Beat The Heat, Stay Asleep: Best Cooling Mattress Toppers

Research suggests that the ideal temperature for sleeping is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. While there are many factors that contribute to the temperature of your sleep environment, the importance of your mattress shouldn’t be underestimated. Mattresses that don’t allow room for airflow can trap body heat and lead to an uncomfortably warm night.

If you believe that your mattress could be the culprit for your sleepless nights but you’re not prepared to invest in a new one, a cooling mattress topper may be the best solution. Cooling mattress toppers can be made of latex, wool, gel memory foam, or other materials that draw heat away from the sleeper. They are usually 2 to 4 inches thick and designed to lie on top of your mattress, providing a cooler surface for your body to interact with.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about selecting the best cooling mattress topper, including our top picks and recommendations on choosing a mattress topper based on material, body type, preferred sleep position, and more.

How to Build the Coolest Bedroom – Video

Watch the video below for some hands-on tips to creating a cooler sleep environment.

Product Details

Many memory foam toppers absorb and trap heat, causing them to feel uncomfortably warm for sleepers. The Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper manages to sleep cooler than most competitors thanks to its construction. The top layer is composed of memory foam infused with graphite, which has natural cooling properties. This material is intended to draw heat away from your body and keep the surface relatively cool. A 2-inch base layer of high-density polyfoam reinforces the topper to prevent deep sinkage while you sleep.

The firmness level is medium soft (4), so you should expect close contouring from head to toe. Those who find their current mattress too firm should notice comfort improvements. The 3-inch profile also makes this topper a good option for people with older mattresses that have become uneven over time. A breathable organic cotton cover enhances the topper’s cooling properties by promoting airflow. The cover is equipped with thick elastic bands to secure the topper to your mattress, so it shouldn’t shift too much even if you toss and turn or frequently change sleep positions.

Saatva ships the Graphite Mattress Topper free of charge throughout the contiguous U.S. Each order includes a 180-night sleep trial, giving customers plenty of time to test out their topper and decide whether to return it or keep it. Those who opt for the latter also receive a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper is a highly comfortable topper with a Dunlop latex core, which offers gentle contouring to relieve pressure points without excessive sinkage. Latex is a naturally breathable material that does not retain as much heat as adaptive foams, making it a great choice for hot sleepers. Global Organic Textile Standard and Global Organic Latex Standard certifications ensure the topper’s core and cover materials are grown sustainably and processed with ecological and social criteria in mind.

A cover made from organic cotton is naturally breathable. This cover is fully removable and machine-washable for easy care, but the latex core should only be spot cleaned. The topper’s 2-inch profile is suitable for people seeking to correct the feel of a mattress with slight indentations.

Two firmness levels are available: medium (5) and firm (7). Back sleepers on our team enjoyed the medium feel, which alleviates pressure in the lower back without uncomfortable sagging. Side sleepers over 230 pounds may also appreciate the softer feel to reduce pressure buildup in the joints. Back sleepers over 230 pounds and stomach sleepers appreciated the firmer option that kept their bodies on an even plane.

Customers living in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada are eligible for free shipping. Silk & Snow offers a 100-night sleep trial, during which you can return a topper for a full refund. The Organic Mattress Topper is backed by two warranties: 3 years for the latex core and 1 year for the cotton cover.

Foam toppers are prone to heat retention, but the Sleep Is the Foundation Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper is designed with temperature neutrality in mind. This model is a good solution for sleepers who find many other foam toppers too hot.

The topper’s core is composed entirely of memory foam, which adapts closely and provides even pressure relief throughout your body. The foam has a perforated design that allows some airflow through the interior, which helps maintain temperature neutrality. The breathable cotton cover further enhances the topper’s cooling properties.

Our testers report the topper is best suited for back sleepers up to 230 pounds and side sleepers in any weight group. The topper is also beneficial for stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. The mid-range profile allows for ample cushioning, but it’s not so thick that you’ll sink too deeply. That said, if you want a topper that drastically changes the feel of your mattress surface, you may want to opt for a thicker model. Couples will appreciate the motion isolation in this topper, due to the foam’s excellent motion absorption.

The Sleep Is the Foundation Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper is available through Amazon.com. You’ll receive a 30-day trial with your purchase, and Amazon Prime members qualify for free shipping.

Finding a mattress topper that’s both high-quality and affordable can be challenging, but the Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper from Brooklyn Bedding nicely tows the line between affordability and performance. The topper is composed of plush, adaptive memory foam that responds slowly to the body and contours closely for optimal pain and pressure relief, which side sleepers on our team enjoyed. Our testers liken the feel of this topper to lying on a cloud and two profiles are available depending on how uneven your mattress feels, yet the sticker price falls well below average compared to competing memory foam models.

A cooling gel infusion helps combat heat retention and help you stay cool. The foam also has a lower density, so air circulates more freely throughout the material. The 3-inch topper has a medium soft (4) feel that is ideal for many side and back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds. This firmness is best suited to people who own mattresses with heavy wear and tear. The 2-inch topper is medium (5), so it contours less closely and is a better fit for slightly used mattresses with at least a couple more years left. Side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds may also prefer this option.

The topper does not come with a cover and the foam should only be spot cleaned as needed, so you may want to invest in a protector to safeguard it against stains and other types of damage. Brooklyn Bedding offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. The company allows returns within 30 days of delivery, and each topper is further backed by a 3-year warranty.

A foam topper can greatly benefit people who struggle to maintain healthy sleep posture, helping evenly distribute weight across the sleep surface. But unfortunately, these toppers also tend to trap heat and sleep uncomfortably warm. The Nolah Mattress Topper is the best of both worlds: an all-foam design that alleviates pain, keeps the spine in proper alignment, and dissipates heat. The AirFoam core has an open-cell composition that makes the material breathable and resistant to heat buildup. A cover made of moisture-wicking organic cotton further enhances the topper’s cooling properties.

You can choose from two firmness levels. The medium soft (4) feel offers deep contouring and cushioning and that was comfortable for our side sleepers who feel pressure points in sensitive areas along the spine. Our back and stomach sleepers needing more support preferred the medium firm (6) feel. Measuring 2 inches thick, the topper is suitable for mattresses with minor to moderate wear and tear.

Elastic corner straps also make the topper compatible with mattresses measuring between 10 and 15 inches thick. The straps provide excellent stability and prevent the topper from shifting or clumping during the night – even for combination sleepers who frequently change positions or tend to toss and turn. Six sizes are available, all of which correspond to standard mattress dimensions.

Nolah provides free standard ground shipping for all customers in the contiguous U.S. You’ll receive a trial period with your purchase allowing you to test out the topper for up to 30 nights before deciding whether to return it or keep it. Should you choose the latter, the topper is also backed by a 10-year warranty against structural defects.

If your current mattress sleeps too hot, then a topper that promotes airflow may be a wise investment. The Birch Organic Mattress Topper is constructed with breathable components, including a top layer of natural wool over a base of Talalay latex. The wool has moisture-wicking properties to help you stay dry at night, while the latex is ventilated to push air close to the surface. A cooling cover made of organic cotton completes the design.

The topper has a medium (5) feel, making it a good option for mattresses that feel overly firm, but the latex cushions the body without the deep hugging sensation of memory foam. Latex is also somewhat responsive, resulting in a light bounce when you get in and out of bed. We recommend this topper for mattresses with light to moderate wear and tear.

The topper should also appeal to consumers who prefer to buy and use eco-friendly goods. A certification from the Forest Stewardship Council ensures the rubber trees used to produce the latex are sustainably grown and harvested, while a Global Organic Textile Standard certification indicates the same environmentally friendly practices for the cotton. Animal-conscious individuals should also appreciate the Wool Integrity NZ certification, which recognizes humane animal treatment during every stage of the wool extraction process.

Birch offers free ground shipping to all 50 states. Each order comes with a 100-night sleep trial, giving you plenty of time to test out the Organic Mattress Topper and decide whether it’s right for you. Those who decide to keep it also receive a 10-year warranty against structural defects.

Firmness preferences differ from person to person, so a topper sold in multiple firmness levels naturally accommodates more sleepers. With the PlushBeds Latex Mattress Topper, customers can choose from five different firmness options. Those who weigh less than 130 pounds and find their mattress too firm will likely prefer the soft or medium soft feels. Conversely, sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds and sink too deeply into their mattress will probably feel more comfortable with a medium firm or extra-firm topper instead. The medium feel is a solid choice for those who weigh 130 to 230 pounds and prefer moderate contouring.

Additionally, the topper is available in 2- or 3-inch profiles. The former is best suited to people who want to slightly adjust the comfort level of their mattress, whereas the latter will significantly change how the mattress feels. All versions of the topper are constructed using natural latex, which is both durable and responsive. The latex is ventilated with small holes to promote air circulation and prevent overheating. The latex should only be spot-cleaned, but PlushBeds offers an optional, machine-washable cover made of organic cotton to protect the topper. The fabric is highly breathable and won’t inhibit airflow, so the topper should sleep reasonably cool whether you use the topper or not.

The cost of this topper depends on the selected size and profile. Although the sticker price might seem high, the latex offers excellent longevity and – if properly cared for – could perform for several years before a replacement is needed. PlushBeds also offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Returns are not accepted, but each topper is backed by a 5-year warranty.

If your mattress is worn out and nearing retirement, you may begin to notice stiffness or soreness when you wake up in the morning. An adaptive foam topper can help alleviate these aches and pains — but foam also has a tendency to trap excessive amounts of heat. The TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Topper from Tempur-Pedic offers the best of both worlds, cushioning and contouring to your body for excellent pain relief while dissipating heat to ensure a comfortable temperature all night long.

Measuring 3 inches thick, the topper should significantly improve how your mattress feels — even if the surface is heavily indented from years of use. Proprietary TEMPUR memory foam is renowned for its dense composition and resistance to sinkage. The material is also much more durable than the average topper foam. Since the topper has a medium (5) feel, it’s best suited to side and back sleepers. Our hands-on tests show the TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling is especially comfortable for side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, and back sleepers under 130 pounds.

The cover is made of soft knit polyester woven with phase change material, which is engineered to dissipate heat on contact and feel cool to the touch at all times. You can remove and machine wash the cover whenever it needs to be cleaned. Each corner is equipped with a thick elastic strap to secure the topper to your mattress, so it shouldn’t shift if you toss and turn or change sleep positions.

While the TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Topper is on the expensive side, its strong performance, above-average cooling, and lengthy expected lifespan make it a solid long-term investment. Customers in the contiguous U.S. also qualify for free ground shipping with their order. Tempur-Pedic does not allow you to return the topper at any point, so all sales are final, but your purchase is backed by a 10-year warranty against structural and material defects.

The Turmerry Latex Mattress Topper is a versatile topper that comes in three firmnesses and two profile options. The different firmness levels, coupled with the pressure-relieving properties of latex, make this an excellent topper for sleepers of all different body types and sleeping positions.

The topper is composed of 100% Dunlop latex, which conforms moderately to the body but is also plenty supportive. Shoppers can pick from a 2-inch, 3-inch, or 4-inch topper. The thinner models are available with a soft (3), medium (5), medium firm (6), or firm (7) feel, while the 4-inch topper is flippable with soft (3) and medium (5) sides. This model will adjust the feel of your bed surface more significantly than the thinner toppers, making it a great option if you own an old or indented mattress. The soft and medium options should appeal to side and back sleepers who seek pressure relief in the shoulders, hips, and spine, while the medium firm and firm may appeal to stomach sleepers who need the added support to keep the midsection from sinking in.

The 4-inch topper is encased in an organic cotton cover that is soft and breathable. With thinner models, the cover is sold separately. Since latex is naturally breathable, sleepers should stay fairly cool on this topper. You can choose between organic latex with a Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certification to ensure it meets strict standards for organic sourcing, or natural latex with an OEKO-TEX certification.

Turmerry offers free shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. The topper includes a 60-night sleep trial as well as a 5-year warranty.

Many people require certain temperature settings for a comfortable night’s rest. The Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover isn’t technically a topper, but this innovative mattress layer changes the feel of your sleep surface and offers active heating and cooling technology. An external water container known as the “Hub” connects to a network of thin tubes embedded in the cover’s fabric. You can set the Hub’s water temperature anywhere between 55 and 110 degrees, and the cover allows you and your partner to program different settings for your respective sides of the bed.

The cover also contains sensors engineered to track your time spent asleep and awake, sleep cycles, heart rate, and other key metrics. You can access your nightly data any time using the Eight Sleep companion app. Other nifty features include automatic adjustments based on your body temperature and a vibrating alarm to wake you up in the morning. 

Standard covers can be used on any mattress between 10 and 11 inches thick. Upgrading to the PerfectFit design expands this range to 10 and 16 inches. A monthly subscription is required for the app. The Pro subscription includes all of the aforementioned features. With a small monthly upcharge, you can choose the Plus subscription that is backed by a lifetime warranty.

The Pod 3 Cover is fairly expensive and cost will be a barrier to some, but this accessory may prove a worthy investment if you’re losing sleep from feeling overly warm or cold in bed. Eight Sleep also offers free ground shipping within the contiguous U.S. Your order comes with a trial period of 30 nights. Please note the cover should never be machine washed.

The Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper is an affordable all-foam model that closely contours evenly to relieve pressure buildup in the shoulders, hips, and lower back. Thanks to the adaptive feel, we recommend the topper for side sleepers who experience discomfort in these pressure-sensitive areas.

The topper is available in soft (3) and firm (7) designs. The latter feels exceptionally supportive with gentle cushioning for back sleepers weighing 130 pounds or more, while the former offers exceptional plushness that side sleepers up to 230 pounds should appreciate. Both toppers are made from memory foam that evenly distributes body weight, promotes even alignment, and alleviates pressure along the spine.

To help prevent overheating, the 2.5-inch topper comes encased in a cooling cover made of polyester and rayon from bamboo. The cover can be removed and machine washed. A thin anti-slip grip on the bottom helps prevent the topper from shifting along the surface of your mattress. This grip works with elastic corners, which can stretch up to 15 inches, to keep the topper in place. The topper is available in all six standard mattress sizes.

Puffy provides free shipping to customers in all 50 states. The Deluxe Mattress Topper also comes with a 101-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

How to Choose a Cooling Mattress Topper

Sleeping cool has become a major buzzword in the mattress industry, and all the marketing jargon about the latest technologies and state-of-the-art materials can be overwhelming. This guide will help you to cut through the hype and help you find the best cooling mattress topper for you.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Cooling Mattress Topper

There are a lot of choices to sort through when buying a cooling mattress topper. From price to material, cooling properties to sleeping position, here are some of the most important factors you should keep in mind while you search.

• Cooling Properties: The most straightforward way to maintain temperature neutrality is by using materials that allow for airflow, thus carrying the heat away from your body. Some mattress toppers accomplish this with the use of naturally breathable materials, like latex or open-cell foams and cotton or wool covers. Others feature a convoluted or aerated design that increases air circulation.For materials that are inherently prone to retaining heat, manufacturers must resort to other tactics. These include charcoal, graphite, gel, or copper infusions designed to transport heat away from the body. Some mattress toppers incorporate phase-change materials, which regulate temperature by absorbing, storing, and releasing heat.For people who run very hot at night, it might be worth investing in a topper that allows you to control the temperature at the touch of a button. These active cooling toppers work by heating or cooling air or water and pushing it through the mattress to actively control the surface temperature.A few mattress manufacturers make toppers that are cooler in certain areas, such as the core. This can have the added advantage of alleviating aches and pains.
• Price: The price of a mattress topper can vary widely depending on materials and quality. Cooling polyfoam mattress toppers start at less than $100, but you can expect to pay several hundred dollars for a latex topper, and even more for sophisticated devices with cooling tubes. That said, if the added price means better longevity or reduced air conditioning bills, it might pay off in the long run.
• Sleeping Position: Since your mattress topper goes on top of your mattress, it’s important to choose a topper with the right firmness to accommodate your body type and sleeping position. Side sleepers usually opt for a plusher surface that reduces pressure points, so they may need a thicker topper to form a cradle for the hips and shoulders. Stomach sleepers should be fine with a firmer, thinner topper, while back sleepers fall in the middle of the spectrum.
• Quality Materials: Latex and wool toppers offer the best longevity, and you can expect them to last around 3 to 4 years on average.In contrast, a low-quality memory foam topper can develop permanent body indentations before the year is out. Higher-density polyfoam or memory foam toppers will last longer than their lower-density equivalents, but they will also usually trap more heat. Fiberfill and feather toppers are fairly high-maintenance and require regular fluffing in order not to lose loft over time. You can usually expect these to last around 2 to 3 years.
• Firmness Level: Since a mattress topper can’t add support to a sagging mattress, the main reason people purchase mattress toppers is to adjust the firmness level of a mattress. In general, lighter sleepers and side sleepers are best suited to a plusher topper, while stomach sleepers and heavier individuals are best suited to a firmer topper.Mattress firmness plays a crucial role in heat retention, as a softer surface allows the body to sink in further and causes more heat to build up around the sleeper. The heavier the sleeper, the more they will sink into the mattress, leading to increased heat retention. If you find you run hot, you may want to consider getting a firmer mattress topper.
• Thickness: Mattress toppers tend to measure between 2 and 4 inches thick. People who exert more pressure on the mattress, such as heavier sleepers and side sleepers, should look for a thick mattress topper that can handle this extra weight without bottoming out.
• Pressure Relief: Memory foam is usually acknowledged as the best material for pressure relief due to its close-conforming abilities. However, if you overheat with memory foam, a latex mattress topper may do the trick. Latex can have pressure-relieving properties similar to memory foam, but it’s more breathable and forms a looser cradle around your body.

Which Type of Mattress Topper is Best at Cooling?

Most toppers on the market today are made of memory foam, polyfoam, or latex, each of which offers its own advantages. You may also see mattress toppers stuffed with wool, which wicks moisture away from the body to keep you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold.

• Memory foam: Memory foam is a popular material for mattress toppers because it offers superior pressure relief and motion isolation. Unfortunately, memory foams, particularly high-density memory foams, have traditionally been known for trapping heat. Modern-day cooling memory foam mattress toppers get around this by infusing the memory foam with charcoal, copper, graphite, or other substances that draw heat away from the sleeper.
• Polyfoam: Open-cell and convoluted polyfoam mattress toppers are designed to improve airflow, allowing body heat to escape from the sleeper instead of building up on the surface of the mattress. Polyfoam has the added advantage of being the cheapest topper material. The downside is that polyfoam toppers will eventually develop permanent body indentations.
• Latex: Natural latex is a breathable, open-cell material that is prized for its durability and sustainability. Latex tends to keep sleepers “on” and not “in” the mattress, preventing heat build-up around the body. While natural latex toppers can be expensive, they maintain decent temperature neutrality and are much less likely to develop body indentations compared with synthetic latex or other foams. Many latex toppers are “ventilated” with pincore holes that allow for better air circulation.
• Gel: Many manufacturers use gel infusions, gel beads, or a top layer of gel in an effort to stem heat retention in memory foam or fiberfill toppers. As we will discuss in the next section, the jury is out on whether or not this is actually an effective cooling technique.