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One of the ways your body readies itself for sleep is by cooling down. Your circadian rhythm, or sleep-wake cycle, controls this natural process.

In anticipation of sleep, your core body temperature falls, hitting its lowest peak in the early hours of the morning. Feeling too hot can disrupt this cycle, making it hard to fall or stay asleep.

Some people naturally run hot and radiate heat during sleep. Others are stuck in a too-hot sleeping environment, thanks to a noncontrollable thermostat, lack of air conditioning, or hot mattress.

If this sounds familiar, cooling mattress toppers and pads can help you sleep cooler. They work by absorbing excess body heat and keeping it away from skin. Cooling toppers are also much less expensive than cooling mattresses.

To choose the mattress pads and toppers on this list, we read scores of unbiased customer reviews on many trustworthy shopping sites.

We chose products sold by well-known manufacturers that use safe, nontoxic materials. We looked at each manufacturer’s customer service history, return policy, and product guarantees.

Neither Healthline nor its employees were paid or influenced to promote any of the products on this list.

A word about price

Cooling toppers and pads are available across several price points.

Many low-cost products rival the more expensive brands, so don’t let cost be your only guide when choosing the best one for you.

It’s also important to note that mattress pads and toppers go on sale regularly throughout the year. The prices indicated below may fluctuate.

Mattress pads and toppers come sized to fit most beds, from twin to king. When comparing prices, we looked at queen-size pads for uniformity. Price is indicated as follows:

  • $ = under $100
  • $$ = $101–$200
  • $$$ = over $201

Best overall cooling mattress pad

Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Pad

  • Price: $$$
  • Materials: cotton, NASA-engineered Outlast viscose, and rayon
  • Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king

Key features: This hypoallergenic pad is designed to sit on top of your mattress, underneath standard-size fitted sheets that are 20 inches (in.) deep or less. It comes in white or blue-gray. The blue-gray is constructed from two layers of cotton and NASA-engineered Outlast viscose, a temperature-regulating, heat-absorbing fabric that was originally used to make space suits.

The white pad is made from lyocell, a breathable, lightweight rayon that significantly absorbs heat, with an Outlast viscose lining. Customers who sleep with a partner have mentioned it’s comfortable for both hot and cold sleepers at the same time. It’s also machine washable.

Considerations: This mattress pad is specifically designed to help with temperature regulation. It doesn’t supply as much cushioning or padding as a mattress topper will. If you’re looking for additional padding for softness or comfort, this may not be the best choice for you.

Pros

  • It’s specifically designed to help with temperature regulation.
  • It’s comfortable for both hot and cold sleepers.
  • The pad is machine washable.

Cons

  • It doesn’t offer as much cushioning or padding as a mattress topper.
  • It’s at a higher price point than some.
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Read our full review of Slumber Cloud here.

Shop now at Slumber Cloud

Best gel mattress pad

Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

  • Price: $
  • Materials: polyurethane
  • Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, California king

Key features: This topper is infused with a cooling gel, unlike many other memory foam gel pads, which can get warm to the touch. Its textured design is intended to promote airflow.

Pressure point support in five areas of the body may make it a solid choice for a hot sleeper looking for head, neck, back, hip, or knee pain relief. It also has a soft, cushy feel, so you can comfortably use it on a firm mattress for extra padding. Not to mention, it’s budget-friendly.

Considerations: Some users have mentioned it has a chemical smell for around 2 days after opening the box. It’s made from polyurethane, a type of plastic. Polyurethane is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety, but you may prefer natural or organic materials. It’s also not machine washable, though it does spot clean easily.

Pros

  • It’s infused with a cooling gel to promote airflow.
  • It offers pressure point support in five areas of the body.
  • It has a soft, cushy feel, so you can use it on a firm mattress.

Cons

  • Some users report that it has a chemical smell after opening.
  • It isn’t machine washable.
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Shop now at Amazon

Best foam cooling mattress pad

Viscosoft Active Cooling Copper Topper

  • Price: $$$
  • Materials: copper-infused memory foam
  • Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

Key features: This high-density mattress topper is made from copper-infused memory foam, which has temperature-regulating properties. It wicks away moisture for added cooling and comfort.

Significantly plusher than most cooling toppers, the Viscosoft has straps for fastening it onto your mattress, ensuring it won’t move around while you sleep. It comes in a removable cover that can be machine-washed cold and dried on a low setting. Bonus: no chemical smell.

Considerations: At 31 pounds (lbs.), it’s heavy and may be hard for some people to manage. Some users also say it’s too pliant, and they feel like they sink into it.

Pros

  • The topper is made to wick away moisture for added cooling and comfort.
  • It features straps for fastening it onto your mattress, helping ensure it won’t move around while you sleep.
  • It doesn’t have a chemical smell.

Cons

  • It’s heavy and may be hard for some people to manage.
  • Some users say it’s too pliant, and they feel like they sink into it.
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Best foam cooling mattress pad with cover

Subrtex 3-Inch Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper

  • Price: $$
  • Materials: bamboo-derived rayon and memory foam
  • Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

Key features: This gel-infused topper is wrapped in a soft bamboo-rayon fabric cover that helps to keep you cool while you sleep. The memory foam optimizes airflow and reduces trapped body heat. Users say that it’s soft to the touch and well ventilated, while contouring to your body. The cover is removable and machine washable.

Considerations: Before the first use, you’ll need to open and leave the memory foam in a well-ventilated area for 48 to 72 hours until it’s fully expanded.

Pros

  • The soft bamboo-rayon fabric cover helps keep you cool while you sleep.
  • The cover is removable and machine washable.
  • Users say that it’s soft to the touch and well ventilated.

Cons

  • You’ll need to open it and leave it in a well-ventilated area for 48 to 72 hours until it’s fully expanded.
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Shop now at Amazon

Best bamboo mattress pad

Amazon Basics Conscious Series Cool-Touch Rayon Bamboo Mattress Topper

  • Price: $
  • Materials: bamboo-derived rayon
  • Sizes: twin XL, queen, king

Key features: Made from bamboo-derived rayon, this hypoallergenic topper is designed to wick moisture and regulate heat, and is soft to the touch. A deeply quilted surface helps promote airflow and supports body temperature regulation. Users find it comfortable and cool to the touch. It’s machine washable and can be dried on a low setting. Plus, it’s budget-friendly.

Considerations: The topper will only attach easily to mattresses that are 18 in. deep or less. According to the Federal Trade Commission, rayon is derived from bamboo through a process that uses toxic chemicals, which may concern some people. The rayon itself is not a toxic substance, though.

Pros

  • The hypoallergenic topper is designed to wick moisture and regulate heat.
  • It’s machine washable and can be dried on a low setting.
  • It’s a budget-friendly option.

Cons

  • The topper will only attach easily to mattresses that are 18 in. deep or less.
  • The rayon is derived from bamboo using toxic chemicals.
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Shop now at Amazon

Best down alternative

Leisure Town Cooling Mattress Topper

  • Price: $
  • Materials: cotton and hypoallergenic polyester down
  • Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, California king

Key features: This topper has a three-layer construction. The top layer is made from breathable, 300-thread count cotton, which is intended to absorb heat and promote airflow. The other layers are soft and cushy hypoallergenic, polyester down. It mimics the feeling of down significantly more than many other toppers, according to users. It’s also machine washable, OK to put in the dryer, and weighs less than 7 lbs. It’s also budget-priced.

Considerations: This topper ships in a vacuum-sealed bag. Some users have mentioned that it takes a significant amount of time, or a long stint in a dryer, before it becomes thick and fluffy.

Pros

  • The top layer is made from breathable cotton to absorb heat and promote airflow.
  • The topper weighs less than 7 lbs.
  • It’s machine washable and OK to throw in the dryer.

Cons

  • Some users say it takes a while to become thick and fluffy.
  • Some reviewers report that the topper didn’t come with enough fill.
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Shop now at Amazon

Best deep pocket cooling mattress pad

Karrism Extra-Thick Mattress Topper

  • Price: $
  • Materials: 100% cotton
  • Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, Olympic queen, king, California king

Key features: The deep pocket skirt easily accommodates a mattress up to 21 in. It doesn’t shrink in the wash and will continue to slip easily onto deep mattresses, even after many washings and dryings, according to users. The top layer is made from 400-thread count, 100% cotton, which makes it cool to the touch and moisture absorbent. A baffle-box design promotes airflow and keeps the fill snugly in place.

Considerations: Since this topper is almost double the thickness of most other toppers, it may not fit in a standard-size washing machine or dryer.

Pros

  • A baffle-box design promotes airflow and keeps the fill in place.
  • Users report that it doesn’t shrink after washing and drying.

Cons

  • It may not fit in a standard-size washing machine or dryer.
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Best waterproof cooling mattress pad

WhatsBedding Waterproof Mattress Pad

  • Price: $
  • Materials: cotton and down alternative polyester
  • Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, California king

Key features: Unlike many waterproof pads, this one has a cotton topper for added cooling. Its fill is made from fluffy, down alternative polyester. The thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) waterproof bottom doesn’t make noise when you move around in bed, according to users. It also features deep-fitted pockets and a “baffle-box” design.

Considerations: Some users mention that the cotton cover has a silky texture that feels slippery.

Pros

  • It has a cotton topper for added cooling.
  • The waterproof bottom doesn’t make noise when you move around in bed.
  • This pad is machine washable.

Cons

  • Some find that the cotton cover felt slippery.
  • Some users report that the waterproof bottom doesn’t protect against liquids as well as they hoped.
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Shop now at Amazon

Best pillow top cooling mattress pad

TexArtist Pillow Top Cooling Mattress Pad

  • Price: $
  • Materials: combed cotton and spiral fiber
  • Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, super queen, king, California king

Key features: This 400-thread count, soft cotton pillow top is designed to wick away moisture and heat. Users with night sweats say this pillow top keeps them dry and comfortable throughout the night. Polyester fiber filling in a spiral shape is intended to help promote airflow. It mimics a 5-star hotel bedding experience, according to some reviews. This topper also holds its shape after countless machine washings and dryings, and weighs less than 5 lbs.

Considerations: You’ll need a large-capacity washer and dryer to clean this topper. While many users find it sufficiently cooling, particularly for a dense topper, others have mentioned it doesn’t provide as much cooling as they need.

Pros

  • Users with night sweats say this pad keeps them dry and comfortable throughout the night.
  • According to buyers, it mimics a 5-star hotel bedding experience.
  • This topper holds its shape after countless machine washings and dryings.

Cons

  • You’ll need a large-capacity washer and dryer to clean this topper.
  • Some users mention it doesn’t provide as much cooling as they need.
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Shop now at Amazon

Best for the value

AllerEase Cooling Mattress Pad

  • Price: $
  • Materials: 100% cotton and hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill
  • Sizes: twin, full, queen, king, California king

Key features: This pad is made from 100% cotton and hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill. The fabric is treated with PCM microcapsules that are intended to protect you and your mattress from dust mites and other allergens. The covering is also designed to add to the pad’s cooling abilities. Users say they sleep significantly cooler on this mattress pad than on others that are comparably priced or more expensive. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Considerations: This topper can only be used on mattresses that are 18 in. deep or less.

Pros

  • The fabric is treated to protect you and your mattress from allergens.
  • The covering is also designed to add to the pad’s cooling abilities.
  • Users say they sleep significantly cooler on this mattress pad than more expensive pads.
  • The topper is machine washable.

Cons

  • This topper can only be used on mattresses that are 18 in. deep or less.
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Best splurge

SealyChill Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

  • Price: $$$
  • Materials: gel-infused memory foam
  • Sizes: twin, full, queen

Key features: This topper is made from cooling gel-infused memory foam. It’s available in three depths: 1.5 in., 2 in., and 3 in. It’s designed to provide pressure point support, making it a solid choice for people with body aches or back pain, in addition to cooling needs. The topper comes with a hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and moisture-wicking cover that’s machine washable and OK to put in the dryer.

Considerations: It’s not bedbug or water resistant.

Pros

  • The cover is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, machine washable, and OK to put in the dryer.
  • The topper is available in three depths: 1.5 in., 2 in., and 3 in.
  • It’s designed to provide pressure point support.

Cons

  • It’s not bedbug or water resistant.
  • The topper is at a higher price point than its competitors.
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Shop now at Amazon

Best splurge for restless sleepers

Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper

  • Price: $$$
  • Materials: available in latex, graphite, or foam
  • Sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king

Key features: In this topper, the graphite is intended to draw heat away from the body, generating significant cooling. Its memory foam may provide pressure point relief and medium-firm support. The foam is also high-density and plush, which can help eliminate motion transfer. It may be a great choice for restless sleepers with partners.

Considerations: This topper is one of the more expensive options.

Pros

  • The cover is made with breathable and moisture-wicking organic cotton.
  • The foam is high density and plush, which can help eliminate motion transfer.
  • Its memory foam may provide pressure point relief.

Cons

  • It’s expensive.
  • The topper isn’t machine washable.
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Best smart cooling pad

ChiliSleep Cube Sleep System

  • Price: $$$
  • Materials: 100% polyester
  • Sizes: queen, king, California king

Key features: The ChiliSleep pad is filled with silicone microtubes that circulate water. It works by regulating the surface temperature of your mattress, so it can be used for cooling or heating. It connects wirelessly to a control cube that you can place underneath or near your bed. You can control the temperature exactly to your specifications. It also comes with “me” and “we” zones, so each partner can determine their own level of cooling or heating.

Considerations: It comes with a 30-day warranty. If you return it, either during or after that time frame, you’re responsible for all shipping charges, including the return and those from the original purchase. It’s operated by a fan that runs loud for some people. Also, the water reservoir needs to be manually filled with distilled water every 2 to 3 weeks.

Pros

  • You can control the temperature exactly to your specifications.
  • It comes with “me” and “we” zones, so each partner can determine their own level of cooling or heating.

Cons

  • It’s operated by a fan that’s a bit loud for some users.
  • The water reservoir needs to be manually filled with distilled water every 2 to 3 weeks.
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Mattress pads and toppersPriceMaterial Why we chose it
Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Pad$$$cotton, NASA-engineered Outlast viscose, rayonhypoallergenic, breathable, and lightweight
Lucid Gel Mattress Topper$polyurethaneinfused with cooling gel
Viscosoft Active Cooling Copper Topper$$$copper-infused memory foammemory foam has temperature-regulating properties
Subrtex 3-Inch Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper$$bamboo-derived rayon, memory foamdesigned to absorb body heat
Amazon Basics Conscious Series Cool-Touch Rayon Bamboo Mattress Topper$bamboo-derived rayonhypoallergenic material wicks away moisture
Leisure Town Cooling Mattress Topper$cotton, polyester downthree layers of breathable material
Karrism Extra-Thick Mattress Topper$100% cottoncotton is cool to the touch and absorbs moisture
WhatsBedding Waterproof Mattress Pad$cotton, down alternative polyesterfluffy down alternative topper
TexArtist Pillow Top Cooling Mattress Pad$combed cotton, spiral fiber400-thread count wicks away moisture
AllerEase Cooling Mattress Pad$100% cotton, polyester fiberfillfabric is designed to protect from dust mites and other allergens
SealyChill Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper$$$gel-infused memory foamcontains cooling gel-infused memory foam
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper$$$latex, graphite, or foamgraphite is intended to draw heat away from the body
ChiliSleep Cube Sleep System$$$100% polyesterfilled with silicone microtubes that circulate water

Ease of use

Mattress pads and toppers vary in terms of how much fill they contain. The more fill, the plusher they feel. This equates to a heavier topper that you may have trouble getting off and onto your bed.

Also think about machine washing and drying. Some toppers are too big to fit into standard-size machines. Others can’t be machine-washed or -dried, but can be spot cleaned.

Features

Are you just looking for cooling properties, or for other comfort features? Some mattress toppers that supply cooling may also be used to relieve back, hip, knee, or neck pain.

If you’re hoping yours will do double duty, make sure to choose a medium-firm, supportive topper that supplies pressure point relief.

Questions to ask when mattress pad shopping

When purchasing a cooling mattress pad, pay attention to these considerations:

  • Will this pad be comfortable for two people to sleep on?
  • If not, can you place a pad on only one side of the bed?
  • Will it move around at night, or is it designed to fit snugly onto your existing mattress?
  • How does it generate cooler temperatures?
  • Is it hypoallergenic?
  • What’s the manufacturer’s warranty?
  • Are there shipping costs associated with the original purchase, or for returns?
  • Where is it constructed, and where do its materials come from?
  • How long should you anticipate noticing a chemical smell?
  • Does it come from a trusted manufacturer with a solid track record of positive customer reviews?
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The key difference between a mattress pad and a mattress protector is what they are used for.

Mattress pads are primarily used for adding comfort to your mattress.

Mattress protectors are used to safeguard your mattress from mildew, spills, accidents, and more.

Sleeping cool often takes more than just having a cooling mattress pad.

You may wish to consider purchasing a cooling pillow, and, if budget allows, a cooling mattress.

If possible, keep your room cool by opening a window, lowering the thermostat, or positioning a fan near your bed.

Large cool-mist humidifiers can help moisten dry air and provide cooling comfort to the entire room.

Consider and possibly avoid lifestyle habits that may cause you to sleep hotter. These include:

  • eating spicy foods late at night
  • drinking alcohol
  • smoking cigarettes
  • wearing heavy pajamas or those made from nonbreathable materials, such as acrylic
  • sleeping on flannel sheets

How does a cooling mattress pad work?

It depends on the material you choose. Some pads are made with breathable materials like cotton that keep you cool by allowing for airflow. Others feature a gel formula that wicks away sweat from your body and draws heat away to regulate temperature.

Do you put a sheet over a cooling mattress pad?

Yes, you can put a sheet over a mattress pad to protect it from wear and stains, but it’s not necessary. Some pads come with a cover that is machine washable or a protective layer that feels like a sheet.

How do you wash a cooling mattress pad?

Follow the instructions on the care label. Some pads are machine washable and OK to put in the dryer, while others feature a removable pad and are spot-clean only.

Buying a cooling mattress topper or pad can help alleviate night sweats and lower body temperature. Cooling mattress toppers or pads can be significantly less expensive than buying a new mattress.

They can be made from several different types of material that have cooling abilities. Some smart mattress toppers may also use water circulated through tubes and be controlled remotely.