Best Cooling Mattress Toppers in 2026
We researched the best cooling mattress toppers on the market. Our top pick is the Bear Pro.

- We chose the Bear Pro cooling mattress topper as our Best Overall because of its superior cooling ability and supportive feel.
- The queen-size mattress toppers on this list range in cost from $234–$532.
- Cooling mattresses are a good choice if you’re a hot sleeper or live somewhere warm.
- Mattress toppers can upgrade your mattress without having to purchase a new bed.
NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,500 hours researching and testing mattress toppers to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best mattress toppers, we:
- Consulted with sleep specialists like doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for guidance on choosing the best mattress topper
- Put more than 130 models through a series of 19 different tests at our in-house lab
- Mystery-shopped more than 40 brands
- Surveyed more than 2,000 older adults on their sleep quality
- Interviewed experts on the importance of good sleep for older adults
- Worked with older adult testers to evaluate mattress toppers and get their opinion
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new mattress toppers and sleep products to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our sleep accessories review methodology.
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.
Bear Pro Topper: Best Overall

- Cooler than any topper we tested
- Supportive surface and stable edges
- Good, snug fit to the mattress
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper: Best Luxury

- Great at limiting heat buildup
- Plush, hotel-quality feel
- Long free trial period (180 nights)
Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper: Best Organic

- Sleeps cool
- Organic latex and cotton help promote breathability
- Great pressure relief
Best cooling mattress toppers in 2026
- 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
| Comparison Features | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall score (out of 10)* | 8.8 |
8.7 |
8.7 |
9 |
9.4 |
| Cooling score (out of 5) | 5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
| Best for | Overall |
Luxury |
Organic |
Pain Relief |
Value |
| Material | Memory foam |
Graphite memory foam |
Cotton and latex |
Memory foam |
Memory foam |
| Thickness (inches) | 3” |
3” |
2” |
2” |
2”–4” |
| Firmness | Medium |
Medium |
Soft |
Medium |
Medium |
*The overall score doesn’t always reflect the best mattress topper for a specific category.
What we look for in a cooling mattress topper
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.

- Stayed cooler than any topper we tested
- Supportive and easier to change positions
- Cover can be removed and cleaned
- Material type: Memory foam
- Thickness: 3”
- Firmness level: Medium
- Cooling: Breathable foam and cover
- Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Memory foam for pressure relief
Pros
- Coolest mattress topper, only rose 6.1 degrees
- Good, snug fit
- Responsive, comfortable memory foam
- High-quality materials
- Removable cover for easy cleaning
Cons
- Poor edge support
- No straps to keep the topper in place
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.

- Second-coolest topper we tested
- Plush, hotel-quality feel
- 180-night trial (the longest on this list)
- Material type: Memory foam with graphite
- Thickness: 3”
- Firmness level: Medium
- Cooling: Graphite
- Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Memory foam offers spinal support
Pros
- Second-coolest mattress topper, only rising by 10.7 degrees
- Excellent responsiveness
- Plush, high-quality cover
- Extra-long 180-night trial period
- Good edge support and responsiveness, which make it easier to change positions
Cons
- Doesn’t fit mattresses perfectly, leaving gaps
- A 1-year limited warranty is the shortest on this list
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.

- Great at limiting heat buildup
- Easier to move around on
- Organic latex and cotton provide a high-quality feel and stay cooler naturally
- Material type: Organic cotton and latex
- Thickness: 2”
- Firmness level: Soft
- Cooling: Breathable cotton
- Pressure relief or ergonomic design: Responsive latex
Pros
- Third-coolest topper, only rising 11 degrees
- Strong edges
- Responsive and easier to change positions
- Natural, organic feel, with high-quality materials
Cons
- Most expensive topper on our list
- No straps to keep it in place
- Might not be suitable for people with latex allergies
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.

- The temperature only rose by 11.2 degrees (fourth coolest)
- Excellent pressure relief may help ease pain
- Good for both soft and firm mattresses
- 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
Pros
- Fourth coolest—only rose 11.2 degrees
- Works well on both soft and firm mattresses
- Earned a 4.75/5 for pressure relief
Cons
- Second-most expensive on this list
- Could use more bounce
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.

- 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
- 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
Pros
- Fifth-coolest mattress topper, only rising 11.3 degrees
- Very plush feel, especially on a firm mattress
- Least expensive topper on this list
Cons
- Not as supportive on a soft mattress
- Average edge support
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 at least 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.
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.

In our July 2025 Sleep Accessories survey, respondents ranked “quality of materials” as the most important feature in a mattress topper.4
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, 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. One factor 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 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.
| Comparison Features | Bear Pro Topper ![]() |
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam ![]() |
Birch Plush Organic Topper ![]() |
Nolah Mattress Topper ![]() |
ViscoSoft Select High-Density Topper ![]() |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price for a queen* | $345 |
$305 |
$532 |
$449 |
$234 |
| Shipping costs | Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
1 year, limited |
10-year |
Limited lifetime |
5 years |
| Trial period (nights) | 30 |
180 |
100 |
120 |
90 |
| Return fees | None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
*Most mattress brands run frequent or ongoing promotions. Sale prices are typically lower and may change often.
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 gel-infused 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?
Mattress pads are about 1-2" thick and do not change a bed's firmness. A mattress topper can be 1-4" thick and can noticeably change the firmness level of a 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.









