Written by Bridget Chapman, Mattress Reviewer
Are you a hot sleeper? You’re not alone! This is one of the most common complaints we hear about at Sleepopolis. According to a Casper-Gallup study, 14% of American adults report always feeling hot at night, and 57 percent report occasionally feeling hot at night. Sleepopolis is here to not only help you find the best cooling mattress, but the best mattress for you. In the year 2024, Sleepopolis helped 12,544 people find their perfect mattress.
At Sleepopolis, we put each of our reviewed mattresses through a series of rigorous tests to see how well they perform in a number of categories: motion isolation, support, pressure relief, and more. Of course, for the best cooling mattresses, I wanted to pay special attention to the quality of each product’s cooling properties. All of the below mattress have either an added cooling feature or a construction that promotes airflow. I also tried to include a range of prices, so you can choose the bed within your budget. The mattresses on this roundup range from $1,613 to $2,499 for a queen size. These mattresses are often on sale, so you’re likely to get these beds for cheaper. You can also check our coupon page for great deals.
Remember that many factors can impact how hot you sleep, including the temperature of your home, the climate you live in, whether you share a bed with a partner or pet, or your sleeping preference. Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta says “when we sleep, our body temperature naturally drops and rises, aligning with our internal circadian rhythm. This temperature fluctuation is crucial for achieving quality sleep. If the bedroom temperature is too warm, it may interfere with the body’s ability to cool down, resulting in difficulty falling asleep or increased sleep disruptions.” Fortunately, finding the best cooling mattress — combined with other cooling bedding accessories — can help you stay fresh and comfortable all night long.
Our Top Pick for Hot Sleepers
The Helix Midnight Luxe ranks first on this list because it’s a hybrid mattress with one layer of breathable springs that promote airflow and a cool-to-the-touch foam technology.
Best Cooling Mattresses of 2024
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Overall Cooling Mattress
- Nectar Luxe Hybrid – Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress
- Nolah Evolution – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain
- DreamCloud Original – Best Firm Cooling Mattress
- Saatva – Best Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- WinkBed Plus – Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Gel Mattress
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Soft Cooling Mattress
- Leesa Sapira Chill – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers
Best Cooling Mattress Video Review
Compare the Best Cooling Mattresses
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| Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | Nectar Luxe Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Saatva Mattress | WinkBed Plus Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | ||||||
| Best For |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
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Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors
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Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Hot Sleepers,
Back Pain, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
|
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hip Pain,
|
What I Look For In The Best Cooling Mattresses
Breathable Materials
When searching for the best cooling mattresses, we paid special attention to construction to make sure the materials promote ultimate airflow. We looked for mattresses that contain coils, which help prevent hot air from getting trapped, and foams that designed to sleep cool.
Cooling Technologies
Many mattress brands have incorporated cooling technology in their beds specifically for folk who tend to sleep hot. Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches put these mattresses through rigorous testing to ensure these technologies are legit and can keep you cool all night long.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to how well a bed masks movement from one side of the bed to the other. We put each mattress through various tests to get an accurate picture of how likely you are to be disturbed by any tossing and turning from your partner, pet, or child. Through our human, red wine, and seismometer tests, we know which mattresses absorb motion and which don’t hide movement. We also made sure to use a pressure map to test how well each mattress performed at pressure relief while still isolating motion across the bed.
Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Overall Cooling Mattress
Helix has a line of six hybrid mattresses, each with a different level of firmness. The Midnight is one of their medium models. It has enough contouring for side sleepers, but should still be supportive enough for back sleepers, as long as they don’t mind a softer bed. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I like the Helix Midnight Luxe for back sleepers and side sleepers. The medium-soft to medium-firm feel should give these folks the right balance of comfort and support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
My Expert Opinion on the Helix Midnight Luxe
I chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the best cooling mattress because it’s packed with cooling technology in every layer to help regulate the sleeper’s temperature and prevent overheating. With 1,000 individually wrapped coils, gel and copper-infused foams, and a breathable Tencel cover, this mattress was designed for hot sleepers.
I and multiple Sleepopolis Certified Sleep Science Coaches gave the Helix Midnight Luxe a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. A score of 6.5 is typical for medium-firm mattresses, so the Helix Midnight Luxe is just a tad softer. The bed provides a balance between support and pressure relief and has an overall bouncy feel due to its hybrid construction. I also want to note that this mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
How the Helix Midnight Luxe Performed in Testing
Motion Isolation 3.5/5
If you share the bed with a partner, you may be familiar with sleep disturbance due to their tossing and turning. A bed with low motion transfer is able to isolate movement at the source and prevent it from traveling across the bed. Here at Sleepopolis, we evaluate motion transfer in every mattress we review using a seismometer. This test involves dropping a 10-pound steel ball onto one side of the mattress from three different heights. A seismometer on the other side of the bed measures the disturbance and displays the results in a graph. The larger the lines on the graph, the higher the motion transfer, and the more likely you are to feel a restless partner’s tossing and turning.
I found pretty average results when I performed the seismometer test on the Helix Midnight Luxe. The lines on the graph weren’t too large, and they were compacted close together, indicating the motion doesn’t ripple too much. However, I was a bit skeptical of the results, so I tried a more visual test– the red wine test. I placed a glass of red wine on one side of the bed and then tossed and turned on the other side. If the wine glass stands strong and the liquid doesn’t move, then we know the bed can isolate motion well. However, the wine glass tipped over and spilled wine onto the mattress.
These results combined with the seismometer results tell me the Helix Midnight Luxe isn’t the best at isolating motion. If you’re a light sleeper, you may feel your partner moving at night.
Support 4.5/5
I was extremely impressed by how supportive the Helix Midnight Luxe felt. Every layer of this bed was designed to be comfortable while still promoting proper spinal alignment. The support layer is constructed from 1,000 individually wrapped coils that are zoned for support. This means the coils fluctuate in firmness depending on where the sleeper needs the most support. Under the coils is the base layer made from DuraDense foam, which keeps the mattress sturdy and prevents the sleeper from sinking in too far. When I laid down on the Helix Midnight Luxe, I felt super supported on my back and side. I could see sleepers with back pain finding great lumbar support, which can help provide some relief. I even think this mattress is supportive enough for back and side sleepers weighing over 250 pounds.
Edge Support 4/5
When I talk about edge support, I simply mean how strong the sides of the bed are compared to the center. If a bed has strong edge support, the edges will feel sturdy and supportive with minimal sinkage. Couples or people who like to spread out may want to pay attention to edge support, as strong edges allow sleepers to use the entire surface of the bed, which can make it feel larger. Strong edges can also reduce the chances of premature mattress sagging.
All four sides of the Helix Midnight Luxe have reinforced edges to prevent them from sagging. When I sat and slept directly on the edges, I felt very lifted and supported. At no point did I feel at risk of slipping off the bed. I think this mattress could work for anyone that wants to spread out, or for people with mobility issues who use the sides to get into bed.
Pressure Relief 5/5
We test pressure relief by rolling a specialized mat onto the mattress and laying on it in different sleeping positions. The mat is able to sense pressure and display the results in a graph using thermal imaging. Areas displaying blue and green indicate low pressure buildup, and areas displaying yellow and red indicate high pressure buildup.
When I performed this test on the Helix Midnight, I was pleased to see only blue and green on the pressure map when side and back sleeping. This means the mattress did a great job of cradling my most sensitive joints and preventing pain. I enjoyed the initial contouring and softness of the pillow top. These results are excellent, which is why I gave this bed 5 out of 5 stars for pressure relief.
How Will the Helix Midnight Luxe Help With Cooling?
When I evaluate a mattress for cooling, I first take a look at its materials and construction. This hybrid mattress includes individually wrapped coils, which allow for plenty of air to flow through the bed without getting trapped. The gel foam in the pillow top and Copper Gel Memory Foam in the comfort layer are two more materials that help dissipate body heat and keep the sleeper cool. The mattress comes with a breathable Tencel cover, which is a material known for temperature regulation. For an additional cost, you can purchase the GlacioTex cover for even more cooling.
Next, I test mattress cooling using a thermal gun. I use the thermal gun to record the mattress’s initial temperature and then it’s temperature after I’ve laid on it for five minutes. If the temperature increases by more than 15 degrees, then it has very poor cooling capabilities. An increase of 10 to 15 degrees indicates decent cooling, 5 to 10 degrees indicates good cooling, and less than 5 degrees indicates excellent cooling.
When I used the thermal gun on the Helix Midnight Luxe, I found a temperature increase of 3.3 degrees, which indicates excellent cooling. Considering all the cooling technology inside this bed, I’m not surprised by how cool it sleeps. Take a look at our thermal gun test results below.
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Price (Queen) | $2,373 (before discounts) |
| Firmness | Medium soft |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Sleep Trials | 100 nights |
| Warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Height | 13.5″ |
| Adjustable Base Compatible? | Yes |
What Our Tester Says
“I think that the Helix Midnight sleeps cool enough on its own (the bed’s springs leave plenty of room for airflow), but the Midnight Luxe sleeps even cooler due to its Tencel cover.”
“The Midnight Luxe’s extra pillow top layer makes it feel more cushioning than the standard Midnight. I’d especially recommend this mattress to sleepers who suffer from back pain since there’s extra plushness, plus the zoned support helps promote a healthy, straight spinal alignment.”
– Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Customer Reviews
Customers raved about the Helix Midnight Luxe’s cooling abilities and also appreciated the plush pillow top and comfort layer. We think the most affordable and most convenient way to purchase a Helix is online, but if you want to test out the company’s mattresses for yourself, you can do so in the showrooms of many of their brand partners.
““We replaced our foam mattress, which was comfortable but too warm. The Midnight Luxe is great, cool to sleep on and very supportive.” – Jeff P.
Verified Buyer 08/01/24
Helix Company Information
Customer Service Information
- Phone: Available 11am – 6pm ET, Monday to Friday at 831-777-5976
- Email: help@helixsleep.com or use their contact form
- Live chat: Available 10am – 10pm ET, Monday to Sunday
- Visit in person: View partner showrooms
Payment Options
Helix offers several forms of payment on their website through Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express as well as Google Pay, PayPal, Shop Pay, and Amazon Pay. You can also finance their mattresses through the Affirm financing program.
Helix also offers a 30% off site wide + 2 free pillows discount to military members, first responders, students and teachers.
Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full Helix Luxe Midnight mattress review. Still looking for the perfect bed? Check out the standard Helix Midnight model.
Nectar Luxe Hybrid – Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress
The Nectar Luxe Hybrid is a supportive and comfortable bed with a medium-soft feel that works well for back sleepers. Some side sleepers or back/side combo sleepers could also do well on this bed. It also provides a cool sleep experience, thanks to breathable coils and effective cooling tech.
What our tester says:
“I like how this mattress can work for a wide variety of sleepers. It’s pressure relieving, supportive, and durable — which is great for back sleepers, side sleepers, and couples.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
My Expert Opinion on the Nectar Luxe Hybrid
I chose the Nectar Luxe Hybrid (formerly known as the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid) as the best cooling hybrid mattress due to its high-quality materials and construction that promote airflow and cooling. The coils help airflow through the mattress rather than becoming trapped in its layers. Upon lying down, I immediately noticed the bed felt cool to the touch.
This mattress is a great example of how hybrid mattresses can prioritize both comfort and support to create a balanced sleeping experience. With soft foams and sturdy coils, I rated this mattress a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. This mattress has a medium-soft feel that’s perfect for side and back sleepers. I wouldn’t recommend this mattress to strict stomach sleepers, as it’s likely too soft.
The Nectar Luxe Hybrid mattress comes with a 365-night sleep trial period and a lifetime warranty, earning 5 stars from me in both categories.
How the Nectar Luxe Hybrid Performed in Testing
Motion Isolation 4.5/5
As I mentioned before, I test motion isolation by dropping a 10-pound steel ball onto the mattress from different heights. A seismometer measures the disturbance and displays the results in a graph where the smaller the lines, the better the motion isolation.
When taking a look at the Nectar Luxe Hybrid’s seismograph, we can see some large spikes. Since this is a hybrid mattress with bouncy coils, this isn’t too surprising. I would say these are pretty average results. You may feel a partner getting in and out of bed, but I don’t think you’ll feel smaller movements, like typical tossing and turning.
Support 5/5
When I tested the Nectar Luxe Hybrid, I was very impressed with its support system. The bed’s support system is an 8-inch layer of individually wrapped coils. These coils give the bed a bit of bounce while keeping the sleeper lifted out of the structure. The top layers of foam also work together to create a soft yet supportive surface that helps promote proper spinal alignment. This bed leans softer, yet the foams are supportive enough to prevent the sleeper from feeling the coils below.
Edge Support 4.5/5
I was overall really pleased with the edge support on the Nectar Luxe Hybrid. When sitting directly on the edge, I noticed some slight sinkage, but not enough to be concerning. I felt even more supported when laying directly on the edge, and I thought the edges had the same level of support as the center. When I used a tape measure to see how much the layers collapsed beneath my weight, there was only 1 inch of sinkage.
Pressure Relief 4.5/5
When I performed the pressure map test on the Nectar Luxe Hybrid, I felt a lot of immediate cushioning around my lumbar region and shoulders from the soft foams. The pressure map displayed only blue and green, which means there wasn’t a lot of pressure building at the hips, shoulder, or back. I think most back and side sleepers experiencing pain in these areas should find relief on the Nectar Luxe Hybrid.
How Will the Nectar Luxe Hybrid Help With Cooling?
The Nectar Luxe Hybrid contains cooling technology designed to keep hot sleepers cool. When I laid down on the bed, I immediately noticed the cool-to-the-touch quilted cooling cover. As a hybrid mattress containing coils, this bed has plenty of space for air to flow through, keeping it breathable. I used a thermal gun to measure the temperature increase after five minutes of laying on the bed and found it only heated up by 3 degrees. These are great results (which you can see below), and I think this mattress could be an excellent choice for anyone prone to overheating at night.
Nectar Luxe Hybrid Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Price (Queen) | $2,231 |
| Firmness | Medium-Soft |
| Shipping | Free Shipping |
| Sleep Trials | 365 Nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
| Height | 14″ |
| Adjustable Base Compatible? | Yes |
What Our Tester Says
“I really liked how comfortable the Luxe Hybrid was sleeping on my back and was also really impressed by how pressure relieving it was while sleeping on my side. I think the soft, bouncy foams are great for combination sleepers too. I also think the cooling features in this mattress are great for hot sleepers.”
“I feel confident recommending this bed for most couples. It balanced its responsiveness and its motion isolation abilities well. Furthermore, this mattress tested well in both cooling and edge support.”
– Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Customer Reviews
Many customers comment how the Nectar Luxe Hybrid helped alleviate their back pain. We think this is probably due to its medium feel and balance of comfort and support. Even though Nectar doesn’t have its own brick and mortar stores, you can test out their products in over 4,000 showrooms of their brand partners across the country.
“If i knew that this mattress would make my back aches virtually disappear, I wouldn’t have waited as long as I did to replace my old one!” – Timothy S.
Verified Buyer 11/16/23
Nectar Company Information
Customer Service Information
- Phone: (888) 863-2827 Available 7 days a week
- Email: support@nectarsleep.com
- Live chat: Chat available 8am to 4pm PST, 7 days a week
- View showrooms: Store Locations
Payment Options
Nectar offers fast and secure payments through Visa, Discover, Master Card, American Express, PayPal, AmazonPay with financing options through Affirm financing program and Split It program.
Nectar also offers an extra 5% off of their best onsite offer for military members, healthcare professionals and first responders.
Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full Nectar Luxe Hybrid mattress review. Not sold on this hybrid? Check out the similar Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress.
Nolah Evolution – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
My Expert Opinion on the Nolah Evolution Mattress
It goes without saying that a mattress, no matter how cooling or luxurious, is completely ineffective if it promotes or worsens your back pain. And if you’re rightfully concerned about spinal alignment, then I have to suggest the Nolah Evolution. It comes in three different firmnesses and even a model for heavy sleepers (the Nolah Evolution Comfort+), so regardless of your preferred sleeping position or body type, you should find pressure relief at your back throughout the night. The Nolah Evolution achieves this with its hybrid construction, which uses pressure-relieving foams and sturdy coils for proper support and lift. On the Luxury Firm model, I felt especially well-supported in both the back- and side-sleeping positions.
In addition to helping with back pain, I found this mattress to sleep incredibly cool. This bed contains two layers of comfort foam, both with unique infusions designed to prevent heat-trapping and promote temperature regulation. I thought the Nolah ArticTex fibers and AirFoamICE layers did a great job at keeping me cool, and the layer of coils added even more airflow to the bed.
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial period and a lifetime warranty.
DreamCloud Original – Best Firm Cooling Mattress
With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support — a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. It’s a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.
What our tester says:
“I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night. Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
My Expert Opinion on the DreamCloud Mattress
If you’re a hot sleeper who prefers a firmer mattress, the DreamCloud Original may be what you’ve been looking for. The hybrid construction helps keep it breathable, as air can flow all night through the pocketed coils on the bottom layer. The mattress is also designed with luxury in mind, and its cover is made with a special cashmere blend that’s soft and cozy.
The top layer of foam provides cushioning and contouring while still retaining some firmness. Our testers rated this bed a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. This bed definitely has a firm feel, yet its top foam layers have enough cushioning to provide nice pressure relief. I especially like this bed for back sleepers and combination sleepers who switch between sleeping positions. This bed leaves the sleeper feeling more “on” the bed than “in” the bed, and there isn’t a ton of deep sinkage. I think the DreamCloud may be a tad too firm for side sleepers, who may need a softer mattress with more contouring at the hips.
The DreamCloud Original mattress comes with a 365-night sleep trial period and a lifetime warranty.
How the DreamCloud Original Performed in Testing
Motion Isolation 3.5/5
The results from our seismometer test left something to be desired. Looking at the graph, I see a lot of large spikes that don’t quickly dissipate, especially from the 8-inch and 12-inch drops. These aren’t the worst results I’ve ever seen, but they definitely aren’t the best. I think you’re likely to feel larger movement from a partner, such as getting in and out of bed.
Support 4.5/5
The main support system in the DreamCloud Original mattress is a tall layer of individually wrapped coils. These coils add firm support to the bed and are tall enough to lift the sleeper up and out of the mattress. The top layer of gel memory foam has a slow response to pressure, so it’s more supportive than typical poly foam. When I laid on the bed, I felt most supported on my back. The foams were able to fill in and support my lumbar region, and the coils helped prop my spine into neutral alignment.
Edge Support 4.5/5
When I tested the edge support on the DreamCloud mattress, I felt both lifted and supported. When I laid on the sides of the bed, I didn’t feel like I was about to slip and fall off the bed. I was able to sit directly on the edge without too much sinkage. Overall, I’d say the DreamCloud’s edge support is super solid.
Pressure Relief 4.5/5
Despite being a firm mattress, I still thought the DreamCloud did a great job at cushioning the joints and relieving pressure. The mattress cover is quilted with foam, which adds some initial plushness. A layer of gel memory foam allows for a bit of sinkage and pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. When we take a look at the pressure map, we see pretty much all blue when back sleeping, so I think back sleepers with back, shoulder, or hip pain could find great relief. I do see a bit of yellow forming at the hips when side sleeping, so I’d recommend a softer mattress to side sleepers.
How Will the DreamCloud Help With Cooling?
As I’ve mentioned before, hybrid mattresses are typically cooler than all-foam mattresses due to the inclusion of coils. This remains true for the DreamCloud, as it has an airy construction. Memory foam tends to trap heat, but the memory foam in this bed is infused with gel, which helps dissipate heat and keep the sleeper cool. When I tested the mattress with my thermal gun, I found a less than 7-degree temperature increase after laying on it for 5 minutes (you can see these results below). This indicates great cooling abilities, so I think hot sleepers will be able to sleep nice and cool.
DreamCloud Mattress Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Price (Queen) | $1,483 (before discounts) |
| Firmness | Medium firm |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Sleep Trials | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Height | 12″ |
| Adjustable Base Compatible? | Yes |
What Our Tester Says
“The high-quality materials of the DreamCloud remind me of a mattress you’d find in a high-end hotel. It’s also 14 inches in height, which is taller than many other mattresses and gives it an added sense of regality, not to mention durability and support.”
“The DreamCloud does a stellar job relieving tension around the lower back. As I sank into this bed, I could feel its top layers of foam filling in the space at my lumbar region for some pleasant pressure relief.”
– Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Customer Reviews
Over 8,000 reviewing customers agree that this bed is “wonderfully comfortable” and cooling, without being overly expensive, making it a great option for sleepers shopping within a budget. Many reviewers also say they got some of the best sleep of their life on the DreamCloud.
“I had back surgery 6 months ago and have spent a lot of time looking for a good mattress. This one has been great for my back. It feels very firm at first, but after a bit, it conforms to your body, so it offers support but is also very comfortable.” – Grace E.
Verified Buyer 05/13/24
DreamCloud Company Information
Customer Support Information
- Phone: (833) 237-3269
- Email: support@dreamcloudsleep.com
- Live chat: Chat available on the website 7 days a week.
- Visit showrooms: Store locator
Payment Options
DreamCloud accepts payments from Visa, Discover, American Express, Master Card, PayPal, and Amazon Pay. They also offer financing through Affirm and Split its financing programs.
DreamCloud also offers an extra 5% off their best onsite offer for military members, healthcare professionals, and first responders.
Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full DreamCloud Original mattress review. Looking for a firmer mattress? Check out the Plank Firm Luxe mattress.
Saatva – Best Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
My Expert Opinion on the Saatva Mattress
The Saatva Classic is a traditional innerspring bed sold in three firmness models– Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. I tested the Luxury Firm model, but I think the Firm model would make the best choice for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers typically need firm mattresses that keep their hips lifted and in line with their shoulders. If their hips sink in too far, the lower back forms a U shape, which can lead to pain over time.
Since the Saatva is an innerspring mattress that doesn’t contain a ton of foam, there’s plenty of room for air to flow in and out of the bed. With a coil-on-coil construction, this mattress has double the space, making it super breathable. If you sleep hot but are looking for firm support, the Saatva might be your perfect match.
How the Saatva Classic Performed in Testing
Motion Isolation 3/5
As I’ve mentioned before, the inclusion of coils in a mattress makes the bed bouncy and can sometimes allow for motion to transfer across the bed, thus disturbing the sleeper on the other side. When it comes to the Saatva, there’s not just one layer of coils but two. Therefore, I wasn’t surprised by the lack of motion isolation in this bed. The seismograph shows some harsh lines, so I think you’re very likely to experience sleep disturbance from a restless partner.
Support 5/5
What the Saatva lacks in motion isolation, it makes up for in support. I gave this bed 5 stars for support because its coil-on-coil construction keeps the sleeper lifted up and out of the structure. The layer of memory foam in the middle of the mattress is zoned for support, so its firmness fluctuates depending on where the sleeper needs the most support. This layer also contains Saatva’s Spinal Wire which offers even more spinal support. Stomach sleepers typically need a lot of support to keep their hips propped up and prevent the spine from bending. I definitely think this mattress is supportive enough for stomach sleepers.
Edge Support 5/5
The Saatva should be the standard when it comes to solid edge support. These edges were extremely sturdy and felt exactly the same as the center of the bed. I used a yardstick to measure how much the layers collapsed under my weight and found less than a half inch of sinkage.
Pressure Relief 4.5/5
For the pressure relief test, I tested the Luxury Firm model of the Saatva mattress. When we take a look at the pressure map, we see mostly blue and green, indicating low pressure buildup. This model could be great for back and side sleepers, but I would recommend the Firm model to stomach sleepers to prevent pressure building at the lower back.
How Will the Saatva Help With Cooling?
Because this innerspring mattress doesn’t contain a ton of foam, the chance of heat trapping is reduced. With two layers of coils, the Saatva has a ton of space inside for air to flow in and out, making the bed very airy and breathable. I tested this bed using my thermal gun, and I found a temperature increase of 9.3 degrees after laying on it for five minutes. This indicates good cooling, and I did feel pretty cool when lying on it. Take a look at the thermal gun results below.
Saatva Mattress Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Price (Queen) | $2,095 (before discounts) |
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options |
| Shipping | Free white glove delivery |
| Sleep Trials | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Height | 11.5″ or 14.5″ |
| Adjustable Base Compatible? | Yes |
What Our Tester Says
“Out of all the beds I’ve tested thus far at Sleepopolis, the Saatva Classic has the best edge support. The Saatva Classic should be the gold standard for all mattresses in terms of edge support. I would recommend the Saatva Classic to anyone who has any type of mobility issue and needs additional support getting in and out of bed.”
“Considering its airy innerspring construction, I feel that the Saatva is an excellent choice for a cooling mattress.”
– Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Customer Reviews
We definitely weren’t surprised to see good reviews regarding Saatva’s customer service. Saatva has free White Glove Delivery, where the company will set up your new mattress and dispose of your old one. There are many positive comments about this process, and many others about friendly and helpful customer service interactions. However, if you feel the need to try out the Saatva mattress in-store, the brand has several showrooms in major cities across the country.
“I love my new Saatva bed. The delivery service was excellent. The bed is so comfy, my cats love it too. I’m sleeping better than ever. And at 64 that says something! Thanks Saatva for a great product and customer service!” – Joann
Verified Buyer 07/25/24
Saatva Customer Information
Customer Service Information
- Phone: 877-672-2882
- Email: info@saatvamattress.com
- Chat: Available on their website 24/7
- Visit in person: Viewing Rooms
Payment Options
Saatva accepts various payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal and Google Pay. You can also pay in installments through Affirm’s financing program.
Saatva also offers a $225 off of $1000 discount for different groups of people like military members, 65 and above, healthcare professionals, students, teachers, first responders and government employees.
Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full Saatva mattress review. Interested in other mattresses for stomach sleepers? Check out the Helix Dawn mattress.
WinkBed Plus – Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People
The WinkBed Plus is a firm, hybrid mattress designed specifically to accommodate heavyweight sleepers. Through our testing, we found it works best for back sleepers, particularly those over 250 pounds. It also does a good job of isolating motion, which will likely appeal to you if you sleep with a partner. If you want to learn more about the WinkBed Plus, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“This mattress was designed for heavier people and it really is a fantastic bed for these individuals. Heavy people fed up with unsupportive mattresses will find a lot to love about this luxury mattress.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
A Note On Weight and Body Type
We recognize that people come in all shapes and sizes, and people of every size deserve a mattress that works for their body type. We use the weight categories light, average, and heavy to more easily categorize sleepers based on how mattresses will perform for their body type, as most mattresses are designed for the group we call “average” (130 to 250 pounds). We consider heavy sleepers to be anyone over 250 pounds, and they tend to need more support to prevent them from sinking too far into the layers.
My Expert Opinion on the WinkBed Plus
If you weigh more than 250 pounds, I recommend looking for a mattress designed with extra support to keep you lifted. The WinkBed Plus was designed specifically for heavy sleepers and contains durable materials with tons of support. The mattress also contains a breathable Tencel cover and coils for an airy, cooling experience. Since I am not a heavyweight sleeper, I brought in my weightlifter friend, Paulie, to help test the WinkBed Plus.
If you’re a heavyweight sleeper, you’ll likely experience this mattress as pretty firm. Paulie gave this bed a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. These sleepers will sink further into a mattress’s layers than average and lightweight sleepers, who may experience the WinkBed Plus as even firmer. I especially like this mattress for heavyweight back sleepers, who should experience a balance between firm support and pressure relief.
The WinkBed Plus comes with a 120-night sleep trial period and a lifetime warranty.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Gel Mattress
The Brookyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress is one of Brooklyn Bedding’s more high-end mattresses. It’s got a ton of cooling features in it that can help hot sleepers sleep cool all night. It’s also available in three different firmnesses, so it can accommodate all of the sleeping positions. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“First and foremost, I’d recommend this mattress to hot sleepers. This bed sleeps nice and cool thanks to special phase change technology and gel infusions. The Aurora Luxe is also a nice pick for back sleepers. This mattress in the Medium model is medium-soft, so it should contour the hips while also lifting them into alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
My Expert Opinion on the Aurora Luxe
When it comes to memory foam, we typically don’t recommend it to sleepers prone to overheating. This material is notorious for trapping heat, which can be a sweaty nightmare for hot sleepers. However, one of my favorite cooling features in a mattress is a gel infusion in the foam. These tiny beads of liquid are designed to absorb your body heat and then release it instead of trapping it in the mattress. I chose the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress for the best cooling gel mattress because it not only takes advantage of gel technology but also uses copper-infused foam, which is another cooling material. This mattress also includes a tall layer of coils, which helps air flow in and out of the bed without becoming trapped in the foam.
How the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Performed in Testing
Motion Isolation 4.5/5
I was very pleased with the motion isolation on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. If we take a look at the seismograph results, the lines are relatively small and there’s minimal spiking. If you wake up very easily, you might be disturbed by a restless partner. However, I think most sleepers will be able to sleep soundly without feeling their partner’s movement. At the very most, you might feel them getting in and out of bed.
Support 5/5
With high-quality foams and coils zoned for support, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress is incredibly supportive. Although the foams pull their weight, the coils are putting in the most work. These coils are 8 inches tall and feel softer and firmer depending on where the sleeper places the most weight and needs the most support. When laying on this mattress, I felt very secure and supported.
Edge Support 4/5
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe has solid edge support. When I sat on the edge of the mattress, I felt very secure and stable. I used a yardstick to measure how much the layers collapsed under my weight and found only 2 inches of sinkage. I think most sleepers will be able to sleep right up to the very edge of the bed while still feeling secure and supported.
Pressure Relief 4.5/5
When testing the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe for pressure relief, I chose the Medium model. If we take a peek at the pressure map, we see mostly blue and green at the hips and back when side and back sleeping, indicating low-pressure buildup. I felt the foams contouring around my joints when laying in these positions and overall felt really comfortable. However, I do see a bit of yellow forming at my shoulders when side sleeping, so I would recommend the softer model for side sleepers.
How Will the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Help With Cooling?
When it comes to memory foam, it has a reputation for trapping heat. However, certain materials can be infused into the memory foam to help dissipate heat and better regulate the temperature. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe has a layer of gel-infused memory foam and a copper-infused layer that’s been treated with TitanCool, a phase change material that promotes airflow. The inclusion of coils adds even more airflow and breathability. When I tested this mattress with the thermal gun, I found a temperature increase of 5 degrees after laying on it for 5 minutes — the results of which you can see below. This indicates good cooling, and hot sleepers should feel comfortable on this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Price (Queen) | $2,265 (before discounts) |
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Sleep Trials | 120 nights |
| Warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Height | 13.25″ |
| Adjustable Base Compatible? | Yes |
What Our Tester Says
“The Aurora Luxe is one of those mattresses that you know is cooling just by touching the cover. Seriously, it’s cool to the touch. I found the Medium model to be really comfy for both back and side sleeping.”
“The Aurora Luxe is a nice pick for back sleepers. This mattress in the Medium model is medium-soft, so it should contour the hips while also lifting them into alignment”
– Nichole Mondshein, leader reviewer and staff writer
Customer Reviews
Aside from cooling capabilities, customers tend to show strong support for the level of comfort they feel on the Aurora Luxe. Many customers speak highly of the cushioning that comes from the optional Cloud Pillow Top, available for an additional fee. Also, Brooklyn Bedding stands out from many other brands on this list in that it has many of its own showrooms across the country, from California to New York and the company’s headquarter state of Arizona.
“The mattress is beautiful and very comfortable. Cannot feel when your partner moves all over the bed.” – Louis K.
Verified Buyer 09/30/24
Brooklyn Bedding Company Information
Customer Service Information
- Phone: 623-624-1222
- Email: support@brooklynbedding.com
- Live chat: Chat available Monday-Friday, 10am – 9pm Saturday-Sunday 11am – 7pm ET
- Visit showrooms: Store locator
Payment Options
Brooklyn Bedding accepts payments from Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, Shop Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. They also offer financing options through Affirm and Shop Pay’s financing programs.
Brooklyn Bedding also offers 30% off and free shipping on all orders for military members, first responders, medical providers, educators and students.
Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review. Want another gel mattress option? Check out the Bear Original mattress, which includes a layer of graphite gel-infused memory foam.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Soft Cooling Mattress
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
My Expert Opinion on the Bear Elite Hybrid
If you’re a hot sleeper seeking a soft mattress with plenty of cushioning and sinkage, allow me to introduce the Bear Elite Hybrid in the Soft model. This bed contains layers of gentle memory foam that provide deep body contouring and pressure relief. Thanks to the cover made of a material called Celliant, which is an optional add on and available for a fee, the bed feels very breathable.. If you decide not to add on the cover, individually wrapped coils and copper-infused foam assist with cooling as well.
The Bear Elite Hybrid in the Medium model falls at a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. This qualifies as a medium-soft mattress, so we recommend the Soft model for those seeking a very soft feel. This model should provide sleepers with a plush and cozy surface perfect for side sleeping.
How the Bear Elite Hybrid Performed in Testing
Motion Isolation 4.5/5
Based on the Bear Elite Hybrid’s performance in my motion isolation test, I think it’s an excellent choice for couples, especially if one or both partners tend to toss and turn. When we look at the seismograph, we see very small lines. The only noticeable spikes are from when the steel ball is dropped from the highest height, which represents a person jumping on the bed. If you sleep with someone else, you’re very unlikely to feel them moving on the other side of the bed.
Support 4.5/5
I thought the Bear Elite Hybrid was super supportive thanks to its coil-on-coil construction. These two coil layers helped lift my body up and out of the bed. Not only was my spine supported, but I felt lots of support from the foam contour layer, which contains five different zones. The foam is softer and firmer depending on the zone, so each part of the body is adequately supported.
Edge Support 4.5/5
The edge-to-edge coils inside the Bear Elite Hybrid gave me high expectations for the bed’s edge support. When I sat and laid down on the edges, I felt very secure. There was some sinkage when I sat on the edges, but it wasn’t enough to raise concern. I think this mattress could appeal to folk with mobility issues, as these sleepers rely on the edges to get in and out of bed.
Pressure Relief 4.5/5
When we take a look at the Bear Elite Hybrid’s pressure map, we see mostly blue and green at the back, hips, and shoulders when I was sleeping on my side and back. There is slight pressure building at the shoulders, knees, and lower back when I sleep on my side, but I don’t think this pressure is too alarming. Most side sleepers should sleep pain-free, but those with severe preexisting joint pain should make sure to select the Soft model upon checkout.
How Will the Bear Elite Hybrid Help With Cooling?
The first thing I noticed about the Bear Elite Hybrid was its cool-to-the-touch cover made from phase change material fabric, which is available for purchase upon checkout. Directly below the cover is a layer of copper-infused memory foam that helps dissipate body heat. Underneath is a comfort foam that promotes airflow, and finally the breathable coil layers. When testing this mattress, I could immediately feel the cooling technology at work. But just to be sure, I pulled out my thermal gun, and you can see my results below. I recorded a temperature increase of 10 degrees after laying on the bed for five minutes, indicating decent cooling. I think hot sleepers can find a lot of cooling relief on this bed.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Price (Queen) | $2,305 (before discounts) |
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Sleep Trials | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Height | 14″ |
| Adjustable Base Compatible? | Yes |
What Our Tester Says
“When considering the mattress’s construction and thermal gun results, I’d say that the Bear Elite does an impressive job at sleeping cool. Its cooling cover and copper-infused foam help dissipate body heat, and the bed didn’t heat up too much when I laid down on it.”
“As someone who falls in the average weight back sleepers category, I think the Bear Elite Hybrid is an excellent pick for most average weight back sleepers. I felt really well supported on this bed.”
– Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Customer Reviews
Multiple customer reviews talk about how the Bear Elite Hybrid has helped with their joint pain and back pain recovery. We believe this to be because of this mattress’s pressure-relieving cover, thick memory foam, and its two supportive coil layers. If you want to test out these materials yourself, you can do so at select showrooms from Bear’s brand partners, including Brooklyn Bedding.
“Best mattress ever used. I was having back and shoulder pain sleeping on my previous foam mattress. After changing to the Elite Hybrid mattress, I no longer have pain. I simply feel the best when I wake up now. It was totally worth the investment.” – Kevin L.
Verified Buyer
Bear Company Information
Customer Service Information
All forms of contact are available Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm EST
- Phone: (844) 311-0035
- Email: support@bearmattress.com
- Live chat: Available on their website or through text
- View showrooms: Store Locator
Payment Options
Bear offers payment through most major credit card companies like Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover. They also offer payments through PayPal, Google Pay, Venmo and Shop Pay. If you’re interested in paying in installments, they also offer financing options through Affirm and Shop Pay financing programs.
If you are a military member, first responder, healthcare professional or teacher, you can get 40% off on all Bear products.
Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review. Still looking for a soft mattress? Check out the Helix Sunset mattress.
Leesa Sapira Chill – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a hybrid mattress, available in three firmness levels. We tested the Medium-Firm model and felt it was just softer than average, but could still work for all three sleeping positions — a rare find among mattresses. It also has some effective cooling technology built into it, which helps to keep sleepers cool throughout the night. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I really think the medium-firm model is a great fit for all sleeping positions. Yep, the Leesa Sapira Chill is one of those unicorn mattresses that provides a great balance of comfort and support for a wide range of sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
My Expert Opinion on the Leesa Sapira Chill
As you can probably tell from its name, the Leesa Sapira Chill mattress was designed for sleepers looking to cool down. Leesa has included some unique cooling technology in this bed, including a cover containing fibers designed to keep the skin at a regulated temperature. The bed also contains gel-infused foam and breathable coils for even more cooling.
I think this mattress is the best cooling bed for back sleepers because of its medium-firm feel and hybrid construction. Back sleepers typically need a balance between soft pressure relief and firm support in order to achieve proper spinal alignment while still maintaining comfort. The zoned support coil system provides great support, and the top foam layers help cushion the lower back, hips, and shoulders.
Hear from the Experts:
Is Sleeping Cool Better for Your Health?
“Sleep is the most important thing we do to reset our brain and body everyday, it is crucial for your overall health. A cool mattress can regulate your temperature and prevent restlessness at night. The cooler the better, I recommend a sleeping temperature for optimal sleep between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 19 degrees Celsius). “
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
What Makes A Mattress Cooling?
A cooling mattress wicks heat away to keep you cool at night. It’s important to allow airflow throughout the mattress, which brands accomplish through a number of different materials.
While it’s important to understand how a mattress’s construction can impact cooling and heat performance, it’s critical to understand how these materials work together within the larger design of the mattress itself. For example, you will rarely see a mattress that’s 100 percent traditional viscoelastic memory foam from top to bottom. Instead, you’ll have a layer or two of memory foam and a layer or two of poly foam. These materials work together to create airflow and a comfortable cooling surface on the mattress.
Breathable Materials
A traditional spring coil can easily breathe, given that the coils are very thin and, at most, will be wrapped in a thin layer of foam or fabric. A material like memory foam may not breathe as well as a coil, as there’s more material preventing air from circulating in and out of the mattress.
Similar to breathability, a material’s heat conductivity and heat retention are important. A steel coil shouldn’t absorb your body heat or trap that heat. However, a traditional memory foam soaks up body heat and retains it, usually causing that memory foam to feel a bit softer and warmer.
Airflow
One way many companies keep their mattresses cool is by taking the material design to the next level by improving their airflow capabilities. These companies use special machines to mold, compress, or cut the foam into a design that allows greater air movement.
The most basic level of this technique is to punch holes within the top of the foam. These small holes allow hot air to flow through the mattress rather than be absorbed by it. More advanced techniques create deeper and more pronounced channels within the foam, dramatically improving airflow.
Gel-infused foam
When a mattress is specifically made to cool, many brands include a gel-infused foam layer in its construction to help disperse your body heat. This tends to increase the price of the mattress so keep that in mind, however if you are a hot sleeper this will be a huge help in keeping you cool.
Phase Change Materials (PCM)
Many cooling mattresses offer phase changing materials that are meant to absorb your body heat and spread it across the mattress so heat doesn’t build up anywhere. Typically we see a lot of heat build up in traditional foams which don’t have PCM materials.
What’s The Best Type Of Mattress For Cooling?
Coils and Springs
A traditional mattress uses one or more layers of coils/springs. This kind of construction not only provides comfort and balance, but also allows for airflow because there’s so much space inside the bed. Bear in mind, many coil mattresses contain some foams (usually poly foam or memory foam), which are often quilted within the covers of the mattress. Sometimes, these materials are not explicitly disclosed.
Latex Foam
Latex foam doesn’t change its feel based on how hot or cold the room is because it doesn’t retain much heat. Regardless of room or body temperature, a latex mattress will almost always feel the same. Most latex foam layers are also aerated, thus allowing for greater airflow, making latex a great option for cooling in a mattress. Note that this is only true of 100 percent natural latex and does not always apply to blended or synthetic latex.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam with viscoelastic properties, meaning they are slow to respond when pressure is applied and released (hence the name “memory”). This effect creates great hug and contour, but for some sleepers can lead to a trapped feeling that can diminish cooling. Note that “memory foam” is not one type of material but is simply a classification of viscoelastic polyfoam. There are many different types of memory foam with different cooling qualities and attributes. The same can be said about standard non-viscoelastic poly foams.
How We Test For The Best Cooling Mattress
Thermal Gun Test
In our Sleepopolis mattress lab, we recently started testing our mattresses with a thermal gun — a device that tells us how much a mattress heats up after we lie down on it. Once we’ve laid on the bed for 15 minutes, a color-coded graphic uses thermal imaging to show the temperature increase. If there’s an increase of more than 15 degrees Fahrenheit, we consider the bed to have poor cooling capabilities. 10 to 15 degrees indicates decent cooling, 5 to 10 degrees indicates good cooling, and less than 5 degrees indicates excellent cooling.
Below is a thermal image of the Helix Plus — a mattress designed specifically for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds — before anyone has rested on it.
As you can see, the mattress has a temperature of 66.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Now let’s take a look at the graphic from after we’ve laid on it for 15 minutes. The number at the top of the image tells us that its temperature has increased by 10.2 degrees. This indicates decent cooling.
It’s important to note that this is a test we’ve only recently introduced. So only a handful of our mattresses currently have data from our thermal gun. But we’re gradually rolling it out across the rest of our reviews. Keep an eye out here for more results in the future.
Pressure Relief
How well a mattress relieves pain is also an important factor to consider. To measure how well these mattresses relieve pain, our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches test their pressure relieving abilities. Pressure relief refers to how evenly a bed distributes your weight. Evenly distributed weight relieves pressure (and pain) at sensitive areas like the hips, shoulders, and lower back.
To get an objective idea of how well a mattress relieves pressure, we roll a specialized mat onto the mattress’s surface and lay down on top of it. The mat records how much pressure builds up and then translates the results into an easy-to-read graphic via thermal imaging. Areas of blue and green on the map indicate low pressure while areas of orange and red indicate high pressure. We focus on three areas that sleepers struggle with, back pain, shoulder pain, and hip pain.
Pressure map results for each mattress can be found within its full review article.
Hear from the Experts:
In Your Experience, Does Temperature Affect Pressure Relief?
“Yes, temperature can definitely affect pressure relief by influencing the materials you choose in a mattress. For instance, memory foam performs best with pressure relief, however worst in cooling, memory foam becomes softer with heat, allowing it to contour better to the body, which can enhance pressure relief. Conversely, if a mattress retains too much heat, it may become too firm, potentially leading to pressure points and discomfort. My recommendation is to look for a hybrid mattress to have a balance of coils for cooling, and memory foam for pressure relief. “
Body Type
| Lightweight Sleepers | Average-Weight Sleepers | Heavyweight Sleepers |
| < 160 pounds | 160 – 230 pounds | > 230 pounds |
We recognize that people come in all shapes and sizes, and people of every size deserve a mattress that works for their body type. We use the weight categories light, average, and heavy to more easily categorize sleepers based on how mattresses will perform for their body type, as most mattresses are designed for the group we call “average” (130 to 250 pounds).
As a general rule, lighter sleepers don’t require as much support as average weight sleepers, and mattresses will tend to feel firmer to them. On the other hand, heavy sleepers tend to need more support than average weight sleepers and tend to sink into the mattress more.
Sleeping Position
The perfect mattress for you is largely dependent on your preferred sleeping position. For example, a mattress that is perfect for a stomach sleeper might be a disaster for a side sleeper.
As a general rule, we recommend that side sleepers choose mattresses on the softer side. A mattress with lots of cushioning foams and body contouring will allow the sensitive pressure points at the shoulders and hips to be cradled nicely.
We recommend firmer mattresses for strict stomach sleepers. If a stomach sleeper’s mattress is too soft, their hips may sink too far into the mattress. This can cause the lower back to form a U shape, which can lead to pain over time. A firm mattress will keep the hips propped up and leave the spine in neutral alignment.
Back sleepers usually sleep best on medium-firm mattresses that provide an equal amount of comfort and support. Combination sleepers are people who switch between sleeping positions throughout the night. When searching for a mattress, these sleepers should pick one with a decent amount of bounce and responsiveness, as this will help them easily switch positions without feeling stuck in the bed.
Firmness
As a general rule, softer mattresses mean more sinkage and more hug, which in turn means more material coming into contact with your body. As a result, softer mattresses are usually going to be warmer than medium or firm mattresses. This isn’t to say that you can’t find a soft mattress that’s also cooling. However, you may want to invest in a higher-priced mattress to get the right combination of softness with impactful cooling features.
On the other hand, firmer mattresses are usually a little cooler for the same reason. With a firmer mattress, you’ll likely have a little more of a floating “on-top-of-the-bed” feel. The mattress isn’t likely to wrap around your body or envelop you in the same way that a soft mattress will. This means you have less material in contact with your body and more opportunity for air to easily flow into contact with your skin. This results in a cooler feel.
We score a mattress’s firmness by having several Certified Sleep Science Coaches lay on the mattress and give it a rating between 1 to 10 and then averaging the scores. 1 represents the softest mattress and 10 represents the firmest. A score of 6.5 is our standard for a true medium-firm mattress. Remember that firmness is subjective and is largely dependent on your body type and preferred sleeping position. For example, what feels firm to a lightweight sleeper may feel softer to an average or heavy weight sleeper.
Each mattress in this roundup has its own full in-depth review where we discuss each sleeping position for each body type and how it may feel for different sleepers.
Edge Support
Edge support is the strength and supportiveness of the edges of your mattress. The more supportive the edges of your mattress the more durable it is, as it will not be as likely to sag prematurely or deteriorate. It also helps keep your mattress usable for longer, and may be especially important for older sleepers who need more help getting in and out of bed.
We measure edge support by sitting or laying on the edge of a mattress and using a yard stick to measure the sinkage. Anything deeper than a 5 inch sink is considered bad edge support. Look out for words like “reinforced edges” or “strong edge support” on their site.
Motion Isolation For Couples
If you sleep with a partner you’ll want to consider things like motion transfer, edge support, and cooling technology when choosing a bed. You’ll also need to compromise on things like firmness level and feel to ensure both partners are happy. Motion transfer refers to the amount of movement that is felt across the mattress when your partner, kid(s) or pets move around. The last thing you want is to be woken up because of someone else tossing and turning.
We test for motion isolation by dropping 10 pound weighted balls from different heights and using a seismograph machine to measure the amount of motion felt across the mattress. The bigger the waves on the graph, the worst the mattress has performed for motion isolation. Typically, mattresses like memory foam and latex have better motion isolation because of their softer feel. We also test motion isolation with our red wine test by placing a glass of red wine on one end of the bed and having one of our testers lay in various sleeping positions on the other end. This gives us an immediate answer how the mattress performs.
Mattress Type
When it comes to cooling, the materials and mattress construction are important. We evaluated the materials of each mattress on this list and tested them for cooling abilities. We found that organic materials, such as latex and cotton, were the most breathable and cooling. These eco-friendly materials typically have special certifications and are hypoallergenic. However, that makes them a bit more expensive, which is something budget shoppers may want to keep in mind. Below, we’ll cover the most common mattress types and how they typically perform in the cooling category.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are constructed with a thin layer of foam and a strong coil system. The coils in these beds typically allow for a lot of airflow and prevent hot air from becoming trapped, making the mattress very breathable. We like these beds for hot sleepers and think they can help combat overheating. For our favorites, check out our best innerspring mattress roundup.
Memory Foam
All-foam mattresses use layers of memory foam, polyurethane foam, or proprietary foam to create a cozy, pressure relieving surface. However, foam mattresses are notorious for trapping heat within their layers, which isn’t ideal for people who run hot at night. However, many memory foam mattresses combat this by infusing their foam with gel or copper to create a cooler experience. For more memory foam picks, head to our best memory foam mattress roundup.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine the coils from innerspring mattresses with the comforting memory foam from all-foam mattresses to create the best of both worlds. Because these beds contain coils, they typically have better airflow and overall cooling abilities than all-foam mattresses. For hot sleepers, we recommend looking for beds with gel-infused or cooling comfort layers. Breathable cotton, Celliant, or Tencel covers can also help hybrid mattresses sleep cool. For more options, check out our best hybrid mattress roundup.
Latex
Latex mattresses are known for their bouncy and responsive nature. Latex is a naturally breathable material, and it usually scores well for its cooling abilities. Many latex mattresses have an open cell structure that allows for even more air to flow through the mattress. For more on latex mattresses, read our best latex mattress roundup.
Which Mattress Types Should Hot Sleepers Avoid
We typically steer hot sleepers away from memory foam mattresses because they have a reputation for heat trapping. Since all-foam mattresses don’t contain coils, there’s less room for air to flow through the bed and keep the sleeper cool throughout the night. However, some memory foam mattresses have cooling gel or copper infused foam, which can help prevent the mattress from getting too hot.
Soft mattresses also typically run hot. As your weight presses into the soft layers, they compress and limit space for airflow. If you’re looking for a soft mattress, we recommend looking for one containing coils or other cooling technology.
How Does a Cover Affect Mattress Cooling?
The mattress cover is perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of the mattress’s functionality. However, the cover can play a major role in how cool or hot a mattress sleeps. In general, the less material within the cover, the better the cooling will be. This is simply due to having better airflow in and out of the cover. It’s important to note that the cover can only be as cool as the foam/coil layers below it, except in rare cases such as phase change material (see below).
Non-Quilted Covers
Non-quilted/thin covers are popular and widely used covers for many online mattresses. This might be because they’re typically less expensive than quilted covers, but also because they offer better breathability. A thin cover simply has less material. Less material means less to get in the way of air circulating in the mattress, which ultimately means better cooling on the sleeping surface.
Quilted Covers
Quilted covers offer a more traditional look and feel, but can also mean a little more heat, as there’s simply more material surrounding your body. The materials quilted within the cover can also play a factor here. Usually, thin low-density memory foam or poly foam will be quilted within the cover. Most traditional mattresses tend to use a quilted cover.
Phase Change Material
A Phase Change Material (PCM) is tuned to a specific temperature. These materials will absorb heat until your body has reached that specific temperature. If your body’s temperature drops below that tuned temperature point, then the PCM will release that heat back out, seeking the equilibrium temperature it has been designed to achieve. In this way, Phase Change Materials are great for both sleepers who sleep too hot and those who sleep too cold.
What Certifications Should You Look At For Cooling Mattresses?
Depending on the material and quality of the mattress. Certain brands earn awards and certifications that prove the quality of their mattresses. An example to look out for is the CertiPUR-US. This applies to certain foams and means the bed is free from harmful chemicals, fiberglass and heavy metals. It is also better for the environment in its construction. Some other certifications to look out for include OEKO-TEX certified, GREENGUARD Gold certified, GOLS, and GOTS-Certified Global Organic Cotton and Latex.
Other Cooling Fabrics
Lycra fabric contains a special fiber seen commonly in sports clothing. It has an elastic type of feel, moves freely, and wicks away moisture.
Performance Polyester is another material seen a lot in sports clothing. They work in the same way as Lycra, as they’re moisture-wicking and help allow free movement.
Celiant is a thermo-reactive fiber that turns your body heat into infrared light. Studies have shown that infrared light can increase oxygenation of the body, which results in better internal temperature regulation.
What Temperature Should You Keep Your Room At?
According to expert Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN, the best temperature for sleep is between 62-68°F for most adults. Anything above or below those temperatures may affect your sleep.
Cooling Accessories to Stay Cool
Alongside a cooling mattress, there are a few other ways you can be proactive to stay cool at night.
- Purchase one of the best cooling sheets that are designed to wick moisture and repel heat.
- Install blackout curtains that help the heat stay out and the cool stay in.
- Look for bedding made from cotton or linen, which are both breathable materials. Wearing cotton pajamas can also help.
- Sleep on cooling pillows made from breathable materials that provide plenty of airflow.
- If you sleep with a mattress topper, look for one made with foams infused with cooling technology, such as gel or copper.
- Invest in some cooling pajamas. Silk & bamboo material pajamas are breathable and will keep you nice and chill.
For more ways to stay cool, head over to our guide to keeping a room cool or learn more about the best temperature for sleeping.
Hear from the Experts:
Are Cooling Mattresses Worth it?
“Cooling mattresses can be worth it for those who tend to overheat during sleep, those who live in warmer climates, or anyone that has health conditions effecting temperature regulation, cooling mattresses, can help maintain a comfortable temperature and improve sleep quality. The investment can lead to better rest and overall health, so I highly recommend them for hot sleepers.”
Types of Cooling Mattress Toppers
Gel-Infused
These toppers incorporate gel beads or layers to absorb and dissipate heat. They often have a cooling effect and can be found in various firmness levels.
Memory Foam with Cooling Technology
Memory foam toppers may include cooling gels, copper infusions, or open-cell structures to enhance airflow and reduce heat retention.
Latex
Natural latex toppers are breathable and tend to stay cooler than memory foam. They are also hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites.
Hybrid
Hybrid toppers combine materials, such as gel-infused memory foam and latex, to offer a blend of cooling properties and support.
Down Alternatives
These toppers are filled with synthetic fibers designed to mimic the feel of down. They tend to be breathable and less likely to retain heat compared to traditional down.
Phase Change Material (PCM)
PCM toppers use materials that absorb, store, and release heat to help maintain a consistent temperature.
Bamboo
Bamboo-derived materials are often used in cooling toppers due to their natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
Cotton
Cotton toppers are breathable and can help wick away moisture, which can contribute to a cooler sleep environment.
Can Mattress Toppers Help You Stay Cool?
Short answer: Yes absolutely! Cooling mattress toppers are a very budget way to cool your sleep experience without having to buy an entirely new mattress. A topper is to compliment your current bed so the firmness and type will be determine based off of your sleep preferences and sleeping positions. Make sure to look out for cooling gels, coils and phase changing materials to get the coolest sleeping mattress topper.
Shipping, Warranties & Sleep Trials
Shipping
Every mattress brand we have tested and selected on this list have free shipping included with your mattress so you don’t have to find extra room in your budget. Many brands, like Saatva offer a white glove delivery service at a cost, which involves hand delivery of the mattress and help setting it up in your room so you don’t have to worry about getting up stairs. They also can take your old mattress out of your place, so a full mattress delivery service.
For Canadian shoppers, there are several brands that ship across the border or great Canadian mattress companies. Check out our Best Mattresses in Canada for more options.
Warranties
When shopping for a mattress online, warranties are extremely important so you can be rest assured if the mattress doesn’t fit your lifestyle or doesn’t hold its standard, you can return it. Each mattress company has different warranties so make sure to check out our reviews for the full breakdown. We recommend to look for brands offering 10 year to lifetime warranties since you want to guarantee a durable mattress.
Sleep Trials
The purpose of a sleep trial is for you to be able to test the mattress in the comfort of your own home for a longer period of time than you’d have in a showroom, to make sure it fits your sleep preferences. Each company offers different lengths of trials however we recommend you look for companies offering 60-90 day trials because we believe that gives you enough time to break in a mattress.
How Much Should You Spend on a Cooling Mattress?
Because of the higher quality of cooling materials, mattresses specifically built with the purpose of keeping you cool might be more expensive. Of course there are several mattress out there that can fit in all price points however, for a durable, cool and good quality mattress, you can expect to be paying $1,200–$2,000 on a cooling mattress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cooling mattress?
A cooling mattress is exactly what it sounds like – a mattress designed to sleep cool all night and prevent heat from being trapped. The materials and construction of a mattress largely contribute to how breathable the mattress is and how well air can flow freely through it.
Is cooling technology in a mattress worth it?
If you tend to sleep hot and overheat at night, a mattress designed with cooling technology could certainly be a sleep game changer.
What mattress keeps you coolest?
A mattress that contains a layer of coils helps promote airflow throughout the layers, which can help it sleep cool. Foams designed to repel heat, such as gel-infused foams, can also aid in cooling.
Do cooling mattresses really work?
All mattresses in this roundup have been personally tested by one of our Certified Sleep Science Coaches to ensure they actually sleep cool and can be a great option for hot sleepers. This roundup only includes mattresses we are confident will aid in cooling.
Best Cooling Mattresses
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Midnight Luxe | Overall | $2,375 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nectar Luxe Hybrid | Hybrid | $2,249 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Spinal Alignment | $1,749 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| DreamCloud Original | Firm | $1,483 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva | Innerspring | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Winkbed Plus | Heavy People | $1,999 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Gel | $2,265 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Soft | $2,111 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Leesa Sapira Chill | Back Sleepers | $2,159 | Check Coupons | Read Our Review |
Bridget Chapman
Former Senior Product Editor
About Author
Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.
Combination Sleeper