The 8 Best Cooling Mattress Pads and Toppers of 2024
Updated: Feb. 01, 2024
Top off your bedding with the best cooling mattress pad for a comfortable night's sleep.
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If you are just starting to wonder how to buy a mattress, or you’re already deep into finding amazing mattress deals, you should be shopping for the best cooling mattress pad, too. Using a mattress topper extends the lifespan of a mattress, so it’s a worthwhile investment regardless of whether or not you’re a hot sleeper. If you are, though, seeking out the best cooling mattress pad is a no-brainer. Pair it with a cooling mattress, cooling blankets and cooling pillows and you’ll sleep soundly for the rest of your life.
“Our bodies naturally lower our temperature when we sleep, and sleeping in a cool room helps with this. If the room is too warm, it can make it harder to sleep,” says Christine Stevens, a sleep consultant based in Washington, D.C. “If you have a mattress that doesn’t have cooling material such as foam, a cooling mattress pad can be helpful to lower your bedding temperature while you’re sleeping.”
Whether you’re looking for an electric cooling mattress pad, a water cooling mattress pad or the top budget option, you’re sure to find the best cooling mattress protector for your personal needs on this list.
What to Consider When Buying a Cooling Mattress Pad
Look for a mattress pad made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials like cotton or bamboo. These natural fabrics help keep you cool and dry during the night. (While you’re shopping, you might want to keep an eye out for the best organic sheets!) Decide what kind of cooling technology you want to go with, like phase change material or gel-infused foam. Keep in mind, higher-end models that offer more advanced cooling technology and better quality materials come at a price. But if you’re serious about staying cool, it’s worth the investment. Here are the most common types of cooling mattress pads:
- Natural Fiber Mattress Pads: Mattress pads made from natural fibers such as cotton or bamboo are naturally breathable and help regulate temperature.
- Cooling Foam Mattress Pads: These pads are made with a special type of foam that helps to dissipate heat and keep you cool. Some models also feature gel-infused foam for added cooling power.
- Phase Change Material (PCM) Mattress Pads: PCM is a type of material that absorbs and releases heat in response to changes in temperature.
- Ventilated Mattress Pads: These options feature special ventilation channels that allow air to circulate freely, dissipating heat.
- Dual-Sided Mattress Pads: Designed with two sides—one a cooling surface, the other with a heating surface—these pads let you choose the temperature that is right for you.
- Water Cooling Mattress Pads: These mattress toppers use water to regulate temperature. They consist of a soft, comfortable pad that is connected to an inner tube system that circulates water to dissipate heat. The water temperature can be adjusted to your desired level, maintaining a consistent cool throughout the night.
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Best waterproof cooling mattress pad
Pottery Barn Temperature Regulating Mattress Protector
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Best overall cooling mattress pad
Saatva Organic Mattress Pad
From the people who brought you one of the best memory foam mattresses comes the best organic mattress pad. The Saatva mattress topper’s diamond-quilted top texture (crafted from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton) wicks moisture away from the body while sleeping. This cooling pad fits mattresses up to 16 inches tall, with extra wide bands on the side to fit a variety of mattress depths.
Pros
- Made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton
- Moisture-wicking
- 45-night sleep trial
- Free shipping and returns
Cons
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Pricey
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Best budget cooling topper
Casaluna Cool Loft Mattress Pad
Looking for cool, sweet dreams on a budget? Look no further than this white cotton mattress pad from Target. A quilted construction ensures the soft filling never shifts around, even if you’re tossing and turning. The medium-density pad offers a comfortable level of support, while cool-touch technology takes excess heat and conducts it away from the body.
This best cooling mattress pad is also certified to be non-toxic and free from harmful substances and chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about toxins or dangerous volatile compounds. Designed to fit mattresses (may we suggest these cheap versions) up to 20 inches deep, this cooling mattress topper is the perfect choice for full-, queen- or king-sized beds.
Pros
- Wallet-friendly
- Deep pockets fit mattresses up to 20 inches deep
- Machine-washable
- Free shipping and returns
Cons
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Some reviews say the topper can bunch up in places
Psst! Check out the Eight Sleep Pod Pro Cover, too—this cooling system turns your regular mattress into a smart bed with the close of a zipper.
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Best Tempur-Pedic cooling mattress pad
Tempur-Adapt+ Mattress Topper
Get the best night’s sleep with the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper. This topper has three inches of exclusive Tempur material, which was originally designed by NASA to cushion astronauts in space. It precisely adapts to your unique shape, weight and body temperature. You’ll instantly notice an improvement in the comfort and support of your mattress—and be a lot less sweaty!
This best cooling mattress pad also features a premium knit cooling cover, which provides cool-to-the-touch comfort. The breathable, high-stretch performance fabric is machine-washable, so your topper stays fresh after every use.
Pros
- Three inches of body contouring Tempur-Pedic cooling foam
- Removable and washable mattress topper cover
- Available in six bedding sizes
- Free shipping and free returns
Cons
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Some reviewers say it has a strong foam smell freshly out of the box, and advise airing it outside overnight
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Best electric mattress pad
MerryHome Smart Heated Mattress Pad
Catch some quality zzz’s with the MerryHome Mattress Pad. This dual heating and cooling mattress pad features a double-layer super-soft fleece surface and a durable and discrete internal tubing system. Control the power and temperature with the easy-to-use touch screen panel. The temperature adjusts from 50 degrees to 149 degrees, so when winter sets in, this mattress topper will keep you toasty.
This electric cooling mattress pad is made of brushed microfiber and filled with down-alternative fiber. Leak-proof plastic tubing circulates water through the mattress pad when connected to the water tube. And thanks to noiseless technology, it operates in complete silence. Add one of these electric blankets to complete your bed setup.
Pros
- Cooling and heating capabilities
- Quiet
- Machine-washable
- Free shipping
- Free 30-day return policy
Cons
- Pricey
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Best cooling gel mattress pad
Zinus Memory Foam Mattress Topper
We love Amazon’s Zinus mattress, but if you aren’t ready to replace your entire bed, the Zinus Memory Foam Mattress Topper is the next-best option. It hugs your body and provides pressure relief to reduce aches and pains that keep you up at night. Foam bedding often traps heat, giving you a hot and stuffy feeling while sleeping.
This best cooling mattress pad solves that problem by infusing the memory foam with gel beads. The gel absorbs and dissipates body heat, creating a cooler sleep environment while also providing the body-cradling benefits of memory foam. In addition to its unbeatable comfort, this mattress topper is CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring a safe (and environmentally-friendly) slumber.
Pros
- Cooling green tea-infused gel foam
- Inexpensive
- Available in five sizes
- Active charcoal and green tea extract eliminates odors
- Superior lumbar support
Cons
- Needs 72 hours to expand to full shape after unboxing
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Best down alternative mattress pad
Brooklinen Down Alternative Mattress Topper
Brooklinen’s down alternative mattress pad adds a layer of luxury, softness and comfort to your bed—without the heat. A 100% cotton shell covers a microgel fill that’s distributed evenly thanks to its plush, tufted construction. Five star reviewer Laura C writes, “I live in Florida and couldn’t figure out why I was sleeping so hot after buying special bedding and blankets, but changing to this mattress topper has helped a lot. I am sleeping much cooler than before.” Drew Y raves, “I feel like I’m laying in a bed at a five star hotel!” Dress your bed with these organic pillows, too.
Pros
- The softness of down without the heat
- Waterproof barrier at the bottom
- Machine-washable
- 365 day return/exchange policy
Cons
- Not available in a twin size
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Best waterproof cooling mattress pad
Pottery Barn Temperature Regulating Mattress Protector
Knowing there’s a waterproof pad protecting your mattress can relieve any worries when you’re enjoying a cold drink in bed, and this pick makes sure you stay dry all night. Pottery Barn’s exclusive SleepSmart mattress topper features a cooling system that evaporate excess heat and humidity when you’re warm and keeps you from sweating. The 300-thread count cover feels luxurious and the waterproof lining does its job softly and quietly.
Pros
- Waterproof lining
- Machine-washable and dryer-safe
- Moves heat away from the body before sweat can form
Cons
- Not available in a twin size
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Best eco-friendly cooling mattress pad
Buffy Plushy Mattress Protector
This sustainably-sourced mattress pad is soft and silky and made from lyocell fiber to keep you cool and dry all night. Every detail is about protecting the planet as well as your mattress, and it’s so plush and comfortable that it could really be called a topper—especially since users swear it’s tops in its category. “I’d give this thing ten out of five stars if I could. It’s that worth it,” writes user Marilee Z; and Teresa P says it “changed my world.” Looking for an eco-friendly mattress? This Avocado bed earns our editor stamp of approval.
Pros
- Filled with layers of recycled fiber made from plastic bottles
- Quilted stitching pattern keeps fill in place
- Seven-night sleep trial
- Free shipping and returns
Cons
- Might be too soft for people who prefer a more firm feel
Why you should trust us
Our editors like a good night’s sleep as much as you do, which is why we’re always on the hunt for the best bedding money can buy, especially when it comes to hot sleepers. We’ve tested some of the most well-known names in mattresses, mattress toppers, sheets, blankets, comforters, pillows, bed cooling systems and beyond. On top of our testing, we regularly consult experts in the field to learn the tips, tricks and science behind sleep, and to keep up to speed on any innovations that make it easier than ever to conk out quickly and wake up well-rested.
FAQ
Do cooling mattress pads work?
Yes, cooling mattress pads work! The general idea of cooling mattress pads is to either absorb your body heat or regulate it to keep you cool at night. A quality cooling mattress pad is ideal for hot sleepers, as well as folks who experience hot flashes or night sweats.
Do you put a sheet over a cooling mattress pad?
Yes, you should always use a fitted sheet over your mattress pad. Using a fitted sheet makes your bed look uniform when made. A fitted sheet also keeps your mattress pad clean and provides an extra layer of softness and comfort.
How does a cooling mattress pad work?
The overall goal of a mattress pad or mattress topper is to adjust (or enhance) the comfort of your mattress and act as a protective layer between you and your bed. A cooling mattress topper regulates body heat to maintain a cooler temperature. How it does this, exactly, depends on the type of material it’s made out of. Some use heat-absorbing beads or moisture-wicking fabric, others use cooling gel or circulating water.
Can you wash a cooling mattress pad?
Every mattress pad and topper’s washing guidelines are unique to its manufacturer. Always read the label before washing. If being able to wash your mattress pad is important to you, seek out washable cooling mattress pads—they do exist!
About the expert
- Christine Stevens, sleep consultant and owner of www.sleepsolutionsbychristine.com
Originally Published: February 21, 2023
