Warranty: 2 years
Advantages
High quality memory foam
Our favourite memory foam pillow currently available.
Cooling
The pillow features a thermoregulating layer and a cooling cover.
Good for all sleepers
The pillow offers a level of adjustability.
Disadvantages
Might be too soft for some
Some people might prefer a firmer pillow for more neck support.
Best for Neck Pain: Zamat Home ChillingQ Cooling Pillow
If overheating isn't your only problem and your neck tends to ache in the morning as well, this unique-looking pillow might be exactly what you're looking for!
Best for Neck Pain
The first thing you'll likely notice about the Zamat Home ChillingQ Cooling Pillow is that it looks a lot different than more pillows. With a bright blue tint and a noticeable dent in the middle, it makes for quite an impression.
But these aren't just fashion statements! The blue tint is to signify the immense cooling this pillow has to offer, with the brand proudly stating that it's 8x more cooling than your average cooling pillow.
And the dent is so that the memory foam pillow can properly cradle your head and neck, offering some much-appreciated pressure relief. We think back sleepers will especially enjoy this design, as most pillows tend to just focus on side sleepers.
Lastly, while the pillow isn't all that cheap, it offers a lot of value! After all, with a 10 year guarantee and a 100-night trial, this cooling pillow has better perks than even most mattresses.
Take a look at our full ChillingQ Pillow review.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Orthopaedic
- Size: 57×39 cm
- Cooling technology: Bluedott
- Filling: Memory foam
- Cover: Silk
- Weight: N/A
- Trial: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
Advantages
Great for back sleepers
Back sleepers will be especially happy with the shape of the pillow.
Temperature regulation
Fantastic temperature regulating properties.
Good neck support
Anyone with neck pain will benefit from this pillow.
Disadvantages
Only comes in one size
The pillow only comes in one shape and size, which might not suit some people.
Best Hypoallergenic: Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow
Suitable for every sleeping position plus hot sleepers and allergy sufferers.
Best Memory Foam
Panda is known for cooling products, so we did not doubt that Panda's Hybrid Bamboo pillow would be on our list once it was launched in July 2022.
This pillow is very complex because it has an inner and outer cover, a mesh frame, a cover filling, a memory foam core, and an in-built protector. Rayon, bamboo, microfiber, memory foam, and polyester all make an appearance as far as materials go!
All these materials guarantee comfort, pressure relief, and support. And, for our purposes, it's also important to note just how breathable this pillow is! After all, bamboo is one of the kings when it comes to cooling pillows and this pillow has it in spades. Plus, it utilises activated charcoal to further amp the cooling.
It belongs to the category of premium pillows, as the price suggests, but we'd say it's worth the price, as it offers excellent value considering the craftsmanship.
If you'd like to learn more, we suggest you read our full review of the Panda Hybrid Pillow.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Hybrid
- Size: 40 x 70cm
- Cooling technology: Bamboo cover and Active O2 Micro-pods
- Filling: Charcoal infused polyurethane
- Cover: Rayon made from bamboo
- Weight: 2.2 kg
- Trial: 30 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
Advantages
Eco-friendly
Environmental-friendly & vegan-friendly
Thermoregulating
Thanks to great thermoregulation, you won't get hot or cold.
Great for neck pain
It offers fantastic support, especially for your neck.
Disadvantages
Pricey
While not too expensive, it's also not budget-friendly.
Not for stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers might need a pillow with a lower loft.
Best Hybrid: Silentnight Geltex Pillow
Who knew that putting more than one cooling solution into a single pillow would work? Silentnight knew.
Best Hybrid
The gorgeously knitted cover is as soft and comfy as it is good-looking. Factor in the mesh air vents, and you'll have yourself a super cosy and breathable pillowcase.
But, it's the insides that count with this one. Surrounded by a generous amount of soft hollowfibre, at the core of this pillow, we have a Geltex cushion designed to absorb excess body heat and move it away from the body.
What's ingenious about this design is that soft hollowfibre is not only there as a comfort layer but also as a temperature buffer between your head and the gel-infused foam core.
And given the loft of the pillow, both side and back sleepers should get all the pressure relief and support they could ever need.
For additional info, feel free to check our exhaustive Silentnight Geltex pillow review.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Hybrid
- Size: 40×65 cm
- Cooling technology: Geltex
- Filling: Geltex, hollowfibre
- Cover: Polyester
- Weight: 1 kg
- Trial: No
- Warranty: 2 years
Advantages
Great price-quality ratio
You get excellent quality for the price.
Good neck support
The pillow ensures enough neck support.
Made in the UK
Hand-made in the UK
Disadvantages
Not for stomach sleepers
The loft is too large for the majority of stomach sleepers.
No trial period
You don't have any trial period.
Best for back and side sleepers: Slumberdown Climate Control Pillow
Rest comfortably and forget about snoring and night sweats with this pair of pillows!
Best for back and stomach sleepers
The Slumberdown Climate Control pillow is one of the most affordable cooling pillows the UK has to offer. You could probably buy a cup of coffee that's more expensive than these two pillows combined. Oh, right, did we mention this is a two-pack?
Now, don't let the price tag fool you. This is by no means a cheap product. It's simply affordable.
Unlike the other cooling pillows on our list, this one's actually quite pleasant for a stomach sleeper. Its hollowfibre Dacron filling is not only breathable but also quite soft and squishy, which is what stomach sleepers find most appealing.
If you'd like to know more, read our full review of the Slumberdown Climate Control Pillow.
KEY FEATURES:
- Type: Hollowfibre
- Size: 48×74 cm
- Cooling technology: Dacron filling
- Filling: Dacron hollowfibre/microfibre
- Cover: Polyester
- Weight: 1.08 kg
- Trial: No
- Warranty: No
Advantages
Excellent value for money
You get more than what you pay for
Machine washable
Washing-machine friendly
Great for stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers will adore it as it is not too soft.
Disadvantages
Slight off gassing
There might be some slight off gassing
Non-removable cover
You need to get a separate cover for these pillows.
What to look for when buying a cooling pillow
To a layman, cooling pillows might be similar to regular pillows – but we know differently. We've learned what it takes for a cooling pillow to be great, and we're more than willing to share that with you.
The following traits make the best cooling pillows exceptional, so we'd urge you to keep these in mind when you go shopping. After all, these are the same features we've kept in mind when we handpicked the cooling pillows down below, so it's only right you know a thing or two about them, as well.
Comfort and support
If sleeping cool were your only concern, you'd sleep on a bag of frozen peas, wouldn't you? But as we all know – that's not the case.
Even though you're buying a cool pillow, comfort and support still matter as much – if not more. After all, what good is a breezy pillow if you wake up with a stiff neck?
Comfort and support, although the first one is pretty subjective, are still the main features you should look for in a pillow
A comfortable pillow should be firm and supportive but still soft and cosy enough, so you don't experience pain and discomfort. It should match your sleeping position, too.
As a general rule of thumb, if you're sleeping on the side, you'll want to shop for something with a little bit of loft, so your neck, spine, and shoulder rest in perfect alignment throughout the night.
By the same logic, if you like to nap on your tummy, something low-profile should be more up your alley.
OEKO-TEX certificates
It's not a secret that in the past, our mattresses, pillows, and bedding were pumped with volatile organic compounds or VOCs. Fortunately, today we know better.
When creating a cooling pillow, you have to experiment with different technologies, which usually entails trying out some new stuff, using various chemicals and compounds, organic and non-organic materials, etc. To ensure that all of those are perfectly safe for human use – the products must pass a series of rigorous tests.
The ones that pass these tests get a stamp of approval.
The particular stamp of approval we're interested in is the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certificate. OEKO-TEX certification proves that the product in question is entirely void of any potentially hazardous, toxic, or in any other way harmful chemicals and compounds.
You'll find the OEKO-TEX certification only on 100% safe products, so always look for one.
Removable pillowcases
There is an excellent chance the pillow you end up buying is not machine-washable. So, the next best thing is to look for a removable pillowcase that you can take off and toss in the washer.
Nine times out of ten, a solid cooling pillow will come with a removable pillowcase that you can either hand-wash or toss in a washing machine and clean at low temperatures (up to 30°C) and gentle cycle. Sometimes, if the cover fabric allows it, you may even be able to turn up the heat to 60°C, although that is not common.
More often than not, you'll be met with an organic cotton cover that's best washed at 30 degrees Celsius.
Cooling gel & innovative technologies
Since there's only so far you can go with airflow and organic fillings, pillow manufacturers have had to turn up the heat (pun intended) in their research facilities to try and come up with innovative cooling technologies for their pillows.
What most of them have come up with is either a cooling gel pad or some form of gel-infused foam. Some have experimented with latex, some tried to make the most out of bamboo, and others just looked for a way to perforate the foam to improve airflow and decrease heat retention.
However, once in a blue moon, we end up with breakthrough technology as Simba did with their Simba Stratos phase-changing solution found with several of their products – including their memory foam pillow you'll meet in just a second.
The point we're trying to make here is you need to look for these cooling technologies and solutions if you want actual results. Just because the box says “cooling” doesn't mean you'll actually get to feel the breeze.
Instead of taking the manufacturers at their word – look for the real solution they've implemented. That should give you a reasonably good idea of what to expect.
The advantages of owning cooling pillows
It's evident that the main advantage you'll get from a cooling pillow is not sleeping hot, but that's hardly the only benefit you'll get from owning one of these.
Aside from freshness and frostiness, you will also get to enjoy the following:
- Improved sleep quality
- Pain-free mornings
- Mental health benefits
- Radiant skin
- Long-lasting investment
Improved sleep quality is pretty self-explanatory. A good, comfy pillow equals better sleep.
As for the pain-free mornings, as you recall, we've mentioned choosing a comfortable and supportive pillow a while ago, and this is the direct result of doing exactly that. Your head and neck will stay in the same position all night long, and you'll wake up pain-free.
As for mental health benefits and radiant skin, those come as a result of the quality, full eight hours of sleep each night. As we rest and rejuvenate during the night, our minds and bodies flourish, and it's these pillows that allow us to do just that.
Finally, a premium cooling pillow will last you for quite a few years. Even if you end up spending a bit more early on – it'll be worth it in the long run.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you're a hot sleeper, you probably need a good cooling pillow. And now that you've seen all the best cooling pillows in the UK, you should be set! So, let us know in the comments if you end up going with any of the cooling pillows we've featured!
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FAQs about your cooling pillow
We didn't want to let you go until we've covered every single topic and cleared up some potential confusion. On that note, let's try and answer some of the most valuable and commonly asked questions we could scrape together.
Do I need to flip the sides of the cooling pillow to stay cool?
No. The whole point of a cooling pillow is not to do this. With that in mind, some of these are double-sided, so you will have to flip them – just not during the night or to stay cool.
How do I wash a cooling pillow?
You remove the pillowcase from the pillow, read the care label, and wash it accordingly. If the entire pillow is machine-washable – simply repeat the whole process.
What is the best cooling material for a pillow?
It is usually the combination of several materials and fabrics that make up a solid cooling pillow. But, if we had to choose our winners, we'd say phase-change technology for the insides and bamboo for the pillowcases
How long do cooling pillows last?
If we assume that you sleep on your pillow every day, all year long, most of these pillows should last you about three years. With that being said, that's three years of phenomenal performance. You could easily get twice or thrice as much out of some premium cooling pillows.
Do cooling pillows contain harmful substances?
No. If you look for an OEKO-TEX certified pillow, like we've advised that you do, you won't end up with a pillow containing harmful substances.
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