Why You Can Trust CNET Best Cooling Mattress Toppers of 2024
New mattresses are expensive. The best mattress toppers can help you achieve better rest at a much lower cost.
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When you sleep at night, sleeping too hot can cause you to get a poor quality of sleep. It could keep you up at night or, at the very least, cause you to toss and turn from discomfort. Anyone who has experienced this regularly may want to consider getting one of the best cooling mattress toppers, especially if you already like the way your mattress feels.
In the mattress industry, brands will advertise innovative cooling properties that banish heat from your bed. The reality is, not all cooling products actually work as advertised. Many only regulate heat without actually cooling you off.
We tested the best cooling mattress toppers so you don't have to. We paid close attention to materials, thickness, feel, firmness and overall value. These are the ones that stood out the most. Let's dig into our favorite picks.
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What is the best overall cooling mattress topper?
During our testing, we determined that Saatva's cooling graphite mattress topper is the best overall topper you can buy. Saatva is a brand known for quality, so it wasn't surprising to see its medium-firm cooling topper perform so well.
The Saatva cooling mattress topper is 3 inches of foam with a layer of graphite that's responsible for cooling. It's not going to feel like ice when you touch it, but it pulls the heat away from your body while you're in bed, which is all that most people need. Not to mention, this topper is extremely comfortable. We think it's in the medium-firm range, meaning almost anyone will like how it feels. You can't go wrong with the Saatva mattress topper.
Best cooling mattress toppers and pads for 2024
Saatva is a trusted mattress brand well known for its quality products. Saatva's cooling mattress topper is no different -- it's 3 inches of comfy foam infused with a layer of cooling graphite, which is designed to pull heat away from your body while you sleep. This cooling mattress topper offers a medium-firm foam feel that limits motion transfer well, which is a bonus if you have a partner who moves around a lot at night.
When testing, we found that Saatva's Cooling Graphite Mattress Topper had no off-gassing period. It has mattress straps that hug the corners of the bed, which keeps it from shifting at night. While this cooling mattress topper isn't icy cold when you touch it, the graphite technology Saatva implements did keep our team from heating up throughout the night.
The Saatva cooling mattress topper's care instructions are spot clean only. It can't be machine washed or dry cleaned. Still, thanks to the pressure relief, graphite-infused design and medium-firm profile, the Saatva Cooling Graphic Mattress Topper is our pick for the best overall cooling mattress topper.
Pros
- Good option for back and stomach sleepers who need a firmer feel
- Foam is treated to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew
- Straps help keep the topper sturdy on your mattress
Cons
- It's on the pricey end of mattress toppers
- You'll have to spot clean the cover if it gets dirty
Additional details
- Thickness: 3 inches
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Trial period: 180-night trial, one-year limited warranty
- Care: Spot clean
If your mattress is too firm, and you want to add a bit of pressure relief, consider the Tempur Adapt + Cooling Mattress topper. We think it's one of the best mattress toppers for back pain thanks to its 3-inch thick profile that feels cool when you touch it, and supportive medium-firm profile. People with back pain should opt for a firmer topper to ensure proper alignment along the spine and neck.
We think it's one of the most comfortable cooling mattress toppers on the market, which isn't surprising from a mattress giant like Tempur-Pedic. If you want to wake up cool and pain-free, we think it's hard to beat the Tempur Adapt Cooling Mattress Topper. This cooling mattress topper features a removable and machine-washable cover, which also gives in a leg up in the cleaning department.
Pros
- The cover is machine washable
- Cool-to-the-touch feel is ideal for hot sleepers
Cons
- Tempur-Pedic is an expensive brand and so are its toppers
- You won't be able to get your money back if you don't like it
Additional details
- Thickness: 3 inches
- Firmness: Medium-firm or 7
- Trial: No returns, 10-year warranty
- Care: Removable and washable cover, spot clean topper
The Nest Bedding cooling mattress topper consists of 2 inches of Energex Foam, which is specific to Nest. It doesn't have a traditional memory foam experience that sucks you into the bed. It has more of a neutral foam feel that everyone can enjoy. Unlike other cooling mattress toppers, the Nest topper has bubbles in the foam, allowing it to have good airflow so you won't get too hot at night. It looks pretty cool, too.
The textured gray cover is made from the same phase-changing material as the Nest Alexander Mattress. It also has straps on each corner to help secure the topper to the mattress so it doesn't shift while you toss and turn at night. It's a good choice for most sleepers, especially side sleepers who want a little more pressure relief.
Pros
- Good pick for all sleeping positions, including side sleepers
- Straps help secure the topper to your mattress
Cons
- It's not as thick as some of the other toppers on our list
- You'll have to spot clean if you spill
Additional details
- Thickness: 2 inches
- Trial period: 30 nights. two-year warranty
- Care: Spot clean
- Firmness: Medium
The PlushBeds 100% Natural Talalay Latex Topper doesn't use any cooling technology. Instead, it's made from natural latex, which is naturally cooler than foams. It features an open-cell structure that carries your body heat away from your body and redistributes it through the topper. Thanks to its natural latex design, we think it's one of the market's best hypoallergenic cooling mattress toppers. It's naturally antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and dust mite- and mildew-resistant.
This cooling mattress topper is super thick and sturdy but has enough give that you get ample pressure relief, which is a must if you're a side sleeper. We think it's a great option for hot sleepers trying to stretch out the life of their mattress.
We like the versatility that the PlushBeds Natural Talalay Latex Topper offers. You can choose from a 2- or 3-inch height and the full firmness scale. You can also add an organic cotton cover for an extra charge that varies based on the size. We tested the medium-firm, three-inch cooling mattress topper and found plenty of pressure relief without letting your body sink too far.
Pros
- Multiple firmness options available to appeal to every sleeping position
- Multiple height options to pick from
- Made with environmentally friendly materials
Cons
- It'll have to be spot cleaned if it gets dirty
- You'll have to pay a steep price for it as it's made with natural materials
- It can't be returned
Additional details
- Thickness: 2 inches, 3 inches
- Firmness: Soft, medium soft, medium, medium firm and extra firm
- Trial: Not returnable,five-year warranty
- Care: Spot clean
Slightly thinner than other cooling mattress toppers on the list, the Brooklinen Down Alternative Topper is one of the best down alternative cooling mattress toppers you can buy. It's also great if you're on a budget.
This cooling mattress topper has a soft, microgel design with a quilted top that evenly distributes the fill across the topper. It has an attached skirt rather than straps, so it functions almost more as a mattress protector than a topper. It isn't going to offer you the generous amounts of pressure relief that other options will, and if you're looking to change the feel of your mattress, it won't do that either.
However, the down alternative is ideal for sleepers with allergies or those who don't want animal products on their bed. This cooling mattress topper is breathable, antibacterial and hypoallergenic.
Pros
- Budget-friendly pick for people who want a little added comfort
- Down alternative materials are more eco-friendly than regular down
- Fits over your mattress like sheets so it stays secure
Cons
- It's more like a mattress pad than topper
- It won't make a significant change in your bed's firmness or feel
Additional details
- Trial: 365-day trial period, one-year warranty
- Care: Machine wash cool, tumble dry on low
If you like the feel of memory foam and you're looking for serious pressure relief, then you'll love Nature's Sleep Mattress Topper. It's our pick for the best cooling memory foam mattress topper.
This cooling mattress topper is three inches of foam encased in a soft cover that stretches around your mattress. It features AirFlow Gel Memory Foam for top-level cooling. All foam is CertiPUR-US approved, meaning it's made without ozone depleters and meets third-party emissions and durability standards. This cooling gel mattress topper is the best cooling memory foam mattress topper since just about anyone can sleep on it -- side, back and stomach sleepers. It's almost more affordable than other options on the list.
The Nature's Sleep Mattress Topper will take a couple of hours to fully decompress, as indicated on the packaging.
Pros
- According to Nature's Sleep, it's a good pick for all sleeping positions
- One of the more affordable picks on our list
Cons
- It'll have to be spot cleaned if you spill something on it
Additional details
- Thickness: 3 inches
- Trial: 101-night sleep trial
- Care: Spot clean only
GhostBed has to be on the list of the best cooling mattress toppers, as it's one of the only mattress brands that offer true cooling mattress products. Featuring an intricate design, the GhostBed Memory Foam Topper is the most stylish cooling mattress you can get.
This cooling mattress topper is divided into five sections of waves, squiggles and swirls with different textures and firmness. This isn't a new concept; it's zoned support, which mattresses like Casper and Leesa use. Essentially, this cooling topper is slightly firmer in spots where your body needs extra support or cushion.
The strategic cuts and carvings of the GhostBed Memory Foam Mattress Topper promote cooling airflow. Not to mention, GhostBed is cool to the touch. It also has deep-pocket covers that function as a waterproof mattress protector. Overall, we like this best cooling mattress topper because it contours to your body while cooling you. It's a hot sleeper's dream!
Pros
- It's easy to clean in the case of a spill
- Zoned foam offers targeted pressure relief and support
- Suitable for all sleeping positions
- Deep pocket covers
Cons
- It can't be returned if you don't like it
Additional details
- Thickness: 3 inches
- Firmness: Medium
- Trial: Five-year warranty, free delivery
- Care: Removable machine washable cover
The Cozy Earth Mattress Pad is a hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating mattress pad made from 100% bamboo-derived viscose. While it's not technically a mattress topper, it's still a great choice for hot sleepers or people who live in a humid environment. Mattress pads are similar to mattress toppers. However, they tend to be thinner and designed to add comfort, not changing how the bed feels like a topper does. The Cozy Earth Mattress Pad is one of the best cooling mattress pads, as it features deep pockets that keep it from slipping off your mattress while you sleep.
When testing, our team's first impression was that this cooling mattress pad looked high quality and soft. It's temperature-regulating but not icy cold to the touch. You shouldn't expect to be instantly cooled when you sleep on it. However, it may redistribute your heat better than your mattress.
Pros
- Made with eco-friendly bamboo viscose
- More affordable than a mattress topper
Cons
- It's thinner than a topper and won't change your bed's firmness
Additional details
- Trial period: 100-night risk-free trial, 10-year warranty
- Care: Spot clean or dry clean
- Who it's best for: People on a budget who want to add comfort to their bed without changing how it feels
While it's not a mattress topper, the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector makes this list of the best cooling mattress pads because it's inspired by the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress -- one of the only truly cooling mattresses on the market. Waterproof, hypoallergenic and made from high-quality cotton, this cooling mattress protector is a great choice for hot sleepers who like the feel and firmness of their current mattress; they just want the temperature benefits.
Made to pull heat away from your body, the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector is super soft and cool. It's machine washable and fits any average-size mattress from 11 to 14 inches thick.
If your mattress is too firm or you want to add another layer of foam to your bed, this isn't the right choice. It is strictly for those who want to protect their bed from stains, dust mites and bed bugs. Or someone who just wants to sleep cooler at night.
Pros
- Protects your mattress against stains, water damage, bugs, dust and other household allergens
- Machine washable
- Offers a good value
Cons
- Won't change the feel or firmness of your mattress
Additional details
- Trial: 30-night trial
- Warranty: Three-year warranty for protector defects
- Care: Machine washable
The Cool Flash Pad Cooling Body Pad isn't a mattress topper or mattress protector. It's a cooling sleeping pad designed for single-person use. That's why we think it's a good choice for sleeping with hot flashes or fevers.
This cooling body pad is pressure activated, so you must lie on it or sit to feel the benefits. Unlike cooling mattress toppers, this cooling pad needs time to recharge. It stays cool for around three hours and takes 30 minutes to recharge. Also, put it in the fridge or freezer for an even colder experience. This cooling body pad is best suited when you need to cool off fast, like when you have a fever or are experiencing a hot flash.
The Cool Flash Pad Cooling Body Pad is lightweight and easy to travel with. It's available in large (43.4 by 27.6 inches) and small (11.75 by 15.75 inches) sizes.
Pros
- You can put it in the fridge or freezer for a more intense cooling feel
- Great for hot flashes, fevers or when you need immediate cooling relief
Cons
- It's only big enough for one person
Additional details
- Trial: 12-month limited manufacturer's warranty
- Care: Clean with mild soap and water
How we test the best cooling mattress toppers
We chose the best cooling mattress toppers for this list the only way you can, by testing them. We approached testing cooling mattress toppers like we test mattresses, considering performance, pricing and warranty. We assessed the toppers on key factors like firmness, feel and cooling performance when working with them.
Firmness and feel
We all have preferences when it comes to our beds, and the industry has done a great job of making sure that a wide range of options are available to you. However, this means there will be plenty of mattresses and toppers out there that won't suit your needs. Firmness and feel are the two main things you must remember when shopping for mattresses.
Firmness is a measure of how hard or soft your mattress is. A lot of this is a preference, but some of it relies on your sleep position. Back and stomach sleepers generally need a firmer mattress, while side or combination sleepers tend to value the pressure relief that a softer mattress topper offers.
How your mattress topper feels is another crucial factor. They're all comfortable, but you won't feel the same when lying down on them. Some have the traditional stuck-in-the-mud memory foam feel, while others boast a neutral foam feel that's more like a cloud. Both firmness and feel are highlighted in each review.
Cooling performance
Regarding cooling products, performance is one of the most important things we consider. The word "cooling" gets tossed around a lot in the mattress industry, but very few mattress toppers actually cool you. Most of the time, they pull heat away from the body with gel foam or superior airflow.
Price and warranty information
It's important to us that all budgets and price points are reasonably reflected on our lists. We also compared the warranty information of each mattress topper so you know exactly what you get when you buy. Online shopping for mattress products can be intimidating. Thankfully, most companies offer robust trial periods and free returns.
What to consider when shopping for the best cooling mattress topper
The mattress topper market is flooded with various options, making it difficult to choose the best mattress topper for your needs. With cooling mattress toppers, the search can get even more involved. How do you know which toppers cool you and which are just clever marketing? Thankfully, a few key factors can help you determine your ideal cooling mattress topper.
- Material: The first thing to remember when shopping for the best cooling mattress topper is what it's made of. Most of this comes down to preference -- do you like memory foam? Or want a more natural option? Some materials, like latex foam, are naturally cooler than foam.
- Thickness and firmness: Many cooling mattress toppers have various thickness and firmness options. This is important for how much you want to change the feel of your mattress. You can turn a too-firm mattress into a plush memory foam dream with a topper. Alternatively, you can also firm up your mattress with a topper.
- Cooling features: Cooling mattresses and toppers will have additional features that contribute to their cooling -- that's what sets them apart from standard mattress toppers. Look for cooling elements like phase-change material, copper or graphite-infused or heat-wicking innovation.
- Cleaning: Cooling foam toppers are not like sheets -- you can't just throw them in the washing machine. They are similar to mattresses in that they have very specific cleaning instructions, most of which are spot-clean only. However, if you're prone to spills, opting for a cooling mattress topper with a removable and machine-washable cover is a good idea.
Other mattress toppers we've tested
We've tested a ton of mattress toppers, not just the ones that cool you. We've even made a list of the best mattress toppers to help make it easier to find your ideal match. Here are some other toppers we've tested that are worth checking out.
Allswell 4-inch Topper Infused with Copper Gel: The Allswell mattress topper has a two-layer design that offers two inches of comfort on top and two inches of support below. It strikes a nice balance between being a comfortable topper that doesn't sacrifice support.
Layla Memory Foam Topper: The Layla topper is a great option if you want to soften your mattress, but you don't want a dense memory foam feel. You know, the feeling of the bed slowly swallowing you up. You won't find that with the Layla topper. This memory topper has a light and airy, neutral-foam feel.
Birch Plus Organic Mattress Topper: The Birch mattress topper is made from cotton and latex, which makes it hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. It's a good option if you want a firm feel when you sleep. The latex also allows for increased airflow.
DreamFoam Gel Swirl Topper: If you're looking for a true memory foam mattress topper feel, you'll love the DreamFoam Gel Swirl Topper. It has between a medium and medium-soft firmness level.
What's the difference between a cooling pad, cooling protector and cooling topper?
The best cooling mattress toppers, pads and protectors often get lumped together. However, there are a few key differences between them.
Cooling mattress toppers go on top of your mattress and often have straps that secure it to the bed. They are most often used to add substantial pressure relief or change how your mattress feels. A cooling mattress topper can make your bed more or less firm. They range from one to four inches thick. Cooling mattress pads add cushion to your mattress, but they don't change how your bed feels. Cooling mattress protectors encase your mattress to protect it from spills and dust mites. Some have minimal padding but not as much as a mattress pad or topper.
Other cooling sleeping products
Hot sleepers have many options for cooling down at night. If you're ready to dive into cooling mattresses, we tested the top options available on our best cooling mattress review, which features mattresses like Ghostbed Luxe and Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe.
We know mattresses and even mattress toppers, for that matter, are expensive. Thankfully, you can still get some cooling relief without breaking the bank and opt for cooling sheets or pillows..
Best cooling mattress topper FAQ
What is a mattress topper?
A mattress topper is a slab of foam material that goes on top of your mattress to make it more comfortable. Typically ranging from one to four inches, mattress toppers can help you change the firmness of your mattress without buying a whole new mattress. They are great for people on a budget who need to extend the life of their current bed.
Do cooling mattress toppers really work?
Yes, the best cooling mattress toppers work. However, they don't all work in the same way. Many cooling mattress toppers are made with cooling technology, like phase change material or graphite-infused layers of foam. These innovations help to keep you from getting too hot at night. But that doesn't mean they cool you down.
Only a few mattresses and mattress toppers are physically cool when you touch them, Ghostbed and Brooklyn Bedding being two of the most popular.
Which mattress toppers are best at cooling?
The mattress topper that is the best at cooling is specifically designed with technologies that allow them to do so. Certain materials, like latex foam, are naturally cool. But there are other things companies add in their cooling mattress toppers that keep you from getting too warm -- like phase-changing material or cooling gel. The best cooling mattress toppers that physically cool you are options like Ghostbed.
How do you keep a mattress topper from sliding?
The last thing you want is a cooling mattress topper that moves around when you sleep, requiring constant adjustment. Companies combat this with straps and skirts that secure the topper to your mattress. Some options even have a grippy material on the underside of the topper that secures it to your mattress.