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Best Gel Pillows for Sleeping

Candace Osmond

Coveted for their supportive feel and sought after for their cooling properties, gel pillows are the best of the best when it comes to pillows that can do it all. They can offer amazing support all while keeping you cool even through the hottest summer nights. While there are so many options out there to choose from when it comes to gel pillows, there are certain pillows that just stand out above the rest in construction and design.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best gel pillows you can find online to save you on your internet search. All of these products are backed by stellar customer reviews and have been featured on either best-selling lists or top favorites lists online. We’ve also outlined a few of the best features of gel pillows so you can get an idea of what you’re looking for before you start your search. Happy shopping!

1. Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow – Editor's Choice

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  • Material: Plush gel fibers
  • Size: 20 x 28 inches
  • Weight: 6 pounds
  • Warranty: 30-day money back guarantee

2. WEEKENDER Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow

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  • Material: Memory foam
  • Size: 16 x 25 inches
  • Weight: 2 pounds
  • Warranty: 3-year warranty from the manufacturer

3. Tempur-Pedic Cloud Gel Pillow

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  • Material: Proprietary TEMPUR materials
  • Size: Large, Medium, Small, or Travel
  • Weight: 3.89 pounds
  • Warranty: 5-year limited warranty

4. Fern & Willow Pillow

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  • Material: Cotton and polyester gel-filled fiber
  • Size: Standard, Queen, King
  • Weight: 5.43 pounds
  • Warranty: 3-year warranty from the manufacturer, 100-night sleep trial

5. Coop Home Goods Eden Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pillow

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  • Material: Shredded gel-infused memory foam and microfibers
  • Size: Standard, queen, king
  • Weight: 3.75 pounds
  • Warranty: 100-night trial, 5-year warranty

Best Gel Pillows

1. Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Material: Plush gel fibers
  • Size: 20 x 28 inches
  • Weight: 6 pounds
  • Warranty: 30-day money back guarantee

Pros

  • Made of plush gel fibers
  • Provides plenty of necks and head support
  • Comes in a two-pack
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Not everyone may want a two-pack

These pillows are fade-resistant and stain-resistant, so you’ll never have to worry about them becoming discolored or getting stained easily. Having a pillow that’s machine washable is another bonus, so if something spills on them, just use your standard home washing machine to clean them – and they won’t damage or lose their shape in the wash. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee that Beckham offers, so if you’re not completely satisfied within this time, simply return them for a full refund.

2. WEEKENDER Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow

Highlights

  • Material: Memory foam
  • Size: 16 x 25 inches
  • Weight: 2 pounds
  • Warranty: 3-year warranty from the manufacturer

Pros

  • Made of CertiPUR memory foam
  • Helps disperse body heat
  • Plush yet durable
  • Ventilated design

Cons

  • Maybe a bit too pricey for some

This amazing ventilated gel memory foam pillow by Weekender offers the perfect amount of support and softness all in one. This is supportive through CertiPUR U.S. certified memory foam that provides the most pressure relief and comfort you can find within a memory foam pillow. Since it is certified, this also means that there were no harsh chemicals used to manufacture this pillow, which is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or allergy issues.

This pillow is infused with temperature-regulating gel that provides a more comfortable sleep experience. The ventilated design within this pillow means that it maximized air circulation which helps keep you cool all night long. Since we tend to heat up while we sleep, this pillow is ideal for anyone who is sensitive to heat and can’t stand waking up hot and sweaty in the middle of the night.

This pillow comes with a removable cover that is machine washable. The pillow itself is a standard size, mid loft pillow. This pillow is a bit more firm than traditional down or down alternative pillows, but it’s plush enough to offer the appropriate amount of softness for you to be comfortable yet supported. This pillow also comes with a three-year warranty backed by the manufacturer.

3. Tempur-Pedic Cloud Gel Pillow

Highlights

  • Material: Proprietary TEMPUR materials
  • Size: Large, Medium, Small, or Travel
  • Weight: 3.89 pounds
  • Warranty: 5-year limited warranty

Pros

  • TEMPUR material solid core
  • Proprietary cooling gel layer
  • Ergonomically designed
  • Cool-to-the-touch cover
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Pre-formed shape

You know the brand and now you can get in on their innovative cooling technology with their pro-form Cloud gel pillow. Using the same gel-on memory foam combo that was first introduced in their signature TEMPUR-Cloud mattress, this pillow is ergonomically designed to deliver optimal support to your head, neck and shoulders without causing that too-warm sensation common with so many memory foam products. Comprised of a solid core of patented TEMPUR material, this gel pillow delivers medium-firm support making is ideal for side and back sleepers.

But what makes this sleep accessory so effective is the full layer of TEMPUR’s cutting-edge cooling gel that sits atop the foam to expel warm air for an always comfortable sleep. And because a breathable cover is key to moving warm air out and away from the sleeper, this pillow goes above and beyond with their high-stretch, cool-to-the-touch cover that adapts to your movements and can be easily removed for washing.

For those who crave a cooler sleep but also need the ergonomic support that’s synonymous with the TEMPUR name, this gel pillow is the perfect, no-compromise, solution.

4. Fern & Willow Pillow

Highlights

  • Material: Cotton and polyester gel-filled fiber
  • Size: Standard, Queen, King
  • Weight: 5.43 pounds
  • Warranty: 3-year warranty from the manufacturer, 100-night sleep trial

Pros

  • Super soft, plush sleep surface
  • Incorporates cooling properties so you don’t overheat
  • Adjustable loft to suit your preferences

Cons

  • Some sleepers may prefer a firmer pillow

This gel-fiber filled pillow from Fern & Willow offers a cooling sleeping experience for all kinds of sleepers. The cooling gel properties is ideal for hot nights to prevent overheating throughout the night and waking up in a sweat. The soft fibers are super plush and comfortable, and this pillow will cradle your head and hold your neck and shoulders in an optimal sleeping position. This pillow will retain its shape night after night, so you don’t have to worry about it going flat or becoming disfigured. A huge bonus is that the loft is adjustable, which means you can take out filling if you prefer a thinner pillow. Since Fern & Willow offers this pillow in a 2-pack, you can easily extract filling from your second pillow if you prefer a bit more loft. For a cool and comfortable night’s sleep, you can’t look past the Fern & Willow pillow.

5. Coop Home Goods Eden Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pillow

Highlights

  • Material: Shredded gel-infused memory foam and microfibers
  • Size: Standard, queen, king
  • Weight: 3.75 pounds
  • Warranty: 100-night trial, 5-year warranty

Pros

  • CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified
  • Shredded fill for optimal air circulation
  • Stretchy liner with gusseted cover
  • Add or remove fill to adjust firmness
  • Machine-washable

Cons

  • Chemical smell for first few days

If you’re planning to add a gel pillow to your bedding ensemble in order to achieve that cooler sleep you crave, then you’re on the right track with this option. Using a shredded gel-infused memory foam fill for superior air circulation and better heat dissipation, this pillow offers all the contouring support of memory foam, but without the heat. And because it’s made with a shredded gel-foam product that can be easily accessed through the zippered cover (with more included in a separate ½ pound bag), you can add or remove until you achieve the density that best suits your sleep style. Its soft, breathable cover circulates warm air out as you sleep, and because it’s made from a bamboo-derived viscose rayon and polyester, its also resistant to mold, dust mites and allergens. Being certified through CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold, ensures this gel pillow has had no harmful chemicals used in its manufacture.

When you’re looking for a great gel pillow but have no idea how to decide on which level of firmness or thickness is right for you, this customizable option with loose fill, is a great start.

Features of Gel Pillows

Gel pillows are bouncy, plush and supportive all at the same time. While they are known for their softness and support, there are some other crucial features of gel pillows that you may not have considered yet. Here are a few of the main features and benefits of using gel pillows.

– Support

Gel pillows offer so much support, you’d be surprised at just how much. While some gel pillows incorporate memory foam into their construction, the strong gel fibers found within gel pillows are typically strong enough to stand on their own. These pillows typically come with no shifting, which means that they won’t lose their shape and the fillings inside won’t move around and become weird and lumpy. Since they are extra supportive, they usually have a fast bounce back time and will retain its shape almost immediately. This is great for anyone who will rely on these pillows for neck and head support, as they won’t bend from constant use.

– Cooling

Many gel pillows also contain a cooling gel which is meant to help disperse body heat. If you’ve ever used a high-density memory foam pillow, you know how awful it can be for a pillow to retain heat, but with cooling gel pillows they provide you a cool and comfortable feel all night long. We tend to heat up as we sleep, so it’s totally typical for someone to wake up hot and uncomfortable at some point throughout the night, but with cooling gel pillows, they help you maintain your normal body temperature so you won’t wake up hot and uncomfortable. This will ultimately lead to longer sleep time and help keep you asleep for much, much longer.

– Retains Shape

Due to the high-density fibers that gel pillows are constructed of; they tend to bounce back into their usual shape almost immediately. This is great if you are depending on this pillow to help you with your head, neck or shoulder pain, as you don’t want to get up in the night to use the restroom or get some water only to come back to a pillow that is squashed and hot. Gel pillows are sturdy enough to hold their shape and won’t let you down as far as staying flat. These pillows are great in the bounce factor and will spring to life just as soon as your head is off them. This is perfect for anyone who needs constant support on the neck or shoulders all throughout the night.

– Durability

Gel pillows are highly durable and typically made with a sturdy blend of gel fibers, memory foam and cotton. This means that these pillows will not tear or rip on you and they definitely won’t lose their shape or feel. These pillows are great for long term use and they can even be used on rougher sleepers, like children, who may throw them around at times. They are comfortable enough for delicate sleepers that need plenty of support yet can keep up with the constant use of day to day life. The strong fibers within these pillows can keep up with you and won’t let you down in support or durability. This is also why many of these pillows come with such generous warranties.

– Machine Washable

Most gel pillows are machine washable due to their high density and durable fibers. This means you don’t have to worry about keeping these pillows clean or having to drag them off to the drycleaners anytime you want to lay your head on a freshly washed pillow. This makes the ultimate care for these pillows a dream in itself as you don’t have to put a ridiculous amount of effort into the overall maintenance of these pillows.

They are made strong and will definitely keep up with your lifestyle, as things can be busy enough despite having to haul pillows to get cleaned every so often. Before you wash your pillows, always make sure to read the tags that come attached to the pillow to make sure that your specific pillow can be washed in a standard home machine. To dry, typically air drying is preferred, but some pillows may be able to be low tumble dried on delicate settings. It all depends on what type of pillow you buy. Always check before, however.

What to Look for When Buying a Gel Pillow

Construction

There are two key components to your gel pillow: the fill and the cover. For options that include shredded, gel-infused memory foam, the loose fill is ideal for circulating air to prevent a build-up of heat. With the solid core models, manufacturers have not only infused their product with millions of microscopic gel beads for optimal air movement, but have also aerated the pillow with tiny holes to expel warm air. Other designs include an actual pad of cooling gel that sits directly above or below the memory foam layer. All are effective, however only you can decide which works best for you. When it comes to the cover, you’ll want one made from a breathable fabric that allows warm air to escape in order to maintain a neutral temperature around your head and shoulders. And certain materials have been designed to wick moisture for a more comfortable, sweat-free sleep surface.

Quality

When it comes to any sleep accessory, you want it to remain hygienic. While most gel pillows come with a zippered cover, look for one that is durable enough to let you remove, wash, and replace as frequently as you would your sheets and towels. Breathable fabrics are a must, as they work in concert with the fill to expel warm air. And if you prefer natural materials, look for a cotton or bamboo blend that will naturally wick moisture for a sweat-free sleep surface. For those who also want the contouring support that a gel-infused memory foam brings, consider a stretchable fabric that will work with the foam to instantly adapt to the shape of your head, neck, and shoulders regardless of how often you turn in the night.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Some of the best gel pillows you can find online right now. Whether you are looking into gel pillows for their contouring benefits, or you need some gel pillows that also allow some cooling heat dispersing, you are sure to find just what you need within this list. There are so many choices and great products available here, it may be difficult to choose just one type of pillow.

If you are still confused or not sure about what exactly you need, you may want to take a look at previous customer reviews. There is a lot of insight there that will give you information on specific questions or product details. It’s a great place to get a general feel for the product as it’s been reviewed by someone who owns the product. The more you know about your product, the more you can feel comfortable purchasing it!