A Modern
Solution
Instead of simply being stuffed with filling, Malouf's pillows are actually made from a proprietary "ActiveDough" foam. Designed with zoned technology to relieve pressure points, it has larger holes in the center of the pillow to cradle your head and smaller holes around the perimeter to support your neck. Hot sleepers will appreciate that the foam is infused with a temperature-regulating gel that draws heat away from your body. And the silky Tencel cover also helps regulates temperature for all-season comfort.
ActiveDough cooling gel pillow,
$134 by Malouf
The Best of
Memory Foam,
Without the Heat
There are a lot of benefits to a memory foam pillow—they mold to your head and provide incredibly soft support—but the big drawback is that the material can really heat up. No amount of comfort is worth trying to sleep in a puddle of neck sweat. But this pillow is stuffed with finely shredded memory foam, and the fluffy interlocking pieces allow air to circulate through the pillow. That, combined with a micro-vented bamboo cover ensures this never warms up.
Kool-Flow bamboo pillow,
from $49.99 by Snuggle-Pedic
The Best
Down Alternative
We found the Nest Cool Pillow to be incredibly comfortable. It wasn't cooling, exactly, but it never overheated. So if you want a more traditionally built pillow, this is a fantastic option that has a soft, breathable cover and a filling made from a proprietary blend of gel-foam material that mimics the feel of a down/feather pillow. You can also customize the feel simply by removing some of the inner filling too.
Cool pillow,
from $119 by Nest Bedding
Soft, Squishy Latex
If you want a really soft and bouncy pillow that offers support but won't heat up and trap warmth, this latex option really does the job well. Purple's has a weightless feel, thanks to its perforated-latex core and signature gel grid, which promotes additional airflow. A moisture-wicking cover adds additional breathability while offering a nice cooling touch when you first lay down. It also comes in three lofts, so you can choose the height best suited for your primary sleeping position and body size.
Harmony pillow,
from $199 by Purple
