Sweaty, sleepless nights and sluggish mornings are a common struggle for hot sleepers. Whether you live in a warm climate, are experiencing night sweats due to menopause or another health condition, or just run hot, a cooling mattress topper could be the perfect solution when you still can’t sleep after kicking off the covers and cranking up the fan.
Aside from conserving energy, toppers can add extra cushioning or support to help enhance your sleep space. Although some buyers may initially shy away from toppers with larger price tags, the promise of lower electric bills and better nights of sleep can help justify your initial investment.
We’ve made it quick (less than five minutes!) and easy for you to find the topper that’ll keep you cooler than the other side of your pillow. Check out the comparison table below for our most up-to-date picks.
The Top Cooling Mattress Toppers
- Layla Memory Foam Topper – Best Gel-Infused Cooling Mattress Topper
- Helix Plush Mattress Topper – Best Plush Cooling Mattress Topper
- Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper – Best Graphite Cooling Mattress Topper
- Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper – Best Hypoallergenic Cooling Mattress Topper
- TEMPUR-Adapt® + Cooling Topper – Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
My Video Review of The Best Cooling Mattress Toppers
Editor’s Note: The cooling technology for the TEMPUR-Adapt® + Cooling Mattress Topper costs $100 and not $80 as stated in the video.
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our product reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the product feels and performs.
For this roundup, we prioritized features that are especially important for cooling mattress toppers. We paid special attention to components such as topper thickness, support elements, motion transfer, and cooling materials.
Our Top 5 Cooling Topper Reviews
Layla Memory Foam Topper – Best Gel-Infused Cooling Mattress Topper
Layla Mattress Topper
This copper-infused mattress topper can help keep you cool at night.
Layla Score
4.20 / 5
Read Full ReviewLayla takes cooling gel up a notch for their mattress topper with the addition of copper. Copper gel beads are infused into the topper and are designed to absorb and pull away body heat for a cooler environment. Because copper is naturally great at conducting heat, you should expect fantastic cooling from the Layla Memory Foam Topper.
This 2-inch-thick topper is on the thinner end of toppers, but it should still deliver quality comfort for your bed space.
Want more info? Read our full Layla Memory Foam Topper Review.
Helix Plush Mattress Topper – Best Plush Cooling Mattress Topper
Helix Plush Mattress Topper
The Helix Plush mattress topper adds a thin layer of plushness and quilting to the top of a mattress. It doesn’t dramatically change the firmness or feel but does add a bit of luxury.
Helix Score
4.40 / 5
Read Full ReviewIf you’re looking to soften your mattress and stay cool, I recommend trying the Helix Plush Mattress Topper. This product contains a Revoloft Cluster fiberfill that should feel soft as you lie down.
Along with a plush design, Helix’s topper is hypoallergenic and breathable. The breathability comes from the topper’s cover, which is made up of a bamboo-blend fabric, along with a synthetic fiber fill designed to not trap heat.
While this topper from Helix is the thinnest on our list, its plush design should still provide helpful cushioning for firmer mattresses.
Still curious? Read our in-depth Helix Plush Mattress Topper Review
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper – Best Graphite Cooling Mattress Topper
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
A luxurious topper with contouring support from its graphite infusion.
Saatva Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewMany bedding companies are turning to graphite to help keep memory foam, a material known to heat up, cool throughout the night. Graphite is a crystalline form of the carbon element and has long been used in other products to help pull heat away, such as in computers or phones.
Saatva infused graphite into the foam of this topper to help promote a cooler sleep space. To take the cooling up a notch, this topper also has a breathable organic cotton cover.
Looking for additional insight? Check out our Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper Review
Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper – Best Hypoallergenic Cooling Mattress Topper
Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper
A mattress topper with two firmness options.
Puffy Score
5.00 / 5
Read Full ReviewAllergies can be problematic, turning otherwise peaceful nights into restless ones. If you’re looking for something that not only helps you stay cool but is also adept at keeping allergens at bay, we think you should consider the Puffy Mattress Topper.
This topper is built with 40 percent bamboo and 60 percent polyester to help foster temperature regulation. This is further supported by the cool-to-the-touch cover. Of course, the other big perk of this product is that it’s hypoallergenic, so you shouldn’t have to worry about frustrating allergies.
Want to read on? See our full Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper Review
TEMPUR-Adapt® + Cooling Topper – Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper
Offers 3 inches of support for superior pressure relief.
Tempur-Pedic Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewRegular side sleepers may find that their mattress feels slightly too firm and doesn’t cradle them enough to provide comfort to their hips and shoulders. They can utilize a softer topper for added comfort rather than spending hundreds or thousands on a new bed.
Tempur-Pedic’s TEMPUR-Adapt® + Cooling Topper is made with 3 inches of extra-soft proprietary TEMPUR® material to help cradle you as you sleep. As a result, you should experience good pressure relief in the hips and shoulders while the cooling topper works to keep you from overheating.
It’s also worth pointing out that we reviewed the TEMPUR-Adapt® + Cooling for this list. Without this cooling technology, this topper tends to skew warm.
Want to learn more? Check out our in-depth TEMPUR-Adapt® Mattress Topper Review
Considerations When Selecting a Cooling Topper For Your Bed
To help you narrow down which cooling topper to get, you’ll need to first weigh some important considerations.
Price
Many consumers often use price as the first filter when selecting new products, and a topper is no different. While a more expensive cooling topper may cost more upfront, this could save you big bucks in the long run since you won’t have to replace it as often. The advantage of toppers is that they can enhance a bed’s feel without the heavy investment of a new mattress altogether.
So, even though a pricier topper may seem like a lot, it’s still cheaper than buying a new bed. Furthermore, the online sales model helps cut costs, so you could save even more of your hard-earned money.
Learn More: What’s the Best Time to Buy a Mattress?
Materials
Mattress toppers come in all shapes and sizes and have a variety of materials. While some memory foam claims to be cooling, they are not all created equal. Gel beads and convoluted texture help circulate cool air, though latex and open-cell foams will likely have the best cooling effects.
Sleeping Position
The way you sleep will also figure into your topper selection because the needs for each position are different.
- If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll likely want something plush that will tend to pressure points.
- Back sleepers will likely enjoy a medium-firm topper that can give them some cushioning but also good support.
- Lastly, stomach sleepers often enjoy firmer toppers the best. Toppers with a firmer feel can help keep their midsection lifted for better back alignment.
Firmness
The firmness of the topper is also a vital consideration so that you pick something that isn’t just cooling but feels good too. As mentioned, your sleep position will influence the ideal firmness. However, your body weight is also important.
If you’re a lightweight person, plush toppers are best for extra cushioning, particularly if your mattress feels too firm. Average-size sleepers enjoy the middle-ground feel of a medium-firm topper, while heavyweight individuals should look at firm toppers to keep them well-supported.
Thickness
The majority of mattress toppers are between 2 and 4 inches thick. Mattress topper thickness will impact how the product feels, so choose accordingly.
- 2-inch toppers: A 2-inch topper can give some extra support, but this isn’t particularly thick, and you probably won’t feel the same effect on a low-profile topper as you would with additional thickness.
- 3-inch toppers: If you’re new to using toppers, a 3-inch pad is often the safest bet since it’s that sweet spot in the middle and is a popular size.
- 4-inch toppers: You’ll likely feel the most impact from a 4-inch topper, as these can provide exceptional support and comfort, particularly for side sleepers or heavier people.
Pressure Relief
For many people, a topper is a great way to add valuable pressure relief to your bed space. Pressure relief is often most important for side sleepers, back sleepers, and lightweight people. Softer toppers made with memory foam should do an excellent job of melting away pressure. That being said, latex is also known for exceptional pressure relief while naturally remaining temperature-neutral.
Durability
Toppers are usually much cheaper than a brand-new mattress, but to ensure you’re stretching your dollar as far as it will go, you should consider the topper’s durability.
A topper’s durability is based on how well the materials and its overall performance hold up over time. Of course, we can’t test these products for months or even years, but there are signs and characteristics you can look for to see how a topper’s longevity stacks up.
- Check the materials used. Latex foam is often more durable than memory foam, but you’ll also want to see what the cover is made from. For example, organic cotton can be more durable than polyester.
- Another way to feel secure in a topper’s durability is the warranty. Long warranties typically indicate that the manufacturer is confident in their product.
- It’s also a good idea to read the reviews. Some people may update their reviews to indicate how the product is doing over time.
Comfort
The goal of a good mattress topper is to provide enhanced comfort, and while cooling is important, the pad’s overall feel should be a major deciding factor as well. That being said, comfort is subjective. What’s satisfying for one person may not be for another.
The right cooling topper will be based on your unique needs. Comfort can also be tricky for couples, especially if they have very different preferences. Often, a middle-of-the-road feel is the best option for couples since it’s the most adaptable to both partners.
Size
When shopping for mattress toppers, you will probably notice that they match standard mattress sizing. This is no coincidence.
Your topper should match the exact size of your mattress. Therefore, if your mattress is a Queen, you should purchase a Queen-size topper. Getting the right size helps ensure there are no support issues or uncomfortable gaps between the topper and bed.
Storage and Care
Some people may choose to only use their topper part-time or have plans to move in the near future. In this case, consider how easy it is to move the product – whether you’re transferring it to another room or another country. If you plan to store it, look into whether you can conveniently package it. Will it fit in your home’s storage closet?
Cleaning is also something to consider. Keeping a topper well-maintained can help extend its lifespan. Each manufacturer is different, though, so before buying, research what they say about maintenance. Does it have to be spot-cleaned only? Does it require special detergents or professional care? You may find that the method of cleaning isn’t convenient and decide on something else.
Want to learn more? Read on how to properly store a mattress topper.
What Types of Materials are Best for Cooling Toppers?
Shoppers have a wide selection of cooling toppers to choose from, including the materials they are made with. Depending on what they need, these materials can offer unique benefits.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is an exceptional material for relieving pressure, which is often why it is used in bedding products. However, the foam tends to run hot, so manufacturers implement special cooling features to keep the temperature down.
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- Gel – Gel is one of the most popular methods for cooling memory foam. For this, the gel beads are infused into the memory foam.
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- Copper – Some brands incorporate copper, a naturally heat-conducting metal, into their memory to mitigate heat retention.
- Graphite – Graphite is a crystalline form of carbon that is naturally heat-resistant, also making it useful for memory foam.
Hybrid
Hybrid toppers are also an option. As a mattress, hybrids offer great cooling because of the coils, so manufacturers brought this to toppers but on a smaller scale. Rather than using full-size coils, hybrid toppers use micro coils to deliver cooling and support combined with memory or other foams.
Latex
Latex is a popular choice for hot sleepers because it naturally sleeps cool. This material can provide great pressure relief and support without the heat retention of memory foam. Furthermore, naturally made latex offers the most eco-friendly option for consumers.
Innerspring
Manufacturers do not tend to make innerspring toppers that solely contain coils. The closest alternative would be a hybrid made of micro coils and foams. If you enjoy the innerspring feel though, we recommend investing in an innerspring mattress instead.
Poly Foam
Poly foam toppers are the least expensive to make, which also means they’re one of the cheapest options for shoppers. Despite the lower price, you should also note that this foam is lower quality compared to other types. If you want to get a poly foam topper, consider something denser to ensure it lasts longer.
Open-Celled Memory Foam
Another trick to keeping memory foam cool is to construct it in an open-cell design, which means the foam has pockets inside for enhanced airflow. Because of the open-cell design, however, this foam won’t be as dense as the regular closed-cell kind.
Benefits of a Cooling Mattress Topper
Maximize Your Comfort
There’s no need to resign yourself to nights of tossing, turning, and excessive sweating. A cooling pad requires little effort – there’s no installation, and companies will often ship the pad straight to your doorstep. The added comfort that a topper can provide is well worth it if it helps you sleep better, as this can result in a better quality of life and performance.
Reduce Your Electricity Costs
If you’re a hot sleeper, you may find yourself constantly reaching to turn the fan on or run the air conditioning. However, that can quickly rack up expensive electricity bills. Employing the use of a topper and other cooling bedding products is a helpful way to save money in the long run since you would be less likely to need the fan or air conditioning.
Invest in Your Long-Term Health
Sleep is a vital component of a healthy life. Good quality rest helps strengthen your immune system, prevents long-term medical problems, and allows you to perform better at work or school. If you’re not sleeping well, this can negatively impact your quality of life. Therefore, investing in products that will improve your sleep is also an investment in your long-term health.
Pillows, Sheets, and Other Cooling Products
Along with a cooling topper, you should consider other ways to stay comfortable while you sleep. Two significant products for hot sleepers that could help are cooling pillows and sheets. Because these products touch you directly, you can experience an immediate cooling effect.
Of course, if you’re ready to invest in a new bed altogether, a great cooling mattress is another helpful solution. Hybrid, latex, and innerspring beds are known for temperature regulation, but there are even some solid memory foam picks out there that have advanced cooling features.
Cooling Mattress Topper FAQs
What is the best mattress topper for night sweats?
If you often break out in a sweat while you sleep because you’re too warm, look for a cooling mattress topper that also wicks moisture away from the surface. Toppers with cooling technologies can help keep sleepers from overheating and sweating, and moisture-wicking materials can pull sweat away.
Memory foam mattress toppers infused with gel, graphite, and copper are typically great at keeping your body temperature from rising. Synthetic materials such as some forms of polyester and nylon are often good at pulling sweat away from the body. If you prefer natural materials, look for moisture-wicking materials like wool, linen, and bamboo.
Do cooling mattress toppers really work?
Absolutely! We’ve found some great cooling performance from toppers we’ve tested. That said, you’ll probably get even more out of your sleep space with additional cooling items like breathable sheets and pillows. Then, when you’re ready for a new mattress, you can prioritize purchasing one that’s excels at cooling.
Is a mattress topper the same as a mattress pad or mattress protector?
A mattress topper and pad may sometimes be referred to interchangeably, but they are, in fact, two distinct products. A mattress topper is designed to distinctly enhance the feel of a mattress while also providing added benefits like cooling or protection. On the other hand, a pad can provide some extra cushioning and deliver mattress protection.
Mattress protectors, however, are strictly just for safeguarding your mattress against allergens, spills, and accidents. There’s no cushioning that’s going to modify the feel of the mattress, but they can help prolong the bed’s lifespan.
What other products can help cool down my bed?
Along with a topper, you can invest in other helpful products that’ll cool down your bed even more. These can include cooling pillows, breathable sheets, and of course, a cooling mattress.
For sheets, look for natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and bamboo, which are hailed as tried-and-true materials that help prevent sweat from absorbing. Also, make sure the sheets have a low to medium threat count (between 200-400); higher thread counts trap heat more.
Gel memory foam, organic cotton, latex, and bamboo are examples of helpful materials for pillows, while hybrid, latex, and innerspring mattresses are usually solid picks for temperature regulation. If you love a memory foam bed, look for either a hybrid with memory foam or an all-foam model with advanced cooling features like gel or copper infusions.
Check Out Full Guides: Best Cooling Sheets and Best Cooling Pillows
View Our Guide: Top-Rated Cooling Beds
What is the best cooling memory foam mattress topper?
The best cooling memory foam mattress toppers will have innovations like gel, open-cell construction, copper, and graphite. The Saatva and Tempur-Pedic toppers on our list are several examples of excellent cooling toppers made with memory foam.
Final Word of Advice
Keeping your bed cool and your nights restful doesn’t have to be an ordeal. A high-quality, cooling mattress topper can compensate for less-than-optimal sleeping conditions and improve breathability and comfort – without breaking the bank.
Although it’s important to be mindful of factors like budget and size, it’s even more valuable to remember that your purchase is a long-term investment for your well-being. A good night’s sleep doesn’t have to be a dream – with the right cooling topper, it’s more than possible.
Looking for more cooling sleep essentials? Explore our picks for the best cooling beds.
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Product Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach