10 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers

A quick look at the best mattress pads and toppers for cooling

• Best graphite mattress topper for cooling: Saatva Mattress Topper
• Best moisture-wicking mattress topper for cooling: Legends Hotel Wool Mattress Pad
• Best cooling mattress topper for back pain: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Cooling Mattress Topper
• Best cooling mattress and topper combination: Layla Copper Mattress and Mattress Topper
• Best cooling mattress system: Eight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Cooling Mattress
• Best firm mattress topper for cooling: Puffy Mattress Topper
• Best waterproof mattress topper for cooling: GhostBed Memory Foam Topper
• Best organic mattress topper for cooling: Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper
• Best cooling mattress topper for sleeping partners: Perfectly Snug Smart Topper
• Best breathable mattress topper for cooling: Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper

Regardless of why you want to increase the cool at night — whether you’re having night sweats or you’ve always slept hot — the sheer number of features advertised for mattress toppers can be dizzying.

We narrowed our search down to focus on some key features that can help you find a cooling mattress topper that’s useful and comfortable while also giving you the most bang for your buck.

Pros and cons of using a mattress topper for cooling

How we chose

Here’s what we looked for:

• fair price for mattress topper features
• quality of materials
• allergy considerations (is it hypoallergenic?)
• comfort for people who prefer firm and soft mattress toppers
• long-term use (does it last a long time?)
• ease of use (how easy is it to clean and maintain?)
• the quality of customer reviews from manufacturer websites and e-commerce sites like Amazon
• manufacturer’s reputation
• endorsement by experts and people who have helped address their night sweats or overheating with a cooling mattress topper

How much do cooling mattress toppers cost?

Entry-level cooling mattress toppers start around $100 or less. You can find plenty of good mattress toppers at this price. But there’s not a lot that distinguishes them from each other.

The most expensive cooling mattress toppers may cost up to $500 and beyond for luxurious materials, artisanship, technology, and sometimes just brand name.

We focus primarily on cooling mattresses that are $100 and up, and we include options under $100 if you’re just looking for an entry-level cooling mattress topper that gets the job done.

Pricing can also vary from seller to seller. We’ve included a quick price guide for each mattress topper featured below. Pricing is based on queen-size toppers:

• $ = under $300
• $$ = $300–$450
• $$$ = over $450

Some cooling mattress toppers may be deemed as a medical expense and can be paid by a health savings account (HSA) or be covered by some health insurance plans.

With that said, here are our top recommended cooling mattress toppers in order of price tag.

Healthline’s picks of the best mattress pads and toppers for cooling

Best graphite mattress topper for cooling

Saatva Mattress Topper

• Price: $$
• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Thickness: 3 inches
• Material: graphite-infused memory foam
• Weight: not disclosed
• Features: graphite layer for cooling, organic cotton cover
• Best for: a firm, cool sleep

Graphite is a popular material for drawing heat away from sleepers. This topper is 3 inches thick, with one layer infused with cooling graphite, and it’s also designed to relieve pressure points.

Slippage is one area of concern when shopping for a mattress topper. This pick features an elastic anchor band to secure the topper properly to your mattress.

Reviewers say this topper is super comfy and high quality. One review says it has a firm feel, which they appreciated for their sleep needs. The brand also offers a topper made from latex or high density foam if you prefer a different material.

Best moisture-wicking mattress topper for cooling

Legends Hotel Wool Mattress Pad

• Price: $
• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king
• Thickness: 1.25 inches
• Material: Australian wool
• Weight: not disclosed
• Features: natural moisture-wicking, hypoallergenic
• Best for: sweaty sleepers

This mattress topper is made of 100 percent Australian wool. Wool is naturally moisture-wicking to keep you cool at night and resist odors. Known for being a good insulator that keeps people warm, wool is also temperature-regulating, so it can also keep you cool.

It’s also hypoallergenic and made of a natural, sustainable material rather than a synthetic foam or gel that isn’t recyclable or biodegradable.

Customers comment on how well this topper works in all seasons, and they’re also pleased with its softness and coziness. One buyer points out that while they’re happy with the material, they wish it fit their mattress better. Another says it slides a bit when they get out of the bed.

Best cooling mattress topper for back pain

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Cooling Mattress Topper

• Price: $$$
• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
• Thickness: 3 inches
• Material: memory foam
• Weight: 25 pounds
• Features: pressure-relieving, motion cancellation
• Best for: sleepers with back pain

This mattress topper from the famed Tempur-Pedic brand has a memory foam design with a medium feel that’s good for back pain. It’s also cool to the touch to help absorb heat from your body quickly after you lie down.

The hypoallergenic and removable, washable cover is also made to be resistant to dust mites and other allergens that can disturb your sleep and your health.

Some reviewers report allergic reactions to the topper, and others report receiving counterfeit versions through popular e-commerce sites.

Make sure you’re buying directly from Tempur-Pedic, whether you’re on the company site or on Amazon.

Best cooling mattress and topper combination

Layla Copper Mattress and Mattress Topper

• Price: $
• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
• Thickness: 2 inches
• Material: copper gel-infused memory foam
• Weight: 19 pounds
• Features: naturally antimicrobial material
• Best for: a cool and clean sleep

This memory foam mattress topper uses copper-infused gel in its construction. Copper transfers heat really well, so the idea is that this can help keep you cool. The brand also says the material is naturally antimicrobial material for a fresh, clean sleeping experience.

The company offers a generous 120-day window in which you can try the topper and return it if it doesn’t work for you.

It comes with a removable, washable zip-off cover. The mattress topper is in the same style as Layla’s memory foam mattress, which is a good option if you’re looking for a cooling solution and a new mattress entirely.

Best cooling mattress system

Eight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Cooling Mattress

• Price: $$$
• Available sizes: full, queen, king, Cal king
• Thickness: 12 inches
• Material: 5-layer foam
• Weight: not disclosed
• Features: water-cooling system, vibration alarm, dual-zone heating and cooling
• Best for: tech-savvy sleepers

The Pod Pro is a “smart” cooling mattress with a companion app, built-in sensors, and a water-cooling system that cools the thin layer of ActiveGrid material that responds to your body heat.

This mattress also features climate control that can be programmed to activate when you come to bed and a vibration alarm in the mattress itself that gently wakes you up without abrupt disruption.

The Pod Pro is very expensive, but you can pay down the price with monthly financing. There’s also some maintenance and possible technical issues that can arise with the app and the built-in sensors.

Best firm mattress topper for cooling

Puffy Mattress Topper

• Price: $
• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
• Thickness: 2.5 inches
• Material: memory foam
• Weight: not disclosed
• Features: hypoallergenic, washable cover, lightweight
• Best for: back or stomach sleepers

If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, you probably find firm mattresses feel the most supportive for you. This topper by Puffy is for people who love a firm sleep, but it’s also available in a “soft” version for those who are looking to soften a firm mattress they already own.

This pick is hypoallergenic and comes with a washable cover. Although its weight isn’t specified on the company website, the brand says this topper is lightweight.

The topper also has an anti-slip grip, so you don’t have to worry about it sliding out of place as you sleep. It’s so highly rated that it’s tough to find a critical review, although there are a couple of mentions of some eventual sinkage, which is typical for memory foam products.

Best waterproof mattress topper for cooling

GhostBed Memory Foam Topper

• Price: $$
• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Thickness: 3 inches
• Material: memory foam
• Weight: 30 pounds
• Features: washable cover, CertiPUR-US certified
• Best for: spills, hot sleepers

This topper is a good idea for people concerned about spills. The 3-inch topper comes with a deep-pocket cotton cover that acts as a waterproof mattress protector that’s also said to be breathable.

The topper has multiple “zones” for both cooling and contouring comfort. The topper itself is said to absorb heat, while the cover offers a chilly touch. Plus, it has an elastic band that keeps the topper in its proper place.

One drawback to this topper is the return policy. The brand considers toppers personal items and doesn’t accept returns on them. The item does include a 5-year warranty though, which helps balance things out a bit.

Best organic mattress topper for cooling

Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper

• Price: $
• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
• Thickness: 2 inches
• Material: GOTS and GOLS certified latex
• Weight: not disclosed
• Features: removable, washable organic cotton cover
• Best for: medium or firm feel

If sustainability is one of your priorities, this latex topper is durable and comes with GOTS and GOLS certifications. The cover is removable, washable, and made from GOTS certified cotton sateen material.

This 2-inch topper is available in a medium feel and a firm feel, so it’s not for people looking for an extra-plush, soft topper. The brand offers a 3-year warranty for the latex layer, and the GOTS certified cover comes with a 1-year warranty.

Best cooling mattress topper for sleeping partners

Perfectly Snug Smart Topper

• Price: $$$
• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split king
• Thickness: 2 inches
• Material: memory foam
• Weight: 35 pounds
• Features: flexible material, smart adjustability via the app, optional foot heating
• Best for: sleeping partners, tech-savvy sleepers

Sleeping partners can have different needs; this is where the smart topper comes in handy. It’s on the pricier side, but some people may find it’s worth it for the temperature customization. This topper can keep both hot and cold sleepers happy — at the same time.

Although there’s an app for easily adjusting your preferred temp for your side of the bed, there are also buttons for controlling the settings manually. For hot sleepers, the mattress blows air to cool you down.

Most reviewers are happy with how this topper cools, and they recommend it for hot sleepers, but one says they don’t like the sensation of the active cooling via blowing air. Another mentions the topper is too firm for their sciatica.

The ventilated cover is said to be breathable, another nice touch for hot sleepers. The company only offers 30 nights to try this topper and offers just a 1-year warranty.

Best breathable mattress topper for cooling

Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper

• Price: $$
• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
• Thickness: 3 inches
• Material: Talalay latex
• Weight: not disclosed
• Features: organic cotton cover
• Best for: side and back sleepers, eco-focused sleepers

This plush topper is popular for its body contouring and breathability. It’s made from Talalay latex, which the brand says is eco-friendly, sustainably sourced, and seven times more breathable compared with other latex materials.

The company recommends that people with latex allergies talk with their doctor before using a latex product like this. Along with the natural latex, this topper is also made from birch wool and organic cotton.

It’s also worth mentioning the brand’s commitment to leaving out toxic chemicals. This organic topper is Greenguard Gold and GOTS certified. The company says it’s free from polyurethane-based foams and harmful chemicals.

A comparison of the best cooling mattress toppers

What are the benefits of a mattress pad?

Placing a mattress pad on top of your bed offers benefits to both you and your mattress. Here are some of the benefits of using a mattress topper:

• May extend the life of your mattress. Using a mattress pad can slow down the wear on your mattress, helping it last longer.
• Reduces aches and pains. A mattress topper can make your bed more comfortable and support your back to reduce soreness.
• Can offer better sleep. When you’re more comfortable, you may fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep throughout the night.
• Keeps your mattress cleaner. A mattress topper can help protect your mattress from dust and dirt, especially when they have washable covers and are made with hypoallergenic materials.
• Adds unique features. Depending on the type of mattress pad you choose, you could see a wide range of benefits, such as temperature control, a softer feel, and increased support.

What type of mattress topper is best at cooling?

Most mattress toppers are made from memory foam, polyfoam, gel, or latex. Each of these types offers benefits and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your goals when choosing a mattress pad. To help you stay cool, look for a mattress topper that will allow airflow to release body heat.

Mattress pads made with memory foam may not be the best option for cooling, as memory foam tends to trap and hold onto body heat throughout the night. Gel-infused mattress toppers may help you stay cool early in the night, but some people report that the cooling effects do not last throughout the night.

Two options that may be best for cooling are mattress toppers made from polyfoam or latex with an open-cell design. An open design allows more airflow so air can escape rather than being trapped in the topper.

How to shop

Here are some questions to consider while shopping for a cooling topper, mattress, or pad:

• Is the topper CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold certified? Odors are usually the result of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that off-gas and make your mattress smell unnatural. Mattress toppers that are CertiPUR-US or Greenguard Gold certified are often reported to have less obvious odors right out of the box.
• Are the materials only cool to the touch? Fabrics, gels, and other materials with surfaces that help absorb heat from your skin can help for a little bit, but they don’t typically last through the night. Try to avoid cooling mattress toppers that only offer surface cooling.
• Are cooling materials built into the mattress topper? Many of the best mattress toppers use gels, phase-changing foam, or particles of minerals or metal to increase their cooling capabilities.
• Is the material itself breathable? Look for mattress toppers with ample air pockets within their materials or built-in supports to keep materials apart. These cooling designs allow maximum airflow to help body heat escape and disperse into the topper and keep the topper cool for longer.
• Does it have additional cooling technology? You can find mattress toppers that use electrical airflow or water reservoirs that you can turn on to cool down the mattress while you sleep. These take some extra work and maintenance, but they may be more effective at cooling you down all night.
• Does the manufacturer allow a trial period? Most mattress companies give you around 100 nights to try their product and return it for free if you don’t like it. This can help ease the decision process by letting you try each topper before you settle on one.

If you’ve ever bought a mattress, you can follow a lot of the same rules of thumb. A good mattress topper should:

• last a long time (an average of 8 years)
• be made of high quality materials that won’t make you itchy or uncomfortable
• feature a design that increases airflow or decreases heat pockets
• be big enough or comfortable enough for your sleeping style
• be designed to fit you and a partner, if desired (especially if you and your partner want adjustable sides of the mattress)
• be firm or soft enough for your needs
• be supportive enough for your weight
• fit your budget (there’s no need to splurge if you just want something simple)

Tips on cooling

You may want to try some of these other cooling tips if you want to get the most out of your cooling bedding.

Here are some do’s and don’ts for keeping your bedroom cool and to make your cooling mattress topper even more effective.

Frequently asked questions

Do cooling mattress toppers work?

Depending on the material and design, a mattress topper may help keep you cool while sleeping. Open-cell latex or foams may be more effective at keeping you cool and preventing body heat from becoming trapped in the topper.

What’s the difference between a mattress pad and a mattress topper?

Often, people use the terms mattress pad and topper to refer to the same product. However, mattress pads are typically thinner than a mattress topper. The pad version is designed to add a little extra comfort and protect the mattress. Mattress toppers are thicker and more noticeably alter the feel of your mattress.

Do cooling gel mattress toppers work?

Gel-infused foam mattress toppers may help keep the topper cooler. Although, they may not keep you cool throughout the whole night, or they may lose their effectiveness over time.

Takeaway

A cooling mattress topper can seem like a big investment, but it’s worth its weight in cooling ability if you wake up at night sweaty or feeling too hot.

Choosing the right cooling topper is not all that different from choosing a regular mattress. Find one with your desired firmness and longevity, and one made by a company you believe you can trust.