Best Cooling Pillows (2026 Guide) | LA Mattress Store

You've probably focused on your mattress when it comes to sleeping hot — but your pillow is doing just as much damage. Your head generates a significant amount of body heat, and a traditional pillow traps that heat right at the source. If you wake up flipping your pillow to the cool side multiple times per night, you need a cooling pillow.

This guide covers the best cooling pillows available, what actually makes them cooler, and how to build a complete cool-sleep system that works all night — not just for the first 20 minutes.

01Why Your Pillow Makes You Hot

Your head accounts for roughly 10% of your body's total heat loss during sleep — and the pillow directly beneath your head either facilitates or blocks that process. Here's what causes pillow heat retention:

• Dense memory foam fill: Traditional solid memory foam pillows have the same heat-trapping problem as memory foam mattresses. The foam conforms tightly around your head and neck, creating a heat pocket with no airflow.
• Synthetic polyester fill: Cheap polyester doesn't breathe. It compresses, blocks airflow, and absorbs sweat without releasing it — creating a damp, warm surface.
• Non-breathable pillowcases: Even a great pillow can sleep hot under a polyester or satin pillowcase. The cover material is the first thing your skin touches.
• Pillows that don't wick moisture: Sweat that can't evaporate stays on your skin and pillow surface, making you feel warm and uncomfortable.
• Too-thick pillows: Over-lofted pillows that push your head forward increase neck tension — tense muscles generate more heat.

The solution is a pillow designed with airflow, moisture management, and temperature regulation built into every layer — not just a marketing claim on the packaging.

02Cooling Pillow Technologies Explained

Gel-Infused Memory Foam

Gel particles or gel grid structures infused into memory foam absorb and dissipate heat from your head. A gel grid design (as opposed to gel particles) is significantly more effective because the open grid structure allows airflow through the foam itself. Helix's GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow uses a gel grid system that maintains consistent temperature throughout the night.

Ventilated Foam Construction

Ventilated foam pillows have holes punched or molded through the foam, creating channels for air movement. As you breathe and move throughout the night, air flows through these channels, replacing warm air with cooler air. This is a major improvement over solid foam but less effective than shredded fills or coil systems.

Shredded Foam Fill

Shredded foam (memory foam or latex pieces) allows air to move between the pieces, providing dramatically better airflow than solid foam. Shredded pillows are also adjustable — you can add or remove fill to customize the height, which means better spinal alignment (better alignment = less tension = less heat generated by tense muscles).

Phase-Change Material (PCM) Covers

Phase-change material in pillow covers works the same way as in mattress covers: it absorbs heat at a specific temperature threshold and releases it when conditions cool. PCM covers feel distinctly cool to the touch — not just "less warm," but actively cool when your skin makes contact. The Helix GlacioTex cover uses microencapsulated PCM for sustained cooling performance, not just an initial cool-touch sensation that fades after a few minutes.

Natural Latex Fill

Talalay latex is naturally cool and breathable due to its open-cell structure and pin-core holes. Latex pillows don't trap heat the way memory foam does, and they're responsive — they spring back quickly so you don't get "stuck" in a heat pocket. Latex also resists dust mites and mold, which is a bonus for anyone with allergies.

Down and Feather Fill

Natural down is breathable and moisture-wicking. Quality down pillows tend to sleep cooler than synthetic alternatives because natural proteins in down absorb and release moisture effectively. The tradeoff: down pillows flatten over time and require regular fluffing. They're also not ideal for allergy sufferers.

03Best Cooling Pillow Materials: How They Stack Up

From coolest to warmest for the average hot sleeper:

1. Gel grid foam with PCM cover — best all-night cooling, most technical
2. Shredded latex — naturally cool, great airflow, adjustable
3. Ventilated latex (Talalay) — naturally breathable, responsive
4. Down/feather — breathable and natural, requires maintenance
5. Shredded memory foam with gel — good balance of cooling and comfort
6. Gel-infused solid memory foam — cooler than standard foam, still warm
7. Standard solid memory foam — worst for hot sleepers, avoid
8. Polyester fill — worst overall, traps heat and moisture

04Top 5 Cooling Pillows at LA Mattress Store

1. Helix GlacioTex Cooling Memory Foam Pillow — Best Overall

The standout cooling pillow in our lineup. The GlacioTex Cooling Pillow uses a gel grid memory foam core (not solid foam — the grid structure allows air to flow through) with a phase-change material cover that delivers an actively cool feel from the moment your head touches it.

Unlike typical "cooling" pillows that just feel slightly less warm, the GlacioTex cover maintains lower surface temperatures throughout the night. The medium-firm feel works for back and side sleepers. The gusseted design keeps the pillow from collapsing under your head during the night. Shop cooling pillows at LA Mattress Store.

2. Helix Dream Pillow — Best Adjustable Cooling Pillow

The Dream Pillow uses shredded foam fill with a breathable outer shell. The shredded fill creates natural air pockets throughout the pillow, allowing heat to dissipate rather than accumulate. The biggest advantage: you can adjust the loft by adding or removing fill, which means you can dial in the exact height for your sleep position — perfect alignment means less muscle tension and less body heat.

Adjustable pillows are particularly popular with combination sleepers who shift between back and side sleeping throughout the night. Shop memory foam pillows at LA Mattress Store.

3. Helix Down & Feather Pillow — Best Natural Cooling Pillow

Natural down is inherently more breathable than synthetic alternatives. The Helix Down & Feather Pillow uses a blend of down and feathers for a pillowy-soft feel with natural temperature regulation. Down clusters trap air rather than heat — the airflow through the down fill helps dissipate body heat from your head and neck throughout the night.

Best for hot sleepers who prefer a softer, more traditional pillow feel over memory foam. Requires more regular fluffing to maintain loft but rewards you with genuinely cool, cloud-like comfort.

4. Diamond Cool Gel Pillow — Best Value Cooling Pillow

Diamond Mattress makes a gel-infused memory foam pillow with ventilation channels cut through the foam. The combination of gel infusion and ventilation channels provides genuinely better airflow than standard foam, at a price point that won't break the budget. Gel-infused ventilated foam won't outperform the GlacioTex gel grid, but it's a significant step up from a standard memory foam pillow.

Good option for someone who wants to test cooling foam technology before committing to a premium cooling pillow.

5. Chattam & Wells Natural Wool Pillow — Best All-Natural Cooling

Wool is nature's best temperature-regulating fiber. It absorbs up to 30% of its weight in moisture, wicking sweat away from your skin and releasing it as vapor — keeping you dry and comfortable even when you run warm. Wool also insulates in cooler months, making it a year-round temperature regulator rather than just a summer cooling solution.

Best for eco-conscious sleepers who prefer natural materials and want a pillow that adapts to seasonal temperature changes.

05Cooling Pillow + Cooling Mattress: The Complete System

A cooling pillow works best as part of a complete cool-sleep environment. Matching your pillow to the right mattress and bedding creates a system that manages temperature from multiple directions:

• Cooling mattress (hybrid with coils or gel foam) manages heat from below
• Cooling pillow (gel grid or latex) manages heat from your head/neck
• Breathable sheets (TENCEL or percale cotton) manage surface moisture
• Cooling pillowcase (PCM or bamboo) adds another cooling layer at head contact

When you invest in a quality cooling mattress, pairing it with a cooling pillow amplifies the effect. The Helix GlacioTex Pillow and GlacioTex Cover system are designed to work together — the same phase-change technology at both your head and body creates a consistent sleep temperature environment from pillow to mattress.

For the complete cool sleep system, also check our guide to the best pillows for side sleepers — many hot sleepers are also side sleepers who need specific support alongside cooling performance.

06Best Pillowcases for Hot Sleepers

Your pillowcase is the first thing your face touches — and the wrong material can undo everything your cooling pillow does. Here's what works:

• TENCEL/Lyocell: The gold standard for hot sleepers. TENCEL is twice as moisture-absorbent as cotton, ultra-soft, and temperature-regulating. The Helix CoolShift sheet set includes TENCEL pillowcases that pair perfectly with any cooling pillow.
• Bamboo: Bamboo fabric (bamboo viscose) is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. It feels silky-smooth and sleeps cool in warm weather.
• Percale cotton: 200-400 thread count percale has a crisp, cool feel and breathes well. It's more affordable than TENCEL and widely available.
• Avoid sateen cotton: Despite the high thread count, sateen weaves are dense and don't breathe as well as percale. They feel smooth but trap more heat.
• Avoid synthetic pillowcases: Polyester and microfiber trap heat and moisture. No matter how good your pillow is, a polyester case will make you hot.

Shop cooling sheet sets and pillowcases at LA Mattress Store.

07Additional Tips for Sleeping Cooler

Beyond your pillow and mattress, these practices help hot sleepers get better rest:

• Keep your bedroom at 65-68°F. Most sleep experts recommend 65°F as the ideal sleep temperature. Use your thermostat strategically — drop the temperature 30-60 minutes before bed to help your core temperature begin its natural descent.
• Use a ceiling fan. Air movement over your skin increases evaporative cooling by up to 4°F — even without actually lowering room temperature. Set ceiling fans to spin counter-clockwise in summer to push cool air down.
• Take a warm shower before bed. Counterintuitive, but a warm (not hot) shower before bed causes blood to rush to the skin surface, which then radiates heat outward as you cool down — accelerating your body's natural sleep temperature drop.
• Keep your feet uncovered or use lightweight blankets. Heat dissipates rapidly through the feet and hands. Sleeping with your feet outside the covers helps regulate whole-body temperature quickly.
• Avoid alcohol and spicy food before bed. Both trigger vasodilation and increase core body temperature. Hot sleepers who drink alcohol before bed are making their situation significantly worse.
• Hydrate properly. Mild dehydration causes the body to work harder at temperature regulation, generating more heat in the process. Drink adequate water throughout the day, not just at night.

08Frequently Asked Questions

Do cooling pillows actually work?

Yes — but the degree varies significantly by technology. Phase-change material covers (like the Helix GlacioTex) provide sustained cooling throughout the night. Gel-infused foam and ventilated designs provide meaningful improvement over standard pillows. Basic "cool-touch" covers may only feel cool for the first 10-15 minutes. Look for pillows with actual cooling technology (gel grid, PCM, ventilation) rather than just marketing language.

What is the coolest pillow material?

For all-night sustained cooling, gel grid foam with a PCM cover is the most technologically effective. For natural materials, Talalay latex and natural down are the coolest options. TENCEL or bamboo pillowcases significantly amplify the cooling effect of any pillow fill.

Are cooling pillows good for side sleepers?

Yes — side sleepers who run hot should look for a cooling pillow with adequate loft (typically 4-5 inches) to keep their head aligned with their spine. The Helix GlacioTex Pillow's gusseted design maintains consistent loft for side sleepers while providing cooling performance. For complete guidance on pillow selection for side sleepers, see our guide to the best pillows for side sleepers.

How long do cooling pillows stay cool?

It depends on the technology. Basic cool-touch covers: 15-30 minutes. Gel-infused foam: 1-2 hours before equalizing. Phase-change material: throughout the night, as it absorbs and releases heat cyclically. For all-night cooling, PCM-based pillows are the only reliable option.

Can I try cooling pillows before buying?

Yes! At LA Mattress Store's five Los Angeles locations, you can feel the difference between standard pillows and our cooling pillow options in person. The phase-change cover on the GlacioTex pillow has a distinctly cool-to-touch feel that you need to experience to believe. Our sleep consultants can also help you find the right pillow loft and firmness based on your sleep position and body type.

09Find Your Cooling Pillow at LA Mattress Store

Sleeping hot isn't something you just have to live with. The right cooling pillow — matched with breathable sheets and a cooling mattress — can transform your sleep quality within the first night.

At LA Mattress Store, we carry the full range of cooling pillows from Helix — including the GlacioTex Cooling Pillow, Dream Pillow, and Down & Feather Pillow — alongside cooling mattresses, sheet sets, and accessories designed to work together as a complete cool-sleep system.

Visit one of our five LA locations: Find your nearest store — no appointment needed. Or shop our full pillow collection online. Free delivery to Los Angeles.