Pillows by Sleep Position
Cooling Pillows for Side Sleepers Under
7 picks compared
6 min read
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The short answerThe best cooling pillows for side sleepers under are the Coop Home Goods Eden, the Sleep Number PlushComfort, and the Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam. Each offers breathable materials and adjustable loft.
?How we pickedWe compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.
Coop Home Goods Eden
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Best overall
The Eden uses a breathable bamboo-derived rayon cover. Its shredded memory foam fill is adjustable, so side sleepers can add or remove foam. Owners report it sleeps cooler than standard memory foam.
Fill Shredded memory foamCover Bamboo-derived rayonLoft AdjustableSize Queen/King
- Adjustable loft
- Breathable cover
- Machine washable
- May need fluffing
- Slight chemical smell at first
Sleep Number PlushComfort
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best value
The PlushComfort features a ventilated gel-infused foam. Its medium firmness suits many side sleepers. The cover is soft and breathable.
Fill Gel-infused memory foamCover Polyester blendLoft MediumSize Queen
- Gel infusion cools
- Medium support
- Affordable price
- Not adjustable
- May be too firm for some
Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 Best budget
This pillow is filled with shredded memory foam and a gel-infused layer. The cotton cover is breathable. It comes with extra fill for customization.
Fill Shredded memory foam with gelCover CottonLoft AdjustableSize Queen
- Low price
- Adjustable fill
- Breathable cover
- May flatten over time
- Some find it too soft
Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
★★★★★ 4.3 / 5 Best for back and side sleepers
This pillow has a gel fiber fill that resists flattening. Its medium firmness works for side and back sleepers. The cover is soft and wrinkle-resistant.
Fill Gel fiberCover PolyesterLoft MediumSize Queen
- Durable fill
- Good for multiple positions
- Machine washable
- Not adjustable
- May sleep warm for some
Best for: Best for back and side sleepers
Mlily Cooling Pillow
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 Best for hot sleepers
The Mlily pillow features a phase change material (PCM) cover that feels cool to the touch. Its memory foam core is ventilated. Owners report a noticeable cooling effect.
Fill Memory foamCover PCM fabricLoft MediumSize Queen
- Cooling cover
- Ventilated foam
- Good support
- May be too firm
- Cover not removable
Best for: Best for hot sleepers
Snuggle-Pedic Ultra Luxury
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best for neck pain
This pillow has a shredded memory foam and microfiber blend. It offers adjustable loft and a breathable bamboo cover. Many owners with neck pain find relief.
Fill Shredded memory foam and microfiberCover Bamboo rayonLoft AdjustableSize Queen
- Adjustable loft
- Supportive fill
- Breathable cover
- May need regular fluffing
- Some find it too soft
Best for: Best for neck pain
Zinus Cooling Memory Foam Pillow
★★★★★ 4.3 / 5 Best for stomach sleepers
The Zinus pillow has a low profile, ideal for stomach sleepers. Its gel-infused foam helps dissipate heat. The cover is removable and washable.
Fill Gel-infused memory foamCover PolyesterLoft LowSize Standard
- Low loft
- Cooling gel
- Removable cover
- Not adjustable
- May be too thin for some side sleepers
Best for: Best for stomach sleepers
What to look for in a cooling pillow
Cooling pillows use materials like gel, PCM, or breathable covers. Side sleepers need a loft that fills the gap between shoulder and head. Adjustable fill lets you customize loft. Check the cover fabric; bamboo and cotton breathe better than polyester. Look for certifications like CertiPUR-US for foam safety.
How to choose the right loft for side sleeping
Side sleepers typically need a medium to high loft, around 4 to 6 inches. A pillow that is too low causes neck strain. Too high can misalign the spine. Measure your shoulder width to estimate ideal loft. Adjustable pillows are great for fine-tuning. Some brands offer extra fill for customization.
Cooling technologies compared
Gel-infused foam absorbs and dissipates heat. Phase change materials (PCM) actively regulate temperature. Shredded foam allows more airflow than solid foam. Breathable covers like bamboo or cotton wick moisture. Ventilated foam has holes for air circulation. Consider your sleep temperature preferences.
Why owner feedback matters
Specs don't tell the whole story. Owners report real-world comfort and heat retention. Look for patterns in reviews, like complaints about flattening or cooling. A pillow with high ratings may still not suit your body type. Use reviews to gauge firmness and support.
Questions people ask
What is the best cooling pillow for side sleepers under?
The Coop Home Goods Eden is a top pick due to its adjustable loft and breathable cover. The Sleep Number PlushComfort is also excellent for its gel infusion and medium support.
How do I know if a pillow is cool enough?
Look for cooling technologies like gel, PCM, or breathable covers. Read owner reviews for real-world feedback. A pillow that sleeps cool for one person may not for another.
Can I adjust the loft of a cooling pillow?
Yes, many shredded memory foam pillows are adjustable. The Coop Home Goods Eden and Xtreme Comforts allow you to add or remove fill. This helps you find the perfect height.
Is a gel-infused pillow better than a shredded foam pillow?
Gel-infused foam provides cooling but may be denser. Shredded foam offers better airflow and adjustability. Your choice depends on your comfort preferences.
How often should I replace my pillow?
Most pillows last 1 to 2 years. Over time, they lose support and collect allergens. If you wake with neck pain or see visible wear, replace it.
Do cooling pillows really work?
Yes, but effectiveness varies. Materials like PCM and gel can lower surface temperature. Breathable covers help wick heat. However, they don't actively cool like a fan.
What is the ideal loft for a side sleeper?
A medium to high loft, usually 4 to 6 inches, works best. Measure your shoulder width to estimate. Adjustable pillows help you fine-tune.
Are cooling pillows safe for allergies?
Many are hypoallergenic. Look for covers that are washable. Memory foam can trap dust mites, so wash covers regularly.
The bottom lineSo which one?
For most side sleepers, the Coop Home Goods Eden offers the best balance of cooling and adjustability. If you prefer a fixed loft, the Sleep Number PlushComfort is a solid value. Budget buyers can trust the Xtreme Comforts for a cool, customizable sleep.