Do Cooling Pillowcases Really Work? Myths Explained
By Adjustable Pillows & Quality Sleep Products | Coop Sleep Goods | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Product Reviews
Cooling pillowcases can feel cooler to the touch, but they don't lower your body temperature. We separate the myths from the facts so you can choose wisely.
Quick Answer
Cooling pillowcases can feel cooler to the touch and help manage night sweats, but they do not lower your core body temperature. If you sleep hot, a cool-touch pillowcase like the Cool Side™ Pillowcase can improve comfort, especially when paired with breathable bedding. Just don't expect it to replace air conditioning or medical treatment for night sweats.
Myth 1: Cooling Pillowcases Lower Your Body Temperature
Cooling pillowcases are designed to feel cool against your skin, not to change your core temperature. They work by conducting heat away from your skin more efficiently than standard fabrics, which can make you feel cooler. However, your body's internal thermostat is regulated by other factors. If you're looking for a genuine cooling effect, focus on the immediate sensation and breathability rather than expecting a systemic change.
Myth 2: All Cooling Fabrics Are the Same
Not all cooling fabrics perform equally. The Qmax Score measures how cool a fabric feels to the touch, with higher scores indicating a cooler sensation. For example, the Cool+ Pillowcase scored .48 out of .50 in lab tests, which is far cooler than bamboo, silk, or other synthetics. This means the fabric choice matters if you want that instant cool-to-the-touch feel.
Myth 3: You Only Need a Cooling Pillowcase
A cooling pillowcase alone may not solve all your overheating issues. It works best as part of a cooling bedding system. If your sheets and mattress topper trap heat, a pillowcase can only do so much. Consider pairing it with breathable sheets and a cooling pillow for a more comprehensive approach. Also, remember that cooling pillowcases are not a treatment for medical conditions like night sweats; consult a doctor if you have persistent issues.
Myth 4: Cooling Pillowcases Are High-Maintenance
Many cooling pillowcases are machine washable and easy to care for. For instance, the Cool+ Pillowcase Set is made from a nylon/spandex blend that can be washed regularly. Always check the care label, but you don't need to treat them differently from other pillowcases. Just avoid fabric softeners, which can coat the fibers and reduce their cooling properties.
Verdicts on Common Cooling Pillowcase Myths
- Myth: Cooling pillowcases lower your body temperature: They only create a cool-to-the-touch sensation and wick heat away from the skin's surface. Verdict: False. They improve comfort but don't change core temperature.
- Myth: All cooling fabrics are the same: Fabrics differ in Qmax scores; higher scores mean a cooler feel. Cool+ Pillowcase scored .48 out of .50. Verdict: False. Look for high Qmax ratings for the coolest feel.
- Myth: A cooling pillowcase alone is enough: For best results, combine with breathable sheets and a cooling pillow. Persistent night sweats may need medical advice. Verdict: Partially true. It helps, but a full cooling setup works better.
- Myth: Cooling pillowcases are hard to care for: Most are machine washable; avoid fabric softener to maintain cooling properties. Verdict: False. They are as easy to care for as regular pillowcases.
Product Facts
- Cool Side™ Pillowcase: Designed with our exclusive Lulltra cool technology, The Cool Side™ Pillowcase helps regulate body temperature as it maintains a cool-to-the-touch surface all night. Queen: 19 x 29 in. King: 19 x 35 in. This pillowcase offers a cool-to-the-touch surface that can help you feel more comfortable throughout the night, especially if you tend to sleep hot. The two size options ensure a proper fit for your pillow.
- Cool+ Pillowcase: A replacement cool-touch pillowcase for the EdenCool+ Collection. A silky-soft, smooth fabric that cools your skin and keeps you dry. The Eden Cool+ Pillowcase includes a 2" gusset for even fill distribution and support. In lab tests that measure the "feel temperature" of fabrics (known as Qmax Score), Cool+ Pillowcase score .48 out of .50 - far cooler to the touch than bamboo, silk, or other... The high Qmax score indicates an immediate cooling sensation, which can be refreshing for hot sleepers. The gusset design also helps maintain pillow shape and support.
- Cool+ Pillowcase Set: Sink into all-night cool every night with Cool+ pillowcases at the head of your bed. Our silky-smooth CoolPhiber fabric wraps your pillows in a cool that outperforms bamboo, silk and other synthetics all night long. Material: Our exclusive nylon/spandex blend CoolPhiber fabric This set provides a cool-to-the-touch surface that can help regulate temperature. The nylon/spandex blend is durable and designed for all-night cooling.
