6 Best Gel Pillows For Cooling And Comfort
Your pillow, along with your mattress, is one of the essential pieces of your bed. It offers you head and neck support while you sleep and, if you're so inclined, can be an excellent substitute for a teddy bear if you like to cuddle a pillow while you sleep. However, pillows do not last very long, often losing their shape after just a couple of years, so when it comes time to replace your pillow, it might be worth exploring your options.
Gel pillows, also referred to as gel fiber pillows, are rapidly increasing in popularity. It seems that every major pillow manufacturer has a gel infused pillow or gel infused memory foam pillow or two in their catalog. Other popular choices also include pillows filled with cooling gel and even shredded gel.
When you think of a gel pillow, you probably think of a pillow with a gel core to add more support. This is not the case. They are loaded with polyester gel filaments, which can offer more support when sleeping. These filaments have some unique properties, including better temperature regulation than standard pillows. That's why they may provide both better pressure relief as well as keep you cool throughout the night.
So, does this mean that you should get one? You don't need to rush out and buy every pillow you see, but gel memory foam pillows and various other types of gel pillows which we will go on to look at are certainly worth the investment. They are supportive, comfortable, and some manufacturers have completely adjustable pillows so you can personalize your level of comfort. So whether you are one of the many sider sleepers around, prefer a pillow that's medium firm or would look like to specifically support neck and shoulders, there will definitely be a pillow that suits you.
With so many pillows on the market, it might be difficult to find the one that belongs on your bed. We have taken the liberty of putting together a shortlist for your consideration. So side and back sleepers and hot sleepers take note, as we have the perfect type of pillow to offer you a comfortable sleep!
So let's get started with our best gel pillow review and help you discover the ultimate pillow that keeps your cool!
1. Beckham Luxury Linens Gel Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS:
Plush material
Super comfortable
Resistant to dust, mold, and mildew
Doesn’t shift
Stain and fade resistant
1.
Beckham Luxury Linens Gel Pillow – Best Choice
One of the best gel pillows on this list, and our personal favorite comes from the Beckham Hotel Collection. You might have fallen asleep awkwardly one night to discover your pillow has slipped out of place, and you’re now lying unsupported on your mattress. These pillows don’t slip. They stay in place, looking every bit as stylish and luxurious as they are. They don’t even fade and are stain-resistant, and can even be slipped into the washing machine if you think it’s looking a little ratty. Having a machine washable pillow really is an advantage.
Speaking of resistance, mold, mildew, and dust mites will be no bother to you. You may want to consider this one, as it is one of the best on the market for sufferers of asthma and allergies. With a hypoallergenic pillow, you can sleep easy knowing that your pillow puts your health first. This one puts standard pillows to shame with its expertly crafted plush gel fiber. Sleeping on one of these pillows offers more support than a typical memory foam pillow, while not being too firm. Every pillow is tailored with expert precision, ensuring maximum comfort for any and all sleeping positions. Head neck and shoulders are supported while dust mites are kept at bay. What more could you want from a cooling gel pillow.
Learn more about Beckham Luxury Linens Gel Pillow
2. DreamNorth Premium Gel Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS:
Feels luxurious
Promotes restful sleep
Breathable cotton
Hypoallergenic
Soft filling for comfort
2.
DreamNorth Premium Gel Pillow – Budget Pick
Spoil yourself with a pillow infused with gel foam from DreamNorth. After everything that’s happened this year, you deserve it. Resting your head on one of these luxurious gel foam pillows will support some of the best periods of sleep you will ever have. Delivering pressure relief as well as support for the head and neck. With a breathable cotton cover, and a soft cooling gel filling, you will be surrounded by incredible comfort. Made from 100% cotton, this pillow will remain soft over the years, as well as breathable. This wonderful pillow also benefits from being machine washable. This will keep it looking fresh and clean, as well as ready for use at all times. Pillow maintenance has never been easier. You can rest easy knowing that comfort and relaxation await you, no matter what sleeping position you find yourself in.
The poly-gel-filled fiber ensures maximum comfort and ease while also being hypoallergenic. If you struggle with asthma, respiratory difficulties, or seasonal allergies, you might want to give this luxurious pillow a try. It’s sure to deliver a comfortable sleep. The material is entirely allergen and chemical-free, aiding in the protection of your health and wellbeing. DreamNorth’s Premium collection is one of the best, if not the ideal, set of gel pillows on the market for comfort, support, and health and features sizes standard including standard queen and all other variants you might require.
Learn more about DreamNorth Premium Gel Pillow
3. Sleep Restoration Gel Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS:
Doesn’t shift
Stain and fade resistant
Super comfortable
Great support
Nice and plush
3.
Sleep Restoration Gel Pillow – Best Value
If you have an erratic sleep schedule – you may be going to bed on time some days, other times either too early or too late, or even have some nights where you just can’t sleep – you might want to look into Sleep Restoration’s range of gel pillows. While they won’t fix your sleep schedule, these pillows will help you get the best quality sleep possible when you do sleep. These pillows come with a 100% cotton cover, as well as polyester filling. They are crafted with a super plush gel fiber, and expertly tailored for maximum comfort.
Resting your head on one of these pillows will feel like you’re resting your head on a cloud. Regardless of your sleeping position, whether you sleep on just one side, or are one of the many side sleepers out there, a gel pillow from Sleep Restoration will deliver maximum comfort to ensure all sleepers are catered for. Aside from comfort, you might also like to know that these pillows are some of the cleanest on the market. They are resistant to mold and mildew, as well as being allergen and chemical-free. This makes them absolutely perfect for sleepers who struggle with respiratory issues (such as asthma) and allergies. These pillows, which are resistant to stains and fading, are also machine washable, so you can ensure they look and feel like new.
Learn more about Sleep Restoration Gel Pillow
4. Classic Brands Reversible Cool Gel Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS:
Hypoallergenic
Soft and comfy
Regulates temperature
Not too plushy
Reversible
Now, we have a brand to explore for sleepers who struggle with night-time temperature regulation, as well as finding that ‘sweet spot’ sleeping position. Whether you sleep on your front, back, or side, this pillow offers a 5-inch loft, giving a nice boost to your sleep. Regulating body heat can be a real issue which is why cooling gel is such a popular choice. If you are searching for a pillow that keeps you cool then this might just be the option for you.
It’s also not too plushy, with a medium-plush feel, so it’s one of the firmer pillows on this list. It’s great for hot sleepers and anyone who likes a medium firm to firm gel foam pillow. You might want to consider this one if you are looking for something which is more supportive than comfortable. Standard pillows store heat, and it can feel like you’re in a sauna instead of a bed, but a cool gel memory foam pillow from Classic Brands would be a solid investment. Classic Brands have made this pillow reversible, with a cooling gel layer on one side (ideal for warm nights) and a memory foam layer on the other (ideal for cooler nights). This helps bring about a nice balance in temperature and offers you more control over your sleep. While the cooling gel regulates temperatures and disperses heat to keep you comfortable on a warm night, the memory foam cradles your head and offers you some of the most supportive sleep you will ever have. The mesh knit cover is removable and machine washable, while also being hypoallergenic. So if keeping you cool is something that features top of your list plus you prefer a removable cover, then this could well be the perfect option for you.
Learn more about Classic Brands Reversible Cool Gel Pillow
5. Weekender Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow
HIGHLIGHTS:
Soft and supportive
Washable cover
Ventilated design
Comfy
Not too plushy
Weekender’s ventilated gel pillow is also for the consideration of sleepers who struggle with temperature regulation while they sleep. It’s one of the best on the market, with soft and supportive CertiPUR-US memory foam to provide superior pressure relief while you sleep comfortably while also delivering that cooling action. The pillow is infused with temperature-regulating gel to provide comfortable sleeping conditions in addition to being ventilated, which maximized air circulation. Not only will this keep you cool at night, but it will help keep the pillow fresh and clean.
Speaking of keeping your pillow clean, the cover is machine washable, so you can keep your pillow looking new for years to come. It has a 5-inch loft and is a bit larger than the other pillows on this list, making it ideal for any and all sleeping positions. This gel pillow is also one of the firmer pillows to make this list, so if you need some added support or simply don’t like down or down alternative pillows, this pillow is definitely one to check out.
Learn more about Weekender Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow
6. Coop Home Goods Pillow with Cooling Gel
HIGHLIGHTS:
Supportive
Comfortable
Promotes restful sleep
Made from high-quality materials
Regulates temperature
When purchasing a pillow, or sleeping on your current one, you want to be able to sleep right, regardless of the temperature or the position you’re sleeping in. This next cooling pillow, the Eden by Coop Home Goods, features soft gel-infused memory foam and microfiber fill, ideal for a cooler sleep experience, as well as edge-to-edge support through its gusseted design. You are in total control of your sleep with this fully adjustable cool gel pillow. If it becomes too uncomfortable, you can access the memory foam fill and add or take away as much as you need to suit your sleeping style.
Just an added bonus, the Eden gel pillow is certified vegan and cruelty-free, meaning no animals were harmed in the making. There are no harmful chemicals, and it’s well-suited to people who struggle with respiratory problems as well as allergies. Only the highest quality materials were used in crafting the Eden, all chosen for their breathability and softness, among other factors. The memory foam fill is always made fresh, never from repurposed materials, from proprietary Lulltra fabric, which is made from bamboo-derived substances. You will get an extra ½lb bag of fill, so you can add some extra loft if needed.
Learn more about Coop Home Goods Pillow with Cooling Gel
Features to Consider With Gel Pillows
In addition, we have included a handy buying guide so you can make a better-informed decision, as well as some frequently asked questions. Gel infused memory foam pillows alongside memory foam pillows are not without their downsides, so we have also explored some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a gel pillow them.
Sleep Position
Different people have different preferences for how they sleep, but they generally fall into three main positions: front, back, and side. Depending on your sleeping position, your pillow might not offer you the support you need. For example, you might benefit from thinner pillows if you sleep on your back, which prevents your head from being thrown too far forward and gives you more room to breathe while you sleep. For people who sleep on their front, a thin pillow or even no pillow can be beneficial. However, if you sleep on your side, it is recommended to have thick, firm pillows to bridge the distance between your shoulder and ear while you sleep.
Type of Cover
The best way to keep your pillow cleaner for longer is to have a pillow cover, or a pillowcase. Having them for aesthetic purposes is excellent and all, but keeping your pillow protected from the elements is also essential. There are many varieties, including cotton and nylon. Cotton is soft and luxurious depending on the thread count but can leave marks on your face when you wake up. If you see a dermatologist, they might recommend silk covers for your pillows because they can help prevent breakouts as well as wrinkles. Silk and cotton are both natural, organic fibers, and can be purchased cheaply.
Distribution of Fill
The innards of a pillow, also known as the 'fill,' determines how long the pillow will last. A pillow's fill should fill the entire case, but leave enough room so that it can adapt to you and your sleeping style. This is why memory foam and down pillows are so popular. For example, goose-down pillows are expensive, but they are considered long-lived for pillows because they fill the pillow so much. However, gel pillows are made from synthetic fibers that are machine washable. While this makes a gel pillow much easier to clean, it can also degrade the synthetic fibers' nature, causing the whole pillow to weaken over time. The distribution of the fill can also determine your level of comfort. If you continuously need to fluff it, it might not be the pillow for you. Memory foam and gel pillows tend to retain their shape due to their structure and synthetic design.
Form (Shape)
Pillows can be shaped for many purposes. For example, a travel pillow is U-shaped to fit on passengers' shoulders who are sleeping while in a seated position. Medical professionals can recommend different shaped pillows for a variety of health reasons. Gel pillows can be recommended to asthmatics to seasonal allergy sufferers, especially during allergy season, because they are hypoallergenic. If you have back pain, you might want to consider a wedge-shaped pillow to alleviate the tension in your upper and lower back while you sleep. You can actually get specially-shaped 'lumbar pillows' for this exact purpose. Ultimately, you want your pillow to support you while you sleep.
Size
The standard size of a pillow is about 20 inches by 26 inches, but this can vary according to the manufacturer. Typically, you will find three standard market sizes: king, standard queen, and sizes standard. Keep in mind the size of your bed when purchasing pillows to prevent any overhang as well as to optimize your personal comfort. So, if you own a queen-sized bed, you would be more comfortable with a queen-sized pillow over a standard-sized pillow, and the same is true for single beds and king-sized beds.
Firmness Level
Pillows range between soft, medium soft, firm, and very firm. Your choice of firmness level can have a massive impact on your quality of sleep, more than you might think. Soft pillows tend to be the fluffiest pillows you can think of, made from soft down or polyester, possibly even cotton, and are great for sleeping on the back or stomach. Medium soft and firm pillows are better for side sleepers, although stomach sleepers might find a tremendous amount of comfort in them. Firm pillows are usually made from polyester or foam – this can include memory foam and gel pillows – and are meant for people who sleep on their side. They can be incredibly dense, and feel much heavier than soft pillows.
Warranty
Always check for a warranty, no matter what you are buying. In the case of gel pillows, since many of them claim to be healthier and as they can be much more delicate than standard pillows, it is crucial that you keep a hold of your warranty. Most manufacturers will offer 1-2 years, depending on the pillow.
Pros and Cons of Gel Filled Pillows
Pros
Gel pillows are similar to down, in that they can feel super soft and comfy when you're using them. However, the gel filaments reinforce the pillow's structure to offer more support as and when you need it.
Unlike down pillows, gel pillows are much easier to maintain. Down pillows often need fluffing or cushioning in order to maintain their structure and keep them fresh. With gel pillows, they retain their shape but may need the occasional pat if they feel uncomfortable. You can wash them in your washing machine to keep them clean, and many types of gel pillow are resistant to fading and staining. Additionally, they are hypoallergenic, making them a healthier choice for people who may struggle with allergies or asthma.
Cons
While many brands will claim that you can sleep in any position with their gel pillow, the truth is that they aren't suited to everyone. They do offer more support and are generally firmer than down pillows or traditional memory foam, but they can also be extremely delicate when in use. Some people like the plush feeling of down pillows, which can be longer wearing than a gel pillow. You may also experience some difficulty getting the bolster or support you need, especially if you sleep on your side more than your front or back.
