There are plenty of reasons why people sleep hot. It could be that their heater is on blast or their bedding is too heavy. Another common culprit? Heat-trapping mattresses! Fortunately, there are a number of beds out there for hot sleepers, 10 of which we’ve highlighted in our list of the best cooling mattresses below. We’ll take a closer look at each one by breaking down the mattress construction and cooling materials. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Try taking our mattress quiz. After answering a few short questions, you’ll receive personalized recommendations.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cooling Mattresses
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Overall
- Nectar Premier – Best Cooling Mattress for Couples
- DreamCloud Original – Best Affordable Cooling Mattress
- WinkBeds – Best Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People
- Saatva Classic – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Nolah Signature – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain
- Bear Original – Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Leesa Sapira Chill – Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress
Best Cooling Mattress 2024: Video Roundup
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | Nectar Premier Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Emma Hybrid Comfort | Saatva Mattress | Nolah Signature 12" Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Cocoon Chill Mattress | |
Rating | ||||||||||
Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 8/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 |
Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Foam | Foam | Hybrid | Foam |
Cooling | -- | -- | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | -- | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Sleep Position | Combination | Back & Side | Back | Combination | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back & Side |
How We Chose the Best Cooling Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 600 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
To identify the Best Cooling Mattresses, we’ve paid special attention to materials, breathability, added cooling technology, and other relevant criteria. All of these beds scored at least a 4 out of 5 on cooling.
Best Cooling Mattress Overall – Helix Midnight Luxe
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a luxurious hybrid mattress with plush comfort and great support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a luxurious hybrid mattress with plush comfort and great support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
The Helix Midnight Luxe sits on a dense foam base, and the cooling aspects of the bed begin with the pocketed coils, i.e., rows of springy coils housed in fabric pockets. The coils promote airflow and are zoned to have a softer feel under the shoulders and a firmer feel under the hips for ergonomic support. Another aspect that makes the Helix Midnight Luxe a cooling bed is the gel-infused foam layer, and quilted pillowtop made from Tencel fibers, a moisture-wicking Eucalyptus plant derivative.
But if you’re unsure if the Helix Midnight Luxe is your perfect match among the dozens of beds furnished by the brand, Helix can help. When logging onto their website, customers have two options: they can participate in a sleep quiz or select from one of Helix’s many hybrid mattress models. The brand’s most popular mattress is the Helix Midnight, which lacks the plush pillow top of the Helix Midnight Luxe. With either bed, you get a hybrid construction and a mattress that won’t trap excess heat. Helix Midnight Luxe scored a breezy 4.5/5 cooling score in the mattress lab.
What We Like About the Helix Midnight Luxe
- The Midnight Luxe has great edge support, meaning that if you lay near the edge of the mattress, you shouldn’t feel as though you’re going to fall off. This also helps with durability, as the Midnight Luxe should last about a decade with proper care.
- Couples should love the Midnight Luxe. It’s great at isolating motion, meaning couples shouldn’t wake each other up from moving around during the night, and it’s also bouncy and responsive enough to be a great mattress for sex.
- Lightweight sleepers under 130 lbs should love the Midnight Luxe no matter what position they sleep in. Back and side sleepers who are lightweight should feel comfortable and supported, and lightweight stomach sleepers should get proper spinal support from the zoned coils.
What to Keep in Mind About Helix Midnight Luxe
- Most stomach sleepers won’t get the proper support on this mattress. It’s medium-firm and ranked at 6.5/10 on our firmness scale, so most stomach sleepers will sink too far into the mattress and won’t get proper spinal support.
- Most heavyweight sleepers will likely need a firmer mattress. Some heavy back sleepers may find some comfort on the Midnight Luxe, but most sleepers will want to try a mattress on our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people.
Other Customer reviews
On the Helix site, over 5,000 users rated the Midnight Luxe 4.4 out of 5 stars. Many of the highest reviews say that the mattress is very soft but still supportive enough so that you won’t sink too far in and be uncomfortable. On the contrary, some other users had the opposite feeling, and thought that the mattress was too soft for them.
Read our full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for more great options.
Best Cooling Mattress for Couples – Nectar Premier
Nectar Premier Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nectar Premier Mattress
The Nectar Premier is a plush memory foam mattress with some great cooling features.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nectar Premier Mattress
The Nectar Premier is a plush memory foam mattress with some great cooling features.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
We’ve already noted a few mattresses good for couples, including the hybrid Leesa Sapira Chill, but traditionally, memory foam is an excellent choice to isolate motion. However, memory foam is also known for trapping heat, understandably causing hot sleepers to shy away from memory foam mattresses. While the Nectar Premier is a memory foam mattress, it contains cooling materials that keep it from getting hot at night, helping it net a 4.5/5 cooling score in the mattress lab.
The foam bed’s cooling materials include a top memory foam layer with a gel infusion that will help with heat dissipation, plus a cover woven with a Tencel material that’s highly breathable and wicks away moisture. We’re also impressed by the Nectar brand’s robust customer service assurances. You and your partner will have 365 nights to decide if your new mattress is a good fit, and from there, the bed is covered by a lifetime warranty.
What We Like About the Nectar Premier
- We often include the Nectar Premier mattress in our roundups of the best mattresses for the money. It’s made from high-quality materials, it’s durable and is a long-term investment.
- Since the Nectar Premier is a foam mattress, it’s great at isolating motion. For couples who typically disturb each other through the night and are looking for a mattress to keep each other’s movements at bay, the Nectar fits the bill.
- The Nectar Premier has a generous trial and warranty period. The brand offers a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. Keep in mind though, the brand does have limited warranty terms listed on their site.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar Premier
- Heavier people likely won’t get enough support on the mattress. The Nectar Premier is a soft foam mattress, so heavier people may sink too deeply into the comfort layers.
- Couples who are looking for the best mattress for sex may not like the Nectar. Since it’s a foam mattress, it’s not as bouncy and responsive as some of its competitors. Sleepers should have a fairly easy time moving around on it, but not as easily as if this were a hybrid mattress.
Other Customer reviews
On the Nectar site, over 48,000 verified buyers rated the Nectar mattress 4.7 out of 5 stars. Some of the top reviews claimed that the Nectar immediately helped relieve pressure points and aches and that the cooling benefits could be felt as soon as the user lay down. However, some users complained about the long shipping process and customer service, and others said that the mattress was too soft and their hips sank too far down into the mattress.
Read our full Nectar Premier mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Couples for more great options.
Best Affordable Cooling Mattress – DreamCloud Original
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
Looking for an affordable bed-in-box alternative to a pricier cooling foam mattress like the TEMPUR-Pedic? Consider the DreamCloud. With a cashmere cover, comfort layers made with gel-infused memory foam, and a breathable coil support layer, this bed keeps hot sleepers’ night sweats at bay; Testers awarded the bed 4/5 for DreamCloud’s cooling capabilities. Plus, the firm and supportive bed has a balanced foam feel that offers relief for folks with back pain.
What We Like About the DreamCloud
- The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that’s made to dissipate heat. The comfort layers use gel-infused memory foam, which helps the bed stay thermoregulated, and coils promote airflow to move heat away from the body. All of this makes this mattress an excellent choice for hot sleepers!
- DreamCloud has one of the best warranties and sleep trials you’ll find anywhere: a full year to test the bed and a lifetime warranty to protect your purchase.
- This is a great mattress option for sleepers that weigh less than 130 lbs. No matter what sleeping position lightweight sleepers sleep in, they should find comfort on the DreamCloud.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud
- Those who want a more luxury sleep experience might want to take a look at the DreamCloud Premier, which is just as cooling as the DreamCloud, but includes an extra 2″ of comfort in the form of a Euro-top pillow cover.
- While this mattress may be a good fit for lightweight sleepers, many heavyweight sleepers may not get enough support in some sleeping positions, especially heavier stomach sleepers.
- The bed scored so-so motion isolation scores from testers (3/5), so couples who are easily interrupted by a partner’s movements at night may want to look elsewhere.
Other Customer reviews
On the DreamCloud website, nearly 9,000 users rated the mattress 4.6 out of 5 stars. Some of the top reviews mentioned how the mattress was uber-comfortable, and users claimed to feel benefits such as pain relief even after just one night of sleeping on the mattress. Others claimed that the mattress was too firm, which doesn’t surprise us — our testers rate DreamCloud a substantial 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
Read our full DreamCloud mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Cheap Mattresses for more great options.
Best Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers – WinkBeds
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Our Expert’s Take
Finding a mattress with the proper support and spinal alignment for stomach sleepers can be difficult, but the WinkBed achieves both. Thanks to the different firmness levels offered (Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus), the mattress provides lots of comfort and support for all body types and sleep positions. We especially recommend the Luxury Firm option for lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers, and heavy sleepers should fare best on the Firmer or Plus models.
Not only that, but hot sleepers should enjoy the cooling properties of the WinkBed. With a breathable Tencel cover, gel-infused memory foam, and individually wrapped coils for airflow, you shouldn’t overheat at night. The coils (which number over 1,000 in a queen-size bed) are also constructed with lumbar support in mind, varying in thickness or “gauge” to target enhanced lower back support. The construction helped the bed net a perfect 5/5 score for overall support from mattress testers. A contouring gel memory foam layer and a quilted pillow top also ensure plenty of pressure relief on the shoulders and hips, which is excellent for those who share the bed with a side sleeper.
What We Like About the WinkBed
- The balance between comfort and support in the WinkBed makes it a great fit for sleepers who suffer from lower back pain and sciatica.
- The WinkBed is high-quality, affordable, and sold at a great value. It’s a durable and long-lasting mattress that should last most people 7-10 years with proper care.
- The WinkBed is made with CertiPUR-US certified foams, which makes it eco-friendly, and also helps prevent the mattress from having an off-gassing smell when it’s first unboxed.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed
- Couples may love the WinkBed since it’s bouncy and responsive enough to be good for sex, however, because it’s bouncy, it may not be the best at isolating motion.
- The WinkBed is only available online, so if you want to try before you make a purchase, you may want to try another mattress on this roundup. WinkBed does offer a 120-night sleep trial.
Other Customer reviews
On the WinkBed site, customers rated the WinkBed 4.8 out of 5 stars, with over 8,000 reviews. Some users wrote that they felt comfortable and supported in all sleeping positions while on the WinkBed, while others complained that the mattress was either too soft or too firm.
Read our full WinkBed mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers for more great options.
Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People – Emma Hybrid Comfort
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a hybrid mattress that is designed to support all weights while also promoting a cool night of sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a hybrid mattress that is designed to support all weights while also promoting a cool night of sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re a heavier person, you’ll likely need a mattress on the firmer side, which is why the Emma Hybrid Comfort is a great fit. We rank it at an 8/10 on our firmness scale, making it a pretty firm mattress. Although it’s on the firmer side, it’s still bouncy and responsive. And most vital for hot sleepers, it’s easy to see how the bed is cooling as look under the hood layer by layer of the Emma Hybrid Comfort.
On the bed’s sleep surface, there’s a soft cover that’s good at wicking away sweat and keeping you cool. Next, the first layer of comfort foam, called Breezy AIRGOCELL foam, helps move away heat from your body. Underneath that, there’s memory foam for extra comfort, but if you love the feel of an innerspring mattress, you don’t have to worry about the foams feeling too slow moving. Then there’s HRX foam, a bouncy foam that stops heavier sleepers from sinking in too far. Finally, the main support layer consists of coils that are divided into seven zones, helping align the spine as you sleep.
What We Love About the Emma Hybrid Comfort
- Much like heavy sleepers, stomach sleepers will also need a firm mattress. This makes the Emma Hybrid Comfort a great fit for stomach sleepers too.
- Since this mattress is bouncy and easy to move around on, it should work well for combination sleepers as well as couples looking for a good mattress for sex.
- This mattress is sold at a great value, at just under $1,200 for a queen.
What to Keep in Mind About the Emma Hybrid Comfort
- Lightweight sleepers probably won’t feel comfortable on a mattress this firm, and will likely want to opt for something softer.
- If you just prefer a softer, more classic foam-feeling mattress, the Emma Hybrid Comfort probably won’t be a good choice for you.
Other Customer reviews
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars based on the 200+ reviews from the Emma site. Most customers raved about how the mattress is bouncy and works for couples, especially at its price point. The negative reviews complain about customer service.
Read our full Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Heavy People for more great options.
Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers – Saatva Classic
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
Back sleepers require a mattress with a balanced feel. This should elevate the hips into proper alignment while still providing the necessary pressure relief. The Saatva is a fantastic option for these sleepers, as it has a coil-on-coil construction that creates tons of support, while also providing cushioning with a Euro pillow-top. As for cooling, there’s plenty of room for airflow between all of the coils. According to our testers, you should have no problem keeping a low temperature on this mattress, who gave the Saatva a solid cooling score (4/5).
In fact, Saatva Classic’s five-layer composition fielded near-perfect scores across the board, with the exception of motion isolation (3/5), which easily awoken couples may want to note: The lower the motion isolation score, the more disturbance our testers measured across the bed’s surface when they moved about the mattress.
What We Like About the Saatva
- The Saatva comes in three firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm, meaning that most sleepers shouldn’t have trouble finding a mattress that works for them. For the sake of this review, our testers tried out the Luxury Firm model.
- The Luxury Firm version of the Saatva that we tried offered a great balance of comfort and support. This makes it a great mattress for some chronic pain, including orthopedic pain.
- The Saatva is responsive and easy to move around on, so couples who are looking for a mattress for sex should definitely enjoy the Saatva.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva
- Though couples may like the Saatva as a mattress for sex, the bouncy nature of the innerspring coils may mean that partners will feel each other moving around throughout the night.
- The Luxury Firm and Firm versions of this mattress may be too firm for some. We rank them at a 7/10 and 8/10 respectively, which are both firmer than the 6.5/10 medium-firm standard.
Other Customer reviews
On the Saatva site, 2,000+ users rated the Saatva mattress at 4.8 out of 5 stars. Some of the top reviewers praised how the mattress wasn’t too soft or too firm, and that it helped them with chronic pain. Some customers complained about the $99 return fee for their mattress, which Saatva does make clear on their site.
Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers for more great options.
Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain – Nolah Signature
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
The Nolah Signature is a fantastic medium-firm mattress that offers plenty of foam comfort and pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
The Nolah Signature is a fantastic medium-firm mattress that offers plenty of foam comfort and pressure relief.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
Are you a hot sleeper who also suffers from back pain? If so, you’ll want a mattress that targets both concerns. The Nolah Signature is a cooling mattress made with a 100% organic cotton cover, which is nice and breathable, and Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam, which is meant to promote airflow: Testers gave the bed a 4/5 score for its cooling properties.
The Signature is a great option for back pain because it has a medium-firm feel, which is ideal for promoting a neutral spinal alignment, and its foam should contour and support the lower back. Testers gave the bed an overall support score of 4/5. Another aspect the testers love about the AirFoam is its bounce: Despite being an all-foam model bed, the Nolah Signature is responsive, allowing you to switch sleep positions throughout the night seamlessly.
What We Like About the Nolah Signature
- Couples should love the Nolah Signature, as it’s a great mattress for sex since it’s bouncy and responsive, and it’s also great at isolating motion, so couples shouldn’t wake each other up through the night if they move around.
- The Nolah is made with AirFoam in the comfort layer to help with cooling, and it also has a tencel cover that’s cool to the touch. This makes this mattress a great fit for hot sleepers.
- The Nolah Signature is a very durable mattress, and with great care, it’s meant to last 7-10 years. In addition to the long-lasting materials in the mattress, Nolah offers a lifetime warranty on their mattresses.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Signature
- As durable as the Nolah Signature is, it doesn’t have the best edge support. This means that if you lay near the edge of the mattress, you may get the feeling that you’re going to roll off.
- There is some initial off-gassing when you unbox the Nolah Signature. It’s best to give the mattress 24-48 hours to air out before you begin sleeping on it.
Other Customer reviews
Though Nolah does list customer reviews on its site, the site doesn’t allow readers to sort through or filter reviews and only the most recent reviews are displayed. Nonetheless, customers rated the mattress 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Read our full Nolah Signature mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Back Pain for more great options.
Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress – Bear Original
Bear Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
If you love memory foam, then you should love the first comfort layer of the Bear. Soft and pressure-relieving, testers said it gave them nice sinkage when they lied down. But crucially, a firmer second comfort layer kept testers from sinking too far into the bed, creating a medium-firm feel that should appeal to back sleepers and side sleepers. The durability and density of the foam support layers helped the bed earn a solid 4/5 score from our mattress testers.
If you tend to sleep especially hot, know that the Bear has an optional cooling cover for $200 made from Celliant, which Bear says is designed to aid blood circulation and muscle recovery. With our without the Celliant cover, you get foams with an infusion of graphite gel to help prevent heat retention.
What We Like About the Bear
- The Bear is a mattress specifically for athletes. The celliant fibers in this mattress are great for muscle recovery, promote blood flow, and can even help with cooling sleepers who overheat at night.
- In addition to the celliant cover, the foam in the Bear is graphite gel-infused and breathable, giving this mattress some really great cooling benefits that hot sleepers should love.
- The Bear mattress is easier to move around on than other firm mattresses, and also isolates motion well, making this a great mattress for couples.
- The Bear is eco-friendly and made from certiPUR-US certified foams and it’s low in VOCs. This means that you won’t get any off-gassing smells from the mattress once you unbox it.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear
- The Bear mattress is made from all foam, so it may not be as durable as some other mattresses on this list.
- Since the Bear is made from softer materials, stomach sleepers may not get the proper spinal support they need while sleeping on the mattress.
Other Customer reviews
On the Bear site, over 10,000 reviewers rated the Bear Original at about 4.5 out of 5 stars. Some customers said that the mattress helped them with chronic neck and back pain, and others thought that the mattress felt on the softer side, and not medium-firm as they expected.
Read our full Bear mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Memory Foam Mattresses for more great options.
Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
The Aurora Luxe mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is a high-quality hybrid mattress that has cooling and pressure relieving components. The high-quality materials and thoughtful construction makes it a good value.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
The Aurora Luxe mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is a high-quality hybrid mattress that has cooling and pressure relieving components. The high-quality materials and thoughtful construction makes it a good value.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
The Aurora Luxe mattress comes from Brooklyn Bedding, a producer of high-quality cheap mattresses. Because the company is one of the few brands that owns its factory, it can sell beds like the higher-end Aurora Luxe hybrid at a very affordable price.
Looking at the mattress build, on top of the bed is a cover containing GlacioTex™ — a phase change material that’s cool to the touch and changes its physical state to help people keep a lower temperature at night. After that, a layer of CopperFlex foam is, as the name suggests, infused with copper to draw heat away from the body. Add in the airflow-promoting coils, and that is one cool-sleeping mattress. Testers confirmed as much in the sleep lab, awarding the bed 4/5 stars for its cooling properties.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe also has robust edge support (4/5). However, the bed has a less robust 10-year warranty, and a more middling motion isolation score (3/5).
What We Like About the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- The Aurora Luxe is a great mattress for hot sleepers. It features a cooling cover, cooling infusions in its three comfort layers, and coils that allow plenty of airflow to circulate.
- If couples want a great mattress for sex, the Aurora Luxe should be a great match. Since it’s bouncy and responsive, it should be easy to move around on and switch positions.
- The Aurora Luxe is a high-quality mattress, and a long-term investment. It’s durable, and with proper care, it should last you for a long time.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Like many mattresses with foam layers, the Aurora Luxe will need about 24-48 hours to allow off-gassing smells to dissipate after unboxing.
- Though couples may love the Aurora Luxe as a mattress for sex, they may want to keep in mind that the mattress doesn’t isolate motion well, so there is a chance that partners could disturb each other through the night if they move around in their sleep.
Other Customer reviews
On the Brooklyn Bedding site, over 3,000 users rated the Aurora Luxe 4.7 out of 5 stars. The top reviews on the page state that the mattress has the perfect balance between support and comfort, while some complaints say that the mattress was uncomfortable and felt similar to a blow-up bed.
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers for more great options.
Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress – Leesa Sapira Chill
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid is true to its name and offers some of the best cooling materials out there.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid is true to its name and offers some of the best cooling materials out there.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid boasts all its best features in its name. It’s a hybrid mattress built with pocketed coils and multiple layers of foam. It also features some really nice cooling features, such as gel infusions in the foam, a cooling cover, and a ventilated layer that helps to promote airflow. Testers also assessed a medium firmness that cushions pressure points, which makes it great for side sleepers.
Couples interested in a hybrid that excels in isolating motion might also consider the Sapira Chill, testers said, although in the mattress lab, it’s worth noting that there wasn’t a single performance category where the Sapira Chill slumped: Testers gave the bed at least 4/5 in every category, including motion transfer (4/5), cooling (4.5/5), edge support (4/5), and overall support (4.5/5).
What We Love About the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
- Since the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid is a medium-firm mattress, it should work well for both back and side sleepers. The hips, shoulders, and spines should all fall into proper alignment in both of these positions.
- The bouncy and responsive nature of the Leesa Sapira Chill should work well for combination sleepers, who switch sleeping positions throughout the night since it’s so easy to move around on.
What to Keep in Mind About the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
- Stomach sleepers and heavier sleepers should consider a firmer mattress that will support the hips and keep the spine properly aligned.
- If you’re shopping on a budget, this may not be a great fit since this mattress comes in at just over $2,000 for a Queen.
Other Customer reviews
On the Leesa website, this mattress is rated at 4.4 out of 5 based on over 1,900 reviews from real customers. Users love the medium-firm feel of the mattress though some sleepers claim they woke up with more back pain than they went to sleep with.
Read our full Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid mattress review for more information. Or check out our roundup of the Best Hybrid Mattresses for more options!
Other Cooling Mattresses We Like
While these mattresses didn’t make our top 10 recommendations, these mattresses are still a great option for people who are looking for a cooling mattress. Check out our recommendations below.
Puffy Cloud Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
101 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Puffy Cloud Mattress
Puffy is a comfortable memory foam mattress that is especially great for back and side sleepers.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
101 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Puffy Cloud Mattress
Puffy is a comfortable memory foam mattress that is especially great for back and side sleepers.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
101 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
The Saatva Latex Hybrid is a luxury mattress with a nice balance of comfort and support.
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
The Saatva Latex Hybrid is a luxury mattress with a nice balance of comfort and support.
Material
Latex
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Birch Natural Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Birch Natural Mattress
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Birch Natural Mattress
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Purple Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Purple Mattress
Purple is an innovative mattress that is a great fit for all three sleeping positions and doesn’t sleep hot.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Purple Mattress
Purple is an innovative mattress that is a great fit for all three sleeping positions and doesn’t sleep hot.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
What Makes a Mattress Cooling?
There are a lot of bold claims to be made in the world of cooling mattresses, but what actually makes a mattress cooling? Well, primarily it’s the materials, mattress type, and proprietary cooling technologies. Some mattresses use special fabrics that wick away moisture and promote airflow, keeping you cool throughout the night. Others incorporate cooling gel layers or breathable foams that dissipate heat, preventing you from getting too warm while you sleep. Finally, others are engineered with springy coils that promote airflow to help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature. We’ll go into more detail on each of these mattress types and materials.
How Do Different Mattress Types Help with Cooling?
To help you find the best bed for your sleep needs, I’ll break down the most common types of cooling mattresses and explain how they work.
Innerspring and Hybrid
Innerspring and hybrid mattresses contain coils, which promote airflow. The springs also give the mattress a bouncy and responsive feel, which prevents sleepers from “sinking” inside the top layers and trapping body heat all around them.
Latex
Latex foam feels particularly breathable and responsive. This material doesn’t conform to the curves of your body like traditional memory foam does, which makes it a cooling option for those who tend to run hot.
Memory Foam and Polyfoam
Memory foam has a slow-moving feel that cradles pressure points and creates a “quicksand” type of feeling. Pure memory foam traps body heat, but infused memory foam helps prevent this problem. For the best results, look for memory foam that’s infused with gel, graphite or copper. These materials help pull heat away from the body and keep sleepers cool.
Many mattresses contain polyfoam, a less expensive material that feels plush and slow-moving. Most polyfoam mattresses trap body heat, but some manufacturers include cooling infusions to help combat this issue. You should also keep your eye out for aerated polyfoam, a material that’s ventilated for extra breathability and airflow.
Gel Memory Foam
Gel memory foam is one of the most popular cooling materials on the market. It consists of traditional memory foam that’s infused with cooling gel. The gel helps pull heat away from the body and keep sleepers cool. For the most effective cooling mattress, opt for a hybrid mattress that contains breathable coils and gel memory foam.
Mattress Cooling Materials
Now that we understand the different types of mattresses, let’s take a closer look at the best cooling materials.
CELLIANT
Often found in mattress covers and workout clothes, CELLIANT material is specifically designed to keep people cool. The fiber absorbs body heat, converts it into far infrared radiation (FIR) and reflects the FIR back toward the body.
TENCEL™
TENCEL™, also known as Lyocell, is made from the pulp of sustainably-sourced wood. It feels particularly breathable, but it’s also quite durable. This high-end material is often found in the best bed sheets.
Lycra
Also known as Spandex, this material is breathable, wicks moisture away from the body and can be found in some mattress protectors.
Phase Change Material
Often used in bedding, mattress protectors and mattresses, phase change material (PCM) changes from one state to another as your body temperature changes. PCM pulls heat away from the body and stores it if you start to overheat. If you get too cold, the material can also release the stored heat to warm you up.
Copper Infusions
Copper is an excellent heat conductor, so many mattresses have copper fibers woven into the fabric to help direct heat away from the body. A bonus: Copper is antimicrobial and antibacterial, so it can contribute to an overall healthier sleeping experience.
Gel Infusions
Some mattresses are infused with millions of tiny gel liquid beads that help wick away moisture and drive away heat. Even though memory foam sleeps hot, these gel beads can go a long way in cooling down the bed.
Graphite Infusions
Graphite is a crystalline carbon found in rocks, and it’s naturally cooling. Many mattress manufacturers infuse the foam comfort layers with graphite, which helps keep the bed cool.
Ventilated Memory Foam
Mattress companies often use ventilated memory foam, which has an open-cell construction that allows more air to flow through the bed. This fabric is less dense than standard memory foam, and it often feels more responsive. This also helps sleepers stay cool at night because it prevents people from “sinking” inside the bed and trapping heat.
What Kind of Mattress Cover is Best for Keeping Cool?
Mattress covers surround the tops of beds and often contain cooling infusions and fabrics. There are two main types of mattress covers. Let’s look closely at both:
Quilted Cover
Quilted covers contain fabrics that are, you guessed it, quilted together with another material. Most of the time, quilted covers contain memory foam. While memory foam offers pressure relief, it can also trap body heat. If you want a mattress with a quilted cover, look for something that’s infused with a cooling material such as copper, graphite or gel.
Non-quilted Cover
Non-quilted covers are typically thinner than quilted covers, which makes them feel more breathable and cool.
Why Do We Sleep Hot in the First Place?
One of the main reasons we sleep hot has to do with how our body acts during REM sleep. When we’re in this deep stage of sleep, the temperature-regulating system in our brains is asleep as well, so our bodies usually match the temperature of our bedroom and the mattress materials around us. There are also a few other specific conditions that might exacerbate feeling hot while trying to sleep. These include:
Anxiety
People who suffer from anxiety can have fluctuations in their body heat. During anxious moments, they might experience something akin to hot flashes. If they occur at night, they can cause people to wake up or have trouble going back to sleep.
Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid gland produces the thyroid hormone, which, among other things, helps regulate body temperature. With hyperthyroidism, the gland produces too much of the hormone and can cause people with the condition to feel overheated.
Menopause
Women who are just beginning their menopausal transition can sometimes experience hot flashes. These occur as estrogen levels change and a feeling of intense heat comes on that can cause night sweats.
Medications
Some prescription drugs have also been shown to cause night sweats. Antidepressants and other psychiatric drugs can lower norepinephrine levels, which can lead to excessive sweating during the day and night.
Other Conditions
Several other health conditions may affect body temperature, thereby causing people to sleep hot. For example, Graves’ Disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and some forms of cancer are accompanied by fluctuations in body temperature.
Cooling Mattress Accessories and Bedding for Hot Sleepers
Beyond finding that perfect cooling mattress, there are a few other bedding and mattress products that hot sleepers should be looking for.
The BedJet
The BedJet is a device that offers climate control for the bed by blowing air directly into the mattress. The temperature of the air is completely controlled by the sleeper. That means if they’re cold, they can blow hot air into the bed.
Cooling Mattress Protectors and Toppers
Most people get mattress protectors to protect against dust mites, bacteria and allergens. Mattress protectors also keep mattresses clean and protect against spills and stains. At the same time, they can help with cooling.
The Bear mattress protector has a special fabric that can pull heat away from the body and keep people cool at night. Even if people sleep on a hot memory foam mattress, this protector can help regulate the temperature.
A cooling mattress topper can also be a good investment. A mattress topper that includes latex or some type of cooling material such as gel or graphite can add serious cooling to the top of the mattress. Take a look at our list of the best cooling mattress toppers for some ideas.
Cooling Sheets
While thread count usually speaks to the quality of the sheets, higher thread count sheets are usually less breathable than lower thread count sheets. This is because the high thread count sheets are denser and allow less air to pass through.
Consumers should also think about the fabrics used in their sheets. Although synthetic materials are cheaper and thought to be of lower quality, they may be more breathable. Microfibers have a looser weave, which allows for more air to pass through, so people will likely trap less heat when sleeping under synthetic sheets. That said, there are natural fibers with cooling properties, such as bamboo sheets.
Cooling Pillows
Your pillow could also be one of the reasons you’re overheating. Some pillows are made with thick pieces of memory foam, which trap heat and make sleepers feel stuffy. Some of our favorite cooling pillows include the Saatva Latex, TEMPUR-Cloud Cooling Pro and Sleep Number True Temp pillow.
Tips for Hot Sleepers
In addition to getting a cooling mattress, the following tips can help you feel cool and comfortable during the night:
- Opt for 100 percent cotton sheets. Synthetic fabrics can trap heat and cause the body to feel even warmer. Instead, go for sheets made of natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo, or look for bedding with cooling or sweat-wicking technology.
- Get a box fan or AC unit going. An air conditioning unit will dramatically chill the air in your room, helping most people stay comfortable. But even a simple box fan can help with airflow, providing a cooling effect. Plus, fans and AC units generate white noise that blocks out other noises, helping hot sleepers fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Sleep downstairs. Because heat rises, rooms on the first floor or in a basement are generally the coolest. People who have a bedroom on a higher floor and can relocate to a spot on a lower level should attempt to switch it up.
- Stick your pillowcase in the freezer. Place a pillowcase (or even sheets!) in a ziplock and stick it in the freezer for a couple of hours before bed, then make the bed with the chilled bedding right before bedtime. The crisp, cool surface will help cool the body’s temperature as people fall asleep.
- Take a cool shower before bed. The same idea applies here: Lowering the body temperature a tiny bit can make people feel more comfortable and less likely to overheat. If possible, make sure to shower right before getting into bed for the night. That way, the body doesn’t have time to warm up again.
Summary
Here’s a recap of our top picks for the best mattresses for hot sleepers:
Mattress | Best for |
Helix Midnight Luxe | Best Overall |
Nectar Premier | Best Cooling Mattress for Couples |
DreamCloud | Best Affordable Cooling Mattress |
WinkBeds | Best Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers |
Emma Hybrid Comfort | Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People |
Saatva Classic | Best for Back Sleepers |
Nolah Signature | Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain |
Bear Original | Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress |
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers |
Leesa Sapira Chill | Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress |
Best Cooling Mattress FAQs
Why are you sleeping hot at night?
There are a number of reasons someone might be sleeping hot at night. It could be due to a medical condition such as anxiety or hyperthyroidism. However, it could also have to do with one’s sleep environment. The temperature of the room and lack of breathability in one’s bedding and mattress can also cause one to overheat.
Does cooling gel really make mattresses sleep cooler?
While gel can keep mattresses from overheating quite so much, they probably don’t work as well as many companies advertise. Gel memory foam, for instance, might still trap a good deal of heat.
How do you stay cool while sleeping?
There are a few ways someone can keep their bed cool at night. First, they can invest in a cooler sleeping mattress with coils and other heat-dissipating material. Second, they could opt for cooling, breathable sheets, or a mattress protector. Lastly, they could spring for the BedJet, a device that blows air into the mattress.
Does latex sleep cool?
Latex generally sleeps pretty cool due to its chemical composition, and latex mattresses are typically aerated with air holes punched in the top. However, keep an eye out for mattresses that combine latex with memory or poly foam as these are more likely to trap heat.
How do I make my memory foam mattress cooler?
One quick and easy way to cool down your memory foam mattress is to add a cooling mattress topper. Choosing the right bedding such as cooling sheets can also help. And if you use a bed frame, check how breathable it is. Slatted beds are a fantastic way to promote airflow and wick away moisture.