Best Cooling Mattress for Hot Sleepers

Written by Bridget Chapman, Mattress Reviewer

Our Methodology

Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 220 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories.

Learn more

Just Updated

We’ve recently re-evaluated our picks for the best cooling mattresses and added more insight from our testers in the lab. If it’s on this list, you can be confident we’ve personally tested it and the bed has gel infusions, coils for airflow, or another added feature that helps keep sleepers cool.

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Are you a hot sleeper? You’re not alone! This is one of the most common complaints we hear about at Sleepopolis. 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. Fortunately, finding the best cooling mattress — combined with other cooling bedding accessories — can help you stay fresh and comfortable all night long.

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, responsiveness, pain 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 mattress have either an added cooling feature or a construction that promotes airflow.

Our Top Pick for Hot Sleepers

The Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid ranks first on this list because it’s a hybrid mattress with effective cooling technology in almost every single layer.

Best Cooling Mattresses of 2023

• Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid – Best Overall Cooling Mattress
• Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
• Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain
• Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Soft Cooling Mattress
• Leesa Sapira Chill – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers
• WinkBed Plus – Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People 
• Saatva – Best Cooling Innerspring Mattress
• DreamCloud – Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress
• Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Gel Mattress
• Cocoon Chill – Best Cooling Budget Mattress
• Puffy Cloud – Best Cooling Mattress for Kids
• Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Hybrid – Best Memory Foam Cooling Mattress

Best Cooling Mattress Video

Compare the Best Cooling Mattresses

Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid – Best Overall Cooling Mattress

Pros of the Nectar Premier Cooling Hybrid

This bed is easy to move around on, making it a good choice for combination sleepers
This hybrid should be supportive enough for people of all weights
Some side sleepers should also find pleasant cushioning for their shoulder and hip

Cons of the Nectar Premier Cooling Hybrid

The Nectar Premier Hybrid is too soft for many stomach sleepers
This bed doesn’t offer a deep contouring, classic memory foam feel

The Nectar Premier Hybrid is a supportive and comfortable bed with a medium-firm 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. Learn more in our video review.

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.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Expert Opinion

We’ve chosen the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid as our best cooling mattress because of its high-tech, high-quality features. Yes, its hybrid construction does allow for cooling, thanks to a layer of coils for airflow. But there’s more than the eye can see. When we lie down on its surface, we feel incredibly cool, thanks to its cool-to-the-touch, copper-infused cover.

One of the most luxurious parts about the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid is its delicate balance of comfort and support. During testing, we performed our pressure map test, which entails using a special map that uses body heat to tell us exactly how much pressure a mattress puts on certain areas. For the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid, the medium-soft feel should feel especially comfortable to back sleepers, as the map showed a lot of blue and green, indicating low pressure. For side sleepers, there was a bit more green at the hip, but it should still be nice and comfortable for these folks.

What our tester says: “I really liked how comfortable the Premier Copper 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 and couples alike.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor.

What Customers Say

Many customers comment how the Nectar Premier Copper 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.

Pros of the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid Mattress

• When placing a pressure map over the Nectar Premier, the graphics show little to no pressure at the shoulders. This is means the Nectar Premier should be a solid choice for shoulder pain.
• This bed has the classic feel of memory foam, allowing you to sink into its layers and feel like you’re getting a hug.
• As long as they enjoy a softer mattress, back sleepers should be comfortable on the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid, feeling the memory foam support their spine.

Cons of the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid Mattress

• Stomach sleepers will probably need a much firmer and more supportive mattress than the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid.

Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid mattress review. Still looking for the perfect bed? Check out the other best mattresses.

Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers

Pros of the Helix Midnight Luxe

It sleeps cool, and its materials are designed to be breathable and cool to the touch
Under $2,000 for a queen, which is a great deal for a luxury mattress
Fans of soft mattresses should love this Helix model, it’s rated 6/10 on our firmness scale, which is softer than average

Cons of the Helix Midnight Luxe

Since it’s a soft mattress, it likely won’t be supportive for stomach sleepers
Heavier people over 250 lbs probably won’t get enough support either

The Helix Midnight Luxe is one of the six mattresses in the Helix Luxe line and is the brand’s take on a medium-firm hybrid mattress. It boasts a great balance of comfort and support, making it a great fit for back sleepers. The memory foam layers also provide some nice pressure relief and contouring that should help side sleepers feel supported on this mattress. If you want to learn more and see if this mattress is a good fit for you, check out our video review.

What our tester says:

“I love that the Helix Midnight Luxe offers solid edge support — you can use the whole bed! It also has great motion isolation, which makes it a nice option for couples.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor

Expert Opinion

Our favorite cooling mattress for side sleepers is the Helix Midnight Luxe. This hybrid mattress combines memory foam with pocketed coils to offer a supportive combination of bounce and pressure relief. When we lie down on it, we can tell that the coils have excellent airflow, and like all of Helix’s Luxe models, the Midnight Luxe comes outfitted with some additional luxurious touches. It even includes a special Tencel cover that’s ultra-breathable.

During testing, we also tested the standard Helix Midnight, and determined that while both are comfortable for side sleepers, the Midnight Luxe’s added pillow top (a feature of every mattress in the upgraded Luxe line) provides more contouring and softness at the shoulders and hips — the areas where side sleepers put the most pressure.

What our tester says: “I think the Helix Midnight Luxe is a great fit for hot sleepers since it brings them a lot of cooling materials without sacrificing any comfort. I still felt a lot of plushness on this bed even though it’s designed to prevent heat from trapping.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

The plush pillow top and comfort layer are positively commented on by many shoppers. Some report that the mattress helped a lot with joint pain. 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.

Pros of the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

• It has a medium-firm feel that back sleepers should find comfortable. The balanced feel should help them achieve proper spinal alignment.
• The mattress performed well in motion isolation, edge support, and even responsiveness, so it’s a fantastic option for partners who share a bed.
• There are five other models in Helix’s Luxe line, all with a different level of firmness. So if the Midnight doesn’t work for you, you have plenty of other options.

Cons of the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

• This mattress likely isn’t supportive enough for sleepers over 250 pounds. Luckily, Helix has a bed called the Helix Plus that’s built with plus-size people in mind. 

Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full Helix Luxe mattress reviews. Still looking for the perfect bed? Check out the other best mattresses for side sleepers.

Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Pain

Pros of the Emma Hybrid Comfort

Great motion isolation makes it a good choice for couples
A bouncy feel makes it easy to move around on
An airy hybrid construction keeps the mattress cool

Cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort

Too firm for side sleepers, who won’t receive adequate pressure relief on the shoulder and hip
Edge support didn’t impress us — you may not feel supported if you sit or lie along the edge
May not appeal to memory foam lovers or those who prefer a plush feel

The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a firm mattress with a durable hybrid construction. It works well for heavyweight stomach and back sleepers, as it provides enough support to keep these sleepers’ spines in neutral alignment. In addition to making it a good choice for heavier people, the Emma Hybrid Comfort’s design also gives it nice breathability and responsiveness, meaning it stays cool as you sleep and is easy to move around on.

What our tester says:

“After five minutes of lying on the Emma Hybrid Comfort, it increased 7.7 degrees. This indicates good temperature regulation. I really did feel cool when resting on it. Considering this, the airy hybrid construction, and the additional cooling features, I feel that the Emma Hybrid Comfort is one of the best cooling mattresses.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer

Expert Opinion

When discussing the best beds for back pain, we’re talking mattresses with a balance of comfort and support. Often, medium-firm or firmer hybrid mattresses do the trick, as they’re equipped with soft foams to fill in the lumbar region, and sturdy coils to lift the body into a neutral alignment. It can also be important to find a cooling mattress if you suffer from back pain, especially if you’re a hot sleeper. Let’s face it, back pain already causes more than enough problems. The last thing folks need is additional discomfort.

Our favorite cooling mattress for back pain is the Emma Hybrid Comfort. This is no surprise, as it did well at our cooling test in the mattress lab (a 4 out of 5). Additionally, our pressure relief test showed overall very low pressure buildup in the back-sleeping position. Around the lumbar region, our graphic shows only green and blue.

What our tester says: “Based on the testing results from the above criteria, I’d say that the Emma Hybrid Comfort is a good mattress for couples. It performed well in all categories, from cooling and edge support to motion isolation and responsiveness. Most couples, especially heavier couples or those who prefer a firmer feel, should appreciate this mattress.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

If you’re wanting your mattress to show up at your doorstep ASAP, we do recommend the Hybrid Comfort. Customers note that the delivery was not only free, but also speedy.

Pros of the Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress

• The coils are softer in some places and firmer in others, helping to keep the spine in a neutral alignment. This zoned support makes the bed a solid option for back pain and back sleepers.
• The Emma Hybrid Comfort scored well in all important categories for couples: motion isolation, responsiveness, cooling, and edge support.
• This bed is sturdy enough to support the spinal alignment of heavy back sleepers and even heavy stomach sleepers.

Cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress

• Side sleepers of all body weights will likely find that this mattress is a bit too firm to properly contour the hip and shoulder.

Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress review. Still looking for the perfect bed? Check out the other best mattresses for back pain.

Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Soft Cooling Mattress

Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid

Thick comfort layers provide lots of pressure relief while coils lift the hips for spinal support
The Medium model has a medium-soft feel that should suit most back and side sleepers
A responsive feel makes this bed easy to move on

Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid

Heavyweight stomach sleepers won’t find enough support. See our Best Mattress for Heavy People for better options
As a luxury mattress with many special features, the Bear Elite Hybrid is priced higher than other mattresses on the market

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 tested the Medium model and found that it’s a good match for most average-weight back and side sleepers. It has a balanced foam feel, and it offers a good blend of comfort and support.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor

Expert Opinion

If you’re a hot sleeper who also wants a super cushioning mattress, then look no further than the Bear Elite Hybrid’s Soft model. The gentle top layers of memory foam provide soothing sinkage and pressure relief. It also sleeps nice and cool, thanks to a cover made of a material called Celliant. Breathable individually wrapped coils and copper-infused foam assist with cooling as well.

To determine if this was indeed a soft mattress, we of course had to put it to the test. While testing the Bear Elite Hybrid, we saw little to no pressure in our lower back, which is likely thanks to the bed’s memory foam comfort layer. Still, the bottom layer of high-density base foam should provide plenty of support.

What our tester says: “Below the cover is a layer of copper-infused memory foam. This material has a slow response to pressure, providing the sleeper with some immediate comfort and body contouring. You’re likely to sink into this layer, which could be great for those in need of cushiony support at the shoulders. The copper infusion also helps prevent this layer from trapping body heat.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

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.

Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

• As a material, Celliant is naturally cooling. Plus, some small studies suggest that it may help improve blood flow, making Bear mattresses popular among athletes.
• The Soft model should contour well to side sleepers’ hip and shoulder joints for maximum pressure relief.
• The Bear Elite Hybrid is good at isolating motion, so couples should be able to move around without disturbing one another.

Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

• The Bear Elite Hybrid is a bit too soft for stomach sleepers, and may not offer them enough pressure relief. They should try the Firm model of this mattress.

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 the perfect bed? Check out the other best soft mattresses.

Leesa Sapira Chill – Best Cooling Mattress for Back Sleepers

Pros of the Leesa Sapira Chill

This mattress is versatile — the Medium-Firm model can work for all three sleeping positions
It is offered in three firmness levels, allowing you to find one that works for you
The Leesa Sapira Chill has a cool sleeping surface, a bonus for hot sleepers
Couples should appreciate this bed’s mix of responsiveness and motion isolation

Cons of the Leesa Sapira Chill

It may be too pricey for some shoppers
It doesn’t offer deep sinkage like a traditional memory foam mattress
Leesa doesn’t have the lengthiest trial period or warranty

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

Expert Opinion

Back sleepers need a mattress that’s sturdy enough to keep their spine neutrally aligned, while also giving them some contouring and pressure relief at the lumbar region. They may find this blend of comfort and support in the Leesa Sapira Chill. It has a cooling cover that works with the gel-infused foam comfort layer to keep folks cool and cushion the lumbar region. Sturdy zoned coils provide additional airflow and lift the hips into a comfortable alignment.

Our pressure map test showed us overall low pressure while back sleeping, with almost no pressure at the hips. The graphic only showed blue and green, which is a great sign for this sleeping position. We saw equally impressive results in the back sleeping position as well.

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

What Customers Say

If you’re looking for trustworthy delivery services and easy setup, the Leesa Sapira Chill might be the mattress for you. A lot of customer reviews comment how the mattress showed up on time and was surprisingly convenient to set up.

Pros of the Leesa Sapira Chill Mattress

• The Sapira Chill comes in three different firmnesses, but we tested out the Medium-Firm one in our mattress lab.
• The responsiveness of the Leesa Sapira Chill’s foam should make it easy for combo sleepers to change positions.
• Couples should enjoy this mattress, as it scored well in motion isolation, responsiveness, and cooling.

Cons of the Leesa Sapira Chill Mattress

• Because it has so many luxury features, it is priced higher than other hybrids on the market.

Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full Leesa Sapira Chill mattress review. Still looking for the perfect bed? Check out the other best mattresses for back sleepers.

WinkBed Plus – Best Cooling Mattress for Heavy People

Pros of the WinkBed Plus

Designed specifically to support heavy people
Bouncy surface accommodates combination sleepers, who often toss and turn throughout the night
It isolates motion quite well, making it a good option for couples

Cons of the WinkBed Plus

Too firm for side sleepers
Too firm for most lightweight sleepers
Not firm enough for heavy stomach sleepers

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.

Expert Opinion

The WinkBed comes in several different firmness levels, and to be honest, we’d be comfortable recommending several of them to heavy sleepers, as they each have a supportive innerspring feel. But we have to steer these folks toward the WinkBed Plus, the brand’s mattress designed specifically for heavy people over 250 pounds. In addition to being made with extra-durable materials, it has a breathable Tencel cover and coils that create a lot of space in the construction, both of which make it a truly cooling mattress.

To really test whether or not this mattress was good for heavy sleepers, we had our friend Paulie (a heavy sleeper) test out the WinkBed Plus. We also had him lie down the mattress using our pressure map, which is a device that measures how much pressure a mattress puts on the sleeper in different positions, with color-coded results. We determined that for each sleeping position, heavyweight sleepers should feel comfortable yet supported, as the map lit up bright blue, indicating low pressure. However, if you’re a stomach sleeper who carries more of their weight in their stomach, you may feel too much pressure buildup.

What our tester says: “If you want to have confidence in the support system of your mattress, then look no further than the WinkBed Plus. These materials are built to last and I really enjoyed how the pillow top cradles your lumbar region while keeping you propped up.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Even though the WinkBed Plus is built to be firmer and more supportive, heavy customers commented that for their body type, it was pressure-relieving enough for back pain. And while they don’t have any of their own brick and mortar stores in the United States, you can try out a WinkBed mattress at 14 different brand partner showrooms in New York, Florida, California, and elsewhere.

Pros of the WinkBed Plus Mattress

• Stomach sleepers often have a hard time finding a supportive enough mattress, but the WinkBed Plus should keep them comfortable and properly aligned. It’s a good fit for stomach sleepers of all sizes.
• The WinkBed Plus should help keep heavy back sleepers’ spines straight, with a Euro top for added pressure relief at the lower back.
• The WinkBed Plus’ traditional innerspring feel creates a lot of responsiveness that makes it easy to move around on its surface. 

Cons of the WinkBed Plus Mattress

• Side sleepers will likely need a softer mattress than the WinkBed Plus, which comes in at a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale for sleepers over 250 pounds, and an 8 out of 10 for lighter weight sleepers. 

Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full WinkBed Plus mattress review. Still looking for the perfect bed? Check out the other best mattresses for heavy people.

Saatva – Best Cooling Innerspring Mattress

Pros of the Saatva Mattress

With three firmness options, most sleepers should find a Saatva model that works for them
The Saatva uses high-quality materials that will last you a long time
Its bouncy and responsive feel means it’s great for combination sleepers
The Saatva’s reinforced edges give it some of the best edge support we’ve ever seen

Cons of the Saatva Mattress

If you’re looking for a super-soft mattress, this won’t be a great fit for you
Motion transfers easily in the Saatva, so you may be disturbed by a partner’s movements
None of the Saatva Classic models will likely be supportive enough for heavy 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 thought the Saatva was super easy to move around on thanks to its coil layers and cushiony foam top. I found the Luxury Firm model to have a very supportive, yet plush feel that kept me comfortable in multiple sleep positions.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor

Expert Opinion

Innerspring mattresses are some of the best options for cooling. Unlike foam, innerspring coils leave a ton of room for airflow, helping dissipate body heat and imbue the structure with breathability.  When deciding on the best innerspring mattress for cooling, we knew we had to pick an innerspring mattress like the Saatva. The bulk of this bed consists of a tall internal system of coils. It contains quality materials, boasts a luxury feel, and comes in three different firmness levels.

This mattress certainly behaves like an innerspring. On our pressure map test, there was a moderate amount of pressure (especially when side sleeping). But we also found that the high number of coils made the Saatva a responsive and durable option, great for stomach and back sleepers, or those wanting an “on top of” feel.

What our tester says: “The Saatva has some of the best edge support I’ve seen in the mattress world, which shows just how durable and supportive it is. You can sleep all the way to the edge of the bed and not feel an ounce of sinkage below you.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

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.

Pros of the Saatva Mattress

• The Saatva is available in three different firmness levels. We think back sleepers will feel most comfortable on the Luxury Firm.
• Side sleepers should love the Plush Soft model, which has softer foam and more pressure relief than the other models.
• Stomach sleepers should get the support they need on the Firm model. The sturdy springs should help keep their hips in line with their shoulders to promote a healthy alignment.

Cons of the Saatva Mattress

• Some sleepers found the Saatva has high motion transfer, so if you’re easily woken up and sleep with a partner, you might feel their movements at night. We’d recommend a mattress with a plusher comfort layer.

Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full Saatva mattress review. Still looking for the perfect bed? Check out the other best innerspring mattresses.

DreamCloud – Best Cooling Hybrid Mattress

Pros of the DreamCloud Mattress

Soft memory foam for cushioning at the lumbar region and sturdy coils for spinal support
Springs that provide a lot of bounce and responsiveness, both of which help you change positions
Strong edge support, allowing couples to use the whole surface of the bed

Cons of the DreamCloud Mattress

Not enough contouring at the shoulders and hips for side sleepers

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

Expert Opinion

Like innersprings, hybrid mattresses tend to be cooling because of the springs present in their construction. They leave a lot of space for air to flow throughout the bed. The DreamCloud has plenty of coils in its support layer, but it also has some additional cooling features such as gel infusions in the foam and a breathable cashmere blend cover. Hot sleepers should have no trouble keeping a low temperature on this hybrid mattress.

When we tested out the DreamCloud, we rated it a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. There’s a good deal of support here, and it has a springy and responsive feel, similar to a mattress you’d find in a high-end hotel.

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.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

The DreamCloud has an average customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on the company website, with over 160 of the reviews praising the mattress for its cooling abilities. Being primarily a bed-in-a-box company, DreamCloud doesn’t have any of its own brick and mortar stores, but you can try out its mattresses and more than 4,000 brand partner showrooms.

Pros of the DreamCloud Mattress

• We think that the DreamCloud is an excellent match for back sleepers. They should get some pressure relief at the lumbar region from the foam, all while the coils in the support layer help keep their spine neutrally aligned.
• Combination sleepers should have no trouble moving around and changing positions on the mattress’s responsive surface.
• The mattress has handles on the side to assist with setup. And it’s a good thing, as the DreamCloud is 14 inches in height — a bit taller (and thus heavier) than many other mattresses out there.

Cons of the DreamCloud Mattress

• Despite there being foam in the construction, the DreamCloud doesn’t give you that slow, sinking feeling of memory foam. If that’s what you’re after, then you should look at a softer option.

Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full DreamCloud mattress review. Still looking for the perfect bed? Check out the other best hybrid mattresses.

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling Gel Mattress

Pros of the Aurora Luxe

The coils allow for airflow, the cover uses material that’s cool to the touch, and the foam has a gel infusion to fight heat
The Medium version works well for side sleepers
Its hybrid construction makes it easy to move around on

Cons of the Aurora Luxe

The Medium is too soft for stomach sleepers. They should opt for the Firm version
It won’t have that slow-moving memory foam feel to it like an all-foam bed

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 another one of Brooklyn Bedding’s mattresses that has firmness options, but the medium model is a great choice for side sleepers who need pressure relief. For more information, check out our video review.

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.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor

Expert Opinion

One of our 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, then release it, as opposed to trapping it in the mattress. And when it comes to the best cooling gel mattress, one of our top picks is the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe, a hybrid bed with coils and a few different types of foam in its top layers.

A proprietary foam called CopperFlex has a copper infusion and is treated with Phase Change Material (PCM). There’s also a transition layer of viscoelastic gel memory foam to promote cooling, and the coils allow for plenty of airflow.

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.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

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.

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress

• The mattress is available in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm. That means there’s a model for back sleepers, side sleepers, and stomach sleepers alike.
• The mattress has impressive motion isolation, while still being responsive enough for sex. It also has strong edge support, so you can use the full surface of the bed.
• The Aurora Luxe came in at a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, meaning it has a fairly soft feel.

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress

• The Firm model probably isn’t going to be supportive enough for larger sleepers over 250 pounds.

Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review.

Cocoon Chill – Best Cooling Budget Mattress

Pros of the Cocoon Chill

The Cocoon Chill lives up to its name and sleeps cooler than most memory foam mattresses, which makes it a great pick for hot sleepers
Those same cooling capabilities, plus good motion isolation, help make it a good pick for couples
It’s a high-value budget pick

Cons of the Cocoon Chill

The Chill’s edge support could be better
Customers don’t love Sealy’s customer service

If you’re looking for an affordable memory foam mattress that sleeps cool, you’ll find it in the Cocoon Chill. The mattress has high-tech phase change materials in the cover, which absorb heat and won’t cause you to wake up sweating. It works well for average-weight back sleepers, as well as lightweight and average-weight side sleepers. Couples should also appreciate the mattress—it boasts above-average motion isolation so you’re unlikely to wake a partner with tossing and turning. Watch our video review for more details.

Expert Opinion

The all-foam Cocoon Chill is a wonderfully cooling mattress at an affordable price point (you can often find a queen size for under $1,000 after discounts). When lying down on it, you get some of that traditional memory foam feel, sinking into the mattress while still feeling supported by the firmer foams below. But unlike most memory foam mattresses, the Cocoon Chill has a moisture-wicking Phase Change Material top (the gold standard of cooling materials in the mattress industry) that keeps you from overheating.

What our tester says: “I think this bed has a great feel for back sleepers. These sleepers will feel well supported on this bed, which is just a bit firmer than the industry standard for medium-firm. I’d also say it’s a great bed for back sleepers with back pain, since that added firmness helps promote a neutral spine alignment.” – Zoë Ettinger, former Sleepopolis editor and mattress tester

What Customers Say

If you like a softer feel, the Cocoon Chill should be a good mattress for you. Customers generally seem to feel this is a mattress for those who value cushioning and contouring. Also, it’s created by renowned mattress brand Sealy. The company doesn’t have its own stores, but you can test out their products in a number of brand partner stores, including Mattress Firm and P.C. Richard & Son (though we still recommend purchasing online).

Pros of the Cocoon Chill Mattress

• The blend of comfort and support is an ideal match for back sleepers.
• If you sleep with a partner, you’ll both enjoy the cooling properties of the Cocoon Chill, as well as its low motion transfer. You’re not likely to disturb each other when you move around at night.
• Its memory foam adapts to your unique shape for a supportive, comfortable feel. This means the Cocoon Chill should be a great match for side sleepers.

Cons of the Cocoon Chill Mattress

• As an all-foam mattress, the Cocoon Chill probably isn’t responsive enough for combo sleepers to easily switch positions.

Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full Cocoon Chill mattress review. Still looking for the perfect bed? Check out the other best budget mattresses.

Puffy Cloud – Best Cooling Mattress for Kids

Pros of the Puffy Cloud

The Puffy was designed to cushion joints and help with pain relief
Lighter bodies under 130 lbs should feel very supported on the Puffy
The Puffy has great motion isolation, so partners shouldn’t disturb each other by moving around

Cons of the Puffy Cloud

Like many soft mattresses, the Puffy probably isn’t supportive enough for stomach sleepers
Combination sleepers may struggle to move around this mattress since it “hugs” you
Heavy sleepers who weigh over 250 pounds likely won’t feel supported

The Puffy Cloud is a soft, all-foam mattress that contours the body and allows you to sink into the layers. It’s designed to cushion joints and alleviate pressure points, so it should be a great fit for light to average weight sleepers, back and side sleepers, and even couples who are concerned with motion transfer. If you want to learn more about the Puffy Cloud mattress, take a look at our video review.

What our tester says:

“I enjoyed the combination of pressure relief and support the Puffy Cloud offers. I think it will do a good job of reducing aches and pains that some people experience when sleeping on a mattress that isn’t the right firmness level for their sleep style.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor

Expert Opinion

There are a couple of things that we look for in a mattress suitable for kids. First and foremost, we ensure that the materials in the mattress are safe. Secondly, we want the mattress to provide the right balance of comfort and support so it properly accommodates your child through their development. The Puffy checks all of these boxes and more. It suits lightweight sleepers and average weight sleepers alike.

Our pressure map reveals low pressure buildup on the graphic, with lots of blue and green presented in the back- and side-sleeping positions. This is thanks to the Puffy’s Gel Cloud comfort layer, which not only keeps your child cushioned and comfortable, but also cool. This foam layer is infused with a cooling gel designed to dissipate heat.

What our tester says: “The Puffy Cloud initially felt really soft when I laid down, but after I sank through the top layer, I felt support from its transition layer. I gave this mattress a 6 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale, which means it’s a little softer than average.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

If you like the feel of traditional memory foam, look no further than the Puffy. Reviewers have a lot to say about the Puffy’s contouring, sinking feel. Many mention how it truly feels like sleeping on a cloud.

Pros of the Puffy Mattress

• The Puffy Cloud appears in our roundup for the best hypoallergenic mattresses, so it should help kids suffering from seasonal allergies.
• The Puffy Cloud‘s pressure relief results indicate that it can help ease joint pain for active kiddos who spend a lot of time playing sports and running around after school.
• The Puffy’s cover is not only cozy but stain resistant, so you shouldn’t have to worry as much about any spills or messes on the bed.

Cons of the Puffy Mattress

• The Puffy Cloud isn’t constructed to support sleepers over 250 pounds.

Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full Puffy mattress review. Still looking for the perfect bed? Check out the other best mattresses for kids.

TEMPUR-Cloud Hybrid – Best Memory Foam Cooling Mattress

Pros of the TEMPUR-Cloud

Side and back sleepers should appreciate the contouring memory foam
Our pressure map revealed that the TEMPUR-Cloud eases back, shoulder, and hip pain
Couples should appreciate its outstanding motion isolation. You’re unlikely to feel your partner moving on the other side of the bed

Cons of the TEMPUR-Cloud

Budget shoppers will find the TEMPUR-Cloud to be far too expensive
Strict stomach sleepers and heavy sleepers won’t get the support they need

Tempur-Pedic is famous in the mattress world for creating deeply contouring and healing memory foam mattresses. Their luxurious bed, the TEMPUR-Cloud, is extremely popular amongst joint pain sufferers and anyone wanting top-tier pressure relief. We recommend this mattress to back sleepers, side sleepers, and anyone combatting aches and pains. Check out our TEMPUR-Cloud video review to learn more.

What our tester says:

“Although you definitely get some deep body-contouring and pressure relief from the top layers of memory foam, the base layer of high-density poly foam creates enough firmness to place the mattress right above medium-firm.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor

Expert Opinion

Tempur-Pedic has their memory foam down to a science. And while the Cloud Hybrid is not an all-foam mattress, it has no shortage of cushioning foam and contouring. This hybrid mattress keeps an all-foam feel but includes a layer of coils for additional breathability (an additional $140 at checkout). Memory foam tends to trap heat because a lot of mattress models fail to put any ventilation or cooling properties within the thick layer of foam. Luckily, the TEMPUR-Cloud Hybrid is for hot sleepers. There’s the 360° stretch fabric that’s built for cooling. It should wick away moisture away from sleepers and dry the moisture from the fabric quickly. Overall, the TEMPUR-Cloud Hybrid is a solid option for anyone wanting cooling, support, and the slow-moving, sinking feel that’s associated with memory foam.

What our tester says: “If you like the feel of traditional memory foam, I think you’re going to like the TEMPUR-Cloud Hybrid mattress. Its memory foam moves like quicksand and envelopes around you with a cuddly feel. Back sleepers and side sleepers should especially benefit from the pressure-relieving abilities of this mattress and find comfort. I also think it could be a good option for a lot of couples since it does a great job isolating motion and the coils inside help prevent heat from trapping.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

The newest reviews tend to speak positively of the TEMPUR-Cloud Hybrid’s high level of comfort for a value price. It should be noted that while the TEMPUR-Cloud Hybrid is not by any means a budget mattress, many customers feel the luxury price is reasonable for the features and comfort offered. If you’re interested in any Tempur-Pedic mattresses, you can order them online, or visit one of the company’s many physical stores.

Pros of the TEMPUR-Cloud Hybrid Mattress

• Couples should find that the TEMPUR-Cloud Hybrid isolates motion well, which should reassure any light sleepers who share a bed.
• With our pressure map test, we found that those with with back pain should feel little to no pressure at the hips, whether they’re sleeping on their back or on their side.
• Lightweight and average-weight back sleepers should enjoy the medium firmness of the TEMPUR-Cloud Hybrid; the supportive base foam should lift the hips, while the pressure-relieving memory foam should cushion them.

Cons of the TEMPUR-Cloud Hybrid Mattress

• Even though it’s a hybrid, we really wouldn’t recommend this bed to anyone requiring more of an on-top-of-the-bed feel. This includes combination sleepers, stomach sleepers, and heavier sleepers.

Sound like a winner? Shop here to get a great deal, and learn more in our full TEMPUR-Cloud Hybrid mattress review. Still looking for the perfect bed? Check out the other best memory foam mattresses.

What Is a Cooling Mattress?

It’s basically what it sounds like: a cooling mattress is one that 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.

For example, 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 isn’t great at absorbing your body heat, and it’s even worse at holding onto 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.

Our Rankings for Cooling

In our testing over the years, we’ve come to believe that the cooling of materials is generally ordered as follows (from most cool to least cool):

1. Coils
2. Latex
3. Hybrid (mixture of coils and foams and/or latex)
4. Memory foams

It’s important to remember that the materials used alone are not the only factor that determines the cooling of a mattress. The layer design, and cover also play an important part.

Still, materials are a great place to start, so let’s take a closer look at these building blocks of the mattress world.

Coils and Springs

The most traditional of mattress types use one or more layers of coils/springs. This kind of construction not only provides comfort and balance, but it 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 isn’t a good conductor of heat. It will almost always feel the same. Also, most latex foam layers are aerated, thus allowing for greater airflow.

This combination of factors makes latex a great option for cooling in a mattress. However, it’s important to remember that this is only true of 100 percent natural latex. Blended or synthetic latex is aerated in the same way, but they also share qualities of poly foam. This isn’t to say that all synthetic or blended latexes are bad or not cool (they certainly can be). You’ll just want to be sure you know the types of latex being used in the mattress to make a proper judgment call.

Memory Foam

Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic memory foam and viscoelastic poly foam, is a type of polyurethane foam with viscoelastic properties. Viscoelastic means that memory foams have both viscous and elastic characteristics when under pressure. Essentially, they are slower to respond when pressure is applied and released. This effect creates great hug and contour, but for some sleepers, it can lead to a trapped feeling that can diminish cooling. 

It’s important to note that the term “memory foam” doesn’t refer to a single type of material, but is simply a classification of poly foam that is viscoelastic. As such, there are scores of different types of memory foam with different qualities and attributes. The same can be said about standard non-viscoelastic poly foams.

What’s the Best Mattress Design for Hot Sleepers?

While it’s important to understand how what a mattress is made of can impact cooling and heat performance, it’s more critical to understand how these materials work together within the larger design of the mattress itself. For example, you will almost never 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.

Keeping Airflow In Mind

Many companies understand how important a cool mattress is and take their material design to the next level by further improving the airflow capabilities. These companies use special machines to mold, compress, or cut the foam into a design that allows greater movement of air.

The most basic level of this technique is to punch holes within the top of the foam. 

More advanced techniques create deeper and more pronounced channels within the foam, dramatically improving airflow.

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 now 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 works by absorbing your body heat, then releasing it at a certain temperature. Also known as PCMs, they’re tuned to a specific temperature. They’ll continue to absorb heat until the heat source (your body) has reached that 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 that it’s been designed to achieve. In this way, Phase Change Materials are great for both sleepers who sleep too hot and those that sleep too cold.

Other Cooling Fabrics

Type of Fabric	Basic Info
Lycra	A special fiber commonly seen in sports clothing. It has an elastic type of a feel, moves freely, and wicks away moisture.
Performance Polyester	This material is commonly seen in sports clothing, like Nike’s Dri-FIT collection. They work in the same way as Lycra, by helping to allow free movement and moisture-wicking.
Celliant	A thermo-reactive fiber that turns your body heat into infrared light. Infrared light has been shown in studies to increase oxygenation of the body, which results in better internal temperature regulation.

How Mattress Softness Impact Cooling

As a general rule, mattresses that are softer 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 cool. 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 exact 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.

Other Ways to Stay Cool at Night

As nice as it is to purchase a cooling mattress, we recognize that it may not be within everyone’s budget. Here are some other more affordable ways you can cool your room down for better sleep:

• If it’s not too hot during the day, keep the windows open while keeping the shutters, curtains, or blinds closed.
• At night, open the windows to create a cross breeze.
• If you have a fan on the floor, keep a container of ice in front of it. It will help cool the air circulating throughout the room.
• Use cotton or linen bedding. Wearing cotton pajamas can also help. 
• Drink plenty of water so you can stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Take a cool or cold shower before you go to bed.
• If you sleep with a partner, pet, or both, try to keep some space between everyone. This will also help with airflow.
• Investing in some of the aforementioned accessories can also be beneficial to stay cool without breaking the bank.

The Best Cooling Mattresses of 2023