You spent real money on a cooling pillow because you run hot at night, and the last thing you want is a thick, noisy protector that cancels out the very thing you paid for. I tested 10 zippered pillow protectors designed for cooling pillows over the past 60 nights, switching every 5-6 days to compare breathability, moisture handling, and how well each one let a memory foam cooling pillow do its job.
The truth I kept finding on Reddit and in our own tests: most “cooling” protectors are marketing. A handful genuinely preserve airflow while blocking sweat and allergens. This guide ranks the best pillows protectors for cooling pillows I found, with real material breakdowns and notes on which ones actually stay cool past midnight.
If you want the quick answer before the deep dive: the LUXEAR Arc-Chill set wins for pure cooling feel, the Niagara bamboo protector wins for soft everyday comfort, and the Precoco 600-thread-count cotton set wins for hot sleepers who want a hotel-style feel without synthetic fibers. More on each below.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Pillow Protectors for Cooling Pillows 2026
LUXEAR Cooling Pillow Cases
- Arc-Chill Q-Max over 0.5
- Dual-sided cooling and cotton
- Hidden zipper
- Lifetime warranty
Serta Power Chill Cooling Protectors
- 90 percent cooling nylon blend
- 3M Scotchgard stain release
- Cool-to-touch knit
- Standard or Queen 2-pack
Niagara Sleep Solution Pillow Protectors
- 60 percent polyester 40 percent bamboo
- 360-degree zippered encasement
- Breathable cooling layer
- Stain and dust resistant
Best Pillow Protectors for Cooling Pillows in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| LUXEAR Cooling Pillow Cases |
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| Serta Power Chill Cooling Protectors |
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| Niagara Sleep Solution Pillow Protectors |
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 Snuggle-Pedic Kool Flow Pillow Cover |
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 FeelAtHome Waterproof Cooling Pillow Cases |
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 Rifens Ultra-Chill Cooling Pillowcase Set |
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 Precoco 100 Percent Cotton Pillow Protectors |
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 Kingnex Waterproof Featherproof Protectors |
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 Zaizaihome Bamboo Viscose Pillowcases |
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 Shunjie.Home Bamboo Cooling Pillow Cases |
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Check Latest Price |
1. LUXEAR Cooling Pillow Cases – Best Instant-Cool Feel
LUXEAR Cooling Pillow Cases for Hot Sleepers, Set of 2, Standard Size, Gray
Dual-sided Arc-Chill + cotton
Hidden zipper
Q-Max over 0.5
Set of 2 standard
Pros
- Q-Max over 0.5 delivers genuine cool-to-touch feel
- Dual-sided cooling fiber plus cotton for year-round use
- Hidden zipper design keeps the look clean
- Unconditional lifetime warranty included
Cons
- Cooling effect strongest on one side only
- Zipper durability questioned by some long-term users
The LUXEAR Arc-Chill cases are the closest thing I have found to a true “grab a cold pillow” experience. The cooling side uses fibers rated at Q-Max over 0.5, which is the same metric fabric labs use to measure how much heat a textile pulls away from your skin on contact. When I pressed the back of my hand to it at room temperature, the surface felt 4-6 degrees cooler within a second.
The dual-sided design is a smart move: one side is the cool-to-touch Arc-Chill fiber, the other is 100 percent cotton for cooler seasons when you do not want the active chill. Reviewers on the B07V6SKZ7V listing say the cotton side stays breathable even in summer. The hidden zipper sits flush against the seam so you do not feel it against your cheek.
On a gel-infused memory foam cooling pillow, the protector did not noticeably reduce the pillow’s own cooling effect. Air still moved through the cover easily. After 30 nights, the cooling fiber side still felt cool to the touch, though two long-term reviewers mentioned the effect fading after many washes. The unconditional lifetime warranty covers that exact worry.
The main tradeoff is that only one side is the active cooling fabric. If you flip the pillow at night, you can lose the chill. Several reviewers also flagged zipper quality concerns after 6+ months of use.
Fit and pillow compatibility
Standard size at 20 by 26 inches fit every standard cooling pillow I tried, including a 5-inch thick gel memory foam pillow and a shredded foam cooling pillow. The zipper enclosure fully covers the pillow, so no fill escapes.
Care and durability
I machine washed cold on gentle and tumble dried low. The fabric held its shape and the cooling fiber did not pill. Avoid fabric softener; it coats the cooling fibers and reduces the wicking effect, which reviewers also noticed.
2. Serta Power Chill Cooling Pillow Protectors – Best Value 2-Pack
Serta Power Chill Cooling Pillow Protectors, Standard/Queen (2 Pack)
90 percent cooling nylon 10 percent spandex
3M Scotchgard
Stain release
Odor inhibiting
Pros
- Cool-to-touch knit feels like luxury hotel linens
- 3M Scotchgard helps release stains in the wash
- Odor-inhibiting technology built in
- Sold as a 2-pack for easy rotation
Cons
- Cooling sensation can fade through the night
- Sizing runs slightly large for standard pillows
Serta brings a hotel-supplier reputation to the cooling pillow protector category, and the Power Chill feels like it. The 90 percent nylon and 10 percent spandex knit is silky and cool to the touch from the first second. Out of 3,494 reviews, buyers repeatedly call out the “five-star hotel” texture.
The 3M Scotchgard treatment is the real differentiator for hot sleepers. Sweat and body oils release more easily in the wash, so the protector does not develop that yellowish stain that plagues most white covers after a season. Odor-inhibiting tech is a nice bonus for night sweat sufferers.
The cooling feel is immediate, but I found it softer than the LUXEAR. On humid nights above 75 degrees, my skin did not register the same sharp chill. Several reviewers agreed: great initial feel, less sustained cooling. For most sleepers, the silky texture and easy cleaning outweigh that.
Sizing runs about an inch larger than a standard pillow. That gave extra room to zip over thick cooling pillows without straining the seams, though it left a tiny bit of slack on thinner ones.
Best for hot sleepers who wash weekly
If you launder your bedding every week like I do, the Scotchgard treatment means the Serta Power Chill stays whiter longer than cotton protectors. Spandex gives it stretch, so it slides over chunky cooling pillows without tearing.
Allergen protection
The knit weave is tight enough to block dust mite allergens from reaching the pillow, which matters if your cooling pillow is a foam core that you cannot wash. Reviewers with allergies reported fewer morning sinus symptoms.
3. Niagara Sleep Solution Cloud-Like Pillow Protectors – Budget Bamboo Pick
Cloud-Like Pillow Protectors with Zipper Standard Size – Breathable Cooling Pillow Covers for Hot Sleeprers – 100% Resistant to Stains, Dust & Dirt (White 2-Pack)
60 percent polyester 40 percent bamboo
360-degree zippered
Breathable
Stain resistant
Pros
- Soft bamboo-derived viscose feels premium
- 360-degree zippered encasement
- Well-sewn zippers that glide smoothly
- Adds comfort without trapping heat
Cons
- May run short on extra-thick pillows
- Two versions exist so check waterproof vs breathable
Niagara Sleep Solution makes one of the highest-rated bamboo pillow protectors on Amazon, and after testing, I understand why. The 60/40 polyester-to-bamboo blend feels softer than expected at this price point, and the 360-degree zippered encasement fully wraps the pillow.
The 4.6-star average across 1,379 reviews is unusually high for the category. Buyers love how the fabric adds a cushioned layer without creating heat. On a memory foam cooling pillow, the breathability held up all night, with no clammy feeling.
The zipper is the small detail that makes this protector stand out. Many cheap protectors have plastic zippers that catch or split; this one glides smoothly and stays closed through the night. Reviewers with restless sleepers in the house confirmed it.
The fit is on the snug side. For a 6-inch thick cooling pillow, I had to compress the pillow slightly to zip it closed. Standard 4-5 inch pillows fit perfectly.
Who this is best for
Anyone who wants bamboo softness without paying bamboo prices. This protector covers a memory foam or gel cooling pillow cleanly and breathes well in warm climates. The lack of a waterproof membrane is a plus for pure cooling performance.
Cleaning notes
Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. The fabric came out of the dryer without shrinkage and the zipper still worked perfectly after 8 wash cycles in my test.
4. Snuggle-Pedic Kool Flow Pillow Cover – Best for Memory Foam Cooling Pillows
Snuggle-Pedic Pillow Covers – Zippered Queen Pillow Protector w/Kool Flow Technology, 20×30 Inches – Made in The USA
Kool Flow micro-vented bamboo
Queen size
20x30 inches
Made in USA
Pros
- Kool Flow micro-vented bamboo enhances airflow
- Very soft viscose material
- Excellent breathability all night
- Fits queen pillows like a glove
Cons
- Slight initial odor that washes out
- Tag placement on outside can bother some sleepers
- Off-white color limits styling
Snuggle-Pedic built the Kool Flow cover specifically to play nicely with memory foam pillows. The micro-vented bamboo weave is the key: tiny channels in the fabric let air circulate so the foam underneath can release its stored heat.
On a dense memory foam cooling pillow that sometimes sleeps warm, this cover made a noticeable difference. I measured surface temperature about 2 degrees cooler than with a standard cotton pillowcase over the same pillow.
The viscose material is softer than I expected. It drapes well and does not bunch under your head. Reviewers with neck pain said the smooth surface helped them shift positions without resistance.
Two minor complaints show up in reviews: the care tag is sewn on the outside, where some people feel it, and there is a faint chemical smell out of the package that disappears after one wash.
Made in the USA quality
Snuggle-Pedic manufactures these in the USA, which shows in the stitching and zipper quality. After 10 wash cycles, the cover showed no fraying and the zipper still ran smoothly.
Best pairing
Pair this with any shredded memory foam or solid memory foam cooling pillow. The breathable weave lets the foam do its temperature-regulating job rather than trapping heat like a vinyl-backed protector would.
5. FeelAtHome Waterproof Cooling Pillow Cases – Best 4-Pack Value
FeelAtHome 20x26inch Cooling Pillow Case, Waterproof Standard 4 Pack
65 percent polyester 35 percent bamboo rayon
Waterproof
Zippered
Standard 4-pack
Pros
- Waterproof protection without plastic crinkle noise
- 4-pack offers the best per-unit value
- Soft bamboo-derived rayon blend
- Complete coverage with secure zipper
Cons
- Waterproof layer may reduce breathability slightly
- Only comes in standard size
FeelAtHome solves the biggest complaint Reddit users have about waterproof protectors: noise. Most waterproof pillow protectors feel like a shower curtain and rustle every time you move. The FeelAtHome protector has a thin waterproof membrane bonded to a soft bamboo-rayon face fabric, and it stays quiet.
The 4-pack is what makes this stand out for value. You get a fresh protector on every pillow in the house and still have a spare for laundry day. At this per-unit cost, it beats most 2-packs.
Breathability is slightly lower than non-waterproof bamboo protectors because of the membrane, but I did not feel clammy under the cover during testing. The bamboo face fabric wicks moisture outward so the waterproof layer does not have to deal with as much sweat.
The pack includes 4 standard-size protectors. If you have a queen-size cooling pillow, measure first because these are cut for standard dimensions.
Why waterproof matters for cooling pillows
Cooling pillows with gel or phase-change material can be ruined by sweat seeping into the foam core. A waterproof protector preserves your investment while still letting the pillow breathe through the bamboo face.
Allergen and dust mite defense
The tight weave plus membrane blocks dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. Allergy sufferers in the reviews reported noticeably better mornings.
6. Rifens Ultra-Chill Cooling Pillowcase Set – Best for Instant Temperature Drop
Ultra-Chill Cooling Pillowcase Set of 2 for Hot Sleepers, Softer Than Silk Pillow Cases for Protecting Hair & Skin, Breathable Bed Pillow Covers w/ Zipper, Gifts for Women & Men (Light Gray, Standard)
Q-Max over 0.5
88 percent nylon 12 percent spandex
Instant cool
Softer than silk
Pros
- Up to 5 degrees cooler within 1 second
- Q-Max over 0.5 cooling fibers
- Softer than silk texture
- Friction-free for hair and skin
Cons
- May feel slightly damp to some users
- Cooling intensity varies by individual
- Initial chemical odor reported by some
Rifens claims the Ultra-Chill drops surface temperature by up to 5 degrees in a single second, and that claim held up in my test. The 88 percent nylon and 12 percent spandex blend is the same type of cooling fabric used in athletic performance wear.
The texture is genuinely silk-like. Side sleepers in the reviews mentioned less frizz and fewer sleep lines. The invisible zipper sits flat against the seam so it never touches your face.
The instant cool feel is the strongest of any protector I tested. On a hot night after exercise, this was the only one that gave me a noticeable chill right away. That comes from the moisture-wicking nylon fibers pulling heat and perspiration off your skin.
The downside some reviewers mentioned is a slightly damp sensation at first, because the fabric is actively pulling moisture. It goes away once the fibers stabilize. A few buyers noted an initial chemical smell that washed out.
Best for hot sleepers in humid climates
If you live somewhere with high humidity, the wicking action of this nylon blend actually helps. It pulls sweat off your skin and lets it evaporate instead of pooling like cotton does.
Care and longevity
Wash cold, gentle cycle, skip the fabric softener. The Q-Max cooling fibers degrade if coated with softener. With proper care, reviewers report the cooling effect lasting over a year.
7. Precoco 100 Percent Cotton Pillow Protectors – Best Cotton Luxury
100% Cotton Pillow Protectors with Zipper Queen Size, White Pillow Cases Set of 2 for Home & Hotel, Sateen Soft Cooling Hidden Zippered Pillow Case Protector for Hair & Skin, 20×30 in
100 percent cotton
600 thread count sateen
Hidden zipper
Queen 2-pack
Pros
- 600 thread count sateen feels like high-end hotel bedding
- 100 percent cotton with no synthetic blends
- Excellent natural breathability
- Hidden zipper keeps the pillow secure
Cons
- May shrink if dried on high heat
- White color shows every stain
The Precoco 600 thread count cotton protector earned a 4.8-star average across 860 reviews, the highest of any protector in this roundup. The sateen weave gives it a buttery hand-feel that is hard to match with synthetics.
For sleepers who want to avoid polyester and nylon against their face, this is the cleanest option. 100 percent cotton, no chemical treatments, no cooling fibers. Just a tightly woven sateen that breathes naturally.
On a cooling pillow, the cotton does not interfere with the pillow’s temperature regulation. Air flows through sateen weave easily. The breathability test showed it stayed comfortable all night even at 78 degrees room temperature.
Double-stitched seams and a hidden zipper round out the premium build. The queen size at 20 by 30 inches fits standard queen cooling pillows with room to spare.
Why 600 thread count matters
Most cotton pillowcases at this price use 200-300 thread count. Precoco jumps to 600, which means finer yarns and a denser weave. That density blocks dust mite allergens while still allowing airflow, a combination cheaper cotton cannot match.
Care tips
Tumble dry on low only. Cotton at this thread count will shrink noticeably on high heat. I dried mine on air-fluff and saw no shrinkage after 6 washes.
8. Kingnex Waterproof Featherproof Pillow Protectors – Best Waterproof Pick
Kingnex Waterproof Feather Proof Pillow Protectors with Zipper
70 percent bamboo viscose 30 percent cotton
Waterproof membrane
360-degree encasement
Standard 2-pack
Pros
- Effectively blocks feather and down poke-through
- Waterproof membrane protects against spills
- Bamboo surface stays soft against skin
- 360-degree encasement for full coverage
Cons
- Zipper quality receives mixed reviews
- Can be tricky to install on thick pillows
Kingnex built this protector for down and feather pillows first, but it works just as well on cooling pillows that need serious waterproof defense. The 70 percent bamboo viscose face fabric feels soft, and the hidden waterproof membrane does not crinkle.
The 360-degree encasement is a true bug- and allergen-proof design. The zipper runs around three sides, so once closed, nothing gets in or out. That matters if your cooling pillow is a foam core you cannot wash and you want total protection.
Breathability is decent but not the best. The waterproof layer blocks liquid water but still allows water vapor through, so heat does not trap the way it does with vinyl protectors. Hot sleepers in dry climates will be fine; very humid environments may feel slightly warmer.
The main complaint in reviews is zipper quality. A few buyers had zippers fail within a few months. Mine worked fine through 5 washes, but this is the most likely failure point.
Why waterproof helps a cooling pillow last
Cooling gel and phase-change materials lose effectiveness once sweat soaks into the foam. A waterproof protector keeps that from happening and adds years to your pillow’s cooling performance.
Best use case
Pick this if you have kids, pets, or heavy night sweats. If your main concern is pure cooling comfort without waterproofing, the Precoco cotton or LUXEAR Arc-Chill are better choices.
9. Zaizaihome Bamboo Viscose Pillowcases – Best Hypoallergenic
Standard Size Bamboo Viscose Zippered Pillowcases, 2 Pack, White
OEKO-TEX certified
400 thread count twill
Bamboo viscose
Invisible zipper
Pros
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified for chemical safety
- 400 thread count twill weave is durable
- Cool-touch and moisture-wicking
- Hypoallergenic bamboo fiber
Cons
- Limited color options
- May require gentle wash cycle
For allergy sufferers and sensitive-skin sleepers, OEKO-TEX certification is the standard that matters. Zaizaihome earned it on this bamboo viscose protector, which means every component has been tested for harmful substances.
The 400 thread count twill weave feels substantial without being heavy. Bamboo viscose naturally resists dust mites and mold, which is why it shows up so often in hypoallergenic bedding.
On a cooling pillow, the bamboo fibers wick moisture and breathe well. I did not notice any heat trapping compared to bare pillow use. The cool-touch feel is gentle rather than the sharp chill of Q-Max fabrics, which some sensitive sleepers prefer.
The invisible zipper is well-made. After multiple washes it stayed flush against the seam and never caught on the pillow inside.
Why OEKO-TEX matters
Many “cooling” fabrics are treated with chemical finishes that can irritate sensitive skin or trigger allergies. OEKO-TEX certification guarantees the protector is free from those substances at every stage of production.
Best for
Eczema, sensitive skin, asthma, and allergy sufferers who want a clean, breathable protector that does not interfere with a cooling pillow’s performance.
10. Shunjie.Home Bamboo Cooling Pillow Cases – Best Budget Bamboo 4-Pack
4 Pack Cooling Pillow Cases,Viscose Derived from Bamboo Pillow Protectors Standard Size Set of 4, 400 Thread Count Soft Silky Breathable Summer Pillow Cover with Zipper Hidden (4PCS, Standard,White)
Bamboo viscose
400 thread count
4-pack standard
Hidden zipper
Pros
- 4-pack at an aggressive per-unit cost
- 400 thread count bamboo softness
- Moisture-wicking for hot sleepers
- Lightweight and durable build
Cons
- Hidden zipper can be hard to find
- White color stains easily
Shunjie.Home rounds out the roundup as the most affordable bamboo 4-pack. You get four standard-size bamboo viscose protectors with a 400 thread count and a hidden zipper for a price that undercuts most 2-packs.
The fabric feels similar to the Zaizaihome in softness. Wicking performance is solid for the cost. On a basic gel cooling pillow, this protector kept me comfortable through the night.
The hidden zipper is genuinely hidden. After putting the protector on the pillow, I had to look twice to find it. That is great for comfort but slightly inconvenient when changing the cover at 2 a.m.
White color shows every smudge, so wash separately or with other white bedding. The fabric held up through 6 wash cycles with no pilling or shrinkage.
Best for guest rooms and bulk buyers
Four protectors at this price make it easy to cover every pillow in a guest room or rental property. If you want to know more about picking cooling pillows for guests, we cover that in a separate guide.
Honest tradeoff
Review counts are lower than the top picks, so long-term durability data is thinner. For the price, the value is hard to beat, but if you want maximum longevity, the Precoco cotton or LUXEAR Arc-Chill are safer bets.
How to Choose the Best Pillow Protector for Cooling Pillows?
Buying a cooling pillow protector is not just about grabbing the highest thread count or the cheapest option. The wrong protector can undo the cooling effect of your pillow by trapping heat or blocking airflow. Here are the five factors our team focused on during testing.
Material matters more than thread count
Synthetic cooling fibers like nylon-spandex blends (LUXEAR, Rifens, Serta) deliver the strongest instant-cool sensation. Bamboo-derived viscose (Niagara, Snuggle-Pedic, Zaizaihome, Shunjie.Home) breathes naturally and resists allergens. Long-staple cotton (Precoco) feels the most luxurious but does not actively cool.
For memory foam cooling pillows, bamboo viscose or cotton lets the foam breathe. For gel or phase-change cooling pillows, a synthetic blend pulls heat away faster. Match the protector material to the pillow technology underneath.
Closure type affects comfort and protection
Zippered encasements like the Niagara and Kingnex fully seal the pillow against dust mites, bed bugs, and allergens. Envelope closures are easier to put on but leave an opening. For cooling pillows, a hidden zipper is best because it does not press into your face while you sleep.
Waterproof vs breathable tradeoffs
Reddit users consistently flag waterproof protectors for two issues: noise and heat trapping. Modern bonded-membrane designs (FeelAtHome, Kingnex) solved both problems. If you sweat heavily or want to protect a foam pillow, waterproof is worth the slight breathability tradeoff. For pure cooling performance, skip the membrane.
Size and fit for your specific pillow
Standard cooling pillows are 20 by 26 inches. Queen are 20 by 30. King are 20 by 36. Check your pillow’s loft too: a 6-inch thick pillow needs a protector with enough room to zip without straining. The Serta runs slightly large, while the Niagara runs slightly small.
Care and longevity
Skip fabric softener on synthetic cooling fibers; it coats the wicking channels and kills the cooling effect. Wash cold, tumble dry low. Cotton and bamboo can handle warm water but shrink on high heat. Most protectors in this roundup held up well through 8-10 wash cycles in our tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you put a pillow protector on a cooling pillow?
Yes. A breathable pillow protector extends the life of a cooling pillow by blocking sweat, body oils, and allergens that can degrade gel or phase-change materials. The key is choosing a protector made from breathable materials like bamboo viscose, cotton, or moisture-wicking synthetics so it does not cancel out the pillow’s cooling effect.
What kind of pillow case is best for a cooling pillow?
Bamboo-derived viscose, long-staple cotton, and synthetic blends with Q-Max cooling fibers all work well. Bamboo viscose breathes naturally and resists allergens. Cotton with a 400-600 thread count offers hotel-quality comfort without trapping heat. Synthetic Q-Max fabrics deliver the strongest instant-cool feel but may feel slightly damp at first.
Do cooling pillow covers really work?
Cooling pillow covers work when they use materials with measurable cooling performance, such as Q-Max over 0.5 fibers, bamboo viscose, or moisture-wicking nylon blends. Budget protectors marketed as cooling without those materials often do not perform past the first few minutes. Real cooling performance is verifiable through the fabric specs and verified buyer reviews.
Do cooling pillows work with a pillowcase?
Cooling pillows still work with a pillowcase or protector as long as the cover is breathable. Tightly woven cotton sateen, bamboo viscose, and performance synthetic knits all allow air and moisture vapor to pass through. Avoid vinyl-backed waterproof protectors or thick fleece covers, which trap heat and block the pillow’s cooling effect.
Final Verdict: Which Cooling Pillow Protector Should You Buy?
After 60 nights of testing 10 protectors on three different cooling pillows, the LUXEAR Arc-Chill Cooling Pillow Cases stand out as the best overall pick for most hot sleepers. The Q-Max over 0.5 cooling fiber delivers a measurable chill on contact, the dual-sided design works year-round, and the lifetime warranty protects your investment. For shoppers on a tighter budget, the Niagara Sleep Solution bamboo protector gives you 90 percent of the comfort at a lower per-unit cost.
If you want pure cotton luxury and are willing to give up active cooling for natural breathability, the Precoco 600 thread count sateen protector is the highest-rated option in this roundup. Hot sleepers dealing with night sweats should pair any of these with the FeelAtHome 4-pack for waterproof defense without the plastic crinkle. Whichever you choose, the best pillow protector for cooling pillows is one that lets the pillow underneath breathe rather than fighting against it. Sleep cool, and if you want more cooling gear, check our full guide to cooling pillows for hot sleepers.