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Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers – 2022 Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

Sleeping hot is a common occurrence for many people, as some people naturally give off more body heat than others. This can be due to age, bedroom temperature, body weight, or a variety of other factors.

One of the most common reason for nighttime overheating is your mattress. Certain mattress materials absorb more body heat, leading to overly warm conditions that can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep. Other materials pick up less body heat and provide better air circulation, allowing the sleep surface to feel cooler. So, what’s the best mattress for hot sleepers?

The best mattress for hot sleepers is one with superior temperature neutrality, that sleeps neither too hot or too cold. Below we review the best mattresses for hot sleepers sold today. Our picks are based on verified customer and owner experiences, as well as intensive product research and analysis. Then, in our Buyer’s Guide, we share strategies and additional products hot sleepers can use to enjoy a cooler night’s sleep.

Best Mattresses for Hot Sleepers
First Time Buying a Mattress?

Hop down to our Buyer’s Guide for a crash course on finding the best cooling mattress for hot sleepers.

 

The Best Mattresses for Hot Sleepers – Reviewed

Best OverallDreamCloud Premier

Best Overall – DreamCloud Premier

Highlights

  • Medium Firm (6.5)
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Impressive design and materials
  • Good motion isolation
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Best OverallDreamCloud Premier

DREAMCLOUDSLEEP.COM

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Hybrid mattresses tend to sleep cooler than other mattress types. They feature pocketed coil layers that circulate air throughout the interior of the bed, and many are constructed with cooling comfort layers for added temperature neutrality. The DreamCloud Premier is a standout hybrid because of its complex construction. The mattress is built with memory foam and polyfoam comfort layers, followed by transitional polyfoam and pocketed coils for added reinforcement. These layers create a ‘Medium Firm’ (6.5) feel and consistent conforming that results in pain and pressure relief for many.

The DreamCloud Premier offers exceptional edge support. The bed’s pocketed coils are encased in high-density foam that maintains an even, sag-free sleep surface and minimizes sinkage around the perimeter. The DreamCloud Premier has a 15-inch profile, making it much thicker than average and a great choice for heavier individuals who prefer extra cushioning and support layers.

Air circulation and temperature neutrality are other key strengths of the mattress. Despite three foam layers, the DreamCloud Premier does not absorb much body heat from sleepers and feels fairly cool throughout the night.

Customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free shipping when they order a DreamCloud Premier. The mattress is backed by a 365-night sleep trial – one of the longest trials available anywhere – along with a lifetime warranty.

The Bottom Line.

The DreamCloud Premier’s hybrid construction promotes airflow while relieving pain and pressure points, creating a crowd-pleasing sleep experience for all types of sleepers, but especially those who sleep hot.

  • Every type of sleeper (side, back, stomach, combination). Responsive memory foam layers contour to the body, while the pocketed coil core resists sagging and maintains even support throughout the night.
  • Sleepers in all weight groups (light, average, heavy). Memory foam offers cushiony comfort for lighter sleepers, while a thick profile ensure the mattress stays supportive for heavier individuals.
  • Back pain sufferers. This hybrid mattress offers back pain sufferers just the right amount of conforming and pressure relief, without letting them sink too deeply into the mattress so as to exacerbate their back pain.
  • Those who prefer thicker-than-average beds. At 15 inches, the DreamCloud Premier has a thicker profile than the average mattress.

Not Recommended for:

  • Very lightweight side sleepers. The DreamCloud Premier may feel too firm for these sleepers.
  • Sleepers who need to move their mattress frequently. The 15-inch profile and dense materials of the DreamCloud Premier result in a heavier-than-average mattress.

Best Pressure ReliefBrooklyn Bedding Aurora

Best Pressure Relief – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora

Highlights

  • Multiple firmness options (3, 6, 8)
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • Cooling phase-change cover
  • Strong edge support
Read Our Full Review
Our readers get 20% off an Aurora mattress with code: TUCKSLEEP20
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Best Pressure ReliefBrooklyn Bedding Aurora

BROOKLYNBEDDING.COM

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Some mattresses come with covers that greatly improve temperature neutrality. One example is the Aurora from Brooklyn Bedding. This bed has a cover made of phase-change material (PCM) that absorbs body heat until the sleeper’s body reaches a certain temperature. As a result, the bed offers exceptional temperature neutrality. Additionally, the PCM is infused with copper to cool down the bed even more; copper also helps improve blood flow in sleepers with poor circulation.

The Aurora’s thick memory foam and polyfoam comfort layers conform closely to sleeper’s body, effectively relieving pressure. the The Aurora is highly supportive as well. A base layer of high-density polyfoam reinforces the pocketed coils to ensure an even sleep surface and minimize sinkage around the edges of the bed where people tend to sit. The mattress also isolates motion better than other hybrids and produces minimal noise, making it a good choice for couples.

The Aurora is somewhat expensive (currently $1,699 in a Queen-size) and is a good option for shoppers who aren’t on a shoestring budget, though it’s important to note that this price-point is substantially lower than the average cost of a Queen-size hybrid. Brooklyn Bedding offers free mattress shipping in the contiguous U.S. as well as a 120-night sleep trial for the Aurora.

The Bottom Line.

Hybrid mattresses are already designed to promote airflow and sleep cool. With the Aurora mattress, Brooklyn Bedding enhances those qualities with a copper-infused, temperature-regulating PCM cover. A durable pocketed coil support core, topped by a transitional layer of gel foam, and a Medium firmness make this bed a perfect fit for hot sleepers of who need pressure relief.

  • Every type of sleeper (side, back, stomach, combination). The hybrid design of the Aurora mattress delivers the ideal combination of contouring and stable support for all sleep positions.
  • Sleepers in all weight groups (light, average, heavy). While the Medium firmness is our favorite for average weight sleepers, the Aurora offers two additional firmness settings that cater to other body types: the Soft for lightweight individuals and the Firm for heavier sleepers.
  • Couples. The Aurora mattress reduces motion transfer very well, preventing disturbances from sleep partners shifting or moving positions during the night.
  • Those with poor circulation. The infusion of copper in the PCM cover encourages improved blood flow in these sleepers, while also cooling the mattress surface temperature.

Not Recommended for:

  • Shoppers who want to be able to return their mattress quickly. The generous 120-night sleep trial comes with a mandatory 30-night break-in period.
  • Value seekers. While the Aurora is priced competitively among similar mattresses in its category, hybrid mattresses do carry a higher price-point than average.

Most ComfortableHelix Midnight

Most Comfortable – Helix Midnight

Highlights

  • Medium (5.5)
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • All components made in USA
  • Free delivery
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Most ComfortableHelix Midnight

helixsleep.com

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The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress that features a 2-inch comfort layer of gel-infused memory foam. This gel infusion is intended to draw heat away from the sleeper, and it has a low density, which traps less heat than denser foams and helps the surface maintain a comfortable temperature. The bed’s pocketed coil support core also helps hot sleepers keep cool by promoting airflow through the mattress, which prevents heat from building up over the course of the night.

The bed has a medium (5.5) feel that offers a combination of contouring and support for sleepers of most weights and sleep positions. Due to the bed’s memory foam comfort layer and hybrid construction, sleepers will experience a combined feeling of sleeping “on” and “in” the mattress. The memory foam provides pressure relief, while the coils offer responsive support.

Helix backs the mattress with a 10-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial. Customers can also receive free delivery within the contiguous U.S.

The Bottom Line.

The medium firmness and hybrid construction of the Helix Midnight appeal to hot sleepers of most sizes and sleep preferences. With gel-infused memory foam and a reinforced perimeter, this bed offers quality construction at an affordable price-point.

  • Budget-minded consumers. The Helix Midnight is available at a very competitive price-point for the quality of its construction.
  • Hot sleepers. Thanks to airflow through the bed’s coil layer, the Helix Midnight sleeps fairly cool.
  • Back sleepers under 230 pounds. The Helix Midnight received the highest scores from our light and average weight back sleepers as well as our average weight side sleepers.
  • Those who prefer a medium feel. The Helix Midnight comes in a Medium (5.5) firmness level, which suits a large range of sleeper types.

Not Recommended for...

  • Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds. Heavier sleepers who prefer to sleep on their stomachs will likely experience sagging in the midsection, which can lead to aches and pains.
  • Those who share a bed. The Helix Midnight may produce some noise when bearing weight, and does transfer some motion when one sleep partner moves around, which could awaken light sleepers.

Best for Back PainWinkBed Plus

Best for Back Pain – WinkBed Plus

Highlights

  • Medium Firm (6.5)
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty and replacement guarantee
  • Targeted pain and pressure relief
  • Strong edge support
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Best for Back PainWinkBed Plus

WINKBEDS.COM

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Finding a comfortable mattress can be difficult for people in heavier weight groups (more than 230 pounds) or who otherwise require more support, as many beds sink excessively and lead to aches and pains for larger sleepers. The WinkBed Plus is a specialized ‘Firm’ setting for the standard WinkBed mattress that is specifically designed to support heavier individuals.

The WinkBed Plus features a thick comfort system that features layers of gel polyfoam and latex. A compressed cotton ‘lumbar pad’ is also included to aid those with back and hip pain. The mattress is also highly supportive, thanks to a foam encasement around the pocketed coil layer that helps minimize sinkage around the edges.

Importantly, the WinkBed Plus sleeps very cool. The cover is made of Tencel® lyocell, a highly breathable fabric, and the coil layer has great air circulation. The latex component also helps the bed sleep cooler – and because latex is highly durable, the WinkBed Plus has a relatively long lifespan.

WinkBeds offers free shipping within the contiguous U.S. The WinkBed Plus comes with a lifetime warranty, which can save owners a lot of money if a defect develops. The mattress is backed by a 120-night sleep trial, as well.

The Bottom Line.

The WinkBed Plus offers the durable, long-term support heavy sleepers need to enjoy a good night’s sleep. Thanks to layers of gel polyfoam and latex, a pocketed coil support core, and breathable lyocell cover, they can enjoy a cool night’s sleep, too.

  • Every type of sleeper (side, back, stomach, combination). Thick comfort layers of gel polyfoam and latex provide varying levels of cooling contour to support different sleep positions.
  • Sleepers in the heavy and very heavy weight groups. The WinkBed Plus includes a 2.5 inch layer of latex to ensure sufficient support for sleepers weighing over 300 pounds.
  • Back pain sufferers. The compressed cotton lumbar pad and zoned pocketed coil support core provide pressure relief for sleepers with chronic pain, especially in the lower back.
  • Those who prefer more responsive surfaces. The WinkBed Plus delivers above-average contour, yet sleeps much cooler than most conforming mattress types.

Cons

  • Lightweight side sleepers. The WinkBed Plus may feel too firm for these sleepers. The WinkBed, available in a Soft firmness, may be a more suitable fit.
  • Shoppers who want to be able to return their mattress quickly. The 120-night sleep trial requires a 30-night break-in period.

Best LuxuryEight Sleep Pod

Best Luxury – Eight Sleep Pod

Highlights

  • Medium Firm (5.5)
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • Controllable temperature from 55° to 115° F
  • Built-in sensors for sleep analysis and smart temperature regulation
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Best LuxuryEight Sleep Pod

eightsleep.com

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For hot sleepers who are ready to take sleeping cool to the next level, there’s the Eight Sleep Pod. The Pod features a liquid-based temperature control system: water that has been cooled or heated to a specific temperature flows through small tubes underneath the mattress cover. The system allows you to control the temperature of the bed from 55° to 115° F. This is an extremely powerful tool to maintain a comfortable feel throughout the night.

An added benefit of this system is the extensive system of sensors that Eight Sleep has built into the Active Grid mattress cover. These sensors gather data that is analyzed in the company’s software to help you improve your sleep. You can even let the Pod adjust the temperature for you throughout the night. A temperature based wake-up system can be used to modify the bed’s feel to gently wake you up in the morning without an alarm. Each side of the bed can be set to different settings, which makes this a perfect fit for partners who have diverging temperature preferences.

The layered design of the mattress works to relieve pressure and promote spinal alignment as well. The comfort layer is made up of 2” of Luracor, a latex-like polyfoam, and 2” of memory foam. These materials contribute both contouring and bounce, culminating in a firmness feel of a 5.5. The other two layers of this mattress are a 2” transition foam layer and a 5” layer of high-density polyfoam that serves as the support core.

Eight Sleep ships the Pod for free, in two separate boxes, and provides a 100-night sleep trial for you to test out the bed and the technology to see how well it works for you.

The Bottom Line.

For the ultimate cool sleeping experience, it doesn’t get better than the Eight Sleep Pod. With a temperature control system that keeps you cool during the night and wakes you up in the morning, variable settings for both sides of the bed, and next-generation foams in the comfort layers, this mattress system is built from top to bottom with coolness in mind.

  • Side and back sleepers. The Medium firmness settings and foam layers provide comforting pressure relief for these sleepers.
  • Couples. The temperature settings can be controlled for either side of the bed, accommodating couples with different heat preferences.
  • People interested in smart technology. The Eight Sleep Pod offers a futuristic sleep experience for hot sleepers who want to fine-tune the comfort of their mattress.
  • Sleepers in the light and average weight groups. As a true Medium, the mattress feels most comfortable for these sleepers.

Cons

  • Stomach sleepers. The foam construction and Medium firmness may allow these sleepers to sink too deeply into the mattress and out of healthy spinal alignment.
  • Heavier individuals. The Eight Sleep Pod may be too soft to remain adequately supportive for these sleepers.

Best HybridSaatva Latex Hybrid

Best Hybrid – Saatva Latex Hybrid

Highlights

  • Medium Firm (6)
  • 365-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Highly supportive design with multiple zoned layers
  • Excellent breathability and temperature regulation
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Best HybridSaatva Latex Hybrid

saatva.com

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Organic materials such as latex, wool, and cotton are naturally breathable, making them ideal for cooling mattresses. The Saatva Latex Hybrid – which contains all three materials – is a standout mattress not only for temperature control but also sleeper support. The hybrid contains a comfort layer of Talalay latex over a pocketed coil support core. Both of these components are divided into zones, resulting in added reinforcement for the torso, stomach, and hips, and excellent perimeter stability when owners sit along or sleep near the edges.

The mattress has earned certification from the Rainforest Alliance, indicating the rubber trees that produce the latex have been sustainably grown and harvested. The organic cotton cover and organic wool fire barrier have also been certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, one of the world’s leading authorities on these types of materials. Additionally, the coils are made of recycled steel. The cover has been coated in a plant-based antimicrobial treatment for added protection against harmful bacteria.

Even compared to other coil mattresses, the Saatva Latex Hybrid excels at cooling. The cover and wool batting regulate temperatures along the surface, while the latex and coils generate plenty of airflow to help the mattress core remain cool. The materials are quite durable as well, giving the hybrid a longer-than-average expected lifespan.

Saatva offers free White Glove delivery anywhere in the contiguous U.S. This includes a scheduled delivery date, full assembly in a room of the customer’s choice, and removal of their old mattress and box spring at no extra charge. The company’s 365-night sleep trial is one of the longest in the online mattress industry, and those who complete the trial without returning their hybrid will also receive a lifetime warranty.

The Bottom Line.

Zoned layers and an ultra-supportive build set the Saatva Latex Hybrid apart from other similarly constructed mattresses, and an abundance of natural and sustainable materials should appeal to eco-minded shoppers. Saatva sweetens the deal for shoppers with free in-home delivery and a lengthy sleep trial.

  • Back and stomach sleepers weighing 130-230 pounds. The Saatva Latex Hybrid should be supportive enough for most people, but its medium firm feel and thick comfort layer will hit the sweet spot for back and stomach sleepers in the average weight group.
  • Those who enjoy highly responsive mattresses. A latex comfort layer and extra-strength coils give the hybrid a very bouncy feel, which can be beneficial for people who struggle moving across mattresses and couples who prefer springy surfaces for sex.
  • Consumers who would rather purchase sustainably made products. The mattress is thoughtfully crafted with natural latex, recycled steel coils, and other components that reduce its footprint and make it appealing to eco-conscious individuals.
  • Anyone who needs assistance setting up a new mattress. Unlike most competing online mattress brands, Saatva provides free White Glove delivery that includes full assembly and old mattress/box spring removal.

Not Recommended for...

  • Side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds. The Saatva Latex Hybrid does not provide much cushioning or contour very closely, so lightweight side sleepers are likely to find the mattress too firm.
  • Those who prefer a body-hugging sensation from their mattress. The latex contours a bit, but not to the same extent as memory foam or adaptive polyfoam.

Best for Side SleepersLayla Hybrid

Best for Side Sleepers - Layla Hybrid

Highlights

  • Medium (5) on one side and firm (7) on the other
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • Copper infused cooling memory foam
  • Very good motion isolation
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Best for Side SleepersLayla Hybrid

laylasleep.com

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The Layla Hybrid is a flippable mattress with a medium firmness on one side and a firm feel on the other. Due to it’s hybrid construction and copper infusion, this bed sleeps quite cool — and its flippable design makes it a great choice for almost any type of sleeper.

The Layla hybrid has a different comfort layer on each side. The medium (softer) side has a 2.5-inch layer of mid-density, copper-infused memory foam. The firm side also has copper-infused memory foam, but it’s lower-density and only an inch. Each side has a transition layer under the memory foam to prevent sleepers from sinking into the support core, which consists of 6-inches of pocketed coils.

The soft side conforms closely to the body to relieve pressure, whereas the firm side only conforms moderately and provides a bit more support. The copper infusion in the memory foam is designed to keep the foam from retaining too much body heat throughout the night. The pocketed coil support core not only makes this mattress incredibly supportive, but it allows for more airflow and thus contributes to a cooler sleeping surface. The Layla hybrid is a great option for those who want a classic memory foam feel without waking up sweating.

The Layla hybrid comes at a slightly below-average price point for a hybrid bed, and ships free to the contiguous US. Layla also offers a 120 night sleep trial and a 10 year warranty.

The Bottom Line.

The Layla Hybrid’s flippable design, which features a medium side and a firm side, makes the mattress a viable option for any type of sleeper. Feature, the airflow through the support core and the copper infusion in the foam makes for a cool sleeping surface.

  • Every type of sleeper (side, back, stomach, combination). The medium side of the Layla Hybrid will likely suit side and some back sleepers, while the firm side will work for other back sleepers and stomach sleepers.
  • Couples. The Layla Hybrid, especially the medium side, absorbs motion extremely well, so the mattress making it great for couples and light sleepers.
  • People with chronic aches and pains. Copper-infused memory foam on both sides conforms closely to the sleeper to provide pressure relief, while sleeping cooler than traditional memory foam.
  • Those who like a classic memory foam feel but sleep hot at night. This bed provides the traditional ‘hug’ feeling of memory foam, but doesn’t retain as much body heat compared to other beds made from memory foam due to the coil support core and copper infusion.

Not Recommended for...

  • Those who don’t like the feel of memory foam. Despite being a hybrid, the Layla Hybrid features the ‘sinking’ and ‘stuck’ feelings associated with memory foam beds.

Mattress Buying Guide for Hot Sleepers

Below, we share everything hot sleepers need to consider when buying a cooling mattress, along with our best tips for buying a new mattress.

Choosing the Best Cooling Mattress for Hot Sleepers

Sleeping hot is an issue for roughly 1 in 10 adults, and excessive warmth during the night can lead to poor sleep quality and feelings of tiredness the next day. People who sleep hot require more cooling than other sleepers. Some mattresses retain very little body heat, and tend to sleep relatively cool. Others absorb and trap heat, and often sleep hot as a result.

Although some mattress types are associated with sleeping hotter or cooler than others, there are other factors that affect temperature neutrality in mattresses. These include mattress firmness and comfort layer materials, as well as the sleeper’s body weight and bedroom settings.

This guide will look at the best and worst mattresses for sleeping hot, and also look at strategies and products that can help ensure you maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night.

Mattress Firmness, Sleeper Weight, and Mattress Temperature

Arguably the two factors that have the biggest impact on sleeping hot or cool are mattress firmness and the sleeper’s bodyweight.

Firmness is normally rated on a 1-to-10 scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Most mattresses sold today fall between a 3 (Soft) and an 8 (Firm). Mattresses rated below a 5, or Medium, tend to sink beneath a sleeper’s body to create a cradle-shaped impression. While this type of sleep surface has noted benefits — such as motion isolation and pressure relief — the deep conforming can create a heat trap and restrict air circulation. Mattresses rated between a 6 (Medium Firm) and an 8 (Firm) do not conform as deeply and, as a result, usually sleep much cooler than their less-firm counterparts.

Sleeper bodyweight is important because heavier people tend to emit more body heat and sleep warmer compared to lighter people. There are two reasons for this. One, heavier people sink further into the mattress than lighter people, often resulting in a heat trap. Secondly, heavier people must use up more energy to move in bed, and this can drive up their body temperature.

The bottom line: anyone who tends to sleep hot — especially people who weigh more than 200 pounds — will probably feel most comfortable on a mattress rated at a 6 or higher on the firmness scale.

Which Types of Mattresses Sleep Hot vs. Cool?

Various components in the comfort layer and support core of a mattress will affect how hot or cool the bed sleeps. Below we review the most popular types of mattresses available today, and how well (or not) they regulate temperature for hot sleepers.

Top Cooling Innerspring Mattresses for Hot Sleepers

Mattress Reviews
Saatva Mattress Review

Innerspring Mattresses

Innersprings are generally regarded as the coolest mattress options because they absorb a small amount of body heat and usually do not sleep warm. This is largely due to their support cores, which are constructed with steel springs and coils that are evenly spaced to provide sleeper support and equal weight distribution. Air circulates in the spaces between these metal parts, which helps the mattress stay cool. Exceptions to this rule are hybrids and innersprings with thick foam comfort layers, which may sleep hotter than those with thin comfort layers.

Top Cooling Foam Mattresses for Hot Sleepers

Mattress Reviews
Eight Sleep Pod Mattress Review
Mattress Reviews
Muse Mattress Review

Foam Mattresses

Given that they’re made entirely of foam, all-foam mattresses conform closely to the body and tend to fall on the softer side, firmness-wise, both of which can result in trapped body heat and an uncomfortably warm sleep experience. However, these mattresses can sleep sufficiently cool for hot sleepers, allowing them to enjoy conforming pressure-relief without the heat. It all depends on the types of foams used in the mattress.

Gel-infused Foam: Many mattress manufacturers tout models with ‘gel-infused memory foam‘ as sleeping much cooler than mattresses made from standard memory foam. This is a reasonable argument, since gel must absorb a certain amount of body heat before its temperature will change. However, owner experiences with gel-infused foam mattresses are fairly mixed, and some say they retain as much body heat as standard foams. The key distinction here is how much gel is infused into the foam; foams with a high gel concentration tend to sleep cooler than those with lower concentrations. Other foams may feature beads or other trace gel components, but these materials have little — if any — effect on the foam’s body heat retention.

Other Specialty Foams: In addition to gel foams, specialty foams may be infused with other materials like copper or graphite. And similarly, the cooling properties of these foams will depend on the concentration of copper, graphite, or other specialty materials.

Regular Memory Foam: Memory foam can be quite problematic for people who sleep hot. Memory foam responds to temperature changes by conforming to the sleeper’s body, which can create a heat trap. Additionally, many memory foam mattresses feature support cores made from high-density polyfoam, another material known to sleep hot.

Advanced Polyfoam: Some advanced polyfoams are designed to regulate temperature more effectively than regular polyfoam, but owner experiences have been somewhat mixed and advanced polyfoam is generally not recommended for people who usually sleep hot.

Open-cell Memory Foam: While memory foam is regarded as the hottest mattress material available, open-cell memory foam may sleep somewhat cooler because of improved air circulation.

Regular Polyfoam: Polyfoam is generally cooler than memory foam due to its open-cell structure and relatively low density, but it tends to sleep warmer than materials like latex. One contributing factor to the above-average warmth is the support core, which is often made from high-density polyfoam. Mattresses that feature convoluted polyfoam in the comfort layer may sleep cooler due to air channels that form between the grooves in individual layers.

Top Cooling Hybrid Mattresses for Hot Sleepers

Mattress Reviews
DreamCloud Mattress Review
Mattress Reviews
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Mattress Review
Mattress Reviews
WinkBeds Mattress Reviews

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses are, appropriately, a hybrid of innerspring and foam mattresses. These mattresses combine a coil-based support core with several inches of foam or latex in the comfort layers. Hybrid mattresses use pocketed coils in their support core, enhancing the overall contouring capability of the mattress while still allowing ample airflow.

The suitability of a hybrid mattress for hot sleepers depends largely on the materials used in their comfort layers and cover. Hybrid mattresses that feature latex or gel-infused memory foams, like The DreamCloud and WinkBed Plus, will sleep cooler than those with memory foam.  Covers made of breathable cotton — or better yet, infused with cooling copper, like the Aurora — are also ideal.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses feature at least one layer of latex in the comfort layer, and may also have latex-based support cores. Unlike polyfoam or memory foam, latex does not absorb much body heat or respond to temperature changes. Latex layers are often perforated, which can promote better air circulation. However, latex that is blended or entirely synthetic may not sleep as cool as natural latex.

Airbeds

Airbeds feature air chambers in the support core that can be adjusted to change the firmness of the mattress. The comfort layer is typically made from polyfoam or memory foam, and how hot or cool they sleep often depends on comfort layer thickness. Generally speaking, comfort layers that are more than 3? to 4? thick sleep significantly hotter than thinner comfort layers.

Many mattresses will feature several of these materials. For example, an innerspring mattress may include memory foam in the comfort layers, while a hybrid mattress may have layers of both latex and memory foam. The table below rates each of these mattress materials and their ability to help you sleep cool.

Mattress Material ‘Sleeping Cool’ Score
Springs and Coils Very Good to Excellent
Latex Good to Very Good
Gel-infused Foam Good
Specialty Foam Good
Advanced Polyfoam Fair to Good
Open-cell memory Foam Fair to Good
Regular Polyfoam Fair
Regular Memory Foam Poor

How Does the Mattress Cover Affect the Mattress Temperature?

In addition to materials found in the comfort layer and support core, the mattress cover can also affect body heat retention and temperature regulation. Let’s look at four common cover materials and how they rate in terms of sleeping hot or cool.

Non-quilted Covers

Non-quilted covers tend to be the thinnest. The thinner the cover, the better the air circulation. As a result, non-quilted covers often sleep cooler than other cover options.

Quilted Covers

Quilted covers are thicker than non-quilted covers, which means the air circulation may not be as good. Additionally, many quilted covers feature thin layers of polyfoam or memory foam that can affect the sleep surface temperature.

Phase-Change Materials

‘Phase-change materials’, or PCMs, refers to materials that are designed to retain body heat until the sleeper’s body reaches a certain temperature, at which point it will stop absorbing heat. This allows phase-change covers, like those found in the Muse Mattress and Aurora, to maintain a steady, moderately cool temperature regardless of how much body heat the sleeper is emitting. Phase-change material may not sleep as cool as a non-quilted cover, but many mattress owners claim these materials effectively keep the heat down throughout the night.

Cooling Fabrics

Some mattresses are advertised with covers made from ‘cooling fabrics’, such as:

  • Celliant® Fibers: Celliant® fibers are produced using thermoreactive minerals that help improve circulation in sleepers and regulate their body temperature throughout the night. These covers tend to sleep fairly cool, but some mattress owners still report sleeping hot.
  • Lyocell: Lyocell is a type of rayon made of cellulose, a material from wood pulp. It is relatively thin and lightweight, and may provide a suitably cool surface for hot sleepers. The WinkBed Plus, our favorite mattress for heavier hot sleepers, features a lyocell cover.
  • Lycra® Spandex: This material is highly elastic and often found in athletic clothing, as well as bras and underwear. It also wicks away moisture, which can be beneficial for people who sweat due to sleeping hot.

Cooling Pillows, Bedding, & Sleep Accessories for Hot Sleepers

Now that we’ve discussed the best cooling mattresses, let’s look at a few bedding options and bedroom accessories that can help you stay even cooler while you sleep.

Sheets

As many people have seen firsthand, the options for bedsheets are seemingly endless. Sheet options fall into one of two general categories: natural fibers or synthetic materials. Natural fibers used in sheets include:

Natural fibers tend to be softer and more breathable than other cover fabrics, which can help regulate temperature and maintain a cool sleep surface. Long-staple cotton and linen are considered exceptionally cool. Additionally, wool naturally wicks away moisture; it also sleeps warmer or cooler depending on the room temperature, making wool sheets a good choice for year-round temperature regulation.

The most common synthetic fabrics used in sheets are polyester and rayon. These are not as breathable as natural fibers and will sleep warm by comparison, although certain synthetics — such as polyester microfibers — are able to wick away moisture, which can help lower the sleeper’s body temperature.

Some sheet fabrics may be all-natural or blended natural-and-synthetic. For example, bamboo viscose is made from cellulose and bamboo fabric, and may or may not contain chemical ingredients. These fabrics often sleep cool, but in most cases natural-fiber sheets will sleep somewhat cooler.

Mattress Toppers

A mattress topper is used to provide an extra inch or two of cushioning to the comfort layer, and is usually purchased separately from the mattress itself. These are different from mattress pads, which are primarily used to protect the mattress.

Not surprisingly, memory foam toppers tend to sleep the hottest. Toppers made from fabric/fibers or latex also absorb body heat to a fair extent. The coolest topper options include feather toppers (also known as featherbeds) and toppers made from wool.

Pillows

Pillows sold today are crafted from a wide range of materials, including natural fibers like buckwheat, down or feathers, cotton, wool, and silk. These sleep significantly cooler than synthetic materials like down alternative, memory foam, and polyester.

The table below compares eight common pillow materials based on how cool they sleep.

Pillow Material ‘Sleeping Cool’ Score
Buckwheat Good to Very Good
Down Good to Very Good
Down Alternative (Imitation) Good to Very Good
Feathers Good to Very Good
Latex Good to Very Good
Memory Foam Poor to Fair
Natural/Organic Fibers (Cotton, Silk, Wool, etc.) Good to Very Good
Polyester Fair to Good
Sleepwear

Like all the other things your body comes into contact with throughout the night, sleepwear is an important factor in how cool you’ll be. Like bedding products, how temperature neutral your sleepwear is mostly depends on the material it’s made out of. Linen and bamboo sleepwear are among the coolest materials, with cotton being fairly cool as well. If you sleep hot, make sure to avoid flannel or polyester pajamas. Additionally, you can always sleep naked.

Bedroom Fans

Fans improve airflow throughout the bedroom and can help sleepers stay cool, particularly during hotter times of the year. Some louder models may cause sleep disruption, although some sleepers find the background noise is conducive to sleep. Ceiling fans may also be suitable, although some mattresses may be too low to the ground to have a noticeable effect.

Mattress Climate Control Systems

In addition to fans, some products can be used to regulate mattress temperature by releasing cool or warm air into the bed. These systems can be useful for individuals who sleep excessively hot or those who tend to get too cold during the night.

One example is the BedJet, an accessory that releases currents of convective air onto both sides of the mattress using a hose attachment. Owners can adjust the air settings to find the right temperature, and the BedJet is capable of releasing warm and cool to opposite sides of the bed for couples who have different sleep preferences.

In addition to accessories, some mattress bases also provide climate control. Take the WinkBeds coolControl™, a base equipped with four air tubes that fit into the bottom of the mattress and supply currents of air that rise to the top surface. Using a smart app, owners can adjust the settings until they reach a suitable temperature.

Cooling Mattress Buying Tips for Hot Sleepers

If you and/or your sleep partner tend to sleep hot, be sure to keep the following points in mind when shopping for a new cooling mattress or bedding accessories.

  • How Long Is the Sleep Trial?

    Many mattress manufacturers offer sleep trials, during which time the purchaser can test out their new mattress to ensure it will meet their needs and preferences. Most sleep trials span 60 to 120 nights; if the purchaser is dissatisfied with their new mattress, then they will be able to return and/or exchange it for a product refund.

    All of the cooling mattresses we’ve reviewed above have sleep trials of at least 100 nights. Our Editor’s Pick, The DreamCloud, features the longest sleep trial at a full year (365 nights).

    If you sleep hot, then a mattress sleep trial can prevent you from committing to a mattress that will make you uncomfortable. The costs associated with most sleep trials are minimal. Some manufacturers require the mattress buyer to cover shipping and handling costs associated with returns or exchanges, while others will handle these expenses. In most cases, a full product refund will be issued to those who return their mattress before the sleep trial ends.

  • Can I Return a Mattress If It Sleeps Too Hot?

    In terms of warranty coverage, it’s important to note that most — if not all — mattress warranties will not cover issues pertaining to owner comfort preferences, including sleeping hot. So if you purchase a mattress that sleeps hot but do not return it during the sleep trial, then there is a strong chance you will not be able to return or exchange the mattress for a full, or even partial, refund.

  • How Firm Is the Mattress?

    Mattresses rated as ‘Medium Firm’ or ‘Firm’ tend to sleep cooler than those with lower firmness ratings because they do not conform as closely. Generally, lightweight sleepers require a softer mattress to enjoy comfortable sleep, while heavyweight sleepers require a firmer mattress to enjoy adequate support. If sleeping cool is your primary concern, choose a mattress with a firmness rating on the upper end of the recommended firmness range for your body weight.

  • Does the Mattress Use a Coil- or Foam-Based Support System?

    Innerspring and hybrid mattresses often sleep cooler because of better air circulation in their spring-/coil-based support cores. All-foam beds, on the other hand, use high-density polyfoam in their support core. These typically sleep hotter than innerspring or hybrid mattresses, although the mattress surface temperature can be regulated by the use of cooling foams and materials in the comfort layers and cover.

  • What Materials Are Used in the Comfort Layers?

    The types of foams used in the comfort layer affect how well the mattress regulates temperature.

    Latex foams sleep somewhat cool, particularly if the latex layers are aerated, but blended and synthetic latex may be warmer than natural latex.

    Memory foam infused with gel, copper, graphite, or other specialty materials will not necessarily sleep cooler, despite how it is advertised. The key factor here is concentration; higher concentrations of these materials tend to create cooler sleep surfaces.

    Polyfoams — particularly open-cell and convoluted polyfoam — often sleep cooler than memory foam because it is less dense, but these materials may be too warm for some.

  • What Is the Mattress Cover Made Of?

    Thinner non-quilted covers often sleep cooler than thicker quilted covers. Covers made from phase-change material or ‘cooling’ fabrics like Celliant®, lyocell, and Lycra® Spandex are generally effective at regulating mattress temperature.

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