Do Cooling Pillows Really Work?

If you sweat at night or continuously overheat in bed, you can find relief by selecting the best cooling pillow for hot sleepers.

While there are many cooling technologies available such as mattresses, mattress protectors, and mattress toppers, pillows are a budget-friendly solution for hot sleepers or people experiencing hot flashes.

The ideal temperature for sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees. But not only is constantly adjusting your thermostat to a lower temperature more costly, sometimes it’s not enough if you retain heat or have night sweats.

A bamboo cooling pillow and a cool bedroom can instantly lower the temperature around your head, neck, and shoulders so you’ll fall asleep faster and experience deeper, more restful sleep.

If a pillow is labeled cooling, it likely wicks away moisture, dissipates heat, and promotes increased airflow. When shopping for a pillow that cools, there are three major categories to consider: breathable pillows, gel memory foam pillows, and pillows with a phase-changing cover.

How Cool is a Breathable Pillow?

A breathable pillow is designed to circulate airflow through the filling and in some cases through the pillow’s cover. Many pillows are promoted as breathable and will help you sleep a little cooler than you would on a pillow filled with synthetic fibers.

However, there are better options on the market if you’re looking for something that will make a dramatic difference in regulating your body temperature.

How Cool is a Memory Foam Gel Pillow or Gel-Infused Pillow?

When evaluating cooling pillow materials, keep in mind that memory foam has many benefits.

Most importantly, memory foam provides more support than cotton or down-filled alternatives. More support means that you are less likely to wake up with neck or shoulder pain.

You may uncover in your research that memory foam pillows tend to heat up around the neck and shoulders. Gel memory foam was introduced to combat heat retention, create a more breathable surface, and prevent that dreaded warming sensation.

Typically, gel memory foam pillows feel cool initially, which can help you fall asleep faster, but they may warm up throughout the night.

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