Written by Tony Klespis, Staff Writer
If you’re a hot sleeper who constantly wakes up sweaty, clammy, and dehydrated, it can be tempting to buy a whole new mattress. But before spending that much money, consider searching for the best cooling mattress topper. It could be the easy solution you’re looking for, and with all the options out there, there’s something for every sleep preference and position. Below, our list of the ten best cooling mattress toppers should cater to a wide variety of sleepers!
Best Cooling Mattress Toppers: Our Top 9 Picks
- Nolah – Best Overall
- Saatva – Best Luxury Topper
- Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper – Best Value Mattress Topper
- TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Topper – Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Couples
- Parachute Down Mattress Topper – Best Cooling Feather Bed
- Puffy Mattress Topper – Best Hypoallergenic Cooling Topper
- ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper – Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Avocado Organic Latex – Best Latex Cooling Mattress Topper
- Layla Memory Foam – Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Back Pain
Our Verdict
We named the Nolah mattress topper as our best overall cooling mattress topper. The proprietary memory foam that Nolah uses is designed for breathability, so this foam won’t trap too much heat. It’s also fairly easy to move around on and comes inside a cover that attaches to your mattress.
Best Cooling Mattress Topper: Our Video Roundup
Best Overall – Nolah
Nolah Mattress Topper
The Nolah Mattress Topper uses its proprietary CertiPUR-US certified foam to achieve a super pressure-relieving yet supportive feel.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.90 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
Our favorite cooling topper has to be the Nolah. It’s made of the company’s proprietary foam which, unlike memory foam, is breathable and responsive. You don’t sink into this foam, making it easy to move around. This also means that the foam won’t trap as much heat and reflect your body heat back on to you, too. Nolah encases the foam in a cotton cover, which ads some breathability to the topper as well.
This cover also features corner straps, which helps the topper stay securely on your mattress, which is important for combination sleepers who switch positions frequently while they sleep. Nolah offers this topper in two firmness options: plush and firm. The plush model is better for side sleepers and those who need to soften their mattress. The firm model works best for stomach sleepers or those who are dealing with a mattress that’s too soft. Back sleepers could do well with either depending on how they want to change the firmness of their mattress.
What We Love About the Nolah Mattress Topper
- Nolah uses its proprietary AirFoam, a type of memory foam that’s responsive and easy to move around on. This means it won’t trap a lot of heat.
- It includes elastic straps to prevent the topper from moving around on your bed. This is great for people who tend to move around a lot.
- Whether you need to soften your mattress or make it firmer, you’re covered. This topper comes in two different firmness options.
What To Keep In Mind About the Nolah Mattress Topper
- While this mattress topper can soften your mattress, it is on the thinner side, only being 2” thick. This might not be ideal for every body type, as heavier individuals will compress the foam more.
Read our full Nolah mattress topper review.
Best Luxury Mattress Topper – Saatva
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
If you love the pressure-relieving qualities of memory foam, but don’t want to invest in a brand new mattress, the Saatva Graphite mattress topper could be just the thing for you. In addition to its soft feel, this 3” topper has many cooling features.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
The Saatva mattress topper is a luxury option that lets sleepers sink into 3″ of plush memory foam comfort. But don’t worry about sleeping hot. There’s a graphite infusion running throughout, so it helps dissipate heat. And because the topper is so thick, it should soften your bed by 2.5 points.
The Saatva topper also comes with a removable cotton cover that has straps in the corner. The cotton cover helps give the topper some breathability, while the straps help secure it to your mattress. This is great for combination sleepers who tend to toss and turn at night.
What We Love About the Saatva Mattress Topper
- If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll get pressure relief along the shoulders and hips. Thanks to the thickness, side sleepers likely won’t have to worry about touching the mattress underneath, too.
- The graphite infusion helps pull body heat away from sleepers, which keeps this topper from overheating.
- The corner straps keep the topper secured to the sides of the bed.
What to Keep In Mind About the Saatva Mattress Topper
- This is our “best luxury” pick. And with that comes a luxury price tag. At full price, this topper is around $450, which may put it out of budget for some.
Read our full Saatva Mattress Topper review.
Best Value Cooling Mattress Topper – Dreamfoam
Dreamfoam 2″ Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
If you’re a fan of the slow-moving memory foam feel, but you’re not ready to spring for a brand new mattress, then the Dreamfoam mattress topper just may be the perfect thing for you.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Cooling toppers can be pricey, but the Dreamfoam Gel Swirl mattress topper is a favorite of mine for budget minded shoppers. Made by Brooklyn Bedding, the Dreamfoam topper is often included in the brand’s seasonal discounts. Some of these discounts can be almost half of, so if you’re shopping around the holidays, you’ll often find a good deal.
This topper is made of a single slab of memory foam, so it’ll significantly soften your mattress. Side sleepers will be able to get a good amount of pressure relief thanks to its slow-moving feel. Back sleepers who need some additional comfort will also see good body contouring here, too. And because this topper has a gel swirl infusion running throughout it, hot sleepers should sleep comfortably on this topper.
What We Love About the Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Mattress Topper
- It will soften your mattress, and provide great pressure relief for side sleepers, while back sleepers should feel good body contouring.
- It’s full of gel infusions to pull heat away from your body to keep you cool.
- The Dreamfoam topper is often included in seasonal discounts, some of which are as much as 40% off, so you can often get a good deal.
What to Keep In Mind About the Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Mattress Topper
- Since the Dreamfoam is all foam, it won’t strap directly to your mattress, and may be difficult to clean. Because of this, it might not be as long lasting as some other toppers.
Read our full Dreamfoam Gel Mattress Topper review.
Best Mattress Topper for Couples – TEMPUR-Adapt
TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper
The TEMPUR-Adapt is a soft memory foam mattress topper. It should be a good match for back sleepers, side sleepers, and fans of slow-moving memory foam.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
One of the biggest bedtime concerns for couples is a mattress’s motion isolation. If your mattress has poor motion isolation, you’ll be able to feel your partner tossing and turning at night. Thick comfort layers prevent this, which is why we love the TEMPUR-Adapt with its cooling cover. This 3″ topper provides a thick foam layer to absorb movement, so you and your partner should sleep soundly without noticing your partner change positions or get in and out of bed.
What We Love About the TEMPUR-Adapt
- Foam has been known to trap heat, but this topper comes with a breathable cover that’s cool to the touch.
- The cover is machine-washable for easy care. It also features corner straps which firmly secure it to your mattress.
- TEMPUR uses TEMPUR material, which is more durable than other types of memory foam, so this topper should last you a while!
What To Keep In Mind About the TEMPUR-Adapt
- The TEMPUR-Adapt is a luxury topper, so it comes at a luxury price. Additionally, you have to select the cooling cover, which comes at an additional cost.
Read our full Tempur-Adapt Topper review.
Best Cooling Feather Bed – Parachute Down Mattress Topper
Parachute Down Mattress Topper
The Parachute Down Feather Bed is a soft, fluffy mattress topper that could be a great match for hot sleepers.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.30 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Foam toppers aren’t for everyone. What if, instead of something thick and bulky, someone prefers a topper that’s light and airy? The Parachute Down Mattress Topper could be a great choice for these folks. It features a 100% cotton shell with a baffle-box design that allows the 550 fill power down fill to fully expand, creating a very fluffy almost pillow-top feel.
Featherbeds can work well for hot sleepers because the down often used in them is temperature regulating. This means that featherbeds won’t trap heat in hot months because the down has room for airflow.
What We Love About the Parachute Down Mattress Topper
- The feather bed is the most breathable option on this list because there’s so much room for airflow.
- It contains high-quality materials such as cambric cotton and responsibly sourced down.
- It can add a pillow-top feel to a mattress.
What to Keep In Mind About the Parachute Down Mattress Topper
- Down can potentially cause allergies for some people, so this may not be a great topper for someone looking for a hypoallergenic option.
Read our full Parachute Down Mattress Topper review.
Best Hypoallergenic – Puffy Mattress Topper
Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper
The Puffy mattress topper is not only hypoallergenic but includes a removable and washable cover, which can help keep your surface extra clean.
Mattress Clarity Score
5.00 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
Investing in a hypoallergenic mattress topper can help combat any contaminants indoors and outdoors, therefore improving your sleep. The Puffy mattress topper is not only hypoallergenic but includes a removable and washable cover, which can help keep your surface extra clean. This cover is made from bamboo, which is also a naturally hypoallergenic fabric. It also is breathable and moisture-wicking, which makes it a great choice for hot sleepers.
This topper is offered in two firmness options, plush and firm. I tested the firm version of this mattress, and if you’re dealing with a mattress that’s too soft, this topper is a great choice, too. But the soft model is ideal for those who need to soften a mattress.
What We Love About the Puffy Mattress Topper
- Bamboo is a naturally hypoallergenic fabric, which the cover is made out of. This makes it an ideal topper for those who have sensitive allergies.
- It’s offered in two firmness options, making it fit a wide range of needs.
- Because the cover is made from bamboo, it is breathable and moisture-wicking. This combination is great for hot sleepers because they shouldn’t feel hot and sweaty on this topper.
What to Keep In Mind About the Puffy Mattress Topper
- While this is a memory foam mattress topper, it doesn’t feature that soft, slow-moving quality that memory foam is known for. For those that prefer this, it’s best to look at other toppers.
Read our full Puffy mattress topper review.
Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper – ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper
ViscoSoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
If you’re craving a memory foam sleeping surface, but don’t want to spring for a new mattress, the Select High-Density ViscoSoft mattress topper may just be the answer. This 3” gel-infused mattress topper has excellent body contouring at a low price.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Memory foam mattress toppers don’t have to trap heat. The ViscoSoft mattress topper might be a thick memory foam topper, but it has a number of cooling features that help sleepers stay cool. To start, the foam has a gel infusion, which pulls body heat away from you instead of reflecting it back. This foam comes inside of an outer cover made of bamboo rayon, which is also breathable and moisture-wicking, helping hot sleepers stay cool and dry.
This cover features elastic straps in each of the corners to attach it to your mattress, helping it stay attached to your bed. Being made of foam, it has that classic, slow-moving memory foam feel. This offers good pressure relief for side sleepers, and can offer good body contouring for back sleepers.
What We Love About the ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper
- The ViscoSoft topper has a number of cooling features to it to help hot sleepers stay cool.
- You can get this topper in different thicknesses–3” or 4”–making it fit a wide range of body types. Light-to-average-weight sleepers should enjoy the 3” thickness, while heavier individuals do better with the 4” option.
- Thanks to its slow-moving feeling, sleepers will sink into the topper and get good pressure relief.
What to Keep In Mind About the ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper
- This topper has a traditional memory foam feel, so you’ll likely sink into it when you’re laying on it. This can make it difficult to move around.
- This topper is too soft for stomach sleepers, so they will need to sleep on something firmer.
Read our full ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper review.
Best Latex Cooling Mattress Topper – Avocado Organic Latex
Avocado Latex Mattress Topper
Avocado’s Latex mattress topper is made from the highest quality organic materials and has a bouncy, supportive feel.
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Latex toppers are a great option for those that don’t want to feel trapped by a memory foam topper. It’s different from traditional memory foam in that it feels bouncy and responsive. This makes it easy to move around on, and it’s also why the Avocado latex topper is one of our favorites. It’s great for hot sleepers because of this bouncy feeling. You won’t sink into this topper, so the foam won’t reflect the heat back on to you.
But latex foam is often ventilated for airflow, adding another level of prevention for overheating. Avocado wraps its latex foam inside of responsibly sourced wool and certified organic cotton. This, plus latex’s natural durability, means that the Avocado latex topper should last you several years.
What We Love About the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
- The foam is made from Talalay latex, a durable material that shouldn’t sag like memory foam often does.
- You can get the Avocado as either a Firm or a Plush model. The plush model will work better for side and back sleepers, while the firm model should work better for stomach sleepers.
- To further help with cooling, there’s a layer of organic wool surrounding the latex that’s designed to wick away moisture.
What to Keep In Mind About the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper
- Though this topper should last a long time, it is quite the investment. Using certified organic materials makes this topper quite pricey, so it won’t fit some budgets.
Read our full Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper review.
Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Back Pain – Layla Memory Foam
Layla Mattress Topper
If it’s a cooling memory foam mattress topper you’re after, take a look at the Layla. This popular online mattress brand is known for their high-quality products, and this mattress topper is no exception.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.20 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
The Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper is made with a memory foam that conforms to the curves of the body and fills in the lumbar region. This makes it a great option for back sleepers and anyone who struggles with back pain. Despite being made of memory foam (typically a heat-trapping material), the topper sleeps cool, thanks to a breathable outer cover and a copper bead infusion in the foam. This copper gel pulls body heat away and helps the foam sleep cool.
What We Love About the Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- The topper has a very soft, slow-moving feel, which is ideal for fans of memory foam toppers.
- Its copper gel beads are designed to help dissipate heat, plus the cover contains temperature-regulating Thermogel.
- Copper is antimicrobial, which should keep the topper free of bacteria and mold for a good amount of time.
What to Keep In Mind About the Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- This topper is only 2” thick, which might be too thin for some heavier individuals.
Read our full Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper review.
What Are the Benefits of Cooling Mattress Toppers?
- They can help the top of your bed feel nice and cool all night long, which is particularly helpful for those that tend to sleep hot.
- They can extend the lifespan of a mattress, assisting with temperature regulation, softness, and pressure relief without you having to shell out hundreds of dollars for a brand-new mattress.
- Many toppers have soft and thin covers that wick away moisture.
RELATED: Best Cooling Mattresses
What Are the Best Types of Cooling Mattress Toppers?
Sifting through all of the different bedding products can feel like a chore. To make things easier, we’ve outlined the different types of cooling mattress toppers. Like pillows and beds, mattress toppers are highly subjective. Different materials will work better for some sleepers more than others.
Infused Memory Foam
Because of its thick and dense construction, memory foam has garnered a reputation for sleeping hot. If you want to enjoy the slow-moving feel, but worry about overheating, make sure your memory foam topper has an infusion running throughout. These are the most popular types:
- Gel helps pull heat away from the body, so it’s especially great for cooling mattress toppers. The Dreamfoam toppers have a gel inside their memory foam.
- Copper, like gel, helps dissipate heat and promote breathability. The Layla mattress topper has tiny copper gel beads inside the foam to prevent sleepers from waking up feeling clammy and sweaty. As an added bonus, Layla’s copper gel beads also help kill bacteria.
- Graphite acts as a cooling agent, which is especially beneficial inside a thick memory foam comfort layer. If you’re looking for something infused with graphite, check out the Saatva mattress topper.
RELATED: Do Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattresses Really Keep You Cool?
Latex
Because of its responsive feel, latex doesn’t trap heat as easily as memory foam does. It’s also a more durable material. And if you want to stay away from harsh chemicals, you can easily purchase a topper made with all-natural latex.
Poly Foam
Poly foam doesn’t last as long as latex or memory foam, but it costs a fraction of the price. If you’re hoping to find a budget-friendly topper, look for one with a poly foam comfort layer and moisture-wicking cover.
Open-Celled Memory Foam
Open-celled memory foam is more porous, which allows for better airflow. This material won’t keep body heat inside the topper as easily, making it a good mattress topper option for hot sleepers.
8 Things to Consider When Buying a Cooling Mattress Topper
- Feel: When you lie down on a mattress, do you like to sink inside the comfort layers or relax on top of the bed? If so, memory foam has that quicksand-type of feeling and provides plenty of body-contouring. If you want something bouncier and more responsive, look for a latex topper.
- Firmness: On our firmness scale, 6.5/10 is considered medium firm. If your current bed feels more like 8/10, you may need some extra plushness. In that case, look for a topper that will soften your bed by 1–2 points. That way, you’ll get all of the pressure relief your joints need.
- Sleeping Position: Back sleepers typically want a bed that feels medium firm. Side sleepers will want some extra softness to ease pain along shoulders. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, should sleep on an extremely firm surface. That way, their hips won’t dip into the layers and cause the back to get out of alignment.
- Thickness: Most mattress toppers come in either 2″ or 3″ thicknesses. If you’re a heavier person, or just need some extra relief along pressure points, you could benefit from a 3″ topper. Lightweight sleepers should get all of the comfort they need from a 2″ topper.
- Construction: It’s also beneficial to examine the topper’s construction. If it includes memory foam, check to see if it’s open-celled or porous. This will allow for greater airflow, which will keep you feeling cool. Thin, cotton covers also help alleviate heat buildup. If a topper has a thick and heavy cover, it can be extremely difficult to stay cool at night.
- Materials: Memory foam is generally known to sleep hotter than latex foam, and feather beds are more breathable than most foam toppers. There are extra features that can increase the cooling quality of any material, but it’s important to first see what the base materials are. If you are certain that you want a foam topper, try to get one with an infusion, such as gel or graphite, which can help you sleeper cooler.
- Durability: Some materials, like poly foam, don’t have a long lifespan. Latex and high-density memory foam, on the other hand, last much longer.
- Budget: You’ll find plenty of luxurious and high-end models out there, but it’s not completely necessary to drain your wallet. Many cooling toppers provide fantastic pressure relief at a low price point.
RELATED: Mattress Pads vs Mattress Toppers
Final Thoughts
If you’re hoping to spruce up your current mattress and help it feel cooler, these toppers will do the trick. Need even more ideas? Take a look at our list of the best mattress toppers.
| Mattress | Best For |
| Nolah Topper | Best Overall |
| Saatva Topper | Best Luxury Cooling Mattress Topper |
| Dreamfoam Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper | Best Value Mattress Topper |
| TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Topper | Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Couples |
| Parachute Down Mattress Topper | Best Cooling Feather Bed |
| Puffy Mattress Topper | Best Hypoallergenic Cooling Topper |
| ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper | Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper |
| Avocado Organic Latex | Best Latex Cooling Mattress Topper |
| Layla Memory Foam Topper | Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Back Pain |
Best Cooling Mattress Toppers FAQs
What is the best mattress topper to keep you cool?
There are so many great cooling mattress toppers. Deciding which one to purchase is a highly personal decision. If you’re looking for something plush and luxurious, we recommend the Saatva. If you’re on a budget, check out the Dreamfoam. Need some additional pressure relief? ViscoSoft will definitely deliver.
Do cooling mattress toppers really work?
Yes! Especially if they’re made out of latex or infused memory foam. Look for something that has a breathable construction and lightweight cover.
What are the best sheets to keep you cool?
If you sleep hot at night, you’ll want to find sheets that are thin and breathable. Cotton, tencel, linen, and bamboo sheets are great picks. Of course, be sure to check out our list of the best cooling sheets to see some of our favorite picks.