The best pillows to keep you cool at night are typically made from breathable materials such as latex, gel-infused memory foam or ventilated fibre fillings. These pillows promote airflow and help disperse body heat, making them ideal for hot sleepers who want a cooler and more comfortable sleep environment.

If you regularly wake feeling overheated, your pillow could be contributing more than you realise. While mattresses often take the blame, your pillow sits directly beneath your head and neck, where body heat builds quickly.

The best pillows to keep you cool at night are those designed to promote airflow, disperse heat and reduce heat retention. Materials, filling type and breathability all play a role in how warm or cool your pillow feels.

Pownall & Hampson Pillows

Why Do Some Pillows Feel Hot?

Heat builds up when airflow is restricted. Dense materials that contour closely to your head can trap warmth, particularly during warmer months or in well-insulated bedrooms.

You may notice pillow-related overheating if you:

  • Naturally sleep warm

  • Use synthetic pillow protectors

  • Sleep on your side and sink deeply into the pillow

  • Prefer high loft (thicker) pillows

Choosing the right material can significantly improve night-time comfort.

Neuhaus Cool Orthopaedic Memory Foam Pillow

Memory Foam Pillows – Do They Sleep Hot?

Traditional memory foam can retain heat due to its dense structure. However, modern memory foam pillows often include cooling features such as:

  • Open-cell foam for improved airflow

  • Gel-infused layers designed to disperse heat

  • Breathable covers to reduce surface warmth

If you enjoy contouring support but worry about overheating, gel memory foam pillows can provide a good balance between comfort and temperature control.

Brands such as King Koil and Respa offer supportive pillow options designed to maintain shape while improving airflow.

Relyon Natural Superior Comfort Deep Latex Pillow

Latex Pillows – Naturally Breathable

Latex pillows, particularly those made with natural latex, have an open-cell structure that allows air to circulate more freely. Many are also manufactured with ventilation channels to further enhance breathability.

Latex pillows typically offer:

  • Naturally temperature-neutral performance

  • Responsive, supportive feel

  • Long-lasting shape retention

For sleepers who want a cooler feel combined with consistent neck support, latex can be an excellent choice.

Neuhaus White Goose Feather and Down Pillow

Fibre and Down-Alternative Pillows – Lightweight and Airy

Certain structured fibre pillows are designed to feel lighter and more breathable than dense foam options. While they may not contour as closely as memory foam, they can provide good airflow and a cooler surface feel.

Quality options from brands such as Relyon offer supportive fibre fillings that balance comfort and breathability.

Does Pillow Height Affect Temperature?

Yes. Higher loft pillows create more surface contact around the head and neck, which can increase warmth. Choosing the correct height for your sleeping position not only improves spinal alignment but can also reduce overheating.

  • Side sleepers → Medium to high loft, breathable materials

  • Back sleepers → Medium loft with good airflow

  • Front sleepers → Low loft, lightweight fillings

Matching loft and material is key to staying comfortable throughout the night.

Pairing a Cooling Pillow with the Right Mattress

For the best results, your pillow and mattress should work together. If you sleep warm, combining a breathable pillow with a pocket spring, latex or gel-infused mattress can make a noticeable difference.

In some cases, adjustable beds may also help improve upper body positioning and airflow, further enhancing comfort.

Finding Cooling Pillows at Dalzells Beds

At Dalzells Beds, we stock a range of supportive and breathable pillows from trusted brands including Respa, King Koil, Relyon and Pownall & Hampson. Whether you prefer contouring foam, responsive latex or structured fibre, trying different options in person can help you find the right balance of comfort and temperature control.

With free delivery available for divan beds and mattresses across Northern Ireland and Counties Dublin, Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan in Ireland, and accreditation as a National Bed Federation Premier Retail Champion, Dalzells Beds offers expert guidance to help you sleep comfortably all year round.

Visit us in store to see what’s on display or contact us to find out what’s in stock.

National Bed Federation - Premier Retail Champion