8 Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers in 2023, According to Experts
Updated: Jan. 19, 2024
Banish sweaty nights once and for all with the best cooling mattress. (Trust us: You won’t know how you ever lived without one.)
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Temperature can make or break a good night’s sleep. When shopping for a new bed, the best cooling mattress can keep you dry and comfortable. In fact, sleeping in a cool environment and lowering your body temperature even slightly produces a healthier and better night’s rest, confirms Marc Werner, founder of GhostBed.
Sleep is meant to refuel, restore and rejuvenate the body, so if you aren’t getting quality shut-eye, it can wreak major havoc. That’s why it’s so important to find the best mattress for you, whether that means a memory foam mattress, an organic mattress or even a boxed bed. If you tend to overheat while you sleep, you’ll want to seek out the best cooling mattress for hot sleepers.
Not sure if you’re ready to commit? Think of it this way: “If you’re someone who’s constantly tossing and turning at night or waking up feeling overheated and sweaty,” says Robert Pagano, cofounder of Sleepline, “then investing in a cooling mattress is definitely the way you should go.” After all, you can’t put a price on your well-being.
What to look for when buying a cooling mattress
When it comes to buying the best cooling mattress, materials are key. The best mattress for hot sleepers will increase airflow and pull heat away from the body. “You should be looking for a mattress that is made up of innerspring, phase-change materials or latex foams (instead of polyurethane foams),” says Wood. “All of these materials promote airflow and won’t heat up as fast.” Fans of memory foam, which is known to retain heat, should look for models infused with gel, copper or graphite.
Pagano says to keep in mind your preferred sleeping position, too. The thickness and level of support to maintain your spine’s natural curve are essential to achieving a comfortable and cozy bed setup. Be sure also to check out the brand’s warranty period and sleep trial to determine the best fit.
Types of cooling mattresses
- Innerspring mattresses: These sleep cool, thanks to airflow between the coils.
- Gel memory foam beds: This type uses microbeads to draw heat away from the body.
- Latex: This is a prime pick for the best cooling mattress, especially organic natural latex that’s hypoallergenic. It won’t have issues with heat, thanks to its chemical composition with punched-in air holes.
- Phase-change materials: These absorb and release thermal energy while you sleep. They’re the most common cooling mattress and ideal for extremely hot sleepers.
via merchant
Best overall cooling mattress
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Experts—and our reviewer—name the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress the best cooling mattress for its superior design that combines comfort and cooling. It’s also made with certified eco-friendly materials, making it a top non-toxic mattress choice, as well. The hybrid medium-firm mattress is suitable for all sleeping positions. Victoria Wildhorn, a sleep health specialist at Mattress Clarity, says it’s her pick for the overall best mattress for hot sleepers.
“It is extremely breathable and has a Tencel cover that creates an additional layer of cooling,” she says. You can also choose to upgrade to their GlacioTex cover, which features a cool-to-the-touch fabric sewn directly into the mattress that draws heat away from the body while you sleep.
Abby Wood, a sleep health content associate at Mattress Nerd, also likes the Helix Midnight Luxe for its cooling capabilities. “The memory foam is coupled with coils that keep air moving through the mattress at night,” she adds.
Alex Savy, a certified sleep science coach and founder of SleepingOcean, also calls out the plush pillow top, and notes it “makes this mattress feel like a luxurious cloud.” He adds that the hybrid construction gives it a very balanced feel.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic cooling cover options
- Zoned lumbar support for pressure relief
- CertiPUR-US certified (free of harmful substances)
- 100-night sleep trial and 15-year warranty
- Free shipping and free returns
Cons
- Pricey
- Not ideal if you prefer a soft mattress
via merchant
Best value cooling mattress
Zoma Hybrid Mattress
Budget-conscious shoppers looking for a cheap mattress with cooling capabilities, listen up! “The Zoma can easily be called a premium cooling mattress that doesn’t have a premium price tag,” says Savy. In fact, the Zoma is cheaper than the majority of famous memory foam brands. Nonetheless, Savy affirms that it does an excellent job of helping sleepers remain comfortably cool during the night. “This model combines gel memory foam with a responsive transition layer,” he says, “and as a result, it doesn’t feel like quicksand and doesn’t allow heat to build up.”
Pagano notes that the mattress is also designed specifically with athletes in mind. It’s wrapped in a breathable cloth to wick away heat and moisture. Keith Cushner, the founder of Tuck, agrees that this pick is an excellent choice for anyone active, but also states it’s simply “an incredible value.” He continues, “The memory foam is infused with cooling gel, and a cooling cover is designed to pull heat away from the body.” Translation: Buy this one and you’ll never wake up drenched in sweat.
Pros
- Affordable
- CertiPUR-US certified (free of harmful substances)
- Made in the U.S.
- 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty
- Free shipping and returns
Cons
- Couples may feel some movement
- May have an off-gassing, new-mattress smell
Reina Glenn/rd.com
Best memory foam cooling mattress
Nectar Premier Copper Mattress
The Nectar Premier Copper mattress is both editor-approved and expert-recommended. “Three hundred and sixty-five days later and my Nectar mattress still feels fresh out of the box—same unbeatable cooling quality, soft yet supportive foam and extremely limited motion transfer,” writes Deupity Shopping Editor Reina Galhea in her Nectar mattress review.
Cushner names this the best memory foam mattress for hot sleepers. “The memory foam is infused with phase-change technology and cooling gel—this makes for a mattress that doesn’t retain heat,” he says. “The cover also features copper, which pulls heat away from the body.”
Wildhorn also calls this model the best memory foam cooling mattress, and explains, “The top memory foam layer is infused with gel to help dissipate heat, and the cover has a Tencel material, which is very breathable and helps promote cooling.”
This bed in a box also offers soft comfort and pressure relief, thanks to its contouring foam that cradles your joints.
Pros
- Memory foam infused with phase-change technology and cooling gel
- Strong motion isolation
- 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty
- Free returns
Cons
- Not ideal if you prefer a soft mattress
via merchant
Most innovative cooling mattress
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress
Both Savy and Cushner agree the Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress is the most innovative option when it comes to the best cooling mattress. In fact, Cushner claims it’s one of the few mattresses on the market that actively cools instead of just pulling heat away from the mattress. It has internal chambers that pump cool water throughout, and they can be set anywhere from 55 to 115 degrees, a feature that can be controlled through an app on your smartphone.
There are also ambient sensors that measure room temperature, humidity and local weather to react intelligently. Choose a gentle vibration at chest level to wake you up without sound while gradually cooling (or warming) the bed minutes before a set time. It’s one of our best bed cooling systems for a reason.
Another really cool thing about this mattress and its smart topper? You can set an exact temperature for your sleeping preference. Additionally, it uses breathable foam layers to enhance the cooling effect. But, most importantly, this mattress is incredibly comfortable. “I was a bit skeptical at first, thinking that the company had focused mostly on the cooling aspect,” says Savy. “Nonetheless, the mattress feels adaptive and cradling, but supportive, which are the essential aspects of comfy sleep.” Not ready to invest in a new mattress? Eight Sleep makes a pod cover, too.
Pros
- Innovative smart cooling features
- Has adjustable temperature settings
- Sleep tracking functionality
- 100-night sleep trial and two-year warranty
- Free shipping and returns
Cons
- Pricey
- No twin size
- Not available to ship to Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico
via merchant
Best cooling mattress for side sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling Mattress
Sleeping on your side puts added pressure on your shoulders and hips. If your mattress is too soft, you’ll sink in too far and throw your alignment out of whack. On the other hand, if it’s too firm, it won’t adequately shape to your body. A hybrid foam-and-coil pick is the optimal solution.
Most memory foam tends to trap heat, so it’s important to look for cooling features anytime there’s foam involved. “Brooklyn Bedding uses its proprietary foams in this model, including copper- and gel-infused layers,” notes Savy. “They are meant to draw excess heat away from the body instead of letting it accumulate.”
Wildhorn also names the Aurora a top pick. “Innerspring and hybrids are good for hot sleepers because coils allow for increased airflow,” she says. The cover of this particular best cooling mattress for side sleepers is also cool-to-the-touch and incorporates phase-change technology to actively lower your temperature.
Let’s talk comfort: Side sleepers will appreciate the “TitanFlex” foam, which provides an ideal balance of contour with immediate-response technology that adjusts to your body anytime you move. Savy also says this best mattress for hot sleepers is one of the most well-balanced models he has tried, and says it has “just the right amount of cradling while providing resilient support.”
Pros
- Hybrid foam-and-coil design best suits side sleepers
- Made with non-toxic materials
- Available in soft, medium and firm firmness options
- 120-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty
Cons
- Has shipping charges to Alaska, Hawaii and Canada
- The cover isn’t removable or washable
via merchant
Best cooling mattress for back sleepers
GhostBed Luxe Mattress
GhostBed calls this the “coolest bed in the world,” and it has the technology to back it up within its seven-layer foundation, starting with its cool-to-the-touch quilted cover. The plush topper is made with phase-change materials that neutralize your body heat and keep the sleeping surface cool and comfortable. As for the core, Wildhorn points to the layer of aerated latex foam designed to keep you chilled, as well as the gel memory foam and high-density foam for support and durability—ideal for back sleepers.
Wood notes that this medium-firm mattress is also an ideal option for couples. “It uses motion isolation, so you won’t feel your partner move throughout the night,” she says. You might have just found the coolest memory foam mattress out there.
Pros
- High-density foam ideal for back sleepers
- Superior motion isolation
- Includes two free pillows
- 101-night sleep trial and 25-year warranty
- Free shipping and returns
Cons
- May be too firm for some, especially side sleepers
via merchant
Best cooling mattress for back pain
The WinkBed
With gel-infused foam, breathable innerspring layers, individually wrapped pocketed coils and a Tencel cover, this hybrid WinkBed is optimized to provide you with a cool sleeping experience. It has a special lumbar layer, Savy explains, that’s designed to provide additional support for the lumbar section of the spine, which means proper alignment and zero tension during sleep. It comes in three firmness levels, as well as a “plus” version for heavier weight ranges.
This model uses wrapped coils that adapt to the shape of the body and aid in proper alignment, making it one of the best mattresses for back pain. “I was testing The WinkBed after a long day of slouching in front of my laptop, which made my back feel super tense,” says Savy. “Luckily, I felt almost immediate relief when I laid down on The WinkBed.”
With more than 8,400 reviews on its website, shoppers are agreeing. “I have serious back problems, and The Winkbed alleviates all my pain, providing me with total restful sleep,” shares Donald Winemiller, a verified buyer. “It is one of the very best decisions of my life. I would be prone to physical harm to anyone that tried to take it away from me.”
Pros
- Back relief system eliminates muscle tension and aligns the spine and joints
- Triple layer “heat disperse tech” actively wicks heat away from the body
- Made with eco-friendly materials
- 120-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty
- Free shipping and returns
Cons
- Doesn’t have that traditional memory foam feel
via merchant
via merchant
Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
This direct-to-consumer brand offers all of the benefits of buying a mattress online, but instead of sending it in a box, Saatva offers free white-glove service and setup. They’ll hand-deliver and assemble your mattress and bed frame anywhere, as well as dispose of your old bed at no additional cost. That’s all fine and good, of course, but how is the mattress itself? In a word: fabulous. The secret sauce to this Saatva hybrid mattress comes from its exclusive vented airflow channels, which allow for better circulation and superb breathability.
“Not only does this Saatva sleep cool, but it also offers luxurious comfort,” says Savy. The hybrid mattress combines independent coils (for targeted support) with latex and wool. The latex layer is zoned, which means it adapts to different sections of the body and offers pinpoint pressure alleviation while the wool layer aids in thermoregulation and adds extra cushioning. “To me,” adds Savy, “the Saatva combines all the best features a mattress can have—comfort, tension relief, support, spinal alignment, quality build and cool sleep, which makes it worth the price.”
This Saatva mattress is also Cushner’s top pick for the best cooling mattress worthy of a splurge. “This mattress is on the pricey end, but it features many cooling components that make the price tag worth it,” he notes. “It is made out of Talalay latex, which promotes air circulation. It also has a cooling cotton and wool cover, which is naturally moisture-wicking.” Wood notes that it’s also a prime choice for anyone with back problems.
Pros
- Five ergonomic zones provide enhanced support and pressure relief
- Made with premium eco-friendly, non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials
- Responsive and ultra-breathable natural latex
- Free in-room delivery, setup and mattress removal
- 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty
Cons
- $99 fee for returns
Why you should trust us
It’s one thing for experts to recommend a product, and it’s another when real-life shoppers give it positive reviews. So when the two come together to agree on the best cooling mattresses, we feel like we’ve hit the jackpot. At Reader’s Digest, we aim to find products that look good on paper and step up to the plate in real-world situations. And when we get the chance to test it ourselves, like we did with the Nectar Premier Copper mattress, well, that’s just the cherry on top.
How we found the best cooling mattresses
To find the best cooling mattresses, we talked to six sleep and bedding experts for their recommendations and then cross-referenced them with user reviews. We also made sure to source a variety of mattresses for every sleep style, personal preference and budget, including mattress deals. Once we brought all of these factors together, we created a list of the eight best cooling mattresses worthy of gracing your bed frame.
FAQ
Do cooling mattresses work?
Studies have shown that more than 50% of people sleep in an environment that’s too hot. Buying a mattress that provides some cooling—even if it just drops the body’s temperature by a fraction of a degree or two—creates a much healthier sleeping setup and promotes a better night’s rest. Experts, editors and customers all agree the best cooling mattress, as well as cooling bed sheets and cooling blankets, does the trick to help improve sweaty slumbers.
Should you put a mattress cover on a cooling mattress?
A mattress protector is an excellent way to extend the life of your mattress. Using one on a cooling mattress is a personal preference. If you opt for one, look for versions made of breathable cotton or with gel-infused memory foam, like these cooling mattress pads. Werner also loves bamboo covers for their naturally cooling and moisture-wicking abilities to draw moisture away from the skin.
How do cooling mattresses work?
Different mattresses utilize different cooling methods. Beds with foams, like gel- or graphite-infused memory foam, pull heat away from the body. Some cooling mattresses include aluminum or copper coils that increase or decrease in temperature as they expand and contract, depending on the season. Many mattresses incorporate phase-change materials, which absorb body heat and transform it to a cooler temperature. More advanced versions, like the Eight Sleep Pod 3 mattress, feature internal chambers that pump cool water throughout, which you can customize for a perfectly chilled snooze.
About the experts
- Marc Werner is the founder of GhostBed. He has spent the last few decades learning everything that he can about sleep.
- Robert Pagano is the co-founder at Sleepline. He has struggled with sleep for many years and has experience with sleep products and treatments.
- Victoria Wildhorn is a sleep health specialist at Mattress Clarity. She creates and shares sleep resources, especially for those with health conditions, to help improve their sleep.
- Abby Wood is a sleep health content associate at Mattress Nerd.
- Alex Savy is a certified sleep science coach and founder of SleepingOcean. He has written over 100 articles about sleep and sleep-related products.
- Keith Cushner is the founder of Tuck.
Originally Published: April 12, 2023
