There are plenty of reasons why people sleep hot. It could be that their heater is on blast or their bedding is too heavy. Another common culprit? Heat-trapping mattresses!
Fortunately, there are a number of beds out there for hot sleepers, 10 of which weโve highlighted in our list of the best cooling mattresses below. Weโll take a closer look at each one by breaking down the mattress construction and cooling materials.
Clarityโs Clear Winner
According to our testing, the Helix Midnight Luxe is the best cooling mattress due to its GlacioTexโข pillow-top layer that helps with heat dissipation and cooling cover featuring a Tencel material. It scored a 4.5/5 for cooling overall, but also earned high marks across the board, resulting in a truly all-star bed that should work for many sleeper types. Side and back sleepers looking for plush pressure relief and springy support should be most satisfied.
The Best Cooling Mattresses
- Best Overall โ Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
- Best Cooling Mattress for Couples โ Nectar Premier Mattress
- Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress โ Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
- Best Affordable Cooling Mattress โ DreamCloud Classic Hybrid
- Best Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers โ WinkBed Mattress
- Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers โ Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
- Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers โ Saatva Classic
- Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress โ Bear Original Mattress
- Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain โ Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Top Deals
- Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress โ 20% Off Sitewide with Code SPRING20
- Nectar Premier Mattress โ Save Up to 50% on Mattresses & 66% on Bundles
- Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid โ 25% Off Mattresses, Bedding, and Furniture with Code TAX25
- DreamCloud Classic Hybrid โ Up to 60% Off Mattresses + 66% Off Bundles
- WinkBed Mattress โ 30% Off All Mattresses
How We Tested and Selected the Mattresses
Most mattress companies use some form of cooling technology in their products: graphite, gel infusions, heat-escape gussets, Tencel fibers, etc. When selecting the mattresses for this list, we focused on those with unique, effective technology that actually helped keep us cool during testing.
Itโs not enough to include beds that just have cooling features, though. They have to pull their weight. Thatโs why we use a thermal gun in our cooling tests to measure how much heat the bed retains after a seven-minute nap. Lower numbers mean better cooling. Our testers also note whether the mattress feels cool to the touch, crisp, or cozy. These combined results lead to an overall cooling score out of 5. For this list, we chose only beds that scored at least 4/5 in this area, ensuring they remain cool and comfortable for hot sleepers.
Breathability is another consideration if cooling is an important factor for you. Itโs the most reliable way to ensure a mattress stays somewhat cool throughout the night. It means that air can keep flowing through the mattress, usually with materials that have open spaces for heat to travel away from the body.
Generally, the most breathable mattresses have a hybrid constructionโthe layer of springs allows body heat that might otherwise be trapped in the dense foam to escape more easily. That said, even the non-hybrid mattresses weโve selected for this list contain elements that enhance their cooling ability. Perforated or hole-punched foams are a popular choice, for one.
While we included only mattresses that kept us cool during testing on this list, we understand that everyone is different. What worked for us may not work for you. The best way to know is to rest on a mattress yourself for an extended period, something you canโt do in-store.
Thatโs why we made sure to only include products with a generous trial period: at least 120 nights, with some lasting up to a full year. That way, if you take a chance on one of the mattresses weโve suggested and find that it doesnโt keep you cool enough, youโll have an easy time returning it for a full refund.
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches selected the best beds for hot sleepers by looking for top performers in the categories above: cooling, breathability, and customer policies.
But our full process involves testing several aspects of a bedโs performance, including pressure relief, edge support, and more. We evaluate and score these factors using specialized technology as well as firsthand accounts of how a bed feels to testers with different body types.
Once we have all those scores, we calculate the bedโs overall score using a weighted formula. This overall score is a good indicator of a mattressโs general quality, and is always a number out of 5.
As we decide which mattresses to feature on any roundup, we only include beds with an overall score of 3.5 out of 5 or higher. Even if a mattress does certain things well, we wonโt point you towards it if it falls below this baseline.
Learn more about how we test mattresses at Mattress Clarity.
- 500+ mattresses tested in person
- 30+ data points collected for each bed
- Certified Sleep Science Coaches on staff
- Expert input from our Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta (MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM) and our Chief Medical Product Tester Dr. Hannah Habeeb (DPT)
- 43,000+ readers who bought a new bed based on our recommendations
Learn more about Mattress Clarity.
Compare the Best Cooling Mattresses
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | Nectar Premier Mattress | Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid | DreamCloud Classic Hybrid | WinkBed Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Saatva Classic | Bear Original Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple Firmness Options | Medium-Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple Firmness Options | Multiple Firmness Options | Multiple Firmness Options | Medium-Firm: 7/10 | Multiple Firmness Options |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ | |
| Best For | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Our Best Cooling Mattresses Video Review
Read about our testing experience with each of the beds on our list below.
Helix Midnight Luxe โ Best Overall
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium medium-firm mattress that offers a hotel-like feel for a relatively affordable price. Its zoned support and supportive coil layers make it a great option for back sleepers. The only element in which it scored below average was responsiveness, so if you like a super bouncy bed or youโre a restless combination sleeper, consider another model.
The Helix Midnight Luxe sits on a dense foam base, and the bedโs cooling features begin with the pocketed coils (rows of springy coils housed in fabric pockets). This construction promotes airflow, and the coils are zoned for a softer feel under the shoulders and a firmer feel under the hips for ergonomic support. Another aspect that makes the Helix Midnight Luxe a cooling bed is the gel-infused foam layer, and quilted pillow top made from Tencel fibers, a moisture-wicking Eucalyptus plant derivative. All this helped this mattress earn a 4.5/5 cooling score and its place as our top pick.
Firmness: 6/10
The Helix Midnight Luxe has a medium feel, skewing slightly softer than traditional medium-firm.
Pressure Relief: 4.2/5
Above average. Only our heavyweight tester noted some pressure on his lower back while back-sleeping.
Edge Support: 4.8/5
Above average. There was minimal sinkage when sitting or lying down at the edge of the mattress.
Cooling: 4.5/5
Above average. The Midnight Luxe has a cool-to-the-touch feel at the surface.
Motion Isolation: 4/5
Average. We could feel some movement from the other side of the bed during the coupleโs test.
Response: 4/5
Average. This bed has bounce, but the pillow top is softer, potentially impeding some movement.
The surface of the Midnight Luxe heated up by only about 4.4 degrees after our tester, Livvi DiCicco, lay on it for 7 minutes. โIt felt like the mattress felt pretty cool around my neck where it was against the mattress,โ she said. โIโd say the cover is cool-to-the-touch, but not overly so. I feel like most hot sleepers are going to be comfortable sleeping on this mattress, and then the pillow top contouring to you ensures that youโre feeling the cooling cover right at the surface.โ
On top of cooling, Midnight Luxe has great edge support, meaning that if you lie near the edge of the mattress, you shouldnโt feel as though youโre going to fall off. This also helps with durability, as the Midnight Luxe should last about a decade with proper care.
Couples should also love the Midnight Luxe. Itโs great at isolating motion, meaning those who sleep with a partner shouldnโt wake each other up from moving around during the night, and itโs also bouncy and responsive enough to be a great mattress for sex.
Most stomach sleepers wonโt get the proper support on this mattress. Itโs medium-firm, so most stomach sleepers will sink too far into the mattress and wonโt get proper spinal support. Check out the Saatva Classic if that sounds like you.
Read more in our Helix Midnight Luxe review.
Nectar Premier โ Best Cooling Mattress for Couples
The Nectar Premier mattress is a luxurious bed that offers lots of pressure relief. Itโs softer than average, which makes it a nice option for many side sleepers. This mattress has cooling gel foam and a cover made with Phase Change Material, so it works well for hot sleepers. However, it may not be supportive enough for many back and stomach sleepers. And because itโs a high-end model, it could be out of some peopleโs budgets. To learn more, watch our video review.
Traditionally, memory foam is an excellent choice to isolate motion, which means light sleepers can sleep soundly alongside a partner. However, memory foam is also known for trapping heat, understandably causing hot sleepers to shy away from these mattresses. While the Nectar Premier is a memory foam mattress, it contains cooling materialsโincluding Nectarโs Adaptive ActiveCool phase-change materialโthat help keep it from getting hot at night, earning it a 4.5/5 cooling score in the mattress lab.
Firmness: 6/10
The Nectar Premier has a slightly soft feel.
Pressure Relief: 4.6/5
Above average. Both side and back sleepers should enjoy the plush, contouring feel of the Nectar Premier Memory Foam.
Edge Support: 4/5
Below average. The edges of the Premier Memory Foam dipped quite a bit when sitting down on them.
Cooling: 4.5/5
Above average. The Nectar Premier Memory Foamโs cooling cover keeps temperatures low at the surface.
Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
Above average. Couples shouldnโt feel their partnerโs movements on this bed.
Response: 3/5
Below average. Youโll need to put in the effort to move around on the Nectar Premier Memory Foam.
With its gel infusion, the foam bedโs top memory foam layer will help dissipate heat, and the cover, woven from Tencel, is highly breathable and wicks away moisture. The surface temperature only rose 4.4 degrees after tester Melanie Kassel took a seven-minute nap on it. โThe bed felt cool and cozy the whole time I was lying on it,โ she said. โI detected no noticeable change in temperature and almost fell totally asleep.โ
For couples who typically disturb each other through the night and are looking for a mattress to keep each otherโs movements at bay, the Nectar fits the bill. Weโre also impressed by the Nectar brandโs robust customer service assurances. You and your partner will have 365 nights to decide if your new mattress is a good fit, and from there, the bed is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Couples who are looking for the best mattress for sex may not like the Nectar. Since itโs a foam mattress, itโs not as bouncy and responsive as some of its competitors. Iโd recommend the DreamCloud instead.
Read more in our Nectar Premier mattress review.
Leesa Sapira Chill โ Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a cool, comfortable bed that pairs a plush pillow top with supportive zoned coils. Itโs available in three firmness options, so many sleepers should be able to choose a model that works for their sleeping position. This isnโt the cheapest option for a cooling mattress, though. Instead, check out the Cocoon Chill.
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid boasts all its best features in its name. Itโs a hybrid mattress built with pocketed coils and multiple layers of foam. It also features some really nice cooling features, such as gel infusions in the foam, a cooling cover, and a ventilated layer that helps to promote airflow. It earned a 4/5 for cooling, but itโs also great at relieving pressure, earning a 4.5/5 in this category, and making it a top pick for a cooling hybrid bed
Firmness: 6/10
The Medium Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid has a slightly softerโbut still mediumโfeel.
Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Above average. Our testers encountered plenty of pressure relief in the back- and side-sleeping position.
Edge Support: 4.3/5
Above average. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid has excellent edge support for sitting and lying down at the far reaches of the bed.
Cooling: 4/5
Average. True to its name, the Leesa Sapira Chill has a pleasantly cool-to-the-touch feel.
Motion Isolation: 3.8/5
Below average. Youโll likely feel your partner moving around on the other side of the bed, just like we did.
Response: 4/5
Below average. Though itโs a hybrid mattress, the Leesa Sapira Chill has a doughy pillow top that makes it harder to move around on.
With four firmness options, this bed should work well for both back and side sleepers. The hips, shoulders, and spine should all fall into proper alignment in both positions, meaning this is a great pick for combination sleepers. Physical therapist Dr. Hannah Habeeb certified it as a bona fide orthopedic mattress, saying, โIt has that plush, cushiony element to it where you feel almost weightless.โ
Youโll also be able to spread out with ease on this bed, thanks to its solid edge support. โSwitching positions had no effect on the sturdiness of the edge support,โ said our in-house tester. โIf my eyes were closed, it might even be hard to tell whether or not I was on the edge of the bed.โ
If youโre shopping on a budget, this may not be a great fit since this mattress comes in at over $2,000 for a queen size full retail. Canโt wait for a sale? Iโd recommend something a bit more affordable, like the Silk & Snow Hybrid.
Read our full Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid review for more.
DreamCloud Original โ Best Affordable Cooling Mattress
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that offers great support for back sleeping and a carefully balanced mix of motion isolation and bounce. Itโs definitely on the firmer side, so side sleepers may crave more cushion, but we think itโs a solid choice for couples, heavyweight sleepers, and shoppers on a budget.
Looking for an affordable alternative to a luxury mattress that still has a high-end feel? Consider the DreamCloud. With a cool-feeling quilted cover, comfort layers made with gel-infused memory foam, and a breathable coil support layer, this bed keeps hot sleepersโ night sweats at bay. Testers awarded the bed 4/5 for DreamCloudโs cooling capabilities. Plus, the firm and supportive bed has a balanced foam feel that can work for multiple sleeper types.
Firmness: 7.5/10
The DreamCloud mattress has a firmer feel.
Pressure Relief: 4.4/5
Above average. Even with its firm feel, the DreamCloud offers great pressure relief for both back and side sleepers.
Edge Support: 4.4/5
Above average. The DreamCloud has exceptional edge support, regardless if you lie down or sit at the mattress perimeter.
Cooling: 4/5
Average. The DreamCloud provides a temperature-neutral feel.
Motion Isolation: 4/5
Average. We could feel some motion transfer on the DreamCloud, but nothing that would cause extreme disturbance.
Response: 5/5
Exceptional. Itโs extremely easy to move around on the bouncy DreamCloud hybrid.
The DreamCloud mattress has a slightly firmer feel, but it offers excellent pressure relief to both back and side sleepers. โI am feeling a lot of cushioning from the quilted cover, and it is filling in the space of my lower back,โ said lightweight sleeper Riley Otis when she rested on her back. But she also liked how the mattress felt on her side, despite its firmer feel. โI think if you are a lightweight combination sleeper, this would be a really good option for you,โ she added.
Regardless of your preferred position, moving around is simple on the DreamCloud. It earned a perfect 5/5 for responsiveness. โItโs very easy to switch positions on this bed,โ said our in-house tester. โItโs super bouncy, and I never feel like Iโm โstuckโ or putting in effort to move around.โ
The DreamCloud scored just okay for motion isolation, which should satisfy most sleepers, but those who are especially prone to waking may prefer a bed that totally absorbs motion. Sound like you? The Nolah Evolution might be more your speed.
Read more in our DreamCloud mattress review.
WinkBeds โ Best Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The WinkBed is a versatile mattress that provides zoned support and cooling comfort for a fair price. This bedโs excellent responsiveness makes it a good fit for combination sleeper that want a bed thatโs easy to move around on. For couples looking for motion isolation, though, this probably isnโt the best choice. Instead, check out the Nectar Premier Copper. Learn more in our video review.
Finding a mattress that provides proper support and spinal alignment for stomach sleepers can be difficult, but the WinkBed delivers both while staying cool. Thanks to the different firmness levels offered (Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus), the mattress provides lots of comfort and support for all body types and sleep positions. We especially recommend the Luxury Firm option for lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers, and heavy sleepers should fare best on the Firmer or Plus models.
Firmness: 6.5/10
The Luxury Firm model of the WinkBed has a true medium-firm feel.
Pressure Relief: 3.8/5
Below average. Back sleepers gleaned the most pressure relief on the WinkBed.
Edge Support: 4.4/5
Above average. We only noticed some minor sinkage when seated on the edge of the mattress.
Cooling: 4/5
Average. As we used our thermal gun to record the bedโs surface temperature, we could see the number going down, even after someone lay on it for seven minutes.
Motion Isolation: 3.7/5
Below average. The WinkBed has just-alright motion isolation, as we could feel our partnerโs movements. However, they werenโt too egregious.
Response: 3/5
Below average. The WinkBedโs thick pillow top impeded our ability to seamlessly move around on the bedโs surface.
All models should also feature the same breathability we witnessed in our cooling tests, which earned the WinkBed a 4/5 cooling score.
Tester Melanie Kassel was especially surprised by the WinkBedโs performance our thermal gun test. As she used the gun to record the surface temperature (after lying down on the bed for seven minutes, mind you), she watched the number climb down in real-time. โI didnโt feel a ton of iciness at the surface; it stayed neutral all around my body,โ she said. โIt continued to feel nice and cool during my testing.โ
She also found the mattress had strong edges: โIt had really stellar edge support in all three sleeping positions. If my eyes had been closed, I would not have been able to tell you I was near the edge,โ she said. This should be a boon for sleepers who like to spread out on their mattress, and older adults who need a sturdy perimeter to transfer out of bed.
Hybrids like the WinkBed are usually great for responsiveness, but that wasnโt the case here. Melanie found the doughy pillow top difficult to navigate, which made switching positions more cumbersome. If you want better bounce, I recommend the Saatva Classic.
Read more in our WinkBed mattress review.
Silk & Snow Hybrid โ Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Silk & Snow Hybrid actually feels slightly softer than the Canadian brandโs signature all-foam mattress. Its 2-inch layer of gel-infused foam brings a lot of pressure relief to the table (though it didnโt cool our testers down as well as weโd hoped). The zoned support is what truly stands out: it makes it a great bed for back sleepers who also like a cushiony top.
With a wintry name like โSilk & Snow,โ we expected this mattress to offer excellent cooling, and that it did. This hybrid mattress earned a 4.5/5 for temperature regulation and a 4/5 for pressure relief, making it the perfect match for side sleepers who run hot. Side sleepers should sink comfortably into this bedโs soft foam layers, which are also gel-infused to wick away excess heat. It also comes with an impressive 365-night trial, despite its relatively affordable pricepoint.
Firmness: 6/10
The medium model of Silk & Snow Hybrid is true to its name, if slightly soft.
Pressure Relief: 4/5
Average. This mattress offered good pressure relief for both side and back sleepers.
Edge Support: 3.4/5
Below average. We noticed quite a bit of sinkage when seated on the edge of the Silk & Snow Hybrid.
Cooling: 4.5/5
Above average. True to its name, the Silk & Snow didnโt heat up after lying on it for seven minutes.
Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
Above average. The water glass barely moved or wobbled in our motion isolation tests.
Response: 4/5
Below average. The surface of the Silk & Snow Hybrid is slightly soft, which could make moving around a bit difficult.
The Silk & Snow Hybrid was well received amongst our team, though particularly beloved by our heavyweight pressure-relief tester. โI can physically feel the relief around my shoulders when Iโm resting on my side,โ he said. โThis would be a great mattress for heavy side sleepers or those looking for pressure relief.โ
Couples should also appreciate Silk & Snowโs near-perfect motion isolation score of 4.7/5. Our in-house tester could barely feel the tossing and turning of their partner on the other side of the bed. โI am a very light sleeper, but I donโt think the little movement I felt from my partner getting in and out of bed or changing positions would have woken me,โ she added.
Unfortunately, the Silk & Snow hybrid doesnโt feature the best edge support, likely the fault of its super-plush upper layers. Donโt want to sink while sitting at the perimeter? Check out the Helix Midnight Luxe instead.
Saatva Classic โ Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Saatva Classic is a luxurious hybrid mattress that should be a great long-term investment. Its claim to fame is that it boasts two coil units instead of one, with a layer of shorter micro-coils above its classic innerspring unit. Itโs available in multiple firmness options and two heights for lots of customizability.
We think its Luxury Firm model is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers, and two of our Certified Sleep Science Coaches actually own this bed. However, light sleepers with a rowdy partner and fans of memory foam should look elsewhere. Learn more in our video review.
Back sleepers require a mattress with a balanced feel. This should elevate the hips into proper alignment while still providing the necessary pressure relief. The Saatva is a fantastic option for these sleepers, as it has a coil-on-coil construction that creates tons of support, while also providing cushioning with a Euro pillow-top. As for cooling, thereโs plenty of room for airflow between all of the coils. According to our testers, you should have no problem keeping a low temperature on this mattress, which gave the Saatva a solid cooling score (4/5).
Firmness: 7.5/10
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic feels pretty firm.
Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Above average. Even with its firmer feel, the Saatva offers great pressure relief.
Edge Support: 5/5
Exceptional. You can sit and lie down on the edges of the Saatva Classic with minimal sinkage.
Cooling: 4/5
Average. The Saatva Classic has a comfortable, temperature-neutral feel.
Motion Isolation: 2.7/5
Below average. We could feel every little movement our fellow testers made on the Saatva.
Response: 5/5
Exceptional. Thanks to its two innerspring layers, the Saatva Classic is plenty bouncy.
The Saatva comes in three firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm, meaning that most sleepers shouldnโt have trouble finding a mattress that works for them. The Luxury Firm version of the Saatva that we tried offered a great balance of comfort and support. Physical therapist Dr. Hannah Habeeb also recommended it for back sleepers with pain concerns: โThis bed cushions and contours along the whole body, keeping the joints cradled and distributing your weight evenly.โ
If you asked what the best features of the Saatva Classic are, tester Livvi DiCicco would call it a tie between edge support and responsiveness, both of which scored a 5/5. โIf you like to bounce around on your mattress to switch positions or just toss and turn, youโre set,โ she said. โI also like using my mattress as a second chair, and the perimeter of the Saatva is one of the strongest Iโve encountered.โ
The Saatva Classic fielded near-perfect scores across the board, with the exception of motion isolation (2.7/5), which easily awakens couples. The lower the motion isolation score, the more disturbance our testers measured across the bedโs surface when they moved about the mattress. If youโre a light sleeper, I recommend the Bear Original instead, which scored higher.
Read more in our Saatva Classic review.
Bear Original โ Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress with broad appeal. It provides good support and pressure relief for side and back sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs and comes with plenty of cooling features. It isnโt firm enough for most sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs, though. If you need a more supportive bed, check out the Plank Firm. Learn more in our video review.
Many foam beds often cause sleepers to sweat through the night in their stuffy, heat-trapping layers. The Bear mattress is different. For one, this bed is a little firmer than traditional memory foam beds, so you donโt sink in super far. Alongside cooling gel-infused foams, it also has a more breathable construction, which lets air flow through the bed to release excess heat. It ultimately earned a 4/5 in our cooling tests.
Firmness: 7/10
The Bear Original is slightly firmer than your standard medium-firm mattress.
Pressure Relief: 3.2/5
Below average. Our lightweight and heavyweight testers preferred back sleeping on the Bear Original, since side sleeping created too much pressure.
Edge Support: 4.2/5
Above average. For an all-foam mattress, the edge of the Bear Original holds up rather well when bearing weight.
Cooling: 4/5
Average. The Bear Original got a little bit warm, but nowhere close to overheating.
Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
Above average. Our tester only faintly felt her partner moving around on the other side of the bed.
Response: 4/5
Below average. The firmer feel of this foam mattress makes it a bit more responsive, but it still canโt rival beds with coils.
If thatโs not enough to tempt you, you can always upgrade to the brandโs specialized Celliant cover. Bear says it is designed to aid blood circulation and muscle recovery by converting excess heat into infrared energy. While we canโt corroborate those claims, we can say that this bed should remain temperature-neutral throughout testing.
โFor a foam mattress, its temperature didnโt seem to fluctuate too much during our cooling test,โ said tester Melanie Kassel. She rested on the mattress for nearly 10 minutes and only recorded a 7.3-degree increase in surface temperature.
The Bear mattress is also easier to move around on than other foam mattresses, thanks to its slightly firmer, more โon topโ feel. This makes it a good match for sleepers who need extra support, like back and stomach sleepers.
The Bear also isolates motion well, making this a great mattress for couples. Most sleepers should rest peacefully without feeling the restless movements of their bedmate.
However, this mattress didnโt perform well for side sleepers. Our testers wanted more sinkage on this mattress in this position. If youโre a dedicated side sleeper or looking for deep pressure relief, Iโd check out the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid instead.
Read more in our Bear Original review.
Nolah Evolution โ Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress is available in three firmness levels. The Luxury Firm model works well for many back and side sleepers. This mattress has many cooling features, and it isolates motion well. Itโs not a great option for most people who weigh over 300 lb, though. If you fall in this category, you may need more lumbar support. Watch our Nolah Evolution mattress review video to learn more.
Worse than waking up in a pool of sweat is waking up sweaty and with an aching back. If you want to kick both in the butt, check out the Nolah Evolution. This luxury hybrid features breathable yet pressure-relieving foams, plus a supportive, pocketed coil unitโthis combination keeps the spine aligned while keeping temperatures low. Its strong performance ultimately earned a cooling score of 4/5 and a pressure relief rating of 4.5/5, which should satisfy most hot sleepers dealing with back pain.
Firmness: 6.5/10
The Luxury Firm Nolah Evolution has a true medium-firm feel.
Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Above average. Both side and back sleepers should get pressure relief from the Evolution, but the latter will feel much more contouring.
Edge Support: 4.6/5
Above average. When sitting on the edge of the Nolah Evolution, the pillow top compressed a bit but otherwise remained stable.
Cooling: 4/5
Average. The Evolution isnโt actively cooling, but it should provide a comfortable temperature-neutral feel.
Motion Isolation: 5/5
Above average. This mattress has exceptional motion absorption, so you shouldnโt feel any movement from your side of the bed.
Response: 4/5
Below average. The doughy pillow top might slow down some sleepers as they switch positions on the Evolution.
โThis bed offers a lot of support yet is still very contouring, so I think people with back pain could find relief,โ said Dr. Hannah Habeeb, a licensed physical therapist. She particularly praised the bedโs orthopedic feel overall, which could benefit sleepers with other pain concerns: โThis mattress is soft in all the right areas, which should protect sensitive joints.โ
Another group who will love the Nolah Evolution are light sleepers. This mattress earned a rare perfect rating for motion isolation. The bedโs doughy layers work to absorb motion before it can ripple across the surface. Our in-house tester experienced it when another person hopped in alongside her: โMy side of the mattress remained static, regardless of what was happening on the other side.โ
This slow-moving feel can come with some downsides, though. Our in-house tester noted it was more difficult to move on the surface of the mattress; it required a bit more effort to navigate the contours of the pillow top, but it wasnโt impossible. But some sleepers looking for more ease of movement might prefer something bouncier, like the DreamCloud.
Read more in our full Nolah Evolution mattress review.
Latest Updates: In April of 2026, we refreshed this page to reflect updated testing for the mattresses we chose. We also added some new faces, the Silk & Snow Hybrid and the Nolah Evolution, for their cooling performance. On top of that, we refreshed our buyerโs guide to better explain our testing process for finding the coldest beds out there.
Other Mattresses for Hot Sleepers We Researched
Didnโt find what you were looking for? Here are some other beds that could keep you cool:
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling โ As this name implies, this hybrid is equipped with a swath of cooling features, including a specialized cover. Itโs available in multiple firmness options, though it skews a bit firm, making it better for sleepers who want added support. As a luxury mattress, itโs also fairly expensive, so hot sleepers on a budget may want to look elsewhere.
- Leesa Plus โ This is another mattress by Leesa that we love, which also scored high in our performance tests. Itโs specifically designed for plus-size sleepers, and while many of our testers outside this weight category enjoyed the mattress, it may be too firm for some sleepers with sensitive joints.
- Nectar Classic โ This all-foam mattress is the brandโs flagship model and the younger brother of the Premier. Like its sibling, it features a cooling cover to counteract the heat-trapping tendencies of memory foam. Itโs a touch firmer than your typical medium-firm, while the Premier will work better for side sleepers and folks who love traditional, slow-moving foams.
How We Chose the Best Cooling Mattresses
The best cooling beds will, obviously, feel cool. This is a mix of cooling features, materials, and overall construction. We always recommend a bed with a long sleep trial, but for hot sleepers, it can be especially useful in determining whether a mattress will work for them.
Our Cooling Test
When testing a bedโs cooling ability, we use a thermal gun to measure the increase in the bedโs surface temperature. We take an initial surface temperature reading of the mattress, then have a tester lie on it for about 7 minutes and take another reading. The difference between the two allows us to gauge how much a mattress will heat up during the night and also helps determine our cooling score.
| Less than a 4-degree change | 5/5 |
| 4-6 degree change | 4.5/5 |
| 6-8 degree change | 4/5 |
| 8-10 degree change | 3.5/5 |
| 10-12 degree change | 3/5 |
| 12-14 degree change | 2.5/5 |
| 14-16 degree change | 2/5 |
| 16+ degree change | 1/5 |
On top of this, we also consider our testerโs experience. They note whether the mattress felt chilly, temperature-neutral, cozy, or stifling beneath them, and whether that changed at any point during the test. Iโd recommend hot sleepers stick to beds that earned at least a 4/5 in temperature regulation.
Cooling Features and Breathability
Manufacturers have innovated multiple ways to combat stuffy mattresses. Weโve seen more and more dedicated cooling technology popping up in mattressesโwith varying degrees of success. Letโs go over some common words and features youโll see in a cooling mattress.
GlacioTex
This cool-sounding name refers to a synthetic fiber blend thatโs designed to feel icy-cold and remain that way. It has high thermal conductivity, which works to dissipate excess heat. Itโs a common component in cooling covers for mattresses and even cooling mattress toppers.
Tencel
Tencel, also known as Lyocell, is made from the pulp of sustainably-sourced wood. It feels particularly breathable, but itโs also quite durable. This high-end material is often found in the best bed sheets or in mattress covers.
Gel Infusions
Some mattresses are infused with millions of tiny gel liquid beads that help wick away moisture and drive away heat. Even though memory foam sleeps hot, these gel beads can go a long way in cooling down the bed.
Ventilated Memory Foam
Mattress companies often use ventilated memory foam, which has an open-cell construction that allows more air to flow through the bed, making it more breathable. This fabric is less dense than standard memory foam, and it often feels more responsive. This also helps sleepers stay cool at night because it prevents people from โsinkingโ inside the bed and trapping heat. This might also be called open-cell foam, perforated foam, or simply โbreathableโ foam.
Trial Period
Many online mattress brands offer whatโs called a sleep trial. This is a period of time in which you can try out a mattress at home, and if at any point you decide itโs not for you, you can often return it for free and receive a refund. For hot sleepers, this can be a crucial test in determining whether a mattress will truly keep you cool.
All of the beds on this list include a sleep trial that lasts at least 120 nights, with some lasting up to a year. Most brands will ask you to try out a mattress for 30 days before initiating a return, to make sure youโre past the break-in period. Depending on the brand, you may have to pay a fee or donate the mattress yourself, but many brands will send a team to remove the mattress from your home, free of charge.
What Else Is Important When Buying a Mattress for Cooling?
Youโll likely want your cool mattress to feel comfortable, too. Here are some other areas to consider if youโre still unsure whether a certain cooling bed is right for you.
Type of Mattress
Certain mattress types feature materials and constructions that are better suited to cooling than others.
Innerspring and Hybrid
Innerspring and hybrid mattresses contain coils, which promote airflow. The springs also give the mattress a bouncy and responsive feel, which prevents sleepers from โsinkingโ inside the top layers and trapping body heat all around them.
Memory Foam and Polyfoam
Memory foam has a slow-moving feel that cradles pressure points and creates a โquicksandโ type of feeling. Pure memory foam traps body heat, but infused memory foam helps prevent this problem. For the best results, look for memory foam thatโs infused with gel, graphite or copper. These materials help pull heat away from the body and keep sleepers cool.
Many mattresses contain polyfoam, a less expensive material that feels plush and slow-moving. Most polyfoam mattresses trap body heat, but some manufacturers include cooling infusions to help combat this issue. You should also keep your eye out for aerated polyfoam, a material thatโs ventilated for extra breathability and airflow.
Latex
Latex foam feels particularly breathable and responsive. This material doesnโt conform to the curves of your body like traditional memory foam does, which makes it a cooling option for those who tend to run hot. Studies even tout it as more pressure-relieving, which could be a benefit for sleepers who like to sink into their bed without the stuffy feeling. Many latex beds also include springs, which doubles airflow.
Sleeping Position
โYour sleeping position plays a major role in whether a mattress feels comfortable,โ says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, quadruple-board-certified pulmonologist and sleep science expert. โThe firmness, amount of pressure relief, and support you need will differ depending on your preferred positions.โ
- Side sleepers fare best on softer, more pressure-relieving mattresses. They need something that will contour the hips and shoulders, allowing them to sink without compromising their alignment.
- Back sleepers have it easiest. They need a balance of softness and support, which most medium-firm mattresses provide. Make sure the spine remains relatively straight, with plenty of cushioning at the lower back.
- Stomach sleepers need a firm or even extra-firm sleep surface to keep their hips elevated. If a bed is too soft, their hips might dip, which could lead to lower back pain.
If you switch between two or all of these positions, youโre a combination sleeper. While you should also make sure your mattress can accommodate every position you find yourself in, you may want to consider responsiveness. This refers to how easy it is to move on a mattress. A more responsive surface means it snaps back quickly, so you wonโt feel โstuckโ when you roll from your stomach to back, for example.
Body Type
โYour body shape and weight also factors into what makes the ideal mattress,โ adds Dr. Dasgupta. โSleepers over 230 pounds tend to sink far deeper into mattresses than other sleepers, which can cause discomfort as they โbottom outโ on the support base of the bed. Lightweight sleepers, however, may have difficulty sinking into a mattress, leading to excess pressure buildup.โ
This means your ideal firmness might need some tweaking. For example, a heavyweight side sleeper may actually need a slightly firmer mattress than other side sleepers. This will ensure they remain properly supported while still gleaning plenty of pressure relief. A stomach sleeper under 130 pounds, however, may find firm beds too uncomfortable, despite the recommendation for that position. They might feel more comfortable on a medium-firm or even medium bed, depending on their preferences.
Itโs all about striking a delicate balance, but, ultimately, your comfort is paramount. Consider all your preferences, conditions, or must-haves in a mattress.
Price
Mattresses can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Consider your budget before making a purchase, and be sure to read reviews both off and on the site. More often than not, a bed that sounds too good to be true likely is. However, there are a lot of great beds for the money out there, if youโre interested in our vetted picks.
Why Do We Sleep Hot?
One of the main reasons we sleep hot has to do with how our body acts during REM sleep. When weโre in this deep stage of sleep, the temperature-regulating system in our brains is asleep as well, so our bodies usually match the temperature of our bedroom and the mattress materials around us. There are also a few other specific conditions that might exacerbate feeling hot while trying to sleep. These include:
- Anxiety: People who suffer from anxiety can have fluctuations in their body heat. During anxious moments, they might experience something akin to hot flashes. If they occur at night, they can cause people to wake up or have trouble going back to sleep.
- Hyperthyroidism: The thyroid gland produces the thyroid hormone, which, among other things, helps regulate body temperature. With hyperthyroidism, the gland produces too much of the hormone and can cause people with the condition to feel overheated.
- Menopause: Women who are just beginning their menopausal transition can sometimes experience hot flashes. These occur as estrogen levels change and a feeling of intense heat comes on that can cause night sweats.
- Medications: Some prescription drugs have also been shown to cause night sweats. Antidepressants and other psychiatric drugs can lower norepinephrine levels, which can lead to excessive sweating during the day and night.
- Other conditions: Several other health conditions may affect body temperature, thereby causing people to sleep hot. For example, Gravesโ Disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and some forms of cancer are accompanied by fluctuations in body temperature.
If you have concerns about overheating in your sleep, donโt hesitate to contact your physician or healthcare provider.
General Tips for Hot Sleepers
In addition to buying a cooling mattress, the following tips can help you feel cool and comfortable during the night:
- Opt for 100 percent cotton sheets. Synthetic fabrics can trap heat and cause the body to feel even warmer. Instead, go for sheets made of natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo, or look for bedding with cooling or sweat-wicking technology.
- Get a box fan or AC unit going. An air conditioning unit will dramatically chill the air in your room, helping most people stay comfortable. But even a simple box fan can help with airflow, providing a cooling effect. Plus, fans and AC units generate white noise that blocks out other noises, helping hot sleepers fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Sleep downstairs. Because heat rises, rooms on the first floor or in a basement are generally the coolest. People who have a bedroom on a higher floor and can relocate to a spot on a lower level should attempt to switch it up.
- Stick your pillowcase in the freezer. Place a pillowcase (or even sheets!) in a ziplock and stick it in the freezer for a couple of hours before bed, then make the bed with the chilled bedding right before bedtime. The crisp, cool surface will help cool the bodyโs temperature as people fall asleep.
- Take a cool shower before bed. The same idea applies here: Lowering the body temperature a tiny bit can make people feel more comfortable and less likely to overheat. If possible, make sure to shower right before getting into bed for the night. That way, the body doesnโt have time to warm up again.
- Invest in cooling bedding. Cooling pillows, sheets, and mattress toppers are out thereโand for good reason, too!
Best Cooling Mattress FAQs
Does cooling gel really make mattresses sleep cooler?
While gel can keep mattresses from overheating quite so much, they probably donโt work as well as many companies advertise. Gel memory foam, for instance, might still trap a good deal of heat.
Does latex sleep cool?
Latex generally sleeps pretty cool due to its chemical composition, and latex mattresses are typically aerated with air holes punched in the top. However, keep an eye out for mattresses that combine latex with memory or poly foam as these are more likely to trap heat.
How do I make my memory foam mattress cooler?
One quick and easy way to cool down your memory foam mattress is to add a cooling mattress topper. Choosing the right bedding such as cooling sheets can also help. And if you use a bed frame, check how breathable it is. Slatted beds are a fantastic way to promote airflow and wick away moisture.
Recap: Best Cooling Mattresses
| Mattress | Award |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | Best Overall |
| Nectar Premier | Best Cooling Mattress for Couples |
| Leesa Sapira Chill | Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress |
| DreamCloud Original | Best Affordable Cooling Mattress |
| WinkBeds | Best Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers |
| Silk & Snow Hybrid | Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| Saatva Classic | Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers |
| Bear Original | Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress |
| Nolah Evolution | Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain |
References
- Low, F.-Z., Chua, M. C.-H., Lim, P.-Y., & Yeow, C.-H. (2017). Effects of Mattress Material on Body Pressure Profiles in Different Sleeping Postures. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 16(1), 1โ9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2016.09.002
- Oka, T. (2015). Psychogenic fever: how psychological stress affects body temperature in the clinical population. Temperature, 2(3), 368โ378. https://doi.org/10.1080/23328940.2015.1056907
