Best Cooling Mattress

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Many people struggle with overheating in bed on the hottest nights of the year, but for some sleepers, waking up in the middle of the night hot and sweaty is all too common. There are all sorts of reasons why people wake up with night sweats, and aren’t just caused by having the wrong type of mattress; however, by sleeping on an unsuitable mattress, you can make the problem much more difficult to deal with.

If night sweats are giving you sleepless nights, it may be worth investing in a new, cooler mattress.

Trust me, finding the most effective cooling mattress can make a world of difference if you’re the kind of person to get too hot throughout the night. There are a lot of choices out there, and it can be hard to know where to begin. Luckily, I’ve done the legwork and found some of the most effective cooling mattresses on the market today.

So what actually *is* a cooling mattress?

Quite simply, a cooling mattress is a type of mattress designed to regulate body temperature and prevent overheating while you sleep.

It’s crucial to think about the construction components while shopping for a cooling mattress. Why? Because when compared to synthetic materials like polyester or memory foam, natural materials like cotton, wool, and latex are typically more breathable and better at wicking away moisture and these are the ones you should be looking at.

Try to get a mattress with open-cell foam or a coil support system to maximise airflow, too. And another way to assist controlling your body temperature is to opt for a mattress with cooling technology, such as gel-infused foam or the bizarre sounding phase-change materials. If you’re unsure what all these mean then don’t worry as I’ll cover it all later.

Closed cell vs open cell (black)

To start with, my general tips are:

  • Think about how you normally sleep and what you’d prefer as a mattress.
  • Find a mattress with a lower firmness rating and a thinner comfort layer to improve airflow if you sleep hot.
  • A hybrid mattress, which blends materials for both comfort and support, is another option to think about. A good cooling mattress will satisfy your needs by striking a good mix between materials, support, and comfort.

The main types of cooling mattress:

Mattress TypeKey Features
Memory foamRetains body heat, but modern memory foam mattresses use open-cell foam
Sprung MattressesBetter breathability and airflow between coils
WoolNatural insulating and breathable qualities
LatexOpen-cell design for air circulation and breathability

A cooling mattress is one that actively dissipates heat as you sleep. Materials used in their construction promote greater ventilation and breathability, keeping you cooler in warmer environments. Mattresses designed to keep you cool typically feature layers of latex, wool, and springy metal. These materials enhance air circulation and regulate body temperature, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.

What about memory foam?

By the way, it’s almost natural to be wary of memory foam if you’re on the hunt for a bed that sleeps cool. Sleeping on memory foam has long been associated with hotnights, due to the material’s tendency to hold on to heat. Keep in mind that not all memory foam mattresses are the same, first of all.

Many of today’s memory foam mattresses have open-cell foam in their top comfort layers to increase breathability and airflow. Hybrid memory foam mattresses, which combine the supportive qualities of foam with the airiness and circulation of a sprung layer, are also widely available.

Memory foam mattresses with built-in cooling technology, including gel-infused foam or phase change material, are worth considering. These materials can aid in heat dissipation, keeping you comfortable and cool all night long.

1. Nectar Memory Foam – Best Overall for Cooling

The Nectar Mattress is made up of 4 layers, which include a top cover, 2 memory foam layers, and a base to aid stability.

How cool is it?

The main design of the Nectar mattress is centred around cooling. This may sound surprising, being that it’s a memory foam, but the top cover is designed to draw heat away from the body, helping to keep you cool, followed by a smart foam layer underneath which continues to help regulate the body temperature. All-in-all, the tech in this mattress is designed around keeping you cool for a comfortable nights sleep.

About the Nectar Memory Foam

The Nectar Mattress is a medium firm mattress that has been designed for all types of sleepers meaning whether you sleep on your side, stomach or back, the mattress is designed to be a perfect fit. Altogether there are four layers; a cooling layer to regulate body temperature, and three foam layers for optimum comfort. As an added bonus, the mattress comes with two free pillows.

How did it feel to sleep on the Nectar Mattress? 

To be honest, it’s a firm favourite. I found it really comfortable sleep on, with an air of luxury about it. Not just a substantial and sturdy in design, it provided just the right support, but more importantly, I felt the mattress worked perfectly to help me stay cool in the night. Obviously this isn’t a magic wand, but it definitely helped.

All-in-all, the mattress made for a great night’s sleep and I’d definitely recommend buying the mattress. Don’t forget, it has a 365 day trial period, so it’s worth a go at least.

2. Simba Hybrid Pro – Best Hybrid for Hot Sleepers

If you want a hybrid mattress that also keeps you cool, the Simba Hybrid Pro is a great choice. Why? Because it has been designed & constructed with many layers of foam, two layers of micro-springs, an upper wool layer, and a “breathable sleep surface” to increase breathability and air flow, both of which are critical to sleeping comfortably at night. If you like to sleep warm, this hybrid mattress is a great pick because it is one of the finest on the market at keeping the temperature down.

It’s a tad pricey at £1,599 for a double, but you can test it out and see whether it’s the right decision with the 200-night money-back guarantee. In addition, the mattress is frequently on sale during Simba’s periodic discounts, making it a potentially cost-effective investment.

If you’re in the market for a luxury hybrid mattress that also does a great job of keeping you cool, you should give serious thought to the Simba Hybrid Pro.

Key Points

  • Seven-layer hybrid mattress
  • Includes breathable sleep surface and wool upper layer
  • Offers excellent heat regulation and comes with a 200-night money-back guarantee

3. Eve Original Hybrid – Best Long-Termer

The Eve Original hybrid is a combination of a pocket-sprung base with two layers of open-cell memory foam.

How cool?

Firstly, The first layer of the mattress has been designed to be 30 times more breathable than the usual memory foam. The purpose of this is to keep you feeling cool and fresh, of course; second, the use of pocket springs also add to the cooling aspect of the mattress.

About the Eve Original Hybrid

The Eve Original Mattress comes in at 24cm thick, and is made up of 3 layers of breathable next generation foam.  The foam offers unique contour zones as well as zoned full sized springs to help relieve the pressure in your shoulders and hips.

As an additional benefit, the moisture-wicking top panel of the mattress can be unzipped and popped in the wash at 40 degrees, which helps to keep your mattress looking fresh too.

How did it feel to sleep on the Eve Original Mattress?

Like the Nectar, I found the mattress really comfortable and luxurious to sleep on. The evecomfort® foam layer is a springier foam, which gives the mattress its bounce, and helps to stop you from feeling like you are sinking in. I found the support to be excellent, and felt it achieved the perfect balance of almost wrapping itself around the body while still offering a firm mattress for a good nights sleep.

Although Eve claims the mattress will give you a spring in your step the next morning, we can’t confirm or deny our day after was springier. That said, we did find we were sleeping a lot better. The really easy way of setting up this mattress and ease of delivery was perfect, and to be honest, the mattress was wonderful.

4. OTTY Aura – Cheapest option

The OTTY Aura Hybrid mattress is an affordable cooling mattress that is perfect for those who tend to sleep hot. This spring and foam mattress uses a combination of 70/30% springs to foam, making it one of the lowest price points in the bed-in-a-box market. Despite its affordable price, the quality of the OTTY Aura is comparable to other premium mattresses in the market.

At 23cm in height, the Aura fits any fitted sheet comfortably. The luxury thick knit cover creates a soft sleeping surface that can be machine washed at 40 degrees. The innovative technology used in this mattress moulds to your body, creating the ultimate comfort. The specially designed Reflex Foam provides additional support on top of the spring layer, while the unrivalled spring size provides a medium-firm firmness rating, maximising support offered while minimising motion transfer.

The Aura Hybrid’s tall encased pocket springs are great for this price range. Up to a 1000 16m tall pocket springs provide the mattress’s support structure, and it’s the combination of these springs that creates a supportive basis for your spine and joints, lessening the effects of motion transfer and allowing you to awaken feeling revitalised. If you’re looking for a mattress that will support your body better than memory foam, look no further.

The Aura is slightly softer than OTTY’s original range, with a medium-firm rating of 6/10. The uniquely-designed cover and slightly thinner layers allow you to sink into the mattress while still providing key support that ensures you wake up pain and ache-free. Don’t expect massive levels of luxury at this price, but the side supports create a wider sleeping area, allowing you to sleep near the edge of your bed without rolling off.

Finally, for just £10, OTTY does offer a premium delivery service that will bring the mattress right to the room of your choice. The OTTY Aura Hybrid Mattress is an  excellent option for individuals who do not wish to spend a fortune on a comfortable and supportive mattress.

5. Simba Cool Foam Mattress – The Outlier

Now quite a difficult mattress to get hold of, but if you can get it, then the Simba Cool Foam Mattress uses open-cell foam to filter heat away from the body while encouraging air flow. And it’s ridiculously cheap now too.

How cool?

They use their own patented Simbatex foam, which uses graphite to move excess heat away from your body as you sleep, which provides a constant cooler nights sleep.

About the Simba Cool Foam Mattress

Unlike most memory foam mattresses which usually have 4 layers, the Simba has 5, which aims to provide an extra level of comfort.

It’s made up of a top layer providing air flow, cooling foam, then onto a pocket spring layer which is where the comfort comes in, followed by two dense layers of foam which gives you the support the most people want when buying a memory foam mattress. All in all, they’ve done their research and gone the extra mile to make something unique.

How did it feel to sleep on the Simba Cool Foam Mattress?

I’d say for me Simba was the best in terms of overall comfort, but personally I didn’t feel it matched the others in terms of keeping me cool. Luckily though, the actual sleep made up for it. The various layers really does offer a great nights sleep and we couldn’t really fault it. I’ve only marked this fifth because it didn’t keep me any cooler than the others above.

Positives & negatives of cooling mattresses

Here’s a summary of the best and worst bits of mattresses designed for those who sleep hot (in general):

Pros:

  • ? Helps regulate body temperature for a cooler sleep experience.
  • ? Can improve sleep quality for hot sleepers who struggle with night sweats.
  • ? Some materials, such as wool and latex, offer natural and breathable cooling properties.
  • ? Many cooling mattresses are available in various sizes, types, and price points to suit individual preferences and budgets.

Cons:

  • ? Cooling mattresses can be more expensive than traditional mattresses.
  • ? Some cooling mattresses may not be suitable for people who prefer a firmer feel.
  • ? Memory foam mattresses can retain body heat and not be as breathable without specific features.
  • ? Cooling mattresses may not work as effectively in very high temperatures or humid climates.

What should I consider first and foremost?

Being totally honest, it’s vital to think about things like the mattress’s composition, breathability, and comfort level when searching for a cooling model. Now admittedly your head is probably spinning already, so let me just point out my top picks:

  • The Nectar Mattress is an excellent choice due to its temperature-regulating construction (it has a cooling top cover and a smart foam layer).
  • The Eve Original Hybrid is unique because of its pocket-sprung construction and airy foam top.
  • The Simba Cool Foam Mattress makes use of graphite-infused, patent-pending Simbatex foam to dissipate body heat while promoting ventilation.

What constitutes the greatest cooling mattress for you is ultimately a matter of taste and need. When shopping for a mattress, it’s important to think about how firm it is, how well it supports your body, and how pleasant it is overall.

What mattress type is best?

So let’s talk about the different types of mattresses. There are a lot of options out there, as you probably know, but they can generally be divided into a few categories. Each category has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to keeping you cool.

Hybrid

One type of mattress that can help you stay cool is a hybrid mattress. As the name suggests, these mattresses are a hybrid of different types of mattresses. Most hybrids have a pocketed coil support core and thick comfort layers made of materials like polyfoam, latex, or a mixture of both. The feel of a hybrid mattress can vary depending on the materials used in the comfort layers.

So, why are hybrids good for keeping you cool? The coil support core allows air to flow through the bed, which helps reduce the amount of heat trapped in the mattress. This makes hybrids a temperature-neutral option for many sleepers. Our sleep lab tests have also shown that latex comfort layers can further enhance cooling. However, be wary of thick memory foam comfort layers, as they can trap heat and make your sleep experience less comfortable.

Memory Foam

Of course, there are other types of mattresses that can help keep you cool as well. Memory foam mattresses, for example, are known for their ability to conform to your body and reduce pressure points. I don’t want to labour the point about heat retention again, but I know that it can be a concern for many sleepers.

In short, my advice is: “don’t worry”; mattress manufacturers have found ways to combat this issue.

Some foam mattresses now come with covers made with phase change material, which absorb body heat and transform it to a cooler temperature. In addition, you may find polyfoam comfort layers infused with cooling materials like gel, copper, graphite, or charcoal. These additions can help keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night while still enjoying the conforming benefits of foam mattresses.

Latex

Mattresses crafted from the sap of rubber trees… Sounds scary, but that’s where latex comes from!. These are naturally resilient and can relieve pressure points. Note: Not all latex mattresses have a support core and comfort layer made entirely of latex; some use a combination of latex and other materials like coils and polyfoam.

But because of the natural cooling features of latex, many companies add air holes to the layers of their latex mattresses. The layer of latex allows air to circulate, dispersing the sleeper’s body heat and keeping them comfortable. The temperature neutrality of Talalay latex is higher than that of Dunlop, but aeration is possible with both varieties.

Does it matter what the mattress is made of?

Yes.

Knowing which materials provide the most cooling can be helpful for people who sleep hot, for obvious reasons.

Coils or springs, often composed of steel and used to support the core of a mattress, are one thing to check for. These layers have lots of breathing room, so they help keep the mattress’s top comfort layers cool. Some manufacturers add layers of gel-infused foam to their memory foam products to increase cooling.

However, the efficacy of all this is questionable. Why? Because hot sleepers need to focus on the type of mattress rather than on whether or not the memory foam layers include gel. The polyurethane in standard memory foam moulds to the shape of the body, giving the user a “hugging” sensation. However, it has a tendency to retain heat, making it unsuitable for hot sleepers.

Importantly, newer versions of memory foam have improved ventilation and reduced heat retention. Memory foam with a cooling pattern of tiny holes, or layers of cooling gel are two options.

What is open-cell foam?

Similar to how basic polyfoam may serve as both a support core and a comfort layer, it also has the disadvantage of being a heat trap.

Open-cell polyfoam, or advanced polyfoam, is more breathable and comfortable because it traps less heat than closed-cell foam; because of this, mattresses constructed with modern polyfoam tend to be more “temperature neutral” and conducive to a more comfortable night’s sleep. Not in every case – but that’s the general rule.

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What else do I need to know about hot sleeping?

If you’re looking to sleep cool, it’s not enough to just think about the materials of your mattress.

Basically, everything in yoyr bedroom, from the temperature to the furnishings and bedding you use, has a role.

Firstly, on the topic of room temperature. It’s key to remember that there’s no universally agreed “ideal” temperature for falling asleep, and experts tend to agree. The recommended temperature for a good night’s sleep is somewhere around 17C, however this might vary from person to person: some people sleep better in a warmer atmosphere, while others require a cooler one.

Finding the optimal temperature and set of sleep aids that allow you to get a full night’s rest, really is a matter of trial and error and you rmileage will vary.

Here at WhatMattress we take mattress research seriously - all our product tests are done as fairly and honestly as possible.

That's quite a bold claim, but we're proud of the attention to detail that you're hopefully seeing within our reviews. Our methodology sets us apart from many other review websites. I like to think this is because WhatMattress is only run by two people - Carrie and Anthony. Over the years we've hand-tested multiple mattresses, pillow and other bedding products - so that you don't have to!

Every single mattress is put through its paces using the following tests:

  • We make sure to live with the mattress for at least a week.
  • We always sleep on the mattress we're testing - every single night.
  • We will always be 100% honest when we weigh up the pros and the cons of each mattress.
  • And in most cases, we've bought the mattress ourselves and haven't been given a free one.

Are mattress toppers any good?

Well, not all mattress toppers are created equal when it comes to temperature regulation. Memory foam mattress toppers, for instance, are notorious for retaining heat. Unless they are aerated and infused with cooling materials such as gel, charcoal, or copper, they may not be the best choice for hot sleepers. Similarly, down mattress toppers can also trap heat, making them less than ideal for those looking to stay cool.

If you’re in search of a decent cooling mattress topper, my advice is look for one made of naturally-breathable materials such as wool, or one that uses cooling technologies like phase change material.

What about cooling pillows?

In addition to mattresses and bedding, cooling pillows can also play a key role in creating a cooler sleep environment. For people who tend to sleep hot, traditional down or polyester pillows may not be the best option. Instead, cooling pillows made from memory foam or latex could be a better choice.

To make memory foam and latex pillows more cooling, manufacturers often aerate them to increase airflow, or infuse them with gel or other cooling materials. Cooling pillows with air or water chambers are also available for those who need additional cooling. While these types of pillows are usually higher-priced, they can be quite effective at reducing heat buildup and promoting a more comfortable sleep temperature.

What about my duvet?

When it comes to maintaining a comfortable body temperature while sleeping, duvets can make a huge difference. Some people, especially those who tend to overheat while sleeping, can get too hot and uncomfortable under duvets made of certain fabrics or of a certain thickness. There are, however, duvets available that can assist in maintaining a reasonable body temperature while you sleep.

Wool, down, fleece, cashmere, and heavy cotton duvets & blankets, for example, tend to be the toastiest, so overheated sleepers should stay away from them. These blankets have a high propensity to retain heat, making for a hot and unpleasant night’s sleep.

However, thinner and lighter duvets – of coruse – will keep you cooler than their heavier and thicker counterparts. Fabrics like light cotton, cotton blends, Tencel lyocell, and linen are great for warm sleepers because of their inherent coolness and breathability. These materials allow air to circulate easily, which aids in temperature regulation and prevents excess heat from building up.

Coolmax and 37.5 technology are examples of materials used to create duvets with the express purpose of reducing body temperature. Coolmax Fresh Farbic helps keep sweat away from the body and allows air to circulate since it is moisture-wicking and breathable. The 37.5 temperature-regulating fabric keeps you comfortable by controlling sweat and radiant heat.  You can buy that sort of bedding from websites like this one in the UK.

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Conclusion

To conclude, it’s obvious, then, that finding the right cooling mattress can make a world of difference in terms of quality of sleep.

A variety of materials and technology, such as coil support cores and naturally breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, can help keep sleepers cool. In addition to figuring out the ideal temperature for sleeping, you should think about other sleep essentials like pillows and duvets.

In my opinion, if you’re the kind of person to wake up hot and bothered in the middle of the night, a cooler mattress will likely be worth the investment. There is no shortage of cooling mattresses out there, but I’ve narrowed it down to three of the best so you can rest well at night.

The Nectar Mattress has four layers and is medium-firm. Its primary goal is to maintain your body temperature at a comfortable level all night long. Its smart foam layer and top cover work together to dissipate heat, making this mattress a good choice for hot sleepers.

There are pocket springs and two layers of open-cell memory foam in the Eve Original Hybrid. The top layer of this mattress is 30 times more breathable than regular memory foam, so you’ll sleep comfortably and invigorated all night long. Its moisture-wicking top panel is machine washable at 40 C, and its foam contour zones and zonal full-sized springs assist ease pressure in the shoulders and hips.

Using its proprietary Simbatex foam, the Simba Cool Foam Mattress dissipates body heat and promotes air circulation. The five-layer construction provides superior cushioning and assistance. The different layers provided a comfortable night’s sleep, even though it didn’t keep us as cool as the other two mattresses.

Overall, these three mattresses are excellent choices for anyone who needs a cooler night’s sleep. Each of them has theirs own unique features that provide different levels of comfort and cooling, so choose the one that best suits your needs.

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Was this article helpful?
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Does a cooling mattress always prevent night sweats?

No, a cooling mattress can't completely prevent night sweats. However, it can help regulate your body temperature, making you feel cooler and more comfortable if you sleep hot.

Do mattresses for people who sleep hot cost more than regular mattresses?

Cooling mattresses CAN be more expensive than regular mattresses, especially if they are made with high-quality materials. However, there are many cheap / budget UK options available, and the benefits of a cooler night's sleep may outweigh the higher cost for some people.

So a memory foam mattress be cooling?

Yes, modern memory foam mattresses can be cooling, as silly as it may sound. Many use open-cell foam in their top layers, which allows for better breathability and airflow. Additionally, hybrid mattresses that combine memory foam with a sprung layer can provide even better heat regulation.

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How we reviewed this article:

Edit History:

Our experts continually monitor the mattress & sleep tech space, and we update our reviews & articles when new information becomes available.

  • 17th April 2024
    Current Article - By Carrie Taylor
  • 17th April 2024
    Checked & Reviewed - By Morag Park, Ph.D.
  • 2nd May 2023
    Copy Edited - By Carrie Taylor
  • 17th April 2024
    Reviewed - By Carrie Taylor

One comment on “Best Cooling Mattress

  1. We would like a super king, zip and link bed with cooling mattresses, and ideally a period within which it could be returned. Does such a thing exist?

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