Best Cooling Pillows for Side Sleepers in 2025: Stay Cool, Supported & Well-Rested
Sleeping on your side comes with plenty of benefits — from healthier spinal alignment to reduced snoring and even improved digestion. But when summer heat kicks in, memory foam traps warmth, and your pillow loses shape halfway through the night, that “perfect sleep position” quickly turns into tossing, turning, and sweating.
If you’ve ever woken up with a sore neck, damp pillowcase, or both, you know the struggle. That’s why more and more side sleepers in 2025 are switching to cooling pillows designed specifically for side sleeping. These aren’t just nice-to-have extras; they’re game-changers for comfort, support, and temperature control.
This guide covers the 8 best cooling pillows for side sleepers based on real user experiences, durability, and performance — not marketing hype.
Why Side Sleepers Need Cooling + Proper Support
Not every “cooling” pillow is created equal. Many rely on thin gel layers that stop working after 20 minutes, while others flatten or trap heat just like traditional foam. Side sleepers need a pillow that checks three boxes:
Loft (height): To fill the gap between your shoulder and neck.
Cooling technology: To regulate heat throughout the night, not just at the start.
Targeted design: To ease ear and shoulder pressure while keeping alignment.
The good news? The right pillow can do all three — and make restless nights a thing of the past.
Top 8 Cooling Pillows for Side Sleepers in 2025
1. Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow – Customizable Cooling & Loft Control
A fan favorite, the Coop Eden Pillow is fully adjustable. Its shredded, gel-infused memory foam stays breathable, while the bamboo cover feels naturally cool and moisture-wicking. You can add or remove filling to get your ideal loft — perfect if you struggle with either too-flat or too-high pillows.
Best for: Hot sleepers, side sleepers needing adjustable loft, broad shoulders.
2. Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow – Budget-Friendly Cooling Comfort
Known for its luxury “hotel feel,” this pillow uses gel-infused microfiber fill instead of memory foam, making it breathable, airy, and supportive without overheating. It comes in a 2-pack, making it ideal for couples or guests.
Best for: Budget shoppers, side sleepers who like plush hotel-style pillows.
3. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow – Premium Pressure Relief
Designed with dual-sided cooling gel layers, this Tempur-Pedic option delivers long-lasting relief from heat. Its 5-inch loft and signature Tempur material cradle the neck and shoulders, making it a top choice for those with chronic pain.
Best for: Side sleepers with neck/shoulder pain who want luxury support.
4. Sleep Number True Temp Pillow – Adaptive All-Night Cooling
Powered by 37.5® temperature-regulating technology, this pillow continuously adjusts to your body heat and moisture, keeping you cool and dry. The “Ultimate” version is adjustable, letting side sleepers fine-tune loft for perfect alignment.
Best for: Hot sleepers needing all-night regulation, sweaty sleepers, adjustable comfort.
5. HONEYDEW Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow – Curved Shape for Shoulder Relief
Unlike traditional rectangles, this pillow features a U-shaped curve that fits snugly between your shoulder and neck. Filled with cooling copper-infused memory foam, it reduces ear pressure and aligns your spine.
Best for: Strict side sleepers, shoulder/ear pain relief, long-term durability.
6. Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow – Eco-Friendly & Naturally Cool
Made with a latex and fiber blend, this pillow offers bounce, airflow, and comfort without overheating. The organic cotton cover feels cool and hypoallergenic, while its curved design supports natural side-sleeping posture.
Best for: Eco-conscious buyers, allergy-sensitive sleepers, breathable comfort.
7. Casper Original Pillow – Fluffy, Down-Like Feel with Airflow
Casper’s pillow-in-pillow design combines a soft, fluffy outer layer with a supportive core. It stays cool thanks to its 100% cotton cover and resists flattening overnight.
Best for: Side sleepers who love a soft but supportive feel, back/side combo sleepers.
8. Zoey Sleep Pillow – Affordable Adjustability
With shredded memory foam and microfiber fill, the Zoey Sleep Pillow is breathable, moldable, and fully adjustable. The bamboo-rayon cover stays cool and hypoallergenic, making it a great value option.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, hot sleepers, adjustable loft seekers.
How to Choose the Best Cooling Pillow for Side Sleeping
Support comes first: Side sleepers need at least 4.5–6 inches of loft. Adjustable options let you fine-tune height.
Look for lasting cooling: Choose breathable covers (cotton, bamboo) and ventilated fills (shredded foam, latex).
Adjustability = longevity: Refillable pillows (Coop, Zoey, Sleep Number) adapt over time.
Budget wisely: Spending $70–$120 can get you durable, supportive comfort that lasts years.
Final Thoughts
Most people don’t think twice about their pillow — until they’re tossing, turning, or waking up drenched in sweat. But for side sleepers, the wrong pillow does more than ruin a night’s rest; it affects posture, comfort, and even energy the next day.
Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly cooling (Beckham, Zoey), premium pain relief (Tempur-Pedic, Honeydew), or eco-friendly breathability (Eli & Elm), the right cooling pillow can turn restless nights into deep, restorative sleep.
Make the switch — because better mornings begin with the pillow under your head.
