Gina Johnson
Sleeping with a pillow on your face is a common practice for many people, with some preferring it cold. The reasons for this preference vary, from blocking out light and noise to regulating body temperature and providing a sense of security. Some people also use pillows to cover their faces while sleeping to prevent their faces from getting cold, especially in freezing temperatures. To cater to this preference, various cooling pillows are available in the market, such as those with gel layers, phase-change materials, or moisture-wicking technology, designed to provide a comfortable and cool sleeping experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blocks out noise | Drowns out snoring, humming, and other sounds |
| Blocks out light | Simulates darkness |
| Comfort | Provides a sense of security and coziness |
| Temperature regulation | Helps cool down the face and body |
| Health benefits | Prevents dry eyes, relieves neck pain, and regulates body temperature |
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What You'll Learn
Pillow-flipping to find the cold side
The desire to sleep on a cold pillow is a common one, and it's not just about comfort—it's science. The human head radiates more heat than any other part of the body, which is why the side of the pillow you're sleeping on always ends up feeling warm, while the other side remains cool. This is the reason why people often flip their pillows in search of the elusive cold side.
Enter the world of cooling pillows, designed to keep you comfortably cool throughout the night. These pillows use various technologies to regulate temperature and transfer heat away from your body. Some pillows use moisture-wicking technology, while others incorporate breathable fabric or fill, or even cool-to-the-touch components like gel or phase-change materials.
For example, the Casper Hybrid Snow pillow features a "Snow" version with a phase-change material cover and "HeatDelete bands" of gel on the outer foam layers, providing a noticeably cool feeling. The Avocado Green pillow is another popular option, offering a breathable and cool sleeping experience. Additionally, the iGel Side Sleeper Pillow uses phase-change crystals to respond to your temperature and store heat, releasing it when needed to maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Slumber Cloud pillow, priced at $69, is an excellent choice. It features innovative cooling technologies and two softness options, ensuring a cool-to-the-touch feel and stable body temperature.
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Cooling pillows for hot sleepers
Sleeping with a cold pillow on your face may sound unusual, but it's not an uncommon preference. Some people like the feeling of a cold pillow on their face, while others find that it helps block out noise or light. If you're someone who sleeps hot, a cooling pillow can be a great solution to ensure you get a good night's rest.
Cooling pillows are designed to help hot sleepers stay cool throughout the night. They can be especially useful if you live in a hot and humid climate or tend to wake up with sweat-soaked hair or night sweats. There are two main ways a pillow can deliver on its promise of keeping you cool: breathability and cool-to-the-touch fabric.
Breathable pillows allow your body heat to escape through the cover and/or fill, preventing heat accumulation. This type of pillow typically features breathable fabric and fill or cool-to-the-touch components. Some pillows use phase-change materials, which absorb and release heat to maintain a stable body temperature.
On the other hand, cool-to-the-touch pillows feel physically cold or cooler than average pillows. These pillows often incorporate cooling technologies or fabrics, such as Q-Max>0.5 cooling fabric, which can quickly absorb body heat to keep you cool. Some pillows even have a combination of both breathability and cool-to-the-touch features, providing the best of both worlds.
There are several cooling pillows on the market that can cater to different preferences and needs. Here are some options to consider:
- Casper's Hybrid Snow pillow: This pillow has a "foam sandwich" design, with two layers of polyurethane foam and synthetic fiber fill in between. It features a phase-change material cover for a cool-to-the-touch feel, and HeatDelete bands of gel on the outer foam layers to draw heat away from the body.
- Avocado Green pillow: While details are scarce, this pillow was named the best cooling pillow overall by nymag.com.
- Slumber Cloud pillow: This pillow is made with Outlast technology, which stores and releases heat to keep your body temperature stable. It's also more affordable than most cooling pillows, priced at $69.
- Purple pillow: This latex pillow features the brand's popular "Purple Grid" polymer technology for neck and shoulder support. Testers found it to be highly breathable, preventing overheating even on the coldest nights.
- Emma Sleep Premium Cooling Pillow: This pillow features a thermoregulating, adjustable three-layer design that fits any type of sleeper. It has a moisture-resistant, machine-washable cover and is made with durable, high-performing foams that retain their shape.
- QUTOOL Cooling Pillow: This pillow is designed for hot sleepers who struggle with night sweats and hot flashes. It has a double-sided cover, with a cooling side made of cool ice silky fabric that can adjust the temperature by 4 to 9℉ instantly, and a soft side made of a breathable blend of polyester and rayon derived from bamboo.
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Blocking out noise and light
If you're looking to block out noise and light, a pillow over your head can do the trick. Some people find that a pillow over their head helps to muffle noise, creating a quiet environment that's conducive to sleep. One person described the effect as "everything [being reduced to] a low, dull thud sound", which is perfect for lulling them to sleep.
To block out light, a pillow can be placed over the eyes, with one person saying that "any speck of light must be eliminated". A pillow can be especially useful if you're trying to sleep during the day, as it can simulate the darkness of night.
If you're looking to block out noise and light, you might also consider the following:
- Using a pillow with cooling technology, such as Casper's Hybrid Snow pillow, which has a cool-to-the-touch feel and can help regulate your body temperature throughout the night.
- Trying a Gel'o Cool pillow mat, which can be popped in the fridge and then placed in your pillow to keep you cool.
- Investing in a Slumber Cloud pillow, which is designed to keep you cool and is more affordable than other cooling pillows.
- Using a bath mat, wrapped in a black silk pillowcase, to block out light.
- Creating a "blanket fort" over your head, by suspending a blanket with string or a bungee cord to contain your body heat in a small area.
- Using a neck gaiter, beanie, or wool scarf to retain heat and block out light.
- Investing in a good-quality sleeping bag, such as a military sleep system, which can help keep you warm and block out light.
- Trying an iGel pillow, which uses Graphene technology to provide faster heat transfer away from your body, leaving you with a fresher feel.
- Putting your pillowcases in the freezer to cool them down before bed.
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Preventing a dry mouth and eyes
Sleeping with a cold pillow on your face can help prevent a dry mouth and eyes. This phenomenon is not uncommon, and there are many pillows on the market that cater to this preference. Cooling pillows are designed to either be breathable, allowing body heat to escape, or to feel physically cold, maintaining a cooler temperature throughout the night.
However, experiencing a dry mouth and eyes can be indicative of underlying health issues. Dry eyes and mouth can be caused by an array of factors, including dehydration, sleep environment, allergies, medications, and lifestyle choices. It is important to note that in some cases, these symptoms may be indicative of a more serious condition, such as Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that affects the glands that produce saliva and tears, leading to chronic dryness. Other conditions that may cause these symptoms include diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
If you are experiencing persistent or severe dry mouth and eyes, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatments or lifestyle recommendations to manage your symptoms.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Use a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air, especially if you live in a dry climate.
- Avoid dehydrating substances such as alcohol and caffeine, especially before bed.
- Practice good eye hygiene by blinking frequently and using artificial tears or eye drops if needed.
- Maintain proper dental hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, to prevent dry mouth and related issues such as tooth decay.
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Regulating body temperature
Thermoregulation is the process that allows your body to maintain its core temperature and prevent thermal stress. It is vital for a good night's sleep. When your circadian rhythm prepares your body for sleep, your body temperature begins to cool down. Your hypothalamus, the part of your brain that regulates body temperature, controls this process.
To help your body regulate its temperature, you can try adjusting the timing of your evening activities. For example, exercising in the morning is ideal as it helps you cool down before bed. However, exercising a few hours before bed can also be beneficial as it increases your core body temperature, allowing for a natural sleep-inducing decrease closer to bedtime. Taking a warm bath an hour before sleep can also aid in promoting drowsiness due to the post-bath cooling effect.
The temperature of your bedroom can also impact your sleep quality. A room that is too hot or cold can disrupt your body's ability to regulate its core temperature. To maintain a comfortable temperature, choose bedding made from breathable materials such as cotton, linen, or wool. These natural fibres can help wick away moisture and prevent you from waking up damp and shivering.
Additionally, certain health conditions, such as menopause, can impact your body's ability to regulate its temperature and disturb your sleep. Sleep deprivation itself can also lead to hormonal imbalances that raise your body temperature and affect your sleep.
If you are struggling to sleep due to temperature regulation issues, you may want to consider investing in a cooling pillow. These pillows are designed to help draw heat away from the body and maintain a cool temperature throughout the night. Some pillows have cooling technologies such as "HeatDelete Bands" or "Purple Grid" polymer technology, while others are simply made from breathable materials. Cooling pillows can be particularly beneficial for those who tend to wake up drenched in sweat.
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Frequently asked questions
Some people prefer a cold pillow on their face as it helps regulate their body temperature, blocking out noise, and creating darkness.
Some popular cooling pillows are the Avocado Green Pillow, Casper Hybrid Snow Pillow, Slumber Cloud Core Down Alternative Pillow, and the iGel Side Sleeper Pillow.
Some other ways to keep the face cool while sleeping are using a neck gaiter, a beanie and a wool scarf, or a small throw pillow with a blanket hanging over it to create a "blanket fort".
