6 best cooling pillows, tried and tested in heatwaves for a refreshing night’s sleep

After several nights of testing – including a particularly warm spell that really put cooling claims to the test – Simba's adjustable pillow has proven itself worthy of its premium price tag, especially for those of us who sleep on our sides.

What sets this pillow apart is its genuinely innovative "nanocube" filling system. Unlike vague adjustability claims from other brands, Simba's drawstring mesh storage bag (included) enables you to precisely customise the height and firmness by adding or removing small foam cubes. As a dedicated side sleeper who's tested a lot of pillows, I found this feature particularly valuable – removing just enough filling created the perfect neck alignment that prevented morning stiffness.

The temperature regulation is equally impressive. The cooling layer delivers an immediate cooling sensation that remains effective throughout the night, and it was especially noticeable when I compared it to standard pillows.

The construction feels thoughtfully engineered, with a smooth cotton surface on one side and the cooling layer on the other, all wrapped in a mesh border that noticeably enhances airflow. The cover is also fully machine washable.

While the price positions it firmly in the investment category, the adaptability makes it suitable for virtually any sleeping position, though side sleepers will appreciate it most. Even at maximum firmness, the responsive nanocubes provide a cushioned support that cradles the head without that dense, immovable feeling that many memory-foam options deliver. For hot sleepers seeking customisable comfort, this remains the pillow to beat.

I've come to appreciate that effective temperature regulation doesn't always demand a premium price tag. This pillow offers impressive performance that belies its modest cost – particularly when you consider you get two pillows for less than £20.

The pillow's cooling capabilities come from its Dacron “hollowfibre” filling, which is specifically engineered to dissipate excess heat. Putting it to the test in my slightly too-warm bedroom (I measured temperatures between 20-22C throughout the night), I found this technology genuinely works – though not quite as dramatically as some more expensive options. The pillow maintained a consistently comfortable temperature without that clammy feeling that often accompanies standard synthetic options.

The pillows come with different support levels (medium or firm), enabling you to match them to your preferred sleeping position. As a combination sleeper who switches between side and back positions, I found that medium support offered the right balance, though dedicated side sleepers might prefer the firmer option for better neck alignment.

The outer cover has a surprisingly pleasant feel for the price point, with a soft-touch quality that belies its budget status. Unlike many inexpensive pillows, these are fully machine washable, too.

While they don't offer the premium construction or advanced cooling technologies of pillows costing five times as much, their effectiveness-to-price ratio is genuinely impressive. For hot sleepers on a budget or those wanting to upgrade a guest room, without significant investment, these pillows offer remarkable value while delivering genuine cooling benefits that make a noticeable difference to your sleep.

Striking an impressive balance between cooling technology and genuine comfort, this pillow has a premium feel that helps to justify its price point. The pillow's standout feature is its bamboo-derived viscose cover, which delivers noticeably better temperature regulation compared with standard cotton pillows. During a particularly warm testing week, I found the naturally cooling properties made a tangible difference – the surface remained cooler to the touch even after several hours of use, something I could verify by comparing it directly against standard pillows throughout the night.

The interior of this pillow combines three layers of open-cell memory foam (including a charcoal-infused foam) that creates remarkable airflow. Unlike traditional memory foam that can trap heat, this hybrid construction enables consistent ventilation.

The pillow's medium-firm support strikes the sweet spot that accommodates all sleeping positions, but I found it particularly effective for side sleeping, as it maintained proper neck alignment without being too firm.

What impressed me most was the pillow's resilience. It consistently returned to its original shape – a promising sign for longevity. The cover is also fully machine washable.

While not the cheapest option in our lineup, this pillow delivers genuine cooling performance combined with thoughtful construction that should maintain its properties far longer than lower-priced alternatives. For anyone struggling with night-time overheating and who doesn't want to compromise on support, this represents excellent value for a long-term sleep investment. The company even offers a 10-year guarantee alongside free delivery and returns.

This memory foam offering could be a game changer for those plagued by both neck discomfort and overheating issues. After testing it for several nights, I found its dense yet responsive construction strikes that elusive balance between support and comfort.

The pillow's substantial memory foam core maintains impressive neck alignment throughout the night, and while the foam moulds effectively to cradle your head, it retains enough firmness to prevent that sinking sensation that can throw your spine out of alignment.

Where this pillow truly excels is for back sleepers. Unlike some cooling pillows that sacrifice structure for temperature regulation, this one maintains an even depth throughout. The consistent firmness creates a stable cradle that holds the neck in proper alignment – I could actually feel the difference in how it supported the natural curve between my head and shoulders. However, if you love a plush pillow, this definitely isn’t for you.

The cooling properties aren't just marketing hype, either. Both sides maintain a genuinely refreshing coolness against the skin throughout the night. The knitted cover enhances this effect, while the breathable memory foam structure enables impressive airflow.

Unlike standard memory foam options that trap heat like a furnace, this design delivers a genuinely refreshing sleep experience without sacrificing support. The cooling properties come primarily from the bamboo-derived fabric cover, which feels noticeably cooler against the skin than traditional cotton cases. During testing in my increasingly warm bedroom, I assessed the pillow's surface temperature before and after use, finding it seemed to maintain a lower temperature than standard memory foam alternatives even after a full night's sleep.

What's particularly impressive is how the fabric actively wicks away moisture – something I noticed during several particularly humid nights.

The three-layer memory foam construction provides excellent neck support without feeling overly rigid. At 12cm height, it proved ideal for side sleeping (I prefer a lower pillow alignment), maintaining proper neck alignment throughout multiple nights of testing, while still offering enough give for comfortable back sleeping.

The cover is removable and machine-washable, and the inner mesh polyester protector adds an extra layer of durability that should extend the pillow's lifespan.

For hot sleepers concerned about allergens, the hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties of the cover provide additional benefits beyond temperature regulation. The 30-night trial period and impressive 10-year guarantee make this cooling pillow a sound investment for the price.

However, it doesn’t cool as much as the Panda hybrid pillow above, so if you’re picking between the two, I’d go for the hybrid.

For those with allergies, finding a pillow that doesn't trigger symptoms can feel like an impossible task. After testing this pillow during peak pollen months, I found it appears to deliver on its hypoallergenic promises in ways synthetic alternatives simply can't match.

The standout feature is its 100 per cent British wool filling, which has been certified by Allergy UK. Unlike down or synthetic fillings that can harbour dust mites and allergens, the natural properties of wool actively resist these common triggers.

Temperature regulation is exceptional – a crucial factor for allergy sufferers who often experience night sweats. The wool’s natural breathability kept the pillow consistently cool during warm nights, while providing gentle warmth during cooler periods. This thermoregulation worked remarkably well during testing.

What truly sets this pillow apart is its practicality. The clever design enables you to remove the wool filling from the quilted cotton cover for washing, and the adjustability factor shouldn't be overlooked. I experimented with removing portions of filling to create the perfect loft for different sleeping positions, and a removable tab recommends you fluff up the insides straight after opening.

It sits in the premium pillow price category, but the combination of genuine allergy relief, temperature regulation, and washability makes it an excellent value. The sustainable credentials of traceable British wool provide additional appeal for environmentally conscious shoppers, without compromising on performance or comfort.