Many people prefer sleeping with a pillow that contains cooling gel to help keep them at a comfortable temperature during the night. Without a cool gel pillow, they tend to get hot and sweaty in bed under the covers. A gel pillow is a bed pillow containing a series of gel layers just below the surface or a pillow filled with gel-infused foam. However, just because a pillow may be made with gel, does not guarantee that it sleeps cool. This is why it’s so important for shoppers to try out different gel pillows so they can be sure that the one they choose works well for them.  

Gel pillows are available in a variety of different types, each one with its own unique characteristics. For example, pillows containing gel-infused foam can be filled with either shredded or a solid piece of foam. If the gel-infused foam is shredded the loft or thickness can often be customized. Plus, these conform to your body quite easily so they’re perfect for people who love snuggling with their pillow. A pillow made with a solid piece of gel-infused foam would also be moldable, but unlike shredded foam, this pillow will retain its original shape for the most part. 

We’ve compiled this guide to help you understand the distinctions among the various options available today for gel pillows. Below we’ve listed our picks for the best cool gel pillows currently on the market. Our selections are the result of verified user experiences and extensive research. 


The research done on this website is made possible by commissions earned through sales from affiliate links shared within the content. Learn more here.


The Best Cool Gel Pillows

Picture

Product

Key Features

Price

Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow

Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow

- Gel-infused memory foam mixed with a microfiber fill blend
- Adjustable loft retains its shape really well
- Soft, breathable bamboo rayon cover

Malouf Z Shredded Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pillow

Malouf Z Shredded Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pillow

- Contains heat-capturing gel beads
- Pressure-relieving memory foam
- Won’t shift or clump and has a quick loft recovery

Leesa Reversible Cooling Foam Quitted Pillow

Leesa Reversible Cooling Foam Quitted Pillow

- Flippable with dual firmness
- Unique multi-textured design
- Adjustable loft (thickness)

PharMeDoc Memory Foam Pillow with Cooling Gel

PharMeDoc Memory Foam Pillow with Cooling Gel

- Reversible cool/warm design
- Thermoregulating Cool Gel technology
- Conforming memory foam

Serta Gel Memory Foam Side Sleeper Pillow

Serta Gel Memory Foam Side Sleeper Pillow

- Ample loft provides healthy spinal alignment
- Cool Vent design offers improved airflow for cool comfort
- Excellent shape retention

Perfect Cloud Dual Option Cooling Gel Pillow

Perfect Cloud Dual Option Cooling Gel Pillow

- Scientifically designed with a quilted gel layer
- Premium stretchy knit cover
- Two sides with different levels of coolness

Classic Brands Reversible Cool Gel & Memory Foam Pillow

Classic Brands Reversible Cool Gel & Memory Foam Pillow

- Open-cell memory foam technology promotes airflow
- Reversible design makes it ideal for year-round use
- 5” loft is perfect for back and side sleepers

ViscoSoft Cooling Arctic Gel Contour Pillow

ViscoSoft Cooling Arctic Gel Contour Pillow

- Made with 2 lbs. of cooling wave-flow gel
- Soft, breathable, hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking cover
- Plush feel with ample support

LinenSpa Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow

LinenSpa Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow

- Made with gel memory foam outer encasement
- Shredded memory foam is CertiPUR-US certified
- Can be fluffed up and shaped for customized comfort


Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow Review

Coop Home Goods Pillow Review

- Gel-infused memory foam mixed with a microfiber fill blend
- Adjustable loft retains its shape really well
- Soft, breathable bamboo rayon cover

Price: 

Among our top choices is the Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow. It contains gel-infused shredded memory foam mixed with a microfiber fill blend. The cover is made of a soft, breathable bamboo rayon fabric, making it exceptionally cool compared to many other cool gel pillows.

The pillow closely conforms to your body to keep the spine aligned and relieve aches and pains, which commonly affect the neck and shoulders. The Coop Home Goods is perfect for side sleepers and those suffering from chronic discomfort. Another great feature of the pillow is that the loft can be easily adjusted. Owners can add or remove any amount of filling to change the thickness and firmness of the pillow and find a loft that is to their liking.

The product is made in the USA and contains no toxic chemicals. It has received CertiPUR-US plus GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has undergone strict third-party testing for quality and safety. The Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow is very durable and easy to keep clean due to the removable polyester liner storing the foam. It’s also a great choice for those suffering from allergies because it’s hypoallergenic as well as dust mite resistant.

The Coop Home Goods Eden has a lower price point than the average shredded foam pillow. The manufacturer offers free shipping within the U.S., as well as a 100-night sleep trial plus a 5-year warranty. Both of these are longer than what many other manufacturers offer.


Malouf Z Shredded Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pillow Review

Malouf Pillow Review

- Contains heat-capturing gel beads
- Pressure-relieving memory foam 
- Won’t shift or clump and has a quick loft recovery

Price: 

Malouf’s Z collection features more than 60 luxurious pillows selling at relatively high price points, including their Malouf Z Shredded Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pillow. The exclusive gel dough formulation combines heat-capturing gel beads with pressure-relieving memory foam to provide a comfortable yet supportive pillow surface that won’t overheat.

Gel dough sleeve encases the memory foam to offer a consistent feel. Removable cover is made of Tencel fabric for maintaining an optimum sleeping temperature. This cool gel pillow may cost more, but it sleeps much cooler than most other models.

The filling is made in clusters for improved foldability and customized comfort. While your head may sink into the pillow, it does provide optimum support for people who tend to suffer from neck and/or shoulder pain. The Malouf Z Shredded Gel-Infused Memory Foam Pillow holds its shape and therefore doesn’t need to be constantly fluffed up. It comes in Queen and King sizes plus a Full Body pillow as well, which is highly suitable for pregnant women.

The product comes with a 3-year warranty, and Malouf offers free shipping to all states within the contiguous U.S.


Leesa Reversible Cooling Foam Quitted Pillow Review

Leesa Pillow Review

- Flippable with dual firmness
- Unique multi-textured design
- Adjustable loft (thickness)

Price: 

What makes the Leesa Reversible Cooling Foam Quitted Pillow so versatile is that it offers two different sleep experiences with different levels of firmness, textures, and temperatures. One side has a soft contoured padded synthetic down filling that closely conforms to your body. The opposite side is flat with a cooling gel insert as the lining. To change your sleeping surface, just flip the pillow over.

The synthetic down side is medium soft and closely conforms to your body, so it works great for people prone to neck and shoulder pain. The side with the gel insert is medium-firm and feels quite cool, so it’s perfect for people who get hot and sweaty in bed at night.

To change your level of support or firmness, you can unzip the pillow and remove the insert between the quilted pocket and the cooling layers. Additionally, the pillow’s cover is made with fibers that give a chilling effect and can be washed and dried in conventional machines.

The Leesa Reversible Cooling Foam Quitted Pillow is a little more expensive than other gel pillows, but it’s worth it for shoppers who appreciate the versatility. Leesa offers a 100-night sleep trial and free shipping to all 50 states.


PharMeDoc Memory Foam Pillow with Cooling Gel Review

PharMeDoc Pillow Review
 

- Reversible cool/warm design
- Thermoregulating Cool Gel technology
- Conforming memory foam

Price: 

The PharMeDoc Memory Foam Pillow with Cooling Gel features memory foam on one side for cool nights and cooling gel on the other side for warmer nights. The soft conforming memory foam supports the head and neck, reduces painful pressure points, and aligns the spine.

The side with the thermoregulating cooling gel effectively diffuses heat to provide a cooler surface to sleep on during the night. The PharMeDoc is widely known as an excellent menopause pillow, but it certainly appeals to a far greater audience than that. The hypoallergenic cover is removable for easy cleaning, and it’s a great option for people with allergies and/or sensitive skin.

Many users posted positive reviews for the comfort and cooling features of this gel pillow, as well as its affordable price. The negative reviews are mostly complaints about the unpleasant smell when first taken out of the package. However, this is a very common problem among cooling pillows. The manufacturer recommends that you air the pillow out for 2-3 days before using it, so the odor of new memory foam can dissipate. The PharMeDoc Memory Foam Pillow with Cooling Gel comes with a lifetime manufacturer warranty.


Serta Gel Memory Foam Side Sleeper Pillow Review

Serta Pillow Review

- Ample loft provides healthy spinal alignment
- Cool Vent design offers improved airflow for cool comfort
- Excellent shape retention

Price: 

Finding the perfect pillow isn’t easy for side sleepers because they need just the right firmness with a sufficiently high loft, so the neck remains properly aligned. If the pillow is too soft, your head will sink down too far, which could make breathing difficult and cause neck pain.

The Serta Gel Memory Foam Side Sleeper Pillow is designed specifically for side sleepers with just the right firmness combined with an ample loft. The gel memory foam inside the core prevents a buildup of heat. It is also vented for improved airflow, which makes for a nice cool sleeping experience. The removable and washable mesh cover is not only breathable, but it also wicks away moisture for improved cooling.

The gel foam relieves painful pressure points while providing an optimum sleep temperature. This Serta Gel Memory Foam Side Sleeper Pillow maintains its shape quite well, so you never have to worry about it going flat. The design of this pillow is also quite comfortable for back sleepers as well because the sufficient loft provides just the right neck support. Serta offers their customers a 5-year Limited Warranty on the product.


Perfect Cloud Dual Option Cooling Gel Pillow Review

Perfect Cloud Pillow Review

- Scientifically designed with a quilted gel layer
- Premium stretchy knit cover
- Two sides with different levels of coolness

Price: 

The Perfect Cloud Dual Option Cooling Gel Pillow offers users two different levels of coolness, one on each side of the pillow. On one side, you have a nice soft quilted gel layer, and when you flip it over, you have Perfect Cloud’s signature memory foam, making this pillow suitable for every season.

The memory foam in this pillow conforms more quickly than other foams, so it is immediately comfortable. The support level offered by this pillow can help ease tight muscles in the neck and shoulders, so if you sit in front of a computer screen all day, sleeping on the Perfect Cloud at night may help relieve your muscle tension.

This hypoallergenic pillow is great for allergy suffers because it’s dust mite and mold resistant. It’s also ventilated for improved airflow and cooling. The soft knit cover is removable and machine washable. The Perfect Cloud Dual Option Cooling Gel Pillow has earned CertiPUR-US certification, which means it contains no toxic chemicals. The product has been designed in the USA and comes with a 3-year warranty. Also, if you buy it on Amazon, you get a 30-day trial period.


Classic Brands Reversible Cool Gel & Memory Foam Pillow Review

Classic Brands Pillow Review

- Open-cell memory foam technology promotes airflow
- Reversible design makes it ideal for year-round use
- 5” loft is perfect for back and side sleepers

Price: 

The Classic Brands Reversible Cool Gel & Memory Foam Pillow is made with advanced cooling technology: open-cell memory foam, which is more porous, so air can flow more freely throughout the material. This helps dissipate body heat, allowing you to sleep cooler throughout the night. When combined with a breathable knit cover, this pillow can keep you nice and cool all night long.

This is a reversible pillow that works well throughout the year. One side is made with a gel layer that can keep you cool on warm nights because it promotes better airflow while dissipating body heat. On the reverse side, you have memory foam to keep you warmer on cold nights. It will comfortably cradle your head to keep your neck and shoulders properly aligned in an optimum sleep position.

Classic Brands claims that this pillow is especially good for side and back sleepers. The 5” loft supports the head at the perfect height when you’re on your side. It also keeps your head tilted in the right position when you’re on your back, with excellent support for your neck, shoulders, and upper back. Additionally, the Classic Brands Reversible Cool Gel & Memory Foam Pillow is hypoallergenic, which is great for those with allergies. The zippered cover can be removed and tossed in the washing machine for easy cleaning.


ViscoSoft Cooling Arctic Gel Contour Pillow Review

ViscoSoft Pillow Review

- Made with 2 lbs. of cooling wave-flow gel
- Soft, breathable, hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking cover
- Plush feel with ample support

Price: 

The ViscoSoft Cooling Arctic Gel Contour Pillow is much more than a comfortably cool gel pillow. It provides targeted neck support using contoured memory foam. The pillow contains 2 lbs. of cooling wave-flow gel (30% more than comparable pillows) specially formulated to respond to your body temperature. This pillow is also designed to optimize airflow with a sleeping surface much cooler than traditional molded foam.

This is a durable pillow that conforms to the shape of your head, neck, and shoulders to relieve sensitive pressure points. It reduces pain resulting from a poor posture so both side and back sleepers can rest comfortably. A highly responsive design allows the foam to gently adjust to every move, so the spine stays properly aligned all night long.

The smooth COOLMAX fabric cover is moisture-wicking, hypoallergenic, and antibacterial. It can also be machine washed for a fresher, cleaner sleeping experience. With its 30-day return policy, the manufacturer will offer a full refund to anyone who is unsatisfied with the ViscoSoft Cooling Arctic Gel Contour Pillow for any reason and returns it within 30 days. The company also backs this product with a 3-year warranty for manufacturing defects.


LinenSpa Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow Review

LinenSpa Pillow Review

- Made with gel memory foam outer encasement
- Shredded memory foam is CertiPUR-US certified
- Can be fluffed up and shaped for customized comfort

Price: 

The LinenSpa Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow is made with an outer layer of memory foam containing gel beads to capture and dissipate body heat for a cooler sleeping surface. The pillow is medium-firm, which is perfect for a lot of people. The moldable shredded memory foam provides good airflow and breathability.

This pillow has a 6” loft and easily conforms to the shape of your head, neck, and shoulders to relieve pressure. It’s relatively heavy, so it stays in place to offer support throughout the night. The shredded foam can be moved around to fit your shape perfectly. The pillow is also CertiPUR-US certified, which confirms that the material contains no toxic chemicals.

The LinenSpa Shredded Gel Memory Foam Pillow comes with a nice soft 250-thread-count cotton cover that can easily be removed and tossed in the washing machine. This pillow is also less expensive than many other gel pillows and comes with a three-year warranty.


Shopping Guide for Finding the Best Gel Pillow for You

A gel pillow is basically any pillow that contains gel as a cooling mechanism. The pillow may include layers of gel packs and/or be made of gel-infused memory foam. Foam pillows, especially ones made of memory foam, retain body heat. So, if you typically get hot and sweaty at night in bed you would likely benefit from sleeping with a cool gel pillow. You need to know however, that some gel pillows simply do not work as well as others at keeping you cool at night. 

This shopping guide will explain how gel pillows are made, discuss the type of people who would likely benefit from sleeping with one, and offer some tips to help first-time buyers choose the right gel pillow to meet their needs. 

How are gel pillows made?

Most gel pillows contain memory foam, but some are made with a type of polyfoam or synthetic down material. But they all contain one or more layers of cooling gel and/or gel beads or swirls infused into the foam to counteract the foam’s natural heat retaining properties. Memory foam reacts to body heat by molding to the shape of your body, which relieves painful pressure points. This is why memory foam pillows and mattresses are so popular, users can wake up pain free after having a great night’s sleep. 

Because all foams, particularly memory foam, retain a lot of body heat, foam pillows often feel too warm. This is why manufacturers add gel to their foam pillows, to ensure that you have a cooler night’s sleep, since the gel can help dissipate your body heat. 

The best gel pillows typically come with a breathable, soft cool cover to further help you sleep cooler. 

How the gel is incorporated into the pillow depends on the brand and most have their own proprietary designs and methods for this. 

The gel may be incorporated into the gel pillow in the following ways: 

Gel Layer(s) 

Some gel pillows are made with one or more layers of gel packets lining the interior, while others place the gel layers near the surface to cool down the exterior of the pillow. The gel packets are usually thin, and they can sometimes be removed. 

Gel-infused Filling

Gel beads or swirls are infused into the memory foam and/or the polyfoam filling. Also, down alternative fibers can be infused with gel as well, and some manufacturers use this as filling for their gel pillows. 

Our research shows that some gel pillows are rated no better than standard pillows. This tells us that these pillows are simply not delivering the level of cooling they claim, or they may have design flaws. The customer feedback we’ve received does tell us that certain gel pillows, including the ones on our Very Best Gel Pillows of 2019 list, do sleep much cooler than many others. This is why it’s so important that you do your research, which includes reading customer reviews, before making a purchase. 

Gel Pillows Differ in a Variety of Ways

Type of Filling 

Some gel pillows that contain memory foam are made with a solid piece of gel-infused memory foam, and others are filled with gel-infused shredded memory foam or fiber fill. Solid memory foam conforms more closely to your body, so it relieves pressure and pain better. But gel pillows filled with shredded foam often come with a zippered opening so you can adjust the loft (thickness) by removing or adding filling to suit your needs. 

Shape 

Gel pillows filled with either shredded foam, polyfoam or synthetic down are basically flat in shape and some solid-piece memory foam pillows are as well. However, most memory foam pillows are contoured to better align with the human head, neck and shoulders. You will often see these pillows labeled as “orthopedic pillows” because they are so beneficial for people with chronic aches and pains. 

Reversibility 

Most pillows are the same on both sides, but some gel pillows are made to offer sleepers a different experience depending on which side of the pillow they’re sleeping on. For example, some have a cooling gel on one side and not on the other. 

Cover 

Most gel pillows come with a soft breathable fabric on the cover, which provides a nice cool sleeping surface. Many are made of cotton or bamboo rayon. Polyester is sometimes used because it tends to provide a cool sleeping surface as well. 


Benefits of Sleeping on a Gel Memory Foam Pillow

If you tend to get hot and sweaty at night, you know how hard it is to get a good night’s sleep. A good gel pillow can make all the difference in the world. Here are some of the most common benefits derived from sleeping on a cooling gel memory foam pillow: 

Pressure Point Pain Relief

Because memory foam contours to your body shape, a gel memory foam pillow would cradle your head and fit the contours of your neck and shoulders, so that your weight would be evenly distributed. This is often enough to provide pain relief. And because of the gel, you would stay nice and cool throughout the night. 

Fall Asleep More Quickly 

A temperature of 60° to 68° F is ideal for falling asleep, so if you’re at this temperature you should be able to comfortably fall asleep. But some people get hotter than others when they’re trying to get to sleep at night, which is why cooling technology is a huge benefit to them. 

Stay Asleep

Not only does being at a comfortable temperature help you fall asleep faster, it also helps you fall into a deep sleep, so you can stay asleep. A good gel pillow will draw your body heat away, so that you don’t wake up because you’re getting too hot. 

More Daytime Energy

When you can’t get a good night’s sleep over a prolonged period of time, your health will suffer. You will likely be more stressed out and lack energy. With the help of a cool gel pillow, you will sleep cooler and wake up more rested and energetic. 


Who do we recommend use a gel pillow?

Everyone has their own wants and needs, but from the research we’ve done we’ve learned that certain types of people benefit most from using gel pillows, which are as follows: 

Hot Sleepers 

Without mentioning specific gel pillows, we can say that many hot sleepers say they are far more comfortable sleeping on a cool gel pillow than on a standard foam or synthetic down pillow. We recommend that people who tend to get hot and sweaty during the night test out a number of gel pillows so they can find the one that helps them most get a good night’s sleep. 

Side Sleepers 

Sleep experts recommend shredded foam and synthetic down pillows for people who sleep on their side because they are soft, conforming and supportive. Orthopedic solid-piece gel memory foam pillows are also recommended for side sleepers since they align the spine to relieve painful pressure points in the neck, shoulders and upper back. 

Pregnant Women 

Pregnant women often get hot during the night, and due to their shape, they are more comfortable sleeping on their sides. With this in mind, it’s clear that pregnant women could benefit a great deal by using a gel pillow. They could definitely cool down by placing a gel pillow between or under their legs. 

People Suffering from Allergies

Certain types of pillow fillings can cause an allergic reaction in some people. The best gel pillows are made of hypoallergenic materials and are safe for allergy sufferers. However, synthetic down is prone to dust mites.


Things to Consider when Shopping for a Gel Pillow

When you’re shopping for a gel pillow and comparing the various brands and styles, it’s important that you ask the following questions: 

Do you get hot and sweaty at night?

If you typically get hot and sweaty when trying to sleep at night, a single cooling pillow is not going to help if you fail to address the other factors that may be contributing to your problem. These include the room temperature, your pajamas, sheets, mattress pad and mattress. Aside from cool gel pillows, there are a lot of other products available to help you get a cooler night’s sleep. 

How much are you willing to spend?

The average price of a gel pillow is $40 to $50. However, gel memory foam pillows, whether made of a solid piece of foam or shredded, are more expensive than gel synthetic down or gel polyfoam pillows. 

Which type would you prefer?

Gel pillows come in several different types. Some contain a solid piece of foam, while others contain shredded foam made up of a lot of tiny foam pieces. Shredded foam pillows tend to conform to your body more easily and they’re fluffier than pillows made of a solid piece of foam. Shredded foam pillows are more breathable because air can flow more freely through them than it can through a solid piece of foam. 

Some gel pillows are made with gel packets layered within the pillow, while others place the gel layers just under the surface for a cooler exterior. Some models allow you to remove the gel packets while others attach the gel layers to the pillow. A gel memory foam pillow may have gel beads or swirls infused into the foam for cooling, rather than having gel packets layered inside with the foam.  

What position do you sleep in?

Most everyone has a preferred sleep position, some sleep on their back, others on their side or stomach. Then there are those who switch around all the time, and these are called combination sleepers. The perfect pillow for you will depend a lot on your preferred sleep position. 

If you routinely sleep flat on your stomach, a flat pillow would work best for you. This way you won’t strain your neck and back. Side sleepers are better off sleeping with a firm pillow so their head stays sufficiently propped up, and back sleepers should use a medium-firm pillow, so their neck is properly supported. Combination sleepers should also sleep with a medium-firm pillow. 

Do you have control over the temperature in your bedroom?

If your bedroom is too warm it can counteract the cooling sensation of your gel pillow. Many cooling products depend on the transfer of heat and if the room is hot, that heat can raise the temperature of your bedding materials. Even if you have no control over your room temperature, you can at least turn on a fan to circulate the air to help dissipate body heat and this can allow you to sleep better. 

What type of material is the pillow cover made of?

The best gel pillows have cotton or bamboo rayon covers, which are cooler and more breathable than most fabrics. But you need to be careful because some gel pillows come with covers that are not known for being necessarily cool or breathable. 

Does the pillow offer dual options?

Some gel pillows are reversible, with cooling gel on one side only. This is a great option for people whose preferences often change. 

What would the best pillow size be for you? 

Most pillows come in Standard, Queen or King sizes, but some gel pillows only come on 1 or 2 sizes. When shopping for the best gel pillow for you, don’t forget that you also need the right size pillow. 

What level of firmness would be best for you?

There are a lot of different options in terms of firmness when it comes to gel pillows. You’re going to need to choose among the options that offer your preferred level of firmness. Some gel pillows are reversible, with different levels of firmness on each side. 

Does the pillow you’re considering come with a sleep trial?

If you’re shopping in a brick and mortar retail store you can certainly test a gel pillow out for a couple of minutes before buying it. However, even this may not be enough of a trial. Some manufacturers offer a sleep trial, so that customers can sleep on the pillow for a given time period (usually at least 30 nights). If the pillow doesn’t work out, they can get a full refund if they return it within that time period. This can be a very effective way to determine whether the pillow actually keeps you cooler at night. 

Do most gel pillows come with a warranty?

The best gel pillows will come with a warranty. Keep in mind that most pillows need replacing every couple of years. You might want to look for a gel pillow with a warranty that covers its normal lifespan. Keep in mind though, that some brands come with no warranty period at all. 

What shapes do gel pillows come in?

Just like most foam pillows, gel pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Here are your options: 

Standard or Traditional 

Some gel pillows don’t look or work much differently than a standard or traditional pillow does in terms of shape and size. These gel pillows are perfectly fine for people who may be looking for a cooler, more comfortable pillow, but have no specific concerns regarding support that a uniquely shaped pillow could provide. 

Convoluted Egg-Crate Design 

A convoluted gel pillow comes in an egg-crate design for improved airflow. While layers of gel packets or infusions of gel beads and swirls can make your pillow cooler, a convoluted egg-crate design helps keeps you even cooler. A convoluted egg-crate shaped gel pillow is recommended for people who get seriously hot and sweaty during the night. 

Curved

A gel pillow with a curved shape has two curves and dips in the middle. If you are concerned about your neck getting the support it needs, this could be the right shape for you. 

Remember that memory foam can sometimes respond slowly, so it may take time to adequately break in a memory foam pillow once you start using it. If your new gel memory foam pillow feels too hard at first, it may take a few minutes before it conforms to the shape of your head and neck. You also need to be patient while adjusting to the feel of this type of pillow. 


The Break-In Period of a Gel Memory Foam Pillow

Remember that it will take some time before your gel pillow is fully broken in. It may be a few days, or it could take weeks before you truly feel comfortable sleeping with your gel memory foam pillow. Many users report that their new gel pillow felt way too firm in the beginning, but it did soften up over time. To ease this process, it’s best to sleep in your preferred sleep position at first while you’re still trying to break in your pillow. 


Frequently Asked Questions

Since gel pillows are uniquely designed, there are a number of considerations that don’t necessarily apply to standard pillows. Here are some of the questions people often ask about this type of pillow: 

Should I put a pillowcase over my gel pillow?

The best gel pillows come with a removable machine-washable cover so that it’s easy to keep it clean. But some users may prefer to place another cover over this one to make it softer or just more sanitary.

How often does a gel pillow need to be replaced?

Standard polyester-filled pillows should be replaced every six months. However, gel memory foam pillows last much longer, perhaps several years. It all depends on quality and how often it’s being used. You can tell when it’s time to replace your pillow when you notice that it just isn’t as comfortable as it used to be. 

What type of filling do gel pillows typically have?

Some gel pillows are filled with a solid piece of memory foam, while others are filled with shredded memory foam, polyfoam, fiberfill or synthetic down. Shredded memory foam pillows conform more easily to your shape and feel a little plusher than those filled with a solid piece of memory foam. Some are even made with a zippered opening so you can remove some of the shredded foam or add more for a custom feel. 

Are gel pillows recommended for pregnant women?

Pregnant women often get hot at night when they’re trying to sleep, and a cool gel pillow can certainly be helpful in these cases. However, memory foam pillows are known for having an off-gassing odor when you first take them out of the package. It may take 2-3 days for this to subside. Since pregnant women can be quite sensitive to smells, this might present a problem. 

What else could help me get cooler at night?

A gel memory foam pillow should help you sleep cooler at night, but there are other things you could do as well. You may want to look into getting a new mattress, one specifically designed to keep you cool. It could be a gel-infused memory foam mattress. Furthermore, you may want to buy a set of 100% cotton sheets, which are known for their breathability. 


Conclusion

We’ve tried out so many different cool gel pillows that at this point it’s become difficult to decide which one really is the best. Each one we’ve tried provides a discernable cooling sensation and each offers an optimum level of comfort depending on the sleep position it’s designed for. And, they each offer certain benefits when used as recommended. 

To choose the best gel pillow for you, start by addressing your comfort. Your preferred sleep position is of primary importance for getting a good night’s sleep. Choose one of the cool gel pillows recommended for your particular sleep position. And then narrow your choices based on your cooling needs.  

We hope our recommendations for the best cool gel pillows, along with our shopping guide has been helpful to you. If you have any questions not already addressed, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.


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