Best Cooling Mattress for Hot Sleepers (2020): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Over 164 million Americans struggle with sleep, and the problem could be their body temperature. Many find their sleep disrupted from overheating at night—they wake up sweaty and uncomfortable and struggle to fall back asleep. To avoid the problems associated with sleeping hot, a cooling mattress may be the solution.

The coolest mattresses on the market today are available at a few different price points, and you’ll find they work for a number of sleeping styles as well.

Our Top Mattress Recommendation

View on AmerisleepRead AS3 customer reviews

AS3 Highlights

• 100-night sleep trial
• 20-Year Warranty
• Designed to reduce pain points
• Heat reducing mattress cover
• Comes in King, Queen, Twin, Full, and Splits

Best Cooling Mattresses

1. Amerisleep AS3

The Amerisleep AS3 is 12 inches tall and contains 3 inches of Bio-Pur®, 2 inches of Affinity, and 7 inches of Bio-Core®. The soft, breathable mattress cover keeps sleepers cool and comfortable for a good night’s sleep.

Bio-Pur® is a plant-based memory foam—plant oils partially replace petroleum, resulting in a more breathable memory foam that won’t trap heat like traditional memory foam. Sleepers won’t feel stuck in the mattress either, a situation which could cause heat build-up.

Affinity is a transition layer with HIVE® technology: hundreds of hexagonal-shaped segments form a 5-zoned support layer with a softer feel in the shoulders and hips and a firmer feel under the head, back, and legs. HIVE® technology provides targeted pressure point relief throughout the body.

Bio-Core® is a durable support foam built to last. Bio-Core® evenly distributes weight across the surface for even support.

The Amerisleep AS3 mattress has a medium feel, perfect for side and combination sleepers who need optimal pressure point relief in the shoulders and hips. It also provides an excellent balance between comfort and support.

The Amerisleep AS3 mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty, protecting against defects and sags greater than 0.75 inches.

2. Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid

The Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid is 14 inches tall and contains 3 inches of Bio-Pur®, 2 inches of Active Flex, 8 inches of zoned pocketed coils, and 1 inch of base foam. The mattress cover is soft and breathable, encouraging airflow for a cooler sleep surface.

Bio-Pur® is a plant-based memory foam, cooler and more responsive than traditional memory foam, thanks to plant oils partially replacing petroleum. Bio-Pur® conforms to the natural curves of the body for pressure point relief.

Active Flex is a highly responsive transition foam with an instantaneous response to body weight. Active Flex immediately reacts to changes in pressure for enhanced pressure point relief and prevents sleepers from sinking too deeply in the mattress.

The open structure of zoned pocketed coils enables better airflow inside the mattress. This support layer forms 3 zones of targeted support—softer support under the head, shoulders and legs, and firmer support in the back and hip areas.

The base foam reinforces the bed’s shape and protects the foundation from pocketed coil springs.

The soft feel of the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid mattress makes it an excellent option for side and combination sleepers, providing a plush feel without the risk of sagging. Highly responsive Bio-Pur® and Active Flex prevent sleepers from feeling stuck.

Amerisleep includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty, protecting against manufacturing defects and sagging greater than 0.75 inches.

3. Zoma Mattress

The Zoma Mattress is 11 inches thick and contains 2 inches of Triangulex™, 2 inches of Reactiv™, and 7 inches of Support +. The polyester blend mattress cover feels soft and plush while wicking away moisture.

The top layer of gel memory foam absorbs and disperses body heat for better temperature regulation—sleepers get the full feeling of traditional foam without the heat buildup. What’s more, it incorporates Triangulex™ technology, where triangular segments form 3 zones for a soft feel under the head, shoulders, and legs, and a firm feel under the torso for enhanced lumbar support.

Reactiv™ is a latex-like foam with a responsive bounce to encourage spinal alignment and prevent the body from sinking too deeply, which could trap heat.

Support + is a high-density base foam which supports body weight without the risk of sagging.

The Zoma Mattress is engineered for athletes and those who live an active lifestyle and is designed to regulate temperature—the gel memory foam comfort layer not only keeps sleepers cool but may also reduce inflammation and improve muscle recovery.

The medium feel of the Zoma Mattress makes it perfect for most sleep styles—the balanced support and pressure relief provide excellent comfort.

The Zoma Mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty, covering sags deeper than 0.75 inches.

4. Zoma Hybrid

The Zoma Hybrid is 12 inches thick and combines cool gel memory foam with a breathable support core. Like the classic Zoma Mattress, the hybrid is designed to promote recovery while you sleep. It has features to regulate the bed’s temperature, reducing chances of overheating and sleep disturbances.

The hybrid’s four layers are encased in a soft, breathable AirCloth cover.

The top layer is 2 inches of gel memory foam, with the gels spread evenly throughout the foam for better heat dispersion. Zoma also implements their cooling Triangulex™ technology in this layer. Triangular cutouts in the head, shoulders, and legs not only improve the bed’s contouring but also create air channels for heat to escape.

Sandwiched between the top foam layer and the bed’s coil support is 2 inches of Reactiv™ foam. Reactiv™ is why the Zoma Hybrid is quick to adapt to your movements. When a mattress is slow to respond to your movements, you’re left feeling trapped in your bed.

Seven inches of pocketed coils give the bed its structure. The coils are wrapped in fabric to limit motion transfer and muffle sounds as the coils retract. Underneath the coils is a 1-inch foam base.

You have 100 nights to try out your Zoma Hybrid, starting from the day it arrives at your home. The hybrid also includes a 10-year warranty.

5. Vaya Mattress

The Vaya Mattress is 12 inches tall and contains 3 inches of Vaya Comfort Foam and 9 inches of support foam. The rayon, spandex, and polyester blend mattress cover is soft and breathable, providing a comfortable sleep surface to rest on.

Vaya Comfort Foam has more air injected into the foam, creating more air pockets and increasing air circulation inside the comfort layer. Vaya Comfort Foam contours to the body, relieving pressure points, especially in the shoulders and hips.

Support foam provides stable support and enhances pressure relief without the risk of sagging.

The Vaya Mattress has a medium feel, excellent for most sleepers with an even divide between comfort and support.

Priced at $478 for a queen size, the Vaya is also the perfect choice for those on a tight budget—high-quality materials and enough sleeping space for one to two sleepers, perfect for those living on their own for the first time.

The Vaya Mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty, protecting against sagging greater than 0.75 inches.

6. Purple® Original

The Purple® Original mattress is 9.5 inches tall and contains 2 inches of Purple Grid™, 3.5 inches of poly-foam, and 4 inches of high-density poly-foam. The SoftFlex cover stretches with the Purple Grid™ and won’t distort the mattress.

The Purple Grid™ is a temperature-neutral, gel-like material set in a grid-like system, enabling better airflow in the comfort layer.

The poly-foam transition layer prevents the body from sinking too deep and encourages spinal alignment.

High-density poly-foam acts as the base layer, evenly supporting body weight and reinforcing the top layers.

The medium-firm feel of the Purple® Original mattress is great for side and combination sleepers. Plus, the Purple Grid™ layer makes the bed an ideal choice of any body weight—the Purple Grid™ automatically adjusts to weight without losing support.

The Purple® Original mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty, covering sagging greater than 1 inch.

7. Nolah Original 10

The Nolah Original 10 mattress is 10 inches thick and contains 2 inches of AirFoam™, 1 inch of transition foam, and 7 inches of high-density foam. The mattress cover is made from viscose materials, improving airflow and wicking away moisture.

AirFoam™ foam has more air pockets than traditional memory foam which increases airflow for a cooler, more responsive comfort layer. AirFoam™ conforms to the body and relieves pressure points.

The transition foam provides extra cushioning and enhanced pressure point relief.

The high-density foam support layer evenly distributes weight and supports the body without sagging.

The Nolah Original 10 mattress is built with side sleepers in mind. The Nolah Original 10 mattress offers enhanced pressure relief in the shoulders and hips—two major pressure buildup areas for side sleepers.

Nolah includes a 120-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty, covering defects and sagging greater than 1 inch.

8. Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid

The Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid mattress is 13 inches tall and contains 3 inches of TitanChill Endurance foam, 1 inch of SmartFlow support foam, 8 inches of Quantum Edge pocketed coils, and 1 inch of base foam. The quilted mattress cover is made of phase change material and contains a 0.25-inch convoluted gel memory foam topper.

TitanChill Endurance foam is titanium-infused memory foam. Titanium pulls heat away while conforming to the body’s natural curves.

SmartFlow support foam gives additional support and keeps the body resting on the surface.

Quantum Edge pocketed coils restrict motion transfer, preventing sleep disruptions from movement. The pocketed coil layer provides enhanced edge support, preventing sleepers from rolling off the bed.

The base foam reinforces the top layers and protects the foundation or floor from pocketed coils.

The Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid mattress is available in three firmness levels—plush, medium, and luxury firm. If the bed feels too soft or firm, the company will send a comfort layer of a different firmness to replace the original top layer.

The Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, protecting against defects and sagging greater than 1 inch.

Staying Cool

Staying cool helps you sleep better. As you prepare for sleep, your body temperature gradually drops, and normal functions, like digestion, slow down. During sleep, your body adjusts to the temperature of the room. However, if your current mattress doesn’t have any cooling materials, the body’s temperature can quickly rise, leading to sleep disruptions.

Some types of sleepers run hot, like plus-size sleepers and people with certain medical conditions.

Hot Sleepers

Hot sleepers naturally run hot, whether due to gender, age, or other minor reasons. For example, men run hotter than women, because women have a slower metabolic rate—men burn calories quicker than women, heating up their body.

Plus-Size Sleepers

Plus-size sleepers have more body weight, and tend to retain more heat in two ways: overweight people tend to sink more in a mattress, especially if the bed is softer than a medium firmness, trapping more heat. Plus-size sleepers also use more energy to move at night, giving off more heat.

Medical Conditions

Some pre-existing medical conditions may cause overheating, like chronic back pain—a herniated disc, for example, may damage and cause nerves and muscles to become inflamed, leading to increased body temperature. Cooling properties can reduce inflammation in affected areas and may also improve blood circulation.

What to Look for in the Best Cooling Mattress

Sleeping cool may improve sleep quality, because it leads to less sleep disruptions from overheating. To find your best mattress, consider mattress type, mattress cover, sleeping position, body weight, and available sleep trials, return policies, and warranties.

Mattress Type

Each type has a distinct feel. Some customers prefer the hug-like sensation of memory foam, while others prefer the bouncier surface of an innerspring.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are popular due to their conforming properties. Heat and pressure cause memory foam to soften, forming to the body’s natural curves to relieve pressure points.

A significant drawback to a traditional memory foam mattress is heat retention—the dense structure restricts airflow, causing heat traps. Better options are memory foam beds with cooling materials, like plant-based, gel, and copper and graphite infusions.

• Plant-Based

Plant oils partially replace petroleum during the manufacturing process, producing a breathable, responsive memory foam.

• Gel

Cooling gel is swirled or mixed in during the manufacturing process. The gel absorbs and disperses body heat.

• Copper and Graphite Infusions

Copper and graphite are natural heat conductors, drawing heat away from the body. Copper is also antimicrobial.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are common in households across the country. Innersprings have bounce, edge support, and cooling; in fact, innerspring mattresses offer the best airflow inside because of their open structure—it enables better airflow inside the bed for optimal cooling. Despite better airflow, innersprings offer very little pressure relief because they lack a thick enough comfort layer, and they transfer motion more than other mattress types.

Latex

Latex foam shares similarities with memory foam—conforming pressure relief and motion isolation. Unlike memory foam, latex mattresses have a responsive bounce and sleeps cooler. There are two types of latex: synthetic and natural. Synthetic latex is made through a chemical process and retains more heat, but natural latex is created one of two ways from rubber tree sap.

• Dunlop

Dunlop latex is denser and more durable than Talalay and doesn’t have any added chemicals.

• Talalay

It contains natural latex and polyurethane fillers to create its signature sponge-like feel. Talalay latex is softer than Dunlop.

Latex mattresses can be expensive, depending on how much natural latex they contain, and might be heavy, making them difficult to move.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses contain both memory foam or latex and innerspring coils, forming the perfect bed. While there are many beds containing foam and coils that claim to be a hybrid, a true hybrid mattress has at least 2 inches of foam in the comfort layer. Natural latex or gel memory foam combined with innerspring coils pulls heat away and enables better airflow inside the mattress

Hybrids offer the benefits of both mattress types, including pressure relief, motion isolation, bounce, and cooling. But, they also have drawbacks, like heat retention, motion transfer, and less pressure relief. Due to the number of materials and layers they contain, hybrid mattresses can be very heavy and difficult to move. They’re also one of the most expensive mattress types.

Mattress Cover

If a mattress company markets their beds as having “cooling materials,” that can also apply to the mattress cover. Cotton and polyester are more breathable and may help lower body temperature at night.

If the cover is quilted or non-quilted can also affect temperature regulation. Quilted covers thicker and plusher and may feature a thin pillow top. While this may provide extra cushioning, it also means the body sinks more into the bed, trapping heat.

Non-quilted covers are thinner and sleep cooler because they encourage better air circulation. They’re less likely to cause overheating.

Sleeping Position

Consider your preferred sleeping position before choosing the best mattress. Each sleep position needs a specific level of comfort and support to keep the spine aligned and prevent pressure buildup.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is the most common sleep position and the healthiest, reducing acid reflux, improving heart health, and enabling better breathing.

The best mattress for side sleepers is a soft to medium mattress for maximum pressure point relief in the shoulders and hips.

Back Sleeping

Back sleeping allows the spine to rest in a neutral position for better alignment. Back sleepers may face a higher risk of developing sleep apnea or snoring due to gravity—gravity may cause the collapse of soft tissue at the back of the throat, or the tongue to fall back, obstructing the airways.

Back sleepers need a medium to firm mattress to maintain neutral alignment and prevent the hips from sinking down too far.

Stomach Sleeping

Stomach sleeping is the least common sleep position because not many are comfortable lying on their stomachs at night. Stomach sleeping is also tied to health risks—increased spinal pressure can lead to neck strain and back pain, though placing a thin pillow under the hips can reduce this pressure.

The best mattress for stomach sleepers will have a medium-firm to firm feel, keeping the body resting on top with no deep sinkage.

Combination Sleeping

Combination sleepers regularly toss and turn, switching between two to three sleep positions each night. Combination sleepers enjoy all the benefits of each sleep position, including better breathing and natural alignment, but combination sleeping also comes with drawbacks, like developing sleep apnea and back pain.

Combination sleepers need a medium to medium-firm mattress for a balance of comfort and support and maintain spinal alignment.

Body Weight

Body weight is another significant factor to consider when looking for a new mattress. Each body type needs a specific level of comfort and support to relieve pressure points and support the spine.

Light

Light sleepers weigh less than 130 pounds. They need a softer mattress to relieve pressure in heavier sections of the body, like the shoulders and hips.

Average

Average sleepers weigh between 130 to 230 pounds. A medium surface is best in providing even comfort and support, without feeling too soft or too firm.

Heavy

Heavy people weigh more than 230 pounds and find the best comfort in a firmer surface—a firmer mattress gives better support without the risk of sagging.

Sleep Trials, Return Policies, and Warranties

Sleep trials, return policies, and warranties give potential customers an idea of how long a mattress will last. These perks also protect the mattress from damages.

Sleep Trial

A sleep trial allows customers to try a new mattress within the comfort of their own home. Sleep trials last between 90 to 120 nights, though some mattress companies may require customers to keep the mattress at least 30 days before accepting any returns. Sleep trials are more common with bed-in-a-box brands than in-store retailers. Most companies will pick up and donate the bed before issuing a full refund if the customer doesn’t like the mattress.

Return Policy

A return policy is a good substitute if a sleep trial isn’t offered, though the trial period is shorter. Return policies last 30 days—about the time it may take the body to adjust to a new sleep surface. The customer can return the mattress for a refund, but read the fine print first before buying a bed without a sleep trial—some mattress retailers only accept unopened mattresses.

Warranty

A warranty protects a new mattress from manufacturing defects and sagging greater than 1 inch (measurement depends on mattress brand). Most mattresses come with a standard 10-year warranty and it only applies to the original purchaser.

Other Things to Consider

What mattress material is the coolest?

While memory foam can sometimes trap heat, latex foam is a naturally cooling mattress material. Also, mattresses with inner coil systems allow for better airflow than all-foam beds. Hybrid mattresses with latex comfort layers are probably the coolest mattress options out there.

Do cooling gels and technologies work?

Yes and no. Cooling gels feel cool to the touch for an hour or so after climbing into bed, but by the middle of the night, these cooling gels often feel as warm as the rest of the mattress. Air channels in mattresses are a bit more effective because they actually improve airflow and offer passageways for hot air to escape out of the mattress.

What is the best mattress for night sweats?

Night sweats can occur as a result of illnesses, like cancer, medical conditions, or from taking certain medications, like anti-depressants. To avoid sleep disruptions from night sweats, choose memory foam beds with cooling materials or hybrid mattresses. Gel memory foam absorbs and disperses body heat, while innerspring coils circulate more air inside the mattress.

How can I keep my bed cool at night?

If buying a new mattress isn’t within your means right now, using cooling bedding or accessories may help you sleep better. Choose bed sheets and pajamas made of breathable materials, like cotton, bamboo, or linen. Adding a gel memory foam mattress pad or topper can also prevent overheating.

Does putting ice in front of a fan work?

For those trying to keep their room cool at night, especially during the hot summer months, a bowl of ice with a running fan can be just the trick. This cooling alternative works well for those without air conditioning. Place a container of ice in front of an electric fan. The fan blows cold air rising off the ice cubes towards your direction.

Conclusion

If you wake at night feeling hot and sweaty even after switching out your bedding, the problem could be your mattress. A mattress with gel memory foam, natural latex, or innerspring coils increases airflow inside the bed and pulls heat away from the body. For a comfortable night’s sleep, a cooling mattress could be the solution.