If you dread going to bed and waking up hot and sticky, you'll need one of the best cooling mattresses. These are designed with maximum airflow, special structural technologies, and cooling gels so that they transfer heat away from your body, quicker and more effectively than anything else out there. They're what you need for a cooler, deeper night's sleep.
It doesn't take much to get hot and flustered over choosing the best mattress. There's a different model for every kind of sleeper as well as lots of questions, such as 'do cooling mattresses even work?', 'how do I sleep in the heat?', and 'can a mattress help with night sweats?'. Luckily for you, we consider ourselves cool, calm, and collected when it comes to sleep - but it's taken some work to get to that place.
Our team of experts work tirelessly to take the stress out of sleeping. Since 2022, we've been sleeping on the best cooling mattresses out there, looking for the best cooling mattress for couples, as well as the best option for side sleepers, luxury bedrooms, tight budgets, and more. Even if you need the sink-in softness of memory foam, without the inevitable insulation, we've found a cooling mattress for you. I'll say it time and time again, we've got every sleep need covered.
The quick list
The best cooling mattress for couples
With two layers of graphite atop this mattress, its cooling properties are seriously impressive. This is a great all-rounder that promises breathability, support for your back and cushioning which is soft, mouldable and instantly comforting.
The most luxurious cooling mattress
Handcrafted in Devon, this pocket-sprung mattress is made with naturally breathable cotton, wool, hemp, and flax. It's supremely comfortable and extra cooling, delivering a luxury sleep experience without the price tag.
The best hybrid cooling mattress
It will come as no surprise that Simba's cooling mattress is one of the best. It boasts incredible motion control (great news for couples) as well as incredible cooling power. Simba crafted ten layers of hybrid support from foam, wool, cotton, micro-springs and more. It's expensive, but effective.
The best value cooling mattress
Bamboo and charcoal are well-known for their cooling properties, combine them with pressure-relieving foam and you've got the mattress of dreams. At a competitive price, it's perfect for hot sleepers who want a simple mattress.
The best cooling mattress for all sleeping positions
Nectar is another well-known brand that fulfils its promises of a good night's sleep, even if you're a hot and/or restless sleeper. Our tester found that this hybrid option remained cool and comfortable whichever position she slept in, and even better, there's a 'forever warranty' on the mattress.
The best cooling mattress for side sleepers
If you're someone who likes (and needs) a good level of support from your mattress, but also wants the softness of a less firm mattress for comfort, we recommend Emma's Luxe Cooling Mattress, which has a 10-year guarantee and a 200-night trial. It's another great option for couples and, even with six layers sink-in-softness, it's still one of the coolest sleeps our experts had.
The best cooling mattress for menopause
Made specifically for those who suffer from night sweats and hot flushes, this 30.5cm deep mattress offers a medium-firm, cool and breathable option. It uses a platinum bad at the mattress's base instead of foam, and claims to be 10x more breathable than a memory foam option.
The best naturally cooling mattress
While some cooling mattresses opt for synthetic gels to ensure they're 'cooling', this option, which is hand-crafted in Devon, features natural fibres and materials which will automatically cool the body while being good for the environment, too. With natural latex made from the sap of rubber trees alongside other naturally cooling materials, this mattress is a bit pricey, but we think you get what you pay for.
The best cooling mattresses 2025, as reviewed by our experts
We've put all bold, cold claims that these mattresses make the test to ensure that this page is packed with real-life experience as well as the latest sleep tips, technology, and research. For example, we heard that natural bed fibres were better at cooling, so we had our experts sleep on wool, cotton, hemp, and linen. What do you know? Their natural properties worked a treat. We've also tested the best cooling pillows, breathable pyjamas, and every technique for sweat-free sleep.
The best cooling mattress for couples
The Eve Premium Hybrid mattress promises an award-winning night of sleep. With a balance of sumptuous comfort and essential support, which is perfect if you suffer from back pain, share your bed with someone else, or both.
At 28 cm deep, it packs 1,500 pocket springs between five foam layers. The top two are infused with graphite which naturally dissipates heat – good news if you suffer from night sweats. It’s soft yet supportive and, while it won’t cool like AC, our tester said, "I usually throw the covers off at night, but I didn’t need to with this one. A lifesaver for hot flushes."
The reason this secured a top spot as the best cooling mattress for couples is it's remarkably low motion transfer. Linda, our tester enjoyed undisturbed sleep, in spite of her partner regularly getting up and moving around in the night. The pièce de résistance is an antimicrobial, antibacterial cover that unzips for easy machine washing at 40°C. It's clean, comfortable, and cooling. Sleep doesn't get better than that.
Find out more in Linda's full Eve Premium Hybrid mattress review.
The most luxurious cooling mattress
Most cooling mattresses are packed with chemicals, sprays, and smart technology, but what if we kept things natural? Okay, what if we kept things natural and luxurious? Fine, natural, luxurious, and cooling? Nope, you're not dreaming, the perfect mattress does exist.
I've had experience with lots of impressive, naturally cooling mattresses, but Button & Sprung takes the biscuit. Their Southdown mattress is as luxurious as it is eco-friendly – and both of those words, rather surprisingly, don't add an extra zero to the price tag. These mattresses never come in the sale, because Button & Sprung try to give you all the luxurious cotton, wool, hemp, and flax for a reasonable price in the first place. Whilst it is a little more expensive than a foam bed-in-a-box, you get what you pay for here.
Our expert tester raved, "It’s responsive without too much motion transfer. I thought my John Lewis mattress was great, but this is on another level. It's gifted me the best sleep I’ve had in years." The natural materials and pocket-sprung structure make the whole mattress naturally breathable, wicking away any moisture and heat that your body kicks out in the night. Plus, couples can opt for a zip and link version to customise firmness.
You can find out more in our full Button & Sprung Southdown Mattress review.
The best hybrid cooling mattress
Simba’s most luxurious mattress yet, the 31cm deep Hybrid Luxe, is a game-changer for those who suffer from night sweats as well as people who need back support. Our expert Linda said, "I didn't wake up with any of my normal aches and pains in the morning and enjoyed a consistently cool night's sleep too."
The deliberately crafted, ten-layer design, balances squishiness with support, motion control, and pressure relief. Three layers of titanium Aerocoil micro springs adapt to movement, while Simba’s patented foam offers 30 times more airflow than memory foam. The cherry on top is a breathable wool, bamboo, and cotton top layer that wicks away moisture.
Though heavy, it has eight handles for easier setup and a washable top cover. A 180-degree seasonal rotation keeps it in top shape. Plus, Simba’s eco-friendly approach includes a zero-waste policy and mattress recycling. It’s pricey, but frequent discounts make it worth watching for the best Simba mattress deals.
You can find out more in Linda's full Simba mattress review
The best value cooling mattress
The bed-in-a-box style mattresses are one of my favourite innovations in the industry. They've transformed bedroom renovations from close to impossible to box-sized and very doable. One of the best in the game? OTTY.
The OTTY Pure is a hybrid cooling mattress, combining springs and memory foam for comfort, support, and airflow. It features six layers, including a bamboo and charcoal memory foam top that helps regulate temperature, plus a charcoal-infused cover designed to wick away moisture. Our tester, who often has night sweats, said, "I'm prone to waking up in a bit of a clammy heap in the night, but I slept right through the night without any excess body heat or night sweats waking me up."
With up to 2,000 16cm springs and high-density support foam, the Pure is 64% spring and 34% foam – cushioned yet supportive. While heavier sleepers may find it a touch soft, our expert found the balance just right, if not a little firm for foam.
OTTY's promise of sweeter dreams and sounder sleep was definitely fulfilled with their hybrid. Although it has a high price tag there are plenty of offers around and the mattress can often go for close to 50% less than its advertised maximum price.
You can find out more in our full OTTY Pure Pro Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal Mattress review.
The best cooling mattress for all sleeping positions
This is an example of what Nectar's Hybrid mattress looks like in a bedroom. The room looks pretty dark, which is actually another tip for cooler sleep: keep your room dark all day so that it doesn't get too hot.
Our expert tester described this as the "Goldilocks mattress: it's not too soft and not too firm, hitting the sweet spot for pressure relief and comfort." It's designed with seven support zones, promising better spinal alignment and good support for your shoulders, hips, and legs, whichever position you sleep in.
If you want to get technical, here's how Nectar creates that perfect balance of pressure relief and no motion transfer. The Hybrid boasts five layers of foam, a middle layer of 1600 micro springs, and pressure-relieving memory foam too. Hot sleepers will benefit from the top two layers in particular, which are designed to enhance airflow, drawing heat away from the body. If you like a memory foam mattress for its pressure-relieving properties, this is a dream come true. Linda, our expert, said "I didn't wake up overly hot in the night and could hop out of bed in the morning without all my usual aches and pains."
The Nectar is suitable for divans, platforms, box springs, and traditional bed frames, but if you really can't make your mind up you have a whole year to decide with a lengthy 365-night trial. What's more, if you do keep the mattress, it has a 'forever' warranty. This means that if there's a manufacturing fault within the first ten years of your ownership, Nectar will replace it, and after that, they'll repair it.
Although its advertised price is on the high side, this mattress is often heavily discounted, so keep an eye on our page for best Nectar mattress sales to snap up a bargain.
You can find out more in Linda's full review of the Nectar Hybrid mattress.
The best cooling mattress for side sleepers
Here's Emma's iconic Luxe Cooling mattress in a show bedroom. It looks sleek, because it is.
Emma is highly regarded as one of the most trustworthy premium mattress brands, so it's no surprise that the Luxe Cooling Mattress has made it onto our list. With a firmness rating of 5/10, this is the perfect middle-ground option for those who don't want to completely sink down into their mattress. If you think that you, but you're not quite sure, ask yourself what position you sleep in. These medium-firm mattresses are designed with side sleepers in mind; the balance of soft comfort and sturdy support helps to keep your spine aligned, preventing aches and pains.
Our expert tester says, "I'm a hot and fidgety sleeper and so is my partner, but we've been using this for several months now and have been sleeping better than ever before." She said that all you have to do is touch the mattress to feel the cooling properties, and, as you sleep, you'll find that your body's temperature is regulated with a good level of motion control too.
Our tester found that not only did she feel cooler in the morning (and throughout the night) after using this mattress, but she also found it to be extremely breathable, noting that there was no 'stuffy' feeling when sleeping on it. Also, this mattress is almost always heavily discounted during Emma mattress sales, so we would recommend looking for an offer
You can find out more in Linda's full Emma Mattress review.
The best cooling mattress for menopause
I've called this the best cooling mattress for menopause because it's also the most breathable option out there. That might sound like a bit of a leap, but I can back it up. The brand has thousands of reviews which mention how the mattress helps with hot flashes and night sweats. In fact, it's been typecast as 'the menopause mattress' so much that they've even embraced it into their own marketing. According to the manufacturers, it's 10 times more breathable than memory foam. It has 1600 Mirapocket® springs that allow airflow (whilst also alleviating pressure). See? It's not just us.
As ever, it's important to put all the credentials in context. After three months of testing, our experts said "this won't cool you down like AC or a bucket – you might still suffer from night sweats – but this is the best way to get a comfortable, cooler night's sleep." It'll do all it can to keep you naturally cool.
The beauty of Silentnight's Lift Breathe mattress is that it comes with all the feel of a memory foam mattress but without the drawbacks. Linda found that it contoured to her body, offering perfect alignment and support, without moving around too much when her or her partner stirred in the night.
There are a few factors that you might need to account for. Firstly, this is definitely on the firmer side of medium-firm, so not for you if you like to sink-in to your bed. Secondly, this mattress is also deeper than most others on this list, with a depth of 30.5cm. While this is undoubtedly a pro for me, it does mean it's fairly heavy and a little more difficult to turn than others on this list – even with the attached handles. It's still, nonetheless, a good buy.
You can find out more in Linda's full Silentnight Mattress review.
The best naturally cooling mattress
If you've ever wondered how you can recreate the hotel bed experience, this is the mattress you were (day)dreaming of. Naturalmat isn't shy about the fact that they're the mattress sponsor of countless luxury hotels from Brooklyn to Bali and I can see why. Everything about this mattress is premium, from the pre-eminent design to the luxury touches.
If you search 'best cooling mattresses', this might not be the first to pop up, because it's not specifically marketed as a 'cooling' mattress. If you speak to any expert though, you'll find that this is the industry's worst-kept secret. The Superb is handmade to order in Devon, using wool from local organic farms, an upper layer of natural latex (made from sap from rubber trees) and cotton-wrapped springs.
All those materially naturally breathable, so they regulate body temperature automatically - a bit like wearing cotton or silk pyjamas instead of polyester. What's more, the mattress is wrapped in a cooling cotton layer (which is naturally fire-retardant too, so there are no chemical smells). And the springs can be tensioned from soft through to firm, according to the comfort level that suits you best.
There's a zip and link option, where two single mattresses with different levels of firmness can be attached to make one large mattress, which suits couples perfectly. My only criticism was that this is on the expensive side. I would strongly recommend investing in one of the best mattress protectors to keep it at its best.
You can find out more in our full Naturalmat Superb Mattress review.
How we test the best cooling mattresses
The best cooling mattresses can be a godsend if you're a hot sleeper, so we make sure to put them through rigorous rounds of testing before we recommend them to you. We have a team of dedicated experts who sleep on these mattresses for at least four weeks, often much longer, before we write-up a review for you.
Our feedback is based on the real-life experience of our experts, so you get all of our first-person insights, including an assessment of whether the mattress offers good value for money, durable construction, as well as the perfect comfort and support.
When it comes to cooling mattresses, it's important that these can do a good job of temperature regulation all year round. Our cooling mattress testers are all hot sleepers who wake up with hot flushes in the night, but we'll also get the mattresses tested by those who aren't struggling with overheating so we can get a good gauge of how these mattresses perform. We'll compare the results of our mattresses both in the summer and winter, keeping track of whether our testers are waking up cooler, hotter, more frequently or less frequently.
There's a lot about mattresses that are subjective, such as firmness and sleep quality. We like to use sleep trackers so that we have some data, but we also make sure that our experts are knowledgeable about all of the sleep styles, especially their own.
Armed with enough sleep expertise to send any enthusiastic listener to sleep, we give them the mattresses and they'll make notes on the following:
- Comfort and support: We considered the firmness of the mattresses and how well each of them kept the spine aligned, while still being soft enough for a restful night's sleep. We assessed the pressure-relieving effects for all sleeping positions, whether you prefer to lay on your back, side, or front.
- Temperature regulation: We assessed how well the different types of mattresses and their fillings drew excess heat away from the body, to confirm how they actually deliver on their promise of a cooling mattress.
- Materials and construction: During testing, we noted what material each mattress was made of – be it hybrid (with springs) or layers of foam, and how effectively it works. Additionally, we looked at whether there were removable or washable outer covers for additional sleep hygiene.
- Value-for-money: To cater to all budgets we noted the cost of each mattress, considering whether spending a little extra was worth it, or whether the same quality of comfort could be achieved for less.
If you want to find out more, you can read our full page on how we test mattresses.
How to choose the best cooling mattress for you
Choosing the best cooling mattress for you will require you to think about how you sleep. We have a few factors that we recommend you consider before diving into a mattress purchase:
Mattress type
You'll already be familiar with all the different types of mattresses. The main four are: hybrid, innerspring, latex, and memory foam. Innerspring mattresses are great for airflow and support, but they're a lot more firm than others. Hybrid mattresses will be made with a coil base and comfort layers. It's a good blend if you need something softer, but still want support and cooling technology. Memory foam mattresses will hug your body, which is great for pressure relief, but can be quite hot. The best cooling memory foam mattresses will have gels or copper to keep you cool. Natural latex is your last option, offering the same softness as memory foam, but a more breathable structure.
Spinal support
It's important to weigh up how much spinal support you and your partner (if you sleep next to one) will need when buying a cooling mattress. If you're very different in size or one of you is a restless sleeper, look for a mattress with good motion control (or a two halves option). This makes it far less likely you'll be woken any time your partner turns over, or vice versa, which has to be a recipe for good relations.
Firmness
Think about the firmness of the mattress, too soft and you could wake with back pain; too firm and it could be uncomfortable to sleep on. Most of the mattresses we tested were constructed to be medium-firm, which generally suited our reviewer. They're a great sweet spot between ultra-cooling, but not always comfortable firm mattresses and super sumptuous, but also quite insulating soft mattresses.
Bed base
Consider the type of bed base you have and check or ask how well-matched the mattress will be. Some mattresses are designed to suit all types of frame but not all.
Type of cooling technology
Do your research and look at the cooling effects offered. Hybrid mattresses that incorporate springs generally enable better airflow than pure layers of different foam. An outer layer of natural fibres will likely generate less heat than synthetics. You might also get a cooling cover, gel or copper top layer and other special technology. Some brands will charge you for extras, such as cooling toppers, but they might be worth it if you're really suffering.
Trial period
Check the trial period or whether you can test the bed in a showroom first. Doing the leg work might seem dull, but you'll be richly rewarded when you wake up every day feeling refreshed once you've chosen the best cooling mattress for you.
Bear in mind also that not all bed-in-a-box mattresses are resold once you send them back. So whilst, the 100, 200, or 365-night trial might sound good, it can also be incredibly wasteful. (Over 3 million mattresses went to landfill last year alone).
Price
Obviously, your budget will be part of your decision too. A high price tag doesn't always equate to a better product. Although the advertised prices on the best cooling mattresses were often high, there are plenty of deals with huge discounts around.
FAQs
What type of mattress do I need?
Different mattresses suit different sleepers. If you need one of the best cooling mattresses, a hybrid mattress or an innerspring mattress will keep you cooler more effectively. This is because they have a layer of pocket coils or springs, which let air flow freely through them. You can get cooling memory foam mattresses that use gels or other special technologies, but we'd only recommend these if you are a front or side sleeper (you'll need the cushioning of a memory foam mattress for comfort, since spring mattresses can be quite hard.)
Do cooling mattresses really work?
We've done a deep dive into whether cooling mattresses really work, especially for hot flushes and night sweats. If you want details and statistics from the experts, you can read our article on 'do cooling mattresses really help to stop overheating and night sweats?' and if you want the short answer, it's yes.
If you struggle to fall asleep to stay asleep because of the heat, a cooling mattress could be your solution. The best cooling mattresses will use special technology and phase change materials (PCM) to dissipate body heat across your mattress. They'll also use materials that are naturally moisture-wicking and breathable.
If you're seriously struggling, a cooling mattress won't do all of the work for you. It's worth looking into some good air con or a fan (cracking a window open can help); some cooling bedsheets; a cooling mattress topper; and a cooling pillow; and some lightweight pyjamas.
Do you need a mattress topper with a cooling mattress?
A mattress topper is generally not recommend by the manufacturers of the cooling mattresses we trialled. Here's what Musi Chayla, CEO, of Sleep.8 UK, had to say...
"When using a mattress with a cooling effect, we recommend forgoing the use of a mattress topper," he says. "This is because the purpose of the integrated cooling gel layer, which is the first layer beneath the outer cover on our Tech mattress, is to allow air molecules to circulate freely through the cooling gel particles."
"When a mattress topper is applied, the foam covers the surface of the mattress, blocking air molecules from passing through and impeding the flow of cool air. This will result in a reduced capacity for the mattress's cooling effect as the topper creates a barrier between the cooling gel layer, the air molecules, and the sleeper."
Musi Chayla is the CEO of Sleep.8 Global, a retailer specialising in mattresses and bedding.
Expert tips for hot sleepers who want a cooler night's sleep
Whilst investing in a cooling mattress can take you part of the way towards a cooler night's sleep, there's plenty more that you can do to help you towards a sweat-free sleep.
The best place to start is building out your breathable bedding. Alongside investing in a cooling mattress, it's worth looking into cooling pillows, a cooling mattress topper, and some breathable bedding. Cooling pillows and cooling mattress toppers follow a similar story to cooling mattresses: you want to look for gel-infused layers, latex, and open-cell foam. They'll help to dissipate heat and improve the airflow around your skin.
Another breathable bedding essential will be your sheets. Natural, lightweight fibres such as cotton or linen will provide much better air circulation and heat dissipation, some will even have special moisture-wicking qualities. We'd recommend following suit with your pyjamas too. We've literally written the guide to the best pyjamas for night sweats. These feature sets are crafted from crisp cotton, breathable bamboo, and lightweight linen.
Beyond your bed, it's important to consider your environment. Experts say that 15-19°C is the optimal temperature for sleep. If you can crack a window to hit these temperatures, that's brilliant. However, night sweats will probably call for something more substantial. Silent, portable fans, such as the Shark FlexBreeze are a great way to increase the airflow in your room, keeping the air and moisture circulating away from your bed.
Experts also recommend staying hydrated throughout the day, avoiding caffeine late at night, investing in some blackout curtains (such as these from Dunelm), and taking a lukewarm or cool shower before bed. These are less 'essentials' and more techniques that it's worth trying. They don't work for everyone, but it can't hurt to give them a go.
How to sleep better in hot weather
A warm and humid bedroom can be every hot sleeper's worst nightmare. Throw in night sweats and you might be close to despair. Luckily, we all go through it, so there are plenty of researchers and ladies who have been there, done that, and got the tricks to save you.
If the weather gets hotter, we've got some tips for helping you to stay cool and comfortable in the night.
Cool your bedroom
The best place to start is with a cool environment. Make sure you've either got some good air conditioning or a bedroom-friendly fan (we recommend the Shark FlexBreeze). If you don't have air conditioning, try placing a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of your fan to create a makeshift air cooler. Position your fans near windows and doorways to try and draw in cooler air too. If you can create a cross-breeze with your fans, this will feel ultra-refreshing. Also, keep your curtains and blinds shut during the day to block out the sun and stop your room from heating up.
Sort out your bed setup
Choosing one of the best cooling mattresses, an effective cooling mattress topper, a specially designed cooling pillow, and some moisture-wicking bedding to ensure that your entire bed sets you up for sweat-free success. Opt for natural fibres, such as linen and cotton, a lightweight sheet, and moisture-wicking, gel mattresses and pillows.
Invest in cool clothing
As well as breathable bedding, it's helpful to have loose-fitting, lightweight pyjamas that are crafted from cotton and bamboo. If you can find a pyjama set for night sweats that's moisture-wicking too, you'll be well on your way to cooler sleep. Steer clear of artificial fibres, since these won't help you at all.
Hydration and showering
Experts are all about water when it comes to cooler sleeping. They say to drink water throughout the day and to avoid caffeine and alcohol, since these can contribute to dehydration and disrupt your sleep, leaving you to toss and turn all night long. Plenty of people also take a lukewarm or cool shower to lower your body temperature, making it easier to fall asleep. You can also soak your feed in cold water or use a cool flannel on your neck and wrists if you need an instant refresh.
Some experts say to make a DIY cooling pack by filling a sock with rice or beans. Tie it off, place it in the freezer and then use the cold pack on your pulse points or under your pillow to keep cool.
Other practicalities
It's just a scientific fact that heat rises. If you have multiple floors in your house, it might be worth considering sleeping on a lower level where things will be a little cooler. Plus, if you can avoid using the oven or stove near to bedtime, you'll keep the whole house cooler.
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