The 10 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers of 2023

If you’re tired of battling night sweats, these breathable and moisture-wicking toppers will give you a good night’s sleep.

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Cooling Mattress Toppers

Real Simple / Marcus Millan

Whether you’re a year-round hot sleeper or trying to escape stuffy summer nights, a cooling mattress topper can prevent overheating and regulate your body temperature so you stay comfortable and cool.

“It's important to choose a topper made of materials that promote airflow and heat dissipation, such as gel-infused memory foam, latex foam, or breathable fabrics like bamboo or cotton," says Jeff Kahn, published sleep expert and CEO of Rise Science. 

To find the best cooling mattress toppers, we researched various options on the market while comparing materials, height, cooling properties, and price. In addition to Kahn, we spoke to Lauri Leadley, a clinical sleep educator and president of Valley Sleep Center, and Byron Golub, the vice president of product and merchandising at the bedding company Saatva.

Since a regulated, cool temperature is essential for a good night’s sleep, Leadley recommends prioritizing quality—even if you have to spend a bit extra. “The mattress topper sits atop the mattress, and it’s that much closer to your skin,” she says. “It’s a purchase you won’t regret.”

Best Overall Cooling Mattress Topper

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Saatva

What Stands Out
  • This supportive and firm mattress topper has an impressive trial period.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s not machine washable.

With 3 inches of plush, comfortable memory foam infused with cooling graphite, the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper is our top pick to give you a refreshing night’s sleep. The cover is made from moisture-wicking and breathable organic cotton and treated with a patented antimicrobial treatment that prevents mold, mildew, and other bacteria growth. 

The memory foam construction relieves pressure as you sleep, so you wake up well-rested. This topper has a one-year limited warranty and comes with a 180-night trial, which is longer than some other offerings. It can be spot cleaned with a gentle cleaning solution, but can't go in the washing machine. 

Price at time of publish: $445 for queen

Material: Graphite memory foam, natural latex, organic cotton | Height: 3 inches | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king | Return Policy: 180 days

Best Budget Cooling Mattress Topper

Sleep Zone Premium Mattress Pad

Sleep Zone Premium Mattress Pad

Amazon

What Stands Out
  • This thin, affordable pick is machine washable. 

What Could Be Improved
  • It doesn’t offer much support. 

The Sleep Zone Cooling Mattress Pad is like an upgraded fitted sheet, with light padding and cooling capabilities to keep you comfortable throughout the night. It’s made with Nanotex Coolest Comfort technology, which helps wick away moisture for 30+ washes. The fabric is a brushed, quick-drying microfiber filled with ultra-breathable spiral silicone fibers for a soft, cool environment that lulls you to sleep. 

The elastic band around the topper can fit mattresses up to 21 inches thick to ensure it stays in place regardless of how much you toss and turn. And for those concerned with cleaning their bedding, this pick is also machine washable on a cold setting.

This topper comes in six sizes and three colors and has three ergonomic zones to provide support and comfort while you sleep. Though this is an affordable option, it feels more luxurious than it is. That said, it is thinner than your typical mattress topper, so if you want an ultra-supportive pick, we recommend opting for another on our list.  

Price at time of publish: $54 for queen

Material: Brushed microfiber, silicone fibers | Height: Not listed | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 30 days via Amazon

Best Down Cooling Mattress Topper

Italic Superplush Goose Down Mattress Topper

Italic-superplush-goose-down-mattress-topper

Italic

What Stands Out
  • This mattress topper has the plush feel of goose down with cooling properties to prevent you from overheating. 

What Could Be Improved
  • The return policy could be more flexible.

The Italic Superplush Goose Down Mattress Topper is a quilted, multi-layered, and temperature-regulating topper filled with fluffy goose down you can sink into. While it might seem counterintuitive, goose down can keep you warm in cold winters but is also super light, heat-adaptable, and moisture-wicking. This topper can keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter for year-round comfort. 

The top cover is 70 percent cotton and 30 percent Tencel—a moisture-wicking and cooling material ideal for hot sleepers. The company offers a 30-day return window, although returned products have to be in original condition with the packaging intact. 

Price at time of publish: $175 for queen

Material: Cotton, Tencel, 600 fill power white goose down | Height: 2 inches | Size Range: Full, queen, king | Return Policy: 30 days

Best Latex Cooling Mattress Topper

PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper

PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper

Amazon

What Stands Out
  • You can customize the firmness and thickness of this mattress topper for a personalized finish. 

What Could Be Improved
  • This mattress topper could be machine washable. 

As the most customizable cooling mattress topper on our list, the PlushBeds 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper allows you to select from two thicknesses (2 or 3 inches) and five firmness levels (soft, medium-soft, medium, medium-firm, or extra firm). It’s made from sustainably harvested organic latex that’s Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Greenguard Gold, and GOLS certified. 

The latex has an open-cell design for optimal heat distribution and reduced motion transfer, making this pick ideal for couples who want to stay cool. “I love latex toppers the best because the material is naturally antimicrobial, which keeps the sleep environment clean and healthy—plus it’s a more supportive topper compared to foam,” says Lauri Leadley, a clinical sleep educator and the founder of Valley Sleep Center. “If you love a firm mattress, you’ll love a latex topper. The breathable fabric, support, cool and hygienic sleeping surface is a recipe for snooze.” According to the brand, the toppers can last up to 20 years and have a five-year warranty. 

Price at time of publish: $524 for queen

Material: Natural latex | Height: 2 inches, 3 inches | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 100 days via Amazon

Best Wool Cooling Mattress Topper

Nest Bedding Organic Merino Wool Topper

Nest Bedding Organic Merino Wool Topper

Nest Bedding

What Stands Out
  • This thin cooling mattress topper is made with quality materials like organic cotton and organic merino wool. 

What Could Be Improved
  • This topper could have more height for additional comfort. 

Though it looks more like a duvet than a mattress topper, the Nest Bedding Organic Merino Wool Topper offers a soft, cool sleep surface for anyone wanting respite from stuffy or uncomfortable bedding. This luxury topper is made of certified organic cotton jacquard and filled with certified organic fine merino wool, which is naturally moisture-wicking. The company offers a 30-night free trial so you can be sure this is the best cooling mattress topper for you. 

Since the organic merino wool is a natural material, it’s ideal for anyone with allergies to down or polyester and keeps dust mites, bed bugs, and mold at bay. At just 1.5 inches thick, this lightweight option is easy to put on the bed, but it won’t offer any additional mattress height. You can’t machine-wash this topper, so if you want easier care and cleaning, the company also sells a washable wool topper

Price at time of publish: $339 for queen

Material: Merino wool, organic cotton | Height: 1.5 inches | Size Range: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 30 days

Best Bamboo Cooling Mattress Topper

Subrtex 3-Inch Gel-Infused Memory Foam Bed Mattress Topper

Subrtex 3-Inch Gel-Infused Memory Foam Bed Mattress Topper

Walmart

What Stands Out
  • This affordable, temperature-regulating topper has a removable, washable cover. 

What Could Be Improved
  • It requires 48 to 72 hours to expand. 

The Subrtex topper is made of cooling, gel-infused memory foam and comes with a removable, machine-washable bamboo rayon cover for easy care and maintenance. Bamboo is naturally breathable, making this pick ideal for anyone who overheats at night. The memory foam has a ventilated design for maximum airflow and breathability, and it comes in 2-, 3-, and 4-inch versions so you can tailor the cushioning to your unique sleeping preferences. 

This mattress topper also comes with adjustable straps you can firmly attach to your mattress and a non-slip mesh fabric backing to prevent it from shifting or sliding. This topper is CertiPUR-US certified, Oeko-Tex certified, and free from formaldehyde and phthalates, while a 10-year warranty gives users extra peace of mind on their purchase. One thing to keep in mind is that it can take anywhere from 48 to 72 hours to fully expand. And though it provides a light level of support, this is not an extra-firm or supportive topper. However, if you like sinking into your bed while staying cool, this might be right for you.

Price at time of publish: $137 for queen

Material: Gel-infused memory foam, bamboo cover | Height: 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 30 days

Best Memory Foam Cooling Mattress Topper

ViscoSoft Active Cooling Copper Topper

ViscoSoft Active Cooling Copper Topper

Amazon

What Stands Out
  • This copper-infused cooling mattress topper adds an impressive 4 inches to your mattress. 

What Could Be Improved
  • This pick is one of the most expensive options on our list. 

The ViscoSoft Active Cooling Copper Topper has an array of impressive cooling materials to keep you comfortable throughout the night. With an open cell structure to allow more airflow, copper-infused foam that draws heat from the body, and a cooling cover made of phase-changing yarn, this plush pick has high-quality materials specially designed to minimize heat and stuffiness as you sleep. 

This luxurious topper is 4 inches high and super supportive—ideal for those who suffer from pain or stiffness. Its structural foam encourages proper alignment and eliminates motion transfer for those sleeping with a partner. To ensure it stays in place, it also has an anti-slip back and adjustable straps. Plus, the cover is removable and machine-washable for streamlined care and cleaning. It comes in ivory or black and has a 90-day money-back guarantee and a five-year warranty. This product is pricier than other options but has high-quality materials and a design worth the investment. 

Price at time of publish: $470

Material: Copper-infused memory foam, phase-changing yarn | Height: 4 inches | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 90 days

Best Firm Cooling Mattress Topper

Layla Memory Foam Topper

Layla-memory-foam-topper

Laylasleep

What Stands Out
  • This cooling pick provides extra support and has copper-infused memory foam to pull heat from your body. 

What Could Be Improved
  • It could have more thickness options to choose from. 

If you prefer a firm, supportive sleeping environment, opt for the Layla Memory Foam Topper. This extra firm yet supple topper keeps the hips and shoulders aligned by allowing you to sink into the top layer, while the middle memory foam keeps your body supported. This memory foam is also infused with copper gel beads that absorb body heat, offering a sweat-free and comfortable sleep.

The topper cover can be removed and machine-washed and has straps to keep it affixed to your mattress. Plus, it comes rolled up and expands in just a few hours so you can sleep on it the same night. The company offers a 120-night trial, hassle-free returns, and a five-year guarantee. 

Price at time of publish: $289 for queen

Material: Copper-infused memory foam | Height: 2 inches | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 120 days

Best Plush Cooling Mattress Topper

Coop Retreat Mattress Topper

Coop-retreat-mattress-topper

Coopsleepgoods

What Stands Out
  • This topper creates a cloud-like sleeping experience and has an impressive return window.

What Could Be Improved
  • It only comes in two sizes.

If you’re looking for a luxurious night’s sleep for all seasons, add this amazingly plush mattress topper to your bed. Made with a breathable, hypoallergenic, cross-cut virgin memory foam that’s blended with microfiber for top-of-the-line air flow, the Coop Sleep Goods topper keeps you cool and comfy while you snooze. It has a baffle box construction (like a duvet insert) that keeps the filling evenly spread out without a clump in sight. It’s also super soft and mildly supportive, with excellent temperature control. 

If you want to add a layer of softness to a too-firm mattress, this topper is ideal. You can’t put it in the washing machine, but occasional spot cleaning will keep it pristine. While it’s more expensive than some other options on the market, the high-quality materials are Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, plus the brand offers a 100-day trial with easy returns and a five-year warranty. 

Price at time of publish: $299

Material: Brushed microfiber, memory foam | Height: 5 inches | Size Range: Queen, king | Return Policy: 100 days

Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Adapt+ Cooling 3-Inch Mattress Topper

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR Adapt+ Cooling 3-Inch Mattress Topper

Amazon

What Stands Out
  • This mattress topper conforms to your body, providing support even for side sleepers.

What Could Be Improved
  • The return policy varies depending on where you shop.

If you wake up feeling sore or out of sorts, it’s likely time to add some extra support to your bed. The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt+ Cooling Topper has 3 inches of cooling and pressure-relieving technology that adapts to your body shape, weight, and temperature, which is especially handy for side sleepers who want a topper that conforms to their shape. This pick also includes a soft-to-the-touch, breathable, and stretchy knit cover that’s removable and washable.

The topper has corner straps and non-slip backing to keep it securely in place. Unfortunately, the return policy for this topper varies depending on where you shop. Purchases through Amazon are eligible for 30-day returns, but purchases directly from the brand are final sale—though this topper does come with a 10-year warranty. 

Price at time of publish: $499 for queen

Material: Memory foam | Height: 3 inches | Size Range: Twin, twin long, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 30 days via Amazon

Final Verdict

The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper is our top pick for its 3 inches of plush and comfy memory foam, breathable organic cotton cover, and impressive 180-day trial period. If you want an affordable pick that is machine washable for convenient maintenance and care, opt for the Sleep Zone Premium Mattress Pad. It has a soft, microfiber cover and a silicone fiber filling that won’t get stuffy or hot.  

How to Shop for Cooling Mattress Toppers

Material

Cooling mattress toppers are typically made of breathable and moisture-wicking materials such as latex, wool, memory foam, gel memory foam, down, and bamboo. “Air circulation is at the heart of most sleep-related cooling,” says Byron Golub, vice president of product and merchandising at Saatva

Traditional foam can trap heat close to the body, which is why most cooling pads utilize memory foam, according to Golub. And some types of memory foam allow more airflow than others. Natural latex, for example, has an open-cell structure that makes it cooler than synthetic versions.

“Look for a cooling mattress topper that’s made of latex," says sleep expert Lauri Leadley. "It'll be more expensive than other fabrics such as foam or fiber, but comprises natural materials that provide better air circulation, thus giving you a cooler night’s sleep."

Wool is another exceptionally breathable material, which regulates temperature for those who tend to get too hot or cold at night. In warm weather, it wicks away sweat, but when temperatures drop, it’s a good insulator. Wool is also naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial.

Cooling Properties

Moisture-wicking materials like cotton, wool, or poly-fiber, and heat-absorbing materials like graphite, copper, or gel promote airflow and minimize heat as you sleep. Some toppers feel cool to the touch because of their composition, while others regulate your temperature throughout the night. 

“Some materials, like gel- and graphite-infused memory foam, dissipate heat by soaking up the thermal energy from your body and dispersing it throughout the surface,” says Golub. “You can also check to see if your topper has features like ventilation holes that promote air circulation and prevent overheating.”

When shopping for a cooling mattress topper, Kahn also recommends toppers with cooling technologies like phase-change materials or gel beads that absorb and dissipate heat. 

Height

Unlike mattress pads that lay flat, mattress toppers can add a few inches of height and padding to your bed. Cooling mattress toppers can range from under 1 inch thick to around 5 inches. “Thicker toppers may provide more cushioning but also trap more heat,” Golub says. 

If you want to prioritize padding over cooling, we recommend a thicker mattress topper, while those who primarily want cooling properties should opt for a thinner style.

Care

If easy cleaning and care are a priority, check the manufacturer specifications on your mattress topper before purchasing. While some mattress toppers have washable covers, many cannot be tossed in with your laundry. “Some can be dry cleaned, but spot cleaning is your best bet,” says Golub. 

“The best way to clean a mattress topper is to vacuum it, and spot clean with a solution of water and white vinegar,” says Leadley. “Don’t let it stay wet—compress it with a towel to mop up any moisture, and let it air dry. I recommend cleaning it twice a year at least—that means vacuuming and spot cleaning.”

Return Policy

The return policy of your mattress topper should be stated in the product description and will vary from retailer to retailer. You may find return or trial policies anywhere from 30 to 100 days, but it may be hard to find anything longer. Golub recommends looking for a generous home trial to determine if a mattress topper delivers on its promises.

Questions You Might Ask

Do cooling mattress toppers really work?

According to the experts, cooling mattress toppers really do work. “Toppers with cooling features can help hot sleepers rest more comfortably by dissipating heat more effectively than conventional mattress toppers,” says Golub. Leadley adds that gel-infused foam or breathable fabrics regulate your body temperature while you sleep.

Kahn recommends gel-infused memory foam and phase-change materials to dissipate heat and improve temperature regulation. “We know a bit more about the thermoregulatory properties of certain materials when it comes to mattresses themselves, and, although cooling mattress toppers may be effective in reducing heat retention and promoting a cooler sleep environment, scientific inquiry is limited,” he says. “Like with mattresses, however, the effectiveness of cooling mattress toppers will depend on the specific materials used and the individual's body temperature and sleep preferences.”

What mattress topper is best for night sweats?

When it comes to night sweats, cooling mattress toppers can help you sleep more comfortably, according to Golub. Latex is a naturally breathable material that offers the contouring of memory foam without the tendency to trap heat, making for a cooler night’s sleep. Natural latex has an open-cell structure that's even better than synthetic versions.

It’s important to note, however, that the cause of your night sweats can be health-related. “While a cooling mattress topper will help, it’s not getting to the root cause of the sweats,” says Leadley. “If you suffer from persistent night sweats, see a doctor so you can treat the condition. You can use a cooling mattress topper as an aid to help you get a good night’s sleep.”

What’s the difference between a mattress pad and a mattress topper?

The main difference between a mattress pad and a mattress topper is the level of thickness and support they provide. A mattress topper is a layer of memory foam, latex, or quilted material, usually 1 to 3 inches thick. They are “thicker than a mattress pad and provide more substantial cushioning and support,” Kahn says. 

“Toppers prolong the life of an old mattress, reduce motion transfer, regulate temperature if you sleep too hot or cold, and ease the break-in period that sometimes happens with a new mattress,” says Golub. Mattress pads, on the other hand, are best used to protect your mattress from everyday wear and tear.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat is also the Commerce Editor-at-Large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, Kat reviewed multiple cooling mattress toppers and considered factors such as height, material, care instructions, and return policy. She also spoke to Jeff Kahn, sleep expert and CEO of Rise Science, Lauri Leadley, a clinical sleep educator and founder of Valley Sleep Center, and Byron Golub, vice president of product and merchandising at Saatva, a luxury mattress and bedding company.

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