Product Details
Best Overall
Helix Midnight Luxe
Price Range: $1,199 - $2,499
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Trial length: 100 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty: 15 Year, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it's best for:
- Sleepers who prefer the contouring and responsive feel of a memory foam hybrid
- People who frequently experience pain and pressure points
- Hot sleepers
Highlights:
- Close-conforming memory foam without excessive heat retention
- Robust coil system provides strong support and improves airflow
- Plush surface reduces pressure buildup
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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, and it’s designed 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 Midnight Luxe, which our testers rated medium firm (6). The Midnight Luxe 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 pocketed coils, followed by a base layer of high-density foam.
How It Performed
During testing, the support from the 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 provided a supportive base and also allowed for steady airflow, reducing heat retention that may be associated with foam layers. Consequently, the Helix Midnight Luxe slept 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.
Bottom Line
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
DreamCloud Mattress
Price Range: $799 - $1,499
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Trial length: 365 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty: Lifetime, limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it's best for:
- People who sleep hot
- Couples
- Sleepers of all sizes and sleeping positions
Highlights:
- Mixed-foam comfort system contours closely to relieve pressure buildup
- Pocketed coil core facilitates airflow to regulate temperature
- 365-night sleep trial
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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 our test team rates highly for a wide variety of sleepers.
What It’s Made of
The DreamCloud combines layers of high-quality foam with a robust base of coils to provide a balanced sleeping experience. The cover is composed of a cozy cashmere blend that felt soft to the touch for our testers. This is quilted with polyfoam to create a cushioned surface. Beneath is a layer of gel-infused memory foam that conformed closely and generated a deep body hug during testing, followed by a polyfoam layer that promoted further contouring but has a firmer feel to prevent excessive sinkage. Next is a breathable bed of coils that keeps any part of the body from sinking in too far. As a result, sleeping on the DreamCloud felt like a combination of sleeping “in” and “on” the mattress.
How It Performed
The bed’s coil core and medium firm (6) feel gave it a versatile blend of cushioning and strong support during our in-house tests, making it comfortable for most of our testers. We think 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 allowed 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.
Bottom Line
You won’t notice much heat absorption with the DreamCloud, which is unusual for a pillow-top mattress with memory foam. The cashmere-blend cover helps keep the surface cool.
Best Luxury
Saatva Classic
Price Range: $912 - $2,396
Mattress Type: Innerspring
Firmness: Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Trial length: 365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King
Who it's best for:
- Hot sleepers
- Those seeking a mattress with strong edge support
- People who need assistance setting up their new mattress
Highlights:
- Coil-on-coil design provides excellent reinforcement and stability
- Consistent breathability and temperature regulation
- Multiple firmness and thickness options
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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 without sacrificing comfort or pressure relief during our testing.
What It’s Made of
The Classic begins with a Euro-top padded with foam and soft fibers, followed by a zoned memory foam layer. 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.
How It Performed
Three firmness levels are available, 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) felt like 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.
All Saatva customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free White Glove delivery, which includes full assembly anywhere 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.
Bottom Line
The Saatva Classic offers an ultra-responsive feel, owing to its coil-on-coil construction. With two profiles and three firmness options, this is one of the most versatile hybrids on the market.
Best for Side Sleepers
WinkBed
Price Range: $1,149 - $2,049
Mattress Type: Innerspring
Firmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)
Trial length: 120 nights (30 night requirement)
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it's best for:
- Side and back sleepers
- Hot sleepers
- Couples
Highlights:
- Foam layers adapt closely to the body, improve spinal alignment, and alleviate pressure
- Zoned coils protect the perimeter and promote easy movement across the surface
- Breathable Tencel cover and strong internal airflow help the mattress stay cool
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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.
What It’s Made of
The WinkBed is available in four firmness levels: medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7), plus a WinkBed Plus option with a firm (8) feel. All mattresses 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 latex layer instead of polyfoam. 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. The entire mattress is encased in a breathable, eucalyptus-derived Tencel fabric cover.
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 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 well, 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.
WinkBeds offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. and a 120-night trial period. All WinkBed mattresses are backed by lifetime warranties.
Bottom Line
Thanks to its breathable construction, the WinkBed contours closely without bottling up heat. All the side sleepers on our team felt comfortable on this bed.
Best for Couples
Nectar Premier Copper
Price Range: $1,199 - $2,498
Mattress Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Trial length: 365 nights
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Who it's best for:
- Side sleepers over 130 pounds
- Couples
- Shoppers seeking a memory foam bed with cooling properties
Highlights:
- Mixed foam design greatly alleviates pressure in the joints
- Thick foam layers absorb most movement transfer
- 365-night sleep trial
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Nectar offers an array of memory foam beds, but the Premier Copper stood out to our testers for its higher profile and enhanced cooling properties compared to other all-foam models we’ve had in the lab. The thick comfort layer makes this bed an especially good choice for side sleepers who prioritize plush, comfortable sleeping surfaces with deep pressure relief.
What It’s Made of
The mattress is 14 inches thick with an all-foam construction that our testers rated medium firm (6). 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 conformed closely to the body when our testers lay on the bed, resulting in excellent pressure relief for testers who tend to experience painful pressure buildup at night. The foam also scored highly in our motion isolation tests, making this an attractive option for anyone who needs a bed that reduces sleep disturbances from a 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, since they 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 lifetime warranty.
Bottom Line
Many memory foam mattresses sleep hot because they cradle the body too closely, but we noticed less sinkage and heat retention on the Nectar Premier Copper.
Most Comfortable
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Price Range: $999 - $2,249
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
Trial length: 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Custom Sizes
Who it's best for:
- Side and back sleepers
- People who run hot
- Those who experience pressure buildup at night
Highlights:
- Available in three firmness options
- Airflow through the pocketed coil support core keeps sleepers cool
- Foam comfort layers isolate motion
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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 most types of sleepers.
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.
How It Performed
The bed is designed with comfort in mind – just soft enough to cushion pressure points when we lay on it, 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 hot sleepers on our team appreciated the cooling features in the Aurora Luxe. 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.
Bottom Line
The multiple firmness options means that most sleepers will find a model that feels comfortable. Testers who enjoy sinking into the bed particularly liked the soft option, while stomach sleepers enjoyed the feel of the firm.
Best Airflow
Nolah Evolution 15
Price Range: $1,099 - $1,699
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Trial length: 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it's best for:
- Side sleepers
- People who experience pressure build-up during sleep
- Those who sleep hot
Highlights:
- Euro-top quilted with foam gives the surface a plush feel
- Zoned pocketed coil support core provides targeted support to the midsection
- 15-inch profile
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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 excelled in our pressure relief tests, making it ideal for side sleepers and other people who experience pressure buildup 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. When our testers lay on the bed, they found these two comfort layers offered above-average cushioning for a hybrid bed. 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.
How It Performed
The Nolah 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 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.
Bottom Line
You’ll feel very little heat retention from the Evolution 15’s comfort layer compared to the memory foam in other hybrids we’ve evaluated. Our testers agreed that the medium firm and firm models provided the best cooling.
Best for Back Pain
Bear Elite Hybrid
Price Range: $1,721 - $3,565
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Trial length: 120 nights (30-night break-in period)
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Who it's best for:
- Hot sleepers
- Couples and co-sleepers
- Those who feel sharp pressure points along the spine
Highlights:
- Three firmness levels to accommodate different sleep positions and body types
- Celliant-blend cover actively cools the surface and dissipates heat
- Zoned transitional layer provides enhanced reinforcement for the midsection
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Most mattresses that alleviate back pain contour closely to the body, and this can lead to an uncomfortable sleep temperature if the cushioning layers absorb excess heat. With the Bear Elite Hybrid, you get the best of both worlds. Thick foam layers conform closely to promote even alignment and reduce soreness along your spine, but we found that the specialized cooling cover minimizes heat retention while you sleep.
What It’s Made of
A memory foam comfort layer and polyfoam transitional layer make up the Elite Hybrid’s comfort system. The memory foam is infused with copper, which has natural cooling properties. The polyfoam is divided into five different firmness zones. We noticed that this zoned design enhances support around the midsection – where people tend to carry extra weight – while offering gentler cradling for the head, shoulders, and legs.
The Elite Hybrid’s support core consists of pocketed coils over a high-density polyfoam base layer. Extra-strength coils along the perimeter provided pushback and decreased sinkage when our testers lay near the edges of the mattress or got in and out of bed. A cover made of Celliant-blend fabric encases the mattress. Celliant is engineered to dissipate heat on contact, resulting in a sleep surface that feels cool at all times – even on exceptionally hot or humid nights.
How It Performed
Elite Hybrid buyers choose from three firmness levels. During our tests, the Luxury Plush – a medium (5) model – earned the most favorable ratings from side and back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds. This design offers the closest contouring and may sink a bit too much for sleepers who weigh more. The Luxury Firm (6) model was most popular among our side sleepers weighing 130 to 230 pounds, and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. The most balanced of the three, this model cushions and supports the body in equal measure. Lastly, the Firm (8) model provided excellent reinforcement for side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds.
Temperature control is a defining trait of this mattress. This can be attributed to the Celliant-blend cover, which actively releases heat from the surface, as well as steady air circulation through the coil system and the breathable, copper-infused memory foam comfort layer. Other strengths for the Elite Hybrid vary by firmness level. The two softest models performed well during our motion isolation and pressure relief tests, while the two firmest options feel more secure along the perimeter and don’t sink excessively when you move across the surface.
Bear offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Customers can opt for two free pillows with their purchase, or choose a discounted sleep accessories bundle featuring two pillows, a sheet set, and a mattress protector. All mattress orders are backed by 120-night sleep trials and lifetime warranties.
Bottom Line
The Bear Elite Hybrid’s cool-to-the-touch cover should be suitable for people who need exceptional temperature control. Even on the softest version of the mattress, we felt very little heat retention from the foam layers.
Best for Athletes
GhostBed Venus Williams Legend Hybrid
Price Range: $2,195 - $4,390
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Trial length: 101 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty: 25 Year, Limited
Sizes: Twin XL, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Who it's best for:
- Couples
- People with active lifestyles
- Sleepers with painful pressure points
Highlights:
- Memory foam comfort layer excels at pressure relief
- Infusion of infrared materials engineered to promote muscle recovery
- Mixed-foam hybrid design promotes motion isolation
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The GhostBed Venus Williams Legend Hybrid is engineered to optimize physical recovery in athletes and people with active lifestyles. The balanced design and medium firm (6) feel helped keep our heads, necks, and spines properly aligned during testing.
What It’s Made of
The bed begins with a cover made of cooling fibers and REPREVE, a soft material derived from recycled sources. Beneath is a comfort layer made of memory foam that closely contours to the body and relieves pressure buildup when you lie on the bed. The foam is infused with a mineral engineered to absorb body heat and reflect it back as far-infrared light. This light is intended to warm and soothe your tired muscles without heating up the bed.
Underneath the memory foam is a layer of transitional foam that balances contouring with latex-like responsiveness, keeping you from sinking too deeply. The bed’s base is composed of pocketed coils over high-density base foam for sturdiness and support.
How It Performed
The GhostBed Venus Williams Legend Hybrid was a superior bed for sleepers on our team who experience painful pressure points during sleep. The well-cushioned surface cradles the body and prevents pressure from accumulating in areas like the shoulders, hips, and spine. The cushioning also helps absorb motion, earning the bed high marks in our motion isolation test. This may appeal to co-sleepers who tend to wake each other up with movement at night.
The balance of plushness and support was excellent for the side sleepers on our team across all weight categories. The surface cradled side sleepers’ shoulders and hips, but the mattress was still supportive enough to prevent the lower back from sagging excessively. Our back sleepers up to 230 pounds found the bed comfortable, as well.
GhostBed allows customers to try out the mattress for 101 nights. After an initial 30-night break-in period, you may return the mattress during the trial for a full refund with free return shipping. The mattress is also backed by a 25-year warranty. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S.
Bottom Line
Athletic sleepers of all body types should enjoy the GhostBed Venus Williams Legend Hybrid’s cushioning. It closely cradles the shoulders and hips, but you’ll never feel like you’re sinking too much into the bed.
Best Pressure Relief
Birch Mattress
Price Range: $1,349 - $2,099
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Trial length: 100 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty: 25 Year, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it's best for:
- Eco-conscious shoppers
- Side and back sleepers
- Those who run hot during sleep
Highlights:
- Breathable organic latex and cotton help regulate temperature
- Talalay latex comfort system gently cradles the body to relieve pressure
- 100-night sleep trial
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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.
What It’s Made of
The mattress is constructed with Talalay latex that cushioned pressure points during testing but also delivered enough pushback to lend support and 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 acted 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 if you are looking for a mattress with verified organic sourcing.
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. When we lay on the bed, the buoyant surface appealed to sleepers who prefer the feeling of sleeping “on” the bed rather than “in” it.
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.
Bottom Line
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. The moisture-wicking wool layer is an especially nice touch for sleepers who tend to sweat a lot.
Best Smart Bed
Eight Sleep Pod 3
Price Range: $3,095 - $3,795
Mattress Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Trial length: 100 nights
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited (foam)
2 Year, Limited (technology)
Sizes: Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it's best for:
- People who sleep hot
- Couples that share a bed
- Customers interested in smart products
Highlights:
- Dynamic heating and cooling system lets you pick your desired temperature
- Foam comfort system contours the body to relieve pressure
- 100-night sleep trial
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The Eight Sleep Pod 3 is an all-foam smart mattress that allows sleepers to program the bed to certain temperatures at set times. Based on our lab tests, we’ve found it’s a worthwhile option for co-sleepers who have different temperature preferences at night.
What It’s Made of
The Pod 3 is 12 inches thick and constructed with four layers of foam. The top three layers of polyfoam conformed to the body when our testers lay on the bed, while a support core of high-density polyfoam provided a sturdy base. The Active Grid layer covers the bed and contains a grid of tubes. A pump that sits next to the bed pushes water through the grid. You can adjust the temperature for heating or cooling.
How It Performed
The Eight Sleep Pod 3 offers one of the most precise sleep environments out of the hundreds of beds that we’ve tested. Temperature settings range from 55 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and different temperatures can be set for each side of the bed. Sleepers can also program the bed to dynamically adjust the temperature throughout the night on its own.
Since the Eight Sleep Pod 3 only comes in one firmness level, medium firm (6), the mattress was best suited for testers weighing up to 230 pounds. These testers found the mix of support and cushioning very comfortable. The mattress runs on the higher end of the price scale because of its high-tech features. A smartphone app is included with the price, offering scheduled temperature readings and daily sleep reports.
The Eight Sleep Pod 3 is manufactured in the United States 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 3 warranty lasts 10 years for the foam component and 2 years for the Hub and technology layer.
Bottom Line
The Pod 3’s 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.
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 for customers 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.
- Price: Cooling mattresses can be found across the price spectrum. Mattress price is usually a result of the materials used to construct the mattress. Higher-quality and longer-lasting materials cost more, though there are affordable high-quality mattresses available. Direct-to-consumer mattresses sold online are often less expensive, since the manufacturer isn’t paying for showrooms and additional staff. These “mattress in a box” models are comparable to those sold in brick-and-mortar stores in terms of construction and performance.
- Sleeping Position: Your preferred sleep position will influence which mattress type and firmness level is best for you. For example, side sleepers often prefer softer mattresses that cushion their hips and shoulders. Back sleepers often prefer firmer mattresses that provide enough lumbar support. Of course, body weight greatly influences how soft or firm a mattress will feel to you.
- Mattress Type: There are many mattress types available, including all-foam, innerspring, hybrid (a combination of coils and other materials), airbed, and latex. Our heat-mapping tests have shown that innerspring and hybrid mattresses tend to be more temperature neutral due to airflow through their coil layers. Memory foam comfort layers, whether in all-foam or hybrid beds, tend to trap body heat.
- Contouring: Contouring, also called conforming, refers to how much a mattress “hugs” the body. Memory foam is highly contouring and tends to trap heat. We’ve observed that many cooling mattresses are not highly contouring. For example, innersprings tend to be more temperature neutral and give a responsive feel.
- Quality Materials: For each type of mattress material, there are varying levels of quality available. The higher density a polyfoam is, the higher quality the foam tends to be. Higher quality polyfoam will be more durable and not as prone to developing body impressions. Natural latex tends to be higher quality than synthetic latex.
- Firmness Level: The mattress firmness scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest possible mattress and 10 being the firmest possible mattress. Firmness level is generally unrelated to a mattress’s cooling ability. Most people prefer mattresses in the 4.5 to 6.5 firmness range, though heavier-weight individuals often prefer even firmer mattresses.
- Pressure Relief: When a mattress provides good pressure relief, the sleeper’s weight is evenly distributed across the surface of the mattress. With poor pressure relief, the sleeper has points of greater pressure, which can cause discomfort or pain. Our pressure tests have shown that if a mattress is too firm or if it sinks in too easily, sleepers will develop pressure points.
- Edge Support: Edge support refers to the firmness of a mattress’ edges when a person sits or lies near the edge of the bed. Strong edge support allows sleepers to use the full surface of a mattress without feeling at risk of rolling off. Strong edge support also makes getting in and out of bed easier.
- Temperature Regulation: Cooling mattresses excel at regulating temperature so sleepers don’t overheat during the night. All mattress layers can contribute to temperature regulation. Coil layers allow cooling airflow through the mattress. Special cover fabrics and foam comfort layer infusions can also help regulate temperature by absorbing body heat.
Tester uses a heat gun to measure heat buildup on a mattress.
- Noise: Some mattresses make noise when people get on them or move around during the night. Of all the beds we’ve tested, all-foam mattresses tend to be the most quiet and can be virtually silent. Hybrid and innerspring mattresses typically produce more sound due to their coil layers. Individually encased pocketed coils are quieter than innersprings, however.
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.
Key Cooling Materials
- Coils & springs: Coils and springs are most commonly made of steel and used in a mattress’ support core. Because their layers contain so much open space, they allow for air to flow through the mattress, which cools the comfort layers above.
- Latex: Made from rubber tree sap, natural latex layers are generally cooler than polyfoam, but can trap heat. Talalay latex is known for retaining less heat than Dunlop latex. Synthetic latex tends to trap heat more than natural latex. All latex types can be aerated for breathability.
- Gel-infused foam: Some manufacturers infuse memory foam comfort layers with gel in an effort to promote cooling, but how well it works is debatable. Sleepers who tend to sleep hot might want to focus more on the mattress type than whether or memory foam layers contain gel.
- Basic memory foam: Basic memory foam is made of polyurethane. It conforms to the body in response to heat, providing a “hugging” sensation. Basic memory foam also tends to retain heat, so people who sleep hot might have trouble sleeping comfortably on it.
- Advanced memory foam: Scientists have worked to make basic memory foam more breathable and less heat-retaining. Advanced memory foam is the result of their efforts and often contains a pattern of small holes that allow airflow or gel-infused beads meant to promote cooling.
- Basic polyfoam: Like memory foam, polyfoam is made from polyurethane, commonly used in mattresses, and can trap heat. Basic polyfoam can be used both in a support core or as a comfort layer. It differs from memory foam in that it’s much less conforming.
- Advanced polyfoam: Advanced polyfoam, sometimes called open-cell polyfoam, is an improvement upon basic polyfoam. This newer form of polyfoam contains small cells or air bubbles that increase the foam’s breathability and reduce heat retention. Mattresses with advanced polyfoam are more temperature neutral.
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.
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