Best Cooling Mattresses

Mattress Nerd consulted Dr. Alaina Rajagopal to ensure that this article met our editorial standards

Written by Loren Bullock, Certified Sleep Science Coach

Methodology

Here at Mattress Nerd, we’ve tested hundreds of mattresses to bring you unbiased, expert reviews of the top brands. Learn more.

In This Article

We’ll talk about the best mattresses we’ve tested when it comes to keeping you cool as you sleep including cooling materials, breathability, and technologies like gel-infusion.

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It’s one of the main questions we see from prospective mattress shoppers: “Will this mattress sleep hot?” Getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult, and for hot sleepers it’s imperative to find a mattress that provides temperature regulation, comfort, and support. 

In this review, we’ll walk you through our top 10 picks for the best cooling mattresses on the market, so you can quickly and easily find which high-quality mattress is the best for you. We’ll also walk you through all the factors hot sleepers should consider when shopping for a mattress, with bonus tips on the best bedding products for hot sleepers.

Bottom Line: What’s the Best Cooling Mattress?

Based on our testing results, we’ve chosen the Helix Midnight Luxe as the best cooling mattress, thanks largely to its hybrid construction and temperature regulating materials.

Best Cooling Mattresses of 2023

• Helix Midnight Luxe – Nerd’s Pick
• Nectar Premier Copper – Best Foam Cooling Mattress
• DreamCloud Premier – Best Luxury Cooling Mattress
• Cocoon Chill Hybrid – Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
• Saatva Classic – Best for Hot Sleepers with Back Pain
• Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Soft Cooling Mattress
• The WinkBed – Best Cooling Mattress for Combination Sleepers
• Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress
• Nolah Evolution – Best Cooling Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers
• Puffy Original – Best Value Cooling Mattress

Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers: Video Review

Chosen by Experts and Advocates

Our team at Mattress Nerd understands the importance of temperature regulation in a mattress. Whether through technology such as copper infusions and cooling gel memory foam, or breathability achieved with layers of coils that keep hot air from getting trapped, we found that the mattresses on this list kept us nice and cool even amidst our rigorous testing process. 

Nerd’s Pick: Helix Midnight Luxe

Pros for the Helix Midnight Luxe

Good for combo sleepers

Very good for side and back sleepers

Solid durability

Cons of the Helix Midnight Luxe

Not a great choice for heavyweight stomach sleepers

A bit pricey

The Helix Midnight Luxe is a great option if you want a mattress that combines the “hugging” comfort of foam with the support and airflow of individually wrapped coils. In the Helix Midnight Luxe, memory foam is coupled with coils that keep air moving through the mattress at night. The result? Heat is whisked away from the body and hot sleepers stay cool thanks to the extra air circulation.

The Helix Sleep brand sells 14 different mattress models made specifically for different sleep positions. The Helix Midnight Luxe features memory foam that provides targeted support for the hips, shoulders and neck to keep the spine aligned and prevent stiffness making it one of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

How We Select Nerd’s Pick

The Helix Midnight Luxe doesn’t earn the top spot on this list because it’s the best overall mattress, or even because it’s the best at temperature regulation. Rather, the Helix Midnight Luxe earns this distinction because it checks the most boxes for the average person shopping for a cooling mattress. It has great breathability, provides comfort and support for a wide range of sleepers, and costs less than many other high-quality mattresses out there.

What our testers say: “The Midnight Luxe features tons of breathable layers, from the TENCEL cover to the pocketed coils. The thick pillow top and foam layers felt like they held onto a small amount of heat as we tested, but the airflow this mattress provides will keep you temperature-neutral at night” -Rachael, Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Helix Midnight Luxe

• Combination sleepers – The Helix Midnight Luxe’s responsive feel allows for easy movement during the night.
• Side and back sleepers – The memory foam in this mattress is great for supporting the hips, shoulders, and lower back, making it a great option if you sleep on your back or side.

Who Might Not Like the Helix Midnight Luxe

• Heavyweight stomach sleepers – As a softer mattress, the Helix Midnight Luxe might not be the most supportive choice for heavier stomach sleepers who need their hips supported.
• Budget shoppers – As the name “Luxe” implies, this bed is a little bit on the pricier side as it offers more luxury features than its original counterpart.

Other User Reviews

On Helix’s website, the mattress scores 4.5 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews come mostly from side sleepers who found the mattress too firm and therefore uncomfortable for their tastes. Positive reviews cite pain relief, easy set-up, and overall comfort.

Read our full Helix Midnight Mattress Review to learn more.

Best Foam Cooling Mattress: Nectar Premier Copper

Pros of the Nectar Premier Copper

Great for most back sleepers

Easy to move around on

Solid pressure relief

Cons of the Nectar Premier Copper

Not the most durable mattress

Bad for heavyweight sleepers

Memory foam often gets a bad reputation for poor cooling features, but this should never be a concern for those sleeping on the Nectar Premier Copper. This mattress is literally cool to the touch. It also boasts a copper-infused cover for breathability and cooling Phase Change Materials. The foams used for cooling in the Nectar Premier Copper also provide cushioning, and the high-density foams increase its durability and support.

As a medium-soft mattress, this memory foam mattress should appeal to lightweight sleepers of all sleeping positions, and average-weight back and side sleepers. For these sleepers, the Nectar Premier Copper should offer lots of pressure relief and promote good spinal alignment.

What our testers say: “Out of all of the Nectar mattresses, the Premier Copper has the most cooling materials. Not only is the cover noticeably cool to the touch, but the top layer has tons of infusions made to bring your temperature down. This layer contains copper, gel, and Phase Change materials that are meant to draw heat away from the body.” –Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Nectar Premier Copper

• Back and side sleepers – With great pressure relief and proper support for the spine, the Nectar Premier Copper is a great option for side and back sleepers.
• Those who like memory foam – All-foam mattresses tend to run hotter, but the copper-infused cover and Phase Change materials make this a great option for hot sleepers who like the cushioning feel of memory foam.

Who Might Not Like the Nectar Premier Copper

• Heavyweight sleepers – As an all-foam mattress, this bed might be lacking the support for heavier folks, who need a firmer option so they don’t sink into the mattress too far.

Other User Reviews

According to Nectar’s site, the Nectar Premier Copper has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews seem focused on personal preference that the bed is too soft or too firm, while others say their sheets can slide off the bed. Overall, the majority positive reviews find the bed comfortable and cooling.

See our full Nectar Premier Copper Mattress Review to learn more about this mattress or visit our memory foam mattress page for additional options!

Best Luxury Cooling Mattress: DreamCloud Premier

Pros of the DreamCloud Premier

Great edge support

Very durable

Great for average-weight sleepers

Cons of the DreamCloud Premier

Underwhelming motion isolation

Sure, a cooling mattress is amazing in many ways, but what if it also had luxury components that made it feel like you were sleeping on a cloud? That’s what the DreamCloud Premier sets out to accomplish. The plush euro top gives the DreamCloud Premier its plush feel, and the strong coils offer durability. All foams used in this mattress are CertiPUR-US certified, which means they meet strict standards for factors such as content emissions.

Of course, the DreamCloud Premier is cooling as well. Its individually wrapped coils provide lots of airflow, so it should keep you from overheating at night. Overall, this bed should appeal to most body types and sleeping positions because of its medium-firm nature. 

What our testers say: “The DreamCloud Premier definitely gave me luxury-hotel-mattress vibes. You know what I’m talking about—equally supportive and comfortable, and feels like it will last for years.” –Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the DreamCloud Premier

• Those who need edge support – Folks who sit or sleep on the edge of the bed won’t sink in with the DreamCloud Premier’s stellar edge support.
• Average-weight sleepers – At a true medium firmness, this mattress is perfect for average-weight sleepers who need support and comfort in whatever position they might sleep in.

Who Might Not Like the DreamCloud Premier

• Couples – If you or your partner are light sleepers, you’ll probably feel each other moving on the other side of the bed throughout the night.

Other User Reviews

Coming in at 4.5 out of 5 stars on DreamCloud’s site, the DreamCloud Premier receives a majority of positive reviews. Customers praise it for its comfort while still being firm and ability to relieve pain. Negative reviews focus on people finding the bed either too soft or too firm for their specific needs.

See our full DreamCloud Premier Review for more details or visit our best luxury mattresses page for additional options!

Best Mattress for Hot Side Sleepers: Cocoon Chill Hybrid

Pros of the Cocoon Chill Hybrid

Good for couples

Great pressure relief

Very supportive for lightweight sleepers

Cons of the Cocoon Chill Hybrid

Not ideal for heavyweight sleepers

Saggy edges

If staying cool at night is one of your main concerns, why not get a mattress that was specifically designed to do just that? The Cocoon Chill Hybrid accommodates most back and combination sleepers, but because of its partial memory foam build we love it for side sleepers. 

The Cocoon Chill Hybrid is Sealy’s take on a bed-in-a-box mattress, and it’s an excellent value option for hot sleepers who like a firmer feel. Its combination of coils and foam help provide comfort and support. In terms of cooling, the Cocoon Chill Hybrid’s cover is made of durable Phase Change Material, which is known to help regulate temperature and dissipate body heat. It also has coils that promote airflow.

What our testers say: “Side sleepers often struggle to find a bed that provides enough give at the shoulders and hips to minimize pressure and pain. The Cocoon Chill Hybrid stands out in that it has two layers of memory foam that are thicker than your average comfort layers, delivering superb cushion for average-weight and heavyweight side sleepers.” –Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Cocoon Chill Hybrid

• Couples – The Cocoon Chill Hybrid as great motion isolation, so you and your partner should be set to sleep together without disturbing each other.
• Lightweight sleepers – The softness of this mattress makes it a great choice for lightweight sleepers, who may otherwise have trouble sinking into firmer mattresses.

Who Might Not Like the Cocoon Chill Hybrid

• Heavyweight sleepers – The same softness that makes this bed great for lightweight sleepers makes it not the best choice for heavier folks. You’re more likely to sink into the bed without the proper support.
• Combination sleepers – With below-average responsiveness, you’re likely to sink more as you try to move around as you sleep.

Other User Reviews

On the Cocoon by Sealy website, the average rating for the Cocoon Chill is 4.7 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews mention the possibility of an adjustment period, but after that, they found the Cocoon Chill Hybrid to be comfortable and extremely cooling.

The Cocoon Chill Hybrid review is coming soon! For now, visit our mattresses for side sleepers page to look at additional options!

Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain: Saatva Classic

Pros of the Saatva Classic

A firmness option for every body type and sleeping position

Highly durable

Great breathability and temperature regulation

Cons of the Saatva Classic

Pretty expensive

So-so motion isolation

The Saatva Classic is one of our favorite beds here at Mattress Nerd. The robust support core of individually wrapped coils promotes airflow through the entire bed, and Saatva also uses eco-friendly organic cotton in its topper, which is known for its cooling properties and for furthering the airflow to the sleeper’s body.

This hybrid mattress combines the coil base of a traditional innerspring mattress with a euro-pillow top sewn into the top of the mattress, which offers best in class comfort and back support for those with lumbar problems. The Saatva Classic is also a great option for couples, especially because of the reinforced edge support and decent motion isolation. You should definitely have room to spread out and use the entire surface of the bed, but if you have a partner who moves a lot throughout the night you may feel a little bounce now and then.

What our testers say: “The Saatva Classic’s three firmness options and two layers of extra support along the body’s trunk make it one of the best beds at supporting proper alignment and back health for all body sizes and sleeping positions.” –Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Saatva Classic

• All body types, sleeping positions – With many options to choose from, everyone can find their perfect fit based on their weight and preferred method of sleeping.
• Those with back pain – With just the right amount of cushioning and support, the Saatva classic is a great choice for those with lower back pain.

Who Might Not Like the Saatva Classic

• Budget shoppers – Saatva is a luxury mattress brand, so their price points tend to be higher than average.

Other User Reviews

According to Saatva’s website, the Classic comes in at 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviews are generally positive, praising the bed’s high-quality construction and comfort. Some customers complained about issues with delivery or felt the bed didn’t hold up as long as they would’ve liked.

See our full Saatva Classic Mattress Review to learn more about this mattress or visit our mattresses for back pain page for additional options!

Best Soft Cooling Mattress: Bear Elite Hybrid

Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid

Fantastic for couples

Good for most sleeping positions and body types

Stays cool throughout the night

Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid

Not good for budget shoppers

Memory foam fans may not get the slow sinkage they love

If there’s one thing that the Bear brand is known for, it’s making great mattresses for athletes, and one key aspect of this is cooling. The Bear Elite Hybrid has no shortage of cooling abilities. It features Celliant fiber in its quilted cover, which not only dissipates body heat but also increases oxygenation and promotes muscle recovery. There’s also copper-infused cooling foam and breathable coils at the base. There are three firmness options for the Bear Elite Hybrid, but we love the Soft model.

We recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid’s Soft model to side sleepers and those with joint pain especially. It boasts a balance of comfort and support; there’s a cushioning cover and a memory foam comfort layer for pressure relief, but plenty of sturdiness from the coils at the bottom. And because of it great marks in responsiveness, motion isolation, and durability, it’s also a solid match for couples.

What our testers say: “The Bear Elite has a good balance of sink and lift, meaning that the mattress’s hand-quilted top layer has enough cushioning to feel soft but also gives enough support from the coils below. That said, while lying on this mattress, you can’t feel the coil support layer under you.” –Ashton, Staff Writer & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Bear Elite

• Couples – The Bear Elite has amazing motion isolation, so you and your partner can sleep soundly as you toss and turn.
• Athletes – This mattress is equipped with cooling and cushioning tech to help active people rest and recharge after a long day of working out and straining muscles.

Who Might Not Like the Bear Elite

• Memory foam fans – As a hybrid mattress, the Bear Elite has more bounciness than traditional all-foam mattresses, so steer clear if you want to be “hugged.”
• Budget shoppers – Being an “Elite” series means a higher price, so check out more of the cost-effective options on this list if you’re on a budget.

Other User Reviews

According to Bear’s website, the Bear Elite scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most negative reviews have customers saying the bed was either too firm or too soft for their personal preference, while others noticed the lack of edge support. Overall, customers say that this bed helped them stay cool at night and helped relieve their pain.

See our full Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Review to learn more or visit our best soft mattress page for additional options!

Best Cooling Mattress for Combination Sleepers: The WinkBed

Pros of the WinkBed

Great for all body types

Accommodates all sleeping positions

Fantastic temperature regulation

Cons of the WinkBed

Bad motion isolation

So-so pressure relief

The WinkBed is a luxurious hybrid mattress. WinkBeds offers four different firmness levels: soft (4/10), medium (6/10), firm (7/10), plus (8/10). The four different firmness levels mean that the mattress will work for a wide variety of sleep positions and body types. Because the WinkBed has a pocketed coil support core, it also works for heavyweight sleepers. But lightweight and average-weight sleepers should enjoy the feel and versatility of the WinkBed.

As far as construction goes, WinkBeds uses individually wrapped coils the support core of the mattress. And there’s a pillow top layer that includes copper gel infusions, which is something that’s ideal for keeping hot sleepers cool.

What our testers say: “The luxury-firm WinkBed is very responsive, making it a great bed for lightweight to average-weight combination sleepers. For heavyweight combination sleepers, the firmer or plus WinkBed should do the trick.” –Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the WinkBed

• All weights – With many options for firmness, everyone should be able to pick what works for them. There’s even a “plus” option specifically designed for plus-sized sleepers.
• All sleeping positions – Similarly, the range of options should also benefit sleepers who prefer any position: softer for those who need cushioning and firmer for those who need support.

Who Might Not Like the WinkBed

• Couples – The motion isolation leaves something to be desired, so if you and your partner are light sleepers, you’ll probably wake up when they move on the other side of the bed.
• Pressure relief – If you’re extremely concerned about pressure relief on the shoulders and hips, you may want to go with another option that provides sinkage for the right areas.

Other User Reviews

On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed earns a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Most negative reviews focus on problems with delivery and removal. But overall, people seem satisfied and consider the bed supportive and sturdy. 

See our full WinkBed Mattress Review to learn more or visit our mattresses for combination sleepers page for additional options!

Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Pros of the Aurora Luxe

Great for combo sleepers

Multiple firmness options

Solid durability

Cons of the Aurora Luxe

Quite expensive

Not the best for couples

The Brooklyn Aurora mattress, from the online mattress company Brooklyn Bedding, helps keep hot sleepers comfortable with its patented TitanCool technology. TitanCool is a phase change material that helps moderate body temperature, using gel beads that react as your body heat rises to cool you down.

Because it’s offered at three firmness levels, the Brooklyn Aurora has a hybrid option for most types of sleepers. Side sleepers should like the soft option, which provides pressure point relief and support for the body’s contours. Back and stomach sleepers should choose the firm option for lumbar support and a flatter surface. Combination sleepers are best suited for the medium option, which offers a fantastic balance between contouring and support. Medium firmness is also a great option for couples who have different sleeping preferences.

What our testers say: “The Brooklyn Aurora Luxe is a luxury hybrid mattress that goes all-in on cooling features. This includes cool-to-the-touch cover fabric, phase change materials, and a coil base layer for better airflow. If sleeping hot is your main concern, the Aurora Luxe could be one of the best options out there.” –Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Aurora Luxe

• Combination sleepers – Great responsiveness means ease of movement as you toss and turn and switch positions.

Who Might Not Like the Aurora Luxe

• Couples – Though the responsiveness is great, the motion isolation for the Aurora Luxe is lacking, meaning you’ll feel your partner moving throughout the night.

Other User Reviews

On Brooklyn Bedding’s site, the Aurora Luxe has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews seem to be focused on personal preference when it comes to whether the mattress was too firm or too soft. Overall, customers praise the cooling capabilities and comfortability of the bed.

Learn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Mattress Review or visit our hybrid mattress page for additional options!

Best Cooling Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers: Nolah Evolution

Pros of the Nolah Evolution

Highly durable

Great for combo sleepers

Solid edge support

Cons of the Nolah Evolution

Very expensive

Not good for heavyweight sleepers

It’s just as important to select a mattress suitable for your body type as it is your sleeping position. Lightweight sleepers require a mattress soft enough to sink in and firm enough to support. With the Nolah Evolution, lightweight sleepers of all body types can enjoy the comfort and support offered. Plus, it has cooling properties such as graphite-infused foam, breathable coils, and cooling fibers to keep you from sleeping too hot.

The Nolah Evolution mattress is a hybrid offering a softer-than-average feel, perfect for side sleepers and back sleepers. Individually wrapped coils offer support for spinal alignment to prevent pain.

What our testers say: “As a lightweight sleeper myself I can say from experience that the Nolah Evolution provides plenty of support for us petite folk. As I tossed and turned from one position to another I always felt completely comforted.” –Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Nolah Evolution

• Combination sleepers – As you toss and turn at night, the Nolah Evolution’s responsiveness will ensure you don’t feel “stuck” in the bed as you move.
• Those who need a supportive edge – If you tend to sleep on the edge of the bed, you should be supported with this mattress.

Who Might Not Like the Nolah Evolution

• Heavyweight sleepers – Because of the softer-than-average composition, heavier sleepers may find they sink too deeply into this mattress.
• Budget shoppers – The Noah Evolution is priced like a luxury mattress, so if you’re cost-conscious, check out the option below!

Other User Reviews

Earning a 4.9 out of 5 stars on Nolah’s website, the Nolah Evolution seems to be a hit. Negative reviews tend to focus on personal preference or regrets about ordering the wrong firmness. Overall, customers are satisfied with the feel and comfort. Many reported their aches and pains disappearing after making the switch to Nolah Evolution.

See our full Nolah Evolution review to learn more about this mattress, or check out our page on the best mattresses of 2023.

Best Value Cooling Mattress: Puffy Original

Pros of the Puffy Mattress

Good for combo sleepers

Conforming material

Great pressure relief

Cons of the Puffy Mattress

Bad for heavyweight sleepers

Bad for stomach sleepers

The thick foam layers of traditional memory foam mattresses tend to trap heat without allowing anywhere for air to flow. The two-layer Puffy, however, has gel memory foam and high-density foam that sleeps temperature neutral and minimizes motion transfer relatively well. The two layers of the mattress are infused with cooling technology. The top comfort layer is made with a “cooling cloud” foam for increased airflow and the transition layer is made with ClimateComfort foam that attempts to reduce humidity. It is a great memory foam mattress that shouldn’t overheat and provides support for most average-weight sleepers.

Not only do we find the cooling properties of this mattress to be effective, especially for a memory foam mattress, but we also think that the Puffy is set at an excellent value. A Queen-size mattress can sit at about $1,000 with sales and discounts applied, and the mattress itself provides a number of great features, such as cooling properties, pressure relief, and back pain relief.

What our testers say: “When we talk about good value we talk about bang for your buck. The Puffy might not be the best mattress we’ve ever tested, but there’s a lot to love about the Puffy mattress, especially at that price.” Rachael, Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Puffy

• Combination sleepers–The Puffy scored well for responsiveness, so it’s easy to switch sleeping positions throughout the night on this bed.
• Budget shoppers–This is a lower-cost option for those looking for a cooling foam mattress.

Who Might Not Like the Puffy

• Heavyweight sleepers–This all-foam mattress may not be the best option for heavier folks who tend to sink too deeply into mattresses.
• Stomach sleepers–Similarly, the softness of this mattress may not be enough to provide support for the hips as you lay on your stomach.

Other User Reviews

On Puffy’s site, the Puffy mattress ranks 5 out of 5 stars. With overwhelmingly positive reviews, customers repeatedly say that the bed lives up to its “Cloud” name when it comes to comfort. A few negative reviews mention that they found it a bit too firm for sleeping on their side.

See our full Puffy Mattress Review for more details or visit our best mattress for the money page for additional options!

How Effective are Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers?

Not all mattresses are equal in terms of how well they keep us cool at night. If you’re a hot sleeper, it can be even more difficult to find an effective mattress. However, products that do have special cooling features can make a big difference. After all, if the mattress material does not allow air to circulate away from the body, hot air will stay trapped inside and cool air will stay out. Air must be able to flow freely within the mattress to regulate temperature.

One way to help ensure you are getting a breathable mattress is to read about its construction. What are the layers made of? What type of foam is used? How is cooling technology incorporated in the cover? Any mattress company can claim that they manufacture a breathable memory foam mattress, but if the inside is just a solid block of foam, it’s probably not going to effectively cool the body. No one wants to sleep in a pool of their own sweat.

We strongly recommend that shoppers set on a temperature-neutral bed look for “open cell” and “gel-infused” memory foam when shopping. You should also be sure to always read the reviews to see how other hot sleepers experienced the mattress. That way, you’ll be as well-equipped as possible to find a mattress that truly keeps you cool.

Types of Cooling Mattresses

Construction is everything when it comes to picking a great new mattress. Not all beds are created equal when it comes to cooling, and with the right materials, you’ll be set up for success. Below we’ve listed a few of our favorite cooling mattress materials and how they work.

Cooling Latex Mattresses

Latex is one of the best materials available for keeping hot sleepers cool. It is naturally breathable and allows air to circulate far better than other types of materials, like memory foam. Because of its open-cell construction, latex allows for proper ventilation and wicks away heat and moisture.

The best latex mattresses incorporate innerspring coils and a thick comfort layer of latex for a breathable, responsive feel.

Cooling Memory Foam Mattresses

While once considered a nightmare for hot sleepers because of how it tends to trap heat, memory foam mattresses have come a long way as far as cooling technology goes. While you are still more likely to get a cooler night’s sleep on another mattress type, if you are set on a memory foam bed, you can still find a great cooling bed. Several mattress companies have started infusing their foams with copper, using open-cell technology and using gel-infusion to offer a great deal of temperature regulation within the foam, in addition to cloud-like comfort.

Cooling Innerspring Mattresses

If cool sleeping is your primary concern, you can’t go wrong with an innerspring mattress. With innerspring mattresses, space between the coils allows far more room for airflow than with a foam mattress.

Cooling Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses give hot sleepers the airflow of a traditional innerspring, combined with the comfort of a memory foam layer. Many of the memory foam comfort layers include cooling technology like gel or charcoal infusions to increase temperature regulation.

Materials in Cooling Mattresses

Speaking of cooling technology, most of the leading mattress companies (certainly all the ones we’ve mentioned in this post) have incorporated cooling technology into their mattress designs. Many have even made new additions to previous models as they uncover new scientific advances in the cooling ability of their mattress.

Individually Wrapped Coils

What’s so special about individually wrapped coils? As opposed to Bonnell coils and hourglass coils, which are interlaced across the mattress, each individually wrapped coil in a mattress stands alone, wrapped in a fabric pocket. This pocketed coil structure lends greater breathability to the mattress. Pocketed coils are also more reactive to individual body movements, changing position as the body changes position.

Charcoal-Infused Foam

While we personally don’t feel that charcoal-infused foam is quite as effective as gel-infused memory foam, it’s a popular additive to memory foam that some sleepers swear by. Activated charcoal, combined with breathable open-cell foam, can add breathability and cooling to the mattress.

Graphite-Infused Foam

While graphite might make you simply think of pencils, this mineral agent is known to help wick away body heat and keep hot sleepers from feeling stifled.

Gel-Infused Foam

Mattresses advertised to have cooling properties will often use gel-infused memory foam in the construction to aid in heat absorption and temperature regulation. Whether in gel beads or infused throughout the mattress, gel-infused foam often feels cool to the touch. It’s one of the best ways that mattress manufacturers can counteract the overheating tendency of memory foam.

Celliant

Celliant is a synthetic fiber often incorporated in premium mattress fabrics. It reacts to heat produced by the body to create increased airflow and breathability, which is important for those who produce more body heat when they sleep. The Bear Hybrid mattress uses Celliant fiber in its construction for better cooling.

Lycra

Lycra is a stretchy, elastic synthetic fabric also known as spandex. In the mattress space, a lycra cover offers breathability. It might not feel cool to the touch, but it will certainly allow for ample airflow. In contrast, a soft cotton cover will feel less breathable and stretchy.

Tencel

Tencel is an environmentally friendly fabric originally made from wood. Included in many clothing and sleep products, Tencel helps absorb moisture to keep the skin cool. In a mattress, a tencel cover is a great eco-friendly cooling option that wicks away sweat.

Creating a Cooling Sleep Experience

There’s no point in buying a state-of-the-art stereo system if you’re just going to hook it up to outdated or blown speakers. We can say the same for investing in a quality mattress. You don’t want to spend time researching and then spend your hard-earned money, only to top your new mattress with bedding made from materials that will work against its cooling properties. As far as sleep accessories, here’s what you want to look for.

Cooling Comforters and Cooling Weighted Blankets

As a hot sleeper, you may be tempted to toss your blanket off in the middle of the night in the hopes of cooling down. Well, with one of the products on our list of best cooling comforters this will no longer be necessary. Believe it or not, some companies even offer weighted blankets that take overheating into account. For some great options, check out our list of best cooling weighted blankets.

Cooling Sheets

When choosing sheets, both dryness and comfort should be top priorities for hot sleepers. Look for sheets that are ultra-soft and made with moisture-wicking materials that carry heat away. Several good materials to keep in mind are:

• Supima, Egyptian or another lightweight cotton
• Polyester microfiber
• Linen
• Bamboo

Learn more by reading our article on the best cooling sheets.

Cooling Mattress Pads

Whether you are budget-conscious and aren’t ready to make the investment, you have a premium mattress and want additional cooling, or you live in an area where a cold mattress isn’t ideal all year long, mattress covers, pads and toppers are a great alternative that cuts down on costs. If you are in the market for a mattress cover or topper, keep in mind the same keywords we discussed in the previous sections. In fact, we’ve even put together a list of what we think are the best cooling mattress toppers.

Cooling Pillows

There are many cooling pillows available today, but they aren’t all equal in quality. Generally, pillows with a shredded latex filling or those that have a gel construction are best. One other popular option is a bamboo pillow. Bamboo pillows contain natural fibers designed to keep you cool and comfortable all night long.

Once you get the perfect cooling pillow, be sure to top it with one of the best cooling pillowcases.

More Considerations for Your Cooling Mattress

Even if temperature regulation is your top priority, you’ll still want to think about these factors when shopping for your new mattress.

Budget: It’s important to begin your search for a new mattress with a price range in mind. This will help to focus your search and make the research process less complicated. If you’re unsure how much you should be spending, check out our article on what you should be paying for a good mattress.

Sleeping Position: Your preferred sleeping position has a lot to do with how a mattress will feel to you. If you sleep on your stomach, something on the softer end of the firmness scale might cause your hips to sink too far into the surface. If you’re a side sleeper, a firm mattress might not provide adequate pressure relief around your hips and shoulders. Check out our mattress firmness guide to learn more about which mattresses work best for your sleeping position.

Pain Relief: If you live with hip, back, or shoulder pain, the right mattress can make your sleep much more comfortable, and potentially help mitigate some of these issues by providing adequate pressure relief and spine alignment. Check out our articles on sleeping with back pain, sleeping with shoulder pain, and sleeping with hip pain for more information.

Sleeping with a Partner: If you’re already prone to sleeping hot, you might find that sleeping with a partner exacerbates this problem. In these cases, we’d recommend considering a good king size mattress so you have plenty of your own space if you need to cool down for a while. For more information, check out our list of the best mattresses for couples.

Best Cooling Mattress FAQ

Are memory foam mattresses good for hot sleepers?

While once considered a nightmare for hot sleepers because of how it tends to trap heat, memory foam has come a long way as far as cooling technology goes. While you are still more likely to get a cooler night’s sleep on another mattress type, if you are set on a memory foam bed, you can still find a great cooling bed. Several mattress companies have started infusing their foams with copper, using open-cell technology and using gel-infusion to offer a great deal of temperature regulation, in addition to cloud-like comfort.

How can I keep my mattress cool at night?

Cooling mattress accessories such as bamboo pillows or linen sheets can help keep you and your mattress a bit cooler. It may seem obvious, but consider turning the thermostat down a few degrees at night. 65 degrees is my optimal sleep temperature, which may sound too cold but when I’m bundled up under sheets and a comforter I find it to be just right.

Why do I overheat when I sleep?

The answer could be as simple as the room being too hot or there being too many blankets on the bed. Ingesting caffeine too close to bedtime can also result in higher body temperature which may make it difficult for you to get to sleep. More complicated reasons for sleeping hot could be an imbalance in your hormones or side effects from certain medications. If you think that one or both of these things might be causing you to sleep uncomfortably hot at night you should consult your physician.

Why am I sweaty when I wake up?

While it could simply be because your sleep environment is too hot, there are other reasons you may sweat at night. One easy-to-identify cause of night sweats is alcohol consumption too close to bedtime. As your body detoxifies itself, it will often sweat out the alcohol that you took in. Another cause of night sweats is high stress levels. When your stress levels rise, so too can your body temperature, causing your sweat glands to become more active. If you think this may be a problem there are many things you can do to manage stress, such as regular exercise and meditation. The bottom line is that night sweats probably aren’t something that you need to worry about. They can be uncomfortable, yes, but generally there is an easily addressable cause for their occurrence. However, if your night sweats are accompanied by chills and fever, then you should speak with your doctor about the problem.

Is there a mattress that allows you to control the temperature?

There are several. These mattresses are generally referred to as “smart beds”. They often connect to an app on your phone which allows you to modify certain elements such as incline, decline, firmness, and temperature. Check out our review of the Eight Sleep Pod Pro if you’d like to learn more about a smart bed that we enjoy quite a bit at Mattress Nerd.

 

Recap of the Best Rated Cooling Mattresses of 2023

Mattress	Award
Helix Midnight Luxe	Nerd’s Pick
Nectar Premier Copper	Best Foam Cooling Mattress
DreamCloud Premier	Best Luxury Cooling Mattress
Cocoon Chill Hybrid	Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
Saatva Classic	Best for Hot Sleepers with Back Pain
Bear Elite Hybrid	Best Soft Cooling Mattress
The WinkBed	Best for Cooling Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe	Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress
Nolah Evolution	Best Cooling Mattress for Lightweight Sleepers
Puffy	Best Value Cooling Mattress

Dr. Alaina Rajagopal is part of our panel of medical expert contributors on the subject of sleep health. They provide important perspectives on the topics we discuss to help make our content as accurate and dependable as possible. They do not personally endorse any products, nor are they associated with any brands featured in our review content.

Loren Bullock

CERTIFIED SLEEP SCIENCE COACH

About Author

Loren is the Lead Mattress Reviewer at Mattress Nerd. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night. As an editor on Mattress Nerd and a Certified Sleep Science Coach, Loren aims to help people achieve optimal sleep health and pick the best sleep accessories for their needs. You can find her testing mattresses, exploring the best sleep hacks, and telling you about her findings on Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel and on TikTok.

Combination Sleeper

Education & Credentials

• Certified Sleep Science Coach