6 Features to Look for in a High-Quality Cooling Body Pillow

When it comes to comfort, rest, and sleep, the type of bedding and especially the pillow you use play a very crucial role. It becomes even more important if you are dealing with some disorder like insomnia, night sweats, or chronic pain. You might not know, but 1 in 3 adults deal with symptoms of insomnia worldwide, whereas around 1 in 10 adults are diagnosed with chronic pain each year. Although there are many medically proven solutions, the basic one you can start with is choosing the right pillow.

However, with endless pillow options available, cooling body pillows are becoming a go-to choice for people with such disorders. According to a report, more than 14% of people in the US feel too hot most of the time while sleeping. For hot sleepers, cool body pillows not only provide comfort but also regulate temperature and keep your body cool throughout the night, reducing excessive sweating. 

So, whether you are a hot sleeper, feeling pregnancy discomfort, or dealing with back pain, a cooling body pillow can help. But here are some of the main features that you need to look for while choosing a perfect body cooling pillow for yourself! 

1. Breathable and Super Ventilated Fill Material

A pillow’s filling, the material inside, impacts both comfort and cooling. Low-quality pillows trap more heat due to the presence of dense materials that stop airflow. Whereas, good cooling body pillows are made of superior materials like: 

• Shredded Memory Foam: Offers contouring support with an enhanced level of air circulation as compared to solid foam.
• Gel-infused Memory Foam: Cooling gel particles are infused into memory foam to repel heat away from one's body.
• Latex Fill: Natural and breathable latex does not allow heat to enter and maintains its shape for a long time.

For hot sleepers, the gel-infused memory foam is the best choice as the gel inside maintains the temperature, keeping your body cooler than the other two. However, if you don't have a gel-infused pillow, a cooling pillow case made of memory foam can also work. 

Image Source: MedCline

2. Advanced Cooling Fabric Technology

The quality of the wrapping fabric over the cooling body pillows is another feature to consider when buying. Cooling fabrics are made to counter heat build-up and enhance airflow. Some of the high-performance materials used most often include:

• Bamboo Viscose: This is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. Bamboo-derived rayon keeps the surface cool and soft.
• CoolMax Fabric: Polyester fabric engineered to wick moisture away and retain an optimal body temperature.
• Outlast Technology: Created initially with NASA developments, this phase-change material absorbs heat when too much is present and releases it when the body cools down.

According to a report, the global market of cooling fabrics reached $1.84 billion in 2024 and is expected to hit $4.16 billion by the end of 2034. 

These fabrics work through thermoregulation, keeping a neutral skin temperature all night. By these fabrics, individuals with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) are affected.

3. Ergonomic Support and Body Contouring

Apart from cooling, the pillow must support the musculoskeletal system. Look for ergonomic features that maintain spinal neutral alignment.

• The body pillow should relieve pressure from key areas like the cervical spine (neck), lumbar region (lower back), hips, and knees.
• Side sleepers benefit greatly from pillows that promote proper pelvic alignment, so the sacroiliac joint is not pressed.

Body pillows are often recommended by health professionals for the relief of sciatica symptoms, pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy, and fibromyalgia. Good cooling body pillows can work both thermally and orthopedically.

Speaking about body pillows, Zeke Medina, Certified Sleep Expert, said: 

"You can throw your leg over it to take the stress off your shoulder, hip, and knees,". "You can also place the pillow between your legs to alleviate the pressure between the knees."

4. Adjustable Fill for Custom Firmness

Every human body reacts differently, so your pillow should be too. Customizability is a highly underrated but crucial feature:

• Pillows often include zippered inner liners, so you can fill them with filling or put more in for comfort.
• Adjustability lets the user modify firmness and loft to increase cervical lordosis.

That is also highly beneficial for pregnant women who might require different support levels throughout the trimesters. A body pillow for women experiencing pregnancy must be chosen carefully to ensure optimal support for the back, belly, and hips.

5. Hypoallergenic and Antimicrobial Properties

A pillow that cools but causes allergies or skin irritation cannot be genuinely high-class. So, go for materials that are: 

• Hypoallergenic: Against common allergens such as dust mites, mold, or pet dander.
• Antimicrobial-treated: Stops the formation of bacteria and fungi, along with odors and hazards to health.

According to a report, 25.7% US adults experience seasonal allergy, with one of the main reasons being poor quality of bedding environment. 

Image Source: MedCline

Why does it matter?

• Skin health is linked closely with sleep hygiene. Those with eczema, acne, or rosacea benefit more from clean sleep surfaces.
• Reduces respiratory complications linked to allergic rhinitis or asthma.

Look for pillow certifications like OEKO-TEX or CertiPUR-US. These ensure that the pillow materials do not contain hazardous chemicals or allergens.

6. Shape and Size that Complement Your Sleeping Position

All kinds of shapes and lengths are available for cooling body pillows. It's your choice which one you choose, depending on your sleeping posture.

• J-shaped or U-shaped: Suitable for providing full support during pregnancy, including the back and belly.
• Straight full-length: Ideal for hugging and supporting the knees to ease pressure on the hips.
• C-shaped: Offers all-around support to both back and side sleepers.

The perfect pillow adapts to your sleep biomechanics, assisting in keeping a neutral posture and minimizing tossing and turning. Sleep specialists recommend longer pillows, generally 54 inches or more, so the entire body can rest on them.

Conclusion 

Cooling body pillows are undoubtedly a luxury for those who prioritize comfort, health, and consistent rest. However, choosing the right is all that matters. Remember, a good body pillow that doesn't only looks good but significantly improves sleep quality, alleviates chronic discomfort, and regulates your body temperature throughout the night. 

Looking for a high-quality body pillow? Choose MedCline, your one-stop solution for all your healthy bedding needs. Our cooling body pillows are designed with cool-to-the-touch fabric and adjustable shredded memory foam that cradles your neck, knees, and hips, especially for side sleepers. Shop now and sleep smarter with MedCline.