The best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers in 2024, tested by us

There's no need to lose sleep over the heat

The best cooling mattresses: the Eve Sleep Premium, Naturalmat The Superb, and Nectar's Hybrid Mattress on a pink woman&home background
(Image credit: Future)

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 mattresses 2024, as reviewed by our experts

Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

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

1. Eve Premium Mattress

Best for couples

Specifications

Mattress type: Hybrid bed in a box
Materials: Memory foam and pocket springs
Sizes: 3 (double to super king)
Fimness: Medium-firm
Mattress height: 28 cm / 11"
Trial length: 100 nights
Warranty: 10 years
Old mattress removal: Yes, £40 (only in certain parts of the UK)
Best for: All sleepers, back, front, side; couples
RRP: £999 (for a double)

Reasons to buy

+
Extra deep cushioning
+
Supportive up to the edge
+
Removable, washable cover
+
Good motion control, so great for couples
+
10-year warranty

Reasons to avoid

-
Quite heavy to manoeuvre
-
Higher price 

This promises an award-winning night of sleep. It's a hybrid mattress, which means that it provides sumptuousness that's also support. If you have back pain and you need some structure as well as airflow, you're in the perfect place.

That all sounds great, but what about if we talk numbers? Eve designed this 28 cm-deep mattress to have 1,500 pocket springs packed between five layers of foam. The top two layers of foam have active graphite cooling agents, which is one of the industry's latest innovations for naturally removing excess heat from your bed. It boasts sink-in softness as well as sufficient support. Bye-bye sweaty sleeps and aches and pains.

Before we get carried away on how dreamy the Eve is, it's worth noting that the cooling effects are realistically only as much as any mattress could realistically do. They won't actively 'cool' you like a fan or AC would obviously, but our tester said "usually, I have to crank the window down in our bedroom at night and end up throwing the covers off, but I didn't need to with this one. If you often get hot flushes in the night, it's a life-saver."

Linda, our expert tester, also enjoyed the low-motion transfer technology. She found that "even night-time loo breaks were achieved without disturbing my sleeping partner. Overall, the Eve made a big difference to both my and my partner's sleep quality, which is something many mattresses have tried and failed at."

There's also a soft outer cover with silver strands woven into it to make the surface that's antimicrobial and antibacterial. Plus — just like the best bed sheets — the cover can be unzipped and popped in the wash at 40°C when it needs a freshen. 

See our full Eve Premium Hybrid mattress review

The most luxurious cooling mattress

2. Naturalmat Superb Spring Mattress

Most luxurious cooling mattress

Specifications

Mattress type: Pocket sprung
Materials: Organic lambswool, natural latex, pocket springs in cotton pockets
Sizes: Small Single - Emporer
Firmness: Springs can be tensioned from soft to firm
Mattress height: 25cm
Trial length: 45 days
Warranty: 10 years
Old mattress removal: Yes, £60
Best for: All sleeper; side, back,front, couples
RRP: £1,800 (for a double)

Reasons to buy

+
Naturally cooling and chemical-free
+
Handcrafted in Devon
+
Showrooms with sleep zones to test
+
Handles for easy manoeuvre
+
10-year guarantee

Reasons to avoid

-
At the pricier end
-
4-5 weeks for delivery

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 has great temperature-regulating qualities. It's 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. 

What makes this such a good option is that these materials are all 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. 

Even if you and your partner have different sleeping needs, you don't need to break a sweat. There's a zip and link option, where two single mattresses with different levels of firmness can be attached to make one large mattress. Our experts tested this and gave it top marks, both for minimal motion transfer and for the cooling properties. Our 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.

The best hybrid cooling mattress

3. Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress

Best hybrid cooling mattress

Specifications

Mattress type: Hybrid
Materials: Foam plus titanium and carbon steel springs
Sizes : 4 (Single to Super King)
Firmess: Medium-firm
Mattress height: 31 cm
Trial length: 200 nights
Warranty: 10 years
Old mattress removal: Yes
Best for : All sleepers; couples
RRP: £2,299 (for a double)

Reasons to buy

+
An indulgent 31cm deep
+
Removable, washable cover
+
8 handles for easy manoeuvre
+
10 year warranty
+
Returned mattresses are refurbished or recycled
+
200 night trial
+
Side handles

Reasons to avoid

-
An expensive option
-
Not suitable for slatted beds with slats more than 7.5cm apart
-
Heavy to manoeuvre

This is Simba's most luxurious model yet and it doesn't disappoint. The sumptuous 31cm deep Hybrid Luze is a ground-breaking, back-saving mattress. Linda, our expert tester 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."

Linda describes the Simba as "squishy, but also really supportive, with a good balance of firmness, motion control, and body pressure relief." This offering isn't by chance, Simba has designed a ten-layer structure, hitting all the sweet spots that a cooling mattress should.

Three of the layers are crafted from clever titanium Aerocoil micro springs, which adapt to your and your partner's movements, reducing motion transfer. These micro springs are sandwiched between supportive layers and the brand's patented foam, which claims to have 30 times more airflow than memory foam. If that's not enough to help with cooling, the layer closest to the surface is a mix of wool, bamboo, and cotton, designed for moisture-wicking breathability.

The top cover is removable and washable so keeping it clean is simple. Although it's very heavy to manoeuvre, the Hybrid Luxe has eight handles which certainly helps when getting it out of the box and into place. It also requires a seasonal 180-degree rotation to keep it in tip-top condition. As with any cooling mattress, it's about mitigating the heat-generating effects of foam, and it was among the best at this.

Simba is one of the greener choices where cooling mattresses are concerned. The company has a zero-waste policy in its factories and it recycles or reprocesses anything that is sent back, from boxes to springs. Even foam from old mattresses is used in carpet underlay. It is an expensive option, but the retailer often offers heavy discounts so it's worth researching the best Simba mattress deals before you make the purchase. 

See our full Simba mattress review

The best cooling mattress for all sleeping positions

Nectar Hybrid Mattress.

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.

(Image credit: Nectar)

4. Nectar Hybrid Mattress

Best cooling mattress for all sleeping positions

Specifications

Mattress type: Hybrid bed in a box
Materials: Memory foam and springs
Sizes: 5 (Single to Super King)
Firmness: Medium-firm (6)
Mattress height: 25cm
Trial length: 365 nights
Warranty: Forever
Old mattress removal: Yes, for £40
Best for: All sleepers; couples
RRP: £1,499 (for a double)

Reasons to buy

+
Cushioned support and bounce
+
Forever warranty
+
365 night trial
+
Regular discounts
+
Removable cover
+
Returns refurbished and donated to charity

Reasons to avoid

-
Might be on the soft side for heavier bodies
-
No handles for moving

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, so you can sleep soundly knowing it will last. This is part of a larger effort from the company to reduce the environmental footprint. 

Although its advertised price is on the high side, this mattress is often heavily discounted, so you're likely to be able to nab a bargain, making it one of the more affordable options. See our regularly updated guide to the best Nectar mattress sales to snap up a bargain.

The best cooling mattress for side sleepers

Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress.

Here's Emma's iconic Luxe Cooling mattress in a show bedroom. It looks sleek, because it is.

(Image credit: Emma)

5. Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress

Best cooling mattress for side sleepers

Specifications

Mattress type: Hybrid (foam and springs) bed in a box
Materials: 6 layers inc memory foam, HRX foam and Aeroflex pocket springs
Sizes: 8 (Single to Super King)
Firmness: Medium-firm
Mattress height: 25 cm / 9.5"
Trial length: 200 nights
Warranty: 10 years
Old mattress removal: Yes, £45
Best for: Front and side sleepers; couples
RRP : £839 (for a double)

Reasons to buy

+
Great for couples
+
Almost always on sale
+
All sleepers will be comfortable
+
200 night trial period
+
10-year warranty

Reasons to avoid

-
May be too firm for some

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, even during humid months. 

This mattress is almost always heavily discounted during Emma mattress sales, so we would recommend looking for an offer. If you can bag a good discount, this makes the Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress a great budget cooling mattress option, as it's already very affordable for such a premium product.

The best cooling mattress for menopause

6. Silentnight Lift Breathe Mattress

Best for menopause

Specifications

Mattress type: Pocket sprung
Materials: Pocket springs, platinum pad and carbon, hypoallergenic fibres
Sizes: 4 (Single to Super King)
Fimness: Medium-firm
Mattress height: 30.5cm / 12"
Trial length: 60 nights
Warranty: 5 years
Old mattress removal: Yes, for £30
Best for: Night sweats
RRP: £699 (for a double)

Reasons to buy

+
Specifically designed for hot flushes and night sweats
+
Features a platinum pad base which is more breathable than memory foam
+
30.5cm depth
+
Suitable for all sleepers
+
Lower price

Reasons to avoid

-
Shorter warranty (5 years) and sleep trial (60 days) than other mattresses on this list
-
On the firmer side 
-
Heavy to manoeuvre 

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 we 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. The technology uses Mirapocket® springs on top of a platinum pad. In practice, our expert tester said that this meant that the mattress "adapted to my shape as I shifted and fidgeted in the night, which was great both for motion control and pressure relief all night long. I've never had that with a spring mattress before, because normally they're pretty bad for motion transfer." 

There are a few factors that you might need to account for. Firstly, this is definitely on the firmer side of medium-firm. If you're looking for a mattress on the softer side, you might want to consider other options. 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 us, it does mean it's fairly heavy and a little more difficult to turn than others on this list — even with the attached handles. Lastly, the Silentnight comes with a shorter warranty and sleep trial period than others. In spite of these, we think it's reasonable value, incredibly supportive, and impressively cooling.

The best naturally cooling mattress

7. Button & Sprung Southdown Mattress

Best naturally cooling mattress

Specifications

Mattress type: Pocket sprung
Materials: Wool, cotton, hemp and flax, pocket springs and microsprings
Sizes: 7 (Single to Super King)
Firmness: Medium or medium-firm
Trial length: 100 nights
Warranty: 10-years
Old mattress removal: Not stated
Best for: All sleepers, back, front, side; couples
RRP: £1,700 for a double

Reasons to buy

+
Natural, breathable materials
+
Naturally temperature regulating
+
Handmade
+
10-year guarantee
+
100-night trial

Reasons to avoid

-
4-6 week delivery
-
Expensive

There are plenty of cooling mattresses on the market that are packed with chemicals, sprays, and smart technology. Whilst those might help you towards a cooler night's sleep, I always look for a way to achieve the same results more naturally. Then you don't have to worry about what chemicals you're spending 1/3 of your life on (and breathing in).

I've had experience with lots of impressive, naturally cooling mattresses, but Buton & 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.

The Southdown is handcrafted from all-natural materials. The mattress itself is pocket-sprung, which is great news for airflow. Around the springs (and shaping micro springs), the mattress is packed with cotton, wool, hemp, and flax, which are all naturally breathable materials that wick away any moisture or heat that's kicked out from your body in the night. 

Overall, the Southdown is a forgiving, single-sided mattress that our expert described as "responsive to all of my movements in the night, without too much motion transfer. I was using a good John Lewis mattress before, but this has shown me just what else there is on offer. Even though it's more expensive than a billy basic option, I got a real sense of the all-natural, chemical-free quality — as well as the best night's sleep that I've had in years — and that means a lot to me." Additionally, if you and your partner have different support requirements, there's a zip and link option, so two single mattresses with different tensions can be joined together.

The best value-for-money cooling mattress

8. Sleep.8 S8 Tech Mattress

Best value-for-money cooling mattress

Specifications

Mattress type: Foam bed in a box
Materials: Layers of foam with cooling gel particles and jersey cover
Sizes: 3 (Double, King, Super King)
Firmness: Choice of soft/medium/firm
Mattress height: 25cm / 9.5"
Trial length: None
Warranty: 5 years
Old mattress removal: Yes, for £49
Best for : Couples with big weight differences or comfort preferences
RRP: £1199 (for a double)

Reasons to buy

+
Suitable for any bed type: platform, divan, slatted or adjustable 
+
Removable, washable cover
+
Good for back, side or front sleepers
+
A showroom to try the mattress
+
Choice of firmness: soft, medium or firm
+
The option of two halves with different firmness
+
No need to rotate the mattress

Reasons to avoid

-
Short warranty compared to others
-
No trial period

The Sleep.8 Tech mattress is super comfy and the best all-rounder in terms of support, comfort, cooling effects, and value for money. It's made up of six different layers of foam designed for optimal pressure distribution, spinal alignment, and temperature regulation. This includes a 3cm layer with cooling gel particles, plus a handy removable jersey cover with massaging pads, which can be popped in the wash. 

With five showrooms (across the southeast of England) where you can test the mattresses and talk to the knowledgeable team about your requirements, the brand, unfortunately, doesn't see a need to offer a trial period. They say this is better for the planet and, whilst that may be so, it's tricky if you're on the fence about buying this.

When it comes to choosing the right one for you, you've got the options of soft, medium or firm mattress, as well as the choice to have a double with two halves if you and your partner differ in sleep style or size. The firm mattress is recommended for heavier bodies and soft for those on the lighter side. So it's easy enough to find the right level of support for both of you.

There's also no need to rotate this mattress - you could sleep on just one side the whole time without it sagging - and it's suitable for all types of bed bases, including adjustable 'ergomotion' models. We enjoyed a restful sleep without overheating, and it ticked a lot of boxes and performed better than a regular foam mattress where cooling is concerned. 

The best bed-in-a-box cooling mattress

9. OTTY Pure Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal Mattress

Best bed-in-the-box cooling mattress

Specifications

Mattress type: Hybrid (springs and foam) bed in a box
Materials: Bamboo memory foam, charcoal cover, foam and pocket springs
Sizes: 8 (Single to Emperor)
Firmness: Medium to firm (6.5)
Mattress height: 20cm / 8"
Trial length: 100 nights
Warranty: 10 years
Old mattress removal: Yes, for £40
Best for: Back, front, side sleepers
RRP: £849.99 (for a double)

Reasons to buy

+
Suitable for any bed type: platform, divan, slatted or adjustable
+
Removable cover
+
Great motion control
+
10 year warranty

Reasons to avoid

-
Might be on the soft side for heavier bodies

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. 

OTTY Pure mattress is a hybrid cooling mattress, which means it has both springs and memory foam for comfort, support and that all-important airflow to aid temperature regulation. Six different layers go into the Pure's construction including a bamboo and charcoal memory foam layer on the top, which also helps to keep any excess heat under control. 

In addition, the anti-bacterial charcoal-infused cover is designed to wick away moisture. Our expert tester says "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."

In the middle, the OTTY's central layers contain up to 2000 16cm springs plus high-density support foam. In fact, it's 64% spring and 34% foam, which makes the mattress cushioned enough to be comfortable, and yet it still feels supportive enough to provide a good night's slumber. Our expert said "if you're on the heavier side, you might find this just that little bit too soft, but I found it to be just right support-wise."

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.

The best cooling mattress for front sleepers

10. Silentnight Just Bliss Gel Hybrid Mattress

Best for front sleepers

Specifications

Mattress type: Gel hybrid
Materials: Pocket spring, foam and geltex
Sizes: Single, Double, King
Firmness: Medium-firm
Mattress height: 24cm
Trial length: 365 nights
Warranty: 5 years
Old mattress removal: Yes, £30
Best for: Front sleepers
RRP: £549 (for a double)

Reasons to buy

+
Approved by Allergy UK
+
Side handles for easy manoeuvre
+
Well-priced
+
365 night trial
+
Free delivery within 48 hours

Reasons to avoid

-
Might be on the soft side for some
-
Short warranty compared to others

As one of the slightly softer options, this provides a snug surface for shuteye. This also makes it suitable for front sleepers, as you can sink into it without losing all the support and spinal alignment that is essential for your body's health. 

One of our experts is a front sleeper (despite trying to train herself otherwise) and has been eternally grateful for both the cooling and clever design of the OTTY. When we asked her for her review, one of the features that stood out (alongside the cooling technology) was how good it is at reducing motion transfer. It's made up of a layer of 1000 pocket springs, foam, and a gel-infused layer, which is not only incredibly comfortable, but it means that one of you can wake up in the night and hop out of bed without waking up the other.

She also added "I'm sensitive, not only to heat but to irritants too, so it's important that my mattress is hypoallergenic too. The OTTY is wrapped in a hypoallergenic fabric which was more than enough to keep my breathing clear, sending me off into a cool, undisturbed night of sleep, night after night."

What the experts did note was that the softness might be a little bit too much for back and side sleepers, since it is really soft. If you're not completely sure, there's a year to decide if it suits you or not.  We'd like it to have a warranty that's longer than five years. It might sound like a long time, but, compared to others, it's pretty short.

With that impressive set of feedback, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this is going to be an expensive mattress. However, it's actually really well-priced. We'd even say that it's at the cheaper end of foam cooling mattresses, without any of the negative connotations of a 'cheaper' option. The only thing we would recommend that you do is regularly rotate your OTTY by 180 degrees to keep it tip-top, but there are some useful side handles to help you manoeuvre it.


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 aircon 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."

Headshot of Musi Chayla, CEO of Sleep.8.
Musi Chayla

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 set-up
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.

Jacky Parker

Jacky Parker is a freelance interior & lifestyle journalist, specializing in modern interiors, design, and eco-living. 

She has written for Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Country Homes & Interiors, and Ideal Home for almost twenty years. Her work has also been featured in national and international publications including Sunday Times Style, The Telegraph, The Guardian, Grand Designs, House Beautiful, Elle Decoration, and more.  

With years of experience in the industry, Jacky is privy to the insider view and the go-to places for interior inspiration and design-savvy decor.

When she’s not writing about beautiful homes, interior ideas, or interviewing designers, she’s browsing Rightmove for a potential coastal retreat and contemplating what to eat.

Her personal home style is a modern mix of Scandinavian simplicity, period details, and plenty of plants. 

With contributions from