Buzz
Credit: Mytour / Alli WaatajaIf nighttime restlessness or overheating disrupts your sleep, a cooling pillowcase can provide the soothing relief you need for a peaceful slumber and ensure you achieve the rest you deserve. These pillowcases come in various materials, but their shared goal is to dissipate body heat, promoting a cooler and more restorative sleep experience.
While many pillowcases claim cooling benefits, their effectiveness varies. To simplify your search, we’ve evaluated numerous options, focusing on material quality, maintenance ease, size availability, and price. For expert advice, we consulted Sarah Latham, founder of Latham Interiors, and sought medical insights from Dr. Raj Dasgupta, Chief Medical Advisor at Sleep Advisor, to understand the health advantages of cooling pillowcases.
Top Pick
Brooklinen Classic Percale Pillowcases
IMAGE: BrooklinenCrafted from breathable, cooling cotton and designed to stay in place.
The crisp texture may lack the plush softness some users prefer.
High-tech materials aren’t necessary for effective cooling, as demonstrated by the Brooklinen Classic Pillowcase. Constructed from 100% long-staple cotton with a 270 thread count, its cooling properties stem from the percale weave, creating a breathable, matte finish. The envelope closure ensures your pillow stays securely in place throughout the night.
Beyond their cooling and comfort benefits, these pillowcases also offer a wide range of stylish options. Shoppers can choose from nearly 10 classic colors and patterns, along with seasonal designs featuring stripes, pastels, and more. However, the matte, hotel-style texture may feel too crisp for those who prefer a softer, more plush feel.
Material: 100% cotton | Sizes Available: Standard & King | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry on low
IMAGE: Mytour / Cara Milhaven
IMAGE: Mytour / Cara Milhaven
IMAGE: Mytour / Cara Milhaven
IMAGE: Mytour / Cara Milhaven
IMAGE: Mytour / Cara Milhaven
IMAGE: Mytour / Cara MilhavenTop Affordable Choice
Luxear Cooling Pillowcases
IMAGE: AmazonThe dual-sided design offers a choice between soft, cozy comfort and anti-static cooling.
The cooling effect diminishes quickly, and the zipper is prone to snagging.
The Luxear Cooling Pillowcase provides an affordable and versatile option for those exploring cooling pillowcases. Its standout feature is the dual-sided design, offering two distinct sleeping experiences. One side features 100% cotton for a soft touch, while the other utilizes Luxear’s “Arc-Chill” technology with a silky finish to dissipate body heat and keep you cool.
Unlike many cooling pillowcases crafted from bamboo, silk, or cotton, this product primarily uses synthetic materials. While this keeps the cost low, it may also reduce the duration of the cooling effect compared to higher-end alternatives. However, the pillowcases are available in three sizes and multiple colors, featuring a zipper to prevent pillows from slipping out. Be cautious, as the small, narrow zipper is prone to snagging or derailing.
Material: 100% cotton; Arc-Chill material (80% mica nylon, 20% polyethylene) | Sizes Available: Standard, Queen & King | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Top Premium Choice
Cozy Earth Bamboo Pillowcases
IMAGE: Cozy EarthThey feature a soft, brushed texture and are available in a variety of colors.
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They wrinkle and cling easily, and lack a closure to prevent pillows from slipping out.
For those seeking a premium cooling pillowcase, the Cozy Earth Bamboo Pillowcases are an excellent investment. Made from bamboo viscose, they offer a lightweight, brushed texture that combines cooling properties with exceptional softness. Available in standard, king, and body pillow sizes, they also come in nearly 15 versatile color options to suit any preference.
However, the soft, lightweight fabric is prone to wrinkling and clinging, which can affect its neat appearance. Additionally, the lack of an envelope, zipper, or other closure means the pillowcases may slip off. Despite these minor issues, they strike a perfect balance between softness, cooling, and style, making them a worthwhile luxury purchase.
Material: 100% bamboo viscose | Sizes Available: Standard, King & Body | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry normal
IMAGE: Mytour / Molly Blanco
IMAGE: Mytour / Molly Blanco
IMAGE: Mytour / Molly Blanco
IMAGE: Mytour / Molly Blanco
IMAGE: Mytour / Molly Blanco
IMAGE: Mytour / Molly Blanco
IMAGE: Mytour / Molly Blanco
IMAGE: Mytour / Molly BlancoTop Silk Choice
Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase
IMAGE: AmazonThey excel at preventing hair breakage and are available in a vast array of colors.
They are pricey and require meticulous cleaning to maintain their quality.
Silk, particularly the 100% 22 momme mulberry silk used in the SLIP Pure Silk Pillowcases, is renowned for its cooling properties, breathability, moisture-wicking ability, and smooth texture. This silk pillowcase offers a luxurious feel while ensuring you stay cool even on hot nights. For those with hair prone to tangling and breakage, the smooth surface of this pillowcase helps minimize friction and protect hair from damage during sleep. Additionally, these pillowcases are available in a variety of shades, from neutral tones to vibrant jewel colors and patterns, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences.
However, silk pillowcases come with a higher price tag and require extra care. While they can be machine washed on a delicate cycle, the manufacturer recommends hand washing and air drying to preserve their quality. Despite the maintenance, these pillowcases are durable and offer long-lasting benefits for those willing to invest the effort.
Material: 100% 22 momme mulberry silk | Sizes Available: Queen & King | Care Instructions: Hand wash or machine wash (delicate, cool), air dry, and iron or steam to remove wrinkles
IMAGE: Mytour / Eric Brockob
IMAGE: Mytour / Eric BrockobTop Bamboo Pick
Bedsure Rayon From Bamboo Pillowcases
IMAGE: AmazonThe bamboo viscose material offers a soft, moisture-wicking pillowcase at an affordable price.
They wrinkle easily and tend to slip off pillow inserts.
Bamboo is a favored material for cooling pillowcases, though it often comes at a higher cost. Bedsure’s offering, however, provides an affordable yet high-quality option. Made from rayon derived from bamboo viscose, these pillowcases are naturally cooling, moisture-absorbent, and breathable. The result is a silky, lightweight pillowcase available in nearly 20 colors and patterns.
Unlike delicate silk pillowcases, this bamboo option is machine washable, though cold water is recommended. The material is prone to wrinkling, which can affect its appearance, and it tends to slip off pillows. However, the envelope-style closure helps keep the pillowcase in place.
Material: 100% bamboo viscose | Sizes Available: Standard, Queen & King | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry normal
Top Linen Choice
Buffy Linen Pillowcases
IMAGE: BuffyThey are crafted from a specialized linen that offers a softer texture.
They are more expensive compared to pillowcases made from other materials.
Linen has long been favored for warm-weather textiles due to its breathability. The Buffy Linen Pillowcases enhance these qualities with premium upgrades. Made from long-staple hemp fiber, these pillowcases are smoother and eco-friendly. Unlike traditional linen, which can feel stiff, this fabric has a lightweight, soft texture that improves with each wash.
While linen excels in cooling and moisture-wicking, it comes at a higher cost. The color options are also limited, with fewer than 10 choices depending on the pillow size. However, they are easy to maintain, as they are machine washable (cold water recommended).
Material: 100% premium hemp linen | Sizes Available: Standard & King | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, line or machine dry
Top Cotton Pick
Pact Organic Cool-Air Percale Pillowcases
IMAGE: PactThey are lightweight and crafted using eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices.
The crisp texture may feel too firm for those who prefer softer fabrics.
Traditional cotton, such as that used in the Pact Organic Cool-Air Pillowcase, naturally provides cooling benefits. The pillowcases feature a unique weave that wicks away moisture and heat, ensuring a cool and comfortable sleep. Additionally, the organic cotton is produced through fair trade and carbon-neutral processes, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
While cotton may not be as cooling as materials like linen or silk, the specialized cooling weave ensures excellent breathability at a reasonable price. Ideal for those who enjoy the crisp feel of hotel linens, these pillowcases might feel too lightweight for those who prefer thicker fabrics. Additionally, they are available in only three solid color options, limiting variety.
Material: 100% organic cotton | Sizes Available: Standard & King | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Quickest Cooling Option
Coop Sleep Goods Coolside Pillowcase
IMAGE: AmazonThe dual-sided design allows you to choose between a cooling effect and a soft, plush feel.
The fabric is prone to pilling and snagging, and its appearance is not particularly stylish.
The Coop Sleep Goods The Cool Side Pillow Cover eliminates the need to choose between comfort and cooling. Its two-sided design lets you flip between a cooling side made from bamboo-derived viscose rayon and polyester for heat dissipation, and a plush side crafted from a synthetic blend for a softer feel.
This pillowcase prioritizes functionality over aesthetics, with a quilted white-and-gray design that may not appeal to everyone. While it can be hidden inside another pillowcase, doing so diminishes its cooling properties. Additionally, the material is prone to pilling and snagging, which can affect its appearance over time.
Material: Bamboo-derived viscose rayon, polyester & polyethylene | Sizes Available: Queen & King | Care Instructions: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle, tumble dry low
Final Verdict
For the perfect combination of style and cooling performance, our top choice is the Brooklinen Classic Pillowcase. Made from natural fibers and available in a variety of stunning colors, it offers a crisp, breathable, and cool sleeping experience, even on the hottest nights. If you’re willing to invest in premium options, the SLIP Pure Silk and Bedsure Rayon From Bamboo pillowcases are also excellent choices.
How to Shop for Cooling Pillowcases Like a Pro
Material
Cooling pillowcases can be crafted from a range of natural and synthetic fabrics, though natural options tend to be more breathable. “Opt for pillowcases made from cotton, bamboo, linen, Tencel, or silk to stay cool and comfortable throughout the night,” advises Dr. Dasgupta. Latham concurs, adding, “Since our faces are in constant contact with the pillowcase, natural materials are ideal for both functionality and aesthetics.”
Among natural fibers, silk and bamboo are often the most effective for cooling. Cotton, especially in heat-wicking weaves like percale, also offers noticeable cooling benefits. While synthetic cooling pillowcases can provide some relief, polyester-based materials lack the heat-wicking efficiency of natural fibers.
Ease of Care
Care requirements for cooling pillowcases vary by material. Cotton is typically machine washable and dryable, while silk often demands gentler handling, such as hand washing, line drying, or steaming. If you prefer low-maintenance options or lack the space for air drying, avoid pillowcases made from high-maintenance fabrics.
Design
Design and functionality are key considerations when choosing a cooling pillowcase. Decide whether you prefer envelope or zipper closures to prevent slipping. Additionally, consider how the pillowcase’s color or pattern complements your room’s aesthetic. These personal preferences can significantly influence your satisfaction with the product.
Mytour / Eric BrockobQuestions You Might Ask
Do cooling pillowcases offer health benefits?
While cooling pillowcases don’t directly improve health, they create a comfortable sleep environment, helping you stay asleep longer. They also offer dermatological advantages. “[Cooling pillowcases] can benefit your skin by preventing sweat buildup and reducing irritation, particularly for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin,” explains Dr. Dasgupta.
What is the coolest fabric for pillowcases?
Silk and bamboo pillowcases are the top choices for heat relief due to their breathability and moisture-wicking properties. Lightweight cotton and linen pillowcases, especially those with breathable weaves like percale, also help dissipate heat. Synthetic materials designed for cooling can be effective, but their performance depends on fiber content, weave, and how they interact with your body temperature.
Are cooling pillowcases suitable for all sleep positions?
Cooling pillowcases work well regardless of your sleep position. “Whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, you’re less likely to overheat,” says Dr. Dasgupta. However, if you frequently change positions, consider a cooling pillowcase with an envelope closure to keep your pillow in place.
Take Our Word for It
This article was authored by Amanda Prahl, a Mytour contributing writer with over five years of experience in lifestyle content creation. To identify the top cooling pillowcases, Amanda researched and assessed numerous options from various brands, focusing on factors such as material, size, care requirements, and cooling effectiveness. For expert insights on textile selection, she consulted Sarah Latham, founder of Latham Interiors, and for medical advice on temperature regulation and the health benefits of cooling pillowcases, she spoke with Dr. Raj Dasgupta, Chief Medical Advisor at Sleep Advisor.
