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Written by
Daniel Noyed
Human body temperatures naturally increase and decrease over the course of a single day. Some studies suggest your temperature changes during different stages of your sleep cycle, reaching its lowest levels as NREM sleep begins. This 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.
Some people naturally run hotter than others in bed. For these sleepers, a cooling mattress can make the difference between a good night’s sleep and a night full of sweaty tossing and turning. The materials used in comfort layers, support cores, and cover fabrics can all play a role in how well – or poorly – a mattress regulates temperature. To choose our top picks, we evaluated each mattress specifically for breathability and temperature control, but also took additional factors into account such as quality of construction and expected lifespan.
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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.
Best Overall
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. Each of these mattresses is constructed with a pocketed coil system that promotes steady airflow and helps the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature.
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 middle of the road option here is the Helix Midnight Luxe, which is designed for a medium firm feel that suits most sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. The Helix Midnight Luxe contains two layers of memory foam, one of which lies 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 pocketed coils, followed by a base layer of high-density foam.
How It Performed
The support from the transitional layer prevents your body from sinking too deep into the bed. Between this and the conforming memory foam layers, the mattress relieves pressure while still retaining some bounce, making it a good match for 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 sleeps quite cool.
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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“During our tests, we found that the Midnight Luxe sleeps exceptionally cool for a pillow-top hybrid. The cover is breathable, the coils generate enough circulation to keep the foam from trapping too much heat, and the firmer feel means most people won’t sink too much and lose their surface airflow.”
Best Value
As a memory foam hybrid mattress, the DreamCloud provides the pressure relief and notable contouring of memory foam without the traditional problem of trapping heat. These attractive features result in a bed that a wide variety of sleepers should find quite comfortable.
What It’s Made of
The DreamCloud combines layers of high-quality memory foam and polyfoam with a robust base of coils to provide a balanced sleeping experience. Comfort layers of polyfoam and gel-infused memory foam provide a significant amount of pressure relief and contouring, while the breathable bed of coils keeps any part of the body from sinking in too far. As a result, sleeping on the DreamCloud feels like a combination of sleeping “in” and “on” the mattress.
How It Performed
The bed’s coil core and medium firm (6) feel give it a versatile blend of cushioning and strong support, making it a comfortable option for almost any kind of sleeper. Co-sleepers will appreciate the DreamCloud’s ability to satisfy different sleeping preferences, as well as its notable degree of bounce and edge support. The bed’s high-quality construction and performance come at an affordable cost compared to the price of an average hybrid model on the market.
The bed’s support core of individually wrapped coils allows for plenty of cooling airflow throughout the mattress. A gel-infused layer of memory foam in the comfort system draws excess heat away from the body, allowing it to dissipate instead of building up through the night.
The DreamCloud ships for free to the contiguous U.S., with paid delivery available for Alaska and Hawaii. The mattress is backed by a significantly lengthy 365-night sleep trial that starts after a 30-day break-in period, further adding to its value. After that, the bed is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“We didn’t notice much heat absorption while testing the DreamCloud. This is unusual for a pillow-top mattress with memory foam, but the cashmere-blend cover really helps keep the surface cool.”
Most Comfortable
A mattress’ comfort level is a matter of subjectivity, but some beds are designed to feel comfortable for a wide swath of sleepers. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Hybrid is one such mattress. It comes in three firmness levels to accommodate most types of sleepers.
What It’s Made of
The Aurora Hybrid is available in medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7) feels. All options feature a top layer of CopperFlex foam that conforms to the body but is also slightly responsive. Next is a layer of TitanFlex foam that is firmer in feel. 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.
How It Performed
The bed is designed with comfort in mind – just soft enough to cushion pressure points, but supportive enough to prevent sagging. All three firmness options excel at relieving pressure buildup, which is especially important for side and back sleepers. Sleepers under 130 pounds are most likely to find the medium soft option comfortable, while sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds will probably find the best support from the firm bed. The medium firm option is appropriate for many weight categories, depending on your sleep position.
Hot sleepers will appreciate the cooling features in the Aurora Hybrid. The cover fabric and CopperFlex foam are both confused with TitanCool, a phase change material that is meant to wick moisture from the body and maintain a neutral temperature. The coils also enable air to circulate and keep the bed cool.
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.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“Nearly all of our testers found a firmness option that felt comfortable to them. Testers who enjoy sinking into the bed particularly liked the soft option, while stomach sleepers enjoyed the feel of the firm.”
Best for Side Sleepers
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Nectar offers an array of memory foam beds, but the Premier Copper stands out for its higher profile and enhanced cooling properties compared to other all-foam models. The thick comfort layer makes this bed a top choice for those who prioritize plush, comfortable sleeping surfaces.
What It’s Made of
The mattress is 14 inches thick with an all-foam construction. The quilted cover contains copper fibers meant to draw heat away from the body. Beneath is a 4-inch layer 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 polyfoam, followed by a 9-inch base layer of high-density polyfoam that stabilizes the mattress.
How It Performed
The memory foam layer conforms closely to the body, resulting in excellent pressure relief and motion isolation. Meanwhile the denser polyfoam layers provide adequate reinforcement, especially for an all-foam bed. The balance of contouring and support makes this bed a solid pick for side sleepers, who typically need cushioning in the shoulders and hips but still require support for the lower back.
Nectar ships free of charge within the contiguous U.S. The mattress comes with a generous 365-night trial and a limited lifetime warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“Many memory foam mattresses sleep hot because they cradle the body too closely. I didn’t sink much on the Premier Copper, plus there wasn’t a lot of heat retention in the comfort layer – the phase change infusion is pretty effective.”
Best Luxury
Saatva is a luxury brand that offers an extensive lineup of high-end products. Among Saatva’s mattress models, the Latex Hybrid is a top choice when it comes to temperature regulation.
What It’s Made of
The mattress includes a layer of organic New Zealand wool, a comfort layer of Talalay latex, and a pocketed coil support core, with a cover made of organic cotton. The latex layer is divided into five firmness zones and the perimeter is lined with coils for reinforcement. The latex has received certification from the Rainforest Alliance, an organization that evaluates sustainable growth and cultivation of rubber trees used to produce the material. The cotton cover and wool layer are also certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, and the coils are made using recycled steel.
How It Performed
The five firmness zones in the latex ensure extra reinforcement around the lower back and hips, mid-level reinforcement for the torso, and comfortable cradling for the head and legs. This design is a great fit for side sleepers, who require a balance of support and cradling. The coils around the perimeter reduce sinkage when you sleep near the edges of the mattress or get in and out of bed. Owners shouldn’t have too much trouble moving across the surface, thanks to the responsiveness of the latex.
The cooling components of this mattress include the wool layer, which has moisture-wicking properties. The Talalay latex is ventilated and promotes air circulation near the surface, while the pocketed coils provide additional airflow throughout the interior. The cotton cover is also naturally breathable.
Saatva offers free White Glove delivery throughout the contiguous U.S., which includes a scheduled delivery date, full mattress assembly in a room of your choice, and removal of your old mattress and/or box spring upon request. Your order is also backed by a 180-night sleep trial and a 15-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“This is one of the bounciest, most responsive mattresses we’ve tested. The Latex Hybrid is a great fit for people who want to sink into their mattress as little as possible.”
Best Pressure Relief
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The GhostBed Luxe is a mixed-foam bed that provides excellent contouring for people in the market for beds that alleviate pressure buildup. The contouring is balanced out with denser foam in the base layer, making this a good option for sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds and are seeking foam beds with extra support.
What It’s Made of
The comfort layer is made of a memory foam that conforms evenly to the body, followed by a transitional layer of Ghost Bounce polyfoam that offers moderate contouring but also a latex-like responsiveness that generates more support than memory foam. Beneath is a support core made of high-density polyfoam, which stabilizes the bed and promotes durability. The cover is padded with a thin layer of memory foam to enhance the plush feeling on the surface.
How It Performed
Side sleepers will find the GhostBed Luxe quite suitable, since this sleep position typically requires a bed that cushions the shoulders and hips while also providing sufficient support for healthy spinal alignment. With a medium (5) firmness level, the bed absorbs motion very efficiently, which can help prevent sleep disruptions when partners move at night.
Hot sleepers should find the bed comfortable compared to other foam models. The cover is made of proprietary Ghost Ice fabric, which is a polyester and viscose blend that relies on phase change technology to stay cool through the night. The cover also features a cooling fiber that is meant to promote air flow, while the memory foam comfort layer is infused with a cooling gel.
GhostBed provides free shipping within the contiguous U.S. The bed is backed by a 25-year warranty and a 101-night sleep trial. After an initial 30-day break-in period, customers may return the bed during the trial for a full refund.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Luxe earned higher marks for temperature control than most of the other all-foam beds we’ve evaluated. Not much heat retention in the comfort layer, and the Ghost Ice fabric really does feel cool on contact.”
Best for Back Pain
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and two firm levels (7-8). Most of these models offer a nice balance of support and cushion to help alleviate back pain.
What It’s Made of
The soft, medium, and firm options contain a 7.5-inch pocketed coil support layer and microcoil and polyfoam comfort layers. Airflow through the coil layers keep the bed cool. Plus, the polyfoam comfort layers are infused with gel, which adds to the bed’s temperature neutrality. Microcoils in the WinkBed give the mattress a springy, responsive feel. Although the WinkBed contains foam, it isn’t the best option for sleepers who want a bed they can sleep “in” rather than “on.” The WinkBed Plus is constructed differently than the other firmness options, but it also has a responsive feel due to a latex comfort layer.
How It Performed
Since the WinkBed comes in four firmness levels, there are options for people of all body weights. The WinkBed Plus provides an ultra firm option geared toward sleepers weighing over 300 pounds. The other three WinkBed firmness options will appeal to different sleepers based on their body weights and personal preferences. The WinkBed mattresses rate average or above-average in durability, motion isolation, pressure relief, and off-gassing. In terms of edge support, the WinkBed firm and WinkBed Plus have stronger edges than the soft and medium options.
WinkBed mattresses are made in the US and ship free to contiguous US locations. They come with a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“We found that all versions of the WinkBed provide decent cooling. The three standard firmness levels achieve excellent airflow with both coil layers, while the Plus’s latex layer doesn’t trap heat like the foams we’ve tested in a lot of other hybrids.”
Best for Active People
Athletes and other active people – as well as those with demanding jobs – often need a mattress that will aid with physical recovery and help them wake up without aches and pains. The Zoma Mattress is an all-foam bed specifically designed with these sleepers in mind.
What It’s Made of
The Zoma contains three layers of foam encased in a stretchy cover made of polyester and spandex. A comfort layer of proprietary Triangulex memory foam feels firmer beneath areas where people generally carry more weight, such as the torso and hips, and softer for lighter areas of the body. This ensures most people can lie comfortably without sinking or experiencing excessive stiffness. Beneath is a layer of Reactiv foam, which feels slightly firmer than the memory foam, and the support core is made of high-density polyfoam.
How It Performed
Sleepers should expect close yet even contouring from the Zoma Mattress. Its feel is medium (5), making it best-suited to side and back sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds. The all-foam construction may also be helpful for anyone who frequently wakes up due to their partner’s movements. The foam layers absorb movement and significantly reduce transfer across the surface, and the mattress is also completely silent when in use.
All-foam mattresses have a less-than-ideal reputation when it comes to temperature control, but the Zoma Mattress is a notable exception. The Triangulex layer is infused with cooling gel meant to draw heat away from your body, while the cover is made from breathable material that promotes consistent airflow. Anyone who normally finds all-foam beds too warm should consider this mattress.
The price-point for this mattress is very approachable and Zoma offers free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. The company’s sleep trial spans 100 nights in length, and those who choose to keep the mattress also receive a 10-year warranty against structural defects.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Zoma is proof that a breathable cover can go a long way toward cooling off an all-foam mattress. But the foam itself is also pretty heat-resistant, so all in all we found this mattress above-average in terms of temperature control.”
Best for Hip Pain
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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 offers excellent pressure relief for side sleepers and any other sleepers who experience pressure build-up at night.
What It’s Made of
At 15 inches thick, the Nolah Evolution 15 is a high-profile bed with a plush comfort system. The Euro-top cover is quilted with foam, followed by a comfort layer of proprietary AirFoamICE foam and a firmer layer of polyfoam. Beneath the foam is an 8-inch pocketed coil system that offers targeted support to different areas of the body.
How It Performed
The Nolah Evolution 15 is a good option for people who run hot during sleep. The foam layers are specially 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. Side and back sleepers may prefer the plush and luxury firm options, which translate to medium (5) and medium firm (6) feels respectively. Stomach sleepers will likely appreciate the bed’s firm (8) option, since this sleep position requires a flat, supportive surface for proper spinal alignment.
Nolah ships mattresses for free within the United States. Customers receive a 120-night sleep trial and may return the bed for a full refund after an initial 30-day period. The mattress comes with a lifetime warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“I felt very little heat retention from the Evolution 15’s comfort layer compared to the memory foam in other hybrids we’ve evaluated. Most of us agreed the medium firm and firm models provided the best cooling.”
Best Organic
The Birch Mattress is a hybrid bed made from high-quality organic materials. With a medium firm (6) feel, the mattress offers excellent support as well as responsiveness for sleepers who need an even balance between the two.
What It’s Made of
The mattress is constructed with Talalay latex that cushions pressure points but also provides enough pushback to lend support and prevent excessive sinkage. A core of pocketed steel coils further enhances contouring performance while providing a supportive, durable base. The bed is topped with a layer of wool that creates a plush surface, as well as a wool and rayon layer that acts as a fire barrier. The bed is encased in a cotton cover with organic certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard. The latex is also certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard, making this a strong option for shoppers who are looking for a mattress with verified organic sourcing.
How It Performed
Side sleepers will find the mattress quite suitable, since this sleep position requires a bed that cushions the shoulders and hips while supporting the lower back. Back sleepers will also benefit from the balance of support and cushion. If you tend to overheat during sleep, the breathable latex should help keep you cool. The coil core also allows air to circulate and cool the mattress down at night.
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 mandatory 30-day break-in period.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“An organic cotton cover, a latex comfort layer that doesn’t trap too much heat, coils that generate solid airflow – the Birch has a lot of cooling elements working in its favor. As someone who frequently feels sweaty in bed, I thought the wool batting layer was an especially nice touch.”
Most Innovative
The Eight Sleep Pod is an all-foam smart mattress that allows sleepers to program the bed to certain temperatures at set times.
What It’s Made of
The Eight Sleep Pod is 11 inches thick and is constructed with three layers of foam. The top two layers of polyfoam conform to the body, while a support core of high-density polyfoam provides a sturdy base. A layer sandwiched between the foam layers contains a grid of tubes. A pump that must sit next to the bed pushes water of adjustable temperature through the grid, either cooling or heating the mattress.
How It Performed
Sleepers who want a very precise sleep environment will be delighted by the precision the Eight Sleep Pod offers. Temperature settings range from 55 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, and different temperatures can be set for each side of the bed. Sleepers can also allow the bed to dynamically adjust the temperature throughout the night on its own.
Since the Eight Sleep Pod only comes in one firmness level, medium firm (6), the mattress won’t work for everyone. Sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds are most likely to find a pleasant mix of support and cushion in this bed. The mattress runs on the higher end of the price scale because of its high-tech features. Being able to control the bed from a smartphone through an app costs an additional yearly app subscription.
The Eight Sleep Pod is manufactured in the US and comes compressed in a box. Customers have a 100-night sleep trial during which they can try out the bed risk-free. The Eight Sleep Pod warranty lasts 10 years.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Pod works as advertised. The temperature adjustments are easy to configure, and there’s a noticeable difference between the cooling and heating settings. Simply put, this mattress is unparalleled with regard to temperature regulation.”
We’ve tested hundreds of mattresses in our Sleep Foundation lab so that we can provide you with options that have been thoroughly researched and vetted. Our team is made up of sleep product experts from a wide variety of weight groups and sleeper types. Having a diverse testing team helps us better predict how mattress performance will change from person to person.
To test each of our top picks for temperature neutrality, we use a combination of technology 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 allows around the body. Additionally, we use a thermal camera and laser thermometers to determine how much heat is absorbed into 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.
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. There are 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.
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.
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.
Definition: A hybrid mattress combines aspects of multiple other mattress types. Most hybrid mattresses have a pocketed coil support core layer 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 layer 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. Thick memory foam comfort layers could cause a hybrid mattress to trap heat, however.
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.
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’s thickness. As a result, innerspring mattresses usually feel 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.
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: Many manufacturers aerate their latex mattress layers, or drill holes into 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.
Definition: Airbeds contain air chambers that can be inflated or deflated to increase or decrease the mattress’s 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. Some people report that certain airbeds can become too cool, however. Airbeds with thicker comfort layers will be less likely to have this problem.
Mattresses are constructed with a variety of materials. Some make mattresses more cooling and breathable, while others trap heat. People who sleep hot need to understand which mattress components are most cooling, so they know what to look for when mattress shopping.
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.
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. Individuals can experiment with different sleep temperatures to see what feels most comfortable to them.
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 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.
There are many cooling pillows available today. If a traditional down or polyester pillow feels too warm, try 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.
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.
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’s feel. Mattress toppers come in different thicknesses and materials.
Mattress toppers that contain 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.
Innerspring mattresses sleep the coolest, followed by latex and hybrid beds. The warmest mattresses tend to be made entirely of foam. There are many reasons for the differences in temperature regulation among mattress types, but the most important factor tends to be airflow.
Innerspring and hybrid beds allow for excellent airflow through their coils, but hybrid beds tend to sleep warmer due to their foam comfort systems. Foam does not permit airflow and often contours closely to the body for reduced airflow even on the surface, making these the warmest mattresses overall. Heat retention also plays a role, as latex has minimal airflow but naturally retains less heat than synthetic foam. However, mattresses are often designed to mitigate these factors.
While the average foam bed may be too warm for a hot sleeper, there are foam beds with unique features meant to prevent heat retention and encourage airflow. Mattress type is important when determining how warm a mattress will be, but it isn’t the only thing to consider.
If your mattress sleeps too warm, but you’re not in the market to buy a new one, you can cool down your bed by purchasing a cooling mattress pad or switching your bedding out for something more breathable. Cooling mattress toppers are available in a wide range of styles, from naturally breathable materials to innovative water-powered technology.
Prices also vary significantly depending on the topper’s design, but even a budget-friendly cooling pad can lead to much more comfortable nights. Bedding also plays a crucial part in how warm your bed is, so warm sleepers should ensure their sheets are made of a breathable material that wicks moisture away from the body.
Many mattresses are constructed with materials intended to promote airflow and retain a low amount of body heat. That said, some cooling mattresses offer better breathability and temperature control than others.
Our testing has found that, among the different mattress types, latex hybrids usually sleep the coolest. The latex in these mattresses is often ventilated to circulate air near the surface and prevent overheating. The coil systems that make up the support cores in these mattresses also generate a fair amount of airflow. Additionally, latex hybrids often feature covers made of naturally breathable materials like organic cotton or wool.
All-latex beds also tend to sleep cool. Although the solid latex in their support cores don’t offer the same level of airflow as coils, many of these mattresses consist of ventilated layers and breathable cover materials. Airbeds, which have adjustable air chambers in their support cores, also provide above-average temperature neutrality – though these mattresses tend to be quite expensive.
While foam mattresses typically sleep hotter than other mattress types, some brands integrate cooling components into their beds to reduce heat retention. Comfort layers are often infused with gel, graphite, copper, and other materials designed to draw heat away from the surface and maintain a comfortable temperature for sleeping.
Sleep trials can make a world of difference. Be sure to test out any mattress you’re interested in buying for the entire trial period. If you notice uncomfortable overheating, then that model may not be right for you.
If you tend to overheat in bed, there are a few measures you can take to sleep at a more comfortable temperature. Choosing the right sleep accessories is a good starting point. Cooling sheets made from breathable materials such as cotton percale, linen, or rayon derived from bamboo can help offset heat retention from a mattress that sleeps too warm. A cooling mattress pad that uses passive or active temperature control may also be helpful.
You can optimize your bedroom environment by adjusting the thermostat. Most doctors recommend an ambient temperature of 60 to 67 degrees for sleeping. During the summer months, you can also use a fan, air conditioner, or swamp cooler to keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature.
If these measures don’t work, then you should consider buying a new mattress that provides better temperature control than your current model. To ensure your replacement mattress provides sufficient cooling, we recommend taking full advantage of in-home sleep trials. Most online mattress brands offer trial periods that span at least 90 nights in length and some last up to a year. One advantage of longer trials is that you’ll be able to test out the mattress during different seasons.
Certified Sleep Coach
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
Certified Sleep Coach
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
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