Coolflex Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow review: worth a look if you like a firm, supportive pillow

RRP at time of testing: £69 | Check price at MattressNextDay

Our verdict

Christine is a self-confessed hot sleeper, and the cooling side of this pillow really did what it promised. She said she “could feel the coolness when I lifted my head off the pillow” and that it “did feel cool around my neck”. Crucially, she didn’t feel it held on to heat. If you’re forever hunting for the cold side of the pillow, that’s good news.

It also scored well on shape and build. Christine had “no problems” with flattening or uneven support. It held its shape “always” overnight, and she didn’t find herself needing to shift it about. She rated the materials and stitching as “good”, and felt it would “probably” keep its shape over time. So, it comes across as properly made, not flimsy.

The removable cover is a nice white, with the Coolflex branding clearly shown

The problem for her was comfort, and it came down to one thing: it’s very firm. Christine usually goes for a medium-feel pillow and, while she rated the overall performance seven out of 10, her comfort score was five out of 10. After a few nights she had “increased discomfort” and said, “I found the pillow too firm and it gave me an ache in my neck.” Her sleep, compared with her usual pillow, was “slightly worse”.

She’d previously tested the Tempur Prima SmartCool pillow and preferred that: “I much prefer the Tempur pillow which is a medium but it is about twice the price.” At £69, the Coolflex is far cheaper, but for her the saving didn’t make up for the firmness.

So no, it’s not a bad pillow. It’s a firm, structured memory foam pillow that will suit some people perfectly. If you want a pillow that feels solid and stays put, it’s got a lot going for it. If you like a bit of give, it may feel too much like sleeping on something that refuses to budge.

How we tested the Coolflex Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow

Christine tested the pillow at home over several nights, using it as her main pillow.

She’s retired but busy helping with her grandchildren, sleeps on her side and moves around a lot, often more than six times a night. She doesn’t have ongoing neck or back conditions, but she does prefer a medium-feel pillow that supports without feeling rigid.

Coolflex Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow: what’s in the packaging? 

The pillow arrived ready to use and was easy to set up. Christine slept on it straight away, though she said it took more than three nights to get used to the feel. There were no issues with smell or irritation. The knitted cover is removable and machine washable, so keeping it clean is straightforward enough.

Instructions suggest you allow your pillow to expand for at least an hour before first use

Does the Coolflex Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow improve sleep quality?

For Christine, no. She rated the overall performance seven out of 10, but said her sleep was slightly worse than with her usual pillows. After a few nights, she developed an ache in her neck, which she doesn’t normally get.

That matters because she doesn’t have chronic neck pain. The discomfort cropped up during testing and she put it down to the firmness.

Compared with the Tempur Prima SmartCool pillow she reviewed previously, she preferred Tempur’s medium feel and contouring support. It costs about twice as much, but she felt the difference in comfort explained the higher price.

At £69, the Coolflex is more affordable. For her, the firmness wasn’t worth the saving. If you already know you like a firm pillow, you may feel differently.

Does the Coolflex Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow regulate temperature?

This is where it did best. Christine agreed it helped with temperature control. She noticed the coolness when she lifted her head and put it back down, and said it felt cool around her neck during the night. She didn’t feel it trapped heat, and described it as well ventilated.

It didn’t transform her sleep overall, but the cooling effect was obvious. If overheating is your main problem, this bit will appeal.

If you're a hot sleeper who seems extra support without breaking the bank, this is a good option

How firm is the Coolflex Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow? 

Firm. Christine normally prefers a medium-feel pillow. She thought the firmness spoke well of the quality, but found it too much over a full night.

It’s not adjustable either. You can’t remove filling or tweak the height, so what you buy is what you sleep on. If you love a firm, supportive pillow that doesn’t sink, that’s reassuring. If you’re on the fence, it’s more of a gamble.

Sleeping position with the Coolflex Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow

As a side sleeper who moves frequently, Christine liked that it kept its shape. It didn’t flatten, go lumpy or need constant plumping.

She said it always held its shape overnight and she never found herself adjusting it. Structurally, it’s strong. Her issue wasn’t support or consistency, it was the feel.

Coolflex Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow: size, shape and how it looks on the bed

It’s a standard size and looks neat and structured on the bed. There was no flattening or uneven support during testing, and Christine felt it would probably last without losing its shape. She rated the build quality as good for both materials and stitching. It looks and feels like a solid product.

The cover is machine washable and easy to remove thanks to a handy zip

How easy is it to clean the Coolflex Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow? 

The removable cover makes day-to-day maintenance manageable. Christine had no problems with dust, smell or skin irritation while using it.

Final verdict on the Coolflex Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow

This is a well-made, supportive pillow with noticeable cooling. At £69, it sits well below premium brands like Tempur, and the main difference Christine felt was in firmness and how little it adapts.

For her, it was simply too firm. The cooling was a genuine plus, but it didn’t outweigh the neck ache.

If you’re a hot sleeper who likes a firmer pillow and wants one that keeps its shape without daily plumping, this could be a good fit. If you’re after a medium feel with more give, you may end up looking at pricier options.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts (aka Beccy) is our resident lifestyle expert with a practical focus on sleep, wellness and everyday comfort. She’s equally at home tackling frank, NSFW‑adjacent topics as she is road‑testing kitchen appliances, mattresses and vacuums that work for real parents. A former editor of LJMU’s Looprevil Press, she cut her teeth in journalism in 2010, earned a post‑grad diploma in Journalism and later led editorial at ExpatWoman in Dubai before joining Mumsnet. As a mum of two, she writes with the time‑poor, sleep‑deprived in mind - honest product reviews, realistic routines and products that make parents’ lives easier.

When she’s not at her desk, she’s probably product‑testing with her two helpers, corralling a PTA or walking her two dogs up and down country lanes.

About Mumsnet Reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.

All prices are correct at time of publication.

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