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Best Cooling Mattress of 2024
Hot Sleepers Rejoice! (And Sleep Comfortably This Summer)
Sleep Foundation
Why Trust Us
Our mission to create a healthier, more well-rested world demands that our product reviews be best-in-class. You won’t find more expertise on mattresses and sleep products anywhere else.
The Sleep Foundation product testing team uses an industry-leading evaluation process paired with real world consumer feedback to come up with objective recommendations so that you can feel confident in your product decisions.
Few things can ruin a good night’s sleep like temperature, but hot sleepers may still be able to keep their cool come morning time. By using a mattress made with materials that stay cool, your bed can actually help you sleep better when it’s hot. Since airflow and breathability are key for deflecting heat, our in-house testers evaluated each of our picks for top cooling mattress using temperature-regulation criteria.
Read on below to see what our team found, how these types of mattresses work, and what to look for when shopping for a new, cooler bed. Want to learn more about our top overall mattress picks? Visit our guide to the best mattresses of 2024 for more information. You can also check out our other mattress guides tailored to specific needs, such as the best mattress for back pain.
The Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers
- Best Overall Mattress – Helix Midnight Luxe
- Best Value Mattress – Nectar Premier
- Most Comfortable Mattress – WinkBed
- Best Luxury Mattress – Saatva Latex Hybrid
- Best Mattress for All Sleep Positions – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Best Mattress for Couples – Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Side Sleepers – Nolah Evolution 15
- Best Mattress for Back Pain – Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best Temperature-Regulating Mattress – Layla Hybrid
In-Depth Reviews
“The Midnight Luxe sleeps exceptionally cool for a pillow-top hybrid. The cover is breathable and the coils circulate plenty of air to prevent the foams from trapping too much heat. Our side-sleeping field tester has slept on the Midnight Luxe for 2 years and finds the mattress incredibly supportive, with just the right amount of cushioning to reduce pressure buildup.” – Lauren Fountain, Senior Editor
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Pros
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Close-conforming memory foam without excessive heat retention
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Robust coil system provides strong support and improves airflow
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Plush surface reduces pressure buildup
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Cons
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May not provide enough support for back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
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Fairly expensive compared to the average hybrid
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,099 – $2,299
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
What Customers Think
Many customers find the cooling features on the Helix Midnight Luxe are effective at keeping a comfortable temperature during sleep. While many owners praise the cushioning, some heavier individuals find the surface isn’t quite supportive enough.
What Our Team Thinks
If you’re in the market for a new mattress but aren’t sure about your ideal firmness level, Helix Sleep offers a wide selection of memory foam hybrid models designed for specific body types and sleep positions. We found the Midnight Luxe to be one of the brand’s most well-rounded models. The mattress is designed with a pocketed coil system that promotes steady airflow and helps the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature.
How It Performed
We found the support from the Midnight Luxe’s transitional layer prevented testers’ bodies from sinking too deep into the bed. Between this and the conforming memory foam layers, the mattress relieved pressure while still retaining some bounce, making it a good match for our team’s side sleepers who experience pressure buildup in the shoulders and hips. The pocketed coils provide a supportive base and also allow for steady airflow, reducing heat retention that may be associated with foam layers. Consequently, the Helix Midnight Luxe slept quite cool.
What It’s Made of
While standard Helix models may appeal to budget-minded shoppers, the Luxe series consists of thicker pillow-top hybrids equipped with extra features to enhance your sleep experience. The Midnight Luxe is the middle-of-the-road option, which our testers rated medium firm (6). The mattress contains two layers of memory foam beneath the pillow-top to give the surface a plush feel. A polyfoam transitional layer provides extra conforming as well as support. The support core is made of zoned pocketed coils, followed by a base layer of high-density foam.
The Midnight Luxe and other Luxe hybrids cost a bit more than standard Helix models, but all have reasonable sticker prices compared to the average hybrid. Helix Sleep also provides free shipping in the contiguous U.S. The Midnight Luxe comes with a 100-night sleep trial and 15-year warranty.
You May Also Like
• WinkBed – If you want extra support for your midsection, the WinkBed’s coils are stronger beneath the torso and hips
• Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – If you sleep hot, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is loaded with cooling features
• Titan Plus Luxe – If you weigh more than 230 pounds, the Titan Plus delivers robust support intended for this weight group
“Even though it’s an all-foam model, the foams in the Nectar Premier have cooling features that help keep the bed from trapping too much heat. The mattress also gives you plenty of bang for your buck, thanks in part to a generous sleep trial that offers lots of time to determine if the mattress will really go the distance for you.” – Jeremy Klein, Senior Product Expert
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Pros
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Mixed foam design greatly alleviates pressure in the joints
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Thick foam layers absorb most movement transfer
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365-night sleep trial
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Cons
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Limited edge support can lead to perimeter sinkage
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Foam layers may produce strong initial odor
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Mattress Type
Foam
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$699 – $1,598
Trial Period
365 nights
Product Details
What Customers Think
Pressure relief for the hips and shoulders is one of the most touted qualities among customers for the Nectar Premier. People also appreciate the mattress for its reasonable price-point.
What Our Team Thinks
Nectar offers an array of mattresses, but the Premier stood out to our testers for its higher profile and enhanced cooling properties compared to other all-foam models we’ve evaluated in our lab. The thick comfort layer makes this bed an especially good choice for couples who prioritize plush, comfortable sleep surfaces with strong motion isolation.
How It Performed
A top memory foam layer conformed closely to our testers’ bodies, resulting in excellent pressure relief. The mattress also performed well during our motion isolation tests, making this an attractive option for anyone who needs a bed that reduces sleep disturbances from their partner’s movement. Meanwhile, the denser polyfoam layers provided adequate reinforcement, especially compared to other all-foam beds we’ve tested. The balance of contouring and support appealed to the side sleepers on our team weighing at least 130 pounds, since they need cushioning in the shoulders and hips but still require support for the lower back.
What It’s Made of
The mattress is 13 inches thick with an all-foam construction that our testers rated medium firm (6). The topmost layer consists of memory foam infused with cooling gel and phase change material, both of which are intended to help maintain temperature neutrality on the bed’s surface. Next is a thin layer of firmer transitional foam, followed by a 7-inch base layer of high-density polyfoam that stabilizes the mattress.
Nectar ships free of charge within the contiguous U.S. The Premier comes with a generous 365-night trial and lifetime warranty.
You May Also Like
• Purple Mattress – If you sleep hot, the Purple Mattress offers deep cushioning and feels cooler than most competing foam beds
• IKEA – If you’re looking for a wide selection of affordable beds, Ikea’s mattress selections includes dozens of wallet-friendly options
• Layla Memory Foam Mattress – If you’re a combination sleeper, the Layla Memory Foam Mattress is flippable with a different firmness on each side
“Three of our field testers have slept on a WinkBed for over a year and they all praise the exceptional support from the sturdy coils. Others on our testing team agree that the adaptive foam cushioning excels at cradling without allowing uncomfortable sinkage.” – Colin Simpson, Research Manager
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Pros
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Foam layers adapt closely to the body, improve spinal alignment, and alleviate pressure
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Zoned coils protect the perimeter and promote easy movement across the surface
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Breathable Tencel cover and strong internal airflow help the mattress stay cool
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Cons
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Firmer models offer limited motion isolation
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Thick profile may require new sheets with deep pockets
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Mattress Type
Innerspring
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,149 – $2,049
Trial Period
120 nights (30 night requirement)
Product Details
What Customers Think
Customers appreciate the range of firmness options offered by the WinkBed, saying it allows them to find a model that meets their specific needs. Many owners report back pain relief after finding a suitable firmness.
What Our Team Thinks
Picking the right cooling mattress can be challenging for side sleepers. We’ve found that people who primarily use this position experience pressure buildup along the spine, so they need an adaptive mattress that promotes even alignment and cushions the shoulders and hips. Thanks to a combination of foam layers and breathable components, we think the WinkBed is a good compromise for side sleepers seeking a cool, comfortable, and supportive mattress.
How It Performed
We found the WinkBed to be both plush and robust – a rare combination for mattresses our team has tested. The foam layers molded closely to the body while the coils created a strong support system to prevent our testers from sinking too deeply. Thanks to the range of firmness options, sleepers in most weight categories on our testing team found a model that felt comfortable.
Motion isolation is another area where the WinkBed performed well compared to other hybrid models. The top layers absorbed movement effectively, and the coils didn’t produce much responsiveness. At the same time, the edges felt secure thanks to the zoned coil system, and none of us sank excessively when moving across the surface. Steady airflow through the coils and the moisture-wicking Tencel cover also earned the WinkBed positive marks during our temperature control tests.
What It’s Made of
The WinkBed is available in four firmness levels: medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7), as well as the WinkBed Plus option with a firm (8) feel. Standard WinkBed models begin with a layer of polyfoam quilted into the cover, followed by an additional polyfoam layer in the medium soft, medium firm, and firm models. The Plus has a zoned latex layer instead of a second polyfoam layer. We noticed gentle conforming from the quilted polyfoam, resulting in even weight distribution and reduced pressure buildup. The transitional polyfoam layer provides moderate cushioning while serving as a buffer between your body and the support core. The medium soft model includes an extra layer of polyfoam for added cushioning.
As a hybrid model, the WinkBed uses pocketed coils for stability. These coils are designed to move independently from one another, creating a sturdy support system without generating too much bounce or motion transfer. Extra reinforcement along the perimeter helped prevent deep sinkage when our testers got in and out of bed.
WinkBeds offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. and a 120-night trial period. All WinkBed mattresses are backed by lifetime warranties.
You May Also Like
• Saatva Classic – If you prefer the responsiveness of traditional innersprings, the Saatva Classic offers strong bounce with two coil layers
• Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – If you’re shopping with a limited budget, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has a below-average sticker price
• Real Bed – If you dislike foam, the Real Bed contains springy latex that lightly cushions and doesn’t hug closely
“The Saatva Latex Hybrid is ultra-responsive, so it always feels like you’re lying on the mattress instead of in it. There’s also a lot of airflow throughout the bed, thanks to the coils and naturally breathable materials. I find it provides a supportive, cool night’s sleep.” – Logan Foley, Managing Editor
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Pros
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Breathable wool, latex, cotton, and coils help facilitate airflow
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Components hold GOTS and GOLS certifications
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All orders include a year-long sleep trial
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Cons
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Responsive design can lead to sleep disruptions for couples
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Some side sleepers prefer mattresses with more cushioning
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Mattress Type
Latex Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,295 – $2,990
Trial Period
365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)
Product Details
What Customers Think
The Saatva Latex Hybrid is praised by many customers for its sturdy support and cushioned surface. Long-time owners say the bed is durable and sags minimally over time.
What Our Team Thinks
Since uneven support and excessive sinkage can exacerbate pain from poor sleep posture, some sleepers require a mattress with extra reinforcement for their bodies that keeps them on an even plane. The Saatva Latex Hybrid has a luxury latex-over-coil design that delivered outstanding stability during our testing without sacrificing comfort or pressure relief.
How It Performed
The Latex Hybrid’s responsiveness and medium firm (6) feel best suited our back and stomach sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds, but most sleepers who use these positions should feel comfortable. The latex offers gentle cradling to relieve pressure points, while the coils keep the body from sinking excessively.
Temperature control was one of the mattresses main strengths. The breathable cover and comfort materials naturally retain less heat, and the coil system ensures steady internal airflow. As a result, our heat guns detected minimal heat retention during testing. We also found the mattress to be a great choice for couples who prefer a bouncier surface for sex. Couples should feel comfortable moving across the full surface with little to no sinkage along the edges.
What It’s Made of
A layer of GOTS-certified organic wool gives the surface a bit of cushioning while acting as a natural fire barrier. Underneath is a layer of zoned Talalay latex that offers enhanced support to the lower back while cradling pressure points in the hips and shoulders. This layer also prevents your body from sinking too deeply into the coils.
Zoned pocketed coils make up the support core. Thicker coils are zoned underneath the midsection to prevent uncomfortable sagging and help you maintain healthy sleep posture. The coils rest on a base layer made from a blend of organic cotton and GOTS-certified organic wool. The mattress is encased in a breathable organic cotton cover.
All Saatva customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free White Glove delivery, which includes full assembly in your home and removal of your old mattress. Comparatively, most online mattress brands charge at least $100 for this service. Your purchase also includes a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.
You May Also Like
• DreamCloud Mattress – If you need deep cushioning as well as support, the DreamCloud features plush foam layers and sturdy coils
• Birch Mattress – If you’re looking for something more eco-friendly, the Birch is made of organic and natural materials
• Helix – If you’re shopping with a limited budget, Helix mattresses cost much less than the average hybrid
Best Mattress for All Sleep Positions
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Save 25% sitewide at Brooklyn Bedding
$1,698 at Brooklyn Bedding
“We didn’t notice excessive heat retention in the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe when we performed our temperature tests in the lab. I’ve personally slept on this model for around 4 years and recommend the bed for anyone who enjoys a little bit of cradling from foam but still needs the sturdy support of coils.” – Jeremy Klein, Senior Product Expert
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Pros
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Available in three firmness options
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Airflow through the pocketed coil support core keeps sleepers cool
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Foam comfort layers isolate motion
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Cons
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Strong initial off-gassing odor is likely
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Firmness exchanges not available during trial period
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
Price Range
$749 – $1,699
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
What Customers Think
A number of owners love the cooling features of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe, saying it sleeps cooler than other beds they’ve tried. The pillow-top addition is a popular feature, with many customers enjoying the enhanced comfort.
What Our Team Thinks
A mattress’ comfort level is a matter of subjectivity, but some beds are designed to feel comfortable for a wide swath of sleepers. We found the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is one such mattress. It comes in three firmness levels to accommodate different types of sleepers, and the hot sleepers on our team appreciated the Aurora Luxe’s cooling features.
How It Performed
The Aurora Luxe is designed with comfort in mind – just soft enough to cushion our pressure points, but supportive enough to prevent sagging. All three firmness options excelled at relieving pressure buildup during our testing, which is especially important for side and back sleepers. Sleepers under 130 pounds found the medium soft option most comfortable, while sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds found the best support from the firm bed. The medium firm option is appropriate for many weight categories, depending on your sleep position.
The cover fabric and CopperFlex foam are both infused with TitanCool, a phase change material meant to wick moisture from the body, dissipate heat, and maintain a neutral temperature. The coils also enable air to circulate and keep the bed cool.
What It’s Made of
The Aurora Luxe is available in medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7) feels. All options feature a top layer of CopperFlex foam. We noticed this foam conformed to the body but was also slightly responsive. Next is a layer of TitanFlex foam that feels firmer. The medium soft and medium firm versions include a transitional layer of gel-infused memory foam beneath these two layers, while the firm model uses TitanFlex foam for enhanced support.
All firmness options include a support core of pocketed coils that are zoned for extra support to the midsection. You can opt for an additional foam layer in the comfort system. This layer, known as the “Cloud” pillow-top, provides extra cushioning and may make the mattress feel slightly softer compared to models that don’t feature this layer.
Brooklyn Bedding provides free shipping within the contiguous U.S. Customers receive a 120-day sleep trial and are eligible for free returns after a 30-day break-in period. The bed is backed by a 10-year warranty.
You May Also Like
• ORB Performance Hybrid Mattress – If you’re looking for a high-quality cooling hybrid to take on the road, the ORB Performance Hybrid Mattress is specifically designed for RV use
• Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze – If you enjoy the deep contouring of a foam mattress, the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze is engineered for consistent cooling and shouldn’t trap much heat
• Saatva Classic – If you aren’t sure which firmness is best for you, Saatva allows exchanges for up to one year after the purchase date
Best Mattress for Couples
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
20% off mattresses + free pillows at Leesa
$1,727 at Leesa
“The thick foam layers on the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid give the bed a luxuriously cushioned surface without sacrificing support from the coil system. Couples can pick from three different firmness levels depending on their needs.” — Lauren Fountain, Senior Editor
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Pros
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Mixed-foam comfort system excels at pressure relief
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Three firmness options available
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Designed with cooling features for thermoregulation
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Cons
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Foam layers may release off-gassing odors after unboxing
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Coils produce some motion transfer
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
Price Range
$1,499 – $2,399
Trial Period
100 nights (30 night requirement)
Product Details
What Customers Think
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid is popular with a variety of sleep positions, but side sleepers in particular enjoy the bed for its strong pressure relief. While many praise the cooling features, some hot sleepers find the bed falls short on cooling.
What Our Team Thinks
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid pairs a thick foam comfort system with a sturdy coil base, resulting in a balanced mattress with excellent cushioning for sleepers who prioritize pressure relief. Available in three firmness options, it’s a suitable pick for couples who need a bed that can accommodate a range of sleep preferences.
How It Performed
You can choose between three firmness levels that translate to medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (7) on our 10-point firmness scale. Regardless of the firmness level you pick, the mattress has a 14-inch profile with substantial foam layers that cradle your body and offer very good pressure relief for areas like the shoulders, hips, and spine. Air circulation in the coils, a gel infusion in the top foam layer, and cooling fibers in the cover all help keep the surface at a comfortable temperature.
Side sleepers in lighter weight categories preferred the softer models while those in heavier weight groups gravitated toward the firmer models. Back sleepers up to 230 pounds generally gave higher marks to the two firmer options, and stomach sleepers in the same weight category gave their highest marks to the firm model.
What It’s Made of
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid has a polyester blend cover infused with cooling fibers that help mitigate heat retention. Two inches of polyfoam are quilted into the cover for even cushioning across the surface. This is followed by three additional foam layers, one of which is memory foam, that generate close contouring. The layers grow progressively denser to prevent you from sinking into the support core, which contains pocketed coils. The coils are zoned to enhance support in the lumbar area.
Leesa ships mattresses for free to all 50 states. Each bed comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
You May Also Like
• Saatva Classic – If you don’t like the hugging feel of foam, the dual coil layers in the Saatva Classic produce a more responsive feel
• Bear Elite Hybrid – If you tend to sleep hot, the cover of the Bear Elite Hybrid is engineered to reduce heat retention
• Eco Terra Mattress – If you’re sensitive to foam off-gassing, the Eco Terra Mattress is made with latex and coils that don’t off-gas VOCs
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nolah Evolution 15
35% off mattresses + 2 free pillows at Nolah
$1,624 at Nolah Sleep
“The memory foam in the Nolah Evolution 15 gives you a decent amount of hug that really helps with pain points. Thankfully it never gets too hot, due to a solid base of zoned coils that provides plenty of airflow and support.” – Mark Horiuchi, Lead Product Tester
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Pros
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Euro-top quilted with foam gives the surface a plush feel
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Zoned pocketed coil support core provides targeted support to the midsection
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15-inch profile
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Cons
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Thick profile may necessitate deep-pocket sheets
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Limited options for people seeking a soft to medium soft mattress
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,004 – $2,143
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
What Customers Think
Many customers appreciate the Nolah Evolution’s multiple firmness options, since it allows them to exchange firmness levels if needed. The bed also earns high marks for Nolah’s customer service.
What Our Team Thinks
The Nolah Evolution 15 is a hybrid mattress that combines the contouring features of foam with the strong support of a coil system. The result is a bed that excelled in our pressure relief tests, making it ideal for sleepers with back pain and other people who experience painful buildup at night.
How It Performed
The Evolution 15 earned positive reviews from testers who normally run hot during sleep. The foam layers are engineered to draw heat away from the body, and the coil system enables air to circulate. The bed is available in three firmness options, making it suitable for various sleep positions and sleep preferences. The side and back sleepers on our team preferred the plush and luxury firm options, which translate to medium (5) and medium firm (6) feels, respectively. Stomach sleepers appreciated the firm (8) option, since this sleep position requires a flat, supportive surface for proper spinal alignment.
What It’s Made of
At 15 inches thick, the Nolah Evolution 15 is a high-profile mattress with an adaptive comfort system. The Euro-top cover is quilted with foam, followed by a comfort layer of proprietary AirFoamICE foam. When our testers were lying on the bed, they found these two comfort layers offered above-average cushioning for a hybrid. Next is a firmer layer of polyfoam, which provides moderate contouring but also buffers you from the support core. Beneath the foam is an 8-inch pocketed coil system that offers targeted support to different areas of the body.
The Evolution comes in all six standard sizes, as well as a split king size for adjustable beds. Nolah ships mattresses for free within the contiguous U.S. Customers receive a 120-night sleep trial and may return the bed for a full refund after an initial 30-day period. The Evolution 15 comes with a lifetime warranty.
You May Also Like
• Loom & Leaf – If you’re looking for a long-lasting memory foam mattress, the Loom & Leaf is constructed with dense, durable layers
• WinkBed – If you aren’t sure which firmness is right for you, WinkBed lets you exchange your first mattress for a softer or firmer model
• Tuft & Needle Mint – If you run hot at night, the Tuft & Needle Mint sleeps cool thanks to its breathable foam layers
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Bear Elite Hybrid
35% off + 2 free pillows at Bear. Code: SF35
$1,499 at Bear
“The Bear Elite Hybrid has a cover made of Celliant-blend fabric, which can help regulate temperature throughout the night. The strong temperature regulation and the versatile hybrid design make this a strong fit for co-sleepers with different sleep preferences.” – Logan Foley, Managing Editor
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Pros
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Three firmness levels to accommodate different sleep positions and body types
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Celliant-blend cover engineered to cool the surface and dissipate heat
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Zoned transitional layer provides enhanced reinforcement for the midsection
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Cons
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Minimal motion isolation for couples
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Above-average pricing compared to other hybrid models
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,231 – $2,548
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night break-in period)
Product Details
What Customers Think
The Bear Elite Hybrid is popular with hot sleepers, with many saying the bed minimizes overheating at night. A lot of owners also praise the overall balance of firmness and cushioning.
What Our Team Thinks
Most mattresses that earn high ratings in our motion isolation tests have adaptive foam layers, and this can lead to an uncomfortable sleep temperature if the cushioning layers absorb excess heat. With the Bear Elite Hybrid, you get the best of both worlds. Thick foam layers prevent movement transfer when your partner changes positions at night, but we found the specialized cooling cover facilitates airflow while you sleep.
How It Performed
Elite Hybrid buyers choose from three firmness levels. During our tests, the Luxury Plush – a medium (5) model – earned the most favorable ratings from side and back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds. This design offers the closest contouring and may sink a bit too much for sleepers who weigh more. The Luxury Firm (6) model was most popular among our side sleepers weighing 130 to 230 pounds and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. The most balanced of the three, this model cushions and supports the body in equal measure. Lastly, the Firm (8) model provided excellent reinforcement for side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds, as well as back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds.
Temperature control is a defining trait of this mattress. This can be attributed to the Celliant-blend cover, which releases heat from the surface, as well as steady air circulation through the coil system and the breathable, copper-infused memory foam comfort layer. The Elite Hybrid’s other strengths vary by firmness level. The two softest models performed well during our pressure relief tests, while the two firmest options feel more secure along the perimeter and don’t sink excessively when you move across the surface.
What It’s Made of
A memory foam comfort layer and polyfoam transitional layer make up the Elite Hybrid’s comfort system. The memory foam is infused with copper, which has natural cooling properties. The polyfoam is divided into five different firmness zones. We noticed that this zoned design enhances support around the midsection – where people tend to carry extra weight – while gently cradling the head, shoulders, and legs.
The Elite Hybrid’s support core consists of pocketed coils over a high-density polyfoam base layer. Extra-strength coils along the perimeter provided pushback and decreased sinkage when our testers lied along the edges of the mattress or got in and out of bed. A cover made of Celliant-blend fabric encases the mattress. Celliant is engineered to dissipate heat on contact, resulting in a sleep surface that feels cool at all times – even on exceptionally hot or humid nights.
Bear offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Customers can opt for two free pillows with their purchase or choose a discounted sleep accessories bundle featuring two pillows, a sheet set, and a mattress protector. All mattress orders are backed by 120-night sleep trials and lifetime warranties.
You May Also Like
• Helix Luxe – If you’re looking for more firmness options, Helix Luxe hybrids come in six different designs
• Nectar Hybrid – If you want a memory foam hybrid at a low price-point, the Nectar Hybrid checks both boxes
• DreamCloud Mattress – If you want deep cushioning from your sleep surface, the DreamCloud is one of the plushest hybrids on the market
Best Temperature-Regulating Mattress
Layla Hybrid
$220 off + 2 free pillows at Layla. Use code: Sleepy20
$1,499 at Layla
“I’m a side sleeper who’s been using the Layla Hybrid for several years, and I’ve found the foam layers are really great at cushioning my shoulders and hips to prevent them from getting sore. I tend to sleep hot, but the airflow through the coils keeps the temperature very comfortable.” – Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing
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Pros
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Reversible design with two distinct feels
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Pressure-relieving foam comfort system infused with copper gel intended for cooling
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Reinforced perimeter enhances edge support
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Cons
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Heavy design may be difficult to lift and flip
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May not feel comfortable on either side for those seeking a medium firm surface
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Reversible: Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)
Price Range
$1,299 – $1,899
Trial Period
120 nights
Product Details
What Customers Think
Many users single out the Layla’s Hybrid’s flippable design, saying it allows them to change firmness levels if needed. Some customers especially like the bed’s strong cushioning, since it alleviates painful pressure buildup.
What Our Team Thinks
Mattresses with foam layers typically trap body heat since they adapt so closely to the body. The Layla Hybrid pairs cooling technology with steady airflow through the coil system, earning it high marks in our temperature control tests.
How It Performed
The mattress has a reversible design with a different feel on each side: medium soft (4) and firm (7). Most of our testers found a side that felt comfortable, regardless of their sleeping positions or body types. The softer side’s thick cushioning earned its highest ratings from our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, as well as back and stomach sleepers weighing under 130 pounds. Meanwhile, the firmer side offered even contouring enjoyed by back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds.
Both sides earned balanced reviews across our testing criteria with only slight differences in performance. The softer side’s thicker comfort system absorbed more motion, while the firmer side slept slightly cooler. Both excelled in our edge support tests, thanks to the reinforced perimeter.
What It’s Made of
Both sides feature a mixed-foam comfort system, but the softer side’s foam layers are slightly thicker than on the firmer side. They begin with an adaptive memory foam layer that closely contours to the body to relieve pressure. This layer is infused with copper gel meant to conduct and dissipate heat. Underneath is a polyfoam transitional layer that acts as a buffer between the comfort system and the coils.
Pocketed coils make up the shared support core, offering targeted support to the midsection to reduce uncomfortable sagging. A reinforced perimeter prevents you from sinking when lying or sitting near the edges. The cover is made from a stretchy polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-lycra blend.
Layla ships free to customers living in the contiguous U.S. The Layla Hybrid is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty against structural defects.
You May Also Like
• Leesa Sapira Hybrid – If you’re looking for a true medium firm mattress, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid nicely balances cushioning, support, and bounce
• Plank Firm Luxe – If you need maximum support, the reversible Plank Firm Luxe feels exceptionally sturdy on both sides
• Solaire – If you have specific firmness needs, the Saatva Solaire airbed can be adjusted to 50 different levels
Watch Video: We Tested the Best Cooling Mattresses of 2024 – Here Are Our Favorites
Watch our video below to learn more about our lab’s top picks for cooling mattress.
Expert Tested. Sleeper Approved.
Over the past eight years, our Seattle-based Test Lab has performed hands-on tests on more than 4,000 sleep products — and nearly 2,000 of them are mattresses.
As product experts, we stay up to date on the latest news in sleep science and product trends. We use this knowledge to fuel our data-backed recommendations. Many of our testers have worked directly with mattress manufacturers and visited actual mattress factories. On occasion, a sleep health expert might stop by to tweak a firmness rating.
When we test a mattress, we collect data across six major performance categories and combine these results with real-world feedback. We use tools and tech to monitor features like heat retention, motion isolation, and pressure mapping. In order to ensure our findings are inclusive of all sleepers, our team consists of people with varying body types and sleep positions.
Mattresses aren’t one-size-fits-all. The perfect bed for you is going to depend on general points like your body weight and sleeping position, as well as unique points like if you have back pain, if you sleep hot at night, or if you just like the feel of latex over memory foam. Our goal at the Test Lab is to help take the guesswork out of your mattress-buying process.
What Makes a Mattress Cooling?
Certain mattress materials provide consistent cooling by promoting airflow, dissipating heat, and wicking moisture away from your body. Firmness level also plays a role because mattresses that sink more tend to trap more heat than those with stronger support systems. We’ll discuss the best mattress types, materials, and firmness levels for temperature control below.
Best (and Worst) Types of Beds for Cooling
If you tend to sleep hot, a cool mattress can make the difference between a good and bad night of rest. Hot sleepers should look for beds made with cooling features, whether it’s naturally cool materials or a design with strong ventilation. Here are some factors to keep in mind when shopping for a cool bed.
What Type of Bed Is Best for Cooling?
Latex Mattresses
- Latex is a naturally breathable material that retains minimal heat, making it a solid choice for sleepers who overheat easily.
- Since latex beds don’t hug your body as deeply as foam, air can flow more freely around your body.
Hybrid Mattresses
- Hybrid models stay fairly cool due to air circulation through the coil layer. Latex hybrids, which feature one or more latex layers over the coils, offer top-notch cooling thanks to the natural breathability of latex.
- Foam hybrids are more prone to trapping heat, but the ventilated coil layer offsets some of the heat retention.
Airbed Mattresses
- Airbeds contain adjustable air chambers that help maintain temperature neutrality. That said, airbeds with thick foam layers are likely to trap heat, so it’s better to opt for latex comfort layers if cooling is important.
What Type of Bed Is Less Than Ideal for Cooling?
Foam Mattresses
- Foam is known for retaining heat, so we recommend steering clear of all-foam mattresses if overheating is an issue during sleep.
- Memory foam in particular can lead to overheating and sweating.
Soft Beds
- Beds with deeply plush surfaces are more likely to trap heat than beds with a firmer feel. This is because plush models hug your body closely, which prevents air from circulating freely around your body.
What to Look for in a Cooling Mattress for Hot Sleepers
If you’re a hot sleeper in search of a cooling mattress, there are a few factors to take into account while you shop. Consider the following.
What Do You Need From Your Bed?
People who reside in hot or humid climates, are prone to night sweats, are pregnant, or have heat-inducing medical conditions can all benefit from a cooling mattress.
Mattress Material
Some materials regulate heat better than others. Cooling begins with the top layers of the mattress. Open-cell foam and ventilated latex both promote air circulation directly below the sleep surface and dissipate heat in the process. Memory foam, on the other hand, tends to absorb and trap heat, whichcan be problematic for hot sleepers.
Support materials are equally important. Coil systems and ventilated latex base layers circulate air throughout the interior of the mattress to help maintain a comfortable temperature, whereas solid foam stores the heat retained from the comfort layers. Your mattress cover plays a role in cooling as well. Breathable fabrics such as cotton, viscose derived from bamboo, Tencel, and cashmere regulate temperature better than synthetics like polyester.
Cooling Technology
Mattresses can also build on cooling qualities by leveraging technology. Passive cooling refers to technology that promotes breathability and temperature regulation, like the use of phase change material that releases body heat on contact or gel or copper infusions in the bed’s foam layers. Some mattresses use active cooling technology with specialty covers that physically change the temperature of your sleep surface. These mattresses tend to be more expensive, but may be a solid investment if you’re losing sleep from excessive heat.
Contouring and Firmness
Contouring refers to how your mattress conforms to your body. Some mattresses contour closely to distribute your weight, align your spine, and alleviate pressure in the shoulders, lower back, and hips. In the process, you may sink deeply into the surface and retain moreheat.
Firmer mattresses that don’t contour as closely or sink as deeply will provide more surface-level airflow. Our testing team has found that mattresses with a firmness level of medium firm (6 on our 10-point scale) or higher tend to sleep significantly cooler than models rated medium (5) or softer.
Quick Relief Tips for Hot Sleepers
If you’re optimizing your sleep space for temperature control, your mattress isn’t the only factor to take into account. Certain accessories can also reduce heat retention while you sleep.
Invest in a Cooling Mattress Topper
Toppers are layers of cushioning material intended to make your sleep surface softer or firmer. Some toppers are made of breathable materials for the added effect of keeping your mattress cool. The best cooling mattress toppers contain materials such as gel-infused foam, ventilated latex, and wool.
Use Breathable Bedding and Pajamas
Sheets, pillowcases, and blankets play an important role in thermoregulation because they come into direct contact with your skin. We’ve found the best bedding for temperature is made of breathable materials like cotton, linen, viscose derived from bamboo, and Tencel. Likewise, pajamas made from these fabrics can also help you stay cool in bed. Sleeping naked can also help cool your core temperature.
Block Light and Allow Air to Flow
Hot sleepers can find relief at night by controlling their bedroom temperature. Blackout curtains that block light from entering the room, a bedside fan or air conditioner unit, and a foundation that promotes airflow beneath your mattress can all be helpful additions to your sleep environment.
Dive Deeper – In-Depth Mattress Guides
Cooling is one of the many qualities our team looks at when testing mattresses. Check out the guides listed below to learn more about how we choose the best mattresses for different performance categories.
Best Mattress by Sleeper Type
- Best Mattress for Athletes
- Best Mattress for Couples
- Best Mattress for Kids
- Best Mattress for Toddlers
- Best Mattress for Seniors
- Best Mattress for Teenagers
- Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
- Best Mattress for Back Pain
- Best Mattress for Hip Pain
- Best Mattress for Arthritis
Frequently Asked Questions
Our tests have shown hybrid and innerspring mattresses offer the most consistent cooling because air flows freely through their coil systems. These mattresses also tend to be firmer and don’t contour as closely. All-latex models with ventilated layers and moisture-wicking wool fire barriers have also performed well during temperature control tests.
We’ve found that all-foam mattresses tend to retain and trap heat. This is especially true of models with thick, high-density memory foam layers. Some hybrids we’ve tested with the same comfort layer materials also sleep fairly hot despite steady airflow in their coil systems, especially models that rate between soft (3) and medium (5) on the 10-point firmness scale.
If your mattress sleeps hot and you don’t want to invest in another model, try using other sleep products that excel at temperature control. A cooling mattress topper can be effective, especially those containing water tubes that physically change the temperature of your sleep surface. Cooling pillows, sheets, and mattress pads can also help you stay comfortable in bed.
Preferences vary from person to person, but studies have shown the most comfortable sleeping temperature for adults falls between 60 and 68 degrees. This range aligns with natural temperature drops that occur during your sleep cycle and prevents overheating. Make sure to adjust your thermostat to ensure a comfortable bedroom throughout the night.
Cooling mattresses regulate your temperature by minimizing heat retention on the surface, promoting airflow throughout the interior, and wicking moisture away from your body. The mattress’ comfort layers, support core, and cover all play a role in temperature control. Most cooling mattresses are firmer and don’t contour closely to the body.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Logan is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a deep understanding of what it means to struggle with sleep. Her years of experience researching and testing sleep products – including mattresses, natural sleep aids, and bedding – are critical to her role helping lead the editorial team. As a chronic insomniac, she aims to bring her findings to anyone struggling with getting adequate rest. Her expertise is in creating informative, trustworthy, and useful health content. When she’s not testing mattresses or researching CBT-I, she enjoys spending time in the sunshine with her husband and her dogs Pepper and Winston.