The Best Cooling Mattresses for a Comfortable Night’s Sleep

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Waking up in the middle of the night with hot flashes or night sweats isn’t a good feeling for anyone. Maybe your bedding is too heavy, maybe your mattress is too dense, or maybe it’s just a super hot night. Whatever the case, overheating during the night is an uncomfortable feeling that can lead to disrupted sleep. Cooling mattresses can help you stay comfortable and cool, allowing you to sleep more soundly through the night. Check out this guide, and discover the best cooling mattresses for different types of sleepers.

1. BEST OVERALL: Zinus 12 Inch Gel-Infused Green Tea Mattress
2. RUNNER-UP: LUCID 16-Inch Gel Memory Foam and Latex Mattress
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Best Price Mattress 8-Inch Memory Foam Mattress
4. UPGRADE PICK: TUFT & NEEDLE Mint Mattress – Extra Cooling Adaptive Foam
5. BEST HYBRID: LINENSPA 12-Inch Gel Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
6. BEST MEMORY FOAM: Classic Brands Cool Gel 1.0 Memory Foam Mattress
7. BEST FOR BACK PAIN: Signature Design by Ashley Chime Hybrid Mattress
8. BEST FOR STOMACH-SLEEPERS: Classic Brands Mercer Pillow Top Hybrid Mattress
9. BEST FOR SIDE-SLEEPERS: Sealy 12-Inch Hybrid Bed in a Box with CopperChill
10. BEST FOR BACK-SLEEPERS: LUCID 10-Inch Queen Latex Hybrid Mattress

Photo: amazon.com

Types of Cooling Mattresses 

Cooling mattresses come in a variety of materials and styles, and some are more effective than others. The specific cooling mechanisms and strength of the cooling effect vary by type of mattress. For example, traditional innerspring mattresses tend to keep you cooler at night because they are less dense than foam mattresses and provide optimal air circulation. Memory-foam mattresses, on the other hand, are usually not the coolest choice unless they are equipped with cooling technology. Here’s a breakdown of the types of cooling mattresses to help you on your mattress-shopping journey.

Innerspring 

Traditional innerspring mattresses are great if you are looking for an effective cooling mattress. This has to do with the construction of the mattress. Air can circulate between the metal coils, helping provide temperature control.

Latex Foam

Latex-foam mattresses come in multiple varieties: natural, synthetic, or blended. Latex mattresses offer better air circulation than memory-foam mattresses, because latex is a naturally breathable material. This helps reduce the buildup of moisture and heat in the mattress. Natural latex-foam mattresses provide a cooler night of sleep because latex is aerated and allows for greater airflow. Synthetic- or blended-latex mattresses may share some properties of polyurethane foam, which means they may not keep you as cool.

Gel-Infused 

Gel-infused foam mattresses contain synthetic materials that have a cooling effect. Due to the cooling properties of gel, these mattresses are more breathable than standard memory-foam mattresses. They also have enhanced air circulation, which prevents body heat from being trapped inside the mattress.

Polyurethane Foam and Memory Foam

Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam with added compounds that give it body-conforming capabilities. Memory-foam mattresses are not as cool as other types of mattresses because memory foam absorbs body heat and softens as it warms up. Softer memory-foam mattresses can also cause a “sinking” feeling, which could make you feel even hotter during the night. If you are set on getting a memory-foam mattress but don’t want to risk sweaty nights of sleep, look for one with built-in cooling properties such as gel foam.

Hybrid 

Hybrid mattresses are made of multiple layers including springs and a combination of foam, latex, or gel. Because of this hybrid construction, they benefit from the cooling properties of innerspring mattresses (air circulation through the coils) and sometimes get additional coolness from gel-infused foam. Hybrid mattresses are usually temperature-neutral and fall in the middle regarding cooling capabilities.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Cooling Mattress

When shopping for a cooling mattress, it’s important to keep several factors in mind, such as your preferred sleeping position, the firmness of the mattress, and the sleep trial period. These factors can all affect your decision and help you choose a cooling mattress that optimizes your comfort.

Sleeping Position

Sleeping position can affect choice when shopping for a cooling mattress. In addition to evaluating the cooling feel, you should also consider other factors that can affect overall comfort. Some types of mattresses are better suited for certain sleeping positions: side, back, or stomach.

• Side-Sleepers: Softer mattresses (like those made of memory foam) are ideal for side-sleepers because they cradle your body and provide pressure relief. Just look for one that’s infused with gel to keep you cool at night.
• Back-Sleepers: Medium-firm mattresses are a great choice for back-sleepers because they offer optimal support without being too firm. It’s important to look for a mattress that also offers some pressure relief to prevent soreness. Hybrid and latex mattresses are both good options.
• Stomach-Sleepers: The best types of mattresses for stomach-sleepers are medium-firm to firm because they provide enough support for your midsection while keeping your spine properly aligned and cushioning your body.

Quilted vs. Non-Quilted Cover

Mattress covers come as either quilted or non-quilted.

• Quilted covers are warmer because they contain more material and are usually used for memory foam or polyurethane foam mattresses, which are hotter to begin with.
• Non-quilted covers are a cooler option, because they are made of thinner materials and offer more breathability. This helps keep the surface of the mattress cooler.

Cooling Materials

Cooling mattresses are made of materials that are designed to promote breathability and airflow. Each fiber or fabric has its own properties and cooling capabilities. Keep these in mind when shopping for a cooling mattress.

• Phase-Change Material: This material helps stabilize body temperature by absorbing excess body heat. When your body cools down, the phase-change material releases heat back to your body. Mattresses made of this type of material are ideal for both hot and cold sleepers.
• Celliant: This material enhances circulation and oxygenation by transforming your body heat into infrared energy. The result is more oxygen available to your cells and increased temperature regulation.
• Lycra: This elastic material, commonly used in sports clothing, keeps you cool at night because of its moisture-wicking abilities.
• Performance Polyester: This material is similar to Lycra and provides a cooling feel by wicking away moisture and allowing you to move more freely.

Density and Firmness

The density and firmness of a mattress can affect your body’s temperature sensitivity. Higher-density mattresses are more reactive to body temperature and often trap heat. Lower-density mattresses are not as reactive to body temperature, which means they provide better airflow and a cooler night of sleep.

Softer mattresses tend to be warmer because they conform to your body, which results in a sinking feeling and more material surrounding your body. Firmer mattresses are a cooler option because they typically give the feeling of sleeping on the bed, as opposed to in the bed, which leaves more room for air circulation.

Sleep Trial Period and Warranty 

When purchasing a new cooling mattress, it’s important to compare the trial period and warranty policy among different brands. Thankfully, many mattress manufacturers offer sleep trial periods so you can try it at home to make sure the mattress offers the right amount of cooling to keep you comfortably sleeping through the night. Typical sleep trial periods last for at least 100 nights. Most policies allow you to return the mattress for a full refund if you are not completely satisfied at the end of the trial period, and some manufacturers even cover the return shipping costs. Mattress warranties usually cover manufacturing defects and last for 10 to 25 years.

Tips for Buying and Using Cooling Mattresses 

Buying a cooling mattress is one way to promote a cooler night of sleep. However, if you want to maximize the effects of your new cooling mattress, it’s important to consider other key areas of your sleeping setup, such as the covers, sheets, pillows, and blankets.

Bedding plays a critical role in temperature regulation just like the mattress does. Consider upgrading your full bedding suite—mattress topper, pillows, sheets, and blanket—with lightweight, breathable options that have moisture-wicking capabilities and cooling properties.

• Look for bedding with cooling technologies like phase-change material.
• Replace your heavy down comforter with a lightweight option.
• Use breathable sheets made of linen or percale cotton.
• Swap heavy covers for lightweight blankets.

Our Top Picks

Here are the best cooling mattresses for the bedroom. Consider the shopping tips above when choosing a new cooling mattress, and get ready for a comfortable and cool night of sleep.

Best Overall

Photo: amazon.com

This Zinus Memory Foam Mattress is infused with cooling gel and green tea to help regulate body temperature and provide a cool night of sleep. It’s made of a proprietary MyGel memory foam to optimize cooling and natural charcoal to eliminate odor-causing agents. The foam layers are designed for extra pressure relief. This cooling mattress combines the body-conforming properties of memory foam with the support of a firm mattress. Zinus offers a 10-year limited warranty.

Runner-Up

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The LUCID Plush Gel Memory Foam and Latex Mattress consists of four cooling, comfortable layers including bamboo-charcoal memory foam, ventilated gel memory foam, natural latex foam, and supportive high-density base foam. It also has a breathable Tencel-blend cover designed to regulate moisture. The open-cell construction provides comfort and pressure relief, along with reduced motion transfer.

Best Bang For The Buck

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This affordable memory-foam mattress evenly distributes weight while relieving pressure points. It’s constructed of a breathable foam that optimizes airflow and lowers body heat. It also contains a breathable, open-cell structure to regulate body temperature, increase air flow, and provide pressure relief. This mattress comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Upgrade Pick

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The TUFT & NEEDLE Mint Mattress is made of two comfort layers of proprietary T&N adaptive foam, including 30 percent more graphite than the regular open-cell T&N adaptive foam, for added breathability. The ceramic gel beads add cushion and support to eliminate pressure on your hips and shoulders. This medium-firm mattress also comes with a breathable cover that adds to its overall comfort and temperature control. TUFT & NEEDLE includes a 10-year limited warranty and 100-night sleep trial.

Best Hybrid

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This hybrid mattress combines the support of an innerspring mattress with the plush comfort of a memory-foam mattress. Gel-infused memory foam creates a cool sleeping surface and helps reduce excess body heat typically trapped in memory-foam mattresses. The individually encased coils help reduce movement while providing added support. LINENSPA offers a 10-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial for a hassle-free purchase.

Best Memory Foam

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The Classic Brands Cool Gel 1.0 Memory Foam Mattress combines pressure-relieving memory foam with high-density, aerated cool gel memory foam for a comfortable night of sleep. The cool gel and comfort foam layers help reduce pressure points on your neck, shoulders, and back. The gel-infused memory foam layer helps reduce motion transfer and regulate temperature by pulling excess heat from your body. This medium-plush memory-foam mattress has a self-ventilating, open-cell design that promotes greater air circulation. It comes with a 10-year warranty and two shredded memory-foam pillows.

Best For Back Pain

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This medium-firm mattress is ideal for sleepers with back pain, because it has comfortable layers and body-conforming pocketed coils for optimal support. The gel memory foam and individually wrapped coils provide maximum lumbar support, and the quilted foam layer offers extra comfort and softness. The high-density gel layer also provides temperature control to promote a cool night’s sleep.

Best For Stomach-Sleepers

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The Classic Brands Mercer Pillow Top Hybrid Mattress is built out of gel memory foam and wrapped coils for the best of both worlds. The cool gel-infused memory foam pulls away excess body heat for a comfortable and cool sleeping experience. The open-cell comfort foam layer increases airflow and eliminates heat. The pillow top with cushion firm feel provides necessary support and comfort for stomach-sleepers. The memory foam conforms to your body to reduce pressure points and keep the spine aligned.

Best For Side-Sleepers

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The Sealy Hybrid Bed In A Box is a medium-firm cooling mattress. It includes a premium response memory-foam layer infused with CopperChill™ technology to promote cooler sleep. Other features include pocketed coils like those used in innerspring mattresses for the support of a traditional mattress. Sealy offers a 10-year warranty.

Best For Back-Sleepers

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The LUCID Latex Hybrid Mattress combines the breathable properties of latex with the comfort of plush memory foam. Individually wrapped steel coils help increase airflow and isolate motion for a cool sleep that’s free of disruptions. This latex-hybrid mattress also helps maintain proper spinal alignment and relieve painful pressure points while sleeping. It’s a good choice for back-sleepers because it offers premium comfort and support. LUCID offers a 10-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial, which will give you a full refund if you’re unhappy with the cooling mattress.

The Advantages of Owning a Cooling Mattress

Owning a cooling mattress comes with plenty of benefits. The most important is its ability to keep you cool and comfortable during the night. Unlike traditional mattresses, cooling mattresses regulate and control body temperature by absorbing moisture and pulling excess heat away from your body.

• Cooling mattresses help reduce night sweats.
• Cooling mattresses can provide pain relief.
• Cooling mattresses are durable.
• Cooling mattresses don’t retain heat.

FAQs About Your New Cooling Mattress 

Now that you’ve reviewed the types of cooling mattresses and found some great options for your sleeping style, here are some quick FAQs to keep you better informed about your new cooling mattress.

Q. Why do people get hot while sleeping?

There are various reasons for getting hot while sleeping, including health factors such as hormones, underlying health conditions, or a natural tendency to sweat. Other factors could include wearing pajamas that are too thick, using heavy bedding that traps heat, or being in a warm environment that lacks proper air circulation.

Q. How do cooling mattresses work?

Cooling mattresses help maximize air circulation and regulate body temperature. The specific way they work varies based on the materials used. For example, gel-infused mattresses keep you cool by pulling heat away from your body. Other types of cooling mattresses are made of naturally breathable materials.

Q. How long does a cooling mattress last?

Cooling mattresses last for an average of eight to 10 years. You can increase the lifespan of your mattress through proper care, routine cleaning, and damage prevention. Using a mattress cover and rotating your mattress every few months are two simple strategies that can help extend the longevity of your cooling mattress.