The Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers
We vet all cooling claims to find reputable technologies that help prevent overheating.
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Waking up drenched in sweat can be a living nightmare. A comfortable sleeping temperature can make all the difference in getting a good night's rest without overheating. The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been testing mattresses for over a century, and in recent years, we've seen the mattress industry evolve. Brands continue to develop better performing innovation in cooling technology, which is designed to ease hot flashes and night sweats without compromising on comfort. We've tested over 200 mattresses with hundreds of at-home consumer testers and analyzed survey feedback data from 10,000 mattress owners to determine our picks for the best cooling mattresses.
What is the best cooling mattress? Our top-tested pick is the Purple Mattress because users consistently praise its cool, breathable feel and highlight its innovative, pressure-relieving design. The Tuft & Needle's Original Mattress is a reliable cooling mattress for less than $800 in a Queen size.
Pros
- Airy, grid-like layer on top
- Users said it feels like a perfect balance of soft and firm
- Good motion isolation
Cons
- Hard to maneuver despite low-profile height
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Hot sleepers who are open to an innovative solution. It's especially great for couples looking for a responsive and breathable mattress that still has good motion isolation.
HOW IT COOLS: The squishy grid lies directly under your body for optimal breathability to help prevent overheating caused by lying directly on foam.
It's hard to find a mattress as breathable as one from Purple. Unlike memory foam which is prone to overheating, this pick uses a unique, grid-shaped elastic top layer that is airy yet still supportive. Our testers described it as both responsive and pressure-relieving.
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Temperature control: 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.
✔️ Standout feel: Purple's GelFlex Grid has a one-of-a-kind texture. It feels like you're being cradled but doesn't sink in like foam will. One user told us, "It's 'springy' and conforms to my body while still being supportive." Several also called it the perfect balance of soft and firm.
✔️ Good motion isolation: Bouncy, responsive mattresses typically earn lower scores for motion isolation, but our testers shared that they couldn't feel their partners tossing and turning on this one.
✔️ DIY setup: This model comes rolled up and ships straight to your doorstep. Most users reported no issues with DIY setup, but some found that the grid layer made the mattress feel heavier and difficult to maneuver despite its low-profile height. For those new to boxed mattresses, we recommend watching Purple's setup video.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Purple Mattress
| Mattress type | Foam with polymer grid |
| Height | 9.25 in. |
| Firmness | Medium Firm |
| Trial period | 100 days |
Tuft & Needle T&N Original Mattress
Pros
- Charcoal and gel in foam to prevent overheating
- Quick shipping through Amazon Prime with DIY setup
- Affordable
Cons
- Lacks edge support
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: This foam mattress is designed for every sleeping position, but it performed best for back and stomach sleepers in our tests.
HOW IT COOLS: The breathable open-cell foam is embedded with graphite and gel to help draw away heat from your body.
Tuft & Needle's foam mattress is ideal for those who like the contouring feel of a memory foam bed without getting too hot or stuffy at night.While it may not feel as cool as pricier models, many users told us it slept cooler than other mattresses they've owned and praised its supportive feel. The brand recently updated this model to enhance the pressure-relieving feel.
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Temperature control: 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." Another added, "I did not feel too hot or cold in this mattress; it felt just right."
✔️ Fast delivery & easy setup: If you want something delivered quickly, this ships directly from Amazon. None of our testers have reported any issues when it comes to setup, and our panelists highlighted the speedy delivery.
✔️ Responsive foam: Unlike some memory foam mattresses, Tuft & Needle's foam has a responsive feel. It won't sink in under your weight but still contours nicely to your body. If you typically find foam mattresses too soft, this is a great option. "It feels firm and supportive with enough give," shared a tester. Plus, panelists liked that the foam still offered good motion isolation, so their partners couldn't feel them move around in bed.
✔️ Only OK edge support: The main complaint we've received from users is that there isn't as much edge support, meaning it may sag when you sit on the side of the mattress, but this is typical for memory foam.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Tuft & Needle Original Mattress
| Mattress type | Memory foam |
| Height | 10 in. |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Trial period | 100 days |
Pros
- Perfect scores from testers for comfort, support and overall satisfaction
- Excellent motion isolation
- Cool-to-the-touch cover designed to wick away sweat
Cons
- Testers were mixed on the dark navy color
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Sleepers who like the classic feel of coils and the sink-in pressure relief found in foam. Available in three firmness options, it's also great for couples due to its top-notch motion isolation.
HOW IT COOLS: The mattress is wrapped in a cool-to-the-touch cover that's designed to wick away moisture and the foam is perforated to allow more airflow.
A recent GH Bedding Awards winner, this hybrid mattress from Serta combines foam and coils to support your whole body for ultimate comfort to help reduce soreness. It features a cool-to-the-touch cover to reduce overheating. The Medium firmness is a reliable option for most sleepers, but this mattress has Plush and Firm options too. The foam is ventilated to allow more airflow and the individually wrapped coils offer firm support and improved motion isolation.
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Temperature control: Whether it was hot or cold outside, testers found that they maintained a comfortable body temperature when sleeping on this mattress. "The surface feels mysteriously icy in a pleasant way," noted a tester. "The mattress is not too cool in the wintertime, so it is comfortable year-round." Some testers rated the dark navy cooling mattress cover lower for appearance, while others liked that it camouflaged stains.
✔️ Just-right firmness: Testers highlighted that the Medium firmness offered spot-on support and plushness. They all gave perfect scores across the board for support, comfort and overall satisfaction. One tester shared, "I like that it is not too firm but still conforms to my body without pressure."
✔️ Superior motion isolation: When sharing a bed with a partner, a mattress that doesn't move even when one person is tossing and turning is crucial. The individually wrapped coils help enhance motion isolation. "I like the fact that I can't feel my husband moving in the night if he does flop over or when the dogs jump on the bed," shared one tester.
| Mattress type | Hybrid |
| Height | 12 in. |
| Firmness | Plush, Medium, Firm |
| Trial period | 120 days |
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling Mattress
Pros
- Cushioning foam over sturdy coils
- Great pressure relief
- Top marks from testers for cooling features
Cons
- Pillow top costs extra
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Side sleepers and those who want the plush comfort of memory foam with an instant icy feel
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.
Most soft mattresses use memory foam, which is known to retain heat, but this one is designed with cooling technology that pulls heat away from your body. It's a hybrid, which combines cushy foam with breathable coils and feels cool to the touch.
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Temperature control: Many hybrid beds claim to sleep cool, but our testers noticed a real difference with this one. GH Home Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine, who has slept on several cooling mattresses, calls this one of her favorites. “There’s an initial icy feel when I lie down, which fades while I sleep, but I rarely wake up too warm. If I do, adjusting my position brings instant relief,” she said.
✔️ Plush comfort: Other users praised the soft feel, comparing it to a cloud. Constantine shared, “I’ve never slept on a more comfortable mattress — whether at home, in a hotel or elsewhere.” Note that it ran slightly soft in our tests, so if you prefer a medium-soft feel, I'd recommend the Medium option. Whether you want the pillow top, which adds 2 more inches of cushy foam, is a matter of personal preference.
✔️ Pressure relief: Our side-sleeper testers were impressed with how the bed contoured to their hips and shoulders. One shared, "You melt into the mattress, and it conforms to your body." Others reported less hip and lower back pain.
| Mattress type | Hybrid |
| Height | 13.25 in. |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium, Firm |
| Trial period | 120 days |
Pros
- High ratings across the board from real users
- Made with more coils than foam for breathability
- Good support with three firmness levels
Cons
- Runs firm, according to our testers
- Lacks additional cooling features
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Users looking for breathability and firm support above all else and those who need full-service delivery
HOW IT COOLS: It doesn't have any added cooling features like the other mattresses in our round-up, but it's made with two layers of coils, which are inherently more breathable than foam-forward styles.
For anyone who prefers the feel of a traditional innerspring over foam, I'd recommend the Saatva Classic. It's one of the best mattresses we've tested and is designed for maximum breathability and support. It's available in three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm (which was the most popular among our panelists) and Firm. We also like that the brand offers free white-glove delivery and removal with a generous year-long sleep trial (minus a pick-up fee for returns).
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Temperature control: Over 100 Saatva owners on our panel — including many hot sleepers — agreed that they slept at a comfortable temperature throughout the night. Several brought up its cool nature and told us it was an improvement over other foam and innerspring beds they've owned. "I love how comfortable this mattress is," shared one tester. "It keeps us at the right temperature, especially not too hot."
✔️ Top-notch support: In our surveys, users consistently highlighted its supportive feel; several testers even found it helped ease their chronic back pain. Others praised the edge support, which they said made it easier to get in and out of bed. "I appreciate the support this mattress has provided with alleviating my back and neck pain," said a tester. The caveat is that the mattress tends to run a bit firm as a result, so it's unideal for those who want a plush bed.
✔️ Excellent customer service: Saatva also stands out for its top-notch service. Some users were surprised by how quickly they got through when calling the customer support hotline, receiving near-instant attention compared to the all-too-common long wait times many expect.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Saatva Classic Mattress
| Mattress type | Innerspring |
| Height | 11.5 or 14.5 in. |
| Firmness | Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm |
| Trial period | 365 days |
Casper Snow Mattress
Pros
- Noticeable cooling effect, according to testers
- Conforming foam and pressure-relieving feel
- Zoned support system
Cons
- May feel too soft for some
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Side sleepers who struggle with overheating but love the pressure-relieving feel of memory foam over durable coils
HOW IT COOLS: Featuring a cool-to-the-touch cover, Phase Change Material (PCM), cooling gel and HeatDelete bands over pocketed coils, the mattress is designed to pull away excess heat from your body, but still has the textbook cradling feel of memory foam.
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 performed in our tests:
✔️ Temperature control: Our testers called Casper's cooling features "extremely noticeable" and noted improved sleep quality as a result. One tester shared that while he typically finds himself kicking off the covers at night, he didn't have that issue on this mattress.
✔️ Comfy foam: "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." Note that though it has a Medium firmness rating, some said they were surprised that it was softer than expected. This worked well for some testers, but may not provide adequate support for all users.
✔️ Spinal alignment: This model comes with a layer of zoned foam, which provides extra give or support in key areas like the hips and shoulders. Our recent side-sleeper testers liked how this model contoured to their bodies, with one noting, "we are tossing and turning less than usual with the Casper mattress."
| Mattress type | Hybrid |
| Height | 12 in. |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Trial period | 100 days |
Tempur-Pedic Tempur LuxeBreeze Mattress
Pros
- Proven cooling capabilities
- Excellent motion isolation
- Adapts to your body for precise support
Cons
- Runs firm
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Anyone willing and able to invest in a top-quality mattress with innovative and proven cooling capabilities
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 style also adds coils for more breathability.
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 premium 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 performed in our tests:
✔️ Temperature control: In our tests, the brand's cooling technology paid off with unanimous praise. One tester said, "I’m not overheating throughout the night as often (if ever!), which used to happen pretty frequently [on my old mattress]."
✔️ Precise support: What sets Tempur-Pedic's foam apart is how it slowly adapts to your body for precise support. As one tester said, "it contours to the body like no other." This is great for maintaining a neutral spinal alignment, which is key for alleviating back and hip pain. Still, as a result, the dense foam can feel a bit firmer than you'd initially expect.
✔️ Quality motion isolation: The brand's all-foam models excel when it comes to motion isolation, which is great for couples with different schedules. The hybrid variation also fares well, but isn't as impressive due to the coils.
RELATED: Tempur-Pedic Mattresses Review
| Mattress type | Foam or hybrid |
| Height | 13 in. |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium Hybrid, Firm |
| Trial period | 90 days |
Nolah Original Mattress
Pros
- Users said it sleeps cooler than other foam models
- High praise from testers with chronic pain
- Pressure-relieving memory foam
Cons
- Height may be too low for those with mobility issues
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Users with chronic joint pain who need a pressure-relieving bed that won't compromise on long-term support
HOW IT COOLS: The brand's foam is injected with microscopic pockets of air to maximize ventilation. This means that the foam is inherently more breathable than memory foam with perforations.
For those who suffer from pain in their shoulders, hips or lower back, maintaining a neutral spinal alignment while sleeping is key. Our top-tested recommendation is Nolah's Original Mattress, which comes backed by dozens of positive reviews from our testers and panelists, who swore it made all the difference for their back and hip pain.
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Temperature control: While foam is known for trapping heat, our reviewers told us this one sleeps surprisingly cool compared to others they've owned, despite the lack of cooling technology.
✔️ Pressure-relieving and responsive foam: The specialized foam contours well to your body without sinking in too much, for a more balanced feel. Many users who've suffered from back, hip and shoulder pain told us this bed notably eased their discomfort. One owner praised the model for its comfort, and shared that it "offers support while still cradling pressure points." Another told us, "[this mattress was] significantly helpful in relieving back pain for my husband who has scoliosis."
✔️ Shorter height: Our reviewers were surprised by how comfortable this slim mattress felt, and one liked how well it slotted into her sleigh-style bed. The caveat is 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: Nolah Original Mattress
| Mattress type | Hybrid |
| Height | 10 in. |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Trial period | 120 days |
Pros
- Choose your own firmness level
- Customizable cooling control
- Includes compatible base
Cons
- Cooling fan can be loud
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Shoppers who aren't sure what level of firmness or cooling they prefer and want the ability to change it as they please
HOW IT COOLS: A fan inside the bed works with layers of ceramic-gel-infused foam to actively pull heat away from the body.
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. The brand's newest mattress, the Climate Cool, offers even more adjustability: You can pick from various levels of cooling for each side of the bed.
How it performed in our tests:
✔️ Temperature control: Our testers were impressed by the cooling controls, which they compared to a "built-in air conditioner." One liked being able to decide when she wanted to use the cooling fan and how cool she wanted her side of the bed to be, but noted that the fan isn't completely silent.
✔️ Customizable firmness: Being able to choose your firmness level (or your 'number') is great for those who aren't sure what level of firmness is right for them as well as for couples with different firmness preferences. This functionality comes at a premium, but reviewers on our panel said it was well worth the cost.
Plus, we like that this model includes a standard base, which is required for the brand's beds.
✔️ Smart sensors: One of our experts 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."
✔️ Optional sleep tracking: If you want to know more about your sleep quality and habits, the brand's app has it all. Our most recent tester commented, "The app is super informative and has given me a lot of insights into my sleep patterns and even my circadian rhythm."
RELATED: The Best Smart Beds
| Mattress type | Adjustable |
| Height | 11 in. |
| Firmness | Adjustable |
| Trial period | 100 days |
How we test cooling mattresses
The Good Housekeeping Textiles Lab has been testing mattresses for over a century. Here is a breakdown of how we test by the numbers:
✔️ Sent over 200 mattresses to hundreds of consumer testers to review at home
✔️ Surveyed more than 10,000 readers on our GH survey panel, analyzing over 180,000 answers to questions about the mattresses they own
- Product research: We research hundreds of new models each year, diving deep into the details around materials, design, customer service and online reviews.
- Claim review: We review company-provided lab data that proves the bed's cooling capabilities and firsthand user experiences from our own surveying. We also consider the claims to see whether any brands may be overpromising on their chilling powers. We also have interviewed dozens of medical professionals to stay up to date on relevant sleep studies.
- Rigorous analysis: Product experts evaluate mattresses in person and send samples to consumer testers for long-term feedback. We also visit mattress factories and show rooms, interviewing everyone from CEOs to in-house product experts.
- 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.
- Firmness level: Often, the perceived firmness doesn't match the brand's specified level. Users provide insight into how soft or firm it feels in real life.
- 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 have users who identify as hot sleepers test cooling mattresses. We ask them whether they stayed at a comfortable body temperature throughout the night to validate that the cooling features perform in real-life use.
- 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.
- Sleep quality: Respondents report 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.
Do cooling mattresses actually work?
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 memory foam with coils) will offer more breathability than memory foam alone.
What is the best type of mattress to keep you cool?
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 Materials embedded into foam 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.
What to consider when shopping for the best cooling mattress
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?
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've been testing home products for 125 years. We've closely followed the online mattress industry's rapid expansion since 2014 and test dozens of mattresses each year to find the best of the best.
Textiles Product Reviews Analyst Grace Wu currently oversees 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, she earned a Master of Engineering in materials science & engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.
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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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