The 7 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers for Hot Sleepers

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The best cooling mattress toppers are made with breathable materials that are easy to clean.
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It might sound strange to want to feel "cool" when you're sleeping, but as any "hot sleeper" will tell you, it can be a game-changer when it comes to getting a good night's sleep.

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Of course, you can (usually) lower the temperature in your room, but sometimes that's not enough.

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Luckily, there are mattress toppers that can give you more direct relief from overheating (and they're generally more affordable than springing for a new cooling mattress).

In addition to providing an extra layer of comfort for a better sleep experience, certain mattress toppers are designed with specific materials that allow for heat to dissipate quickly and effectively, explains Peter Polos, MD, PhD, sleep medicine specialist and Sleep Number sleep expert.

In addition, many of these cooling mattresses have enhanced breathability, can pull moisture away from the body and even allow for air to circulate to prevent trapped heat.

If you're a hot sleeper who's prone to overheating or sweating excessively, you're probably looking for relief. That's why we reached out to sleep experts to share their top recommendations for the best mattress toppers out there for hot sleepers.

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The Best Cooling Mattress Toppers for Hot Sleepers

How We Chose

We reached out to various sleep specialists to better understand the specific features that make a mattress topper especially useful for hot sleepers. We chose our top picks based on the following criteria:

  • Thickness
  • Materials
  • Temperature-regulating technology
  • Effectiveness
  • Price
  • Availability

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Find more info on how we choose and cover products here.

1. TEMPUR-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Best Overall

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Memory foam
  • Machine-washable
  • Moisture-wicking materials

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the topper is too firm

If you love the feeling of memory foam and are looking for the addition of cooling features, this is a great, affordable way to achieve that.

This cooling topper is made with 3 inches of that same memory-foam technology so many people love that responds to your weight, shape and your temperature to adjust to fit your sleep style effortlessly.

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It's also made with a breathable knit cover that is machine-washable and has moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool and sweat-free throughout the night.

2. Subrtex 3-Inch Gel-Infused Memory-Foam Bed Mattress Topper

Best on a Budget

Subrtex 3-Inch Gel-Infused Memory-Foam Bed Mattress Topper

If you’re looking to upgrade the feel and temperature of your mattress without breaking the bank, this is a great option.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • CertiPUR-US-certified and OEKO-TEX-certified
  • 10-year warranty

Cons

  • Not as cooling as some reviewers would like

This budget-friendly topper is made from gel-infused memory foam, with a cover made from bamboo-rayon fabric. It provides 3 full inches of support and the cover is both removable and machine-washable, making cleaning a breeze.

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It's also certified by CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX, so you don't have to worry about any questionable chemical smells.

Last, but not least, it comes with a 10-year warranty, which is pretty impressive given the price.

3. Layla Memory Foam Cooling Mattress Topper

Best Soft

Layla Memory Foam Cooling Mattress Topper

Behold: A soft mattress topper you can sink into without overheating.

Pros

  • Cooling technology (copper-infused gel beads)
  • Soft feel
  • Affordable

Cons

  • It may be too soft for those who prefer more firmness
  • It may not be thick enough for plus-sized sleepers

If you're looking for a cooling mattress that provides more softness than firmness, look no further than this topper from Layal.

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It is a 2-inch-thick memory foam pad with copper-infused gel beads that help absorb your body heat and can keep you cool at night.

"In addition to its cooling properties, the copper gel is naturally antimicrobial," says Jordan Duncan, DC, a chiropractor at Silverdale Sport & Spine in Silverdale, Washington. "With its soft and comfortable feel, you can also expect a great night sleep on this topper."

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4. Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Cooling Topper

Best Memory Foam

Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Cooling Topper

This topper combines the comfort of gel-infused memory foam and the breathability of cooling materials.

Pros

  • Made from temperature-responsive memory foam
  • Two-year warranty
  • 30-night trial
  • Excellent customer service

Cons

  • Some reviewers say they have to readjust it regularly

If you're looking for the advantages of a memory foam mattress but aren't quite ready to splurge on the real deal, you can opt to add the comfort and airflow benefits to your existing mattress with this Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Cooling Topper.

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It's made with a combination of gel-infused memory foam and cooling phase change material to help keep you cool and comfortable all night long, says Sunjya Schweig, MD, founder of the California Center for Functional Medicine. Plus, its breathable cover helps promote airflow.

In addition to its 2-year warranty, the company allows you to test the topper out for 30 nights to see how you like it before fully committing to your purchase.

5. Sleep Number DualTemp Layer

Best for Couples

Sleep Number DualTemp Layer

If one partner is a hot sleeper and the other is not, this half-mattress topper might be the solution you're looking for.

Pros

  • Enhanced airflow throughout
  • Innovative timer feature
  • Only one-sided

Cons

  • Doesn't always stay put

This may be a splurge, but if you have a partner with a different preference when it comes to sleeping temperature, this may be your best bet to ensure a good night's sleep for you both.

The DualTemp individual layer can be added to any mattress model and brand and comes in three sizes: half-Queen, half-King and half-Cal King sizes.

"Active air technology delivers enhanced airflow throughout as well as increased comfort, with multiple temperature settings so you can sleep cooler or warmer," explains Dr. Polos.

One of the most innovative features is its timer, which turns off automatically in one-hour increments for up to nine hours.

"Set up is also simple: Place the DualTemp individual layer on top of your bed and tuck it in, and then cover with a fitted sheet and bedding to sleep at the perfect temperature," Dr. Polos says.

6. PlushBeds 3-Inch Medium-Firm Topper

Best for Pain Relief

PlushBeds 3-Inch Medium-Firm Mattress Topper

This topper is designed to relieve pressure, which may help you snooze pain-free.

Pros

  • Made with 100 percent natural latex
  • Provides support and pressure relief
  • No chemical odor

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Limited warranty

If you're living with chronic pain, sleep can be quite difficult. But this mattress topper from PlushBeds may help.

It's made from 100 percent natural latex, providing superior support and soothing pressure relief with 3 inches of thickness. Its optimized pressure point relief helps reduce pain in your shoulders, hips, back and knees, notes Dr. Schweig.

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Additionally, the open-cell airflow design helps heat move throughout the mattress so you don't feel overheated in one single spot.

7. Saatva Cooling Graphite Mattress Topper

Pros

  • Pressure-relieving memory foam
  • Graphite-infused for extra cooling
  • Treated with Guardin™ to prevent bacteria, mold and mildew

Cons

  • Some reviewers feel it’s too firm
  • Limited warranty

Saatva's cooling graphite mattress topper is an excellent option for hip sleepers, Duncan says.

"Infused with a layer of cooling graphite, this 3-inch foam mattress topper helps keep you cool while you sleep," he says. "It has a medium-firm feel, which limits motion transfer, and straps that hug the corners of the bed, which keep it from shifting at night."

Another perk of this mattress topper is that the foam is treated with Saatva's exclusive Guardin™, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew.

What to Look for in a Cooling Mattress Topper

Before you set out to buy the best cooling mattress topper, here are some important factors to keep in mind to help guide your purchase.

Price

The good news is that a mattress topper is significantly more affordable than a new mattress; however, they can still cost you anywhere from about a hundred dollars to a thousand, depending on the size of your bed. As always, budget is an important consideration.

Material

The majority of mattress toppers are made from memory foam, latex or down. Dr. Polos recommends looking for breathable materials — namely, gel-infused memory foam and latex — to help dissipate heat.

Plus, look for toppers that draw moisture away from the body and keep the sleeper dry and comfortable throughout the night.

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The materials used for the mattress topper's cover are also important. Dr. Schweig recommends seeking out fabrics treated with cooling technologies or those with inherent cooling properties, like phase-change materials, as these can offer a pronounced cooling effect.

Size

While it's a good idea to purchase a mattress topper that matches the size of your bed — e.g., full, queen, king or California king — it's also a good idea to consider depth.

"Each mattress topper has a depth to it, so you want to make sure your sheets will fit it," says Smita Patel, DO, MD, integrative neurologist, sleep medicine physician and founder of iNeuro Institute.

Ease of Care

As with your sheets, you'll want to be able to clean your mattress topper. Optimally, you could purchase a mattress topper that comes with a removable and washable cover that facilitates easy cleaning, ensuring a hygienic sleep environment.

"This feature is especially beneficial for hot sleepers, as sweating can lead to bacterial growth or mold if the topper isn't cleaned periodically," Dr. Schweig says.

references

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.