Pillows by Sleep Position
Cooling Memory Foam Pillows for Side Sleepers
7 picks compared
6 min read
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The short answerFor side sleepers who sleep hot, the Coop Home Goods Eden, the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud, and the Sleep Number ComfortFit are top picks. Each offers cooling features and proper support.
?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
★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 best overall
The Eden uses a blend of gel-infused memory foam and microfiber. Its adjustable fill lets you customize loft and firmness. The bamboo-derived cover is breathable and washable.
Fill Gel-infused memory foam + microfiberLoft AdjustableCover Bamboo-derived rayonWashable Yes
- Adjustable loft for perfect fit
- Cooling gel infusion
- Machine washable cover
- Requires fluffing to maintain shape
- May be too soft for some
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 best premium
This pillow uses TEMPUR material that conforms closely to your head and neck. Its CoolTouch cover provides a cool-to-the-touch surface. It offers consistent support without sagging.
Fill TEMPUR materialLoft MediumCover CoolTouchWashable Spot clean only
- Superior pressure relief
- CoolTouch cover
- Durable construction
Sleep Number ComfortFit
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 best value
The ComfortFit combines a cooling gel layer with supportive memory foam. Its ventilated design promotes airflow. It comes with a soft, breathable cover.
Fill Memory foam + cooling gelLoft MediumCover Breathable knitWashable Yes
- Good cooling at a moderate price
- Supportive for side sleepers
- Removable cover
- May be too firm for some
- No adjustable loft
Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 best budget
This pillow features a top layer of cooling gel and a base of high-density memory foam. Its breathable jacquard cover adds to the cooling effect. It offers decent support at a low price.
Fill Gel-infused memory foamLoft MediumCover JacquardWashable Yes
- Very affordable
- Cooling gel layer
- Easy to clean
- May lose shape over time
- Not adjustable
Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 best for stomach sleepers
This pillow has a low loft that suits stomach sleepers. Its down alternative fill is soft and breathable. The cotton sateen cover is cool and crisp.
Fill Down alternativeLoft LowCover Cotton sateenWashable Yes
- Low loft for stomach sleepers
- Breathable materials
- Machine washable
- Not enough support for side sleepers
- May flatten quickly
Best for: best for stomach sleepers
Saatva Latex Pillow
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 best for back sleepers
This pillow uses shredded latex that is naturally breathable and responsive. Its organic cotton cover is soft and moisture-wicking. It provides a medium loft with good support.
Fill Shredded latexLoft MediumCover Organic cottonWashable Spot clean
- Naturally cooling
- Responsive support
- Eco-friendly materials
- Latex smell initially
- Pricier than foam options
Best for: best for back sleepers
Purple Harmony Pillow
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 best for neck pain
The Purple Harmony uses a hyper-elastic polymer grid that adapts to your neck. Its hollow core promotes airflow. The cover is soft and breathable.
Fill Hyper-elastic polymer gridLoft MediumCover Polyester blendWashable Yes
- Excellent neck support
- Great airflow
- Durable
- Heavy
- May be too firm for some
Best for: best for neck pain
We compared specifications like cooling gel, breathable covers, and adjustable loft. Owner feedback highlighted real-world comfort and temperature regulation. Use-case fit guided our final picks.
What makes a pillow cool?
Cooling pillows use materials that draw heat away from your head. Gel infusions and phase-change materials are common. Breathable covers like bamboo or cotton help airflow. Ventilated foam allows heat to escape. Look for these features if you sleep hot.
Why loft matters for side sleepers
Side sleepers need a higher loft to fill the gap between shoulder and head. A pillow that is too low causes neck strain. Too high can misalign your spine. Adjustable loft pillows let you customize the height. Measure your shoulder width to find the right loft.
Memory foam vs. alternatives
Memory foam contours well but can trap heat. Gel-infused versions are cooler. Latex is naturally breathable and responsive. Down alternative is soft but may lack support. Consider your priorities: cooling, support, or feel.
How to choose the right pillow
Start with your sleep position and heat level. Side sleepers should look for medium to high loft. Hot sleepers need cooling materials. Check the fill and cover materials. Read owner reviews for long-term comfort. A trial period can help you decide.
Questions people ask
What is the best memory foam pillow for side sleepers who sleep hot?
The Coop Home Goods Eden is a top choice. It has adjustable loft and cooling gel. The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud is also great for cooling. Both offer good support for side sleepers.
Can memory foam pillows be cooling?
Yes, many memory foam pillows now include cooling gel or ventilated designs. They help dissipate heat better than traditional foam. Look for breathable covers as well.
How do I know if a pillow is too high or too low?
If your neck is strained or your head is tilted up, it's too high. If your head sinks too low, it's too low. Your spine should be in a straight line. Adjustable pillows can help you find the right height.
Is a cooling pillow worth it for hot sleepers?
For many, yes. Cooling pillows can reduce night sweats and improve sleep quality. They use materials that actively draw heat away. If you wake up sweaty, a cooling pillow may help.
What is the difference between gel-infused and phase-change material?
Gel-infused foam has cooling gel mixed in. Phase-change materials absorb and release heat to regulate temperature. Both help, but phase-change is often more effective. Gel is more common and affordable.
Can I wash a memory foam pillow?
Most memory foam pillows are not machine washable. The cover is usually removable and washable. Spot clean the foam itself. Check the care label for specific instructions.
How often should I replace my pillow?
Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Over time, they lose support and collect allergens. If you wake up with neck pain, it may be time for a new one.
What is the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain?
The Purple Harmony Pillow is designed for neck support. Its grid adapts to your neck's shape. The Coop Home Goods Eden also offers adjustable support. Both are good options.
Are down alternative pillows good for side sleepers?
Down alternative pillows are often too soft for side sleepers. They may not provide enough support. Look for a higher loft or a blend with memory foam. Some brands offer down alternative with extra support.
Does a higher thread count cover mean better cooling?
Not necessarily. Thread count affects softness, not breathability. Look for covers made from bamboo, cotton, or moisture-wicking materials. These are more breathable than high-thread-count polyester.
The bottom lineSo which one?
For most side sleepers who sleep hot, the Coop Home Goods Eden offers the best combination of cooling and adjustability. If you prefer a fixed loft, the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud is a premium choice. Budget-conscious buyers will find the Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam a solid option.
