The Best Cooling Mattress Toppers, According to Testing and Reviews
Two bedding experts also share what to look for when buying one.
Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Whether it's the dead of summer and your A/C unit just isn't cutting it, or you tend to run warm no matter the time of the year, you need one of the best cooling mattress toppers on the market. Why, you may be wondering, not just get a cooling mattress? That's definitely an option, but if you don't want to spend as much money or if you're looking to customize the firmness of your mattress without having to buy a new one, a topper or pad is your best bet.
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"Ultimately, a mattress topper's main function is to provide the sleeper with a better night's rest. Toppers can also help with temperature regulation for those who tend to sleep too hot (or cold)," explains Saatva's Vice President of Product and Merchandising, Byron Golub. We also chatted with Russell Jelinek, the vice president of product development at Casper, to get his take on all things that help you sleep more cool.
Keep scrolling to discover some of our favorite cooling mattress toppers that get the job done (and then some). Plus, learn what you should look for when buying one, how to find the best cooling materials, and more.
Shop more of our favorite cooling items:
- Why These Cooling Sheets Are Actually the Best on the Market
- The 7 Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers
- 15 Best Air Conditioners on Amazon to Keep You Cool All Summer
Pottery Barn Polar Point Down Alternative Mattress Pad
Pros
- Long-lasting
- On sale for nearly $100 off
- Quilted fabric keeps fill in place
Cons
- Available in only one size
"I run warm and hate the idea of sweating or feeling 'sticky' in bed. I want to shiver," Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner insists. "This Pottery Barn mattress topper is an excelling get for someone who would fall into the same camp. Plus, it's not only cooling, but it's quite plush, so if you like a softer, sink-in feel, you'll love this thing." It works by absorbing body heat, which in turn, produces a cooler feel. The topper itself is constructed with premium high loft hypoallergenic fiber fill that is designed for long-lasting support and comfort. "I have had it for just under two years and haven't noticed that quality start to degrade at all. It's definitely a keeper," Cherner adds. The only downside is that because it's so popular, it's sold out of every size except a king, so if you have a big bed that could stand to be a little cooler, snap this up before it's gone.
Cooling Materials: Heat-absorbing technology | Sizes: King | Sleep Trial: 0 days
Allied Home CoolMax® Cooling Mattress Pad
Pros
- Less than $100
- Stays in place
- Hypoallergenic, breathable, and machine washable
Cons
- Wave pattern visible through sheets
There are a lot of misconceptions out there when it comes to buying bedding. The internet can try to convince us that only the most expensive products perform well, and while that is sometimes true, it's not always true. Case in point: This Allied Home cooling mattress pad that wicks away moisture and stays in place—no matter how much you move around—with a tight, slip-free fit. It's also hypoallergenic, breathable, and machine washable. Not to mention, it can fit around mattresses up to 15 inches deep. One reviewer even said, "Don’t ask me how, but my husband's side of the bed always gets untucked, including the mattress pad. Not now! This pad has what it takes to stay in place all night. And guess what else? I am no longer overheating. It really does keep it cool."
Cooling Materials: Moisture-wicking fabric | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, and king | Sleep Trial: 0 days
Pros
- Finished in brand's signature quilted knit cover
- Responsive top layer made with cradling memory foam
- Polyurethane foam is CertiPUR-US-certified and made without ozone-depleting chemicals
Cons
- Some reviewers say it is too firm
Casper launched with its collection of bed-in-a-box mattresses, so it should come as no surprise that its products designed to further enhance the mattresses are promising. The Comfy mattress topper, for instance, does exactly what it says it will do: make your bed more comfortable (if you like it firm). It's also cooling, though, courtesy of the AirScape, which the brand trademarked, perforated foam that pushes heat away from you to keep you cool. "I bought the twin XL for my dorm room and ABSOLUTELY loved it! I am about to order the full size for my apartment bed. I would 100 percent recommend!" one reviewer said.
Cooling Materials: AirScape perforation | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king | Sleep Trial: 30 days
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Pros
- Organic cotton cover is breathable and moisture-wicking
- Antimicrobial treatment prevents mildew, bacteria, and mold
- Reduces motion transfer
Cons
- Some reviewers say the thick foam is firm
The first thing you'll notice about this Saatva cooling mattress topper is how comfortable it is, thanks to the three-inch layer of memory foam. After spending some time in bed, you'll quickly realize that it also feels cool to the touch. How, you might ask? It's infused with cooling graphite. And because it's made of thick memory foam, it reduces motion transfer, so if you toss and turn, your partner will be able to sleep through it. The topper is also covered in naturally breathable and moisture-wicking organic cotton that's finished with an antimicrobial treatment.
"I am a 69 year-old woman who has suffered with hot flashes and hot sleeping! I have tried everything: all cooling toppers, cooling sheets, blankets, and pillows, but nothing nothing works EXCEPT this wonderful graphite topper!" one reviewer said. "My body gets hot and then the heat dissipates immediately. Other cooling toppers didn't work because the memory foam would retain the heat...not this one! I highly recommend."
Cooling Materials: Graphite | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king | Sleep Trial: 180 days
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt® + Cooling Topper
Pros
- Reduces motion transfer and relieves pressure points
- Cover is dust mite- and allergen-resistant
- Machine washable
Cons
- Tends to slide with movement
We're not entirely sure why this best-selling Tempur-Pedic find is on a retailer marketed to teens (as opposed to everyone) because it's so good and a crowd-pleaser to all ages. The brand didn't exactly spill the beans about what's making the topper feel cool, but one thing we do know is that it's in the fabric cover, not the filling. It's also dust mite- and allergen-resistant; and machine washable. Plus, because Tempur-Pedic was one of the first brands to jump on the memory foam bandwagon, this topper features the company's unique technology that reduces motion transfer and relieves sometimes painful pressure points. "I have slept on this for two nights and am very happy with its comfort and coolness. My sleep has improved and I am very happy about that," one reviewer noted.
Cooling Materials: Fabric cover | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, and king| Sleep Trial: 0 days
Pros
- Absorbs heat when you're hot and releases heat when you're cold
- Nearly 3,000 five-star reviews
- Elastic pocket holds pad in place for mattresses up to 20 inches deep
Cons
- Some reviewers say it is coolest within the first two hours of sleep
Here's the thing: There's an implication of basic when we're talking about a brand's "core" product, but SlumberCloud's mattress pad is next-level good and not at all boring. It utilizes not one but two layers of NASA-approved temperature-regulating technology (it's called Outlast) that regulates body temperature by absorbing heat when you're hot and releasing it back into the fabric when you're cold. Spacesuits do the same thing! There are also nearly 3,000 five-star reviews praising this thing. The most impressive reads, "I would buy this after trying it even at double the price. This is honestly the best part of the entire sleep system. It makes even my plush pillow top feels stiff without it! Cool sheets won’t help much if you are in a hot mattress, but this really does."
Cooling Materials: NASA-approved temperature regulating technology | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king, and split king | Sleep Trial: 60 days
bedluxury 3-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Pros
- Temperature regulating
- Foam relieves pressures points and prevents sinking
- Machine-washable cover
Cons
- Chemical scent for first few days
This is a memory foam mattress topper that's almost hard to compete with because it's as good as advertised, according to reviews. Before we get into the customer praise, though, allow us to explain what makes this cooling mattress topper so good. It features three inches of plush foam infused with cooling gel that captures and distributes heat. So, if you've ever rolled away from the spot you've fallen asleep on to notice your new area is much colder, and much nicer feeling, this topper will be a game-changer. Extra support to relieve pressure points and prevent sinking makes it even cozier. "First of all, the three-inch thickness provides the perfect balance of support and comfort," one reviewer said. "It feels like sinking into a cloud, while still providing enough firmness to support my body. The gel memory foam technology is a fantastic addition, as it helps regulate temperature, keeping me cool and sweat-free throughout the night."
Cooling Materials: Cooling gel | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king | Sleep Trial: 0 days
Pros
- Made with natural materials
- Produced with environmentally-friendly methods
- Hypoallergenic and machine washable
Cons
- Sold out in all sizes except for California king
This West Elm waterproof mattress pad is filled with moisture-wicking Tencel, a textile made from cellulose (also known as plant fiber.) So, if you're a sleep sweater, this is a good find. Did we mention that it's hypoallergenic? As for the cooling aspects, the brand is keeping that under wraps, but it is cold to the touch. Take an extra 40 percent off the already discounted sale price by inputting the code TREAT40 at checkout. Full disclosure: Because it's so good and such a great price, it has sold out in every size except for the California king.
Cooling Materials: Tencel lyocell fibers | Sizes: California king | Sleep Trial: 0 days
Pros
- Made of recycled materials
- Moisture-absorbing
- Quilted stitching pattern keeps fill in place
Cons
- Tends to move around a bit
If you're looking to save, this Buffy pick is a good option because the brand is currently having a 20 percent off sale. Hurry, though, because it's starting to sell out! The twin XL size is already gone. If your mattress is one of the other five sizes available, know that this topper is covered in the brand's super-soft signature fabric and filled with layers of recycled fibers that will give your mattress a more snuggly feel. The cover also absorbs moisture more efficiently than cotton does, to keep you feeling cool and dry throughout the night. One reviewer said, "This was a great addition to our mattress. It has made our bed more comfy and plush. It also cools so well that we didn't feel hot throughout the night."
Cooling Materials: Tencel lyocell fibers | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, and California king | Sleep Trial: 7 days
Pros
- Finished in hypoallergenic cotton
- Wicks away moisture for cool, dry sleep
- Stretches to fit depth up to 18-inch mattress
Cons
- Takes a long time to clean (requires two cycles in the dryer)
This isn't the thickest mattress pad on our list (it's only an inch and a half), but it's definitely one of the most comfortable because it's filled with down-alternative Hydrocool, which is patented by Pottery Barn. The shell wicks away moisture while you sleep so that you will feel cool and dry. To finish it off, the pad is wrapped in smooth hypoallergenic cotton.
Cooling Materials: Hydrocool | Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, and king | Sleep Trial: 0 days
Sleep Innovations Dual Layer Mattress Topper
Pros
- Foam offers pressure-relieving support
- Cover is machine washable and antimicrobial
- Stays put all night
Cons
- Sold out in queen and king sizes
This mattress topper is as comfortable as it is cooling, courtesy of the dual-layer design. The bottom layer comprises a gel memory foam that offers pressure-relieving body support, and the top layer is a cool-touch fiberfill cover. It's also machine washable and antimicrobial, so you should never see mold or mildew. "Excellent product! I purchased a queen size to top a camper mattress. It made a world of difference for my sleep," one reviewer said. "Even the cover has gel cooling. I maybe should have subtracted a star since laundering is going to be harder because of having to remove the gel foam from the cover."
Cooling Materials: Fiberfill cover | Sizes: Twin and full | Sleep Trial: 0 days
Pros
- Patented cooling technology that distributes excess heat
- Moisture wicking and waterproof
- Super-soft shell made of Supima cotton
Cons
- Not available in twin or twin XL sizes
Sijo developed its own patented blend of fibers with the specific intention of absorbing and distributing excess body heat. So, it is cooling you when you're hot and warming you when you're cold. The material is also hypoallergenic, waterproof, moisture-wicking, and environmentally sustainable. Sadly, the brand won't tell us the exact chemical makeup of this masterpiece, but we do know that it's a combination of TENCEL lyocell, a Mica nylon blend, temperature-regulating CLIMA fiber blend fill, and a recycled polyester skirt.
Cooling Materials: Cell Solution CLIMA cooling technology | Sizes: Full, queen, king, and California king | Sleep Trial: 7 days
How We Chose the Best Cooling Mattress Toppers
When I recommend bedding—especially bedding that's designed to do something specific, like cool you down—I always try to choose pieces I either own or have experienced enough to confidentially recommend them. In this case, I recommended my own trusty cooling mattress topper because, after sleeping on it for nearly two years, I can attest to how great it is and how well it works. As for the remaining cooling mattress toppers, I chose the most highly rated ones across the Internet. Yes, I read every single review to make sure that we're offering the best of the best. Of course, no cooling mattress had no negative comments, but what may be a dealbreaker to some may be no big deal to others, so take any "flaws" with a grain of salt until you experience the product yourself. I also made sure that they came in a big price range so that everyone can find something that suits them and their hot sleeping needs.
What to Look for When Buying a Cooling Mattress Topper?
Materials: There are a few key factors to consider when buying a cooling mattress topper, the most important of which is the material. After all, the material is often most responsible for a topper's ability to cool, so it's worth some extra attention. "When shopping for a cooling topper, look for materials that promote air circulation and moisture wicking, like natural cotton, wool, and latex," explains Golub. "Some materials, like gel- and graphite-infused memory foam, dissipate heat by soaking up the thermal energy from your body and dispersing it throughout the surface." These are all worthy materials that will cool you down pretty well. What's the best though? They're all equally good, so you really can't go wrong. Other elements, in addition to the material, will help cool you down, so don't make your decision on material alone.
Thickness: "For too-firm or too-soft mattresses, it's important to look for thick mattress toppers (foam or feather) to give you soft, cushioned comfort," Jelinek notes. He's not wrong, but note that feather-filled toppers won't keep you cool unless the feathers are sealed within a moisture-wicking or temperature-regulating fabric cover. "Toppers are usually between one to four inches thick, depending on material and purpose of your topper," Golub adds. "One thing to note about thickness: Because a mattress topper can add a significant few inches to a mattress, some toppers may require extra-deep pocketed sheets." That small detail is often overlooked, so before you buy a topper, make sure to take a look at how much thicker it will make your mattress.
Free Trials: Free trials aren't as necessary a consideration as, say, materials used or thickness, but they're a nice bonus if you're on the fence. Luckily, quite a few of our recommended products come with a free sleep trial so that you can enjoy your topper without the commitment.
What Type of Mattress Topper Is Coolest?
As you may have gleaned, there are a lot of materials that can effectively cool you down if you tend to radiate heat at night, but one material in particular has managed to capture the attention of sleep experts: gel. "We have found gel technology to be most effective as a coating directly to a bedding layer rather than as embedded in foam," Jelinek says. How, though, does gel actually work? "Gel-infused memory foam toppers absorb heat from the sleeper over the course of the night, essentially cooling them down. The gel component of the foam allows for a greater heat-absorption effect than simple polyurethane foam can offer," Golub says. "Pairing this cooling ability with other features that help dissipate that heat, like ventilated pinhole designs and convoluted (egg crate) foam shapes, creates a true cooling system." Moreover, the presence of gel increases the thermal capacity of the foam layer.
Do Cooling Mattresses Really Work?
In short, yes. If we're going to get into it, though, we'll explain why. Of course, not all cooling mattress toppers are actually cooling; some really are just about the marketing, which can be said of everything. So if you want to be impressed by how cooling a self-proclaimed cooling mattress topper can be, read the reviews and pay attention to the materials. If there aren't any that are known to cool you down, skip it. "Toppers with cooling features can help hot sleepers rest more comfortably by dissipating heat more effectively than conventional mattress toppers," Golub notes. "Cooling can come from moisture-wicking materials like cotton, wool, or poly-fiber; heat-absorbing materials like graphite, copper, or gel; holes that promote airflow; or a combination of these features."
Why Trust House Beautiful?
I have covered everything you could possible put on your bed, including the softest sheets, best mattresses, and silk pillowcases. When it came to this story on cooling mattress toppers, I felt obligated to include my own mattress topper because I can confirm that it is extremely comfortable. Otherwise, you can trust that I put hours of research into my curated list of the internet's most beloved options. Additionally, I tapped two sleep experts—Russell Jelinek, vice president of product development at Casper, and Byron Golub, vice president of product and merchandising at Saatva—for some expert advice on buying the best cooling mattress toppers, what makes them worth the cost, and more so you can get all the necessary information before buying one.
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