Verdict
This is part of our pillow series. The main guide, Best Pillows, ranks every category; this post goes deep on one slice.
The PureLux Simply Cool is the pillow to buy if you want a real memory foam pillow without spending $100. Solid one-piece construction, medium loft, and a gel infusion that actually reduces heat. The trade-offs are no adjustability and a shorter lifespan than premium foam. Back sleepers and average-build side sleepers are the sweet spot.
We don't run a sleep lab. These picks are built from manufacturer specs, aggregated owner reviews, and independent testers (Sleep Foundation, Mattress Nerd, Mattress Clarity, Pillow Specialist). Prices are approximate as of August 2026.
Specs
| Spec | PureLux Simply Cool |
|---|---|
| Fill | Solid gel-infused memory foam |
| Loft | Medium (fixed) |
| Feel | Medium, slow-response foam |
| Cover | Cooling-touch, removable, washable |
| Sizes | Queen (standard), King |
| Price (approx.) | ~$45–$50 |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US foam |
How it performs
Support
Because it's one molded piece, support is consistent and it never needs fluffing. The medium loft suits back sleepers well and works for side sleepers of average build. Broad-shouldered side sleepers may find it a touch low; stomach sleepers will find it too high.
Cooling
This is why it beats other cheap foam pillows. Gel infusion plus a cool-touch cover keep it from building the heat that plain memory foam does. It's not latex-cool, but it's markedly better than the $30 foam blocks it competes with.
Feel
Classic slow-sink memory foam. Your head settles in and the foam holds it. People who like that contoured, cradled sensation love it; people who want bounce or moldability should look at shredded or latex options.
Durability
Expect 1.5–3 years before the foam softens noticeably — normal for foam at this density. That's still far longer than polyester pillows at the same price.
Drawbacks
- Fixed loft — no adjustment possible.
- Initial off-gassing smell for a day or two.
- Solid foam can feel firm to people used to soft pillows.
Who should buy it — and who shouldn't
- Buy it if: you want memory foam contouring on a tight budget, you sleep on your back or side, and you run warm.
- Skip it if: you need to adjust height (get Coop or Bedsure), you're a stomach sleeper (get a low-loft pillow), or you want bounce (get latex).
PureLux Simply Cool Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Solid gel foam, medium loft, cooling cover. The best foam pillow under $50.
Coop Original Adjustable
Adjustable loft, 100-night trial, 5-year warranty for ~$72.
See all our sub-$50 picks in Best Pillows Under $50. For more sleep-position guidance, read Best Pillow for All Sleeping Positions.