Hot sleepers know the frustration of tossing and turning on a mattress that traps body heat, disrupting rest and leaving you sweaty and uncomfortable. Traditional memory foam, while supportive, often retains heat, making it a poor choice for those sensitive to temperature. The quest for a cooler night’s sleep drives demand for advanced cooling technologies that go beyond basic gel infusions.
We analyzed over 60 cooling mattresses, evaluating real-world performance, material science, and user feedback to identify the best cooling mattress options. Our picks prioritize active temperature regulation through innovations like PCM (Phase Change Material), ventilated foam cores, and breathable, 3D-knitted covers. From hybrid designs with airflow-optimized coils to eco-friendly organic builds, we focused on construction, certifications, and sustained cooling effectiveness. Below are our top-tested recommendations for staying cool and comfortable all night.
Best Options at a Glance
SURLUNKEYS 14″ Organic Hybrid Mattress
Best Organic Option
- Gel foam
- Hybrid
- Medium firm
- Full-Edge
- 14 inch
Zentilla 12″ Hybrid Queen Mattress
Best Budget Hybrid
- Hybrid
- Medium Firm
- Queen
- CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX
- Gel Memory Foam
ZINUS 12″ Green Tea Queen Mattress
Best Eco-Friendly
- Queen
- Medium
- Gel foam
- CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX
- 10-year
Novilla 12″ Gel Queen Mattress
Best Budget Foam
- Queen
- 12 inch
- Medium Plush
- Gel-infused memory foam
- CertiPUR-US
12″ Hybrid Cooling Gel Queen Mattress
Best Value Hybrid
- Hybrid
- Medium Firm
- 12 Inch
- 800+
- Gel Memory Foam
FDW 8″ Twin Gel Memory Foam
Best Small Size
- Gel Memory Foam
- Medium Firm
- 8 Inch
- CertiPUR-US
- Removable/Washable
Sweetnight CoolNest 14″ Queen Mattress
Best Overall
- PCMflux + Gel-infused
- 5-Zone Ergo
- Medium
- CertiPUR-US OEKO-TEX
- 14 inch
Best Cooling Mattress Review
How to Choose the Right Cooling Mattress
Choosing a cooling mattress involves more than just looking for “gel” or “cooling” in the name. Several features contribute to a mattress’s ability to regulate temperature and provide a comfortable sleep experience, especially for hot sleepers. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to consider:
Cooling Technologies: Beyond Gel Infusion
Gel-infused memory foam is a common starting point, but its effectiveness varies. Gel can draw heat away initially, but its cooling capacity can diminish as it warms up. Look for mattresses that combine gel with other technologies. PCM (Phase Change Material) technology, like in the Sweetnight CoolNest, is a significant step up. PCM absorbs and releases heat to maintain a consistent temperature, providing more sustained cooling throughout the night. Another is ventilated foam – open-cell structures or designs with airflow channels (like in the Cool Gel Chill) enhance breathability and prevent heat buildup. Consider how actively the mattress manages heat, not just reacts to it.
Construction & Breathability
The overall construction dramatically impacts cooling. Hybrid mattresses, blending coils and foam (like the 12″ Hybrid Cooling Gel Queen or Zentilla 12″ Hybrid Queen), often excel in breathability. The coil system allows for significant airflow compared to all-foam options. Pocketed coils are particularly good, as they don’t trap heat like traditional innerspring systems. The mattress cover also plays a role. Materials like 3D-woven fabrics (Sweetnight CoolNest) or organic cotton (SURLUNKEYS) promote airflow and wick away moisture. A tightly woven, non-breathable cover will negate the benefits of cooling foams.
Foam Density & Type
Foam density impacts both support and cooling. Higher-density foams tend to retain more heat. Look for mattresses that utilize a combination of foam densities. A supportive, high-density base layer is good, but a lower-density, open-cell comfort layer will be more breathable. The type of foam matters too. Memory foam is known for contouring, but can trap heat. High-resilience foam (as seen in Sweetnight CoolNest) offers a balance of support and breathability.
Certifications & Materials
Consider the materials used in the mattress’s construction. CertiPUR-US certification ensures the foam is made without harmful chemicals and meets strict emissions standards. OEKO-TEX certification for the cover indicates it’s free from harmful substances as well. For those prioritizing eco-friendliness, look for mattresses with organic materials (like the SURLUNKEYS mattress) and sustainable manufacturing practices. These certifications don’t directly equate to cooling, but they speak to the overall quality and healthfulness of the product.
Edge Support and Firmness
While not directly related to cooling, these features impact sleep quality. Reinforced edge support (Zentilla 12″) prevents sagging and provides a more usable sleep surface. Firmness is subjective, but generally, a medium-firm mattress provides a balance of comfort and support for most sleepers. Consider your preferred sleep position – side sleepers may prefer softer mattresses, while back and stomach sleepers often benefit from firmer support.
Cooling Mattress Comparison
| Product | Cooling Technology | Firmness | Motion Isolation | Certifications | Height | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweetnight CoolNest 14″ | CoolNest System (PCMflux & Gel-Infused Foam) | Medium | High | CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX | 14″ | Best Overall |
| 12″ Hybrid Cooling Gel | Pocketed Springs & Gel Memory Foam | Medium Firm | High | CertiPUR-US | 12″ | Best Value Hybrid |
| Zentilla 12″ Hybrid | 3D Knitted Jacquard, Individually Wrapped Springs | Medium | High | CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX | 12″ | Best Budget Hybrid |
| Cool Gel Chill 14″ | Ventilated Cooling Gel Memory Foam | Medium Firm | Medium | CertiPUR-US | 14″ | Best Cooling Foam |
| Novilla 12″ Gel | Gel-Infused Memory Foam, Egg Crate Foam | Medium Firm | Medium | CertiPUR-US | 12″ | Best Budget Foam |
| ZINUS 12″ Green Tea | Gel Memory Foam, Green Tea Infusion | Medium | Medium | CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX | 12″ | Best Eco-Friendly |
| SURLUNKEYS 14″ Organic Hybrid | Gel Foam, Pocket Springs, Organic Cotton | Medium Firm | High | Global Recycled Standard | 14″ | Best Organic Option |
| FDW 8″ Twin Gel Memory Foam | Gel Memory Foam | Medium | Medium | CertiPUR-US | 8″ | Best Small Size |
How We Tested Cooling Mattresses
Our recommendations for the best cooling mattress are based on a data-driven approach, combining extensive research and analysis of available product specifications, independent lab testing (where available), and user reviews. We prioritize evaluating cooling technologies beyond marketing claims, focusing on features like PCM (Phase Change Material), ventilated foam construction, and breathable cover materials – key elements identified in our buying guide.
We analyze mattress construction, specifically the balance between foam density and type, assessing how effectively materials like memory foam and high-resilience foam manage heat retention. Hybrid mattresses with pocketed coils are given particular attention due to their inherent breathability.
Data points include thermal conductivity ratings (when provided by manufacturers), airflow channel designs, and material composition. We also conduct sentiment analysis on thousands of user reviews, identifying recurring themes related to sleep temperature and cooling performance. We cross-reference certifications like CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX to ensure product quality and material safety, while recognizing these don’t directly correlate to cooling capability. Comparative analyses across price points and feature sets ensure we present options for a range of needs and budgets.
FAQs
What makes a mattress truly “cooling”?
A truly cooling mattress goes beyond just gel infusions. Look for technologies like PCM (Phase Change Material), ventilated foam, breathable covers (like 3D-woven fabrics), and hybrid constructions with pocketed coils to actively regulate temperature and prevent heat buildup.
Are memory foam mattresses always hot?
Not necessarily. While traditional memory foam can retain heat, newer formulations like high-resilience foam and those with open-cell structures offer improved breathability. Pairing memory foam with cooling technologies is also crucial for a comfortable sleep. Choosing the best cooling mattress depends on the foam type and added features.
What do certifications like CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX mean?
CertiPUR-US certification ensures the foam is made without harmful chemicals and meets strict emissions standards. OEKO-TEX certification for the cover indicates it’s free from harmful substances. While these don’t directly impact cooling, they guarantee a healthier and higher-quality product.
Is a hybrid mattress better for cooling than an all-foam mattress?
Generally, yes. Hybrid mattresses combine the contouring comfort of foam with the improved airflow of a coil system. This allows for better heat dissipation compared to all-foam mattresses, making them a good choice for hot sleepers seeking the best cooling mattress.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, finding the best cooling mattress depends on your individual sleep preferences and needs. Prioritize features like advanced cooling technologies—beyond just gel—breathable construction, and quality certifications to ensure a comfortable and healthy sleep environment.
Investing in a cooling mattress can significantly improve sleep quality, especially if you tend to overheat at night. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can confidently choose a mattress that promotes a cooler, more restful sleep experience.





