If you are having trouble sleeping comfortably during the hotter months of the year, you are not alone. But there is no need to feel frustrated- you’re not sentenced to tossing and turning whenever the temperature rises. Cooling gel pillows are specifically designed to offer you maximal comfort, support, and relief from the heat. With a variety of solutions that reliably dissipate heat, cool you down, and improve a pillow’s airflow, they are a quick and efficient end to your issues.
Whether it’s the use of gel-infused foam or layers of cooling gel, a cooling gel pillow will deliver an equally efficient chilling effect in any situation. The only “trick” is finding a cooling gel pillow that’s also suited for your sleeping position and preferences- but there is a match for anyone’s needs.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  PharMeDoc Blue Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
|
|
| #2 |  Columbia High-Performance Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
|
|
| #3 |  Classic Brands Reversible Pillow
|
|
| #4 |  BedStory Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow
|
|
| #5 |  Nestl Bedding Coolest Pillow
|
|
| #6 |  Nesaila Cooling Gel Pillow
|
|
Are Cooling Gel Pillows Efficient?
You’d be hard-pressed to find a person that finds it pleasant to sleep when the weather’s hot and humid. Even having air conditioning, most people struggle to stay cool throughout the night, always turning their pillow throughout the night to get to the cooler side for some much-needed freshness. This is nothing unusual: humans sleep the easiest when it is cooler and high temperatures can seriously impact your circadian rhythm. That’s why a cooling gel pillow is such a clever design: these pillows are made to offer both instant coolness and to maintain coolness throughout the night, without the need to flip your pillow to feel chillier.
The main reason why cooling gel pillows were developed was to offset the trap-heating properties of classic memory foam. Whether by infusing the gel or gel beads directly into the foam or by adding a top layer made purely out of cooling gel, manufacturers manage to ensure that memory foam pillows are pleasant to sleep on even if you’re a hot sleeper.
The gel works to actively cool your head and neck by drawing away and dissipating heat. What’s more, the cooling gel will always feel cool to the touch, offering instant relief. In addition to the cooling gel, these pillows are often perforated to allow for increased airflow, which has twofold benefits. First, the increased breathability contributes to the coolness of the pillow and helps it stay cool throughout the night. Second, the free circulation of air through foam prevents mold and mildew from developing as well as bacteria build-up.
For maximum efficiency, choose cooling gel pillows that are also ventilated or perforated, and even those that boast a protective cover made from cooling and breathable materials. That way, you’ve got all of your bases covered- and lasting coolness is all but guaranteed.
6 Best Cooling Gel Pillows
PharMeDoc Blue Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
Specs:
- Dimensions: 24” x 15” x 5”
- Type: Gel-infused Perforated Memory Foam
- Feel: Firm
Editor’s choice
Perfectly balancing quality and price is always a big challenge for most brands, but this cooling gel pillow is the perfect example that it can be done. Made with gel-infused, perforated foam, this cooling pillow has all it takes to keep the heat at bay. The viscoelastic memory foam pillow is infused with a temperature-regulating gel whose role is to draw the heat away from your body and help dissipate it for a cool night of quality rest. The special hole-punched design takes matters a step further, allowing superior air circulation that makes the pillow supremely breathable and ensures lasting coolness throughout the night.
In addition to being cool and comfy to sleep on, this cooling gel pillow is also orthopedic and supportive. It will contour your head and neck and make sure that your cervical spine is properly aligned no matter which sleeping position you prefer- although its firmness does make it a better choice for side sleepers and back sleepers.
Pros
- Memory foam infused with gel for lasting coolness
- Hole-punched design for improved breathability
Cons
- Can be too firm for some people
Who Should Buy This Pillow?
In case a budget-friendly, high-quality cooling gel pillow is what you’re after, this perforated gel-infused memory foam one is just the thing for you. Supportive, cooling, and comfortable, it will make sure you get a good night’s rest- no matter which position you prefer.
Columbia High-Performance Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
Specs:
- Dimensions: Standard/Queen, King
- Type: Gel Infused Memory Foam
- Feel: Medium/Firm
Runner up
Columbia really went above and beyond in order to create an advanced cooling gel pillow that will deliver intense coolness to hot sleepers that just can’t settle for anything less than breezy cool. Taking the basic concept to an entirely new level, they created a 3-in-1 concept, with an aim to keep you cool, dry, and comfy. To achieve this, Columbia developed special technologies: Omni Wick is perfected to wick away moisture, while the Omni Freeze design is meant to deliver superior temperature regulation and lasting coolness. The blue side of the pillow is the cooling one, whereas the white is breathable and moisture-wicking.
However, the best part about this pillow (and every hot sleeper will agree) is the touch-activated cooling gel, which disperses the heat and targets those areas where you lay your head instantly. That immediate relief (that continues its effect through the night) is perfect when the weather is too hot to handle. Of course, at its core is a dense, supportive memory foam base that will perfectly cradle your head and neck, so you don’t have to worry about other important aspects, such as support and comfort, either.
Pros
- Instant cooling relief
- Moisture-wicking and breathable
- Omni Freeze technology keeps you cool for hours on end
- Supportive and comfortable
- Ideal for stomach sleepers
Cons
- Could be firmer
Who Should Buy This Pillow?
Sleep in comfort, cool yourself and get optimal support for your head and neck- all with a single design. The innovative technologies make this cooling gel pillow one of the chilliest out there, with an orthopedic supportiveness to boot.
Classic Brands Reversible Pillow
Specs:
- Dimensions: 24” x 16” x 5”
- Type: Memory Foam + Gel Layer
- Feel: Medium/Firm
Customer’s choice
If you are looking for an affordable solution without wanting to sacrifice quality, this Classic Brands reversible cooling gel pillow is the perfect solution. With a great and balanced design and a combination of supportive memory foam and a cooling gel layer, it fulfills its twofold role with ease. The cool gel is perfect for dispersing heat and promoting airflow, leaving you relaxed and breezy on the hotter days. However, it can also be used on the cooler nights, thanks to the reversible design- the memory foam side will keep you cozy when the temperatures drop.
A durable mesh knit cover keeps the pillow protected and adds to the breathability and contributes to the overall hygiene as it is machine washable. One thing where this design excels is the ideal loft size – with 5” it is perfect for stomach, side, and back sleepers. A truly versatile design in every aspect!
Pros
- A wide cooling gel layer
- Affordable
- Reversible design for year-round use
- Good supportive shape
- Suits all sleeping positions
- Machine washable cover
Cons
- Can be too firm for some
Who Should Buy This Pillow?
With both a cooling side and a regular memory foam side, this reversible pillow is just the thing for year-round use if you want the temperature to match the season. Affordable and versatile, this cooling gel pillow will meet the preferences of most sleepers.
BedStory Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Specs:
- Dimensions: 23.6” x 15.7” x 5.1”
- Type: Gel Infused Memory Foam
- Feel: Medium/Firm
Best cooling gel pillow for neck pain
A poor choice of pillow can lead to chronic neck and shoulder pain- a supportive pillow is essential for good quality of sleep and a healthy spine. And if it’s cooling to boot- all the better! This BedStory Cooling Gel pillow is a fantastic solution to ensure that you are comfortable and your neck adequately supported even when it is hot. With the perfect combination of the ergonomic quality memory foam and the special cooling gel, it has the formula you need to ensure great sleep all the while making sure your cervical spine is properly aligned.
The memory foam itself is of a high density, and perfect for relieving back and neck issues, so it will be of great help for sleepers already suffering from shoulder and neck pain.
The gel-infused memory foam used to make this pillow is an optimal choice for temperature regulation and provides that unmistakably cool feeling. What’s more, it is ventilated, ensuring breathability and air circulation that leads to better hygiene and improves the pillow’s longevity. The cooling gel foam is covered with a hypoallergenic inner cover, and the whole pillow is encased in a durable, breathable pillow case which can be removed with ease and machine washed for your convenience.
Pros
- Relieves pressure
- Reduces neck and shoulder pain
- Suited for all sleeper positions
- Increased airflow for better breathability
- The cooling effect that lasts through the night
- CertiPUR-US certified
Cons
- Can have a factory smell
Who Should Buy This Pillow?
In case you are a hot sleeper dealing with chronic neck pain, this cooling gel pillow will be the answer to your prayers. Supportive and designed to relieve pressure and pain in neck and shoulder regions, it is also infused with cooling gel and perforated for better breathability and lasting coolness.
Nestl Bedding Coolest Pillow
Specs:
- Dimensions: Queen, King, Body, Toddler
- Type: Shredded Gel Particle Memory Foam
- Feel: Plush/Medium
Best cooling gel shredded memory foam pillow
When you’re unsure about the firmness level or the loft and don’t really know which pillow would ensure comfort, shredded memory foam is the solution. This adaptable type of pillow fill is designed in a way to contour to your natural shape and cradle your head and neck in a way that relieves pressure and offers support regardless of your sleeping position. You can easily remove or add fill to this pillow to control its shape, height, and density to better suit your preferences: it’s almost impossible for this pillow to work for your needs as it is fully adjustable.
As the shredded foam is infused with cooling gel, this versatile pillow will also disperse the heat and give you that relaxing cooling feel even when the weather is hot and humid. To make their pillow even cooler, Nestl opted for a double-sided outer cover, which features a hypoallergenic, breathable bamboo rayon fabric on one side, and the special smooth ice fabric on the other. Both sides help with the cooling effect and with keeping the foam inside free from bacteria, smells, or mildew. Of course, this cover is easy to remove and is machine washable as well. As a sign of great quality, this pillow boasts certificates by both CertiPUR-US and OEKO Tex.
Pros
- Gel-infused for better temperature regulation
- Fill can be removed or added
- Fully adjustable loft, density, and feel
- Perfectly adapts to your needs
- Great for all type of sleepers
- Ice fabric cover contributes to the coolness
- Certi-PUR US certified
- Oeko-Tex certified
Cons
- Could use a little more stuffing
Who Should Buy This Pillow?
Nestl is a brand that follows all the necessary steps towards a reliable design. This cooling gel pillow has a variety of great features and fantastic ergonomics. If you are willing to add a bit of extra money into the play, this might be the ideal solution.
Nesaila Cooling Gel Pillow
Specs:
- Dimensions: 25” x 18.4” x 5.75”
- Type: Memory Foam + Gel Layer
- Feel: Medium Firm
Best cooling gel pillow for side sleepers
This is a design that really takes the cooling effect to a whole new level. With a variety of modern features, it is one of the ultimate solutions for the hottest days of the year. At the core is a memory foam pillow with great density and a unique antibacterial surface. It is designed to perfectly adapt to your shape and relieve pressure, and while it suits most sleepers, it is particularly comfortable for those that prefer sleeping on their side. Medium-firm and circa 5.9” tall for a medium to high loft, it will give just the right amount of support for side sleepers.
However, the main appeal of this pillow is in the top cooling gel layer with a grid pattern. With a 1” thickness, this gel layer is soft and cool at the same time, with the grid design maximizing airflow. For an added cooling effect, this pillow comes with a two-sided pillowcase which boasts a cool, breathable ice fabric cover on one side and a sturdy hypoallergenic Tencel fabric cover on the other.
Pros
- Suits and supports side sleepers
- Ice fabric two-sided cover
- 1” thick gel layer for optimal coolness
- Machine-washable cover
- Breathable
- Dual-sided for all-season use
Cons
- Not firm enough for some people
Who Should Buy This Pillow?
Supportive and comfy to people that sleep on their side, this cooling gel pillow boasts both a superb level of comfort and great cooling properties. The gel-top will offer both immediate and prolonged coolness, and the two-sided pillowcase will only contribute to the overall level of breeziness.
Bottom Line
Trying to get some rest when it’s sweltering outside can be a real challenge, but with a cooling gel pillow, you can keep the heat at bay, and enjoy a breezy, refreshing sleep no matter the outside temperature. And what is even better, cooling gel pillows are made with memory foam which has the ability to support your neck and head and ensures a healthy spinal alignment that will promote pain-free sleep regardless of your sleeping position. With a cooling gel pillow, you won’t have to compromise on comfort or coolness!