Ah, I know what you’re thinking. Can’t I just buy any ol’ pillow that says it’s “cooling”? Eh, you could, but there’s soooo much more to consider. Obvi, you should look for a pillow that mentions a cooling component right away, but it’s essential to also look into what kind of cooling technology works best for you and what kind of sleeper you are. Because what may work best for a side sleeper might not be the greatest for someone who sleeps on their stomach. Need more info? Let’s get into it below!
Consider the material
True cooling pillows will use materials like latex and gel-, graphite-, and copper-infused fabrics to provide that cool-to-the-touch feel. These materials are all conductive, so they help draw heat away from your body and disperse it elsewhere. Other great options to look for are moisture-wicking fabrics, such as cotton and bamboo, that draw—you guessed it—moisture and sweat away to help keep you cool. Some of the most effective cooling pillows will have a variety of these fabrics and materials present in their filling or a moisture-wicking cover to help keep both you and the pillow cool at night.
And if you’re a fan of down-filled pillows, just FYI: They tend to run on the hotter end of the spectrum, especially compared to other fillers like cotton or memory foam. Instead, there are some excellent down-alternative pillows that have cooling capabilities that offer the same support level as a down-filled pillow.
Know what position you normally sleep in
It’s a fact: We don’t all sleep the same, so it’s essential to find the right cooling pillow that’ll work for you. If the pillow doesn’t work for your usual sleeping position or you feel flat-out uncomfortable, you’re not going to get good sleep, and, thus, might end up overheating more.
For those who like to sleep on their side or back, you’ll need more support than those who sleep on their stomach. If you tend to curl up on your side in the fetal position (hi, it me), it’ll be best to reach for something that’s relatively high in height and offers a medium to firm level of comfort to cause less strain on your neck. If you’re more of a stomach sleeper, reach for something super plush and soft, like a down-filled pillow, to keep your head and face comfortable as you sleep.