Best Temperature Regulating Pillows

Sleeping hot, waking in a sweat, or struggling with bedding due to temperature fluctuations while you sleep is not a comfortable experience for anyone. Even though our bodies drop in temperature while we sleep each night, our body heat can still become trapped by insulating materials which often may create an uncomfortable experience. Tossing and turning all night and poor sleep quality can lead to chronic tiredness and fatigue, so it’s important to invest in bedding and accessories that will make sure you get a good night’s rest.

Choosing breathable materials and products designed to help wick away both heat and moisture while you sleep is the first step in controlling your nighttime discomfort. Pillows in particular can be a nuisance if you are a warm sleeper to begin with, but temperature regulating options may be an awesome choice to consider. To get that cooling sensation you crave when you lay your head down each night, take a close look at our top temperature regulating pillows for a cooler night’s sleep. No need to turn over the pillow throughout the night seeking the cooling comfort – the pillow itself will remain cool and refreshing until the morning.

Best Temperature Regulating Pillows

Temperature Regulating Pillow Claims

Temperature regulating pillows claim they provide a cooler night’s sleep through the advanced material design that helps draw heat from the body and wick away moisture. Since our body naturally drops in temperature while we sleep, it significantly reduces how well it regulates heat and cold. Although the drop helps support the many physical and neurological processes that occur each night, when you wake due to heat discomfort these processes are interrupted.

This is why it is important to take care of your bedding products to help support a lower body temperature and provide a more comfortable sleep environment. A cooling pillow can significantly improve our own body temperature regulation. Look for materials that are included in a pillow structure that is conducive to cooling, such as gel-infused foam, bamboo, cotton, and silk.

Fiber and Material Choices

Although certain fibers and products may not create a cooler environment, that can help create cooling sensations and support improved airflow for whole pillow breathability and comfort. Heat conduction states that a warmer surface will lose heat to a cooler surface until an equilibrium is reached. Certain materials support this movement of heat better than others, and when combined with good airflow, helps dissipate the heat away.

Fiber and Material Choices

Naturally occurring fibers, such as bamboo and cotton often breathe better than synthetic options. The larger cellular structure allows for better airflow and allows for free passage of heat away from your body. They also are more absorbent and help to wick away moisture. The same is true for silk, which feels luxurious against the skin and is known to have a cooling, moisture-wicking effect.

Synthetic fibers are made from a polymer, or plastic byproduct. They are often very insulating, and although they can help keep cooler air around your body, they are not always very breathable and do not release heat well.While memory foam and polyfoam are a popular choice for pillows because of their body-contouring properties, the truth is that they tend to trap heat. However, when foam is infused with a cooling gel substance, it alters the cellular structure of the foam, making it more breathable, and the microscopic gel beads that are injected are designed to absorb and dissipate heat, resulting in a cooling pillow with desirable properties of foam. If you need an orthopedic pillow but sleep hot, a gel-infused foam design will be your best choice.

Thread-Count

Many different materials are used to encase pillows to provide added protection. And as much as the filling and structure are important, so are the pillowcases. These need to be made of breathable materials, but the thread count or weave type is also important to allow for free passage of air. The higher the thread count, the less airflow you will have due to the tightness of the weave. Lower thread counts, or open weave designs are preferred to allow for a cooling pillow fill to work as designed, and also help avoid any heat or moisture from being trapped. As for the materials, always choose natural materials, such as cotton, bamboo, or silk. Special man/made fabrics that are designed specifically to be cooling can also be a suitable alternative, although these are rare to come across.

Fiber Fills

There is a wide array of fiber fills that can be used in a pillow. Natural fibers, such as kapok is a lightweight, almost feather texture and is often blended with shredded foams for a soft feel. Synthetic fibers are usually very fine in nature and are coated to allow for durability as well as easy passage of air. These may also be gel coated to provide heat conduction through the pillow itself.

Foam Fills

Both solid and shredded foams are a popular pillow filling. Memory and latex foams in particular are often used in various manners. Since some foam can hold heat, various techniques are used to help allow a cooling experience. Airflow chambers, as well as gel infusions, help keep heat from gathering and provide whole pillow breathability.

Gel Layers

Gel layers are often included with pillow designs to help create a cooling surface. Gel draws heat through conduction and traps it away from its surface. It then dissipates away into the surrounding environment. It can be affected by the ambient tem[erature of the room, and is best in a cooler room.

What to Consider When Choosing a Temperature Regulating Pillow

Not all pillows are the same, and they are incredibly influential in your sleep position and overall body comfort. Always choose a pillow that works with your body needs in order to get the best possible option. A pillow that works with both your sleep position and heat concerns should be a priority.

Do you normally sleep hot?

Hot sleepers can definitely benefit from using a cooling pillow. A lot of heat escapes from the head area and the cooling sensations will alleviate any heat sinks. Also consider cooling mattresses, mattress pads, and bedding options.

What is your sleep position?

Stomach sleepers need soft, flat pillows, while back sleepers require a flatter, yet more firm option for proper cervical spine support. Side sleepers require a more lofty choice that can help support the head and neck for spinal alignment. There are also specially designed orthopedic pillows or cervical pillows, meant for side and back sleepers with neck or back pain, as they cradle the head and ensure proper spinal position throughout the night.

Do you control your room temperature?

As mentioned, cooling gels work best in a cooler environment. Cooler rooms will help your body better regulate your heat, and also support material regulation as well. Even the addition of a fan for air circulation will help if your room is a bit on the warm side.

What pillowcase choices do you have?

Consider the type of pillowcase you choose. With a high thread count, the synthetic material will block much of your pillow’s abilities to help cool your body. Choose natural materials, such as cotton, or temperature-regulating materials, such as bamboo blends to help with this.

Conclusion

If you sleep hot and are searching for a more comfortable sleep product to help regulate nighttime discomfort and provide a cooler, more breathable experience, these pillows are all excellent choices. Many have been personally reviewed by our Sleep Judge Review Team and can be reviewed in greater detail on our website.

Whether you prefer a firmer feel, adjustable feel, or soft feel- or simply want to take advantage of some advanced technological materials, these have everything you could need or want in creating a cooler rest. Be sure to check them out to find your favorite!