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 percent 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. We put every bed we review 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, we wanted to pay special attention to the quality of each product’s cooling properties. All of the below mattresses have either an added cooling feature or a construction that promotes airflow.
We worked closely with our board-certified Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, to develop our medically approved testing methodology. This article has also been verified by Stephanie Wright, RN, BSN to review all of the content from a medical perspective to ensure accurate recommendations based on data and subjective factors. When choosing the best cooling mattresses of 2025, we paid close attention to the following factors:
- Airflow and breathability: The beds on this list contain airy constructions, with many including breathable coils, to provide space for hot air to escape without becoming tapped in the bed.
- Thermal Gun Test: Our thermal gun test helps quantify the bed’s cooling abilities. We record the temperature of each mattress before and after a tester lies on it for 5 minutes and then observe the temperature increase. If it heats up less than 10 degrees, it has good cooling.
- Cooling infusions: Although foam can sometimes trap heat, the beds on this list take advantage of cooling infusions designed to draw heat away from the body, such as gel, copper, and graphite.
- Phase change materials (PCM): Many of these beds are made with phase changing materials, which are meant to absorb body heat and spread it across the mattress so heat doesn’t build elsewhere.
Our Top Pick For Hot Sleepers
The Helix Midnight Luxe ranks first on this list because it’s a hybrid mattress that’s jam packed with cooling technology, including a Tencel cover, gel- and copper-infused foams, and breathable coils zoned for support.
Best Cooling Mattresses of 2025
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Overall Cooling Mattress
- Nectar Luxe Hybrid – Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress
- DreamCloud Original – Best Firm Cooling Mattress
- Saatva – Best Cooling Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Silk & Snow Hybrid – Best Value Cooling Mattress
- WinkBed Plus – Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Gel Mattress
- Nolah Evolution – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Soft Cooling Mattress
- Leesa Sapira Chill – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
What We Looked For in the Best Cooling Mattresses
Our team of certified sleep science coaches has tested more than 330 mattresses in our testing studio. Our testers have been trained to evaluate mattresses for material quality, durable construction, and performance factors like support, pressure relief, motion isolation, and edge support. We’ve cut these beds open, rolled around on them, and performed several tests to provide a holistic scope for what you can expect once it arrives.
When considering the best cooling mattresses of 2025, all of our top picks scored a 4 out of 5 or higher in cooling. We also focused on some other important factors, including the following.
- Construction: When it comes to cooling, it’s important that the mattress is breathable and designed to promote airflow. The addition of steel coils adds space inside the bed for hot air to flow in and out without getting trapped.
- Materials: Certain materials, such as foam, have a reputation for trapping heat. We looked for beds containing materials that are naturally cooling or contain cooling infusions that help dissipate heat.
- Support: We looked for beds with strong support systems that aren’t prone to sagging over time, such as steel coils and high-density foam. These beds should promote proper spinal alignment by lifting the hips in line with the shoulders.
Compare the Best Cooling Mattresses
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| Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | Nectar Luxe Hybrid Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress | WinkBed Plus Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | |||||||
| Best For |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors
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Hot Sleepers,
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Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Side Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Back Pain |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hip Pain,
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Best Cooling Mattress Video Review
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
The Helix Midnight Luxe is the upgraded version of Helix’s most popular mattress, the standard Helix Midnight. Unlike the standard model, the Midnight Luxe contains cooling technology that helps dissipate heat and promote airflow, earning 4.5 stars for cooling. The bed includes two cooling infusions — a gel-infused foam pillow top and a copper gel memory foam comfort layer.
Copper and gel are two of our favorite cooling materials. According to Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, “gel infusions help draw heat away from the body and regulate temperature.” And that’s to say nothing of the breathable Tencel cover and airflow-promoting coils at the bottom of the mattress.
In addition to evaluating the materials and construction, our mattress experts test cooling using a thermal gun. First, we record the initial temperature of the mattress. Then, we lie on it for 5 minutes and record the temperature again. 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 we performed this test on the Helix Midnight, we saw a temperature increase of 3.3 degrees, indicating excellent cooling.
In addition to upgraded cooling features, the Midnight Luxe includes 1,000 individually wrapped coils zoned for support, meaning their firmness fluctuates depending on where the body needs the most lift. Our testers found lots of sturdy support from these coils, especially when back sleeping, so they gave the bed 4.5 stars for support. Our expert mattress tester Nichole Mondshein said, “The lumbar support helped with my chronic back pain. My hips and lower back were sinking into the mattress, but I still felt cushioned by the bed and I was incredibly comfortable.”
As a medium-firm bed, we recommend this mattress to back and side sleepers, who should find a blend of support and cushioning. However, we don’t recommend this bed to stomach sleepers, who may prefer a firmer mattress.
To learn more about the Helix Midnight Luxe, read our full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review. If you’re a stomach sleeper seeking more support, try the Helix Dawn Luxe or head over to our best mattress of 2025 roundup.
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
We 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 a construction that promotes airflow. The tall layer of coils provides plenty of space inside the bed for air to flow through the structure without getting trapped. Our testers also called out the cool-to-the-touch quilted cover and said they “could feel its cooling properties right away.” They used a thermal gun to measure the temperature change after 5 minutes of lying on it and found a 3-degree increase. This indicates excellent cooling, so we gave it 5 stars in this category.
This bed is a great example of how hybrid mattresses can prioritize both comfort and support to create a balanced sleeping surface. Our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, says, “Hybrid mattresses provide a blend of support and comfort from coils and foams that can help align the spine and prevent lower back pain.”
Our mattress experts think the Nectar Luxe Hybrid falls at a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. Our tester Nichole Mondshein said, “Despite sinking into the Luxe Hybrid a little bit, I felt supported the entire time and did not notice any of the springs beneath the foam layer.” The 8-inch coil layer kept her lifted and promoted proper spinal alignment, so we gave it 5 stars for support.
The Nectar Luxe Hybrid contains two layers of foam that help cradle sensitive pressure points. When we tested the Nectar Luxe Hybrid using our pressure mat, we found low pressure along the hips, shoulders, and back. This indicates that most back and side sleepers experiencing pain in these areas should find relief on this bed, so we gave it 4.5 stars for pressure relief.
As a hybrid mattress, this bed is quite bouncy, earning 4.5 stars for responsiveness. That being said, you won’t find slow-moving, quicksand-like foam. If you prefer this feel, you may want to try one of the best memory foam mattresses instead.
For more about the Nectar Luxe Hybrid, head over to our full Nectar Luxe Hybrid review. For more great hybrid beds, check out our best hybrid mattress roundup or try the Nolah Evolution for a bed that has more sinkage.
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
If you’re a hot sleeper who prefers a firmer mattress, the DreamCloud Original might be your perfect match. As one of the best firm mattresses, our mattress testers rated this bed a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. A tall section of individually wrapped coils brings bounce, firmness, and lift to the bed, so our testers gave it 4.5 stars for support. The DreamCloud has more of an “on the bed” feel than “in the bed” feel, which helps keep the spine in line with the shoulders and prevent unnatural bending.
Hybrid mattresses like the DreamCloud are typically very breathable due to the inclusion of coils. These coils add space inside the bed for air to flow instead of getting trapped in the foam. Foam can sometimes absorb body heat and trap it, but the foam in this bed contains a gel infusion that dissipates heat. When we tested the bed with a thermal gun, we found a temperature increase of less than 7 degrees after 5 minutes of laying on it. This indicates good cooling abilities, earning 4 stars for cooling.
Although the bed definitely has the firm feel you’re seeking, there’s still enough foam up top to cushion the joints and provide some pressure relief. Our expert mattress tester Bridget Chapman said, “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.” Looking at the pressure map, we see mostly blue and green across the body, indicating low pressure. If you have lower back or shoulder pain, you may find some pain relief on this mattress.
While this bed does provide a bit of cushioning, strict side sleepers may find it too firm to provide deep body contouring around the hips and shoulders. These sleepers may be happier on a softer mattress.
RELATED: Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Want to learn more? Head on over to our full DreamCloud Original mattress review. You can also check out the all-foam Plank Firm Luxe for an even firmer bed.
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
If you sleep on your stomach, hip support is the name of the game. If your hips sink too far into the mattress, the lower back is thrown out of alignment and bends into a U shape that can lead to pain. That’s why a firm mattress with plenty of lift and support is ideal for achieving spinal alignment when stomach sleeping. Among our list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers is the Saatva Classic, a traditional innerspring bed that has 5-star support and 4.5-star cooling. The mattress is sold in three firmness options — our testers tried the Luxury Firm model, but they recommend the Firm model to stomach sleepers.
When it comes to cooling, the Saatva Classic can be described in one word — breathable. This innerspring bed doesn’t contain a ton of foam, which reduces the chance of heat trapping. The bed also contains two coil layers, which doubles the room for air to flow in and out. When we tested its cooling abilities using our thermal gun, we found a temperature increase of 9.3 degrees after laying on it for five minutes. This indicates good cooling abilities and hot sleepers should appreciate the airy feel.
According to Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, stomach sleepers fare best on a bed that falls between a 7 and 9 on the mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. These sleepers can appreciate the Saatva Classic’s firm support provided by the coil-on-coil construction. With two layers of zoned support coils, this bed provides plenty of lift at the hips, which is perfect for stomach sleepers. In addition to 5-star support, the Saatva has 5-star edge support. Our tester Nichole Mondshein said, “The Saatva Classic should be the gold standard for all mattresses in terms of edge support.”
One of the Saatva’s other strengths, however, is also its Achilles heel. While the double layer of springs gives it a ton of responsiveness that makes it easy to switch sleeping positions, it also gives the bed poor motion isolation. Those who sleep with a partner at night may want to consider a mattress with more foam, which can absorb motion at the source before it travels.
Interested in the Saatva Classic? Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information. For a different pick for stomach sleepers, check out the hybrid Helix Dawn.
Silk & Snow Hybrid – Best Cooling Value Mattress
As an affordable option with a medium-firm feel, we think that the Silk & Snow Hybrid should appeal to a wide variety of sleepers, including back sleepers, side sleepers, hot sleepers, and budget shoppers. Learn more in our full video review, where we compare the Silk & Snow Hybrid to the original Silk & Snow, which doesn’t have coils.
What our tester says:
“The Silk & Snow Hybrid is a great middle ground firmness for those who don’t want an ultra-firm bed, but also want to feel well-supported.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
As a hybrid mattress, the Silk & Snow Hybrid contains both foam and coils, with a luxurious pillow top that provides immediate plushness. Although a thick top and memory foam tend to trap heat, the foam in this bed contains a gel infusion that helps draw heat away from the body. Additionally, the tall section of coils leaves room for air to flow in and out without getting trapped. We tested this bed using a thermal gun to determine how much it heats up after 5 minutes of laying on it and found a 7.9 temperature increase. This qualifies as good cooling abilities, so heavy hot sleepers can rest easy knowing they won’t overheat.
Despite its cooling abilities and overall elegance, the Silk & Snow Hybrid comes at a value price, with a queen size usually available for $850 before any discounts. This makes it a great option for anyone who’s on a budget. In terms of firmness and feel, the Silk & Snow Hybrid falls at a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, making it a true medium-firm bed.
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
If you fall in the heavyweight sleeper category, allow me to introduce you to the WinkBed Plus – a bed designed specially for heavier body types. We typically steer heavy sleepers to ultra-supportive mattresses that contain sturdy coils and strong edges with a touch of cushioning. The WinkBed Plus earned 5 stars for support and edge support, so it provides plenty of lift at the hips and lower back. We also gave the mattress 4.5 stars for cooling based on its construction and materials.
When it comes to cooling, this mattress has stellar materials. The bed starts off with a Tencel cover, which is a naturally cooling and breathable material. Within the Euro top is a bit of gel-infused foam that helps dissipate heat. Latex foam is also a naturally breathable and cooling material. Finally, the tall coils help promote airflow and prevent heat trapping. While we haven’t tested the WinkBed Plus with our thermal gun yet, we think its a great pick for heavy hot sleepers.
We tested this bed with help from our weightlifter friend, Paulie, who falls in the heavy sleeper category. Paulie placed the WinkBed Plus at a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, so it’s definitely a firm bed. If you’re a lightweight or average-weight sleeper, you’ll likely experience this mattress as even firmer, since you won’t sink in as much as Paulie did.
We were impressed by the high-density “anti sag” gel foam, zoned support latex foam, and individually wrapped coils. These materials worked together to create an ultra-supportive sleeping surface that heavy sleepers can appreciate. Our tester Bridget Chapman says, “These materials are built to last, and I really enjoyed how the pillow top cradles your lumbar region while keeping you propped up.”
Even though heavy sleepers need lots of lift and support from their mattress, it’s also important to prioritize pressure relief to prevent pain. If we take a look at Paulie’s pressure map, we see all blue and green along the body when back and side sleeping. This indicates low pressure, so we don’t think pain will occur in those positions.
However, this bed is quite firm, so strict side sleepers may be more comfortable on a bed with more sinkage. We can also see a red hot spot Paulie slept on his stomach. This is because he carries his weight in his stomach. Folks with a similar body type may feel discomfort when stomach sleeping, but others can find good lift and support in this position. We gave this bed an overall score of 4.5 for pressure relief.
For more about the WinkBed Plus, head over to our full WinkBed Plus mattress review. For more options for heavy sleepers, check out the Helix Plus or our best mattress for heavy people roundup.
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
Although memory foam has a reputation for trapping heat, certain materials can infuse a foam and change it from a heat trapper to a heat repeller. One of our favorite cooling infusions is gel. These tiny beads of liquid are designed to absorb your body heat and then release it instead of trapping it in the mattress. While gel-infused foam is a common material, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe does it best. In addition to 4-star cooling, it earned 5 stars for support and 4.5 stars for pressure relief on the Medium model, so you can enjoy cushioning comfort while still achieving proper spinal alignment.
Not only does this bed take advantage of gel technology, it also uses copper-infused foam, which is another cooling material. This foam has been treated with another phase change material that helps with temperature regulation and airflow. Even more airflow is found from the 8-inch pocketed coil layer. Our tester Nichole Mondshein was especially impressed with the phase change material cover, saying “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.”
We further evaluated this gel mattress’s cooling abilities by measuring its temperature with a thermal gun before and after someone lies on it for five minutes. The Aurora Luxe went from 69.6 degrees at rest to 74.9 degrees. Since it only heated up a little more than 5 degrees, it qualifies as offering good cooling abilities.
We recommend this mattress to back and stomach sleepers due to its excellent support that lifts sleepers up and out of the mattress. When we take a look at the pressure map for the Medium model, we see almost entirely blue when back sleeping, which means little to no pressure is building. We can see a clear hot spot forming at the shoulder when side sleeping. This indicates pressure building in this area, so we wouldn’t recommend this bed to strict side sleepers, especially those who experience shoulder pain. These folks may prefer the Plush model.
Intrigued? Learn more about this mattress in our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe review. For more gel options, check out our best gel memory foam mattress roundup or try the Bear Original, which includes a layer of graphite gel-infused memory foam.
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
Believe it or not, the wrong mattress can not only exacerbate existing back pain — it can create entirely new back problems. According to Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a mattress can help ease back pain when it evenly distributes your body weight and adapts to your sleeping position to keep the spine aligned. He recommends mattresses that strike a balance between support and pressure relief.
We chose the Nolah Evolution as the best cooling mattress for back pain not only because of its 4.5-star cooling, but because of its 4.5-star support, and 5-star pressure relief.
As a hybrid mattress, the Nolah Evolution contains individually wrapped coils that leave room for air to flow in and out of the bed, which helps with cooling. The two comfort layers make the bed sleep even cooler, with one layer containing proprietary cooling fibers and the other containing a graphite infusion that helps with temperature regulation. Although we have not tested this bed with our thermal gun yet, our testers felt quite cool when sleeping on it, and its materials and construction fight against heat trapping.
Spinal alignment is the name of the game when it comes to preventing back pain. If the hips and shoulders aren’t in line, the spine bends unnaturally. If this happens for prolonged periods, back pain can occur or worsen. Luckily, the Nolah Evolution contains HDMax EcoSupport coils that tester Nichole Mondhsein says “provide enough support to keep the spine aligned and help relieve back pain.”
When we look at the pressure map, we see blue and green along the back regardless of sleeping position. This indicates minimal pressure building in this area, which is good news for those experiencing back pain. This bed contains soft layers of foam above the coils, which help fill in the space at the lumbar region and provide comfortable cushioning.
For more information about this bed, head over to our full Nolah Evolution mattress review. For more options, check out our best mattress for back pain roundup and learn about beds like the Saatva Rx.
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
If you’re looking for the best soft mattress with plenty of cushioning and sinkage, consider the Bear Elite Hybrid. This mattress is offered in multiple firmness levels, and we recommend the Soft model for the plushest feel. We tested the Medium model in our studio, which falls at a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. This qualifies as a medium-soft mattress, so the Soft model will feel more like a 5.5 or 5/10. In addition to 4.5-star pressure relief, this bed also features 4.5-star cooling and support.
Soft mattresses are known for their sinkage and contouring, which is ideal for side sleeping according to our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta. Taking a look at the pressure map, we see mostly blue and green at the back, hips, and shoulder when sleeping on our sides and backs. While back and side sleepers can enjoy the plush foams, stomach sleepers’ hips may sink in a bit too much, which could lead to back pain, so we don’t recommend stomach sleeping on this bed.
We were overall impressed with this bed’s cooling abilities. The Bear Elite Hybrid offers a cool-to-the-touch Celliant mattress cover, which is a phase change material that can help regulate temperature according to some clinical trials, for an additional price upon checkout. While we can’t verify the findings, our testers did think the Celliant cover helped the bed stay cool.
Tester Nichole Mondshein said, “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.” According to our thermal gun, the bed heated up by 10 degrees after five minutes of lying on it, indicating decent cooling.
Since this bed contains a lot of foam, the Bear Elite Hybrid performed excellent in our motion isolation test, earning 4.5 stars. We think couples could appreciate this bed, as they’re unlikely to be disturbed by a restless partner’s movement on the other side of the bed.
If you’re interested in this mattress, read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review. Alternatively, you can check out the Helix Sunset for a soft yet more affordable option.
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid – 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
According to our Director of Sleep Health, Dr. Shelby Harris, back sleepers should seek a medium-firm bed that isn’t too soft and isn’t too firm. A blend between support and pressure relief can promote proper spinal alignment in this position while still cushioning the lower back and preventing pain.
We think the Leesa Sapira Chill mattress is perfect for back sleeping because its medium-firm feel and hybrid construction boasts 4.5-star support and 5-star pressure relief, providing an overall balanced feel. And, as the name suggests, the Sapira Chill was specially designed for hot sleepers; we scored it 4.5 stars for cooling.
The mattress’s cooling tech starts with the cover — it sports a cool-to-the-touch feel, which Leesa says comes from cooling fibers designed to keep the skin at 88 degrees. The bed also contains breathable pocketed coils to prevent heat trapping and cooling gel-infused foam that dissipates heat. When we used our thermal gun, we found a 6.3-degree temperature increase after five minutes of lying on it. This indicates good cooling, and our tester Bridget Chapman agreed: “I felt its cooling effects when lying down on it.”
The pocketed coils and gel foam not only help with cooling, they also provide a comfortable and supportive surface for back sleepers. Our pressure map displays virtually no pressure buildup when side and back sleeping, so we think this bed could be a great choice for people with back, shoulder, and hip pain. The gel foam cushions the sensitive joints and fills in the space at the lumbar region, while the zoned support coils add lift and prop the spine into neutral alignment.
This bed falls at a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. While this feel is great for back and side sleeping, stomach sleepers may want a firmer mattress that provides more support at the hips.
If you’re ready to learn more about this bed, read our full Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid mattress review. For more great picks for back sleepers, head over to our best mattress for back sleepers roundup or try out the much firmer Plank Firm mattress by Brooklyn Bedding.
Other Cooling Mattresses We Researched
When putting together this list of the best cooling mattresses, there were a few beds we enjoyed that just didn’t make the cut. However, these are still good cooling mattresses worth considering.
Purple Mattress
The Purple mattress is an all-foam bed containing a GelFlex Grid. Not only does this grid excel at relieving pressure in all sleeping positions — its breathable design leaves plenty of room for airflow. However, this grid does have a very unique feel that some sleepers don’t love. If you’re seeking a traditional feel, the Purple likely isn’t the best pick.
Birch Natural Mattress
This organic mattress is made with latex foam, a naturally cooling material, as well as organic wool and organic cotton, both of which are naturally breathable. The Birch Natural also has a hybrid construction, with a layer of breathable coils. However, the latex makes this bed very responsive, lowering its motion isolation score (3.5 out of 5), so it may not be the best choice for couples.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Cooling Mattresses
Why trust Sleepopolis? Because our team of certified sleep science coaches has done research, tests, and analysis on over 330 mattresses so you don’t have to. We provide recommendations based on our rigorous testing methodology, which involves evaluating beds for quality, durability, value, and performance. We even cut into these beds so you can see exactly what you’re getting when you click purchase. Additionally, we pay attention to real customer reviews and company policies, so there will be no surprises.
Our team of testers also work with a network of medical experts, including board-certified doctors of sleep medicine, physical therapists, registered nurses, and other professionals to verify our findings and recommendations. Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta and Director of Sleep Health Dr. Shelby Harris helped develop our testing methodology based on their expert knowledge of sleep.
Thermal Gun Test
In our testing studio, we obtain concrete data on mattress cooling using a thermal gun — a device that tells us how much a mattress heats up after we lie down on it. Once a tester has laid on the bed for 5 minutes, a color-coded graphic demonstrates the temperature increase via thermal imaging.
If there’s a temperature increase of less than 5 degrees, we consider the mattress to have excellent cooling capabilities; 5 to 10 degrees indicates good cooling, 10 to 15 degrees indicates decent cooling, and more than 15 degrees indicates poor cooling.
Materials
Mattress cooling can also be influenced by the materials used. Some materials are naturally cooling and breathable, while others tend to trap heat and lead to sweatier nights. We looked for materials such as the following:
- Steel coils: Coils add space inside the bed for air to flow, thus promoting breathability and preventing heat trapping.
- Memory foam: Although foam has a reputation for trapping heat, we looked for mattresses containing foams infused with cooling materials, such as gel, copper, and latex.
- Latex: Latex foam feels similar to memory foam, but it’s naturally cooling and bouncier. This material doesn’t retain heat.
- Cotton: Cotton is a naturally breathable material, and many of the beds on this roundup include breathable cotton covers.
Pressure Relief
With any mattress, you’ll want to make sure it’s not causing pain. If the mattress is able to relieve pressure across the body, you’re unlikely to develop new aches and pains. To predict whether a mattress can alleviate pain, we use a pressure map test.
We start by rolling a specialized mat onto the surface of a mattress and having one of our testers lie on it in different sleeping positions. The mat is able to sense where more or less pressure is building on the body and translates the results into an easy-to-read graphic using thermal imaging. This graphic, called a pressure map, displays low pressure areas in blue and green and high pressure areas in red and yellow.
When analyzing the pressure map images, we focus on the back, shoulders, and hips. When sleeping, much of our weight is placed on these areas. If the map shows low pressure in these areas, you’re unlikely to develop pain.
What to Look for in the Best Cooling Mattress
Your perfect mattress is dependent on your personal body type, weight, and preferred sleeping position. You’ll also want to consider any sensitive joints you may have, whether you sleep with a partner, and the firmness level you enjoy. Below are some important factors to consider before purchasing a bed.
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
Sleeping position is one of the most important factors that determine whether a mattress will feel like a dream…or a complete nightmare.
- Side sleepers: We recommend mattresses on the softer side that contain lots of cushioning foams and body contouring to allow the sensitive pressure points at the hips and shoulders to be cradled nicely.
- Stomach sleepers: We generally steer these sleepers towards firmer beds that offer plenty of support at the hips to prevent unnatural spine bending.
- Back sleepers: Medium-firm mattresses that balance strong support and gentle pressure relief are ideal for these sleepers.
- Combination sleepers: Consider which sleeping positions you switch between and choose a mattress that’s not only compatible with both positions, but is also plenty responsive to aid in switching positions.
Firmness and 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. A 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.
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.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to 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’s less likely to sag prematurely or deteriorate. It also helps keep your mattress usable for longer, and may be especially important for seniors or those 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 or tape measure 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 the manufacturers’ sites to deduce edge support features.
Motion Isolation
Motion transfer refers to the amount of movement that’s felt across the surface of the mattress when your partner, kid(s), or pet(s) 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 worse 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 by placing a glass of water on one end of the bed and having one of our testers lie in various sleeping positions on the other end. Observing the amount of movement in the glass gives us an immediate answer to 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.
- 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.
- Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses combine the coils from innerspring mattresses with the comforting memory foam layers 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.
- 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.
Types of Cooling Mattress Toppers
If you’re not able to buy a completely new mattress at this time, there are still measures you can take to cool down your sleeping surface. We recommend adding a cooling mattress topper for a bit of instant relief. Here’s a quick look at our favorite types of cooling toppers:
- Gel-infused: These toppers incorporate gel beads or layers to absorb and dissipate heat.
- 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 body 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.
Company Policies
With any major purchase, it’s important to read the fine print. Below are a few policies you may want to pay close attention to.
Shipping
Every mattress brand we have tested and selected on this list offers free shipping included with your mattress so you don’t have to find extra room in your budget. Some brands, like Saatva, offer a white glove delivery service, 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 the stairs. They also can take your old mattress out of your place, saving you more time and labor.
For Canadian shoppers, there are several brands that ship across the border, as well as some more localized Canadian companies. Check out our Best Mattresses in Canada for more options.
Warranty
When shopping for a mattress online, warranties are extremely important, as they often let you return a mattress if it doesn’t fit your lifestyle or doesn’t meet the standards promised by the brand. Each mattress company has different warranties, so make sure to check out our reviews for the full breakdown. We recommend looking for brands that offer 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. Each company offers different lengths of trials. However, we recommend you look for companies offering at least a 120-night sleep trial since that gives you enough time to break in a mattress.
FAQs
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. However, some memory foam mattresses have cooling gel or copper-infused foam that help with temperature regulation. Soft mattresses also typically run hot. As your weight presses into the soft layers, they compress and limit space for airflow. If you do choose a soft mattress, we recommend one with coils or other cooling technology.
What certifications should you look at for mattress cooling?
Certain brands earn awards and certifications that prove the quality of their mattresses. An example to look out for is CertiPUR-US. This applies to certain foams and means the bed is free from harmful chemicals, fiberglass, and heavy metals. Some other great certifications are OEKO-TEX certified, GREENGUARD Gold certified, GOLS, and GOTS-Certified Global Organic Cotton and Latex.
Is sleeping cool better for your health?
According to our chief medical advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, the optimal sleeping temperature is between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
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 mattresses out there that can fit in all price points, however, for a durable, cool, and high-quality mattress, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,000 for a queen size.
Can mattress toppers help you stay cool?
Yes. Cooling mattress toppers are a budget way to cool your sleep experience without buying a new bed. A topper compliments your current bed, so choose the firmness and material based off of your sleep preferences and sleeping position.