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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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.
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.
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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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, making this a top choice for sleepers who typically overheat on memory foam surfaces.
As a foam hybrid mattress, the DreamCloud 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 test team rates highly for a wide variety of sleepers.
How It Performed
The bed’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’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 average hybrid model on the market.
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 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.
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 the trial ends, the bed is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Best Luxury
Saatva Classic
Price Range: $935 - $2,450
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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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.
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.
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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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 thanks to the excellent balance of cushioning and support.
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.
Best Temperature Regulation
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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Bottom Line
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a versatile mattress available in multiple firmness options, so most sleepers will find a model that feels comfortable. The surface offers excellent cushioning, even in the firmer models.
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.
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.
Most Comfortable
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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Bottom Line
The Nectar Premier Copper is an excellent choice for sleepers who need a bed that buffers them from a co-sleeper’s movements at night. The foam also has cooling features to mitigate heat retention.
Nectar offers an array of memory foam beds, but the Nectar Premier Copper 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 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.
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.
Nectar ships free of charge within the contiguous U.S. The mattress comes with a generous 365-night trial and lifetime warranty.
Best for Couples
Layla Hybrid
Price Range: $1,299 - $1,899
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Reversible: Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)
Trial length: 120 nights
Warranty: 10 year, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it's best for:
- Hot sleepers who like the feeling of memory foam
- People whose firmness needs change from night-to-night
- Sleepers with sharp pressure points
Highlights:
- Reversible design with two distinct feels
- Pressure-relieving foam comfort system infused with copper gel intended for cooling
- Reinforced perimeter enhances edge support
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Bottom Line
The Layla Hybrid’s mixed-foam comfort system allows close contouring without trapping too much heat. We noticed very little heat retention on the surface during tests.
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 and viscose 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.
Best for Combination Sleepers
Leesa Sapira Hybrid
Price Range: $1,349 - $2,299
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Trial length: 100 nights (30 night requirement)
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it's best for:
- Combination sleepers
- Hot sleepers
- Couples who value responsiveness for sex
Highlights:
- Foam comfort system provides strong pressure relief
- Breathable coil system combats heat retention
- Free shipping to all 50 states
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Bottom Line
The balanced feel of the Leesa Sapira Hybrid stood out to our testers. The foam layers are soft enough to excel at relieving pressure, but they’re not so soft that you sink excessively.
The Leesa Sapira 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 preferred sleeping positions and body weights.
How It Performed
The multiple foam layers provided excellent pressure relief for our side and back sleepers who have developed 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 above this weight range may sink deeper into the bed and receive inadequate support.
Since polyfoam is slightly more responsive than memory foam, we found the surface easier to move across than comfort layers made entirely of memory foam. This feature, combined with the bouncy coils, makes the bed conducive to sex. The 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 mattress has a polyester-blend cover and begins with a layer of polyfoam, which contours to the body but is slightly more responsive than memory foam. Beneath is a memory foam layer that conforms more deeply, allowing the surface to cradle sharp pressure points. Next is a dense polyfoam layer that prevents the body from sinking too deep. The support core consists of pocketed coils with a reinforced perimeter. The coils give the bed stability and moderate bounce.
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 bed also comes with a 10-year warranty, and shipping to all 50 states is free.
Best Airflow
Bear Hybrid
Price Range: $1,248 - $1,998
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Trial length: 120 nights (30-night break-in period)
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Who it's best for:
- Hot sleepers
- Shoppers looking for a generous sleep trial
- Side and back sleepers
Highlights:
- Proprietary cooling fiber cover and gel-infused polyfoam designed to dissipate excess body heat
- Mid-range medium firm (6) feel has noticeable contouring without too much sinkage
- 120-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty
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Bottom Line
The Bear Hybrid keeps very cool thanks to airflow through the coil support core and proprietary cooling technology. Hot sleepers should notice less heat retention on this mattress than on many others with foam comfort systems.
Among all the beds we’ve tested, we found the Bear 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 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 gel infusion in the top layer is also meant to absorb and dissipate body heat. 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 gel-infused polyfoam quilted into the cover, which our testers found very plush. The following polyfoam layer conforms to pain points. Our team found this was effective at relieving pressure buildup.
A third layer of polyfoam 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 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.
Best for Back Pain
Nolah Evolution 15
Price Range: $999 - $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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Bottom Line
You’ll feel very little heat retention from the Nolah Evolution 15’s comfort layer compared to the memory foam in other hybrids we’ve tested. We recommend the medium firm and firm models if you want the best cooling.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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. If you’re a hot sleeper, you might want to seek out a cooling mattress to help 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 you 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
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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, your weight is evenly distributed across the surface of the mattress. With poor pressure relief, you experience 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, you will develop pressure points.
- Edge Support: Edge support refers to the firmness of a mattress’ edges when you sit or lie near the edge of the bed. Strong edge support allows you 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 you 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 you 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 you 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 your body 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, we’ve found 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 if you 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. If you tend to sleep hot, you 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. We’ve found that 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. You can also 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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