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Written by
Danny Noyed
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Human body temperatures naturally rise and lower over the course of a day, and different temperatures correspond with how tired we feel, how easily we fall asleep, and how soundly we stay asleep. Studies show that lower body temperatures overnight tend to promote better sleep, while higher body temperatures can interrupt the sleep cycle.
For these reasons, it’s important that people who tend to sleep hot opt for cooling mattresses. A cooling mattress can make the difference between a good night’s sleep and a night full of sweaty tossing and turning. Cooling mattresses are available at reasonable prices, too, so hot sleepers don’t need to worry about breaking the bank.
Keep reading to learn which mattresses are the best for hot sleepers. A variety of cooling mattresses exist, so you’ll want to pay attention to other mattress details to ensure you choose the best mattress for you. In this guide, we’ve outlined which mattresses are best for hot sleepers of different weights and sleep position preferences.
Helix offers a wide selection of hybrids designed for different body types and sleepers, with robust coil systems that provide great stability and promote 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. Each of these mattresses is constructed with a pocketed coil system that promotes steady airflow and helps the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature. If you enjoy the close conforming of memory foam but find the material traps too much heat, one of Helix Sleep’s hybrids should be a good compromise.
The six standard models include the Moonlight and Sunset with soft (2-3) feels, making them ideal for side sleepers and people weighing less than 130 pounds; the Dusk and Midnight with medium firm (6) feels, which offer a good balance of contouring and support for people weighing 130 to 230 pounds; and the Dawn and Twilight with firm (7-8) feels, which are optimal for back and stomach sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds.
You can also upgrade each of these mattresses by ordering a Luxe model. Luxe models share the same general construction as their standard namesakes, but also include a memory foam pillow-top for added plushness and a coil system divided into zones that provides enhanced support to the lower back and hips.
Helix Sleep’s standard hybrids are priced much lower than the average hybrid model. The Luxe models cost a bit more, but still have reasonable sticker prices. Helix Sleep provides free shipping to all 50 states, as well. All mattresses come with the same 100-night sleep trial. Standard models are backed by 10-year warranties, and Luxe models are backed by 15-year warranties.
Thermo-Gel technology and a copper infusion keep the flippable memory foam Layla mattress cool all night.
As a flippable mattress, each side of the all-foam Layla has a different firmness level. The top memory foam layers on both sides of the mattress are infused with copper, which promotes cooling. The Layla stays more temperature neutral throughout the night than most all-foam beds, which tend to trap heat. The Layla Mattress works well for light and average-weight sleepers, but heavier sleepers might find that they need more firmness and support.
The Layla Mattress gives sleepers the classic memory foam feel. It “hugs” the body, and is a good choice for people who like to sink “in” rather than float “on” their mattress. Sleepers who prefer a responsive, springy mattress won’t prefer the Layla.
Like many foam mattresses, the Layla isn’t the best when it comes to edge support. Sleepers might find they can’t use the full surface of the bed because of sinking edges. The Layla does isolate motion well, however, and is virtually silent. Couples who share a bed will not be bothered by their partner’s movements when on the Layla.
Layla ships their mattresses for free to the contiguous US, and for a fee to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. All purchases come with a 120-night sleep trial and a mandatory two-week break-in period. After the first two weeks, customers may return their mattress without penalty. Layla also offers a lifetime warranty with their mattresses.
Nolah’s Original mattress provides a comfortable blend of body-contouring and breathable overall support, allowing the bed to sleep coolly and comfortably without trapping too much heat.
Many all-foam mattresses sleep hot because they do not circulate air very well. The surface layers absorb and trap body heat, which in turn can cause the entire mattress to feel uncomfortably warm. The Nolah Original 10 is a notable exception. The comfort layer is composed of adaptive polyfoam that is fairly breathable and shouldn’t retain too much body heat. The polyfoam doesn’t sink like memory foam, so you’ll also be able to enjoy steady surface airflow.
The Nolah Original 10 is considered a medium (5) feel model. The close contouring and ample cushioning makes this mattress ideal for side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds. These individuals typically need a plusher mattress to cushion their shoulders and hips, align the spine, and reduce pressure. The mattress also provides adequate support for back and stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds. We recommend the Nolah Original 10 to couples, as well. The foam layers isolate motion and prevent it from transferring across the surface, which can cut down on disturbances for co-sleepers, and the mattress does not make any noise.
The mattress is reasonably priced compared to other all-polyfoam models, and Nolah throws in standard ground shipping at no extra charge. If you’d like to cut the sticker price even further, Nolah allows you to opt out of the 120-night sleep trial. The mattress comes with a 15-year warranty.
The responsive Bear Hybrid features cooling, gel-infused foam and Celliant cover material, which aids with physical recovery.
The Bear Hybrid stays temperature neutral due to its coil layer and cover material. Eight inches of pocketed coils allows for airflow through the mattress all night. The cover is made with Celliant fibers, which absorb body heat. In addition to keeping sleepers cool, Celliant fibers are thought to transform body heat into infrared energy, which is then transmitted back to the sleeper to aid in physical recovery.
Medium-firm is the only firmness level the Bear Hybrid mattress is available in. As a result, this mattress tends to work better for light and average-weight sleepers. Sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs. might find that the Bear Hybrid doesn’t provide them enough support.
The Bear Hybrid is a quiet mattress, but it doesn’t isolate motion as well as some all-foam mattresses. The motion transfer won’t bother most sleepers, but very sensitive sleepers who share a bed might be aware that they can feel motion when their partner moves. This mattress has above-average durability, so it should last for several years.
Customers can order the Bear Hybrid online. The mattress ships to all 50 US states for free and comes with a 100-night sleep trial and 20-year partially prorated warranty. Customers may opt for white glove delivery and old mattress removal, but both come with a fee. Anyone wanting to return or exchange their Bear Hybrid under the sleep trial must wait until after a 30-night break-in period.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature contains foam comfort layers infused with TitaniumGel, which helps hot sleepers stay cool all night.
Airflow through the coil layer of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature mattress helps keep sleepers cool throughout the night. The pocketed coil layer makes up 6 inches of the mattress’s 11.5-inch thickness. Additionally, Brooklyn infuses TitaniumGel, a proprietary gel formula, into the top two comfort layers to help keep sleepers temperature neutral.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature mattress comes in three firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm. With so many options, this mattress works for sleepers of all body weights. This mattress also performs well with sleepers regardless of if they sleep on their backs, stomachs, sides, or in a combination of positions.
The Signature mattress conforms to the body, and has the classic memory foam feel of sleeping “in” the mattress. Most sleepers find immense pressure relief from this mattress. Like many conforming foam mattresses, the Signature isolates motion well. Couples who share a bed aren’t likely to be disturbed by one another’s movement during the night, since the mattress doesn’t transfer much motion.
Brooklyn Bedding makes their mattresses on demand, then ships them compressed in boxes. Customers are given a 120-night sleep trial during which they can return or exchange the mattress at no charge if it doesn’t fit their needs. The Signature mattress is made in the US and comes with a 10-year warranty. Given its high-quality construction, the Signature mattress is priced low compared to similar hybrid mattresses.
The Saatva Classic is a supportive hybrid mattress that’s constructed to allow for tons of airflow.
Saatva’s flagship mattress, the Saatva Classic, keeps hot sleepers cool because of airflow through its coil layers. The Saatva Classic is a hybrid innerspring mattress with a transitional layer of pocketed coils and a support layer of bonnell coils. Because of the two coil layers, the Saatva Classic feels springier and doesn’t isolate motion as well as most all-foam mattresses do. The mattress comes in 11.5 and 14.5-inch thickness options.
The Saatva Classic is available in three firmness levels, so there are options for people of all body weights and position preferences. All Saatva Classic mattresses have polyfoam and memory foam comfort layers, and the soft option comes with an additional polyfoam layer. As a result, the soft option is the most conforming, while the other two firmness options have a little bit of “hug,” but feel more responsive.
Shoppers interested in ethical consumption are drawn to the Saatva because it’s made in the US using eco-friendly materials. The coils are recycled steel, the polyfoam meets CertiPUR-US standards, and instead of a chemical flame retardant, they use natural thistle pulp.
Saatva offers a 120-night sleep trial and 15-year warranty. All Saatva mattresses are delivered with free white glove delivery service, which means Saatva will assemble your new bed for you right where you want it.
The WinkBed comes in four firmness options and sleeps cool as a result of gel-infused foam and airflow through the coil layer.
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in soft, medium, firm, and plus firmness levels. The soft, medium, and firm options contain a 7.5-inch pocketed coil support layer and microcoil and polyfoam comfort layers. Airflow through the coil layers keep the bed cool. Plus, the polyfoam comfort layers are infused with gel, which adds to the bed’s temperature neutrality.
Microcoils in the WinkBed give the mattress a springy, responsive feel. Although the WinkBed contains foam, it isn’t the best option for sleepers who want a bed they can sleep “in” rather than “on.” The WinkBed Plus is constructed differently than the other firmness options, but it also has a responsive feel due to a latex comfort layer.
Since the WinkBed comes in four firmness levels, there are options for people of all body weights. The WinkBed Plus provides an ultra firm option geared toward sleepers weighing over 300 lbs. The other three WinkBed firmness options will appeal to different sleepers based on their body weights and personal preferences.
The WinkBed mattresses rate average or above in most categories, such as durability, motion isolation, pressure relief, and off-gassing. In terms of edge support, the WinkBed firm and WinkBed Plus have stronger edges than the soft and medium options.
WinkBed mattresses are made in the US and ship free to contiguous US locations. They come with a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.
The PlushBeds Cool Bliss combines the pressure-relieving benefits of cooling gel memory foam with breathable, organic latex to keep sleepers supported and cool through the night.
The PlushBeds Cool Bliss is an all-foam bed made with a thick layer of proprietary Cool Bliss gel memory foam that is breathable and helps dissipate excess body heat. A layer of supportive, organic latex prevents the quicksand feeling traditionally associated with memory foam. This mix of materials combines the pressure-relieving contouring of memory foam with the supportive, full-body cradling of latex. The latex layer is naturally breathable and situated on top of a foam layer with a convoluted design to further boost air circulation through the bed.
The Cool Bliss mattress has a medium firm (6) feel, giving it a middle of the road firmness that’s suitable for a variety of different kinds of sleepers. The bed’s latex layer and core of high-density polyfoam provide strong support and resist overcompression.
The mattress is equipped with multiple cooling features to allow those who tend to sleep hot to enjoy the benefits of memory foam. The hug of memory foam is particularly nice for side sleepers, helping to take pressure off of the hips and shoulders. The thick layers of foam and latex provide a substantial amount of motion isolation with some underlying bounce and resilience.
The PlushBeds Cool Bliss ships for free to the contiguous U.S. The mattress is backed by a 100-night sleep trial as well as a 25-year warranty.
The GhostBed Luxe is an all-foam mattress constructed with phase-change material that’s designed to draw heat away from the sleeper.
The Ghostbed Luxe is an all-foam mattress designed with several features that are intended to help hot sleepers stay cool. All-foam mattresses have a tendency to trap heat, but the thoughtful design of the GhostBed Luxe includes many materials to counteract heat build-up.
The cover is quilted with a phase-change material that draws heat away from the surface, as well as fiber that allows for airflow, and gel-infused memory foam. Beneath that is a 2-inch comfort layer of gel memory foam that’s laminated with phase-change material and a second 2-inch comfort layer of high-density polyfoam. This combination of comfort layers results in a plush, closely contouring feel that ranks at a medium firmness.
The mattress’ medium firmness suits most sleepers under 230 pounds, and is particularly well-suited to lightweight individuals and side sleepers, as the bed’s plush comfort layers form a deep cradle that offers good pressure relief.
The GhostBed Luxe is made in the US and ships free to the lower 48 states. The bed is backed by a 101-night sleep trial with a 30-day break in period and a 25-year warranty.
A dynamic cooling and heating system allows sleepers to program the Eight Sleep Pod mattress to the precise temperature they desire.
The Eight Sleep Pod is an all-foam smart mattress that allows sleepers to program the bed to certain temperatures at set times. The Eight Sleep Pod is constructed with a grid of tubes and a pump that must sit next to the bed. The pump pushes water of adjustable temperature through the grid, either cooling or heating the mattress.
Sleepers who want a very precise sleep environment will be delighted by the precision the Eight Sleep Pod offers. Temperature settings range from 55 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, and different temperatures can be set for each side of the bed. Sleepers can also allow the bed to dynamically adjust the temperature throughout the night on its own.
Since the Eight Sleep Pod only comes in one firmness level, the mattress won’t work for everyone. Sleepers at the high and low ends of the body weight scale might find themselves needing more or less firmness. Average-weight sleepers are most likely to find a pleasant mix of support and cushion in this bed.
The Eight Sleep Pod runs on the higher end of the price scale because of its high-tech features. Being able to control the bed from a smartphone through an app costs an additional yearly app subscription.
The Eight Sleep Pod is manufactured in the US and comes compressed in a box. Customers have a 100-night sleep trial during which they can try out the bed risk-free. The Eight Sleep Pod warranty lasts 10 years.
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 many 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.
Many people tend to “sleep hot,” or notice themselves wake up in the middle of the night feeling hot and sweaty. Some mattresses exacerbate this problem, while others ease it. Hot sleepers might want to seek out a cooling mattress to help them stay asleep throughout the night.
The term “cooling mattress” is used by many mattress manufacturers to indicate that there is something about the mattress’s construction meant to keep sleepers cool during the night. There are many ways in which a mattress can help you sleep cool. The term “cooling mattress” doesn’t refer to any single particular mattress part or system.
Finding a cooling mattress might be your top priority, but you’ll also want to consider other mattress features while shopping. A mattress that keeps you cool isn’t worth much if it causes you discomfort, or isn’t in your price range.
Mattress companies can make many claims and use overblown language when describing their mattresses. Instead of falling for marketing fluff, look past the fancy copywriting to determine what features the mattress has, and if it will meet your needs.
There are multiple types of mattresses sold in the current mattress market. Different types of mattresses are able to keep sleepers cool throughout the night to varying degrees. Generally, mattresses that fall under each category are constructed similarly and share many of the same features.
Of course, there is still plenty of variation within each mattress type. Quality of materials, construction methods, and additional features of specific models will affect how good a particular mattress is for you.
Definition: A hybrid mattress combines aspects of multiple other mattress types. Most hybrid mattresses have a pocketed coil support core layer and comfort layers consisting of polyfoam, latex, or a mixture of materials. The feel of a hybrid mattress can vary quite a bit depending on the comfort layers’ material and thickness.
Highlight: The coil support layer in a hybrid mattress allows airflow through the bed, which helps cool sleepers by reducing the amount of heat trapped in the bed. As a result, most hybrids are fairly temperature neutral. Thick memory foam comfort layers could cause a hybrid mattress to trap heat, however.
Definition: Foam mattresses, also called all-foam or mixed-foam mattresses, are constructed with different types of polyfoam as both the support core and comfort layers. Many sleepers prefer foam mattresses because of the “hug” they generally give the body. The conforming properties of memory foam can relieve pressure and ease pain.
Highlight: Since foam mattresses can trap heat, mattress manufacturers often add in materials with cooling properties. For example, covers with phase-change material absorb body heat and transform it to a cooler temperature. Gel, copper, graphite, and charcoal are all infused into polyfoam comfort layers with the intention of cooling.
Definition: Innerspring mattresses also contain a coil support core beneath comfort layers made of polyfoam, latex, or other material. They differ from hybrid mattresses in that the comfort layers are thinner, and the support core makes up the bulk of the mattress’s thickness. As a result, innerspring mattresses usually feel bouncier and less conforming.
Highlight: One benefit of innerspring mattresses is that they tend to be naturally cooling due to airflow through their coil layers. Even innerspring mattresses that contain memory foam are cooling since the foam layers are relatively thin. Also, innerspring mattresses are generally less expensive than hybrid and all-foam options.
Definition: Latex has been created from the sap of rubber trees, and it relieves pressure while giving mattresses a springy feel. Some latex mattresses contain only latex in both the support core and comfort layers. Other mattresses incorporate latex layers with other materials, such as coils and polyfoam.
Highlight: Many manufacturers aerate their latex mattress layers, or drill holes into them, to allow for increased airflow. As air flows through the latex layer, body heat is dispersed so the sleeper stays cool. Generally, Talalay latex is more temperature neutral than Dunlop, but both types can be aerated.
Definition: Airbeds contain air chambers that can be inflated or deflated to increase or decrease the mattress’s firmness level. Some airbeds allow different firmness levels on each side, which could appeal to couples. Note that an “airbed” is a long-term use mattress and doesn’t refer to inflatable mattresses used temporarily for camping or traveling.
Highlight: Airbeds are generally cooling due to their air chambers, making them a good choice for people who sleep hot. Some people report that certain airbeds can become too cool, however. Airbeds with thicker comfort layers will be less likely to have this problem.
Mattresses are constructed with a variety of materials. Some make mattresses more cooling and breathable, while others trap heat. People who sleep hot need to understand which mattress components are most cooling, so they know what to look for when mattress shopping.
Your mattress isn’t the only thing you should focus on when trying to find ways to sleep cool. Instead, consider your entire sleep environment. Many mattress and sleep accessories can help or hinder your efforts toward temperature neutrality.
Figuring out the ideal sleep temperature for your body is a step you can take toward a better night’s sleep. Then, opt for bedding items that will help support your goal of staying cool throughout the night.
There is no single sleep temperature that’s ideal for all people. Experts suggest that most adults’ ideal sleep temperature lies is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. There are, of course, many people who fall outside of the norm.
Some people will find they prefer a warmer room, while others who sleep hot might find they need their bedroom even cooler. Individuals can experiment with different sleep temperatures to see what feels most comfortable to them.
The sheet set you choose can greatly impact how warm or cool you feel throughout the night. Some sheets, such as those made of flannel, fleece, and heavyweight cotton, are designed to insulate and retain heat. These sheets aren’t a good option for people who sleep hot.
Other sheet types are more cooling, such as those made from lightweight cotton, linen, and Tencel lyocell. Lightweight cotton sheets are known for their breathability. They are often available in two weaving patterns: percale and sateen. Both are known for breathability, but percale is more of a crisp fabric while sateen feels smoother.
Linen is known as an exceptionally cool fabric, but it can feel rough to the touch. For that reason, manufacturers often pre-soften linen sheets, or create sheets that are a linen-cotton blend. Tencel lyocell is a fiber made from wood pulp that is naturally moisture-wicking and cooling. Most “bamboo” sheets are made from bamboo-derived lyocell.
Some cooling sheets contain synthetic cooling materials, such as Coolmax fabric or Outlast fibers. Coolmax fabric is a moisture-wicking and breathable polyester. Outlast fibers are temperature-regulating phase change materials that can be combined with other fibers and woven into fabric.
There are many cooling pillows available today. If a traditional down or polyester pillow feels too warm, try a cooling pillow made of memory foam or latex. To make memory foam and latex more cooling, manufacturers either aerate the pillows to increase airflow, or infuse them with gel or other cooling materials.
Cooling pillows with air or water chambers are also available for sleepers needing to cool down at night. These are usually higher-priced, but effective.
Some blankets increase body heat, while others cool. Blankets made of wool, down, fleece, cashmere, and heavy cotton are the warmest and should be avoided by hot sleepers looking to cool off.
Lighter, thinner blankets are cooler than heavier, thicker blankets. Naturally cool blankets are often made of lightweight cotton, a cotton blend, Tencel lyocell, and linen. All of these fabrics are breathable and less likely to trap body heat.
Some blankets are specifically designed to cool, such as those that contain Coolmax or 37.5 technology. Coolmax is moisture-wicking and breathable, while 37.5 fabric is designed to maintain an ideal body temperature.
If you sleep hot on your mattress but aren’t ready to replace it, a mattress topper could help temporarily. A mattress topper is a layer of bedding that changes a mattress’s feel. Mattress toppers come in different thicknesses and materials.
Mattress toppers that contain memory foam are most likely to retain heat. Unless they are aerated and infused with gel, charcoal, or some other cooling element, they aren’t the best choice for hot sleepers. Similarly, down mattress toppers also tend to retain heat.
Cooling mattress toppers include those made with naturally-breathable wool, and those that use cooling technologies such as phase change material.
