For those who are used to frustratingly hot nights spent tossing and turning to find the elusive cool side of the pillow, you’re not alone. Some people naturally run hot, while others experience skyrocketing body temperatures as a side effect of menopause. No matter which camp you fall in, you can find relief by investing in a new mattress.
Now, a quick note: No mattress is truly “cooling” in the sense that it actively lowers your body temperature like a built-in AC unit. Instead, there are mattresses specifically designed with breathable, temperature-regulating materials that promote optimal airflow, so heat doesn’t get trapped between the sheets. When used in conjunction with other methods (more on that below), you can kiss night sweats goodbye.
To help us narrow down the many options on the market, we tapped Jade Wu, PhD, DBSM, behavioral sleep medicine psychologist, and Mattress Firm’s sleep health expert. Read on for Dr. Wu’s tips on staying cool, as well as our recommended mattresses that are tailored to your needs.
Which mattress materials are best for hot sleepers?
Hot sleepers should look for a mattress made of materials that promote temperature regulation. Innerspring mattresses have better heat control compared to dense foam, but if you want the best of both worlds, look for a mattress that combines the two: “Hybrids combine the airflow of coils with the comfort layer of foam and latex,” Dr. Wu says.
“Traditional memory foam can trap heat, but advanced options infused with gel, graphite, or copper are designed to dissipate heat and keep the surface cooler,” she explains. Consider eco-friendly latex, which has a similar feel to foam but is more breathable than foam due to its open-cell structure.
Can mattress toppers help with heat distribution?
“Some mattress toppers are specifically designed to help with cooling, which can be especially helpful if two people are sleeping in the same bed and need different levels of cooling,” says Dr. Wu. Most toppers are made with air-trapping foam, so be sure to look for something infused with gel, graphite, or copper. Latex is an eco-friendly alternative to foam, but it’s typically more expensive.
Is there anything else you can do to help sleep cooler aside from investing in a breathable mattress?
It’s worth noting that your mattress isn’t the only thing that will improve your sleep. “Keep in mind that good ventilation and wearing breathable fabrics can go a long way,” she says. Avoid heat-trapping materials like polyester in your pajamas and bedding, and opt for naturally breathable materials like linen, cotton, and bamboo instead. “For people who are already prone to overheating, it can help to have bedding in layers so it’s easy to add or remove them at night.”
Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers 2025
Best Overall: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling Mattress
Amazon
The Aurora Luxe is designed with you in mind, with features like copper-infused foam and a temperature-regulating cover. The hybrid design makes this mattress both supportive and comfy for all sleeping positions. You can choose from three firmness levels and add a pillow top cover for an extra luxe feel.
Best Budget: Novilla Grove Hybrid Mattress
Amazon
If you’re not willing to shell out thousands of dollars on a new bed, opt for the Novilla Grove. This hybrid mattress offers exceptional pressure relief in addition to breathability, and it costs under $300 at Amazon.
Best Splurge: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Breeze LuxeBreeze Mattress
Tempur-Pedic
If you can swing it, the TEMPUR-Breeze line is the best in show. We recommend the LuxeBreeze model, which offers a cool-to-the-touch cover as well as enhanced pressure relief. It’s designed to feel 10 degrees colder than the average mattress, with the intention to absorb and pull heat away from your body. Even better, you can choose from three firmness levels to best suit your sleeping type.
Best Organic: Avocado Green Mattress
Avocado
Avocado’s mattress is made from high-quality materials like organic latex, organic wool, and organic cotton — no heat-trapping foam here. It’s available in three firmness levels, but take note that the medium and plush options have an additional fee due to the addition of a pillow top. With sustainability and social awareness as their brand missions, Avocado aims to create mattresses that are not only free from polyurethane foams and fire retardants for healthier sleep, but also made in the United States. All models are hand-tufted and assembled in Los Angeles. Editor Katie P. has been sleeping on her Avocado mattress for nearly five years now, and she sings its praises to whoever will listen.
Best Foam: GhostBed Luxe Mattress
Wayfair
If you do want to stick with an all-foam mattress, you can’t go wrong with the GhostBed Luxe. In addition to gel-infused memory foam, this mattress has a cover to regulate body temp. With a body-contouring medium feel, you’ll sleep like a baby.
Best Plush: Puffy Royal Mattress
Puffy
There’s a lot to love about the Puffy Royal: It has an ultra supportive hybrid construction, is suitable for those with back pain, and has a plush feel that cradles the body. Plus, it harnesses infused foam and moisture-wicking wool for an extra comfy sleep.
Best for Side Sleepers: Leesa Legend Chill Hybrid Mattress
West Elm
Side sleepers will benefit from a medium-firm mattress that contours to the body, like the Leesa Legend Chill. The “Chill” in its name comes from its cooling cover, which redirects heat away rather than trapping it. Plus, the hybrid design promotes better airflow.
Best for Back & Stomach Sleepers: Saatva Classic Mattress
Saatva
Saatva’s Classic Mattress comes in three firmness levels, including a Firm option that’s designed for back and stomach sleepers. In addition to extra support, this mattress has an innerspring design and organic cotton cover, both of which promote better airflow while you sleep.
Most Supportive: DreamCloud Premier Rest Hybrid Mattress
DreamCloud
The DreamCloud Premier Rest has a luxe feel and seriously impressive support and cooling features. It boasts eight layers of quality textiles, including gel-infused foam and a cashmere-blend quilted cover that’s naturally moisture-wicking.
