And the Award for Best Cooling Mattress Goes to…
Thanks to a slew of cooling materials, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe offers better temperature control than most competing foam hybrids. We also like this mattress for its zoned support core, reinforced perimeter, and multiple firmness options to suit different sleepers.
If you’re a hot sleeper, you’ve probably felt the frustration of waking up in a sweat and tossing off layers during the night. Overheating in bed is more than just a minor inconvenience. It can make you uncomfortable and interfere with both the quantity and quality of sleep you get each night.
One of the best ways to address this problem is to upgrade to a cooling mattress. With materials and special design features engineered to resist heat retention, a cooling mattress can set you up for more consistent and comfortable sleep.
Want to learn more about top-flight mattress options? Find out about our testing process and top-rated picks in our guide to the best mattresses of 2024. We’ve also highlighted the leading options for mattress types that typically sleep cool, such as the best hybrid mattresses and the best latex mattresses.
The Best Cooling Mattresses
Presidents’ Day Mattress Sales Are Here!
Presidents’ Day is a great time to purchase a new mattress. Many leading brands offer major sales and discounts throughout the month of February. Check out our list of Presidents’ Day mattress sales for details about the biggest deals.
Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following five options made our top picks list of 2024’s best cooling mattresses.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Mattress Overall
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe delivers standout temperature control thanks to its heat-dissipating cover, cooling infusions in the comfort layers, and steady airflow through the coils. Three firmness options also make the mattress accessible to sleepers across a wide range of body types and sleep positions.
Buy from Brooklyn Bedding
Side Sleepers
Cooling Gel and Phase Change Material
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
Good Value
Pros
- Cooling components in the comfort system help regulate your temperature and minimize heat retention
- Zoned coils push back against extra weight in the midsection
- Available in three firmness levels to accommodate different sleeper types
Cons
- Foam layers may emit strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights
- Brooklyn Bedding does not allow firmness exchanges during the trial period
Why We Like It
Our tests show the Aurora Luxe’s medium soft (4) design is best suited to side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. This model also excelled during tests for motion isolation and pressure relief, two categories where hybrids often underperform. Back and stomach sleepers weighing 130 pounds or more preferred the firm (7) design, which earned high marks for edge support and ease of movement. The medium firm (6) model was the most popular option across the board, earning favorable ratings from most of our team.
How Does It Feel?
The Aurora Luxe begins with three foam layers encased in a Euro-top. How soft or firm the mattress feels depends on which design you choose, but all provide that surface-level “body hug” associated with memory foam. Phase change material and cooling gel infused into these layers promote active heat dissipation to maintain a comfortable temperature.
The pocketed coils are divided into three zones for extra pushback around your torso and hips. This helps ensure your heaviest areas won’t sink too deeply. The cover also contains phase change material and is engineered to feel cool to the touch at all times.
Best Value Mattress
Cocoon Chill
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Cocoon Chill’s cover contains phase change material intended to absorb and release body heat on contact, allowing the mattress to sleep cool despite its all-foam design. Other testing highlights include excellent pressure relief and consistent motion isolation for couples.
Buy from Sealy
Back Sleepers
Great Airflow
Medium Firm (6)
Great Value
Pros
- Well-rounded mattress at a reasonable price-point
- Phase change material in the cover is designed to regulate temperature
- All-foam construction keeps motion transfer to a minimum
Cons
- Perimeter lacks support and may sink noticeably
- Top layers may be prone to developing indentations
Why We Like It
Falling at a medium firm (6) on our 10-point firmness scale, the 10-inch Cocoon Chill is designed to suit most body types and sleeping positions and offers cooling features at a reasonable price-point. All of our back and stomach sleepers found the mattress comfortable, though it was ranked highest by back sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds. Most of the side sleepers on our team also enjoyed its balanced feel, although some side sleepers under 130 pounds found it a bit too firm and said it lacked the close contouring they prefer.
How Does It Feel?
The Cocoon Chill Mattress features a knit cover with phase change material engineered to keep sleepers cool by absorbing and dissipating heat. Our testing team found that they stayed reasonably cool even with the top memory foam layer, which conforms to the body to provide pressure relief. This effective temperature control is due in part to a polyfoam transitional layer that helped prevent our testers from sinking into the mattress and allowed them to move more easily across the surface of the bed. For an added cost, you can upgrade the mattress to “extra-chill.” This option adds phase change material to the memory foam layer and features enhanced cooling in a premium version of the PCM cover.
Best Luxury Mattress
Helix Midnight Luxe
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe delivers standout temperature control thanks to its heat-dissipating cover, cooling infusions in the comfort layers, and steady airflow through the coils. Three firmness options also make the mattress accessible to sleepers across a wide range of body types and sleep positions.
Buy from Helix
Side Sleepers
Cooling Gel and GlacioTex Cover
Medium Firm (6)
Good Value
Pros
- Cushy foam layers contour closely to alleviate pressure without trapping too much heat
- Two cooling cover options
- Zoned coils provide targeted support for the torso and hips
Cons
- Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may sink too much
- Above-average pricing may be a dealbreaker for shoppers with limited budgets
Why We Like It
As a medium firm (6) mattress, the Midnight Luxe earned stellar ratings from most of our testers weighing 230 pounds or less. Side and back sleepers in this weight range were especially impressed. The foam layers mold closely to the body for that cradling effect memory foam is known for, but the zoned coils prevented most of us from sinking too deeply into the surface. Our tests show that pressure relief and motion isolation are two key strengths of the mattress. The standard Tencel cover is breathable and moisture-wicking, but exceptionally hot sleepers should consider the GlacioTex upgrade.
How Does It Feel?
The Midnight Luxe’s Euro-top contains three foam layers, beginning with two layers of adaptive memory foam. Transitional polyfoam provides additional contouring while also pushing back against your weight and creating an extra barrier between your body and the support core. The coils are thicker beneath your midsection to prevent excessive sinkage, and the reinforced perimeter helps you get in and out of bed without too much struggle.
The mattress comes with a cover made of Tencel, a eucalyptus-derived fabric prized for its breathability and moisture control. For an extra fee, you can upgrade to a fabric made of GlactioTex — this specialty fabric is engineered to dissipate body heat as soon as it comes into contact with your skin.
Best Luxury Mattress
Saatva Latex Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Saatva Latex Hybrid offers excellent temperature control thanks to a breathable organic cotton cover, moisture-wicking wool beneath the surface, and a coil system that promotes steady airflow. Additional perks include free White Glove delivery and a 365-night sleep trial.
Buy from Saatva
Combination Sleepers
Great Airflow
Medium Firm (6)
Fair Value
Pros
- Hybrid design with both latex and coils resists heat buildup
- Uses breathable organic cotton and wool
- Free White Glove delivery within the contiguous U.S.
Cons
- Bouncier materials increase motion transfer
- $99 fee for returns
Why We Like It
Our sleep lab testers of all body types and preferred sleep positions appreciated this mattress, with the exception of side sleepers under 130 pounds. These sleepers found the latex comfort system a bit too firm for their liking. However, back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds appreciated its balanced feel and breathable surface. The combination sleepers on our team found that the bed’s responsive latex and recycled steel coils facilitate movement, making it easy to change positions. Additionally, we found that the pocketed coil support core encourages above-average edge support, so sleepers can use the entire surface of the bed without any concerns about sagging.
How Does It Feel?
The medium firm (6) Saatva Latex Hybrid features a breathable cotton cover lined with a moisture-wicking natural flame barrier. The 3-inch Talalay latex comfort layer has five zones for enhanced lumbar support and is perforated for better breathability. A pocketed coil support core reinforces the sleep surface, offering targeted support to wider areas of the body. The coils also encourage steady internal airflow to regulate temperature.
Most Comfortable Mattress
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid toes that line between close cushioning and sturdy support, all while resisting heat buildup and sleeping cool. Three firmness options make the mattress a comfortable choice for sleepers across most body type and position groups.
Buy from Leesa
Couples
Great Airflow
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
Fair Value
Pros
- Available in three firmness levels to accommodate different types of sleepers
- Adaptive foam comfort layers contour evenly to align the spine and reduce pressure
- Reinforced perimeter coils minimize sinkage along the edges
Cons
- All designs potentially too plush for stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
- Foam layers may emit strong off-gassing odor at first
Why We Like It
As with other mattresses available in different firmness levels, we noticed each design catered to specific types of sleepers during our tests. The medium model was a hit among our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, the medium firm earned high marks from testers between 130 and 230 pounds across all three position groups, and the firm model delivered sufficient support for side and back sleepers over 230 pounds. Temperature tests revealed little to no heat buildup on the surface. This can be attributed to the cooling fibers quilted into the cover and steady airflow through the coil system, though the firm model offers better temperature control than the two other designs. Couples should consider the medium feel — this model performed best during motion isolation tests — while the medium firm and firm designs received stronger ratings in categories like edge support and ease of movement.
How Does It Feel?
The Sapira Chill Hybrid’s comfort system contains four individual foam layers, so the mattress feels fairly adaptive regardless of which firmness you choose. If you need deep contouring to sleep comfortably, the medium model should provide adequate cradling for common areas of pressure buildup like the shoulders and hips. The medium firm and firm designs feel more supportive, but there’s still noticeable conforming. Pocketed coils and dense base foam make up the hybrid’s support core. Reinforced perimeter coils are intended to push back against your weight when you get in and out of bed or sleep close to the edges of your mattress. That said, people who weigh more than 230 pounds may still notice sinkage — especially if they choose the medium design. A breathable knit cover encases the mattress, and cooling fibers quilted into the cover reduce heat retention on the surface.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Yogabed Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Yogabed Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress is a standout for breathability and temperature control compared to other all-foam models we’ve tested. Other highlights of the mattress include strong pressure relief, great motion isolation, and an easy-to-clean cover.
Buy from Yogabed
Side Sleepers
Copper Memory Foam
Medium Firm (6)
Great Value
Pros
- Contains copper and gel infusions engineered to resist overheating
- Memory foam layers provide a plush, pressure-relieving surface
- Above-average motion isolation for couples
Cons
- Likely too soft for stomach sleepers over 130 pounds
- Minimal edge support can cause bothersome perimeter sinkage
Why We Like It
During our tests, we were impressed with the Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress for its comfortable balance of body-contouring and breathability. The foam layers provide ample cushioning, making this model particularly well-suited to side and back sleepers up to 230 pounds, and our tests show excellent motion isolation for couples. At the same time, both memory foam layers sleep at a comfortable temperature due to their cooling infusions. Approachable pricing and free ground shipping within the contiguous U.S. make the Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress a solid pick for shoppers on a budget.
How Does It Feel?
Although the Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress is medium firm (6), the comfort system features two memory foam layers that make the surface feel highly adaptive. The mattress responds slowly to movement and contours closely, resulting in the signature “body hug” people have come to expect from memory foam. Transitional and base layers made of high-density polyfoam reinforce the mattress and evenly distribute your weight. The cover is composed of knit polyester. You may unzip, remove, and machine wash the cover in your household appliances. Comparatively, most mattresses made today have non-removable covers that should only be spot cleaned if stains occur, so the Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress is relatively easy to keep cleaned.
What Hot Sleepers Should Look For in a Cooling Mattress
If you are shopping for a cooling mattress, we recommend looking closely at their cooling properties, materials, firmness, and pricing.
As a hot sleeper myself, I know how important it is for each part of my bed setup to play a role in keeping me cool. I start with a hybrid mattress with a coil support core for airflow, and top it with breathable percale cotton sheets. Add a bedroom fan, and I’m set.
Cooling Properties
Cooling properties are features designed to resist heat buildup. For example, air channels or aerated foams are built to permit cooling ventilation through the material. Infusions of gel or copper are designed to prevent heat from collecting in foam layers.
Certain specialty materials, such as phase change material, are engineered to draw excess heat away from the body so that it can dissipate and cool the mattress down.
Material Quality
The type and quality of materials are two key factors that drive the performance of a cooling mattress. Some materials, such as innerspring coils and latex, tend to resist heat buildup while providing plenty of support and bounce. In contrast, memory foam usually collects more heat.
In addition to their effect on cooling, quality materials have a major impact on durability. A mattress with high-end materials is more likely to deliver top-notch performance over many years of nightly use.
Mattress Firmness
Firmness influences how comfortable you feel on a mattress, but it can also affect your body temperature during sleep. When a mattress is too soft, you will sink into it, limiting airflow around your body and causing heat to get trapped against your skin.
To find the right firmness level, consider your own comfort preferences. You should also take your body weight and sleeping position into account because they affect how much firmness you need to get proper support.
Pricing
On average, a cooling mattress costs $800 to $2,000 for a queen size. This wide price range reflects the diversity in the designs, materials, and overall quality of cooling mattresses. In most cases, mattresses with top-tier materials and more cooling features come at a higher price-point.
What Are the Best Mattress Types for Cooling?
The best mattresses for cooling are usually innerspring, hybrid, and latex mattresses. Airbeds and mattresses with infused foams may also help you sleep cool. Overall, the temperature regulation of different mattress types is driven by their materials and construction.
Innersprings and Hybrids
Innerspring and hybrid mattresses feature a support core made of metal coils. These mattresses usually sleep cool because ventilating airflow moves easily through the coils and prevents heat buildup.
Hybrid mattresses have thicker comfort layers on top of the coils, which often enhances their pressure relief and support. However, in some cases, these extra layers can retain heat — particularly models containing memory foam — so it’s important to look closely at the design of a hybrid to know if it is likely to sleep cool.
Latex
Latex is a rubbery material that collects very little heat. Latex layers in mattresses are often made with air channels that permit airflow for even cooler sleep.
Latex can be made naturally or synthetically, but most mattresses use natural latex. In addition to its inherent temperature neutrality, latex does not tightly hug the body, which keeps the material from trapping body heat.
Infused Foams
Some foam materials are infused with gel, graphite, copper, or other materials that are designed to counteract foam’s tendency to retain heat. Mattresses that use infused foams are engineered to sleep cooler than other all-foam mattresses.
Of the different types of foam, memory foam tends to trap the most heat. Because memory foam conforms closely to the body, it also restricts airflow over the skin.
Airbeds
Airbeds feature inflatable air chambers in their support cores. A remote or smartphone app lets you add or remove air from the chambers, making the bed feel firmer or softer. Airbeds often sleep cool because little heat is retained by the air chambers. That said, an airbed may sleep hot if it’s set to a plush firmness level or if it has memory foam layers above the air chambers.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
Each sleeper is unique, but we’ve found that certain types of sleepers tend to prefer certain types of beds. That’s why our testing team has compiled helpful guides tailored for the needs of specific groups.
More Mattress Options for Specific Types of Sleepers
How We Test
We’ve put nearly 2,000 mattresses through rigorous analysis in our testing lab in Seattle using our comprehensive product testing methodology. Our tests include a “hot bottle” evaluation to measure how much heat a mattress retains and how quickly it cools back down. We also get direct feedback from our testing team. Testers include hot sleepers and people of different weights and sleeping positions, which enables us to get the full picture of how well a mattress performs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A cooling mattress is often worth the extra expense if you are a hot sleeper. Body temperature affects not only your comfort but also your sleep quality. Waking up in a sweat can interfere with your rest, so a cooling mattress can offer a significant return on your investment.
You can get hot during sleep if your mattress, bedding, or bedroom are too warm. Materials that are heavy, insulated, or press tightly against the skin can prevent the body from cooling itself down. In some cases, underlying health conditions can cause overheating and night sweats.
Latex and hybrid mattresses are often the best mattress types for hot sleepers. Both latex and coils resist excess heat buildup, and coils permit ventilation that can keep warmth from collecting in the mattress. Many latex and hybrid mattresses also permit less sinkage, which makes it easier for air to flow over your skin to facilitate natural cooling.
Hot sleepers should generally avoid memory foam mattresses, especially soft models. Memory foam tends to retain heat, and it can also limit airflow around the skin when it contours to the body. The softer the memory foam, the deeper you will sink into the material, increasing the chances that you will overheat.
Experts recommend keeping your bedroom around 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit to promote restful sleep. However, the best bedroom temperature can vary based on the humidity in your home, the pajamas and bedding you use, and your personal preferences.
A cooling mattress can be a huge step toward more comfortable sleep, but other products can also help you sleep cooler, including:
– Breathable, moisture-wicking sheets
– Cooling pillows
– Light blankets that don’t retain heat
– A cooling mattress topper
– Lightweight, airy, and loose-fitting pajamas
– A fan to keep air circulating in your bedroom
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- POSITION: Side sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Lion
Ask the Sleep Doctor
Have questions about sleep? Submit them here! We use your questions to help us decide topics for articles, videos, and newsletters. We try to answer as many questions as possible. You can also send us an email. Please note, we cannot provide specific medical advice, and always recommend you contact your doctor for any medical matters.
