6 Best Cooling Pillows of 2026, Tested by Editors and Sleep Experts

ProsGreat priceExcellent temperature regulationTwo firmness options for all sleep styles and positionsCool-to-the-touch, Outlast-infused coverConsBlue pillow can be visible through thin pillow coversIf you're looking for the best cooling pillow for maximum cooling (which is probably why you're reading this anyway), this is it. True to its name, SlumberCloud's UltraCool Pillow uses serious tech to keep it cool to the touch and actively regulate your body temperature.It's available in two softness options: Soft/Medium (for back and stomach sleepers) or Medium/Firm (ideal for side sleepers). In either option, the polyester, down-alternative fill does an excellent job of keeping the pillow shaped and preventing sagging or lumps over time. It's easy to keep fresh and clean—just throw the entire thing (cover and core) into the washing machine.Plus, we were perhaps most surprised by the price. It's among the cheapest cooling bed pillows we tested this year, and it's an absolute steal if you buy more than one!Fill Material100% polyester fiberfillShell MaterialPolyester knitSleeping PositionStomach (Soft/Medium); Side/back (Medium/Firm)FirmnessSoft/Medium or Medium/FirmCleaningFully machine-washableSleep Trial60 nightsCertificationsOEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 CertifiedProsVery effective at whisking away heat and humidityUltimate model is customizable for any sleep positionPremium, durable designCool-to-the-touch, machine-washable coverLegit 100-night sleep trialConsClassic might still be too tall for back/stomach sleepersThe best activewear (think Lululemon yoga pants and The North Face jackets) relies on serious tech to regulate your temperature and keep you dry. Sleep Number uses a similar feature in its True Temp Pillow—specifically, a material that "attracts and removes moisture vapor to resist heat and humidity buildup." Translation: You sleep cooler, drier, and more comfortably.This pillow is available in three options: classic, contour, and ultimate. The flagship Ultimate pillow includes three removable foam inserts (4, 5, and 6 inches tall) so you can dial in your exact height and support level. That makes it the best cooling pillow for all sleeping positions, since you can easily mix and match.WH contributor Mike Richard has now spent months testing all three models. He keeps coming back to the Contour and Ultimate. "They're the cooling pillows that are on my bed night after night—the ones that my girlfriend and I fight over," he says. "We've both found the foam fill to be extremely effective at drawing away heat and keeping us cool, even on the hottest summer nights." Because he's also a combo sleeper—shifting from his back to his side to his stomach and back again throughout the night (in his own words)—Richard says the Ultimate has the versatility to keep him comfortable no matter what.Read more: Best Pillows for Neck PainFill Material100% foamShell MaterialPolyethylene and polyesterSleeping PositionAnyFirmnessMedium-firmCleaningMachine-washable cover; spot-clean foam fillSleep Trial100 nightsCertificationsCertiPUR-USAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsGreat bang-for-your-buck priceAdjustable fill works for any sleep positionCool and breathableFully machine-washable designConsSome reviewers note an initial chemical smell (disappears after a few days)This pillow offers a "best of both worlds" design with a synthetic shredded memory foam fill that's encased in a polyester and natural bamboo fabric blend—nice-to-have features in a cooling pillow, Dr. Winter says. You can also add or remove the foam fill to adjust the pillow to your preference. So, you can adjust both height and firmness, making it feel like a custom bedroom piece.This is also a rare cooling pillow that features a fully machine-washable design. You can throw both the cover and interior fill in the washer for easy, low-maintenance care. What most sets this model apart for us is the affordable price tag, making it one of the best-value, best "bang-for-your-buck" cooling pillows of 2026.Fill MaterialShredded memory foamShell MaterialPolyester and rayonSleeping PositionAnyFirmnessMediumCleaningFully machine-washableSleep Trial100 nightsCertificationsGREENGUARD and CertiPUR-USProsUnique shape provides perfect support for side sleepersCooler than traditional memory foamTencel cover is cool to the touch and machine-washableDecent price (for a niche pillow)ConsQuirky shape isn't for everyoneQuestionable long-term durabilityCalling all side sleepers: The Z Gel Memory Foam L-Shape Pillow is perfect if you want maximum head, neck, and shoulder support in one. The unique L-shape replaces multiple pillows, so you can ditch the separate "head and body pillow" or "head and back pillow" setup you're currently cobbling together to stay comfortable at night. The high-tech gel cools way better than traditional memory foam, giving you a perfectly chilly snoozing surface.Made with bamboo and smooth rayon, this option feels like buttery-soft memory foam under your head and neck and helps reduce sleep pain. The Tencel cover is also cool to the touch, moisture-wicking, and easy to remove for machine washing.The main downside is the lack of a true in-home sleep trial. Amazon buyers can still take advantage of the company's solid return policy.Fill MaterialGel-infused memory foamShell MaterialTencelSleeping PositionSideFirmnessMediumCleaningMachine-washable cover; spot-clean foam fillSleep TrialNoneCertificationsOEKO-TEX STANDARD 100Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsClever design is versatile enough for back, side, and stomach sleepersMemory foam is airy and great for coolingZip-off, machine-washable cover100-day return policyEco-friendly, carbon-neutral designConsNot particularly designed to be cooling (though it has cooling features!)Finding the right pillow—including cooling options—depends heavily on your preferred sleep position. Ostrichpillow makes the choice easier with its simply named Memory Foam Bed Pillow. It's ultra-versatile, with an ergonomic design that works whether you snooze on your back, side, or stomach. The slightly higher "flared" sides provide greater support for side sleepers, while the center dip perfectly cradles the head and neck for back and stomach sleepers.Unlike most shredded memory foam pillow designs, you don't have to fuss with adding or removing foam fill. Just rotate it 90 degrees to dial in your preferred height. It's a great solution, especially if you're a combo sleeper who switches positions in the middle of the night.While it's not marketed specifically as a "cooling pillow," the memory foam features open channels that promote continuous airflow to prevent overheating, and we can confirm they work very well. We love the premium, medium-density memory foam that provides just the right support and pressure relief in any position.For contributor Mike Richard, this pillow ranks second only to Sleep Number's True Temp pillow. "My girlfriend swears by it, and even after trialing dozens of pillows over the last year, this is the one she always keeps on our bed as her go-to," he says.Fill MaterialSolid, medium-density memory foamShell MaterialModalSleeping PositionAnyFirmnessMediumCleaningMachine-washable cover; spot-clean foam fillSleep Trial100 nightsCertificationsNoneProsHelps bolster restorative, recovery sleepExtreme cooling techPremium memory foam constructionWorks for stomach, back, and side sleepersVersatile, dual-sided designConsAmong the priciest pillows we've ever testedBedgear's premium pillows use soft-to-the-touch foam that contours (a.k.a. hugs) your body, all while deflecting heat. “They are very cool and lightweight,” Dr. Winter says. The Storm Series pillows also have a numbering system to help you figure out what size you need. Plus, Bedgear “also makes very good temperature-reducing bedding to put over the pillow,” Dr. Winter says. We love that the versatile, dual design is soft on one side and firm on the other, making it a great option for every sleep position. Just flip to the side you need, even in the middle of the night.There's only one downside to this and most of Bedgear's pillows and bedding: price. All this great cooling pillow tech doesn't come cheap. If you factor in not having to buy a new cooling pillow every few years because you're not happy with any of them, buying this pillow once will probably save you money in the long run.Fill MaterialFoamShell MaterialVer-TexSleeping PositionAnyFirmnessMediumCleaningRemovable, washable coverSleep Trial30 daysCertificationsNoneSarah Connor is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics. She also contributes to Runner’s World, Bicycling, Best Products, and Biography.com. Before joining the Hearst Magazines team, Sarah was a National Content Editor for Hearst Television. She holds a master's in Journalism from Syracuse University and a dual bachelor's in English and Communications from the University of Pittsburgh. When she isn’t writing up a review of the newest gadgets, you can find her heading to the nearest rink for a figure skating session or enjoying the outdoors with her beloved Australian Shepherd, Rosie.