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Being too hot can disrupt a person’s sleep and prevent them from waking up feeling refreshed. If a person finds that this happens regularly, purchasing a cooling mattress may be useful.
Quick links
- Best range of firmnesses: Saatva Classic
- Best for all sleeping positions: Nest Bedding Sparrow Signature Hybrid
- Best hypoallergenic mattress: Purple Original
- Best firm mattress: American Mattress Company Graphite Infused Memory Foam Mattress
- Best for back pain: GhostBed Luxe
- Best for side sleepers: Helix Midnight
- Best for airflow: Nolah Evolution 15”
- Best for small budgets: Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam iCoil® Hybrid Mattress
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
During hot weather, getting enough quality sleep may be more difficult. A cooling mattress might help people who live in hot climates or feel hot while sleeping. Below are some of the top cooling mattresses a person can consider.
Best range of firmnesses: Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic is a hybrid mattress comprising a coil innerspring system and a memory foam top layer.
According to the manufacturer, it contains individually wrapped coils and a cotton cover, which reportedly helps promote airflow.
A person can choose their level of firmness and have a choice of plush soft, luxury firm, or firm support.
The company also claims that the product is suitable for people with back and joint pain and those who sleep in multiple positions overnight.
A person can consider the following pros and cons of this mattress:
Pros:
- 365-night trial period
- lifetime warranty
- different firmness choices
Cons:
- larger sizes are expensive
- comes in one height
The Saatva Classic Mattress costs between $887–2,296.
Best for all sleeping positions: Nest Bedding Sparrow Signature Hybrid
According to the manufacturer, this mattress features a gel memory foam and a temperature-regulating cooling cover.
The mattress includes support foam layers and up to 1,032 individually wrapped coils. Its reinforced edges aim to make getting in and out of bed easier.
The foams used in this mattress are CertiPUR-US-certified.
The company also says that its mattress is suitable for people who sleep on their side, back, or stomach.
The hybrid construction of pocketed coils, support foam, and gel-infused memory foam, may make it suitable for back, side, stomach, or combination sleepers.
The pros and cons of this mattress a person can consider include:
Pros:
- lifetime renewal exchange
- 365-night trial period
- foams meet CertiPUR-US® standards
- flippable
Cons:
- is not suitable for bed foundations with slats
- takes 12–24 hours to expand to its intended height after shipping
The Nest Bedding Sparrow Signature Hybrid Mattress costs between $1,149–2,229.
Best hypoallergenic mattress: Purple Original
According to the company, this mattress is hypoallergenic and features a distinctive Gel-Flex GridTM comprising 1,400 air channels to promote cool sleep and supports pressure points.
Overall, the mattress comprises three layers and a soft cover.
The manufacturer states that the materials used in the Purple Original are hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and durable.
A person can consider the following pros and cons of this mattress:
Pros:
- pressure point relief
- controls motion transfer
- edge support
- promotes airflow
Cons:
- all-foam construction may be too hot for some
- one firmness option
The Purple Original costs between $799–1,390.
Best firm mattress: American Mattress Company Graphite Infused Memory Foam Mattress
According to the manufacturer, the graphite infused in its mattress’s memory foam helps keep the body cool.
The company says the mattress is firm and consists of a 6-inch (in) high-density foam base for support, topped with 2 in graphite-infused memory foam.
The manufacturer states that the mattress also has an aerated surface to allow heat to disperse.
It has layers of two different foams combined with graphite. Infused in one layer and a breathable cover, which the manufacturer said helped make it sleep firm and cool.
The pros and cons a person can consider include:
Pros:
- suitable for small budgets
- wide range of sizes
- options suitable for small spaces
- CertiPUR-US certified foams
Cons:
- user reports of a strong smell
- one firmness option
The American Mattress Company Graphite Infused Memory Foam Mattress costs between $485–599.
Best for back pain: GhostBed Luxe
This mattress contains gel memory foam to help relieve pressure and back pain.
The company says that the following features included in this mattress help the body stay cool:
- cool-to-touch quilted cover
- thermosensitivity technology that senses heat and adjusts to regulate temperature
The layer beneath the cover material draws heat away from the body, which may suit people who sleep hot.
With a 2 in comfort layer that supports the spine, relieves pressure points, and distributes weight evenly, it may also be suitable for people with back pain.
A person can consider the following pros and cons of this mattress before committing to a purchase:
Pros:
- contours to the body
- supports pressure points
- cooling technology on the topper and in the core
Cons:
- one firmness option
- may be too soft for stomach sleepers
- firmness may not be suitable for heavier people
- split firmness option is expensive
The GhostBed Luxe costs between $1,895–4,090.
Best for side sleepers: Helix Midnight
This mattress is suitable for side sleepers.
The company says that the mattress’s breathable cover helps keep the body cool, while the combination of springs and memory foam provides airflow for temperature regulation.
This mattress combines four layers of foam with up to 950 individually wrapped 8 in steel coils. The manufacturer states that this helps cushion pressure points and support body contours, making it a great choice for side sleepers.
A person can choose between a soft, breathable Soft Touch cover or upgrade to a GlacioTex Cooling Cover that pulls heat away from the body.
The pros and cons a person can consider include:
Pros:
- choice of two cooling covers
- motion isolation
- edge support
- comes with two free pillows
Cons:
- one firmness option
- all-foam construction may not be suitable for heavier people
- firmness may not be suitable for stomach sleepers
The Helix Midnight costs between $799–1,549.
Best for airflow: Nolah Evolution 15”
The Nolah Evolution 15” is a hybrid mattress with features that the manufacturer states provide pressure point relief, spinal support, and a cool night’s sleep.
The seven-layer construction supports breathability and cooling airflow, features:
- cooling quilted topper
- cooling layer to let heat out
- graphite-infused foam layer for cooling and pressure relief
- high-resilience foam
- zoned coil support
- plant fiber transition layer
The pros and cons a person can consider include:
Pros:
- lifetime warranty
- choice of firmnesses
- several cooling layers
Cons:
- all models cost over $1,000
The Nolah Evolution 15” costs between $1,590–3,598.
Best for small budgets: Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam iCoil® Hybrid Mattress
The Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam iCoil® Hybrid Mattress combines layers of the manufacturer’s proprietary memory foam with individually pocketed coils. The manufacturer states that the coils reduce motion transfer.
The foam used in the mattress is CertiPUR-US certified to be free from harmful chemicals. The manufacturer has infused its foam with:
- cooling gel to extract heat
- green tea extract and charcoal to reduce odors
It is available in 10 in or 12 in heights, with the 12 in height including a cooling cover.
A person can consider the following pros and cons of this mattress:
Pros:
- suitable for smaller budgets
- pressure point relief
- Certi-PUR-US foam
- motion isolation coils
Cons:
- 12 in mattress costs more
- some users report issues with quality and discomfort
The Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam iCoil® Hybrid Mattress costs between $335–740.
Throughout the sleep-wake cycle, the body’s core temperature
Being too hot can disrupt sleep, including deep sleep, which a person needs to wake up feeling refreshed. Any disruptions may have noticeable effects the following day.
A person might need to take steps to cool down at night if this is a persistent issue. For example, they can consider purchasing a cooling mattress to help regulate the body’s temperature.
People who want to purchase a cooling mattress may wish to consider the following aspects.
- Price: People should consider their budget when buying a mattress. Many companies offer a range of mattresses that suit most budgets. However, mattresses with cooling technology may be more expensive.
- Mattress type: The most common mattresses are foam, spring, and hybrid. Foam mattresses contour to the body’s shape and may provide extra pressure relief and support, whereas spring mattresses tend to be cooler as they allow extra airflow. Hybrid mattresses combine foam and springs and offer extra support and airflow.
- Firmness: Mattresses come in a range of firmnesses. The most common firmness level is medium-firm, which suits most sleepers. However, firmness is subjective, and people should purchase whichever mattress they find most comfortable.
- Warranty: People may wish to consider buying a mattress from a company that offers a warranty. Many companies also offer a sleep trial. People can purchase a mattress and return it within a certain timeframe for a refund if it is not suitable or satisfactory.
The table below compares each of the best cooling mattresses in this article.
Price | Sizes | Materials | Trial period | Warranty | Free shipping | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saatva Classic | $887–2,296 | • twin • twin XL • full • queen • king • split king • California (CA) king • split CA king | • cotton • memory foam • coils | 365 nights | lifetime | yes |
Nest Bedding Sparrow Signature Hybrid | $1,149–2,229 | • twin • twin XL • full • queen • king • CA king • split CA king | • gel memory foam • foam • coils | 365 nights | lifetime | yes |
Purple Original | $799–1,390 | • twin • twin XL • full • queen • king • split king • CA king • split CA king | • GelFlex Grid • foam | 100 nights | 10 years | yes |
American Mattress Company Graphite Infused Memory Foam | $485–599 | • twin • twin XL • queen • short queen • king • short king • RV king | • memory foam | no trial | – | yes |
GhostBed Luxe | $1,895–4,090 | • twin • twin XL • full • queen • king • split king • CA king • split CA king | • foam • gel memory foam | 101 nights | 25 years | yes |
Helix Midnight | $799–1,549 | • twin • twin XL • full • queen • king • split king • CA king | • foam • memory foam • coils | 100 nights | 10–15 years | yes |
Nolah Evolution 15” | $1,590–3,598 | • twin • twin XL • full • queen • king • split king • CA king • split CA king | • graphite-infused foam • plant fibers • coils | 120 nights | lifetime | yes |
Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam iCoil® Hybrid | $335–740 | • twin • full • queen • king • split king • CA king | • foam • coils | 100 nights | 10 years | yes |
A person might also wish to try the following strategies from the American Sleep Apnea Association.
- Keep the windows closed at night if the inside of the house is cooler than the outside.
- Use cotton sheets.
- Take a cooling shower or bath before bed.
- Avoid consuming alcohol close to bedtime.
- Try using a frozen, gel-filled eye mask.
- For a short-term fix, freeze the bedding in a plastic bag during the day.
- Fill a rubber hot water bottle with cool water, keep it in the freezer, and place it in the bed before sleep.
- Place a pan full of ice before a fan to cool the air.
When a person sleeps, the brain cycles through rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM stages.
Non-REM sleep comes first, and it involves:
- a brief transition period into sleep
- light sleep, wherein body temperature drops and breathing, heart rate, and brain waves slow down
- deep sleep, which a person needs to feel refreshed
Next comes REM sleep, when the eyes move rapidly behind the eyelids, and brain waves resemble those of someone who is awake. Breathing increases, and the body becomes temporarily paralyzed.
During an average night’s sleep, the body cycles through these stages a few times, gradually spending more time in REM sleep and less time in non-REM sleep.
The authors of one
Below are some frequently asked questions about cooling mattresses.
Which type of mattress is coolest?
The most common types of mattresses are foam, spring, and hybrid. Spring and hybrid mattresses tend to be cooler because the springs allow extra airflow. Foam mattresses are denser and can be hotter.
However, many companies sell foam mattresses with air channels and cooling gels, promoting cooler sleep. People should carefully consider the construction and materials of a mattress before purchasing.
Are there any other ways to keep a mattress cool?
Cooling mattresses can be expensive. People may wish to consider purchasing a cooling mattress pad if they already have a mattress that does not need replacing.
Another option is to purchase a cooling blanket. Many cooling blankets use moisture-wicking material to help prevent overheating and promote more restful sleep.
Can I flip a cooling mattress?
People can flip certain mattresses. A manufacturer will state whether or not a mattress is suitable for flipping.
Some mattresses are only useable on one side because of the layers inside. For example, many mattresses will have a comfort layer on the top and a support layer on the bottom. In these cases, flipping the mattress means that a person will not be sleeping on the comfort layer.
A high body temperature can interfere with the progress and flow of sleep cycles, keeping a person from sleeping well and waking up feeling refreshed.
However, various strategies and products may help people reach a comfortable temperature for sleep.
Cooling mattresses can help a person long-term to stay cool overnight and get more refreshing sleep.