Image: MomJunction Design Team
Getting a good night’s sleep helps you feel recharged and ready to take on the day’s task. It also offers numerous benefits for the mind and the body. Thus, investing in the best gel pillows can go a long way in ensuring you get a relaxing and comfortable sleep every night, as the gel in the pillows provides a cooling and soothing effect. These pillows are great for all types of sleepers and stay in shape longer.
So, to help you make an informed purchase decision, here is a list of the top gel pillows. But before we dive into the list, let’s explore the benefits of these expert-recommended pillows and the different types available on the market.
Top Picks
Benefits Of Gel Pillows
A gel pillow provides an excellent cooling and soft surface to let you enjoy a good night’s sleep. This is because the cooling gel in the pillow helps regulate heat and prevents heat build-up. And thanks to its ergonomic design, it also supports the neck and spine, thereby alleviating or preventing back pain and neck pain. Moreover, most tried-and-tested gel pillows have customizable fillings, are hypoallergenic, and do not flatten.
Types Of Gel Pillows
Gel pillows come in various shapes and models. They can be classified based on how the gel is included in the pillow, such as gel pads, gel infusions, and laminated gel layers. They can also be classified based on the core filling of the pillow, such as solid memory foam pillows, shredded memory foam pillows, or microfiber pillows.
Who Should Use A Gel Pillow?
While a gel-infused pillow is suitable for all, it is specially designed for people living in warmer climates as it helps regulate the temperature of your pillow, thereby allowing you to sleep comfortably. It is also great for people who have neck and back aches as its ergonomic design offers good support to the neck and the spine.
15 Best Gel Pillows In 2024
1. Best For All Seasons: Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
Get your beauty sleep irrespective of the weather or season by investing in this set of gel pillows by Beckham Hotel Collection. The pillows have a plush down alternative filling that’s extra fluffy and helps provide support in all sleeping positions. Further, these gel-infused pillows ensure you have a sweat-free and comfortable sleep. And what’s more, you need not fluff these pillows as they retain their shape, and the extra loft design makes them ideal gel pillows for neck and back pain relief. Here’s an honest review video of the tried-and-tested pillow.
Pros
- Silky 250-thread-count sateen cover
- Double-edge sewing design
- Plush down alternative fill material
- Quality cooling gel fiber
- Oeko-tex-certified
- Machine-washable cover
Cons
- Head may sink in
- May be slightly fluffy
"This pillow stands out for maintaining shape and delivering a comfortable sleep experience. It is refreshingly cool and soft and is sturdy enough for side sleeping. I've ordered a couple more for everyone in the household."
2. Best Lightweight: Weekender Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Image: W E K E N D E R If you are looking for a versatile pillow that keeps you cool and offers all-season comfort, try this gel-infused pillow by Weekender. Its memory foam is infused with a temperature-regulating gel, and the removable cover offers excellent comfort while sleeping. Further, the ventilated design offers good breathability and air circulation, thereby reducing perspiration while sleeping and keeping you dry and comfortable. Explore the tester’s experience in this review video and learn more about this solid memory foam pillow.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- Offers good pressure relief and support
- Washing machine-safe cover
- Ideal for all body types
- Comes with a three-year warranty
Cons
- May be slightly dense
- May be a bit stiff for some
"I’ve been using this pillow for a while now and love the support and firmness it offers for side sleeping–it does a fair job with its firm-yet-pliable memory foam. It also manages to stay sufficiently cool, thus ensuring a restful slumber each night."
Point to consider
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 5,949 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
3. Best Hypoallergenic: DreamNorth Premium Gel Pillow
Here’s a poly gel-filled pillow by DreamNorth that offers good support and keeps you comfortable and cool in your slumber. The supportive fiber pillow set comes in a pack of two and is designed for side and back sleepers. Further, the pillow case is made of 100% cotton, and all the materials used in this gel pillow are allergen- and chemical-free, making it perfect for people with sensitive skin, allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. To learn more about this comfy and luxurious pillow, click this video review link.
Pros
- Dust- and mite-resistant
- Breathable material
- Ideal balance between soft and firm
- Machine-washable cover
Cons
- Fill may be slippery for some
- May be a bit thinner than expected
"I'm quite pleased with the quality of these pillows. They offer adequate support and are comfortable for side sleeping. While they are thicker than expected, I like their ability to retain shape and avoid overheating."
4. Best Adjustable: Snuggle-Pedic Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Image: Snugglepedic Your pillow plays a vital role in helping you get a good night’s sleep. So, if you tend to sweat a lot during sleep or wake up with neck pain, have a look at this gel cool memory foam pillow. It is a nice, cozy, dust-mite-resistant, hypoallergenic gel pillow with fillings made of proprietary shredded memory foam mix that prevent any sort of allergen buildups. Further, it has a zippered removable outer cover that allows you to add or remove the gel-infused filling and adjust the thickness of the pillow based on your comfort. Furthermore, its Kool-Flow and micro-vented cover offers good breathability. Also, this gel pillow with a machine-washable cover is super easy to clean and maintain. Learn more about the product in this video from a reviewer.
Pros
- Comes with a free fill bag
- Viscose and bamboo fabric
- Great for all types of sleepers
- Machine-washable cover
- Certi-PUR-US and UL-certified
Cons
- May be a bit hard for some
- Seams may not be well-stitched
"This pillow was a gift from my wife, and I'm mostly satisfied with it. I’m a side sleeper, so this pillow’s firmness suits me. The cooling feature doesn’t last long, but overall, it is a promising product that offers convenience with customization."
Do remember5. Best Neck Support: Meoflaw Luxury Gel Pillow
Meoflaw brings you this set of two tried-and-tested pillows with premium filling that retains its shape and offers good support to your neck and head. The poly gel-coated pillow lets the heat properly regulate and offers maximum comfort while sleeping, making it a perfect sleeping companion for those who tend to sweat a lot at night. Further, the supportive pillow rebounds in seconds, making it ideal for all types of sleepers, be it side, stomach, or back sleepers.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to care for
- Plush and breathable microfiber fabric
- Integrated piping for elegance and durability
- Machine-washable cover
Cons
- May stain easily
- May be a bit flat for some
"This pillow holds up well despite extensive use, maintaining both shape and fluffiness. It is firm enough to support my neck and back and still soft enough to let me enjoy a comfortable sleep. It has proven to be a reliable choice among a multitude of options."
6. Best Ventilated: Inight Cooling Gel Pillow
If you are looking for a breathable pillow that leaves you feeling comfortable even in the hotter months, have a look at this one by Inight. The pillow is filled with breathable CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam that offers good ventilation, while the cooling gel offers good heat circulation. The pillow cover is made of breathable and smooth nylon knit material on one side and a soft and hypoallergenic blend of polyester and rayon on the other. Further, this pillow is neither too soft nor too firm and offers the right support.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and premium Oeko-Tex cover
- Quality gel coating
- Holed memory foam
- Suitable for all sleeping positions
- Machine-washable
Cons
- May not be as thick as expected
- May be a bit wide
"This is my first ever cooling pillow, and it has been a wise investment for getting restful sleep. It offers a decent balance between support and softness while ensuring comfort with its ability to maintain even temperature."
7. Best Fluffy: Coolzon Gel Pillow
Coolzon pillow features a 100% polyester cover and 100% polyester down alternative and gel filling, thus offering excellent breathability and air circulation and making your sleep time sweat-free and more comfortable. Since the filling is fluffy and firm, it does not lead to neck pain and stiffness, be it for stomach, back, or side sleepers. The polyester pillow cover is hypoallergenic, breathable, and machine-washable.
Pros
- Odorless
- Features reinforced stitching
- Ergonomically designed
- Firm stitching for durability
- Breathable, soft, and fluffy material
- Easy to care
Cons
- May be a bit small
- May be slightly thinner than expected
"These gel pillows manage to find that sweet spot between plushiness and support. Initially, they felt a little too soft, with my head sinking down a touch more than desired, but they adjusted to my liking with regular use. Also, they are machine washable and easy to maintain."
8. Best Eco-Friendly: Supa Modern Cooling Bed Pillow
Improve your sleep quality by laying your hands on this premium queen-sized pillow by Supa Modern. Featuring a soft bamboo cover and filling made of gel-infused shredded foam, this pillow is breathable, ultrasoft, and eco-friendly. The gel-infused memory foam is adjustable, thus allowing you to find the right height to support your head, neck, and shoulders and relieve pain. Further, the tried-and-tested supportive pillow aligns well to your body curve, thereby providing good support.
Pros
- Features quality zipper
- Adjustable loft level
- Encourages sound sleep
- Machine-washable and easy-to-maintain cover
- Hypoallergenic and dust-mite-resistant
Cons
- May be a bit heavy
- May be firmer and thicker than expected
"I’ve tried various pillows, but this one stood out with its adjustability. I can customize the filling to suit my comfort level, and the cooling feature is a bonus. It’s comfy and supportive, providing a good night’s sleep without neck pain."
9. Best Dual-Sided: Columbia Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow
This gel pillow by Columbia is specially designed to keep you cool and dry and let you sleep like a log for hours. The dual-sided solid memory foam pillow is designed with Omni-Freeze technology on one side to keep you cool and Omni-Wick technology on the other to keep you dry. The cooling gel memory foam is innovatively designed to conform to any sleep position, and the removable cover is machine-washable and easy to care for. So, switch to the side that meets your requirements depending on the temperature and sleep away.
Pros
- Features zipper closure
- Quick bouncing design
- Medium-firm pillow for good support
- Includes a five-year warranty
Cons
- May turn flat over time
- May not offer much support
"It was a good find for me, as I wanted a softer, thinner option. It offers the right balance of support and plushness and has helped ease my neck and back pain with consistent use."
10. Best Soothing: Comfort Revolution Blue Bubble Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Here is a pillow by Comfort Revolution that marries comfort and luxury. It can quickly become your favorite pillow as it’s filled with premium memory foam and features a cooling bubble gel layer that provides a soothing sensation while one sleeps. It also conforms to your shape and provides the necessary support, thereby preventing neck and back aches and stiffness and allowing the muscles to relax as one sleeps.
Pros
- Super soft and fluffy
- Height-adjustable loft
- Removable and machine-washable cover
- Centi-PUR-US-certified filling
Cons
- May be a bit firm
- Cooling may not be adequate
"I think I've found the right pillow. It offers impressive support while sleeping and adjusts to various sleeping positions. Moreover, it seems to alleviate my neck pain to some extent."
Quick tip11. Best Soft: Nestl Coolest Gel Infused Memory Foam Pillow
Are you tired of turning and tossing all night long because of an uncomfortable pillow? Here is a super cool gel infused shredded memory foam pillow that might be just right for you. This breathable gel pillow with cooling technology helps draw heat away from the body, enabling one to sleep comfortably. With this foam adjustable gel pillow, you will get adequate support to the head and neck, thus making it suitable for all types of sleepers. Further, its cover sports a silky ice fabric on one side and soft bamboo rayon on the other for ultimate comfort.
Pros
- Super soft and fluffy
- Height-adjustable
- Removable and machine-washable cover
- Centi-PUR-US-certified filling
Cons
- May not be queen-sized
- May be slightly thin
"It lives up to its promise of offering a cooler sleep experience by being breathable and regulating heat. The adjustable and shredded memory foam contours well and maintains shape, and I like that the cover is removable and washable."
12. Best Breathable: BedStory Memory Foam Pillow
BedStory’s breathable gel pillow with cool memory foam fillings has a dual-layered, soft pillow cover that offers good ventilation. The high-density and gel-infused memory foam incorporating the Aircell Technology allows the air to circulate throughout the entire pillow, keeping one cool and preventing sweating. Further, one can remove the outer zippered cover for easy care. According to the reviewers, it makes one of the best gel pillows as it has been carefully designed to offer comfort, convenience, and support.
Pros
- Breathable material
- Non-removable inner cover
- Quick rebound
- Helps relieve neck and shoulder pain
- Medium firm
Cons
- May be softer than expected
- May have a slight smell
"I have noticed an improvement in my neck discomfort and sleep since using this pillow. It does have a chemical smell that took a while to air out. However, its adjustability and support to suit various sleeping positions are commendable!"
13. Best Medium Firm: WavveUziz Cooling Gel Pillow
The gel cool memory foam pillow by WavveUziz features high-density foam on one side and a gel pad layer on the other, thus making it one of the best pillows for all seasons. It does not flatten and rebounds in seconds to offer good support to your neck and head. This pillow is suitable for side, back, and stomach sleepers, and its medium firm memory foam promotes muscle relaxation. Further, the pillow includes a removable mesh cover that is easy to machine wash.
Pros
- Made of 100% polyester material
- Hypoallergenic, breathable, and moisture-wicking cover
- Helps relieve shoulder and neck pain
- Quality YKK zipper
Cons
- May have a bit chemical odor
- May be a bit firm
"As a hot sleeper, I like the cooling aspect of this pillow. There is a break-in period to unlock its plush side, so be prepared for that, but on the positive side, it offers firm support for side sleeping."
14. Best With Bamboo Fabric: Skyny Cool Gel Pillow
This gel pillow allows you to sleep super comfortably, thanks to its inner and outer zippers that enable you to add or remove the foam filling as per your requirement. The pillow cushions the head and neck at an angle that helps you assume a comfortable sleep posture. Filled with shredded foam infused with cooling gel particles, it enables proper air circulation, and the cooling gels help dissipate heat, leading to a comfortable and relaxed sleep. So if you are looking for comfort and do not want to wake up feeling stuffy or sweaty, have a look at this pillow.
Pros
- Thermo-regulating bamboo fabric
- Hypoallergenic cover
- Adjustable filling
- Firm pillow
- Moisture-wicking and odor-resistant
Cons
- Cooling may not adequate
- May be a bit heavy
"This pillow has been great for me since I can personalize the loftiness. Surprisingly, it still maintains its shape and support, even after extended use. Overall, it has been a satisfactory purchase."
15. Best For Hot Sleepers: Seonsuro Memory Foam Gel Pillow
The makers of this pillow have used not only an active foam but also a honeycomb decompression hole design to ensure the pillow retains its shape and does not flatten. Cold gel particles extracted from deep-sea plants have been infused into the memory foam, making it an ideal gel pillow for hot sleepers to sleep comfortably at night. Since it is neither too flat nor too thin, it strikes the right balance between support and comfort. Further, it is crafted for back, stomach, and side sleepers.
Pros
- Ventilated design
- Ultra-soft cover crafted with carbon-like fiber technology
- Hypoallergenic
- Machine washable
- CertiPUR-US-certified
Cons
- May be a bit fluffy for some
- May be smaller than expected
How To Choose The Right Gel Pillows?
Investing in a quality-tested gel-infused pillow can help you have a calm and comfortable sleep. Here are some points to consider when choosing a gel pillow.
- Adjustable: A pillow with adjustable loft levels helps you add or remove the filling based on your requirements and offers adequate support to your neck, shoulders, and head.
- Sleeping position: Find a cooling gel pillow based on your sleeping position. For instance, side sleepers should use a medium-firm and thicker pillow, while stomach sleepers should choose a slightly flatter pillow. “The pillow should fill the entire space between your neck and the head when sleeping on your back or side,” states Dr. Dave Candy, an orthopedic physical therapist and owner of More 4 Life.
- Material: Choose a pillow made of breathable fabric and memory foam. Test the pillow’s material before use and ensure it promotes good airflow and does not trap heat inside.
- Hypoallergenic: Ensure the gel pillow you choose is made of hypoallergenic and dust-mite-resistant material to keep yourself free of allergies. You can also consider getting a pillow recommended by a sleep consultant for optimal restfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I replace my gel pillow?
You should replace your gel pillows when they start wearing out and forming lumps. As a rule of thumb, replacing your pillows after every year or one-and-a-half years is ideal.
2. Is an additional pillowcase necessary?
Unlike standard pillows, gel pillows usually have integrated pillowcases that are breathable and can be removed for easy washing. So, you need not add additional pillowcases over the already existing pillowcase.
3. How should I clean a gel pillow?
Start by filling up your sink or bathtub with lukewarm water and adding a mild, aromatic detergent. Place the gel pillow for a while to soak up the water, and then squeeze the pillow to remove the dirt. Lastly, dry it in an airy and sunny area. Use it only after it is completely dry.
4. How long do gel pillows last?
With good and careful maintenance, a gel pillow can last for a couple of years. Each type of gel pillow may have different longevity, but delicate handling and proper washing can make it last longer.
5. Are gel pillows adjustable?
Most gel pillows have an adjustable loft level and feature zippers that allow you to add or remove the filling based on your comfort.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is an experienced writer and reviewer who covers home products that make your lives more comfortable. Whether it is sleep-related products or any lifestyle product, he does his thorough research by referring to authentic and informative sources. In this article, he has put together a list of the best gel pillows designed for every kind of sleeper. These pillows are available in different fabrics, sizes, and designs, and Wedetso has given a detailed description of each product to help you make an informed buying decision.
Getting a good night’s sleep depends on multiple factors, one of which is using the best cool gel pillow. Whether you want to keep your head, neck, and shoulders cool during summer or support your neck and spine, these pillows come with many features that help you sleep faster and get good rest. Select a sleep expert-recommended one that is durable, easy to maintain, adjustable, hypoallergenic, and breathable and makes your nights more soothing and comfortable.
Infographic: What Are The Different Types Of Gel Pillows?
Having a good pillow is essential for a comfortable sleep and sleeping posture. Therefore, gel pillows can be a good option for comfortable and relaxing sleep. Look through the following infographic to learn about the different types of gel pillows available to pick the best choice.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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