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Cooling mattresses have surged in popularity in response to the growing awareness of sleep quality’s critical role in overall health. After all, room temperature is one of the most important factors affecting human sleep. The best cool mattress caters to those seeking a restful night’s sleep, particularly in warmer climates or for anyone prone to overheating during the night (hot sleepers).
A recent Gallup Poll found a majority of U.S. adults (57%) report at least occasionally being too hot while sleeping (compared to 37% who report being too cold). Those who often find themselves too hot or too cold tend to suffer from lower sleep quality. Of the two, overheating presents a greater challenge. Cooling mattresses can be an effective solution to hot sleeping. The Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid, our pick of the best mattress for hot sleepers, strikes an ideal balance of comfort, support, and cooling technology. Learn more about our experts’ top picks and how we personally tested these mattresses below.
We’ve personally rested on and tested each mattress against these factors for an unbiased assessment. Our selections were also medically reviewed to ensure each brand and model is appropriate for the needs of our readers.
We found several important factors when testing the best mattresses for hot sleepers including:
A mattress that allows airflow through the materials usually has the best cooling. Examples include hybrid and innerspring mattresses.
A mattress should have the appropriate support and firmness for your comfort preference, sleeping position, and medical needs.
Many mattresses use cooling technology infused in the fabric of the mattress cover and other layers to regulate temperature and absorb heat. They may also construct the layers with specially positioned gaps or open spaces to allow airflow.
Moisture-wicking materials in the top layers of a mattress can make a difference for those who sweat during sleep. These can prevent clamminess by helping keep moisture off the body, which can also help regulate body temperature.
We chose the Nectar Premier as the best overall cooling mattress because it provides exceptional cooling while also providing great pressure relief, making it a versatile fit that suits most back and side sleepers. Additionally, it is regularly on sale by up to 50%, making it a great choice for someone looking for a low-cost mattress that meets their comfort needs.
The Nectar Premier is an all-foam mattress with a 7” stability base layer of foam topped with a transitional foam layer and a gel memory foam layer. It is topped with a cooling cover that contains phase change material, working together with the gel-infused foam to keep sleepers cool. During testing, our thermal gun noted an 8.8-degree temperature increase in the mattress after a tester spent five minutes on the bed, which is good temperature regulation for a memory foam mattress.
This mattress performs especially well in pressure relief, with even weight distribution preventing pain and pressure buildup at the joints. As is typical of memory foam mattresses, it also has great motion isolation, making it a good choice for light sleepers who share a bed with a partner, child, or pet who moves around at night.
We did feel this mattress earns its 5.5 comfort rating and is too soft to maintain a neutral spine in stomach sleepers or sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds.
Nectar provides free shipping on new mattresses, a 365-night sleep trial, and free returns. White glove delivery is available as an add-on for $199, and it includes set-up and removal of your old mattress. Nectar mattresses are protected by a lifetime warranty.
“When laying on the Nectar Premier on my side I felt little to no pressure on my hips and shoulders. When on my back I felt the mattress contouring my body. This mattress would be a good choice for side and back sleepers.”
Who may love it
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The Nectar Premier mattress gets 4.7 out of 5 stars on its website, with more than 51,000 reviews. Many reviewers mention that this mattress is soft and supportive, helping relieve back pain. Others shared their disappointment with the added expense of set up and mattress removal.
“It has been about a month, so the memory is finally fully broken in, and I have been getting the best sleep of my life. I used to do everything to stay out of bed because I was always uncomfortable, but now I catch myself doing my WFH stuff in bed because of how comfortable it is.”
– Connor H., verified buyer on 07/12/2024.
“I love this Nectar Mattress!! I sleep so good and no more back pain from my previous mattress. Highly recommend you get a Nectar! You won’t be disappointed!! ”
– Trisha C., verified buyer on 07/10/2024.
We also chose the Nectar Premier as a good choice for side-sleepers, learn more in our round-up of the best mattresses for side sleepers or in our Nectar mattress review.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is our top pick for the most affordable cooling mattresses because it offers a high value for those seeking a cooling mattress. With both a low regular price and a high cooling rating, it meets hot sleepers’ needs while still staying budget friendly. During testing, we used a thermal gun to measure the temperature before and after laying on the mattress for 5 minutes. The temperature of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe only increased by 5.8 degrees, with anything less than a 7.2 temperature increase considered to be excellent cooling in a mattress.
This mattress comes in soft, medium, and firm comfort levels. Our team found there was a discrepancy between the medium firmness marketed by the brand and the firmness level we experienced. Our tester rated the comfort level as 7.5 out of 10, which makes it a firm mattress. However, we found the mattress comfortable in most sleeping positions for a variety of body types, in large part due to the excellent pressure relief it provides.
During testing, our Reviews Team called Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe well-rounded, because it received above-average to high scores in all of our testing categories. The mattress contains individually encased steel coils layered with firm comfort foam, elastic comfort foam, and a plush pillow top, creating an experience of a gentle cradle at the surface that is well supported by core layers to prevent sinkage and maintain spine alignment.
We found the Aurora Luxe to be responsive, with a good bounce that snaps back after compression and contours to the body. Because it also has great overall support, including strong edge support, we gave it a high functional support score, believing it does a good job promoting easy movement and repositioning.
Brooklyn Bedding offers free shipping on all of the mattress purchases but doesn’t offer set up or removal of an old mattress. They included a 120-night sleeper trial with free returns if you find the Aurora Luxe isn’t a good fit for you. Brooklyn Bedding mattresses are protected by a 10-year warranty.
“The cover has a cool first-touch feeling. I think the Aurora Luxe is ideal for someone who likes to shift positions and feel a cool sensation throughout the night.”
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The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress gets 4.7 stars out of 5 on its website, with more than 3,300 reviews. Many reviewers mention that the mattress feels cool at the surface. Others shared that after laying on it for some time, the mattress seems to lose that cool-to-the-touch feel.
“Best mattress ever! I didn’t think it was possible to find a mattress that would successfully keep me cool, but I was wrong! Out of the box, the mattress already feels cool to the touch. But the biggest test was sleeping…I can still feel that my body is hot, but I can almost feel the bed take that heat and distribute it elsewhere instead of holding on to it, if that makes sense.”
– Kristi B., verified buyer on 07/12/2024
“Love love love this mattress. I have never had a mattress that I really liked everything about it. Worth every penny.”
– Michelle C., verified buyer on 06/24/2024
For more information about the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe read our Brooklyn Bedding review.
The top two foam layers conform closely to the body, spreading weight evenly and ensuring spinal alignment. As an added bonus, the zoned coils offer reinforced support under the midsection, enhancing comfort and helping to prevent back pain.
Back pain is a common complaint among mattress consumers. Our January 2024 survey found 59% of respondents reported purchasing a new mattress specifically to treat lower back pain.
The Helix Midnight Luxe stands out as the best mattress for back pain for its temperature regulation capabilities, zoned coils, and medium-firm plush comfort that should be comfortable for those with pain. The Tencel cover is highly breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping the sleeper dry and comfortable. For added cooling, you can select a GlacioTex cooling cover for $249. The mattress’s gel-infused memory foam and pocketed coil layer further enhance airflow and heat dissipation.
The reinforced edges of the mattress provide exceptional edge support compared to other hybrids, allowing sleepers to use the entire mattress surface without feeling like they’ll roll off. This mattress also performs well in terms of motion isolation and ease of movement, making it an excellent option for couples.
“If you’ve got the extra cash to spend, and you want enhanced support, cushioning up top, and cooling, then the Luxe is worth it.”
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Who may want to avoid it
The Helix Midnight Luxe mattress gets 4.5 out of 5 stars on its website, with more than 6,950 reviews. Many reviewers mention the comfort they feel sleeping in this pain, reporting reduced back pain. Others shared said it was softer than they expected and would prefer a bit more firmness.
“Perfect mix of soft versus firm which I prefer in my mattress. I’ve been sleeping pretty well these past few weeks thanks to this mattress. Highly recommend to do your research and choose what is best for you but I am incredibly happy with my purchase.”
– Janet C., verified buyer on 07/12/2024
“At first, I wasn’t sure if it was worth the investment. After sleeping on it for a few months, I’m getting the best sleep of my life! I wish I made the switch sooner…it has a great look and luxury feel to it. I would recommend if you are a side sleeper or stomach sleeper.”
– Mark M., verified buyer on 07/28/2024
For more information about the Helix Midnight Luxe read our full review.
The Bear Elite Hybrid helps keep sleepers cool with its mix of a Celliant (a synthetic fiber that wicks moisture and helps regulate body temperature) and polyester blend cover with phase change material (materials that regulate temperature by absorbing excess heat and humidity), copper-infused memory foam, and a zoned polyfoam layer that provide superior cooling and comfort. The individually wrapped coils add to the breathability, enhancing temperature regulation across the mattress. Our tester, Stuart, said, “Another great thing about this mattress was the cooling top. The cooling was immediately noticeable as I laid down on the bed, and I’m pretty sure it would do a good job of keeping anyone cool throughout the night.”
The Bear Elite Hybrid is designed to offer a balance of cushioning and support, which makes it comfortable for a variety of sleepers. Its foam layers provide pressure relief and comfort, while the zoned pocketed coils ensure proper spinal alignment and support.
This mattress also performs well in terms of ease of movement, making it a comfortable choice for combination sleepers. It also offers varying levels of edge support, with the firmer models providing more robust edge support than the softer version. The mattress is particularly well-suited for back and side sleepers, offering adequate support and comfort across different body weights and sleep positions. It also works well for couples who want a reduction in motion transfer while still enjoying luxurious comfort and zoned support. This versatile range of features allows the Bear Elite Hybrid to cater to a diverse set of sleep needs and preferences.
“Even though I prefer to sleep on my side or stomach and my other tester prefers back sleeping, we both think this mattress has a comfortable feel and would be great for a variety of sleepers.”
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The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress gets 4.6 out of 5 stars on its website, with more than 3,800 reviews. Many reviewers mention just how comfortable the bed is, noting that their sleep has improved since switching to this mattress. Others shared that the Bear Elite Hybrid takes several days before it completely expands and reaches its true firmness after unpackaging.
“We love it. My wife and I both love the support and the firmness. The hybrid dynamic of coils and memory foam makes for a very comfortable bed.”
– Jason N., verified buyer on 06/2/2024
“Extremely comfortable and keeps me much cooler than other mattresses. I love it!”
– Marleen E., verified buyer on 07/28/2024.
For more information about Bear Elite Hybrid, read our full review.
The Saatva Classic mattress is our pick for best cooling mattress for heavy sleepers because the steel coils of the innerspring core serve double duty, providing airflow for temperature regulation and firm support for spine alignment in sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds. Our testers also recommend Saatva because they prioritize natural materials, including breathable organic cotton for added cooling capabilities.
The Saatva Classic is available in plush-sift, luxury firm, and firm comfort levels, with the luxury-firm testing as a 7 out of 10, providing enough support to maintain spine neutrality in sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds. In the category of pressure relief, we gave this mattress an above-average rating but did note a small amount of build-up at the shoulders in a side sleeping position.
The Saatva Classic contains a high-density foam lumbar crown, providing added support for the lower back that is particularly helpful for back and stomach sleepers looking for lift at the hips. To prevent sagging, Saatva has added extra support using a spinal wire and reinforced coils in the middle of the mattress.
During testing, we found the Saatva Classic to have good bounce and responsiveness enough to snap back and promote easy movement and repositioning. Because we feel these characteristics are great for sleepers with chronic pain and mobility limitations, we gave it a higher score in the category of functional support. One notable drawback of the Saatva Classic is that it is a bouncier mattress with significant motion transfer. Light sleepers sharing a bed with another person or a pet may find their movements disturb their sleep.
We also recommend Saatva for the company’s industry-leading policies, including free white-glove delivery and a 365-night sleep trial to ensure the mattress is a good fit for you. Each new mattress is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
“Our testing shows that the Saatva Classic has great edge support. When weight is placed around the perimeter there is little to no sagging, which means a person should be able to sit and balance comfortably near the edge of this mattress.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Saatva Classic mattress has 4.8 out of 5 stars on its website, with more than 3,400 reviews. Many reviewers mention this mattress’s lower back support, which reduces their back pain. Others shared that delivery can be a little unpredictable or that their mattress didn’t arrive during the expected delivery window.
“I got my mattress over a year ago…I started to notice after a week, I woke up with no lower back pain. What a difference between Saavat and the old mattress!”
– Kim D., verified buyer on date 06/19/2024
“A very simple process overall. Delivery people were very professional and nice. They did an excellent job of unpacking the mattress & foundation and setting everything up. So far, my wife and I absolutely love the mattress”
– Steven S., verified buyer on 05/08/2024
For more information about the Saatva Classic, read our full review.
We chose the Leesa Sapira Chill mattress as the best cooling mattress for combination sleepers because it received the highest score possible in the category of bounce, a characteristic that promotes easy movement and repositioning. The Sapira Chill contains a supportive core of individually wrapped steel coils combined with multiple layers of memory foam. Our testers found this hybrid design to be accommodating for sleepers who switch positions throughout the night.
Using a thermal gun, we measured a 5.3 temperature increase after spending 5 minutes laying on this bed, which is excellent temperature regulation in a mattress. We’re not surprised by this performance, Leesa has made cooling capabilities a top priority, equipping the Sapira with a layer of high airflow foam, quilted gel foam layer, and an ultra cool cover.
During testing, our Reviews Team gave the Leesa Sapira Chill a functional support score of 4.18 out of 5 because it scored high in a few key categories that we feel are important for supporting ease of movement. For example, our testers noted strong edge support, which made it easier for sleepers with mobility issues to get in and out of bed. We also loved the support this mattress provides, which helps to maintain a neutral spine.
Leesa offers free shipping for new mattress purchases but charges $160 for set-up through a third-party service. Their mattresses are protected by a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial with free returns.
“My spine felt aligned, well-supported, and comfortable in the side, back, and stomach sleeping positions. The foam top layer is also super responsive even though it’s plush.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid mattress gets 4.2 out of five stars on its website, with over 75 reviews. Many reviewers mention how adaptable this mattress is to different sleep positions. Others note its higher price point.
“I love this mattress. It has the firm support my wife likes, and the softness that my side sleeping requires. The free pillows and sheets are all mediocre in quality. Not impressed with the freebies, but the core mattress is incredible.”
– James W., verified buyer on 07/23/2024.
“We have had the mattress for over a month now and what a great purchase. It is our first king so the space is amazing but the comfort and cooling is just incredible on this mattress. Highly recommend!”
– Spencer B., verified buyer on 06/26/2024.
For more information about the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, read our full review.
Our Reviews Team has dedicated more than 1,000 hours to researching the mattress industry, consulting at least 10 health care professionals, and testing roughly 40 brands and 130 unique mattress models for quality and comfort. We’ve also interviewed eight older adults who recently purchased a mattress and surveyed more than 3,200 recent mattress customers to understand their experiences shopping for a new bed.
Each mattress undergoes a rigorous 36-page testing procedure to score its different characteristics, including firmness, support, and other aspects most shoppers consider. We choose the best cooling mattresses based on the scores of the relevant criteria. See how we tested the most important considerations for this review below.
We use a temperature gun to determine how well a mattress disperses body heat. If the mattress heats up more than 15 degrees, it’s considered a poor score. If it only heats up 5–10 degrees, it’s considered a good or excellent score. The feel of the material under our body is also factored into the score, with one indicating a poor score and five indicating good cooling technology. While researching the best mattresses for cooling, we also took note of brands that integrated cooling designs and prioritized airflow in the construction of their products.
Like most mattress brands, we use a one-to-10 scoring method when testing firmness, with 6.5 being the true medium firm. Our testers rate this by lying on the surface and comparing the feel to other mattresses we’ve tested. Material density and coil strength influence firmness the most. Since warm sleepers come in many varieties, we also test each sleeping position and note whether the firmness is a comfortable fit for that position.
We score support on a scale of one to five, with five being the most supportive. Mattresses with strong support contour and push into the curves of your body, particularly the lower back or midsection. Not only do we feel support during testing, but we can also visualize it through pressure map results. Maps with mostly white space at the lower back show how the mattress isn’t making contact with the area, which means the mattress isn’t supportive. When testing support we also look at how much sinkage a mattress has. A lot of sinkageⓘ Good contouring sinkage can give sleepers the feeling of being “hugged” by their mattress, but too much sink can result in misalignment of the spine, especially for stomach and back sleepers. means the sleeper is surrounded by material which can create additional warmth around the body, making hot sleepers even hotter.
We rate pressure relief on a scale of one to five, with five being the most pressure-relieving. We consider how it feels and use a pressure map with sensors to visualize pressure points around the body accurately. Blue and green pressure map results show great pressure relief, while yellows, oranges, and reds indicate pressure build-up. The best cooling mattresses should offer high pressure relief to give the sleeper maximum comfort throughout the night.
To learn more about our testing and scoring methods, review our sleep methodology.
Our research and testing are ongoing, so our reviews evolve over time. We test new mattresses monthly to give you the most up-to-date information possible. Check back regularly for updates.
A cooling mattress is designed to regulate body temperature and enhance sleep quality, especially for those who overheat at night. When asked about mattress features, sleep coach Ari Spitzer told us, “The one that actually can help is the cooling feature. The cooler you are at night, the better you will sleep. In fact, during the deepest part of your sleep, there is a drop in body temperature.”
These mattresses use various materials and technologies to maintain a cooler sleeping surface, often combining multiple strategies. The most common strategies are:
By carefully considering the following factors, you can choose the best cooling mattress to alleviate heat discomfort during sleep and also align with your individual comfort preferences and lifestyle needs:
Any mattress construction that allows for airflow and uses cooling materials is the best type of mattress for hot sleepers. Different materials also play a role in mattress temperature control, such as:
The average cost of a cooling mattress in a queen size is $2,150. The price of a cooling mattress can vary widely based on a number of factors including the size, brand, material, and mattress construction.
Budget options like the Nectar Premier may start around $1,499 for a queen-sized mattress, while mid-range choices like the Saatva Classic might cost from $1,800 to $2,100, and luxury models like the Helix Midnight Luxe can exceed $2,300. It’s important for buyers to weigh the following factors against their personal needs and budget to find the best value:
If upgrading to a cold mattress isn’t in the budget right now, there are other options. A mattress topper is an economical way to upgrade your mattress for cooler nights. Many popular brands, including Brooklyn Bedding and Saatva, sell queen-size cooling mattress toppers for under $500, and there are a number of budget-friendly toppers available for less.
Finding the best sheets and pajamas for warm sleepers, such as those designed with temperature-regulating fabrics like bamboo and eucalyptus, can be another way to manage temperature for more comfortable sleep. You might also try cracking a window or using a ceiling or portable fan to create a cooling breeze. Avoiding exercise before bedtime and adding a cool shower to your nightly routine can also be helpful.
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Height in inches | 14” | N/A | 13.5” | 14” | 14” | 11 |
| Firmness options | Soft | Medium model: Firm | Medium | Soft, medium, or firm | Soft | Medium-firm |
| Cooling | 4.5/5 | N/A | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trial period | 1 year | 120 nights | 100 days | 120 days | 1 year | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 10 years | 15 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years |
| Price | $1,099–$2,598 | $999–$2,265 | $1,099–$2,155 | $1,231–$2,548 | $1,099–$2,598 | $1,499–$2,399 |
| Cost of queen | $1,499 | $1,865 | $2,374 | $2,305 | $1,499 | $2,159 |
The best mattresses for hot sleepers in 2024 come in an array of options tailored to diverse needs and preferences. From the Nectar Premier, lauded for its overall excellence, to specialized choices like the Helix Midnight Luxe for back pain and the Leesa Sapira Chill for combination sleepers, there’s a best cooling mattress solution for every sleeper.
Mid-priced options like the Bear Elite Hybrid and Saatva Classic are all-around solid, versatile choices.
Each mattress in this list, including our best affordable option, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe promises a blend of cooling technology and comfort, aiming to improve sleep quality.
Cooling mattresses work by using various materials and technologies to maintain a cooler sleeping surface, often combining multiple strategies. Many integrate temperature regulating materials into the cover and top layers of the mattress for an immediate cooling sensation, and also construct mattresses with a design that allows air to flow through the layers of a mattress. This can help reduce the warmth a sleeper feels, to achieve a more comfortable night of sleep.
Yes, cooling mattresses can be a worthwhile investment, particularly for those who struggle with overheating while in bed. They are designed to regulate body temperature, which is a crucial factor in achieving deep, restorative sleep. For those living in warmer climates or experiencing night sweats, a cooling mattress can significantly improve sleep quality. The advanced materials and technologies used in these mattresses not only offer temperature regulation, but they also provide comfort and support.
For anyone who sweats a lot during sleep, a mattress with excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties is ideal. You will want to consider several factors (budget, material, technology, sleeping position, firmness, size, quality, trial period, and warranty) when determining the best mattress for you. For the budget-conscious, The Cocoon Chill by Sealy is a strong contender, known for its cooling technology that dissipates heat effectively. A great mid-priced option is the Bear Elite Hybrid, which combines cooling gel foam with a breathable coil system, making it well-suited for regulating temperature and reducing sweat. For those who prefer a luxury option, the Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze is as plush and luxurious as it gets. All of the best mattresses for hot sleepers offer a combination of heat absorption and air circulation, crucial for those prone to sweating.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
