Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Mattress Topper
A high-quality mattress topper that excels in every category.
Read Full ReviewBest Cooling Mattress Toppers
A mattress topper is a 2- to 4-inch pad that lies flat on the top of a mattress. They come in a variety of materials and can make a big difference in the feel of your bed and the quality of your sleep.
A cooling mattress topper is a great solution for sweaty sleepers or people who get hot at night. They’re also a cost-effective option for those who don’t want to spend big bucks on a brand-new bed.
With thousands of toppers to choose from, many made of foam or latex, finding the topper of your dreams get a little (or a lot) overwhelming. But don’t worry, we combed the web for the best of the best so you don’t have to.
Here’s a detailed guide to the ten best cooling mattress toppers of 2023.
Bottom Line: What’s the Best Cooling Mattress Topper?
A great cooling mattress topper doesn’t hold heat, provides plenty of support, and helps relieve pressure points. With this in mind, our hands-on sleep product testers picked the Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper as the best cooling mattress topper.
Best Cooling Mattress Toppers of 2023
- Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl – Best Budget Mattress Topper
- Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper – Best Graphite Cooling Topper
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt – Best Washable Cooling Topper
- Birch Organic Mattress Topper – Best Latex Cooling Topper
- Avocado Latex Topper – Best Organic Mattress Topper
- Helix Plush Mattress Topper – Best Pillow Top Mattress Topper
- ViscoSoft Cooling Copper Topper – Best Luxury Cooling Mattress Topper
- Layla Mattress Topper – Best Cooling Topper for Back Sleepers
- Puffy Mattress Topper – Most Comfortable Cooling Topper
Watch our Review
Chosen by Experts and Advocates
Online shopping is convenient and often more affordable, but it can be hard to tell the difference between what’s a high-quality product and what’s just clever marketing. That’s why we put these mattress toppers to the test in our sleep lab, looking for how they performed on metrics like motion isolation, responsiveness, and, most importantly, temperature regulation.
Nerd’s Pick: Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl
Between a new mattress and a new mattress topper, the topper is definitely the more affordable option. But even within the topper landscape, there’s a wide range of prices. We consider the Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Topper to be one of the best options on the low end of the price spectrum.
The Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl is available in 2- or 3-inch options. Both toppers offer an impressive amount of pressure point relief and responsiveness. It’s CertiPUS-US-certified and does a great job at keeping sleepers at a comfortable temperature throughout the night.
FYI: This topper comes in sizes ranging from Twin to California King. For some perspective on the price, the California King is the most expensive and clocks in under $140. Not too shabby!
Reason to Buy: With affordability often comes beautiful simplicity, as is the case with the Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl Topper. All told it’s just a block of memory foam with a cooling gel infusion. But, don’t let the basic construction fool you – this topper does a wonderful job of contouring your body’s curves while also keeping you cool throughout the night. All of this at a price of less than $100 for a Queen is a great deal, and a wonderful way to improve your sleep quality on a budget.
Best Graphite Cooling Topper: Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
Saatva makes one of the best memory foam mattress toppers in terms of keeping you comfortable and cool at the same time. Their latex topper is great for hot sleepers who sleep on their back, and the high-density foam topper is a great solution for stomach sleepers looking for comfortable support.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.80 / 5
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Leave it to Saatva to deliver yet another wonderful product that does exactly what it sets out to do. Made with soft foam that’s infused with temperature-regulating graphite, this topper is our top choice if you’re after a cool night’s sleep.
Each topper boasts 3 inches of graphite-infused memory foam and a moisture-wicking organic cotton cover. This can help keep you cool, comfortable, and dry all year round. But, if you do happen to sweat when you sleep, Saatva still has you covered. Their mattress toppers are treated with a botanical antimicrobial solution to inhibit mold, mildew, and bacteria growth.
Reviewers say the topper helps with motion transfer and is easy to spot-clean. It comes in a wide variety of sizes ranging from Twin to California King.
Reason to Buy: The Saatva Graphite Topper has that traditional memory foam feel without any of the heat retention that can often accompany this feeling. In addition to drawing heat away from your body, the Saatva Graphite Topper also does a good job of relieving pressure in some of the sensitive areas of your body, which can help mitigate or prevent soreness.
The Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper comes with a 180-night sleep trial and a 1-year limited warranty.
Best Washable Mattress Topper: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Mattress Topper
The TEMPUR-Adapt mattress topper promotes spinal alignment and reduces shoulder pain.
Read Full ReviewMemory foam tends to be a no-go for hot sleepers, which is why Tempur-Pedic has added cooling technology to their Tempur-Adapt mattress topper for those who want to have the best of both worlds. For an additional 60 dollars, you can get a breathable and washable cover with specialized yarns that provide a cool-to-the-touch feel.
Even though it’s constructed out of memory foam, The Tempur-Adapt Topper is still on the higher end of the firmness scale, providing spinal alignment and pressure relief for back and side sleepers.
Reason to Buy: If you don’t have a mattress protector on your bed, getting a mattress topper with a removable and washable cover is especially important. The TEMPUR-Adapt’s cover is even machine-washable, so freshening up your bed couldn’t be easier.
For more information on this mattress topper, check out our in-depth TEMPUR-Adapt review.
Best Latex Mattress Topper: Birch Mattress Topper
Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper
This non-toxic topper is perfect for back sleepers thanks to its latex layer.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.70 / 5
The Birch Organic mattress topper is a great option for the environmentally conscious, providing a cooling blend of cotton, wool, and latex for optimum breathability, all while being GOTS & GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Combining plush comfort and support, this mattress topper provides an extra layer of pressure relief to any mattress.
With a 100 night sleep trial and 10-year warranty, this foam-free option is great for your sleeping health and the planet.
Reason to Buy: You’ll get plenty of support without compromising on the quality of the materials. If natural and organic materials are important to you, this topper is a great choice.
Best Organic Cooling Mattress Topper: Avocado Latex Topper
Avocado Latex Mattress Topper
An organic mattress topper that's available in two firmness options.
Read Full ReviewEco-conscious shoppers will be happy to learn that there are plenty of sleep products that are manufactured with the environment in mind. Like the Birch, the Avocado Mattress Topper is one such product, and it also boasts impressive temperature-regulating properties.
Looking for specifics? We got you covered. Avocado’s mattress topper features GOTS-organic certified wool and GOLS-organic certified latex. The internally quilted ticking is made with organic cotton, too. Another super sweet feature is its customizability. You can get it in plush or firm and it comes in sizes ranging from Twin to California King.
P.S. Avocado offers a Vegan Mattress Topper that’s made without wool.
Reason to Buy: Made with wool, cotton, and latex rubber, the Avocado’s construction earns the organic label while providing plenty of cool comfort. Plus, this topper can be purchased in two different firmnesses: plush and firm. This means that regardless of your body type and preferred sleeping position you should be able to find exactly what you need.
The Avocado Mattress Topper comes with a 365-night sleep trial.
Best Cooling Pillow Top Mattress Topper: Helix Plush Mattress Topper
Helix Plush Mattress Topper
This plush topper provides a cushy layer that can make firm mattresses feel softer.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.40 / 5
Rather than using foam in its construction, the Helix Plush Mattress Topper uses cluster fiber and naturally cooling materials derived from bamboo. The Helix Plush is also quite thin. It measures about 1 and a half inches and slips over the mattress surface much like a fitted sheet would. This type of topper is called a pillow top.
Helix’s topper is hypoallergenic, breathable, and plush. It boasts baffle box stitching and breathable textiles that reduce heat retention. The topper also features super soft fibers that give it a silky, luxurious feel.
As an added perk, this topper is machine washable. Just be sure to follow the washing instructions to reduce the risk of damage.
Reason to Buy: This topper is perfect if you want to give your mattress a bit of additional softness without completely augmenting its overall firmness. On top of giving you that bit of plushness that you’re after, the Helix can also help cool you off at night. As we mentioned, it’s made with materials that are naturally breathable and promote temperature regulation. Cool and comfortable, what more can you ask for?
Helix offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 1-year limited warranty.
Best Luxury Cooling Mattress Topper: ViscoSoft Cooling Copper Topper Mattress Topper
ViscoSoft Active Cooling Copper Topper
Mattress Nerd Score
4.50 / 5
Many people look to purchase a mattress topper as a somewhat affordable way to improve the quality of their mattress. The ViscoSoft Cooling Copper Topper is certainly cheaper than a brand-new mattress, but as far as toppers go it is on the pricier side. That said, with the higher price comes luxurious, high-quality comfort.
Each 4-inch topper is made with copper-infused foam that’s blended with structural foam. This allows for maximum heat reduction and spinal alignment. The foam is encased in a cooling cover to keep you comfy and dry. It also comes with an anti-slip mesh and adjustable straps to keep it from sliding, even when you or your partner move around a lot.
Reason to Buy: Crafted with copper-infused sturdy foam, this 4-inch thick mattress topper can make a huge difference to your sleep surface. The washable cover utilizes phase-changing yarns which, along with the copper infusion, help to regulate temperature. The convenient, adjustable straps on the ViscoSoft Cooling Copper Topper make it a breeze to apply, and the mesh that lines the bottom helps keep it from slipping around on your bed as you switch from one sleeping position to another.
The ViscoSoft Cooling Copper Topper comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee, free delivery to your door, and a 5-year warranty.
Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Back Sleepers: Layla Mattress Topper
Layla Mattress Topper
Layla's mattress topper features copper gel-infused memory foam to prevent overheating.
Mattress Nerd Score
4.20 / 5
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A back sleeper needs a sleeping surface that cushions their lower back and keeps their spine aligned by propping their hips and shoulders up just enough. The Layla Mattress Topper accomplishes this while also being breathable and comfortable.
Ranging from Twin to California King, each topper contains a 2-inch memory foam pad that’s infused with cooling copper. The copper gel beads help absorb body heat, helping you stay cool all night long. More good news, the copper-infused gel wards away microbes. That means it can block bacterial growth, keeping your topper fresh for years.
Most reviewers say this mattress pad has a medium-to-firm feel. This will give you the back support you need without sacrificing comfort.
Reason to Buy: Like the Saatva, the Layla is also infused with cooling graphite. However, where the Saatva is 3-inches thick the Layla is 2-inches thick. It might sound like this topper might be too thin to add comfort, but for back sleepers, it’s the perfect construction.
The Layla will allow your hips and shoulders to sink in comfortably while still remaining somewhat elevated – exactly what you need to keep your spine properly aligned.
The Layla Mattress Topper comes with a 120-night trial and a 5-year warranty.
Most Comfortable Mattress Topper: Puffy Mattress Topper
Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper
The Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper adds a layer of luxurious comfort to your bed, available in firm or soft options for your particular needs.
Mattress Nerd Score
5.00 / 5
Read Full Review
Though not designed specifically for hot sleepers, the Puffy mattress topper offers a naturally cooling bamboo and polyester fabric cover, allowing for better airflow to combat the typical heat of memory foam. More than that, its high-quality and hypoallergenic construction makes it a long-lasting, extremely comfortable option.
Puffy also offers two options for your preferred comfort: firm and soft, so you can decide how plush or solid you want your mattress topper.
Reason to Buy: Not only is it an option that can be customized to your preferences, but this mattress topper also earned a 4 out of 5 or higher in all of our scoring categories.
For more details, check out our full Puffy Mattress Topper Review.
Types of Cooling Mattress Toppers
When a topper is described as “cooling,” it means that it’s designed to help sleepers maintain a regulated body temperature throughout the night. There are two types of cooling mattress toppers available: passive and active.
Passive Cooling Toppers
Toppers that cool your body passively have constructions that feature cooling technology, such as gel-infused foams, ventilated foams, and cooling gel beads or swirls. Some toppers are made with natural materials that are inherently temperature-regulating, like feathers from ducks or geese, wool, and natural latex.
Active Cooling Toppers
Active cooling toppers are somewhat rarer than their simpler passive cooling topper counterparts. These types of toppers can include attachments like fans and water pumps to help sleepers stay cool. They are often customizable and usually more expensive. Sometimes they feature components to keep beds warmer during particularly cold months.
Considerations for Buying a Cooling Mattress Topper
Here’s a list of important shopping considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a cooling mattress topper:
Cleaning Instructions: Just like your mattress, toppers, and pads can harbor dust mites, bed bugs, and more if not kept clean. If you don’t want to replace your topper every 6 to 12 months, look for a product that’s machine-washable.
Thickness: The thickness you select should be influenced by three factors: your sleeping position, whether you sleep with a partner, and how much you want to change the feel of your mattress. Side sleepers, for example, will most likely need a thicker topper, as will couples who want to minimize motion transfer.
Density: High-density toppers tend to have more support and may last longer than low-density toppers.
Material: Toppers come in a wide variety of materials, ranging from foam to natural latex, fiberfill, and down alternatives. Select a material that is known for its ability to mitigate heat buildup.
Other Ways to Keep Your Sleep Space Cool
Whether you have a naturally high body temperature, or you don’t have A/C, there are a few additional ways to stay cool at night.
- Invest in cooling sheets, like those made from cotton or bamboo. Check out our list of the best cooling sheets for some great options.
- Invest in a cooler mattress. Hybrid, innerspring, and latex mattresses are among the most breathable. For more information, look at our article on the best cooling mattresses.
- Purchase a cooling pillow. Like sheets and mattresses, a cooling pillow can chill things out in the bedroom.
- Check out cooling blankets, like a cooling comforter or a cooling weighted blanket.
- Stay hydrated. Proper water intake helps your body thermoregulate properly.
- Sleep in the nude. Pajamas and other sleepwear can prevent thermoregulation.
Our Final Take
For people who sleep hot, selecting the right cooling mattress topper comes down to two things: comfort and effectiveness. All of the options we included in this list should succeed at both, but the best mattress topper for you will depend on your budget, sleeping position, personal needs, and how hot you tend to sleep.
If you struggle nightly with overheating, the Viscosoft Cooling Copper Topper will probably be your best bet. If you’re just looking for a topper that will keep you cool while camping during the summer, the Brooklyn Bedding Gel Swirl topper could fit the bill without breaking your budget.
There’s something for everyone on this list, from value shoppers searching for a deal to hot sleepers looking to cool down. We recommend considering your key priorities and reviewing our recommendations before setting out to make your topper purchase.
