Written by Tony Klespis, Staff Writer
If you’re a hot sleeper who constantly wakes up sweaty, clammy, and dehydrated, it can be tempting to buy a whole new mattress. But before spending that much money, consider searching for the best cooling mattress topper.
It could be the easy solution you’re looking for, and with all the options out there, there’s something for every sleep preference and position. I have personally tested hundreds of mattress toppers and found the best cooling options on the market. My list of the 10 best cooling mattress toppers should cater to a wide variety of sleepers.
Best Cooling Mattress Toppers: Our Top 10 Picks
- Nolah – Best Overall
- Helix GlacioTex™ Premium Mattress Topper– Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People
- Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper – Best Cooling Value Mattress Topper
- Bear Pro Mattress Topper – Best Cooling Mattress topper for Side Sleepers
- Saatva – Best Luxury Cooling Mattress Topper
- ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper – Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Topper – Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Couples
- Parachute Down Mattress Topper – Best Cooling Feather Bed
- Puffy Mattress Topper – Best Hypoallergenic Cooling Topper
- Layla Memory Foam – Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Back Pain
Our Verdict
We named the Nolah mattress topper as our best overall cooling mattress topper. The proprietary memory foam that Nolah uses is designed for breathability, so this foam won’t trap too much heat. It’s also fairly easy to move around on and comes inside a cover that attaches to your mattress.
Best Cooling Mattress Topper: Our Video Roundup
Best Overall – Nolah
Nolah Mattress Topper
The Nolah Mattress Topper uses its proprietary CertiPUR-US certified foam to achieve a super pressure-relieving yet supportive feel.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.90 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
My favorite cooling topper has to be the Nolah. It’s made of the company’s proprietary foam, which unlike memory foam, is breathable and responsive. You won’t sink into this foam, making it easy to move around on. This also means that the foam won’t trap as much heat. Nolah encases the foam in a cotton cover, which adds some breathability to the topper as well.
This cover also features corner straps, which help the topper fit securely on your mattress. This is beneficial for combination sleepers who switch positions frequently while they sleep. Nolah offers this topper in two firmness options: plush and firm. The plush model is better for side sleepers and those who need to soften their mattress. The firm model works best for stomach sleepers or those who are dealing with a mattress that’s too soft. Back sleepers could do well with either depending on how they want to change the firmness of their mattress.
What We Love About the Nolah Mattress Topper
- Nolah uses proprietary AirFoam, a type of memory foam that’s responsive and easy to move around on. This means it won’t trap a lot of heat.
- It includes elastic straps to prevent the topper from moving around on your bed. This is great for people who tend to move around a lot.
- Whether you need to soften your mattress or make it firmer, you’re covered. This topper comes in two different firmness options.
What To Keep In Mind About the Nolah Mattress Topper
- While this mattress topper can soften your mattress, it is on the thinner side — only 2” thick. This might not be ideal for every body type, as heavier individuals will compress the foam more.
Read my full Nolah mattress topper review.
Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People – Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper
Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper
The Helix GlacioTex™ Mattress Premium mattress topper uses both foam and coils to offer comfort and support. It comes with a cooling cover to keep sleepers from overheating.
Our Expert’s Take
If you are a heavier person (around 230 lbs or more) who tends to sink into their mattress, it might be hard for you to sleep cool, which is why you should consider the Helix GlacioTex™ mattress topper. Its cover is made of GlacioTex™ material, which is designed to pull heat away from your body. This topper comes in two versions: Luxury Plush and Luxury Firm. Even though I tested the firm version, both offer the same cooling features.
Underneath the cooling cover are three support layers: a 1.5″ thick memory foam layer, a thin layer of microcoils, and a 1.5″ thick layer of high density foam, the latter of which will help prevent heavier sleepers from sinking too deeply into their bed. All together, this topper is just under 4″ thick, which is why it’ll be great for heavier individuals. The coils offer an additional layer of support, which helps keep the spine in the proper alignment.
What We Love About the Helix GlacioTex Mattress Topper
- The topper comes with a cooling cover that has straps in each corner that allow you to easily secure it to a bed.
- It’s hypoallergenic, so you can sleep without fear of irritating your sinuses.
- The topper works well for heavyweight sleepers, but is also a good choice for lightweight and average-weight sleepers.
What to Keep In Mind About the Helix GlacioTex Mattress Topper
- The topper has a high price tag, so it may be inaccessible to those shopping on a budget.
- There is a short off-gasing period where the mattress will emit a chemical-like smell. Don’t worry, the smell goes away after 24-28 hours.
Read my full GlacioTex™ Mattress Topper review!
Best Value Cooling Mattress Topper – Dreamfoam
Dreamfoam 2″ Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
If you’re a fan of the slow-moving memory foam feel, but you’re not ready to spring for a brand new mattress, then the Dreamfoam mattress topper just may be the perfect thing for you.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Cooling toppers can be pricey, but the Dreamfoam Gel Swirl mattress topper is a favorite of mine for budget-minded shoppers. Made by Brooklyn Bedding, the Dreamfoam topper is often included in the brand’s seasonal discounts. Some of these discounts can be almost half off, so if you’re shopping around the holidays, you’ll often find a good deal.
This topper is made of a single slab of memory foam, so it’ll significantly soften your mattress. Side sleepers will be able to get a good amount of pressure relief thanks to its slow-moving feel. Back sleepers who need some additional comfort will also feel good body contouring here. And because this topper has a gel swirl infusion running throughout it, hot sleepers should sleep comfortably on this topper.
What We Love About the Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Mattress Topper
- It will soften your mattress and provide great pressure relief for side sleepers. Back sleepers should also feel good body contouring.
- The gel infusion helps pull heat away from your body and keep you cool throughout the night.
- The Dreamfoam topper is often included in seasonal discounts, some of which are as much as 40% off, so you can often get a good deal.
What to Keep In Mind About the Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Mattress Topper
- Since this topper is made entirely out of foam and doesn’t have an outer cover, it’s difficult to clean.
- It doesn’t have straps that keep it secure to the mattress, so it might shift position during the night.
- It’s not as durable as other toppers on the market.
Read my full Dreamfoam Gel Mattress Topper review.
Best Cooling Topper for Side Sleepers – Bear
Bear Pro Mattress Topper
The Bear Pro Mattress Topper is a great addition to your mattress to help dissipate body heat and add extra comfort.
Our Expert’s Take
Side sleepers will want a mattress topper that offers a good amount of pressure relief for their shoulders and hips. If you’re anything like me –- a side sleeper who runs hot –- the Bear Pro mattress topper might be the solution. What I loved about this topper is that it’s got a very soft, plush feel to it and it’s 3″ thick. This makes it perfect for side sleepers who are dealing with some aches and pains. This topper will add the necessary pressure relief to help out.
Not only that, it comes inside of a polyester cover that’s been optimized for cooling. The outer fabric will dissipate body heat, and it’s cool to the touch. Memory foam has been known to trap body heat, reflecting it back at you. But that’s not the case with the Bear Pro topper.
What We Love about the Bear Pro Mattress Topper
- The cover has been designed specifically for cooling. It stays cool and dissipates body heat.
- Coming in at 3″ thick, this topper will significantly soften your mattress, giving side sleepers the pressure relief they need.
- The outer cover is removable and can be machine-washed. This helps protect the foam and makes caring for the topper easy.
What to Keep In Mind About the Bear Pro Mattress Topper
- While this topper is good for side sleepers, if you occasionally sleep on your stomach, it won’t offer enough hip support. This means that your hips will sink into the topper, which could put strain on your lower back.
- There’s no elastic bands attached to the corners. This means there’s no way to securely attach the topper to your mattress.
Read my full Bear Pro mattress topper review.
Best Luxury Cooling Mattress Topper – Saatva
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
If you love the pressure-relieving qualities of memory foam, but don’t want to invest in a brand new mattress, the Saatva Graphite mattress topper could be just the thing for you. In addition to its soft feel, this 3” topper has many cooling features.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
The Saatva mattress topper is a luxurious option that lets sleepers sink into 3″ of plush memory foam comfort. But don’t worry about sleeping hot. There’s a graphite infusion running throughout, so it helps dissipate heat. And because the topper is so thick, it should soften your bed significantly.
The Saatva topper also comes with a removable cotton cover that has straps in the corners. The cotton cover helps give the topper some breathability, while the straps help secure it to your mattress. This is great for combination sleepers who tend to toss and turn at night.
What We Love About the Saatva Mattress Topper
- If you’re a side sleeper, you should feel some pressure relief along your shoulders and hips.
- The graphite infusion helps pull heat way from the body, which helps sleepers stay cool.
- The corner straps keep the topper secured to the sides of the bed.
What to Keep In Mind About the Saatva Mattress Topper
- This is my “best luxury” pick. And with that comes a luxury price tag. At full price, this topper costs around $450, which may put it out of budget for some people.
Read our full Saatva Mattress Topper review.
Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper – ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper
ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
If you’re craving a memory foam sleeping surface, but don’t want to spring for a new mattress, the Select High-Density ViscoSoft mattress topper may just be the answer. This 3” gel-infused mattress topper has excellent body contouring at a low price.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Memory foam mattress toppers don’t have to trap heat. The ViscoSoft mattress topper might be a thick memory foam topper, but it has a number of cooling features that help sleepers stay cool. To start, the foam is infused with gel, which pulls body heat away from you instead of reflecting it back. This foam comes inside of a cover made from breathable and moisture-wicking bamboo rayon, which helps hot sleepers stay cool and dry.
This cover features elastic straps in each of the corners, so it can easily attach to your mattress. Because it’s made of foam, it has that classic, slow-moving feel. This offers good pressure relief for side sleepers and can offer good body contouring for back sleepers.
What We Love About the ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper
- The ViscoSoft topper has a number of cooling features, including a breathable cover and some gel-infused foam.
- This topper is available in two thickness options: 3″ and 4″. Light-to-average-weight sleepers should enjoy the 3” thickness, while heavier individuals may prefer the 4” option.
- Thanks to its slow-moving feel, sleepers will sink into the topper and get good pressure relief.
What to Keep In Mind About the ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper
- This topper has a traditional memory foam feel, so you’ll likely sink into it while lying down. This can make it difficult to move around.
- This topper is too soft for stomach sleepers, so they will need to sleep on something firmer.
Read our full ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper review.
Best Mattress Topper for Couples – TEMPUR-Adapt
TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper
The TEMPUR-Adapt is a soft memory foam mattress topper. It should be a good match for back sleepers, side sleepers, and fans of slow-moving memory foam.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
One of the biggest bedtime concerns for couples is a mattress’s motion isolation. If your mattress has poor motion isolation, you’ll be able to feel your partner tossing and turning at night. Thick comfort layers prevent this, which is why I love the TEMPUR-Adapt with its cooling cover. This 3″ topper provides a thick foam layer to absorb movement, so you and your partner should sleep soundly without noticing your partner change positions or get in and out of bed.
The cooling cover feels cool to the touch and helps wick away moisture. It’s also removable and machine-washable, so you can easily keep this topper clean.
What We Love About the TEMPUR-Adapt
- Foam has been known to trap heat, but this topper comes with a breathable cover that’s cool to the touch.
- The cover is machine-washable for easy care. It also features corner straps which firmly secure it to your mattress.
- TEMPUR uses TEMPUR material, which is more durable than other types of memory foam, so this topper should last a while.
What To Keep In Mind About the TEMPUR-Adapt
- The TEMPUR-Adapt is a luxury topper, so it comes at a luxury price. Additionally, you have to select the cooling cover, which comes at an additional cost.
Read our full Tempur-Adapt Topper review.
Best Cooling Feather Bed – Parachute Down Mattress Topper
Parachute Down Mattress Topper
The Parachute Down Feather Bed is a soft, fluffy mattress topper that could be a great match for hot sleepers.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.30 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Foam toppers aren’t for everyone. What if, instead of something thick and bulky, you prefer a topper that’s light and airy? If so, the Parachute Down Mattress Topper could be a great choice. It features a 100% cotton shell with a baffle-box design that creates a fluffy pillow top feel.
Featherbeds can work well for hot sleepers because down is temperature regulating. This means that featherbeds won’t trap heat in hot months because the down has room for airflow.
What We Love About the Parachute Down Mattress Topper
- The feather bed is the most breathable option on this list because there’s so much room for airflow.
- It contains high-quality materials such as cambric cotton and responsibly sourced down.
- It adds a pillow top feel to a mattress.
What to Keep In Mind About the Parachute Down Mattress Topper
- Down can trigger allergies for some people, so this may not be a great topper for someone looking for a hypoallergenic option.
Read our full Parachute Down Mattress Topper review.
Best Hypoallergenic – Puffy Mattress Topper
Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper
The Puffy mattress topper is not only hypoallergenic but includes a removable and washable cover, which can help keep your surface extra clean.
Mattress Clarity Score
5.00 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
Hypoallergenic mattress toppers can help combat contaminants indoors and outdoors, therefore improving your sleep. The Puffy mattress topper is not only hypoallergenic but includes a removable and washable cover, which can help you keep your bed extra clean. This cover is made from bamboo, which is a naturally hypoallergenic fabric. It also is breathable and moisture-wicking, which makes it a great choice for hot sleepers.
This topper is offered in two firmness options: plush and firm. I tested the firm version of this topper. If you’re dealing with a mattress that’s too soft, the firm option is a great choice. The soft model is ideal for those who need to soften their mattress.
What We Love About the Puffy Mattress Topper
- The topper’s cover is made out of bamboo, which is a naturally hypoallergenic fabric. This makes it an ideal topper for those who have sensitive allergies.
- Because the cover is made from bamboo, it is breathable and moisture-wicking. This combination is great for hot sleepers because they shouldn’t feel hot and sweaty on this topper.
- It’s offered in two firmness options, so it works for a wide range of people.
What to Keep In Mind About the Puffy Mattress Topper
- While this is a memory foam mattress topper, it doesn’t have that soft, slow-moving quality that memory foam is known for.
Read our full Puffy mattress topper review.
Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Back Pain – Layla Memory Foam
Layla Mattress Topper
If it’s a cooling memory foam mattress topper you’re after, take a look at the Layla. This popular online mattress brand is known for their high-quality products, and this mattress topper is no exception.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.20 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
The Layla mattress topper is made with memory foam that conforms to the curves of the body. This makes it a great option for back sleepers and anyone who struggles with back pain. Despite being made of memory foam (typically a heat-trapping material), the topper sleeps cool. It has a breathable cover, and the foam is infused with cooling copper beads.
What We Love About the Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- The topper has a soft, slow-moving feel, which works well for many back and side sleepers. If you deal with back pain, this topper could help.
- Its copper gel beads are designed to help dissipate heat, plus the cover contains temperature-regulating Thermogel.
- Copper is antimicrobial, which should keep the topper free of bacteria and mold for a good amount of time.
What to Keep In Mind About the Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- This topper is only 2” thick, which might be too thin for some heavier individuals.
Read my full Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper review.
What Are the Benefits of Cooling Mattress Toppers?
- They can help the top of your bed feel nice and cool all night long, which is particularly helpful for those that tend to sleep hot.
- They can extend the lifespan of a mattress, assisting with temperature regulation, softness, and pressure relief without you having to shell out hundreds of dollars for a brand-new mattress.
- Many toppers have soft and thin covers that wick away moisture.
RELATED: Best Cooling Mattresses
What Are the Best Types of Cooling Mattress Toppers?
Sifting through all of the different bedding products can feel like a chore. To make things easier, we’ve outlined the different types of cooling mattress toppers. Like pillows and beds, mattress toppers are highly subjective. Different materials will work better for some sleepers more than others.
Infused Memory Foam
Because of its thick and dense construction, memory foam has garnered a reputation for sleeping hot. If you want to enjoy the slow-moving feel, but worry about overheating, make sure your memory foam topper has an infusion running throughout. These are the most popular types:
- Gel helps pull heat away from the body, so it’s especially great for cooling mattress toppers. The Dreamfoam toppers have a gel inside their memory foam.
- Copper, like gel, helps dissipate heat and promote breathability. The Layla mattress topper has tiny copper gel beads inside the foam to prevent sleepers from waking up feeling clammy and sweaty. As an added bonus, Layla’s copper gel beads also help kill bacteria.
- Graphite acts as a cooling agent, which is especially beneficial inside a thick memory foam comfort layer. If you’re looking for something infused with graphite, check out the Saatva mattress topper.
RELATED: Do Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattresses Really Keep You Cool?
Latex
Because of its responsive feel, latex doesn’t trap heat as easily as memory foam does. It’s also a more durable material. And if you want to stay away from harsh chemicals, you can easily purchase a topper made with all-natural latex.
Poly Foam
Poly foam doesn’t last as long as latex or memory foam, but it costs a fraction of the price. If you’re hoping to find a budget-friendly topper, look for one with a poly foam comfort layer and moisture-wicking cover.
Open-Celled Memory Foam
Open-celled memory foam is more porous, which allows for better airflow. This material won’t keep body heat inside the topper as easily, making it a good mattress topper option for hot sleepers.
8 Things to Consider When Buying a Cooling Mattress Topper
- Feel: When you lie down on a mattress, do you like to sink inside the comfort layers or relax on top of the bed? If so, memory foam has that quicksand-type of feeling and provides plenty of body-contouring. If you want something bouncier and more responsive, look for a latex topper.
- Firmness: On our firmness scale, 6.5/10 is considered medium firm. If your current bed feels more like 8/10, you may need some extra plushness. In that case, look for a topper that will soften your bed by 1–2 points. That way, you’ll get all of the pressure relief your joints need. Read our top picks for the best firm mattress topper.
- Sleeping Position: Back sleepers typically want a bed that feels medium firm. Side sleepers will want some extra softness to ease pain along shoulders. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, should sleep on an extremely firm surface. That way, their hips won’t dip into the layers and cause the back to get out of alignment.
- Thickness: Most mattress toppers come in either 2″ or 3″ thicknesses. If you’re a heavier person, or just need some extra relief along pressure points, you could benefit from a 3″ topper. Lightweight sleepers should get all of the comfort they need from a 2″ topper.
- Construction: It’s also beneficial to examine the topper’s construction. If it includes memory foam, check to see if it’s open-celled or porous. This will allow for greater airflow, which will keep you feeling cool. Thin, cotton covers also help alleviate heat buildup. If a topper has a thick and heavy cover, it can be extremely difficult to stay cool at night.
- Materials: Memory foam is generally known to sleep hotter than latex foam, and feather beds are more breathable than most foam toppers. There are extra features that can increase the cooling quality of any material, but it’s important to first see what the base materials are. If you are certain that you want a foam topper, try to get one with an infusion, such as gel or graphite, which can help you sleeper cooler.
- Durability: Some materials, like poly foam, don’t have a long lifespan. Latex and high-density memory foam, on the other hand, last much longer.
- Budget: You’ll find plenty of luxurious and high-end models out there, but it’s not completely necessary to drain your wallet. Many cooling toppers provide fantastic pressure relief at a low price point.
RELATED: Mattress Pads vs Mattress Toppers
Final Thoughts
If you’re hoping to spruce up your current mattress and help it feel cooler, these toppers will do the trick. Need even more ideas? Take a look at our list of the best mattress toppers.
| Mattress | Best For |
| Nolah Topper | Best Overall |
| Helix GlacioTex™ Premium Mattress Topper | Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People |
| Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper | Best Value Mattress Topper |
| Bear Pro Mattress Topper | Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers |
| Saatva Topper | Best Luxury Cooling Mattress Topper |
| ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper | Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper |
| TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Topper | Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Couples |
| Parachute Down Mattress Topper | Best Cooling Feather Bed |
| Puffy Mattress Topper | Best Hypoallergenic Cooling Topper |
| Layla Memory Foam Topper | Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Back Pain |
Best Cooling Mattress Toppers FAQs
What is the best mattress topper to keep you cool?
There are so many great cooling mattress toppers. Deciding which one to purchase is a highly personal decision. If you’re looking for something plush and luxurious, we recommend the Saatva. If you’re on a budget, check out the Dreamfoam. Need some additional pressure relief? ViscoSoft will definitely deliver.
Do cooling mattress toppers really work?
Yes! Especially if they’re made out of latex or infused memory foam. Look for something that has a breathable construction and lightweight cover.
What are the best sheets to keep you cool?
If you sleep hot at night, you’ll want to find sheets that are thin and breathable. Cotton, tencel, linen, and bamboo sheets are great picks. Of course, be sure to check out our list of the best cooling sheets to see some of our favorite picks.
