Best cooling mattress for hot sleepers
Choose the right materials to stay cool through the night
The rise in popularity of memory foam mattresses has increased consumer concern over mattresses’ tendency to “sleep hot” (foam is known to trap heat). To combat this, many foam mattress brands now include a layer of cooling gel to help sleepers stay cool.
If you’re shopping for a mattress that keeps you cool, you have plenty of options today. Many of the best mattresses for hot sleepers are traditional spring mattresses, which have good air circulation and don’t have a dense layer like foam mattresses. In general, cooler mattresses (foam, spring or hybrid) also have layers of breathable materials like latex and bamboo.
Our picks
- Our favorite mattress for memory foam: Cocoon by Sealy
- Our favorite innerspring hybrid mattress: Saatva
- Our favorite mattress for cooling tech: Nest Bedding
- Our favorite mattress for couples: Helix
Our 4 favorite mattresses for hot sleepers
To determine our favorite cooling mattresses, we looked at mattress construction and materials, comparing new technologies, airflow, breathability and advanced features to select only the best mattresses designed to keep you cool.
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- Type: Memory foam
- Price (queen): $1,079 (as of publication)
- Warranty: 10-year limited
- Test period: 100-night trial
Cocoon by Sealy Chill features premium memory foam plus cooling technology designed to keep your body cool while you sleep. The stretch-knit cover is infused with a proprietary material that absorbs moisture and dissipates heat, which leaves it cool to the touch.
What we like
What people say
- Type: Memory foam-innerspring hybrid
- Price (queen): $1,995 (as of publication)
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Test period: 365-night trial
Saatva’s Classic Luxury Firm is made of individually wrapped coils and a plush pillow top with lumbar zone technology designed for optimal support. The coil-on-coil design allows for consistent airflow, and the CertiPUR-US-certified foam doesn’t retain heat.
What we like
What people say
"Kristen was very good, asked a few questions about our sleep history, and suggested we reorder the ‘Firm’ which we did. Again, timely delivery. We are very satisfied with the replacement product and especially the excellent service."
- Type: Foam hybrid
- Price (queen): $2,132 (as of publication)
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Test period: 365-night trial
Nest Bedding’s Sparrow provides a pocketed coil base and memory foam top. All Nest Bedding hybrid bedding includes THERMIC phase change cooling fabric, which helps to regulate body temperature as you sleep.
What we like
What people say
- Type: Foam
- Price (queen): $2,373.80 (as of publication)
- Warranty: 15-year limited
- Test period: 100-night trial
This Helix mattress is a hybrid design with premium foam and springs. The breathable cover is designed to increase airflow and keep the top of your mattress cooler throughout the night.
What we like
What people say
"It pops open and comes to life as soon as you cut the plastic. It took about an hour to open all the way up and I put sheets on it and went to bed after 2 hours. There were no strange odors or off gassing that I noticed. … After about a week, my back had completely stopped hurting and so did my neck.”
FAQ
What causes body heat at night?
Body temperature increases and decreases on a 24-hour cycle. Typically your body temperature is lower at night, which helps to facilitate sleep. From the temperature outside and inside your home to your activity right before going to bed (hint: don’t exercise right before bed), many factors can play a role in increasing body heat at night, and an increased temperature is likely to cause disruptions in your sleeping pattern.
Softer mattresses — or any that contour to your body — are more likely to retain heat. Similarly, heavier people are more likely to sink deeper into mattresses, causing that contour effect, which can cause them to sleep hotter than lighter individuals.
Which cooling mattress should I choose?
If it’s a cool night’s sleep you’re seeking, you have options. Whether you want a gel, memory foam, spring or hybrid mattress, the technology is advanced enough that most quality brands have a cooling feature in place to keep you comfortable throughout the night, regardless of the season. Each of the mattresses listed above was selected for its advanced cooling technology, so it’s hard to go wrong. We recommend picking the one that best fits your sleeping position and support needs.
What kind of mattress should I get if I’m a side sleeper?
According to Martin Seeley, founder of MattressNextDay: “Foam mattresses are best for the side sleeper, providing adequate cushioning and support. Foam works well for those who need pressure relief because it conforms to their body shape. For people who tend to sleep hot, foam may be a good option since the material is breathable and will help keep them cool during the night.”
