If you’re a hot sleeper who struggles to stay cool during the summer months, the best cooling mattresses can offer some much needed relief. But overheating isn’t just a seasonal affliction — hot flashes, night sweats and illness can leave you feeling uncomfortable all year round. But the right cooling mattress will regulate your temperature throughout the night by combining natural materials for breathable comfort and cutting-edge technology to dissipate heat.
While you can expect some temperature regulation from the majority of this year’s best mattresses for all sleepers, we’ve chosen beds that specialize in keeping you cool and comfortable all night long. Our team of professional mattress reviewers have tested countless cooling mattresses to see which ones can actually beat the heat. But we also analyze how they perform across areas like support, comfort, price, and design, as well as motion isolation and edge support. So, while our top picks will excel in cooling, they'll also be fantastic all rounders. And we’ve found mattresses that will suit every type of sleep style.
The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is our current top cooling choice thanks to its copper-infused memory foam. But the Cocoon by Sealy Chill is a close second, offering budget-friendly temperature regulation. As specialist beds, the best cooling mattresses typically command a higher price tag, but you can expect big savings in the upcoming Black Friday mattress deals, making it the perfect time to shop. Here are our top cooling mattress recommendations, chosen by mattress experts.
1. The best cooling mattress overall
Standing at 14" tall and made from premium-grade non-toxic materials, the Bear Elite Hybrid is the flagship mattress from the popular American bed brand. It comes in three firmness levels (soft, medium, and firm), with standout features including a cooling cover to prevent overheating, and a lumbar support section to reduce lower back pain.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a five-layer mattress with two handles on each side for easy maneuvering. At the base is a high-density support foam layer to maintain the structural integrity of the mattress over time. Above that is a layer of individually encased coils for airflow, support and motion isolation. The coils along the perimeter are reinforced for edge support, while the centre features higher-gauge coils for maximum lumbar support. The upper foam layers consist of transitional foam for ergonomic support and contouring, and copper-infused memory foam to aid with cooling.
Science and thoughtful design meet in this cooling hybrid mattress, delivering some of the strongest cooling power in the mattress market. This is especially down to the optional Celliant Infused cover with specialized sleep recovery technology. For an extra $195, the cover helps regulate body temperature, promote faster muscle recovery and improve overall well-being – a worthy addition in our eyes.
In broad terms, Celliant is a synthetic fiber that converts body heat into infrared energy, which is then reflected back into the body. The goal when used in mattresses is to improve thermoregulation and, in turn, aid restful sleep and promote wellbeing. Celliant does this by increasing blood circulation and oxygen supply to cells, which enhances performance and recovery. It also wicks away moisture and dries fabrics quickly, which equals a more comfortable sleep for hot sleepers.
Our test model for our Bear Elite review included the upgraded Celliant-infused cover, which had a mild cooling sensation and a softness that put our reviewer to sleep in seconds. However, the standard cover includes phase change materials (PCM), which also help with cooling, if the additional charge surpasses your budget.
Although cooling is this mattress's expertise, it excels in other areas too. The Bear Hybrid Elite suits couples thanks to its strong motion isolation, along with back and stomach sleepers as it gives minimal sinkage. That said, it'll also suit side sleepers who don't need ample cushioning, although we'd recommend going softer if you'd like your mattress to have more cradling comfort.
The Bear Elite Hybrid sits at the cusp of upper-mid range and premium after regular sales. You can normally bag a queen for $1,499, which rivals some of our best hybrid mattresses and offers a fair price for a hybrid mattress with this cooling strength.
- Read more: Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review
2. The best budget cooling mattress
The 10-inch high Cocoon by Sealy Chill is a reliable cooling mattress with impressive features for the lower price. It's available as an all-foam model and a hybrid — we tested the all-foam version, but as a rule hybrids will always sleep that bit cooler than even the best memory foam mattresses, because the springs create extra space for air to circulate.
The Cocoon Chill magic begins with a cover designed to remain cool to the touch during sleep. Beneath this are two layers of the brand’s pressure-relieving memory foam made with phase change material, designed to dissipate body heat while adapting to your unique shape and supporting your spine in various sleeping positions. It also provides a little of that 'sink-in' feeling but with that all-important lumbar support.
In our tests, we found the Chill comfortable for most sleepers in most positions, although be aware if you're heavier in weight, you might sink through the memory foam layer and find it a bit too firm. The Cocoon Chill cooling mattress has a core layer made up of eight-inch pocketed coils, which will give this model a slightly bouncier feel. There are firmer coils around the perimeter to bolster the edges, meaning you can make use of every inch of your bed space.
The cooling here is excellent for the price. Our reviewers found the Chill to be noticeably better at regulating temperature than any other mid-range foam mattress they'd tested, and one of the most consistently cool mattresses they'd slept on. Note, however, that spending a bit more will yield better chilling features — if you have a slightly bigger budget, a good upgrade would be the Nectar Premier Copper at #5.
- Read more: Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress review 2024
3. The best luxury cooling mattress
The GhostBed Luxe boasts some incredible cooling powers. This 13-inch tall mattress is constructed with seven individual layers of cooling and comfort elements, creating a comfortable cradling effect along your body.
The GhostBed Luxe cooling mattress has a top layer made from 'Ghost Ice' fabric, which, as claimed, remains cool to the touch (this is unusual, in our experience). That’s followed by one inch of cooling fiber, then one inch of gel memory foam. The Ghost Ice Layer features patented thermo-sensitivity technology designed to sense heat while you sleep and adjust the mattress to keep you cooler. In our tests we gave this mattress full marks for temperature regulation – the airflow was terrific, and our temperature remained comfortable and cool at all times.
This model has a softer sleep surface that cradles and contours to your body, making it one of the best mattresses for side sleepers who need a little extra give around the shoulders and hips for pressure relief. However, back and front sleepers, as well as heavier people, should consider something a bit firmer for better spinal support. Keep in mind, too, that the firmness of the GhostBed Luxe is affected by room temperature so it may feel firmer in the wintertime and softer in the summertime.
The plush sleep surface absorbs movements extremely well, making the Luxe a great choice for couples or restless sleepers. This is paired with excellent edge support. so you can spread out and use every inch of the bed as you wish.
The GhostBed Luxe sits in the premium bracket (you can ignore MSRP as it's never sold at full price). It's typically the same price as the Zoma Boost at #8, which includes a layer of springs. If the Ghostbed is too expensive for you, check out the Cocoon by Sealy Chill at #2.
- Read more: GhostBed Luxe mattress review
4. The best cooling mattress for back pain
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe ticks a lot of boxes; it's available in three different firmness options, we found it delivered excellent lumbar support and comfort in our tests earning it a spot in our best mattress for back pain guide, and the cooling features work reliably well. While the cooling powers can't rival the premium or specialist options in our ranking, this mattress hits the sweet spot when it comes to balancing performance and price.
There are a few different cooling features at play here. The GlacioTex cooling cover removes excess heat from the mattress’ surface and remains cold to the touch. In our tests we found it worked effectively, although it has a smooth weave that will make your mattress a little slippery, so your fitted sheet (and indeed you) may have trouble staying put.
The foams used are designed specifically to help, not hinder, temperature regulation. Finally, there's a spring layer, which provides space for air to circulate within the mattress, boosting breathability (we rate this amongst the top-rated hybrid mattresses around). In our tests we found these features all worked together well to keep the mattress at a comfortable temperature every night.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Hybrid also performed well on the comfort front. The ability to pick your firmness means you can tailor it to ensure it's comfortable and supportive for your body type and preferred sleep position. The coils are zoned to provide extra firmness in the central third, beneath your lumbar.
However, where this mattress really comes into its own is the wide range of sizes available, including RV king and RV bunk, which makes it a decadent addition to your motor home.
There are a couple of potential down-sides to be aware of: we found the off-gassing was some of the worst we'd experienced (although people's experiences with this tend to vary), and the motion transfer was below average, too, which means this won't be a great choice if you're a particularly restless sleeper, or share a bed with one.
- Read more: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review
5. The best cooling mattress for couples
Nectar has discontinued this mattress. However, it's still available to buy at third party retailers, like Amazon and Mattress Warehouse. You're unlikely to receive the benefits Nectar offer like a forever warranty and 365-night sleep trial, so be sure to check the perks before you buy.
The extra features in the Nectar Premier Copper mattress are designed for hot sleepers looking for an effective cooling mattress with a more affordable price. At 14" deep, the Premier Copper delivers big on comfort as well as temperature-regulation.
In our tests, the polyethylene-and-copper blend cover and 4" top layer of gel memory foam infused with phase change materials did a great job of wicking away sweat and body heat and regulating sleep temperature, keeping our sleepers comfortably cool during the testing period. We found the top cover was also cool to the touch, although not as dramatically so as the pricier GhostBed (#1).
Rated a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, the Nectar Premier Copper mattress is best suited to side sleepers. The surface adapts nicely to the contours of the body in this position, especially around the shoulders and head, reducing pressure and keeping the spine comfortably aligned. Stomach and back sleepers will likely find it a little unsupportive though, and would be better with something firmer. The Premier Copper is more of an investment than the uber-popular original model (read about that in our Nectar mattress review).
- Read more: Nectar Premier Copper mattress review
6. The best cooling mattress for joint pain
For something a little different, check out the Purple Original. Like all of the beds from this brand, the original features the 'GelFlex Grid'. This stretchy gel grid sits at the top of the mattress, and will contour to your shape for custom support. Thanks to the open structure, it won't trap body heat — which is an issue with many foams. In our review, we found the grid was temperature-neutral, and worked to ensure the mattress stayed at a cool, comfortable temperature all night long.
There's a slightly unusual sleep feel here: the grid feels squishy when pressed, but firm when you're lying down on it, with extra support seeming to concentrate exactly where it's needed, under the back and legs. It's much more responsive than traditional memory foam, too, and will spring back into shape immediately when pressure is removed. Our panel of testers found it super comfortable in all positions, but especially so for side and back sleeping, once they got used to the feel.
This mattress excels when it comes to pressure relief (our testers describe it as giving a kind of floating sensation), and we rank it amongst the best mattress in a box models around for anyone with hip or back pain. The grid cushions the joints comfortably, while still offering the support required to keep everything aligned properly. Do note that it's the thinnest option in our list though, clocking in at under 10". That will make changing the sheets easier, but you won't get the same luxe feeling as a chunkier option.
Price-wise, we're in the upper-mid price bracket here, but how much you'll pay does depend on when you buy. The best Purple mattress sales and deals knock $200 or more off, but it's hard to predict when they'll appear. The Nectar model at #5 sits in a similar price bracket, if you prefer the sink-in feel of traditional memory foam.
- Read more: Purple Mattress review
7. The best smart cooling mattress
Eight Sleep is the place to go if you want an ultra-smart cooling bed, and ultimate control over your nighttime temperature. The cover contains a network of water-filled tubes that can be cooled or heated to your exact preferences, between 55°F and 110°F, and you can even pick different temperatures for each half of the bed.
You can buy the Eight Sleep Pod 3 with a mattress bundled in, but we'd probably recommend just going for the cover, and pairing it with a mattress that suits your needs. All the tech is in the cover, anyway — the mattress is just a standard mattress.
We're now on the third generation of Pods, and they're more advanced than ever. The dual-zone heating and cooling is just the start of it. One of our best smart bed picks, the Pod Pro 3 also monitors your nighttime habits (again, for each side of the bed separately) the same way a sleep tracker wearable would, to provide you with insights that help you improve how well you sleep each night.
It'll track everything from sleep stages and duration to heart rate, HRV and more. And if you don't enjoy being woken up by an alarm, there's an in-built GentleRise alarm option that vibrates the cover at chest height for a more soothing wake-up.
8. The best cooling mattress for active lifestyles
The Zoma Boost is a luxuriously thick, hybrid mattress aimed at those who live an active lifestyle. It also boasts some outstanding cooling powers. It kept our testers noticeably cooler during our review period, and they consistently woke up feeling refreshed after a night on this mattress. In particular, we liked the special cooling cover, which worked effectively to wick away body heat and remained cool to the touch throughout the night.
Elsewhere, the graphite memory foam cradles the sleepers' joints without trapping heat, and are responsive enough that you won't feel stuck in one position. A benefit that this mattress potentially has over the GhostBed (#1) is that it has a coil layer. Springs boost breathability by creating space for air to circulate within the mattress.
At a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, the Boost is best suited to side sleepers, who will appreciate the excellent pressure relief on their shoulders, hips and knees. Those who weigh above average may find it doesn't provide enough support, though. Another potential down-side to be aware of is that this mattress doesn't isolate movement especially well. This might not be the best choice for you if you're a particularly light sleeper or share a bed with a wriggler.
Factoring in both brands' regular sales, the Zoma Boost is basically the same price as the Ghostbed above. The Zoma is a couple of inches thicker – which might tip it into 'unwieldy' territory for some – and has the added spring layer, discussed already.
- Read more: Zoma Boost mattress review
How we test the best cooling mattresses
The Tom’s Guide mattress review process is editorially independent, which means that it isn't influenced by third parties. Our expert mattress testers sleep on each mattress for at least three weeks (roughly how long it takes for your body to get used to a new mattress) and spend hours scientifically testing the performance of each product.
Mattress firmness is subjective, so each lead reviewer also forms a trusted and experienced testing panel made up of people with different sleep needs and body types. We have side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers, with lighter, average and heavier bodies, who rate each mattress using a specific set of performance criteria.
Together, these processes enable us to produce accurate, well-balanced and data-backed mattress reviews, to help you decide whether the mattress you like the look of is the best choice for you. Read our full mattress methodology for more info.
Best cooling mattress FAQs
What are the benefits of a cooling mattress?
Sleeping cool helps you drift off quicker, as your body will be at the right temperature for sleep. If you naturally 'run hot', you might find yourself waking up in the night feeling sweaty and uncomfortable. Outside of a cooling mattress, keeping your bedroom at a sleep-friendly temperature of 65-72 degrees Fahrenheit will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer. Cooling mattresses are designed to dissipate heat and promote better airflow, to stop you from overheating at night.
Specialist cooling mattresses can be expensive, but if your sleep is disturbed most nights because you wake up feeling too hot, it could make a major difference to your health and wellbeing.
Aside from helping you to remain at the right temperature for sleeping, cooling mattresses have many of the same benefits as standard models: good pressure relief, support for your entire body, and they promote healthy spine alignment, protecting your posture during sleep (for the record, this is the best position to sleep in when it's hot).
We recommend only choosing a cooling mattress that comes on a risk-free trial basis. That way, you’ll get to put it to the test during the trial period to be sure that it really does help you sleep cooler. If not, you can return it during the trial for a refund.
When is the best time to buy a cooling mattress?
Although mattress sales happen all year round, and some of the models in our ranking will be permanently discounted, there are certain events that tend to deliver bigger savings. The very best time is at the end of November when the Black Friday mattress sales arrive and usually spill over into the Cyber Monday mattress deals.
Late November might not be the time of year when you're most in need of a cooling mattress, though. If you've missed the holiday sales, your best bet is to wait for another national holiday. We see many of the best cooling mattresses on sale for Presidents Day in February, followed by further prices drops to tie-in with the Memorial Day mattress sales.
What kind of mattress is best for hot sleepers?
At the most basic end of the spectrum, an innerspring or hybrid mattress will be more breathable than an all-foam one, as the coils create space within the mattress for air to circulate.
Memory foam can trap body heat. However, not all foams are created equal, and some foams will be much worse for this than others. (We explore this deeper in our featuring answering: Are memory foam mattresses hot?). You can't always trust brands' claims here – lots of brands add gel or copper into their foams, saying that it'll wick away body heat, but in practice it's unlikely such infusions will make any difference at all. The most reliable way to assess a mattress' cooling abilities is to read reviews from people who've slept on it.
Are cooling mattresses cold in winter?
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Cooling mattresses aren’t refrigerators; they keep you cool by drawing existing surplus heat away from you. In fact, a lot of cooling materials, such as gel-infused foams, adapt to your environment and work in reverse.
For example, PCMs work with fluctuating body temperature by absorbing heat and releasing it as the body cools. This means it can help you cool down when you get hot and warm up when you start cooling down. So, no, cooling mattresses won't make you cold in the winter.
Active vs passive cooling
In proper cooling mattress territory, you'll find models with technical fabrics in their upper covers, and foams geared specifically towards dissipating heat. That's known as passive cooling, and almost all the models in our best cooling mattress guide use this approach.
For ultimate chilling power, however, there are a handful of products on the market that offer active cooling. One is the Eight Sleep Cover, which contains water channels that can be heated or chilled to the exact temperature you prefer.
Should you buy a cooling mattress or a cooling pad?
Whether it is best for you to buy a cooling mattress or cooling pad will depend on several factors including your sleep needs, budget and sleep environment.
A cooling mattress is the best option if you're willing to make a long-term investment, and have the budget for it, as they are usually made from high-quality materials that will last several years. Hence, they tend to be more expensive. But the higher price tag is worth it. You are sure to get a better cooling experience with a cooling mattress rather than a cooling pad. This is because the entire mattress is designed for consistent, reliable cooling.
On the other hand, cooling pads are a great quick and affordable fix if you are looking for cooling technology to tide you through hotter summer nights and don’t suffer with temperature regulation year round. Although cooling pads have limited effectiveness (there is only so much they can do if the mattress underneath retains heat), they are useful for you to test cooling technology before investing in an expensive cooling mattress.
Able to be rolled up, cooling pads are portable, making them a good option if you are sleeping at different locations.
