Our Top Pick

Bear Pro Topper: Best Overall

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• Cooler than any topper we tested
• Supportive surface and stable edges

• Good, snug fit to the mattress

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper: Best Luxury

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• Great at limiting heat buildup
• Plush, hotel-quality feel

• Long free trial period (180 nights)

Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper: Best Organic

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• Sleeps cool
• Organic latex and cotton help promote breathability

• Great pressure relief

A good night’s sleep is important for overall health. Feeling overly warm or sweaty at night can cause you to wake up more, resulting in poor quality and not enough sleep. This could be a sign that you’re not getting the right amount of rest to stay alert and healthy during the day. In fact, being too hot at night has been linked to poor sleep quality.¹ If you want to improve your sleep without spending a lot of money, a cooling mattress topper can be an affordable solution. It can help you stay at the right temperature while you sleep.

In our best cooling mattress toppers review, we outline our top picks, highlight what makes a mattress topper effective for cooling, and explain how to pick the right mattress topper for you.

Best cooling mattress toppers in 2025

• Bear Pro Topper: Best Overall
• Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper: Best Luxury Cooling Topper 
• Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper: Best Organic Cooling Topper
• Nolah Mattress Topper: Best Cooling Topper for Pain Relief
• ViscoSoft Select High-Density Mattress Topper: Best Value Cooling Topper

Comparing the best cooling mattress toppers

*The overall score doesn’t always reflect the best mattress topper for a specific category. 

What we look for in a cooling mattress topper

We looked for the following features when choosing the best cooling mattress toppers:

Material type

Memory foam, latex, and cotton are all breathable and supportive materials. These can help keep you cool while also maintaining a neutral spine as you sleep.

Density and firmness

We looked for medium or medium-firm mattress toppers and medium-to-high density to ensure proper support and durability. Medium-firm thickness is typically best for easing back pain, according to research.²

Thickness

Mattress toppers between 2–4” are ideal for the right amount of comfort, cushion, and support, based on our testing.

Pressure relief and contouring

We looked for mattress toppers that provide pressure relief and contour to the shoulders, hips, and joints.

Bear Pro Topper: Best Overall 

We chose the Bear Pro Topper as the Best Overall because no other topper we tested stayed as cool. Testers said the Bear Pro is supportive, comfortable, and easy to clean. It’s a solid choice for someone looking to stay cool during the night while easing pressure.

Bear Pro Topper

Best Overall

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• Stayed cooler than any topper we tested
• Supportive and easier to change positions

• Cover can be removed and cleaned

Bear Pro Topper features

• Material type: Memory foam
• Thickness: 3”
• Firmness level: Medium
• Cooling: Breathable foam and cover
• Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Memory foam for pressure relief

Why we chose the Bear Pro Topper as Best Overall

We chose the Bear Pro Topper as Best Overall because it excelled at our heat testing. After testers lay on the topper, the temperature only increased by 6.1 degrees. This was by far the lowest increase across all the mattress toppers we tested. The Bear Pro Topper is supportive, comfortable, and breathable, so you can get a more restful night's sleep.

Bear Pro Topper pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Bear Pro Topper

Our testers liked the high-quality feel of the Bear Pro Topper. “This topper has good materials for the cover,” one tester said. “There is a silky, almost waterproof feeling cover with a comfortable honeycomb stitching.”

And when our testers lay down, they found the Bear Pro’s dense memory foam to be supportive and didn’t cause them to sink too much. “It was fairly easy to change positions,” one tester said. “There is enough responsiveness that when you move, the foam will fall back into its normal form as you switch positions.” This makes the Bear Pro a good choice for people who like to move around during the night. You won’t have to “fight” the topper’s sinkage to change positions.

Once our testers stood back up, the Bear Pro really performed. The temperature of the mattress topper only rose by 6.1 degrees. This is the lowest temperature increase of any mattress topper we tried (the others increased by an average of 12.5 degrees). The Bear Topper’s resting temperature was 74.6 degrees, and it rose to 80.7 degrees after our testers slept on it. If you’re a hot sleeper or live somewhere warm, the Bear Pro could be a great choice for keeping you cool throughout the night.

But the Bear Pro doesn’t have straps to keep the topper secure, so you’ll have to use a fitted sheet to keep it in place. And our testers thought the edge support was too slippery. If you have mobility issues or need extra help standing, the Bear Pro might not be sturdy enough.

The Bear customer experience

• Trial period: 30 nights
• Shipping: Free
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
• Financing: Yes, through Affirm and ShopPay

Customer service

You can reach Bear customer service by:

• Phone: Call 844-311-0035, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Email: support@bearmattress.com
• Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET

Payment options
Bear accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Venmo, and Google Pay. Financing is available through Affirm and ShopPay.

Bear currently offers a 40% discount for military members, first responders, law enforcement, health care workers, and teachers. This discount can’t be combined with other promotional codes.

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper: Best Luxury Cooling Topper

We chose the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper as the Best Luxury Cooling Topper because its temperature only rose by 10.7 degrees. It was the second coolest topper we tested. Testers said its plush materials felt high quality, soft, and luxurious. It also offers great pressure relief and the longest free trial period of any topper on this list (180 nights). We think it’s a great choice if you prefer a hotel-quality bed.

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam

Best Luxury

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• Second-coolest topper we tested
• Plush, hotel-quality feel

• 180-night trial (the longest on this list)

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper features

• Material type: Memory foam with graphite
• Thickness: 3”
• Firmness level: Medium
• Cooling: Graphite
• Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Memory foam offers spinal support

Why we chose the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam as the Best Luxury Cooling Topper

The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam is our Best Luxury Cooling Topper. It combines high-quality materials and comfort with effective cooling technology. The Saatva’s graphite memory foam is designed to keep you cool throughout the night while also providing support and cushion. It was the second-coolest topper we tested, after only the Bear Pro. If you like a plush, hotel-like feel to your bedding, the Saatva is a great choice.

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam 

When we tested the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam topper, our testers noted the high quality of the materials. “The cover is a very soft cotton blend and feels high quality,” one tester said. “The foam itself is pretty plush, but has a strong responsiveness.”

This responsiveness is what earned the Saatva topper a 4/5 for accessibility. The thick memory foam cushions well without causing too much sinkage. That can make it easier for you to roll over or sit up. “There is a bouncy feel to it that pops you up as you move from your side to your back,” one tester said. “I feel like I am being hugged by the mattress, not like I am sinking or on top of the mattress itself.” And the Saatva has excellent edge support. You can use your hands to push yourself to stand, and the topper won’t collapse. “The fabric is not slippery like some other toppers, which helps your body not slide,” said one tester. “When I lie down near the edge, I feel pretty secure.” 

Like the Bear Pro, the Saatva has excellent cooling capabilities. After our testers lay down, we measured the temperature of the topper using a heat gun. The Saatva’s temp only increased by 10.7 degrees. This is likely due to Saatva’s graphite memory foam, which is specifically designed to minimize heat retention. A research study found foam with graphite was able to limit heat better than foam with no graphite.³ 

Our testers did notice that the Saatva doesn’t fit on a mattress perfectly, leaving a one-inch gap around the edge. “There is a slight gap if you try to line the edges up together,” said one tester. “I think this would bother me if I was sharing the bed and sleeping closer to the edge.” 

Also, the limited one-year warranty is the shortest on our list. If you want something longer, the Nolah mattress topper has a lifetime warranty.

The Saatva customer experience

• Trial period: 180 nights
• Shipping: Free
• Warranty: Limited 1-year
• Financing: Yes, through Affirm

Customer service

You can contact Saatva customer service by:

• Phone: Call 860-362-2641, available 24/7
• Email: info@saatvamattress.com
• Live chat: Available 24/7
• Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options
Payment options include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Google Pay, and PayPal. Saatva offers financing options through Affirm.

Note that Saatva offers $225 off a purchase of $1,000 or more to adults 65 and older, military members and their families, health care professionals, government employees, and more. This cannot be combined with other offers.

Birch Plush Organic: Best Cooling Organic Topper

We chose the Birch Plush Organic mattress topper as our Best Cooling Organic Topper. It features organic cotton and latex materials to give this topper a natural feel that is both supportive and comfortable. The Birch Plush Organic is our third-coolest mattress topper with a temperature increase of 11 degrees.

Birch Plush Organic

Best Organic

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• Great at limiting heat buildup
• Easier to move around on

• Organic latex and cotton provide a high-quality feel and stay cooler naturally

Birch Plush Organic features

• Material type: Organic cotton and latex
• Thickness: 2”
• Firmness level: Soft
• Cooling: Breathable cotton
• Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Responsive latex

Why we chose Birch Plush Organic as the Best Organic Cooling Topper

The Birch Plush Organic earned its spot as our Best Organic Cooling Topper. It uses organic latex and cotton for a breathable and cooling sleep experience. The temperature only rose 11 degrees after testing, making it our third-coolest topper. Testers noted that this topper effectively limited heat while providing good pressure relief. If you prefer organic materials, the Birch Plush Organic is a great choice.

Birch Plush Organic pros and cons

Our testing experience with Birch Plush Organic

Our testers’ first impression was that the Birch Plush Organic’s cotton cover gave the topper a nicer, more natural feel than other toppers we tested. “It has a high-quality yet cozy feel that gives a little extra plushness,” one tester said.

The Birch earned 4/5 and 5/5 for its accessibility. These scores show it could be a great choice for older adults who have mobility issues or need some extra support when standing up. “When moving around and changing positions, it was like laying on top of a comforter,” one tester said. “It's comfortable and I don't have to fight the topper to move.” This is likely thanks to the responsive latex interior, which provides support and bounce so you can change positions with less effort.

The materials are also why the Birch is so good at cooling. The temperature of the topper only rose by 11 degrees due to the breathability of the topper’s organic cotton and latex. Because cotton and latex are breathable materials, they help ensure air and heat don’t get trapped inside the topper.

While the Birch performed well in almost every category, it struggled in the “fit” category. Testers didn’t like that the Birch doesn’t have straps, which caused the topper to move. “The topper fits well on the bed in terms of size,” one tester said. “But because it doesn’t have straps to secure it to the bed, the topper did shift and bunch up in areas when I laid on it.” This topper might not be suitable if you have a latex allergy. And at $532 for a queen, it’s the most expensive topper on our list. If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Avocado Eco Organic topper is $329 but still made with organic materials.

Birch customer experience

• Trial period: 100 nights
• Shipping: Free
• Warranty: 10-year
• Financing: Yes, through Affirm

Customer service

You can contact Birch customer service by:

• Phone: Call 917-540-5525, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
• Email: info@birchliving.com
• Chat: Available Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
• Website: Submitting a contact form 

Payment options 

Accepted payments include MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Google Pay, Shop Pay, Amazon Pay, and PayPal. Financing through Birch is available through Affirm.

Birch currently offers 30% off for military members, first responders, students, and teachers. The discount code can’t be combined with other promotional codes. To get the code, you’ll need to verify your identity and status using a third party called VerifyPass.

Nolah Mattress Topper: Best Cooling Topper for Pain Relief

The Nolah Mattress Topper is our Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Pain Relief. It has excellent pressure relief scores, which means it may help limit pain at night. The Nolah Topper was also great at limiting heat buildup during testing. If you have pain that disrupts your sleep, the Nolah may be a good choice for minimizing pressure.

Nolah Topper

Best for Pain Relief

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• The temperature only rose by 11.2 degrees (fourth coolest)
• Excellent pressure relief may help ease pain

• Good for both soft and firm mattresses

Nolah features

• Material type: Memory foam and cotton
• Thickness: 2”
• Firmness level: Medium-medium firm
• Cooling: Breathable foam
• Pressure relief or ergonomic design: High-density foam for pressure relief

Why we chose Nolah as the Best for Pain Relief

We chose the Nolah Topper as the Best Cooling Topper for Pain Relief because its superior pressure relief may help to reduce pain. During testing, Nolah’s temperature only increased by 11.4 degrees, making it the fourth coolest topper on our list. Testers said the Nolah Topper excelled at relieving pressure on both firm and soft mattresses, making it a versatile option.

Nolah pros and cons

Our testing experience with Nolah

When we tested the Nolah, our testers loved the soft and high-quality feel. “This mattress topper has a quilted blanket-type cover that is soft and feels like a nice little added extra layer of comfort,” one tester said. And while the Nolah didn’t have the same bounciness as some of the other toppers, our testers thought it felt supportive and was easier to move around on. “This air foam design did a good job of cradling me, but not impeding my movements when switching positions,” another tester said. “I didn’t have trouble switching positions.”

The Nolah topper is medium-firm, which is great for back support and minimizing pressure buildup while you’re lying down.³ “This topper feels amazing on both soft and firm mattresses,” one tester said. “This topper gave a really plush feel with amazing relief on both the soft and the firm.” We like how this makes the Nolah topper more versatile and makes it more likely to help ease pressure and pain, no matter the mattress firmness.

At only an 11.2-degree increase in testing, the Nolah is our fourth-coolest mattress topper. That’s likely due to the Nolah’s unique AirFoam^Ⓡ material, which is designed for breathability.

It’s worth noting that the Nolah Topper is the second-most expensive topper on this list, after the Birch Plush. Testers also said they would’ve liked a little more bounce in this topper to help make it easier to change positions. 

Nolah customer experience

• Trial period: 30 nights
• Shipping: Free
• Warranty: Limited lifetime
• Financing: Yes, through Affirm

Customer service

You can contact Nolah customer service by:

• Phone: Call 866-403-6615, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT
• Email: support@nolahmattress.com
• Chat: Live chat via the bottom right corner of the website, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT 

Payment options 

Nolah accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Google Pay, and PayPal. Financing is available through Affirm.

ViscoSoft Select High-Density Mattress Topper: Best Value

The ViscoSoft Select is our Best Value Cooling Mattress Topper because of its affordable price (lowest on this list) and excellent cooling capabilities. If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly mattress topper that will keep you comfortable and cool, the ViscoSoft Select is a great option.

ViscoSoft Select

Best Value

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• The most affordable cooling mattress topper on our list
• Good cooling—temperature rose by only 11.3 degrees

• Excellent support, especially on a firm mattress

ViscoSoft Select Topper features

• Material type: High-density gel-infused memory foam
• Thickness: 2”–4”
• Firmness level: Medium
• Cooling: Gel-infused memory foam
• Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Pressure-relieving memory foam

Why we chose the ViscoSoft Select Topper as the Best Value

We chose the ViscoSoft Select High-Density Mattress Topper as the Best Value Mattress Topper. It is the lowest-priced topper on this list, but it still provides excellent comfort and cooling. The ViscoSoft’s temperature only rose by 11.3 degrees, making it the fifth-most cooling topper on our list (Nolah beat it by 0.1 degree). The Nolah had all-around high scores like the other toppers on this list at a much lower price. 

ViscoSoft Select pros and cons

Our testing experience with the ViscoSoft Select Topper 

Our testers loved the plush feel and high-quality appearance of the ViscoSoft Select topper. “The cover feels like a soft knit fabric and I love the speckled navy print,” one tester said. “Underneath the topper, there is a mesh navy blue fabric which probably helps with breathability and cooling.” 

Testers also loved the ViscoSoft topper’s mix of comfort and support. “When pressing into the foam, it feels firm enough to have some resistance but plush enough to allow a good amount of sinkage,” said one tester.

One unexpected perk of this topper? Adjustable straps that help you get the right fit on the mattress. Adjustable straps are unique and allow you to fit the topper to your specific mattress. “The fit on the mattress is one of the best I have seen,” one tester said.

The ViscoSoft Select’s high-density memory foam combines support and cushioning. This balance makes it easier to change positions without sinking into the material. “This mattress, being 3 inches in depth and with a plush foam design, conforms to your body nicely,” one tester said. “When changing positions, I can feel the foam slowly regaining form but it doesn't make me feel stuck in the topper. It’s a slow, cradling sensation.”

The foam’s breathability helps to keep it cool. The ViscoSoft Select’s temperature only rose by 11.3 degrees in testing. We feel this makes it an affordable and comfortable option that can help keep you cool throughout the night.

ViscoSoft has a great price and cooling capabilities, but it’s not the most stable topper we’ve tested. Testers rated it 3/5 for edge support, indicating that the edges could be stronger. “The topper added a sliding feeling to getting in and out of bed,” one tester said. “And after we added the topper, it actually made the edges feel more collapsed.” If you have mobility concerns, we suggest a topper with stronger edges, like the Birch Plush Organic.

ViscoSoft customer experience

• Trial period: 90-day
• Shipping: Free delivery
• Warranty: 5-year warranty
• Financing: Yes, through AfterPay

Customer service

You can contact ViscoSoft customer service by:

• Phone: 844-888-4726
• Email: support@viscosoft.com
• Live chat: Available on the website

Our process testing the best cooling mattress toppers

Our team has spent thousands of hours testing mattresses, pillows, and mattress toppers to find the best ones for older adults. We consider features such as spinal support, pain relief, cooling, and motion isolation.

Cooling

We had our testers lie down on the mattress for a minimum of five minutes before standing up. Then, we tested the temperature using a heat gun and compared it to the topper’s initial temperature. This process gave us an accurate measurement of how much heat the toppers retained.

Pain and pressure relief

We noted how well the mattress toppers cradled or cushioned sensitive areas like the shoulders, hips, and knees. We made sure that the toppers distributed weight evenly to prevent pressure buildup.

Firmness and responsiveness

We tested the responsiveness of the mattress topper by timing how quickly it bounces back after being pushed down. Our testers slept on the toppers for a few nights to test comfort across consistent use.

Comfort

We also tested how well the toppers performed on both firm and soft mattresses. We noted which ones may provide better or less support depending on the type of mattress it’s been placed on.

For more information on how we test sleep products in general, see our review of the best mattresses for older adults.

How mattress toppers help keep you cool

Mattress toppers keep you cool by encouraging air circulation underneath you as you sleep. This circulation prevents heat buildup, which can help keep the topper’s temperature lower throughout the night. 

Some mattress toppers have additional materials, such as graphite or gel, that are designed to absorb and dispel heat.

What to look for in a cooling mattress topper

When choosing the right cooling mattress topper for you, remember that your own preferences and needs are unique. The main features you want to make sure to look for is breathability and support. Some other features to consider include:

Material type

You’ll want a mattress topper made from a breathable material that doesn’t trap heat. Some good options include memory foam, latex, graphite-infused foam, or polyfoam. Gel or a copper-infused material are also good choices for keeping the ambient temperature of your mattress topper low.

Cooling properties

Many cooling mattress toppers include specific design choices or materials to help keep you cool. These features include breathable holes, woven covers, and gel or copper.

Density and firmness

The density and firmness of your mattress influence how supportive and durable it is. A high-density topper like the ViscoSoft Select can offer more support and a firmer sleeping experience. Medium to medium-firm tends to be the most accessible and popular density, because it provides more cushioning and contouring. If you have back pain, a medium to medium-firm is a great option to help support you. You can learn more in our guide to the best mattresses for back pain and the best mattress toppers for back pain.

Thickness

A mattress topper that is 2–4” thick is ideal for the best support and comfort while you’re sleeping, based on our testing. Although thinner toppers may help, in general, the thinner you go, the less support you’ll feel. The right thickness will also vary based on your preferred sleeping position. Side sleepers, for example, may appreciate a thicker topper to help cushion their hips. For more information, see our guide to the best mattress for side sleepers and the best mattress topper for side sleepers.

Pressure Relief and contouring

Mattress toppers that provide pressure relief and contouring can help relieve pain. They distribute your weight more evenly so pressure doesn’t build up. And the contouring cushions sensitive areas like your hips, shoulders, and joints. A mattress topper is a great way to increase the pressure relief of a too-firm or sagging mattress without buying a new bed.

The importance of temperature for sleep

We don’t need less sleep as we age, but we do have to be mindful of the quality of sleep we do get. Some issues, like sleep apnea or pain, can influence our sleep, but one of the biggest factors is how warm we get at night. 

“Keeping the bedroom around 63–67 degrees during sleep is often preferred,” said Stephanie Stahl, MD, an associate professor of clinical medicine and the medical director of Indiana University’s Sleep Laboratory. “Cooling mattress pads that generate cool air or water through the pads may also help.”

The basic rule of thumb is to keep your room between 60–67 degrees at night for optimal sleep.⁵ If you get much hotter than 67—such as 70 degrees or above—it can disrupt your REM cycle. When this happens, you may end up tossing and turning all night. Poor REM cycles make you feel tired and worn down throughout the day. Over time, your overall health could get worse. Bad sleep not only affects things like your weight, hormone regulation, and mental health, but it can actually take years off your life.⁶

Staying hydrated, turning on a fan, and using breathable bedsheets like cotton can all help reduce your temperature at night.⁷

How much do the best cooling mattress toppers cost?

The best cooling mattress toppers cost between $234–$532 for a queen size. When choosing the right mattress topper for your budget, consider features like free shipping, warranty coverage, and the length of the trial period.

How to save money on mattress toppers

The easiest way to save money on a mattress topper is to buy it while it’s on sale. Look for seasonal specials such as Memorial Day or Labor Day. Sometimes companies will offer first-time buyer discounts or coupons if you sign up for their email list.

Some companies let you use your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to purchase a topper, which can also save you some money.

Frequently asked questions

What is the coolest material for a mattress pad?

The coolest material for a mattress pad is something breathable like memory foam, latex, or cotton.

What materials keep mattress toppers cool?

Gel-infused memory foam, latex, or cotton all help keep a mattress cool and prevent heat retention.

What is the difference between a mattress pad and a mattress topper?

A mattress pad and a mattress topper are the same thing. Each is a 2–4” tall layer you can add to your mattress.

Will a cooling mattress pad help with night sweats?

Yes, a cooling mattress pad can help with night sweats because it helps regulate your body temperature.

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.