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Sleeping hot is a common issue for adults and children. Although our bodies naturally cool down during sleep, many people overheat and sweat in bed. A mattress constructed with breathable components can mitigate this problem. Some of the best mattress materials for cooling include ventilated foam or latex, coil systems that promote airflow, and covers made from breathable fibers like cotton, Tencel, or rayon derived from bamboo.
Most mattresses regulate temperature through passive cooling, but some newer models include features that provide active cooling by reducing the temperature of your sleep surface. People who sleep hot should consider investing in a mattress that excels at either passive or active cooling. We’ve personally tested hundreds of mattress models in our lab, and temperature control is one of the main criteria we use to evaluate each model.
Our top five picks for the best cooling mattresses on the market today are outlined below. Scroll down to learn more about each one.
The Sleep Doctor's Picks
Best Overall
Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price(Queen): $1,299
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- Breathable foams promote airflow and reduce heat retention
- Zoned transitional layer feels firmer and more supportive around the midsection
- Great motion isolation for couples and co-sleepers
Ideal For
- Athletes looking for pressure relief
- People who share their mattress with a partner
- Value seekers
The Molecule 2 AirTEC is a foam mattress designed with hot sleepers in mind. The mattress is constructed with a top layer of adaptive polyfoam infused with cooling crystals, followed by a second foam layer ventilated with small holes to promote airflow near the surface. A third foam layer features a convoluted shape that also circulates air, and a breathable cover completes the design.
During our sleep lab tests, we found that the Molecule 2 AirTEC’s medium firm (6) feel makes it well suited to side sleepers of any weight group and back sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds. Our side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds rated it highest, noting that its foam layers provide ample cushioning around areas prone to pressure buildup, like the shoulders and hips. Our back sleepers under 230 pounds especially liked the zoned third foam layer, which is designed to feel extra supportive beneath the torso and hips.
The Molecule 2 AirTEC performed exceptionally well during our motion isolation tests. While lying side by side on the mattress, both testers felt minimal movement when the other person changed positions or got out of bed. This means the mattress is probably suitable for anyone whose sleep is easily disrupted by their partner’s nighttime movements.
Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. Molecule also ships to Alaska and Hawaii for a fee. Each order is backed by a 365-night sleep trial with a required 30-night break-in period, and those who keep their mattress also receive a limited warranty that covers structural defects for its entire lifespan.
Geared toward athletes and active individuals who want both temperature control and pressure relief, the Molecule 2 AirTEC offers solid support at a reasonable price while still retaining less heat than the average all-foam mattress.
The Molecule 2 AirTEC performed very well during our temperature control tests, especially compared to other all-foam models we’ve evaluated. We recommend this mattress to anyone who normally sleeps hot on foam surfaces.
Best Value
Cocoon Chill
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $769 – $1,539
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Well-rounded mattress at a competitive price-point
- Phase change cover designed for temperature neutrality
- All-foam construction keeps motion transfer to a minimum
Ideal For
- Back and stomach sleepers
- Those seeking pressure relief
- Light sleepers and anyone who shares a bed
Cooling technologies often add significantly to the cost of a mattress. A notable exception is the Cocoon Chill from Sealy, an all-foam model that includes cooling features at a reasonable price-point.
The Cocoon Chill Mattress features a knit cover with phase change material engineered to keep sleepers cool by absorbing and dissipating heat. Our testing team found that they stayed reasonably cool even with the top memory foam layer, which conforms to the body to provide pressure relief. This effective temperature control is due in part to a polyfoam transitional layer that helped prevent our testers from sinking into the mattress and allowed them to move more easily across the surface of the bed.
For an added cost, shoppers can upgrade the mattress to “extra-chill.” This option adds phase change material to the memory foam layer and features enhanced cooling in a premium version of the PCM cover.
Falling at a medium firm (6) on our 10-point firmness scale, the 10-inch Cocoon Chill is designed to suit most body types and sleeping positions. All of our back and stomach sleepers found the mattress comfortable, though it was ranked highest by back sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds. Most of the side sleepers on our team also enjoyed its balanced feel, although some side sleepers under 130 pounds found it a bit too firm and said it lacked the close contouring they prefer.
Sealy offers free shipping to all U.S. customers, a 10-year limited warranty, and a 100-night sleep trial with a required 30-night break-in period.
The Cocoon Chill is priced competitively compared to similarly built mattresses, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious shoppers who sleep hot. A hybrid version is also available, which may be a good option for those looking for additional support and durability.
“The Cocoon Chill is a medium firm (6) foam mattress with a balanced feel that many of our testers loved. The mattress was exceptionally cool for an all-foam model, and it comes at an affordable price-point.”
Most Comfortable
Muse Mattress
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $1,245 – $1,745
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- All-foam design excels at pressure relief and motion isolation
- Gel infusion in top layer helps reduce heat buildup
- Cover is removable and machine-washable
Ideal For
- Side and back sleepers up to 230 pounds
- Couples
- People with persistent shoulder, back, or hip pain
While comfort is a subjective mattress quality, some beds offer balanced designs and appeal to a wider range of sleepers than others. The Muse Mattress is a prime example. A triple-layer all-foam design and medium firm (6) feel ensures close yet even contouring, so you’ll receive ample cushioning for your entire body without too much sinkage. The adaptive top layer molds to your figure, but the denser transitional and base layers deliver enough pushback to keep you on an even plane.
Foam mattresses get a bad rap for sleeping excessively hot. The Muse’s topmost layer is composed of memory foam infused with cooling gel intended to dissipate body heat on contact. Another cooling component is the cover made from a breathable blend of polyester and polyethylene. Bothersome heat buildup isn’t an issue with this mattress, according to our testers, and thermal sensors we use during our temperature control evaluations confirm this.
The Muse Mattress earned its most favorable ratings from side and back sleepers on our team. Those in the range of 130 to 230 pounds were particularly impressed with the mid-level firmness and gentle contouring. Our tests also show the mattress isolates movement exceptionally well. None of our testers noticed much motion transfer when lying side by side, even when the other person changed sleep positions or got in and out of bed.
Easy care is another strong point. The Muse’s cover can be removed and washed in household machines, allowing you to keep your sleep surface hygienic without too much hassle. Comparatively, the covers of most competing mattresses are non-removable and need to be spot cleaned if stains or smudges occur.
Competitive pricing and free shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. make the Muse suitable for shoppers with limited budgets. Your order comes with a sleep trial spanning 120 nights in length. Should you decide to keep the mattress after the trial period ends, you’ll also receive a 10-year warranty against structural defects.
The Muse Mattress is composed of adaptive foams that contour evenly without sinking or sacrificing support. We recommend this mattress to anyone who needs extra cushioning to sleep comfortably.
“Our hot sleepers tend to steer clear of heat-trapping all-foam mattresses, but they agreed the Muse Mattress felt cooler and more comfortable than the majority of foam beds they’ve tested. A cooling gel infusion and breathable cover help the mattress dissipate heat and maintain a reasonable temperature throughout the night.”
Best Luxury
Saatva Latex Hybrid
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Price Range: $1,295 – $2,990
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- Hybrid design allows for greater airflow
- Made with certified organic cotton and wool
- Free White Glove delivery within the contiguous U.S.
Ideal For
- Those who value natural and sustainable materials
- Back and stomach sleepers
- Sleepers who frequently switch positions
The Saatva Latex Hybrid combines the breathability of natural latex with the cooling airflow of a pocketed coil support core. Made with an emphasis on natural materials, this 12-inch mattress features cotton and wool that are certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard and latex certified by the Rainforest Alliance. To avoid the use of chemical adhesives, the bed is hand-tufted.
The medium firm (6) Saatva Latex Hybrid features a breathable cotton cover lined with a moisture-wicking natural flame barrier. The 3-inch Talalay latex comfort layer has five zones for enhanced lumbar support and is perforated for better breathability.
Our sleep lab testers of all body types and preferred sleep positions appreciated this mattress, with the exception of side sleepers under 130 pounds. These sleepers found the latex comfort system a bit too firm for their liking. However, back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds appreciated its balanced feel and breathable surface.
The combination sleepers on our team found that the bed’s responsive latex and recycled steel coils facilitate movement, making it easy to change positions. Additionally, we found that the pocketed coil support core encourages above-average edge support, so sleepers can use the entire surface of the bed without any concerns about sagging.
Saatva offers free White Glove delivery to shoppers in the contiguous U.S., which means the company delivers and sets up the bed in your home. Saatva will also remove your old mattress if necessary. The bed comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty.
Featuring luxury materials designed for breathability, the Saatva Latex Hybrid is an excellent option for hot sleepers willing to pay a little extra for cooling comfort.
“If you're looking for a high-end mattress that sleeps exceptionally cool, I recommend the Saatva Latex Hybrid. Breathable cotton, wool, latex, and coils optimize airflow to keep you cool throughout the night.”
Best Pressure Relief
Tuft & Needle Mint
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $1,295 – $2,295
Warranty: 10-Year, Limited
Highlights
- Proprietary T&N Adaptive Foam combines contouring and bounce
- Graphite and gel infusions designed to aid with temperature control
- Good edge support for an all-foam mattress
Ideal For
- Side and back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds
- People who sleep with a partner
- Sleepers seeking a balance of contouring and easy movement
Pressure relief and temperature control don’t often go hand in hand. Memory foam is good for pressure relief, but its close contouring also has the tendency to trap heat. The Tuft & Needle Mint combats this issue by using polyfoam instead of memory foam in its comfort system. The Mint also features ceramic gel and graphite infusions in the polyfoam layers, which is designed to draw heat away from sleepers.
The Mint uses a proprietary material in its comfort system called T&N Adaptive Foam. Our testers found that this open-cell foam gently contoured their bodies to provide strong pressure relief without the deep sinkage of traditional memory foam. They also noted that the reinforced edges allowed them to use the full surface of the bed.
The medium firm (6) construction of the Tuft & Needle Mint suits sleepers of most sleep positions and body types. All of our side and back sleepers felt cool and comfortable lying on its breathable knit cover, with side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds receiving the best combination of support and pressure relief.
Most of our stomach sleepers also felt supported by the polyfoam comfort system and 6.5-inch high-density polyfoam support core, although stomach sleepers over 230 pounds said they sank a bit too deeply in heavier areas such as the midsection.
The Tuft & Needle Mint ships free within the contiguous U.S. and includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
Combining the top-notch pressure relief valued by side sleepers with a balanced feel suitable for couples and combination sleepers, the Tuft & Needle Mint is a versatile all-foam mattress.
“Many of our testers with pressure points have difficulty finding a mattress that relieves sore spots without trapping heat. The Tuft & Needle Mint uses open-cell foams for enhanced airflow, so I noted minimal heat buildup.”
Why You Should Trust Us
We have many years of experience in the sleep product industry, and each product we review goes through a stringent testing process. We then turn that research into actionable advice for different sleeper types, including those who sleep hot.
Our testing team includes people of various body types and preferred sleep positions so that we can give you the most wide-ranging and comprehensive feedback on the products we review.
What Do Hot Sleepers Need for a Good Night's Sleep?
To find the perfect sleep temperature, you’ll need to consider multiple factors, from your mattress to your bedding and bedroom environment.
Find the Type of Mattress That Helps You Sleep Cool
The materials used to construct a mattress — including the cover, comfort layers, and support core — all contribute to how well it regulates temperature. Your sleeping position and body type may also play a role in whether you find that a mattress sleeps hot or cool. When choosing a mattress, consider the materials it’s made of and how far it lets you sink in. The more you sink in, the more likely it is that you’ll trap heat around your body.
What Makes a Bed Sleep Cool?
Some mattresses, such as innersprings or hybrids, naturally have more open space for heat to dissipate, thanks to their use of coils. Other mattresses attempt to regulate temperature by adding cut-outs or perforations to solid layers. They may also use components such as gel infusions, phase change material, or other elements designed to actively pull heat away from the surface of the bed.
Build a Cooler Sleeping Environment
In addition to a cooling mattress, there are many ways to optimize temperature for sleep. If you’re a hot sleeper, you may want to stay away from heat traps, such as memory foam pillows, and use a fan or air conditioning during warmer weather. You may also want to try incorporating breathable materials like cotton and linen into your bedding.
Best Cooling Mattress Types
The best cooling mattress should dissipate heat away from the sleeper. Mattresses can accomplish this using either breathable designs or cooling technology.
Foam Mattresses
Memory foam and polyfoam are often used in the comfort or support layers of a mattress. Synthetic foams have a tendency to trap heat, although many manufacturers add technology such as gel infusions or use open-cell designs to reduce heat retention.
Why Does Memory Foam Get Hot?
Memory foam is known for its close conforming. While this is ideal for relieving pressure, it leaves less room for heat to dissipate. The greater the surface contact with the body, the more heat the bed absorbs.
Foam Density, Heat Retention, and Sleeping Hot
Denser polyfoam and memory foam are often seen as more desirable mattress materials because they tend to last longer than low-density foams. However, denser foams are also more likely to trap heat, since they don’t have as much space between cells. If you sleep hot, you may want to seek out mattresses made with low-density foams or opt for a hybrid design with room for heat to escape through the support core.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses generally offer more breathability than their all-foam counterparts. Because hybrid mattresses combine foam, gel, or latex with a support layer of innersprings, they provide room for airflow that helps mitigate heat retention from the upper layers. Certain hybrids may sleep hotter than others depending on the firmness and the materials used in the comfort system.
Latex Mattresses
Although they don’t have the open design of coils, all-latex mattresses generally sleep cooler than polyfoam or memory foam mattresses. Natural latex is relatively breathable and doesn’t conform as closely to the sleeper, so it tends to trap less heat around the body. Many companies also use perforated latex to allow more room for heat to escape.
Airbeds
The ability of an airbed to regulate temperature depends largely on its comfort layers. Airbeds made with memory foam may trap heat, whereas those made with latex may sleep cooler. The air chambers themselves generally retain minimal heat.
Cooling Mattress Materials
Mattress manufacturers use a variety of cooling technologies designed to keep sleepers cool.
Coils and Springs
Coils and springs are mostly empty space, which allows for airflow and encourages heat to escape the mattress. Innerspring mattresses with minimal comfort systems tend to sleep the coolest. Hybrid mattresses combine springs with layers of foam or latex, which can add benefits like pressure relief while still maintaining a more neutral temperature compared to an all-foam mattress.
Gel-Infused Foam
Memory foam and polyfoam mattresses often incorporate gel infusions intended to help them sleep cooler. The gel is designed to absorb and release body heat instead of allowing it to stay in the mattress.
Copper-Infused Foam
Copper has a reputation for its ability to conduct heat. Manufacturers may include copper infusions in a mattress with the intention of drawing heat away from the surface.
Natural Latex
Natural latex is very breathable and it tends to conform less closely, meaning sleepers make less contact with the surface of the mattress. Additionally, latex may contain tiny pinholes that allow heat to escape.
Celliant Fiber
Celliant is a proprietary material designed to convert body heat into infrared energy. This is thought to reduce moisture buildup and help moderate temperature.
Less Sweat and More Shut-Eye: Creating an Ideal Sleeping Environment
Sleeping in a hot room can be difficult. If you’re finding it impossible to sleep soundly during warm summer nights, you may find it helpful to make changes to your bedding or invest in a fan or air conditioning. However, while these solutions should help keep most hot sleepers cool, they may not be sufficient if your mattress traps an excessive amount of heat.
Find the Right Temperature for a Cool Night’s Sleep
Many people find that the ideal temperature for sleeping is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, although this is subjective. Those who sleep hot may wish to set the temperature lower. Experiment to see which temperature works for you.
You can keep the room cooler by closing the shades during the day and opening windows in the evening. A bedroom fan or air conditioning may also be helpful.
Look for Breathable Sheets
Some bedsheet materials retain more heat than others. Flannel and fleece are perfect for many sleepers on a chilly winter evening, but lightweight materials like linen breathe better. Wool also excels at wicking moisture to prevent sweat from building up.
The breathability of materials can also vary depending on their density and weave. For example, cotton fabric with a percale weave tends to be more breathable than a sateen weave. Polyester can also take on different qualities depending on its weave.
Cooler Sheet Types:
- Linen
- Tencel
- Cotton with a percale weave
Hotter Sheet Types:
- Flannel
- Fleece
- Cotton with a sateen weave
Don’t Weigh Yourself Down With Heavy Blankets
Many people find they sleep easier using a blanket, but this may cause problems in a hot climate. For hot sleepers, it’s important to seek out materials that allow heat and moisture to escape the bed. Wool is a good option, as it stays dry and generally maintains a neutral temperature. As a general rule, lightweight materials tend to trap less heat.
Swap Out Your Old Pillow With a Cooling Pillow
Whereas polyester or memory foam pillows may retain heat, cooling pillows are built with breathable components designed to reduce overheating. Some options include buckwheat, kapok fibers, or some natural latex models. It’s also important to choose a breathable pillowcase.
If Your Bed’s Too Hot, Try a Cooling Mattress Topper
For hot sleepers who aren’t ready to invest in a new mattress, a cooling mattress topper may offer a solution. Usually between 1 and 4 inches thick and made of gel-infused memory foam, latex, or wool, a cooling topper adds an extra breathable layer between the mattress and sleeper. Some mattress toppers may also incorporate cooling technology, such as phase change material.
Keep in mind that certain mattress toppers may worsen overheating problems. For instance, regular memory foam toppers are likely to display the same heat retention as traditional memory foam mattresses. Just like you would when choosing a mattress, be sure to look for materials known for their cooling abilities.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Lead Product Tester
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- Position: Side Sleeper
- Temperature: Hot Sleeper
- Chronotype: Lion
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