Best Cooling Pillows in Canada 2026
Quick Answer: Best Cooling Pillow Options
The most effective cooling pillows use either gel-infused memory foam, shredded latex, or buckwheat hull fill. Gel memory foam actively absorbs heat. Latex and buckwheat allow constant airflow. Phase-change material (PCM) covers provide the most noticeable initial cooling sensation. For Canadian hot sleepers, a shredded latex pillow with a cooling cover offers the best combination of support, breathability, and temperature regulation.
3 min read
Why Regular Pillows Trap Heat
Traditional memory foam and polyester-fill pillows trap heat because they have closed-cell structures that do not allow air circulation. Your head generates about 10% of your total body heat, and this heat builds up in the pillow throughout the night. For the 40% of Canadians who report sleeping hot, a heat-trapping pillow can turn a comfortable bedroom into an uncomfortable one.
Temperature and Sleep Quality
Your brain needs to drop 1-2 degrees Fahrenheit to initiate sleep. A hot pillow works against this process by keeping your head warm. Research from the National Sleep Foundation shows that head and neck temperature directly affects how quickly you fall asleep and how much time you spend in deep sleep. A cooling pillow can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep by keeping the head at a lower temperature.
Cooling Pillow Technologies
Gel-Infused Memory Foam
Gel beads or gel layers are infused into memory foam to absorb and distribute heat. Effective for the first few hours but can warm up as the gel reaches equilibrium. Best for people who mainly need help falling asleep.
Shredded Latex
Shredded natural latex allows air to flow between the pieces, creating natural ventilation. It stays cooler throughout the night than gel foam and is adjustable in loft. Our recommendation for consistent cooling.
Buckwheat Hulls
The space between buckwheat hulls creates natural air channels. Extremely breathable and stays cool all night. The trade-off is a rustling sound when you move and a different feel than traditional pillows.
Phase-Change Material (PCM) Covers
PCM fabrics absorb heat when you are warm and release it when you cool down. They provide the most dramatic initial cooling sensation. Often used as covers over foam or latex pillow cores.
The Cooling Cover Hack
You do not necessarily need a new pillow to sleep cooler. A cooling pillowcase made from bamboo-derived rayon, Tencel, or PCM fabric can significantly reduce heat buildup on any pillow. These covers cost $15-40 and can be a good first step before investing in a full cooling pillow.
Cool Sleep Solutions in Brantford
Canadian summers can get surprisingly warm, and Brantford is no exception.
At Mattress Miracle, we help hot sleepers find the right pillow and mattress combination for year-round comfort. Come feel the difference between cooling pillow types in our showroom. Practical advice since 1987.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cooling pillows actually work?
Yes, but some work better than others. Shredded latex and buckwheat provide consistent cooling all night. Gel foam cools initially but can warm up. PCM covers offer the most noticeable sensation but are surface-level only.
What is the coolest pillow material?
Buckwheat hulls are the coolest because air flows freely through them. Shredded latex is a close second. Gel memory foam is cooler than regular memory foam but not as cool as latex or buckwheat.
Are cooling pillows worth the extra cost?
If you regularly flip your pillow to find the cool side, yes. The difference in sleep quality for hot sleepers is significant, and a $60-100 cooling pillow is a small investment compared to a new mattress.
Visit Mattress Miracle
Find us at 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario. Rated 4.9 stars on Google. Family-owned since 1987.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1987. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001