Best Cooling Mattress Pads

If you love almost everything about your mattress but want to make small changes to customize your sleep environment, a mattress pad is worth considering. A mattress pad is a thin layer that sits on top of your current mattress. A cooling mattress pad actively or passively regulates temperature and prevents you from sleeping hot. Some are made with breathable materials, like cotton or wool, while others are infused with gel to draw heat away from the body and dissipate moisture. Certain designs use technology to actively cool down the surface of the mattress.

Our team has tested dozens of cooling mattress pads and determined which models are worth purchasing. Side, back, and stomach sleepers across multiple weight groups put our top picks to the test, analyzing each one for comfort, value, and temperature regulation.

How to Build the Coolest Bedroom – Video

Watch the video below for some tips on how to create a cooler sleep environment.

Along with the featured cooling mattress pads in our top picks, we’ve also included a comprehensive buyer’s guide. This section tells you what to look for – and what to avoid – when shopping for a cooling pad. We’ll also break down how cooling mattress pads work, answer some frequently asked questions, and help you choose the right style for your sleep preferences.

Our Recommendations

If you want to invest in a cooling mattress pad that also provides moisture control, the Sijo TempTune checks both boxes. The fill consists of Clima, a proprietary fiber that mimics the softness of natural down and dissipates heat on contact to help you maintain a comfortable temperature. Another thermoregulating component is the shell, which is made from a blend of moisture-wicking Tencel and breathable nylon. A membrane embedded beneath the shell provides additional liquid protection.

The pad’s surface is quilted with small baffle boxes to ensure the fill is evenly distributed, so you shouldn’t need to fluff it too often. A thick elastic skirt along the perimeter provides a secure fit and prevents the pad from slipping off during the night. The skirt’s pocket depth makes the pad compatible with mattresses up to 16 inches thick. You may wash and dry the pad in any household appliance.

The TempTune is competitively priced and Sijo offers free shipping for all orders in the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a 30-night trial, during which returns and exchanges are also free of charge.

The Brooklyn Bedding Cooling Mattress Protector has a cool to the touch feel and breathable construction. The mattress protector improves the overall breathability of the mattress and draws heat away from the body. It resists dust mites and other allergens.

The company’s TitanCool technology is infused in the surface of the Cooling Mattress Protector. This phase change material (PCM) increases the conductivity of the protector and draws heat away from the body. The breathable elastic fabrication increases airflow.

Shoppers who want an easy to clean mattress pad will appreciate that the Brooklyn Bedding Cooling Mattress Protector can be machine washed in cool or warm water and tumble dried on a low setting. The mattress pad adds a layer of protection to the mattress, reducing normal wear and tear. The waterproof fabrication prevents spills from staining the mattress below.

The Brooklyn Bedding Cooling Mattress Protector is a thin cover, so sleepers should not expect it to add softness or change the firmness of the mattress. It is ideal for shoppers who want to protect their mattress from spills and stains while improving its overall breathability.

Brooklyn Bedding offers a 30-day sleep trial for the Cooling Mattress Protector.

The Saatva Organic Mattress Pad naturally wicks away moisture and heat for a cooler sleep environment. Cotton is lightweight and breathable, and the Saatva Organic Mattress Pad uses 100% GOTS-certified cotton in its quilted construction, ensuring the materials were sourced organically. It is made without the use of chemicals or synthetic materials.

The 300 thread count of the Saatva Organic Mattress Pad is soft and breathable, allowing air to flow through the mattress pad. Organic cotton side panels with a wide elastic band secure the pad to the mattress. The pad can fit mattresses up to 16 inches thick, making it a great choice for those with higher mattress profiles. The mattress pad includes 0.75 inches of plush cotton fill, so it will add some softness to the mattress.

The Saatva Organic Mattress Pad is easy to clean as it can be machine washed on the gentle cycle and tumble dried. The mattress pad is available in standard sizes twin through California king. Saatva also offers an Upper-Flex option for the queen and king sizes, which corresponds to the Saatva Upper-Flex split top mattress.

Saatva offers a 45-day sleep trial for the Organic Mattress Pad and issues a full refund if you decide to return the pad. The company asks that any bedding is washed before returning. The Organic Mattress Pad is covered by a 1-year limited warranty.

Slumber Cloud products are known for using proprietary Outlast technology, which is engineered for optimal temperature regulation. Outlast is a phase change material (PCM), designed to absorb, store, and return heat. The Slumber Cloud Performance Mattress Pad elaborates on this technology using Tencel-based Outlast meant to reduce heat and moisture buildup when you’re too hot, and releasing heat if you start to get cold.

Down alternative fiber fills the mattress pad’s interior, adding cushioning to the surface without changing the overall feel of your mattress. The pad is available in seven sizes, including a split king option where you’ll receive two twin XL mattress pads. This is a great option for couples who own adjustable beds. Its elastic skirting has a 360-degree grip to ensure a snug fit, and the pad will fit mattresses with profiles up to 20 inches thick.

Slumber Cloud ships free to customers living in the contiguous U.S. All orders come with 60-night sleep trials and 180-day warranties against structural defects.

The Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad is a lightweight model with a thin profile. The breathable viscose derived from bamboo is particularly suitable for hot sleepers or those living in humid climates, as it helps wick away moisture and regulate temperature.

The pad is hypoallergenic. Cozy Earth sources bamboo from USDA-certified organic farms, which means that it is free of chemicals and pesticides. The company does not use dyes, and the pad is a natural white color. The bamboo-derived viscose is highly breathable, which helps the mattress pad prevent the buildup of moisture and bacteria.

The pad is available in twin, queen, king, and California king sizes and fits mattresses up to 20 inches deep. It has a strong elastic band to help keep the mattress pad in place. In order to preserve the mattress pad’s structural integrity and soft feel, it should be machine washed on the delicate setting.

Cozy Earth offers free shipping and returns for U.S. orders. The Bamboo Mattress Pad is backed by a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty.

A cooling mattress pad can be useful during hot and humid times of the year, but you may need bedding that provides decent insulation when chillier weather arrives. The Nolah Bamboo Mattress Pad is the best of both worlds in terms of temperature control. Both the shell and fiber fill are composed of viscose derived from bamboo, a fabric known for exceptional breathability and moisture-wicking, but the pad is also plush and cozy enough to keep you comfortable on cold nights.

A sateen weave gives the shell fabric a silky-smooth feel, and the top surface is quilted to accentuate the softness. The pocket depth is 15 inches, making the pad compatible with many mattresses — but we recommend measuring just in case, as some models sold today will be too tall. Six sizes are available, all of which correspond to standard mattress dimensions. You can machine wash the pad in cold water, then tumble dry on medium heat or hang to dry.

The Bamboo Mattress Pad has earned certification from the Forest Stewardship Council, ensuring the viscose’s botanical sources are sustainably grown and harvested. Nolah offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. You may return the pad within 30 days of delivery. Should you decide to keep it after the trial period ends, you’ll also receive a 10-year warranty against material defects.

The Puffy Mattress Pad features a quilted surface cushioned with plush down alternative fill. The result is a luxuriously soft design that is well suited to anyone who finds their current mattress too firm. Elasticated corners allow you to secure the pad over your mattress, rather than simply tucking it beneath your fitted sheet, so there shouldn’t be any uncomfortably clumping or shifting while you sleep. The pocket depth is 15 inches, making the pad compatible with most mattresses on the market today.

The shell is made of viscose derived from bamboo, a highly breathable material that wicks moisture away from the body. The fill – unlike real down – also retains very little heat. Since the fill is completely synthetic, this pad is a good option for people who are allergic to real down as well as those who prefer not to buy products with animal-based materials. You can wash and dry the pad in any household machine. Six sizes are available, all of which correspond with standard mattress dimensions.

Puffy offers free ground delivery to customers in all 50 states. Your order will include a sleep trial that spans 101 nights. Should you decide to keep the Puffy Mattress Pad, you’ll also receive a lifetime warranty against structural defects.

A cooling mattress pad can be a worthwhile investment for sleepers who want to reduce heat buildup on their sleep surface, but most pads provide minimal – if any – comfort adjustments for your mattress. The ViscoSoft Copper Pillow Top Mattress Pad manages to sleep very cool and make your mattress feel noticeably softer thanks to a layer of plush fiber fill. The shell fabric is woven with copper yarns intended to capture and dissipate body heat. The fabric also has moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry on humid nights.

The pad is available in six sizes that correspond to standard mattress dimensions. A deep-pocket elastic skirt makes the pad compatible with any mattress measuring up to 18 inches thick. For added convenience, the pad is fully machine-washable.

The Copper Pillow Top Mattress Pad is competitively priced and all orders qualify for free ground delivery. Your order comes with a 90-night trial period, giving you ample time to test out the pad.

Birch is known for producing quality mattresses and bedding products that are made with eco-conscious materials, and the Organic Mattress Pad is no exception. The materials are sustainably sourced and excel at absorbing moisture, making this an ideal product for shoppers who prioritize environmentally friendly pads that keep you dry.

The pad is composed of cotton with a GOTS organic certification. The cotton cover has a 300 thread count with a sateen weave that gives it a smooth, silky feel. It is quilted with cotton fibers that wick moisture from the surface to prevent sweat and other liquids from seeping into your mattress. The pad is designed with an elasticated skirt that fits over your mattress. Measuring 16 inches deep, the skirt is compatible with most mid- to high-profile models. Note that the skirt is made mostly of cotton but contains a small amount of lycra to ensure a snug fit.

Cotton has natural cooling properties, so the cotton composition of the Birch Organic Mattress Pad makes it a highly breathable option – which is not always the case with mattress pads. The quilting also creates a soft and slightly plush surface, which some may find more comfortable than mattress pads that feel stiff or crinkly.

The pad is available in a twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king size. It is machine-washable, though Birch recommends a washer and dryer with high capacity to ensure it can handle the pad. Wash in cold water on a gentle setting, then tumble dry on low heat.

The Organic Mattress Pad comes with a 100-night sleep trial and 1-year warranty. Shipping is free to all 50 states.

Many mattress pads feature soft materials to make your sleep surface more comfortable, but the Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress Pad from The Company Store takes extra cushioning to the next level. Thanks to a layer of memory foam sewn to the cover, the pad contours to your unique curves and creates a pressure-relieving cradle as your body settles. A cooling gel infusion helps offset the foam’s heat-retaining properties, so the pad should maintain a comfortable temperature despite its “hugging” effect.

The outer shell is a stretchy, circular-knit fabric designed to feel cool at all times. A 22-inch pocket depth means you can use the pad with virtually any mattress sold today. If your mattress has a low profile, you can tuck the pad’s elastic corners beneath the base for added stability. Twin, full, queen, king, and California king sizes are available. To launder the pad, simply machine wash in cold water and tumble dry on low heat.

The Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress Pad is competitively priced, and standard ground shipping is free of charge for all orders within the contiguous U.S. The Company Store’s “Rest Easy Guarantee” allows you to sleep on the pad for up to 30 days before deciding whether to return or keep your purchase. Please note you may not return the pad if it is damaged during the trial period.

How to Choose a Cooling Mattress Pad

There are multiple types of mattress pads, which can make choosing the best cooling mattress pad somewhat overwhelming. Understanding what you are looking for will help narrow down the search. There are several factors for shoppers to keep in mind, which we will break down here. This includes the cooling properties of the mattress pad, how it performs, and what price-point you have in mind. Shoppers will also want to consider what they want to change about their current mattress.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Cooling Mattress Pad

Sometimes, companies use misleading terminology or overstate the features of a mattress pad, which can make it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. Additionally, every shopper has unique needs and preferences. What works for one person may not work for another.

Focusing on the following features will help narrow down the vast selection and differentiate between a mattress pad that suits your needs, and one that does not.

• Cooling Properties: The main reason for purchasing a cooling mattress pad is to prevent overheating and stay comfortable throughout the night. Some mattress pads draw heat and moisture away from the body. Others actively cool the mattress surface. A mattress pad with active cooling properties often circulates air or water to cool down the surface of the bed. These types of mattress pads can be set to a specific temperature with a control unit, remote, and/or smartphone app. Passive cooling properties mean the mattress pad is made with breathable materials that dissipate heat. Conductive materials like copper, gel, and phase change materials are meant to draw heat away from the body for a cooling feel. These types of mattress pads do not allow you to customize the temperature of the bed.
• Price: Like mattresses, mattress pads are available at various price-points. Setting a budget before shopping can help customers narrow down their choices. Natural and organic materials are often more expensive than synthetic materials, but they may have a longer lifespan. Pads that incorporate technology or a complex construction can be more effective, but also more of an investment.
• Sleeping Position: Sleeping position affects how much pressure relief a person might need. It also impacts mattress firmness and overall support. A mattress pad does not change a mattress significantly, but it can offer additional cushioning. Side sleepers may opt for a thicker mattress pad to soften the mattress at their shoulders and hips, while back and stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer sleeping surface.
• Quality Materials: The quality of materials used in a mattress pad determines how durable the mattress pad is. This can also affect how well the mattress pad regulates temperature. High-quality, natural materials like wool and cotton wick away moisture and heat. A mattress pad also protects the mattress, so a high-quality pad can further extend the life of the mattress. Investing in quality materials means shoppers will not have to replace the pad as often.
• Firmness Level: Mattress pads are not very thick, so most will not alter the firmness level of the mattress. Some cooling mattress pads have wool or cotton padding, which can add softness to the mattress. Others are thin fabric covers that simply act as mattress protection. Shoppers who want to change the firmness level of their mattress may want to consider a mattress topper instead.
• Thickness: Mattress pads are thinner than mattress toppers. Most mattress pads are less than 1 inch thick, which adds some height to the mattress. The mattress pad sits between the mattress and the fitted sheet. Keeping the mattress height in mind is important when purchasing sheets, as mattresses that are more than 12 inches tall will likely need deep pocket fitted sheets. Some mattress pads are ultra-thin and do not affect the thickness of the mattress at all.
• Pressure Relief: Soft, thick mattress pads can cushion pressure points. Pressure often builds in the shoulders and hips, especially for side sleepers. Most mattress pads will not dramatically alter the amount of pressure relief a mattress provides. Those who want additional pressure relief may consider using a memory foam pad or topper.

Which Type of Mattress Pad is Best at Cooling?

There are different types of cooling mattress pads available, each of which has benefits and drawbacks. We’ll break down what types are best at cooling here. Keep in mind that mattress pads enhance the features of your current mattress. Additional factors, including bedding, room temperature, and personal preferences, will also determine which mattress pad is best for you.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattress pads react to heat and pressure to conform closely, which can restrict airflow around the body. These pads may also retain heat. This is especially the case for mattress pads made of traditional memory foam. Newer styles of memory foam often have an open-cell structure for better airflow. Memory foam can also be infused with copper or graphite with the intent of drawing heat away from the body, or gel for additional cooling.

Polyfoam

Polyfoam is less conforming than memory foam, which allows for better airflow around the body. There are many types of polyfoam, some of which regulate temperature better than others. Basic polyfoam may still retain heat, but is going to be less restrictive than memory foam. Like memory foam, advanced polyfoam can also have an open-cell structure, or be infused with copper, graphite, or gel.

Gel

A cooling gel mattress pad draws heat away from the body. Gel-infused foam dissipates heat and moisture to prevent overheating. Some gel foams are better than others. How well it performs depends on the type of gel used and how it is incorporated into the foam. Heat retention is still possible.

Latex

Latex is a natural material made from sap harvested from rubber trees. It is more breathable than synthetic foam and regulates temperature well. There are two types of natural latex: Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop latex is more dense. Talalay latex is light and breathable, and it is often used to regulate temperature in mattresses. Latex can be aerated to maximize airflow and improve breathability.

Wool and Cotton

Wool and cotton are natural fibers that wick away moisture and regulate temperature. Cotton is lightweight and breathable. It prevents moisture from building up in the mattress pad. This is beneficial for hot sleepers who are prone to sweating throughout the night.

Wool acts as natural insulation. The fibers absorb and retain heat in cooler months, and dissipate heat when it is warmer. This keeps sleepers comfortable throughout the year. Wool and cotton fill can also add softness to a mattress.