The Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid is our pick for the best mattress for hot sleepers standing out and earning our “Best Overall” rank for its blend of comfort, support, and advanced cooling technology. Its hybrid design combines contouring memory foam with sturdy, individually wrapped coils, offering pressure relief and robust support. The mattress’s cooling feature is especially notable, with copper-infused layers and gel memory foam that work together to regulate temperature.
8 Best Cooling Mattresses in 2024 | Tested by Experts
Best cooling mattresses: top picks
- Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid: Best Overall Cooling Mattress
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Emma Hybrid Comfort: Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain
- Bear Elite Hybrid: Most Versatile Cooling Mattress
- Saatva Latex Hybrid: Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress
- Cocoon Chill Hybrid: Best Affordable Cooling Mattress
- Avocado Green: Best Organic Cooling Mattress
- Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze: Best Luxury Cooling Mattress
Compare the best cooling mattresses of 2024
Available sizes | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Twin XL, queen, king, California king, split king, California split king |
Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam (soft and firm options) or hybrid (medium option) |
Height in inches | 14” | 13.5” | 13” | 14” | 12” | 12” | 11” | 13” |
Firmness options | Soft | Medium | Firm | Soft, medium, or firm | Firm | Firm | Firm | Soft all-foam, medium hybrid, or firm all-foam |
Trial period | 1 year | 100 days | 1 year | 120 days | 1 year | 100 days | 1 year | 90 days |
Warranty | Lifetime | 15 years | 10 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years | 25 years | 10 years |
Price | $1,099–$2,598 | $1,099–$2,155 | $739–$1,499 | $1,231–$2,548 | $1,271–$2,712 | $539–$1,099 | $1,199–$2,499 | $5,099–$10,198 |
The Best Cooling Mattresses in 2024
What is a cooling mattress?
A cooling mattress is designed to regulate body temperature and enhance sleep quality, especially for those who overheat at night. When asked about mattress features, sleep coach Ari Spitzer told us, “The one that actually can help is the cooling feature. The cooler you are at night, the better you will sleep. In fact, during the deepest part of your sleep, there is a drop in body temperature.”
These mattresses use various materials and technologies to maintain a cooler sleeping surface, often combining multiple strategies. The most common strategies are:
- Airflow systems: Enhancing air circulation is key to a cooler mattress. In hybrid and all-innerspring mattresses, this is achieved through individually wrapped coils or springs. High-density foam beds tend to be more difficult to cool and may use perforated foam or fabrics with air channels. Most of the beds in this review are hybrid models.
- Breathable, cool-touch fabrics: Materials like organic wool, cotton, and latex are naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. Latex, in particular, with its open-cell structure, allows free airflow, dissipating heat effectively.
- Phase change materials (PCMs): Developed by NASA, PCMs regulate temperature by absorbing excess heat and humidity, then conducting it away from the body. A study found that PCMs in mattresses resulted in lower skin temperature compared to conventional mattresses and improved human heat dissipation by up to 25.6%.
- Metal, mineral, and gel infusions: In foam-based cooling mattresses, foams are often infused with materials like copper, graphite, or gel to absorb heat, providing a cooling sensation and preventing heat build-up during sleep.
Factors to consider in a cooling mattress
By carefully considering the following factors, you can choose the best cooling mattress to alleviate heat discomfort during sleep and also align with your individual comfort preferences and lifestyle needs:
- Budget: Cooling mattresses come in a range of prices, anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to more than $10,000. Options like the Cocoon Chill offer affordability without sacrificing quality, while luxury models like the Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze represent a higher investment but often include advanced features.
- Material composition: The type of material used in a cooling mattress greatly influences its cooling properties. Options like gel-infused memory foam, latex, and hybrid designs offer varying degrees of heat dissipation and breathability. For instance, gel-infused foam is effective for heat absorption, while latex promotes better air circulation.
- Sleeping position: Your preferred sleeping position should guide your choice. Side sleepers might prefer a softer mattress, like the Bear Elite Hybrid, which provides pressure relief at the hips and shoulders. Back or stomach sleepers may benefit from firmer options that offer better spinal alignment.
- Firmness level: Firmness is subjective and varies from person to person. It’s important to choose a mattress that supports your body weight and sleeping style without compromising comfort. For example, the Saatva Latex Hybrid offers a balance of support and comfort suitable for a wide range of sleepers.
- Temperature regulation technologies: Look for mattresses with advanced cooling technologies such as PCMs, moisture-wicking fabrics, or cooling gel layers. These features actively work to maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature throughout the night. But while cooling mattresses are definitely helpful to hot sleepers, they can only do so much. Michael Breus, PhD, founder of thesleepdoctor.com, told us, “If you sleep hot, it can be quite helpful. But it’s not going to ‘cure’ your menopausal hot flashes. I have probably 75% of my menopausal women in them and they love them.”
- Size and thickness: Mattress size and thickness can impact heat distribution and retention. Thicker mattresses often have more layers that can contribute to heat retention, while the size should match your available space and personal preference.
- Durability and quality: High-quality materials can ensure the mattress maintains its shape, support, and cooling properties over time. It’s worth investing in a mattress that promises longevity and consistent performance.
- Trial period and warranty: Many companies offer trial periods and warranties. These allow you to try the mattress in your own home and ensure it meets your cooling needs, with the option for a refund or exchange if it doesn’t.
Cost of a cooling mattress
The price of a cooling mattress can vary widely based on a number of factors. Budget options like the Cocoon Chill may start around $500, while mid-range choices like the Saatva Latex Hybrid might cost from $1,000 to $2,000, and luxury models like the Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze can exceed $10,000. It’s important for buyers to weigh the following factors against their personal needs and budget to find the best value:
- Material quality: High-quality materials, like premium memory foam, natural latex, or advanced gel infusions typically drive up the cost. For instance, mattresses using organic or natural latex, like the Avocado Green, often come with a higher price tag due to the cost of sourcing and processing these materials.
- Cooling technology: Advanced cooling technologies such as PCMs, specialized cooling layers, or proprietary cooling systems add to the cost. Mattresses like the Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze, featuring sophisticated cooling mechanisms, tend to be at the higher end of the price spectrum.
- Additional features: Features such as customizable firmness levels and added support layers can influence the price. Mattresses offering these extra benefits, aimed at enhancing sleep quality and health, are often priced higher.
- Brand and reputation: Established brands with a strong reputation for quality and customer service can command higher prices. Their products, like those from Saatva, are backed by extensive research and development and often feature superior construction and longer warranties.
- Warranty and trial periods: Longer warranty periods and generous sleep trial offers can be reflected in the mattress’s price. These features, while potentially adding to the cost, provide value through peace of mind and assurance of quality.
Other ways to stay cool at night
If upgrading to a cold mattress isn’t in the budget right now, there are other options. A mattress topper is an economical way to upgrade your mattress for cooler nights. Many popular brands, including Tempur-Pedic and Saatva, sell queen-size cooling mattress toppers for under $500, and there are a number of budget-friendly toppers available for less.
Finding the best sheets and pajamas for warm sleepers, such as those designed with temperature-regulating fabrics like bamboo and eucalyptus, can be another way to manage temperature for more comfortable sleep. You might also try cracking a window or using a ceiling or portable fan to create a cooling breeze. Avoiding exercise before bedtime and adding a cool shower to your nightly routine can also be helpful.
Bottom Line
The best mattresses for hot sleepers in 2024 come in an array of options tailored to diverse needs and preferences. From the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid, lauded for its overall excellence, to specialized choices like the Helix Midnight Luxe for side sleepers and the Emma Hybrid Comfort for back pain relief, there’s a solution for every sleeper.
Mid-priced options like the Bear Elite Hybrid and Saatva Latex Hybrid are all-around solid, versatile choices. Budget-conscious buyers will appreciate the Cocoon Chill, while eco-friendly consumers have the Avocado Green Standard as an organic choice.
Each mattress in this list, including luxurious options like the Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze, promises a blend of cooling technology and comfort, aiming to improve sleep quality.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, cooling mattresses can be a worthwhile investment, particularly for those who struggle with overheating while in bed. They are designed to regulate body temperature, which is a crucial factor in achieving deep, restorative sleep. For those living in warmer climates or experiencing night sweats, a cooling mattress can significantly improve sleep quality. The advanced materials and technologies used in these mattresses not only offer temperature regulation, but they also provide comfort and support.
For anyone who sweats a lot during sleep, a mattress with excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties is ideal. You will want to consider several factors (budget, material, technology, sleeping position, firmness, size, quality, trial period, and warranty) when determining the best mattress for you. For the budget-conscious, The Cocoon Chill by Sealy is a strong contender, known for its cooling technology that dissipates heat effectively. A great mid-priced option is the Bear Elite Hybrid, which combines cooling gel foam with a breathable coil system, making it well-suited for regulating temperature and reducing sweat. For those who prefer a luxury option, the Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze is as plush and luxurious as it gets. All of the best mattresses for hot sleepers offer a combination of heat absorption and air circulation, crucial for those prone to sweating.
These cooling mattress covers are highly rated for their ability to enhance the comfort of your existing mattress and provide a cooler sleep surface. They are a practical solution for those who are not ready to invest in a new cooling mattress but still seek relief from overheating during sleep.
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Topper: Renowned for its pressure-relieving comfort and cooling cover, this topper is a favorite for enhancing mattress comfort and temperature regulation. It costs $419 for the queen size.
- Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Pad: This pad uses Outlast technology, originally developed for NASA, to absorb heat and maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night. It costs $244 for the queen size.
- Viscosoft Active Cooling Copper Topper: Ideal for those seeking both cooling and plush, supportive, pressure-relieving comfort, this topper features copper-infused foam that helps dissipate heat. It costs $350 for the queen size.
- Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper: Made with pressure-relieving memory foam infused with graphite, the most advanced cooling technology, to keep you cool & comfortable all night. It costs $445 for the queen size.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
Sources
- Witters D. Sleep Temperature Linked to Overall Sleep Quality, Wellbeing. Gallup. June 21, 2023. Found on the internet at https://news.gallup.com/poll/506201/sleep-temperature-linked-overall-sleep-quality-wellbeing.aspx.
- Gianfilipo C. What Type of Mattress Should Be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of the Literature. Journal of Orthopeadics and Traumatology. December 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8655046/
- Priego Quesada, et al. Assessment of a Mattress With Phase Change Materials Using a Thermal and Perception Test. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science. February 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0894177716302941
- NCOA Adviser Mattress Survey. 600 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched Jan. 2, 2024