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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.

What’s the Best Cooling Mattress Pad?

We recommend searching for mattress pads made with naturally cooling materials or enhanced cooling technology if you tend to run hot at night. Our top pick is the Saatva Organic Mattress Pad, which is made from organic cotton that is naturally breathable to keep you comfortable throughout the night.

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.

In-Depth Reviews

“The Organic Mattress Pad strikes that balance between a plush surface feel and excellent cooling. It was much more comfortable than a lot of pads I’ve tested with real down fill.” – Lauren Fountain, Senior Editor

  • Pros

    1. Made of soft, breathable organic cotton

    2. 16-inch pocket depth accommodates most mattresses

    3. Machine-washable for easy care

  • Cons

    1. Above-average pricing for a mattress pad

    2. People looking for protection from spills and accidents may prefer a waterproof model

Price

$265

Cover Material

GOTS-certified organic cotton (top panel), GOTS-certified organic cotton and spandex (side panel)

Fill

Organic cotton

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% organic cotton in its quilted construction. 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 one-year limited warranty.

“This protector from Brooklyn Bedding feels cool to the touch whenever I use it, even on hot nights, and the fabric is slick on the surface. I’ve also found it’s highly effective at preventing liquid from reaching my mattress — the waterproof membrane does its job.” – Brad Nehring, Product Expert

  • Pros

    1. TitanCool and phase change materials meant to pull heat away from the body

    2. Waterproof and resistant to bacteria, dust mites, and bed bugs

    3. Thin profile protects mattress without changing firmness or feel

  • Cons

    1. Customers seeking protection for their entire mattress may prefer a full encasement model

    2. Thinner design may not appeal to sleepers who like extra cushioning

Price

$129

Cover Material

TitanCool phase change material-infused fabric

Fill

N/A

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.

“A lot of mattress pads are good at wicking away moisture, but few feel as soft and comfortable as the Birch Organic Mattress Pad. This product keeps you dry without being as stiff as some competing mattress pads out there.” – Jeremy Klein, Senior Product Expert

  • Pros

    1. Soft cotton layers absorb moisture and protect bed from spills

    2. Cotton has GOTS certification to ensure organic sourcing

    3. Breathable cotton design keeps pad cool

  • Cons

    1. Requires a high-capacity washer and dryer to clean

    2. May not offer enough pocket depth for high-profile mattresses

Price

$199

Cover Material

GOTS-certified organic cotton sateen

Fill

GOTS-organic cotton

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 one-year warranty. Shipping is free to all 50 states.

“The bamboo-derived fill in Cozy Earth’s pad feels noticeably cooler than down, down alternative, or even cotton. This would be a good purchase for people who sweat in their sleep.” – Logan Foley, Managing Editor

  • Pros

    1. Lightweight design with a thin profile

    2. Soft fabric construction made from bamboo-derived viscose

    3. 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty

  • Cons

    1. Doesn’t protect against spills or accidents at night

    2. Luxury sticker price is on the expensive side

Price

$229

Cover Material

Viscose derived from bamboo

Fill

Fiber fill derived from bamboo

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.

“The Slumber Cloud Performance Mattress Pad is one of the most effective pads we’ve tested when it comes to passive cooling. The Outlast technology ensured a comfortable temperature for both hot and cool sleepers on our testing team.” – Danny Noyed, Senior Product Editor

  • Pros

    1. Breathable Tencel-based Outlast fabric cover helps regulate temperature

    2. Down alternative fiberfill provides gentle padding

    3. 60-night sleep trial

  • Cons

    1. Above-average price-point

    2. Down alternative fill may be prone to clumping over time

Price

$209

Cover Material

Tencel

Fill

Down alternative fibers

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.

“Buffy’s Plushy Mattress Protector’s Tencel shell is silky-smooth and cool to the touch, while the fiber fill feels luxuriously plush without retaining too much heat. The pad is also versatile thanks to the thick elastic corner straps, which allow you to use this pad with a wide range of mattress profiles.” – Jackson Lindeke, Director of Product Experience

  • Pros

    1. Moisture-wicking shell fabric is woven with copper yarns to provide exceptional cooling

    2. Fiber fill improves the comfort level of your sleep surface

    3. Generous 90-night trial for all shoppers

  • Cons

    1. Does not protect from spills or accidents at night

    2. Down alternative fill may clump over time

Price

$129

Cover Material

100% Tencel

Fill

100% recycled PET (BPA-free)

Pocket depth may seem like an afterthought when choosing a mattress pad, but corners slipping off during the night can impede your sleep and leave you feeling tired in the morning. The Plushy Mattress Protector from Buffy features a thick elastic strap in each corner. Simply tuck these straps beneath your mattress to secure the protector and prevent shifting or clumping when you move in bed. The straps are flexible, so you can use this protector with any mattress profile of 8 to 21 inches — a range that encompasses nearly every model on the market.

The protector’s shell is composed of Tencel, a eucalyptus-derived textile prized for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties. A sateen weave makes the fabric soft and silky-smooth, creating a gentle glide that feels soothing on your skin. The fill is made of recycled PET fibers and adds plushness to the surface, which can be beneficial if your mattress has become overly firm or indented over time. Sewn-through baffle boxes help distribute the fill evenly.

Six sizes are available, all of which correspond to standard mattress dimensions. One downside to the Plushy is ease of care, as the protector should only be dry cleaned. Machine washing can permanently damage the fiber fill. On the other hand, this pad should appeal to eco-conscious shoppers. The Tencel is produced from sustainably grown trees, and the PET fibers have earned certification from the Global Recycle Standard.

Approachable pricing and free shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. make the Plushy Mattress Protector a solid choice for budget-minded shoppers. Buffy waits seven days to charge your card, giving you a few nights to test the pad and decide if it meets your needs. You’ll also receive a 50-night trial if you change your mind after the first week.

“Not all mattress pads are designed with cooling in mind, but The Company Store Cool Zzz Mattress Pad is specifically engineered to keep overheating at bay. The cotton blend shell is also very soft, so you won’t get that stiff, crinkly feel that we sometimes notice in mattress pads.” – Lauren Fountain, Senior Editor

  • Pros

    1. Composed of cooling polyester fibers and breathable cotton

    2. Available in two pocket depths to accommodate most mattresses

    3. Machine-washable

  • Cons

    1. Does not offer waterproof features

    2. Deep-pocket option is only available in three sizes

Price

$129

Cover Material

100% cotton jersey

Fill

80% cotton, 20% COOLMAX polyester fibers

The Cool Zzz Mattress Pad from The Company Store is thoughtfully designed to keep sleepers comfortable by allowing plenty of airflow through the fabric. It’s a good option if you’d like some protective padding on your mattress surface without having to worry about overheating.

The mattress pad is filled with COOLMAX fiber, a proprietary polyester material engineered to promote cooling. The shell is composed of COOLMAX fiber and cotton, which is known for its natural breathability. The cooling materials make this mattress pad less prone to heat retention while you sleep, and the COOLMAX fibers wick away moisture and help keep you dry if you tend to sweat at night.

The Cool Zzz Mattress Pad is available in two pocket depths — 11 and 18 inches. The 11-inch option fits mattresses up to 12 inches deep and the 18-inch option can accommodate mattresses up to 20 inches deep. We recommend the latter if you own a pillow-top mattress. Keep in mind that the pad with the 18-inch pocket is only available in queen, king, and California king sizes, while the 11-inch option comes in all six standard sizes.

You may wash the Cool Zzz Mattress Pad on a gentle cycle in cold water and tumble dry on a low- or no-heat setting. The pad qualifies for free shipping to addresses in the contiguous U.S., and you may return the pad within 30 days for a full refund minus a small shipping fee.

“If you own a bed with a very thick Euro-top, you might find that many mattress pads slip off your mattress in the middle of the night. The Avocado Organic Cotton Mattress Pad stands out with a deep-pocket option that features a very generous pocket depth. The all-cotton design is also incredibly soft and cozy.” — Danny Noyed, Senior Product Editor

  • Pros

    1. Cotton construction is soft, breathable, and quiet

    2. GOTS certification ensures organic sourcing

    3. Deep-pocket option accommodates extra thick beds

  • Cons

    1. Design is not waterproof

    2. Above-average price-point

Price

$249

Cover Material

100% GOTS-certified organic cotton

Fill

Cotton fibers

Many mattress pads have a crinkly design or stiff feel, but the Avocado Organic Cotton Mattress Pad stands apart from the competition with a plastic-free design that promotes softness and reduces noise. The pad is available in a deep-pocket version that accommodates thick mattresses.

The mattress pad is composed of 400 thread count long-staple cotton, a variety known for high quality and durability. Absorbent cotton fiber fill is quilted into the fabric to create gentle cushioning, which can be appealing to sleepers who enjoy plush sleep surfaces. Thanks to the natural breathability of cotton, the mattress pad stays fairly cool. Certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) guarantees organic sourcing.

The mattress pad comes in six standard sizes and two pocket depths. The deep-pocket version has a pocket depth of 22 inches, which should fit most mattresses on the market — even those with thick Euro-top designs. The standard version has a 16-inch pocket depth. Both options are elasticated to fit snugly around your mattress. You may machine-wash the mattress pad in cold water and tumble dry on low heat.

Avocado offers a 100-night sleep trial to test the mattress pad at home. The pad is further backed by a one-year warranty. Shipping is $5 per order.

Why You Can Trust Us

Our team is well-versed in a wide range of sleep products, including mattress pads and other types of bedding. Each member brings years of experience and expertise to our hands-on product testing, and we've personally evaluated dozens of mattress pads using a comprehensive methodology that incorporates many different design and performance elements.

How We Evaluated These Mattress Pads

In order to choose the best cooling mattress pads listed above, we primarily focused on breathability and temperature regulation during our evaluations. However, we also took other factors into account, including quality of materials and design, level of comfort adjustment, the pocket depth of elasticated edges (when applicable), ease of care, and overall value. These top picks received the highest ratings during our tests.

How to Build the Coolest Bedroom – Video

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do cooling mattress pads work?

Standard mattress pads have two primary functions: to protect your mattress from spills and contaminants, and to slightly improve the comfort level of your mattress. These traits distinguish mattress pads from mattress protectors, which offer stronger protection – most are 100% waterproof – but do not change the feel of the mattress very much. Pads also differ from mattress toppers, which protect the mattress to a minimal extent but will significantly adjust the feel of your sleep surface.

Cooling mattress pads perform a third function by regulating the surface temperature of the mattress to keep you comfortable while you sleep. Every cooling mattress pad has a unique design, but most fall into one of two categories: active cooling or passive cooling pads.

As their name suggests, active cooling pads are designed to actively cool your mattress. Many circulate air or water to maintain a steady, comfortable temperature across the mattress surface. These pads usually have dials or remotes, and may be programmed for specific temperature settings. Some newer models are also compatible with smartphone apps.

Passive cooling pads are constructed from breathable materials that draw heat away from your body without actively regulating the surface temperature. These materials include copper, gel, and phase change material. Breathable shell fabrics like cotton, Tencel, and rayon from bamboo can also enhance the pad’s cooling properties.

How do you wash a cooling mattress pad?

Most passive cooling pads can be washed and dried in any household machine. Specific care instructions vary, but these pads should usually be washed in cool or warm water on a delicate cycle and tumble dried on a low setting.

Cleaning instructions may differ for active cooling pads. Some should never be machine washed or dried because they contain fragile tubes, electrical parts, and other components that can be permanently damaged if exposed to water. Other cooling pads are washable in household machines, but you may be limited to delicate wash cycles and no-heat dryer settings. If your machine-washable active cooling pad includes a power cord, you should secure it with a rubber band to prevent damage to both the cord and your appliances.

These are general cleaning suggestions, and specific care instructions vary by pad. Whether you choose a passive or active cooling pad, always check the care tag before washing and drying it for the first time.

Who should buy a cooling mattress pad?

Some people sleep hot regardless of the season or local climate, and an uncomfortable temperature in bed may impact overall sleep quality. A cooling mattress pad can help maintain a comfortable temperature for hot sleepers and help them rest soundly throughout the night.

Even if you don’t need active or passive cooling to sleep comfortably, mattress pads also improve the feel of your sleep surface and protect the mattress from liquid damage and contaminants. Cooling mattress pads can be a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for bedding with any of these features.

Will a cooling mattress pad help with night sweats?

Moisture control is an important element of keeping hot sleepers comfortable, so many cooling mattress pads are constructed with absorbent, breathable materials that wick sweat away from the body. These materials include organic cotton, rayon derived from bamboo, Tencel lyocell, and certain types of wool. You should consider a mattress pad made with moisture-wicking fabrics if you tend to sweat in your sleep, and the same goes for those who reside in humid places.

What is the difference between a mattress pad, mattress topper, and mattress protector?

Mattress pads, toppers, and protectors differ by thickness and function. Toppers typically range from 2 to 4 inches and can significantly adjust the feel of your mattress. Mattress pads are usually less than 1 inch thick. They add cushioning to the surface, but less so than a topper. They may also enhance cooling or heating properties on your bed surface. Protectors are similar in appearance to mattress pads but generally do not adjust the feel of your surface as much as a pad. The main purpose of a protector is to protect your mattress from moisture, dust, allergens, and damage. These are often waterproof and fit snugly over your mattress, sometimes encasing the entire bed.

Still have questions?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.

Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

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