Best Cooling Mattress for Hot Sleepers

Studies have shown your temperature changes during different stages of your sleep cycle. A decrease in body temperature tends to promote better sleep, while higher temperatures can interrupt the sleep cycle. As a result, cooling mattresses made with breathable components may help you sleep better and longer.

For sleepers who run hot in bed, a cooling mattress can make the difference between restful sleep and a night of sweaty tossing and turning. The materials used in mattresses can play a role in how well – or poorly – a mattress regulates temperature. Our temperature control testing process involves heating a water bottle to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving it on the mattress for 15 minutes, and using a heat gun to detect heat retention on the mattress’ surface. To choose our top picks, we evaluated each mattress for breathability and temperature control, but also took additional factors into account such as quality of construction and expected lifespan.

Best Cooling Mattress Video

Watch our video below to learn more about our lab’s top picks for cooling mattress.

Our top picks for the best cooling mattresses are described in detail below. Because different components can sleep cool, these picks cover a wide range of mattress types. Further down, we’ll outline which mattresses are best for hot sleepers based on individual factors like body type and primary sleep position. While you’re shopping for cooling mattresses, you can also check out our guides to cooling sheets, pillows, and mattress pads.

Product Details

If you’re in the market for a new mattress but aren’t sure about your ideal firmness level, Helix Sleep offers a wide selection of memory foam hybrid models designed for specific body types and sleep positions. We found the Midnight Luxe to be one of the brand’s most well-rounded models. The mattress is designed with a pocketed coil system that promotes steady airflow and helps the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature.

How It Performed

We found the support from the Midnight Luxe’s transitional layer prevented testers’ bodies from sinking too deep into the bed. Between this and the conforming memory foam layers, the mattress relieved pressure while still retaining some bounce, making it a good match for our team’s side sleepers who experience pressure buildup in the shoulders and hips. The pocketed coils provide a supportive base and also allow for steady airflow, reducing heat retention that may be associated with foam layers. Consequently, the Helix Midnight Luxe slept quite cool.

What It’s Made of

While standard Helix models may appeal to budget-minded shoppers, the Luxe series consists of thicker pillow-top hybrids equipped with extra features to enhance your sleep experience. The Midnight Luxe is the middle-of-the-road option, which our testers rated medium firm (6). The mattress contains two layers of memory foam beneath the pillow-top to give the surface a plush feel. A polyfoam transitional layer provides extra conforming as well as support. The support core is made of zoned pocketed coils, followed by a base layer of high-density foam.

The Midnight Luxe and other Luxe hybrids cost a bit more than standard Helix models, but all have reasonable sticker prices compared to the average hybrid. Helix Sleep also provides free shipping to all 50 states. The Midnight Luxe comes with a 100-night sleep trial and 15-year warranty.

Read our Full Helix Midnight Luxe Review to learn more

Nectar offers an array of mattresses, but the Premier stood out to our testers for its higher profile and enhanced cooling properties compared to other all-foam models we’ve evaluated in our lab. The thick comfort layer makes this bed an especially good choice for couples who prioritize plush, comfortable sleep surfaces with strong motion isolation.

How It Performed

A top memory foam layer conformed closely to our testers’ bodies, resulting in excellent pressure relief. The mattress also performed well during our motion isolation tests, making this an attractive option for anyone who needs a bed that reduces sleep disturbances from their partner’s movement. Meanwhile, the denser polyfoam layers provided adequate reinforcement, especially compared to other all-foam beds we’ve tested. The balance of contouring and support appealed to the side sleepers on our team weighing at least 130 pounds, since they need cushioning in the shoulders and hips but still require support for the lower back.

What It’s Made of

The mattress is 13 inches thick with an all-foam construction that our testers rated medium firm (6). The topmost layer consists of memory foam infused with cooling gel and phase change material, both of which are intended to help maintain temperature neutrality on the bed’s surface. Next is a thin layer of firmer transitional foam, followed by a 7-inch base layer of high-density polyfoam that stabilizes the mattress.

Nectar ships free of charge within the contiguous U.S. The Premier comes with a generous 365-night trial and lifetime warranty.

Read our Full Nectar Premier Review to learn more

As a foam hybrid mattress, the DreamCloud Premier provides the pressure relief and notable contouring associated with memory foam without the problem of trapping heat. These attractive features result in a bed that our testing team rates highly for a wide variety of sleepers.

How It Performed

The Premier’s coil core and medium firm (6) feel gave it a versatile blend of cushioning and support during our in-house tests, making it comfortable for most of our testers. We think co-sleepers will appreciate the DreamCloud Premier’s ability to satisfy different sleeping preferences, as well as its notable degree of motion isolation and edge support.

The bed’s support core of individually wrapped coils allowed for plenty of cooling airflow throughout the mattress. The gel-infused layer of memory foam in the comfort system also draws excess heat away from your body, allowing it to dissipate instead of building up through the night.

What It’s Made of

The DreamCloud Premier combines layers of high-quality foam with a robust coil base to provide a balanced sleeping experience. The cover is composed of a cozy cashmere blend that felt soft to the touch for our testers. A Euro-top containing memory foam and adaptive polyfoam creates a cushioned surface, while the third foam layer has a firmer feel to prevent excessive sinkage. The support core contains pocketed coils with extra perimeter reinforcement to stabilize the edges.

The DreamCloud Premier ships for free to the contiguous U.S. The mattress is backed by a lengthy 365-night sleep trial with a required 30-night break-in period. After the trial ends, the bed is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.

Read our Full DreamCloud Premier Review to learn more

Since uneven support and excessive sinkage can exacerbate pain from poor sleep posture, many heavier sleepers require a mattress that will reinforce their bodies and keep them on an even plane. The Saatva Classic has a luxury design that delivered outstanding stability during our testing without sacrificing comfort or pressure relief.

How It Performed

The Saatva Classic is available in three firmness levels, allowing you to choose the most suitable feel based on factors like body type and sleep position. The soft (3) model was an excellent fit for side sleepers on our team, especially those who experience painful pressure points in the shoulders at night. The medium firm (6) option offered strong support to our testers as well as some light contouring. The firm (8) feel was the most robust option for our testers over 230 pounds, regardless of whether they sleep on their side, back, or stomach. If you aren’t satisfied with your initial choice, Saatva allows exchanges for a small transportation fee. You can also choose between a mattress height of 11.5 or 14.5 inches, depending on your profile preferences.

What It’s Made of

The Classic begins with a Euro-top padded with foam and soft fibers, followed by a dense memory foam pad to support the lower back . The transitional layer consists of pocketed minicoils, while the support core contains thick bonnell coils made from recycled steel. We found the dual coil layers provided excellent pushback along the edges and made it easier to get in and out of bed. Both coil layers also promoted excellent airflow to keep our testers cool and comfortable.

All Saatva customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free White Glove delivery, which includes full assembly in your home and removal of your old mattress. Comparatively, most online mattress brands charge at least $100 for this service. Your purchase also includes a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

Read our Full Saatva Classic Review to learn more

Picking the right cooling mattress can be challenging for side sleepers. We’ve found that people who primarily use this position experience pressure buildup along the spine, so they need an adaptive mattress that promotes even alignment and cushions the shoulders and hips. Thanks to a combination of foam layers and breathable components, we think the WinkBed is a good compromise for side sleepers seeking a cool, comfortable, and supportive mattress.

How It Performed

We found the WinkBed to be both plush and robust – a rare combination for mattresses our team has tested. The foam layers molded closely to the body while the coils created a strong support system to prevent our testers from sinking too deeply. Thanks to the range of firmness options, sleepers in most weight categories on our testing team found a model that felt comfortable.

Motion isolation is another area where the WinkBed performed well compared to other hybrid models. The top layers absorbed movement effectively, and the coils didn’t produce much responsiveness. At the same time, the edges felt secure thanks to the zoned coil system, and none of us sank excessively when moving across the surface. Steady airflow through the coils and the moisture-wicking Tencel cover also earned the WinkBed positive marks during our temperature control tests.

What It’s Made of

The WinkBed is available in four firmness levels: medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7), as well as the WinkBed Plus option with a firm (8) feel. Standard WinkBed models begin with a layer of polyfoam quilted into the cover, followed by an additional polyfoam layer in the medium soft, medium firm, and firm models. The Plus has a zoned latex layer instead of a second polyfoam layer. We noticed gentle conforming from the quilted polyfoam, resulting in even weight distribution and reduced pressure buildup. The transitional polyfoam layer provides moderate cushioning while serving as a buffer between your body and the support core. The medium soft model includes an extra layer of polyfoam for added cushioning.

As a hybrid model, the WinkBed uses pocketed coils for stability. These coils are designed to move independently from one another, creating a sturdy support system without generating too much bounce or motion transfer. Extra reinforcement along the perimeter helped prevent deep sinkage when our testers got in and out of bed.

WinkBeds offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. and a 120-night trial period. All WinkBed mattresses are backed by lifetime warranties.

Read our Full WinkBed Review to learn more

A mattress’ comfort level is a matter of subjectivity, but some beds are designed to feel comfortable for a wide swath of sleepers. We found the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is one such mattress. It comes in three firmness levels to accommodate different types of sleepers, and the hot sleepers on our team appreciated the Aurora Luxe’s cooling features.

How It Performed

The Aurora Luxe is designed with comfort in mind – just soft enough to cushion our pressure points, but supportive enough to prevent sagging. All three firmness options excelled at relieving pressure buildup during our testing, which is especially important for side and back sleepers. Sleepers under 130 pounds found the medium soft option most comfortable, while sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds found the best support from the firm bed. The medium firm option is appropriate for many weight categories, depending on your sleep position.

The cover fabric and CopperFlex foam are both infused with TitanCool, a phase change material meant to wick moisture from the body, dissipate heat, and maintain a neutral temperature. The coils also enable air to circulate and keep the bed cool.

What It’s Made of

The Aurora Luxe is available in medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7) feels. All options feature a top layer of CopperFlex foam. We noticed this foam conformed to the body but was also slightly responsive. Next is a layer of TitanFlex foam that feels firmer. The medium soft and medium firm versions include a transitional layer of gel-infused memory foam beneath these two layers, while the firm model uses TitanFlex foam for enhanced support.

All firmness options include a support core of pocketed coils that are zoned for extra support to the midsection. You can opt for an additional foam layer in the comfort system. This layer, known as the “Cloud” pillow-top, provides extra cushioning and may make the mattress feel slightly softer compared to models that don’t feature this layer.

Brooklyn Bedding provides free shipping within the contiguous U.S. Customers receive a 120-day sleep trial and are eligible for free returns after a 30-day break-in period. The bed is backed by a 10-year warranty.

Read our Full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Review to learn more

Mattresses with foam layers typically trap body heat since they adapt so closely to the body. The Layla Hybrid pairs cooling technology with steady airflow through the coil system, earning it high marks in our temperature control tests.

How It Performed

The mattress has a reversible design with a different feel on each side: medium soft (4) and firm (7). Most of our testers found a side that felt comfortable, regardless of their sleeping positions or body types. The softer side’s thick cushioning earned its highest ratings from our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, as well as back and stomach sleepers weighing under 130 pounds. Meanwhile, the firmer side offered even contouring enjoyed by back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds.

Both sides earned balanced reviews across our testing criteria with only slight differences in performance. The softer side’s thicker comfort system absorbed more motion, while the firmer side slept slightly cooler. Both excelled in our edge support tests, thanks to the reinforced perimeter.

What It’s Made of

Both sides feature a mixed-foam comfort system, but the softer side’s foam layers are slightly thicker than on the firmer side. They begin with an adaptive memory foam layer that closely contours to the body to relieve pressure. This layer is infused with copper gel meant to conduct and dissipate heat. Underneath is a polyfoam transitional layer that acts as a buffer between the comfort system and the coils.

Pocketed coils make up the shared support core, offering targeted support to the midsection to reduce uncomfortable sagging. A reinforced perimeter prevents you from sinking when lying or sitting near the edges. The cover is made from a stretchy polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-lycra blend.

Layla ships free to customers living in the contiguous U.S. The Layla Hybrid is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty against structural defects.

Read our Full Layla Hybrid Review to learn more

The Nolah Evolution 15 is a hybrid mattress that combines the contouring features of foam with the strong support of a coil system. The result is a bed that excelled in our pressure relief tests, making it ideal for sleepers with back pain and other people who experience painful buildup at night.

How It Performed

The Evolution 15 earned positive reviews from testers who normally run hot during sleep. The foam layers are engineered to draw heat away from the body, and the coil system enables air to circulate. The bed is available in three firmness options, making it suitable for various sleep positions and sleep preferences. The side and back sleepers on our team preferred the plush and luxury firm options, which translate to medium (5) and medium firm (6) feels, respectively. Stomach sleepers appreciated the firm (8) option, since this sleep position requires a flat, supportive surface for proper spinal alignment.

What It’s Made of

At 15 inches thick, the Nolah Evolution 15 is a high-profile mattress with an adaptive comfort system. The Euro-top cover is quilted with foam, followed by a comfort layer of proprietary AirFoamICE foam. When our testers were lying on the bed, they found these two comfort layers offered above-average cushioning for a hybrid. Next is a firmer layer of polyfoam, which provides moderate contouring but also buffers you from the support core. Beneath the foam is an 8-inch pocketed coil system that offers targeted support to different areas of the body.

The Evolution comes in all six standard sizes, as well as a split king size for adjustable beds. Nolah ships mattresses for free within the contiguous U.S. Customers receive a 120-night sleep trial and may return the bed for a full refund after an initial 30-day period. The Evolution 15 comes with a lifetime warranty.

Read our Full Nolah Evolution 15 Review to learn more

The Leesa Original Hybrid is a thoughtfully constructed bed with multiple foam layers that provide cushioning, along with a coil system that delivers ample support. This balanced feel catered to many of our testers across primary sleeping positions and body types.

How It Performed

The multiple foam layers provided excellent pressure relief for our side and back sleepers who experience sharp pressure points in the shoulders, hips, and spine. Meanwhile, the polyfoam transitional layer and coil system offered enough support to keep our lower backs from sinking. The mattress is a good match if you weigh up to 230 pounds, but those who exceed this weight range may sink more deeply into the bed and not receive adequate support.

The Original Hybrid is somewhat bouncy due to the responsive transitional layer and coil system, and this makes the mattress conducive to sex. Steady airflow through the coils also kept the bed at a comfortable temperature throughout testing. Our heat guns detected minimal heat buildup on the surface.

What It’s Made of

The Original Hybrid has a polyester-blend cover and begins with a layer of memory foam, which contours closely to the body. Beneath is a polyfoam transitional layer that conforms more deeply, allowing the surface to cradle sharp pressure points. The support core consists of pocketed coils with a reinforced perimeter. The coils give the bed stability and moderate bounce. A layer of high-density base foam completes the hybrid design.

Leesa allows customers to try out the mattress for 100 nights. Returns made within this timeframe are eligible for a full refund following a 30-night break-in period. The Original Hybrid also comes with a 10-year warranty, and shipping to all 50 states is free.

Read our Full Leesa Original Hybrid Review to learn more

Among all the beds we’ve tested, we found the Bear Star Hybrid stays quite cool compared to other models with foam comfort layers. This is thanks to proprietary cooling technology, breathable materials, and airflow through the support core.

How It Performed

Our side-sleeping testers between 130 and 230 pounds found the thick comfort layers and medium firm (6) feel most comfortable. The mid-range firmness also supported back and stomach sleepers on our team who weighed under 130 pounds.

The Bear Star Hybrid’s cooling cover and top layer, as well as airflow through the pocketed coils, kept it cool during testing. Celliant is designed to absorb body heat and turn it into infrared energy to regulate temperature and promote muscle recovery. The copper infusion in the top layer is also meant to regulate surface temperature. Extra bounce from the pocketed coils makes the mattress a good choice for couples, offering a bouncy feel many prefer for sex. The responsive surface made it easy for testers to move across the mattress, while the thicker comfort layers absorbed noise.

What It’s Made of

A cover made from a proprietary blend of Celliant and polyester encases the 14-inch mattress. Next is a layer of copper-infused memory foam under a Euro-top, which our testers found very plush. The following polyfoam layer acts as a transitional layer, adding a cushion between the comfort system and the coil support core. This polyfoam limited sinkage and kept our testers’ weight evenly distributed, promoting healthy spinal alignment. The support core features 8-inch pocketed coils, which move independently to provide targeted support to the shoulders and midsection. The support core rests on a base layer of polyfoam for stability.

The Bear Star Hybrid is competitively priced compared to other hybrids, and Bear ships free to the contiguous U.S. Mattress purchases come with a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

Read our Full Bear Star Hybrid Review to learn more

The Birch Mattress is a hybrid bed made from high-quality organic materials. With a medium firm (6) feel, the mattress offered excellent support for our testers as well as responsiveness for sleepers who preferred an even balance between the two.

How It Performed

The side sleepers on our team found the Birch very suitable, since this sleep position requires a bed that cushions the shoulders and hips while supporting the lower back. Our back sleepers also benefited from the balance of support and cushion. If you tend to overheat during sleep, the breathable latex should help keep you comfortable. The coil core also allows air to circulate and cool the mattress down at night. This model is a great choice if you prioritize ease of movement across the bed. The buoyant surface should also appeal to sleepers who prefer the feeling of sleeping “on” the bed rather than “in” it.

What It’s Made of

The Birch Mattress is constructed with Talalay latex that cushioned pressure points during testing but also delivered enough pushback to prevent excessive sinkage. A core of pocketed steel coils provides a supportive, durable base. The bed is topped with a layer of wool that we found very plush, as well as a wool and rayon layer that acts as a fire barrier. The bed is encased in a cotton cover with certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard. The latex is also certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard, making this a strong option if you are looking for a mattress with verified organic sourcing.

Birch provides free shipping throughout all 50 states. The bed comes with a 25-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial, though mattresses will not qualify for a free return until you’ve completed a 30-day break-in period.

Read our Full Birch Mattress Review to learn more

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Other Mattress Guides

Still not sure if you’ve found a mattress that meets your specific set of needs? Take a look at our detailed recommendations categorized by sleep preferences.

Methodology

To test each of our top picks for temperature neutrality, we use a combination of specialized tools and in-person trials. We perform a series of body tests that allow us to gauge how much heat a bed’s materials retain, as well as the degree of airflow the mattress encourages around the body. Additionally, we use a thermal camera and laser thermometers to determine how much heat is absorbed into a mattress.

Below are some of the methodologies we use for testing other key mattress criteria.

Motion Isolation: Mattresses with strong motion isolation excel at preventing motion from rippling across the surface. To measure motion isolation, testers lie on the bed and assess motion transfer while another tester rolls across the surface or drops weight onto the bed. We also use a device that measures movement on the surface, similar to a seismograph.

Pressure Relief: This criteria indicates the amount of pressure buildup your body experiences on a mattress. We measure pressure relief by placing a pressure pad between the tester and the mattress surface, allowing it to read how much pressure the mattress is exerting against the tester’s body.

Off-Gassing: Many beds made of synthetic materials can off-gas volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. VOCs are not harmful to the body and they dissipate within days at most, but some sleepers find them bothersome. Our testing team uses a VOC meter to gauge the amount of off-gassing produced by a mattress. 

Ease of Movement: Mattresses with strong ease of movement are easier to move across, as opposed to beds that hug the body and restrict movement. We measure this criteria by assessing how a mattress responds when testers drop weights across the surface. We also collect subjective observations from testers as they roll around the surface.

Sex: Some sleepers find mattresses that trap excessive heat are not as suitable for sex as cooler mattresses. To assess a bed’s suitability for sex, we look at temperature control and ease of movement. We measure how closely mattresses conform to the body, since beds with deep contouring may inhibit movement during sex.

Body Weight: Since body weight can play a key role in how comfortable a mattress feels, our testing team is comprised of people with different body weights to assess how the bed performs across all body types.

Temperature Control Video

Watch the video below to see how our test Lab evaluates temperature control in a mattress.

How to Find a Cooling Mattress

Choosing a mattress is a difficult decision because there are many variables you must consider, especially when looking for a cooling mattress. Cooling mattresses come in different varieties, so it’s important to be aware of key mattress characteristics and how they affect the performance of a mattress.

Keep reading to learn about mattress pricing, how your preferred sleep position affects which mattress will work for you, mattress types, materials used to construct mattresses, and more.

What is a Cooling Mattress?

Many people tend to “sleep hot,” or notice themselves wake up in the middle of the night feeling hot and sweaty. Some mattresses exacerbate this problem, while others ease it. Hot sleepers might want to seek out a cooling mattress to help them stay asleep throughout the night.

The term “cooling mattress” is used by many mattress manufacturers to indicate that there is something about the mattress’s construction meant to keep sleepers cool during the night. After testing hundreds of mattresses, we’ve experienced firsthand the many ways in which a mattress can help you sleep cool. The term “cooling mattress” doesn’t refer to any single particular mattress part or system.

What to Look for in a Mattress

Finding a cooling mattress might be your top priority, but you’ll also want to consider other mattress features while shopping. A mattress that keeps you cool isn’t worth much if it causes you discomfort, or isn’t in your price range.

Mattress companies can make many claims and use overblown language when describing their mattresses. Instead of falling for marketing fluff, look past the fancy copywriting to determine what features the mattress has, and if it will meet your needs.

Why Do People Buy New Mattresses?

Sleepers purchase new mattresses for many different reasons, whether it’s to replace an old mattress or to find a mattress that’s better at reducing sleep-related pain or discomfort. We polled more than 100,000 Sleep Foundation subscribers to find out the top reasons people shop for new beds.

The Cooling Ability of Different Types of Mattresses

There are multiple types of mattresses sold in the current mattress market. Different types of mattresses are able to keep sleepers cool throughout the night to varying degrees. Generally, mattresses that fall under each category are constructed similarly and share many of the same features.

Of course, there is still plenty of variation within each mattress type. Quality of materials, construction methods, and additional features of specific models will affect how good a particular mattress is for you.

Hybrid

Definition: A hybrid mattress combines aspects of multiple other mattress types. Most hybrid mattresses have a pocketed coil support core and comfort layers consisting of polyfoam, latex, or a mixture of materials. The feel of a hybrid mattress can vary quite a bit depending on the comfort layers’ material and thickness.

Highlight: The coil support core in a hybrid mattress allows airflow through the bed, which helps cool sleepers by reducing the amount of heat trapped in the bed. As a result, most hybrids are fairly temperature neutral. Our sleep lab tests show that latex comfort layers can further enhance cooling, but thick memory foam comfort layers could cause a hybrid mattress to trap heat.

Foam

Definition: Foam mattresses, also called all-foam or mixed-foam mattresses, are constructed with different types of polyfoam as both the support core and comfort layers. Many sleepers prefer foam mattresses because of the “hug” they generally give the body. The conforming properties of memory foam can relieve pressure and ease pain.

Highlight: Since foam mattresses can trap heat, mattress manufacturers often add in materials with cooling properties. For example, covers with phase change material absorb body heat and transform it to a cooler temperature. Gel, copper, graphite, and charcoal are all infused into polyfoam comfort layers with the intention of cooling.

Innerspring

Definition: Innerspring mattresses also contain a coil support core beneath comfort layers made of polyfoam, latex, or other material. They differ from hybrid mattresses in that the comfort layers are thinner, and the support core makes up the bulk of the mattress’ thickness. As a result, our testers report innerspring mattresses usually feeling bouncier and less conforming.

Highlight: One benefit of innerspring mattresses is that they tend to be naturally cooling due to airflow through their coil layers. Even innerspring mattresses that contain memory foam are cooling since the foam layers are relatively thin. Also, innerspring mattresses are generally less expensive than hybrid and all-foam options.

Latex

Definition: Latex has been created from the sap of rubber trees, and it relieves pressure while giving mattresses a springy feel. Some latex mattresses contain only latex in both the support core and comfort layers. Other mattresses incorporate latex layers with other materials, such as coils and polyfoam.

Highlight: Latex has natural cooling properties. Many manufacturers also aerate their latex mattress layers, or perforate them, to allow for increased airflow. As air flows through the latex layer, body heat is dispersed so the sleeper stays cool. Generally, Talalay latex is more temperature neutral than Dunlop, but both types can be aerated.

Airbed

Definition: Airbeds contain air chambers that can be inflated or deflated to increase or decrease the mattress’ firmness level. Some airbeds allow different firmness levels on each side, which could appeal to couples. Note that an “airbed” is a long-term use mattress and doesn’t refer to inflatable mattresses used temporarily for camping or traveling.

Highlight: Airbeds are generally cooling due to their air chambers, making them a good choice for people who sleep hot. We’ve noticed that certain airbeds can become too cool, however. Airbeds with thicker comfort layers will be less likely to have this problem.

Cooling Mattress Materials

Mattresses are constructed with a variety of materials. Some make beds more cooling and breathable, while others trap heat. People who sleep hot need to understand which components are most cooling, so they know what to look for when mattress shopping.

The Ideal Sleeping Environment for Hot Sleepers

Your mattress isn’t the only thing you should focus on when trying to find ways to sleep cool. Instead, consider your entire sleep environment. Many mattress and sleep accessories can help or hinder your efforts toward temperature neutrality.

Figuring out the ideal sleep temperature for your body is a step you can take toward a better night’s sleep. Then, opt for bedding items that will help support your goal of staying cool throughout the night.

What is the Best Temperature for Sleep?

There is no single sleep temperature that’s ideal for all people. Experts suggest that most adults’ ideal sleep temperature lies is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. There are, of course, many people who fall outside of the norm.

Some people will find they prefer a warmer room, while others who sleep hot might find they need their bedroom even cooler. You can experiment with different sleep temperatures to see what feels most comfortable.

Sheets

The sheet set you choose can greatly impact how warm or cool you feel throughout the night. Some sheets, such as those made of flannel, fleece, and heavyweight cotton, are designed to insulate and retain heat. These sheets aren’t a good option for people who sleep hot.

Other sheet types are more cooling, such as those made from lightweight cotton, linen, and Tencel lyocell. Lightweight cotton sheets are known for their breathability. They are often available in two weaving patterns: percale and sateen. Both are known for breathability, but percale is more of a crisp fabric while sateen feels smoother.

Linen is known as an exceptionally cool fabric, but we’ve noticed it can feel rough to the touch. For that reason, manufacturers often pre-soften linen sheets, or create sheets that are a linen-cotton blend. Tencel lyocell is a fiber made from wood pulp that is naturally moisture-wicking and cooling. Most “bamboo” sheets are made from bamboo-derived lyocell.

Some cooling sheets contain synthetic cooling materials, such as Coolmax fabric or Outlast fibers. Coolmax fabric is a moisture-wicking and breathable polyester. Outlast fibers are temperature-regulating phase change materials that can be combined with other fibers and woven into fabric.

Pillows

There are many cooling pillows available today. If a traditional down or polyester pillow feels too warm, the best pillow may be a cooling pillow made of memory foam or latex. To make memory foam and latex more cooling, manufacturers either aerate the pillows to increase airflow, or infuse them with gel or other cooling materials.
Cooling pillows with air or water chambers are also available for sleepers needing to cool down at night. These are usually higher-priced, but effective.

Blankets

Some blankets increase body heat, while others cool. Blankets made of wool, down, fleece, cashmere, and heavy cotton are the warmest and should be avoided by hot sleepers looking to cool off.

Lighter, thinner blankets are cooler than heavier, thicker blankets. Naturally cool blankets are often made of lightweight cotton, a cotton blend, Tencel lyocell, and linen. All of these fabrics are breathable and less likely to trap body heat.

Some blankets are specifically designed to cool, such as those that contain Coolmax or 37.5 technology. Coolmax is moisture-wicking and breathable, while 37.5 fabric is designed to maintain an ideal body temperature.

Mattress Toppers

If you sleep hot on your mattress but aren’t ready to replace it, a mattress topper could help temporarily. A mattress topper is a layer of bedding that changes a mattress’ feel. Mattress toppers come in different thicknesses and materials.

We’ve found that mattress toppers containing memory foam are most likely to retain heat. Unless they are aerated and infused with gel, charcoal, or some other cooling element, they aren’t the best choice for hot sleepers. Similarly, down mattress toppers also tend to retain heat.

Cooling mattress toppers include those made with naturally-breathable wool, and those that use cooling technologies such as phase change material.

How Much Does a Cooling Mattress Cost?

Cooling mattresses are available at a wide range of prices. That said, the best cooling mattresses tend to be hybrid and latex models since foam mattresses are more prone to retaining heat. Hybrid and latex beds are generally more expensive than all-foam beds, so you can expect slightly higher price-points for mattresses with strong cooling.

Many mattresses are designed with enhanced cooling features, such as phase change material or specialized cooling gel infusions. These can increase the cost of a mattress. Some models also come with the option to add a cooling panel for an extra fee.

Cooling mattresses can be found for under $1,000, especially if you snag one during a sale, but you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 or more for a quality mattress with a strong cooling design.

Frequently Asked Questions

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