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The Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers

Say goodbye to night sweats and hello to blissfully cool sleep.

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the best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers
Good Housekeeping / Jillian Sollazzo

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If you tend to sleep hot, you know all too well how the wrong mattress can ruin your sleep. So it comes as no surprise if mattress shopping feels particularly draining, especially when it seems like every mattress uses heat-trapping memory foam. Luckily, the industry has noticed, and in the past decade, brands have been bringing innovative cooling technology to help ease hot flashes and night sweats. After all, a comfortable sleeping temperature can make all the different in quality sleep.

Which mattress is best for cooling? Our top-tested pick is the Purple Mattress. Users consistently praise it (and its hybrid variations) for its cool, breathable nature and highlight its unique springy yet cradling feel. If you're hoping to spend under $1,000, we recommend Tuft & Needle's Original Mattress.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've vetted hundreds of mattresses, including many with cooling features. We assess everything from materials and construction to brand policies before working with hundreds of at-home consumer testers to directly evaluate new and popular models. Plus, we routinely survey our larger tester panel on beds they already own to see which cooling mattresses consistently outperform the rest. To find the best cooling mattresses, we combed through data from over 100 different consumer testers and more than 10,000 mattress owners.

    1
    Best Overall Cooling Mattress

    Purple Mattress

    Mattress
    $1,399 at Amazon$1,099 at Purple
    Credit: Purple
    Pros
    • Airy, grid-like layer on top
    • Users say it feels like a perfect balance of soft and firm
    • Good motion isolation
    Cons
    • Reviewers told us delivery took longer than expected

    It's hard to find a mattress as breathable as one from Purple. Unlike memory foam which doesn't have much ventilation, this pick uses a unique, grid-shaped elastic top layer that is airy yet still supportive. Purple's GelFlex Grid has a one-of-a-kind texture with a squishy quality that feels both responsive and pressure-relieving, making it great for anyone who wants to try something new.

    How it cools: While it doesn't have extra cooling technology, the breathable construction helps prevent overheating caused by lying directly on foam. The squishy grid also lies directly under your body for optimal ventilation.

    Tester notes: Our testers and panelists highlighted how it felt noticeably cooler than other beds they've slept on. A few even called it "too cool" in the winter. The unique texture won over many, including one user who told us, "It's 'springy' and conforms to my body while still being supportive."

    Some testers also appreciated how the bouncy layer had good motion isolation, and others said it feels like a perfect balance of soft and firm. Still, several reviewers found that the delivery took longer than they expected.

    Mattress height9.25"
    Firmness levelMedium firm
    MaterialsElastic GelFlex grid and foam
    Trial period100 days
    2
    Best Value Cooling Mattress

    Tuft & Needle T&N Original Mattress

    On Sale
    T&N Original Mattress
    Now 20% Off
    Credit: Tuft & Needle
    Pros
    • Charcoal and gel in foam to prevent overheating
    • Quick shipping with DIY set-up
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • May not feel as cool as pricier models
    • Lacks edge support

    This foam mattress is a total steal and has built-in features to help prevent overheating at night. It's ideal for those who like the contouring feel of a memory foam bed without getting too hot or stuffy at night. While it may feel as cool as pricier models, it offers a good level of cooling for the price.

    The boxed configuration is also convenient, meaning you can order it online and set it up once you're ready, without needing to schedule a delivery.

    How it cools: The breathable open-cell foam is embedded with graphite and gel to help draw away heat from your body.

    Tester notes: The majority of our panel told us they were able to maintain a comfortable body temperature while sleeping on their Tuft & Needle mattresses. One hot sleeper shared, "I have insomnia, and I have slept better on this mattress than any other mattress." Others also highlighted the easy setup and how their partners couldn't feel them move around in bed. The main call-out is that there isn't as much edge support, meaning it may sag when you sit on the side of the mattress.

    Mattress height9.5"
    Firmness levelMedium firm
    MaterialsFoam (including a graphite and gel-infused top layer)
    Trial period100 days
    3
    Most Popular Cooling Mattress on Amazon

    Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress

    Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress
    Credit: Classic Brands
    Pros
    • Inexpensive
    • Gel-infusion and ventilation in foam
    • Popular on Amazon
    Cons
    • The corners didn't fully take shape in our review

    Not only does this cooling mattress have more than 35,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, but it's also a fraction of the cost of other mattresses on our list. Plus, it arrives at your house within days of ordering and there are several heights to choose from (ranging between 6 inches to 12 inches).

    How it cools: There's a layer of gel-infused memory foam at the top, which helps draw heat away from your body and its open-cell structure makes it more breathable.

    Tester notes: Users found it to be comfortable to sleep on and said it didn't cause any overheating. One even reported experiencing less back pain and another called the bed "easy to order, not expensive, easy to set up [and] just as comfortable and good-quality as expensive mattresses."

    Our most recent tester for this model also gave it a perfect score when we asked if they stayed at a comfortable temperature throughout the night. Though it didn't fully take shape after opening in our review, and it doesn't feel as luxurious as pricier models, it's still a great option if you're hoping to spend less and shop on Amazon.

    Mattress height12"
    Firmness levelMedium firm
    MaterialFoam (including a gel-infused top layer)
    Trial periodNot listed
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    4
    Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers

    Casper Snow Mattress

    Snow Mattress
    Pros
    • Noticeable cooling effect, according to testers
    • Conforming foam
    • Pressure-relieving feel
    Cons
    • May feel too soft for some

    Casper's Snow Mattress adds advanced cooling technology to a classic foam hybrid. It's got the cushiony, pressure-relieving feel you'd expect, with a versatile medium firmness. Plus, if you're a side sleeper, this pick isn't too firm to help keep your spine aligned.

    How it cools: Featuring a cool-to-the-touch cover, Phase Change Material (PCM), cooling gel and HeatDelete bands over pocketed coils, it's designed to pull away excess heat from your body, but still has the textbook cradling feel of memory foam.

    Tester notes: Casper recently re-launched its entire mattress line-up, and our consumer testers for this updated model have been happy so far. "It's soft enough, yet provides great support and conforms to my rapidly aging body," noted one tester. "Even after a workout, walk or yard work, I don't feel as stiff and sore getting out of bed as I have in the past." Others called Casper's cooling features "extremely noticeable" and noted huge differences in their sleep quality.

    Though it has a medium firmness rating, some said they were surprised that it was softer than expected — which may actually be a benefit for side sleepers.

    Mattress height12"
    Firmness levelMedium
    MaterialsCool-to-the-touch cover, Phase Change Material (PCM), HeatDelete bands, memory foam and coils
    Trial period100 days
    5
    Best Luxury Cooling Mattress

    Tempur-Pedic Tempur LuxeBreeze Mattress

    Tempur LuxeBreeze Mattress
    Pros
    • Proven cooling capabilities
    • Excellent motion isolation
    Cons
    • Very expensive

    While most cooling mattresses simply feel cool to the touch, this innovative mattress uses unique Phase Change Technology that's been tested to keep you feeling up to 10 degrees cooler than usual all night. It's expensive, but if you're willing to invest in a top-quality mattress with proven cooling capabilities, the LuxeBreeze is one of the best. Plus, it's made with Tempur-Pedic's famous high-quality foam.

    The brand also offers the ProBreeze mattress, which keeps you up to 5 degrees cooler instead of 10 at a lower price.

    How it cools: Under its cool-to-the-touch cover, various layers are designed to absorb, diffuse and disperse heat, thanks to its Phase Change Technology. The popular medium hybrid option also adds coils for more breathability.

    Tester notes: The brand recently re-engineered this mattress, upgrading from an 8-degree cooler sleep to a 10-degree cooler sleep, and it's proven more than exceptional in our tests. Testers praised the noticeably cold feel and how they don't feel their partners moving as they do on other foam mattresses. Our most recent tester shared, "I’m not overheating throughout the night as often (if ever!), which used to happen pretty frequently [on my old mattress]."

    Height13"
    Firmness levelsSoft, Medium Hybrid, Firm
    MaterialsCool-to-the-touch washable cover, Phase Change Material (PCM) and ventilated, pressure-relieving foam
    Trial Period90 days
    6
    Best Soft Cooling Mattress

    Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling

    Aurora Luxe Cooling
    Now 25% Off
    Credit: Brooklyn Bedding
    Pros
    • Cushioning foam Euro-top
    • Great pressure relief
    • Top marks from testers for cooling features
    Cons
    • Pillow-top costs extra
    • Runs slightly soft

    Most soft mattresses use memory foam, which is known to retain heat, but this one is designed to pull heat away from your body. It has a cool-to-the-touch cover (that our testers loved) along with excellent pressure relief and cushiony comfort. The Euro-top provides a nice touch that lives up to the 'Luxe' name.

    How it cools: Under the cool-to-the-touch cover, the mattress uses layers of foam infused with Phase Change Material (PCM) over breathable coils for added air flow.

    Tester notes: Many hybrid beds claim to sleep cool, but this one proved noticeably cooler over time compared to similar models, according to our testers and panelists. "The cooling technology is far better than our old mattress," said one user.

    Others also commented on the plush feel. One Textiles Lab analyst described her medium version as having "a cloud-like feel that relieves pressure around my shoulders and hips, so I’m not just lying on top of the mattress." Note that this model ran a bit soft in our evaluations and the pillow-top will cost extra.

    Height13.25"
    Firmness levelSoft, Medium, Firm
    MaterialsCool-to-the-touch washable cover, Phase-Change-Material (PCM)-infused foam and coils
    Trial Period120 days
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    7
    Most Breathable Cooling Mattress

    Saatva Classic Mattress

    Classic Mattress
    Credit: Saatva
    Pros
    • High ratings across the board from real users
    • Made with more coils than foam for breathability
    • Good support with three firmness levels
    Cons
    • Lacks additional cooling features

    If you prefer the feel of a traditional mattress instead of a bed-in-a-box, Saatva gives you the quality of in-store models with the convenience of online shopping. The Classic Mattress is one of the best we've tested, featuring excellent support, especially around the edges. The brand also offers free white glove delivery and removal along with a 365-day sleep trial — just remember, you'll have to pay a $99 pick-up fee if you decide to return it.

    How it cools: It doesn't have any added cooling features like the other mattresses in our round-up, but it's made with coils that are inherently more breathable than all-foam styles.

    Tester notes: Our consumer panel has consistently given Saatva top ratings for comfort, support and overall sleep quality. Most, including several GH staffers, found that they sleep at a comfortable temperature throughout the night.

    In addition, they loved its superior edge support, which has impressed our experts, and said it makes it easier to get in and out of bed. Beyond that, the brand stands out for its top-notch customer service, surprising some users with near-instant attention compared to the all-too-common long wait times many expect.

    READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Saatva Mattress is Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed

    Height11.5" or 14.5"
    Firmness levelsPlush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm
    MaterialsPillow top, foam and coils
    Trial period365 days, with a $99 return pick-up fee
    8
    Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress

    Serta Arctic Hybrid Mattress

    Arctic Hybrid Mattress
    Credit: Serta
    Pros
    • Contouring memory foam cradles pressure points
    • High scores from real users for temperature control
    • Cooling tech helps pull away heat
    Cons
    • Free threshold delivery, not free white glove delivery

    For hot sleepers, cooling technology and inherent breathability are musts when it comes to shopping for a mattress, especially one made with foam. Serta's Arctic Collection is engineered to pull away excess heat from your body without compromising on comfort and comes in hybrid and all-foam variations. The contouring memory foam also cradles pressure points.

    How it cools: The brand's Reactex technology uses phase change material and gel within the top foam layers to pull away your body heat and transfer it deep within the mattress. The hybrid version also comes with breathable coils.

    Tester notes: While this one comes with limited feedback compared to some of our other picks, those who own it swear by it. One tester even commented, "I haven’t woken up with night sweats since sleeping on it."

    It's also earned especially high scores for comfort, temperature regulation and support, with reviewers stating they experienced a noticeable improvement in their sleep quality. Just note that while the brand offers free shipping, the mattress comes already expanded, and setup is extra.

    Height13.5"
    Firmness levelPlush, Medium
    MaterialsCool-to-the-touch cover, foam and coils
    Trial period120 days
    9
    Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain

    Nolah Original 10”

    Original 10”
    Pros
    • Users say it sleeps cooler than other foam models
    • High praise from testers with joint pain
    • Pressure-relieving memory foam
    Cons
    • Low height may be cumbersome to those with mobility issues

    For those who suffer from pain in their shoulders, hips or lower back, maintaining neutral spinal alignment while sleeping is very beneficial. Nolah's mattresses offer everything you'll need to do just that, from pressure relief and support to a medium level of firmness. This specific model earned dozens of positive reviews from our testers and panelists, who swore it made all the difference for their back and hip pain.

    How it cools: The brand's AirFoam differs from memory foam because it uses open-cell structures to maximize ventilation. This means that the foam is inherently more breathable than memory foam with perforations.

    Tester notes: Multiple users who've suffered from joint pain told us this bed notably eased their discomfort. One owner praised the model for its comfort, and shared that it "offers back support while still cradling pressure points."

    Plus, while foam is known for trapping heat, our reviewers told us this one sleeps surprisingly cool compared to others they've owned. Note that the 10-inch height may be too low for those with mobility issues, depending on the height of your bed frame.

    READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Sleep Testers Swear Nolah's Mattress Alleviates Back Pain

    Height10"
    Firmness levelMedium
    MaterialsFoam
    Trial period120 days
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    10
    Best Adjustable Cooling Mattress

    Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed

    360 i8 Smart Bed
    Pros
    • Choose your own firmness level
    • Ideal for couples
    • Ceramic-infused foam top layer
    Cons
    • Needs to be paired with a Sleep Number base

    Sleep Number beds are famous for their air-filled chambers that let you pick your perfect firmness level so you can get comfortable whether you're a side, stomach or back sleeper. This is especially helpful if you aren't sure what level of firmness is right for you, as you can change it as you please to find 'your number,' or if you have a different preference than your partner.

    How it cools: This model features foam that's infused with ceramic, which draws heat away from your body, on top of adjustable air chambers.

    Tester notes: Users were impressed with their sleep quality as well as being able to control their firmness level. And though Sleep Number beds are pricey, reviewers on our panel said they were worth the cost. One of our experts even said, "I was really impressed with how it learned and reacted to my body. It didn't feel gimmicky, seemed really intelligent and actually worked."

    Keep in mind that all Sleep Number mattresses need to be paired with a matching base, ranging from simple bed frames to adjustable bases.

    Mattress height12"
    Firmness levelsAdjustable
    MaterialsAdjustable air chambers, biometric sensors and ceramic-infused foam
    Trial period100 days

    Do cooling mattresses actually work?

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    Yes, but they can't work miracles. Cooling mattresses can help you sleep at a more comfortable temperature throughout the night, but the efficacy depends on the cooling features in the mattress. If you have a condition that causes night sweats, a cooling mattress can't cure it, but it can certainly help bring you some relief.

    While night sweats can be caused by many factors ranging from medical conditions to summer weather, a mattress that traps heat can make it worse. A hot mattress can even cause overheating for someone that wouldn't otherwise have night sweats. The worst offender? Memory foam mattresses. Unlike innerspring mattresses with built-in ventilation, memory foam is denser, so there's not as much airflow. This means the heat around your body gets trapped, causing overheating and night sweats.

    When shopping for a cooling mattress, look for one that uses cooling technology — beyond a cold-to-the-touch cover — and one designed with more breathable construction. For example, Phase Change Materials (PCM) will store and release heat to ensure you're at a comfortable temperature throughout the night, while a hybrid mattress (that combines combine memory foam with coils) will offer more breathability than memory foam alone.

    What type of mattress is best for staying cool?

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    There are various types of cooling features built into mattresses, and just because a mattress brand claims to be cooling, doesn't mean it'll actually keep your body temperature lower. Here are the main types of techniques you'll find in cooling mattresses:

    ✔️ Cool-to-the-touch materials: Typically made of synthetic fibers, like rayon or nylon, these surface fabrics quickly draw heat away from your body, but likely won't stay cool all night long.

    ✔️ Built-in cooling features: These can be metal particles, gel or Phase-Change Technology embedded into foam materials to help pull heat away.

    ✔️ Breathable construction: Even without cooling technologies, mattresses that are more breathable with chambers for air or with a spring construction can prevent heat from staying trapped around your body.

    ✔️ Electric capabilities: Some plug-in options use cool water or air that flows through the mattress to keep it continuously cool. These are more high maintenance and have added components, like a unit next to your bed.

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      How we test cooling mattresses

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      Each year, we work with consumer testers to directly evaluate dozens of mattresses in addition to routinely surveying our larger tester panel and readers on beds they own. On top of this, our analysts thoroughly review the materials, special features and other relevant specifications of each mattress. Throughout this process, we research each brand, including vetting certifications and consumer complaints, to ensure we stand behind our recommendations.

      Regarding cooling mattresses specifically, we consider both company-provided lab data that proves the bed's cooling capabilities and first-hand user experiences from our own surveying. We also consider the claims to see whether any brands may be overpromising on their chilling powers.

      two hands pressing against a memory foam mattress
      Jill Sollazzo

      When it comes to collecting feedback from our consumer testers and panel, each user fills out various surveys about their user experience.

      For our consumer testers, surveys are sent out after several weeks of sleeping on the mattress to get initial feedback. We continue to survey them over an extended period, from months to years, to see how the mattress holds up over time. For our panel of Good Housekeeping readers, we send one questionnaire to get additional in-depth feedback on the mattresses they already own. Each survey addresses a range of aspects, including:

      ✔️ Ordering and delivery: Users provide ratings and comments about the ease of ordering, how quickly it arrived and whether there were any issues throughout these steps.

      ✔️ Setup: Whether it's DIY or white glove delivery, we explore how easy the process was and whether the mattress took shape quickly.

      a compressed mattress in plastic unrolled on a bed frame
      Olivia Lipski

      ✔️ Firmness level: Often, the perceived firmness doesn't match the brand's specified level. This helps us understand how soft or firm it feels in real life.

      ✔️ Edge support: Reviewers let us know whether the bed sinks when they sit on the edges or if it holds the shape well under weight.

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      textiles lab experts looking at the edge support of a mattress
      Dan Dai and Jay Aguirre

      ✔️ Comfort and support: Testers weigh in on whether they liked sleeping on the mattress immediately and again later in the review period. They can provide comfort and support ratings as well as detailed comments.

      ✔️ Temperature: We ask users whether they stayed at a comfortable body temperature throughout the night so we can note whether any cooling features were observed.

      ✔️ Sleep quality: Respondents let us know if the mattress has had any effect on their sleep, whether they woke up sore and whether they are overall satisfied with the mattress. They also have the opportunity to compare the mattress with other models they've owned.

      ✔️ Additional feedback: Through a series of open-ended questions, testers can share any likes, dislikes and further comments about their experiences.

      Things to consider when shopping for the best cooling mattresses

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      On top of the cooling features, here are things to keep in mind as you shop for your best mattress:

      ✔️ Sleep position: Stomach sleepers need a firm surface, side sleepers need a softer surface and back sleepers (or anyone who changes position) will need something in between. The goal is to keep your spine in neutral alignment as you sleep.

      ✔️ Weight: Heavy people need a firmer bed, while lightweight frames are better suited with a softer mattress. This is also for proper spine alignment, and you can take into account both your weight and sleep position when choosing your bed's firmness level.

      ✔️ Back pain: A pressure-relieving mattress with all foam or a mix of foam and coils is ideal to relieve upper and lower back pain. Also, look for medium firmness for a balance of cushioning and support.

      ✔️ Motion isolation: If you're sharing a bed with your partner, nothing's worse than being woken up by another person's tossing and turning at night. For good motion isolation, look for foam or hybrid models and avoid "bouncy" mattresses like those made of latex.

      ✔️ Return policy: It's difficult to know whether a mattress is a good fit without sleeping on it first. To help you shop online, most mattress companies offer a trial period of about 100 nights. This is especially important for cooling mattresses since brands make bold claims about keeping your temperature lower. Before you buy, check whether there are any hidden return fees and how you go about making the return.

      Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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      The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has tested all kinds of bedding and home products for more than a century. Since the online mattress industry's rapid expansion in 2014, our experts and analysts have delved in even further, becoming subject experts in new launches and noteworthy innovations. Each year, our experts actively research and review hundreds of mattresses in addition to surveying our readers, organizing consumer testing, and analyzing countless data points.

      Lexie Sachs is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees all bedding content and testing. She has been actively researching and reporting on mattresses since online bed shopping hit the mainstream in 2014 and has extensively reviewed dozens of models by meeting with brands, surveying real mattress owners and conducting consumer tests.

      Grace Wu most recently updated this story. She's a textiles product review analyst and has overseen recent mattress testing at Good Housekeeping. Wu regularly evaluates mattresses herself, coordinates consumer testing and writes about beds for every type of sleeper. Prior to joining GH, Wu earned a Master of Engineering in materials science & engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.

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      preview for GH Buying Guide: Mattresses
      Headshot of Lexie Sachs
      Lexie Sachs
      Executive Director, Strategy & Operations

      Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

      Headshot of Grace Wu
      Grace Wu
      Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst

      Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.

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