Waking up throughout the night from overheating can be frustrating for any sleeper. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your rest because of night sweats. If you’re not ready for a cooling mattress, a mattress pad can be an good alternative to help you sleep cool.
So, if you’re tired of sleeping hot, but don’t know where to start, I’ve got you covered. Check out my list of the best cooling mattress pads. From gel-infused memory foam, to an all organic pad, there’s something for everyone.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Cooling Mattress Pad?
I named the Saatva Organic mattress pad as the best cooling mattress pad. This luxuriously soft mattress pad adds that perfect amount of comfort to the top of your bed. The organic cotton is very breathable and doesn’t trap heat. It has a thick, sturdy elastic band that helps keep it secure to the top of the mattress.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cooling Mattress Pads
- Saatva Organic Mattress Pad – Best Luxury Cooling Mattress Pad
- Birch Organic Mattress Pad – Best Organic Cooling Mattress Pad
- PlushBeds Cooling Gel Mattress Pad – Best Cooling Gel Memory Foam
- Puffy Mattress Pad – Best Cooling Mattress Pad for Side Sleepers
- Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover – Best Smart Cooling Mattress Pad
How We Choose Our Products
Our team of sleep experts have tested dozens of mattress pads using proprietary hands-on testing. We assessed each mattress pad based on its ability to stay cool while we rested on top of it. Many of the mattress pads feature some kind of breathable material, while others feature specific cooling elements.
Be sure to read our buyers guide at the bottom of the list for more detailed information on what to look out for when buying a mattress pad. We also discuss the difference between a mattress pad and a mattress topper in our frequently asked questions section as well.
Best Luxury Cooling Mattress Pad – Saatva Organic Mattress Pad
Saatva Organic Mattress Pad
The Saatva Organic Mattress Pad is full of organic cotton: from the cover to the fluffy fill. It has easy care and will securely fit your mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
Saatva’s organic cotton mattress pad is ideal for those who are looking to make their mattress more plush and luxurious. The cotton is breathable and moisture-wicking, which means you shouldn’t feel hot and sweaty on this mattress pad.
The materials are chemical-free, 100% organic, and Fair Trade Certified™. And for an extra secure fit, this mattress pad has silicone-elastic bands so you don’t have to worry about any sliding or slipping off of the bed at night.
What We Love About the Saatva Mattress Pad
- It feels very luxurious and offers plush, soft comfort with 300 thread count organic cotton cover. Don’t let the low thread count fool you; this just means it allows for more airflow.
- Saatva uses Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton which is processed in Fair Trade Certified™ factories.
- This mattress pad is machine-washable and easy to care for.
What to Keep In Mind About the Saatva Mattress Pad
- This is a thinner mattress pad. It should still add a slight pillow top look and feel to your bed, but it won’t change the feeling of your mattress too much.
Best Organic Cooling Mattress Pad – Birch Organic Mattress Pad
Birch Organic Mattress Pad
If you’re in the market for an organic mattress pad, the Birch Mattress pad is for you. Birch uses 100% certified organic cotton in this pad.
Our Expert’s Take
The Birch Organic mattress pad is an ideal choice for those who want bedding made of certified organic and natural materials. Birch uses 100% organic cotton that is crafted into a sateen weave, giving it a satin-like feel.
This mattress pad is breathable and moisture-wicking, which is ideal for people looking to stay cool and dry during the night. Birch includes no-slip bands to secure the pad onto your mattress so you can move without shifting the bedding.
What We Love About the Birch Mattress Pad
- This mattress pad has three layers, which aid in comfort and help protect against spills. It’s like a mattress pad and protector all in one.
- It is GOTS and Fair Trade certified, so it’s eco-friendly and sustainable.
- Birch offers a 100-night sleep trial so you can try before you buy. This is a little over three months, which is a substantial trial period for a mattress pad.
What to Keep In Mind About the Birch Mattress Pad
- At full price, this topper costs about $250. While Birch includes it in seasonal discounts, this pad might be out of budget for some.
Best Cooling Gel Memory Foam – PlushBeds Cooling Gel Mattress Pad
Plushbeds Cooling Gel Mattress Pad
The Plushbeds Cooling Gel Mattress Pad is a great option for those who want to slightly soften their mattress. It comes in two height options, 2″ or 3″.
Our Expert’s Take
The PlushBeds Cooling Gel mattress pad is a great option for sleepers who want additional pressure relief and support without purchasing an entirely new mattress or a super thick topper. The memory foam contours to your body, while the cooling gel removes heat and combats night sweats. This mattress pad works for a variety of sleepers, because it’s available in six different sizes and two thickness options: either 2” or 3”. If you’re looking for something closer to a mattress topper, opt for the 3” option.
What We Love About the PlushBeds Cooling Gel Mattress Pad
- The memory foam has been CertiPUR-US® and GreenGuard Gold certified.
- It comes in 2” and 3” heights to accommodate different body weights. Heavier individuals should get the thicker version, as they’ll compress the 2″ one too much.
- It has an open cell foam structure and a cooling gel infusion, so it won’t trap heat.
What to Keep In Mind About the PlushBeds Cooling Gel Mattress Pad
- This is more of a mattress topper than an actual pad. Because of that, there’s no way to securely attach this to your mattress other than putting it under your fitted sheet.
Best Cooling Mattress Pad for Side Sleepers – Puffy Mattress Pad
Puffy Mattress Pad
If you want just a touch more softness to your bed, Puffy’s mattress pad is a great choice. It has a quilted design full of cooling, plush filling.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
The Puffy mattress pad provides the right amount of support and comfort for side sleepers. Within the bamboo cover, you’ll find plush foam. This helps provide some pressure relief for side sleepers.
The bamboo cover is hypoallergenic, soft, and breathable for hot sleepers with sensitive skin, and it has a quilted design for extra comfort. Puffy uses high-quality materials and practices, so this mattress pad is very durable. This mattress pad is machine-washable for folks who want bedding with easy maintenance.
What We Love About the Puffy Mattress Pad
- This mattress pad features a jacquard knitted finish for a luxurious feel.
- The foam is evenly distributed and stays very fluffy, which is perfect for side sleepers looking for pressure relief.
- Puffy offers a lifetime warranty and 101-night sleep trial.
What to Keep In Mind About the Puffy Mattress Pad
- This is one of the thicker mattress pads on my list, and it’s very fluffy. Because of that, it might be too soft for stomach sleepers. It might not keep your hips elevated, which means your spine could dip out of its neutral alignment.
Best Smart Cooling Mattress Pad – Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover
The Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover is a smart mattress pad! You can have it adjust to your body temperature naturally, or use control settings to find the perfect temperature.
Our Expert’s Take
What if you had a mattress pad that could become cold at the touch of a button? That’s exactly what Eight Sleep’s Pod 3 Cover can do! This is a great option for solo sleepers or couples, because you can set the cover to the perfect temperature for each side of the bed.
If you don’t want to set the temperature every night, this smart technology will automatically get your mattress ready around your bedtime. The Pod 3 Cover will learn your ideal body temperature for the best sleep, so you don’t have to worry about overheating.
What We Love About the Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover
- It sits like a fitted sheet on your mattress for easy installation.
- The Temperature Autopilot technology learns which temperature gives you the best rest so you don’t have to.
- You can customize each side of the mattress pad, so it works well for couples.
What to Keep In Mind About the Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover
- Because of the technology used, this is quite the luxury pick. This mattress pad likely won’t fit many budgets.
Types of Cooling Mattress Pads
When it comes to cooling mattress pads, breathable materials or cooling infusions need to be used to fight any trapped heat while you sleep. Let’s get into the common types of cooling mattress pads so you can pick which is best for you.
Cotton
Cotton is commonly used for cooling mattress pads because it’s naturally breathable. Some cotton is also hypoallergenic and organic, depending on the manufacturer. The feel of cotton is soft and plush.
Gel-Infused Memory Foam
Gel-infused memory foam is a popular choice for cooling mattress pads because it’s a cooler version of traditional, body contouring memory foam. Traditional memory foam can often trap heat but cooling gel draws out heat to keep sleepers comfortable throughout the night.
Bamboo
Cotton and bamboo are often compared because they share similarities in breathability and airflow. But bamboo is naturally moisture-wicking, temperature regulating and hypoallergenic. All this to say, you won’t feel hot or sweaty with bamboo products. The softness of bamboo can feel quite silky and luxurious, too.
Who Should Buy a Cooling Mattress Pad?
A cooling mattress pad is a great option for those who want to adjust their mattress firmness slightly without purchasing a brand new bed or investing in super thick toppers. Those who tend to overheat and sweat at night will sleep soundly with a cooling mattress pad because they draw away heat and wick moisture throughout their rest. Folks who enjoy the body contouring of memory foam or the responsiveness of latex mattresses will sleep with ease on a cooling mattress pad.
How to Choose a Cooling Mattress Pad
Choosing the best cooling mattress pad for you comes down to a few factors:
- Start by setting a price range that you’re comfortable with
- Research which material will suit your personal preferences of firmness and feel
- Consider key descriptors in your search like your sleeping position, weight, allergies or sensitivities, and if you share your bed with a partner
- Read the fine print before purchasing, like the warranty, return policy, and if the brand offers a sleep trial
At Mattress Clarity, we’re here to help shoppers make the best decision to improve their sleep health. When you’re searching for a new mattress pad, remember to come to our site to find our top picks and full reviews from our certified sleep experts!
How to Wash a Cooling Mattress Pad
Much like your mattress or bedding, you’ll want to clean your mattress pad for durability and general good hygiene. Depending on the cooling mattress pad you choose, there are different ways to wash it.
If your mattress pad doesn’t have a cover, you should spot treat spills or stains. If your mattress pad does come with a cover, you should remove and wash that. When it comes to both spot treating and washing a mattress pad cover, we suggest reading the manufacturer care instructions to avoid any damage from cleaning solutions.
How to Create a Cooling Sleep Space
Sleeping hot can be frustrating! You shouldn’t have to sacrifice a full nights’ sleep because you’re overheating or dealing with night sweats. Follow these tips to create the coolest sleep haven:
- Invest in a cooling mattress if you’re ready for a significant change
- Ditch your current sheets for a new set of cooling sheets
- Avoid the neck sweats with cooling pillows
- Find the best temperature to set your room to while you rest
Summary
Here’s a quick rundown of our favorite cooling mattress pads below!
| Mattress Pad | Superlative |
| Saatva Organic Mattress Pad | Best Luxury Cooling Mattress Pad |
| Birch Organic Mattress Pad | Best Organic Cooling Mattress Pad |
| PlushBeds Cooling Gel Mattress Pad | Best Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress Pad |
| Puffy Mattress Pad | Best Cooling Mattress Pad for Side Sleepers |
| Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover | Best Smart Cooling Mattress Pad |
The Best Cooling Mattress Pads FAQs
Do cooling mattress pads work?
Yes, cooling mattress pads are made with materials that pull away heat from sleepers, regulate temperature, improve airflow, and wick moisture away while you sleep.
Can you put a sheet over a cooling mattress pad?
Yes, cooling mattress pads should have fitted sheets over them. This is especially important if the mattress pad doesn’t have straps to hold it down to the base mattress. A fitted sheet over the mattress pad will help the pad to stay in place while you rest.
What’s the difference between a mattress pad and topper?
The main difference between a mattress pad and topper is the thickness each one offers. A mattress topper is thicker than a mattress pad.
Will a cooling mattress pad help with night sweats?
Yes, a cooling mattress pad can help with night sweats because they have properties that are specifically designed to battle heat and moisture throughout your sleep. If your sleep is constantly disturbed, read our tips to tackle night sweats.