The best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers in 2023, as tested by us

The benefits of a good night’s sleep are indisputable, but not always easy to achieve, especially if you’re prone to overheating. If that’s the case, finding the best cooling mattress could be the answer. In our guide, we’ve rounded up the best on the market for all budgets and sleep styles.

Choosing the best mattress takes care and consideration, particularly if you are sharing a bed. The wrong type of mattress, if you run hot at night, can exacerbate wakefulness due to things like hot flushes, night sweats, or general overheating. 

Materials are important. Natural bed fibers such as wool, cotton, hemp, or linen allow our bodies to breathe and regulate temperature naturally (so you're less likely to sweat) while foam mattresses can trap and retain heat. This is where cooling mattresses come in.

Cooling mattresses are foam mattresses made with specific features such as airflow technology, layers of graphite, or specially formulated gels to draw excess heat away from the body. If you like the pressure-relieving effects of memory foam, you're less likely to overheat if you choose a hybrid or cooling version. The same principle applies to the best cooling pillows.

We tested multiple cooling and natural mattresses, sleeping on each one for at least three nights. We specifically assessed each one's comfort, support levels, and of course how well they kept us cool. We made sure to assess cooling options from all of the major sleep brands, including Simba, Eve, and Nectar. 

All the models in this guide were tested at the end of 2022 and have been reviewed in 2023 to ensure all the mattresses included remain to be the best cooling products on the market today. All the prices below reflect the cost of a standard UK double bed unless stated otherwise.

How we tested the best cooling mattresses

We specifically looked at:

• Comfort and support: We considered the firmness of the mattresses and how well each of them kept the spine aligned, while still being soft enough for a restful night's sleep. We assessed the pressure-relieving effects for all sleeping positions, whether you prefer to lay on your back, side, or front. 
• Temperature regulation: We assessed how well the different types of mattresses and their fillings drew excess heat away from the body, to confirm how they actually deliver on their promise of a cooling mattress.
• Materials and construction: During testing, we noted what material each mattress was made of – be it hybrid (with springs) or layers of foam, and how effectively it works. Additionally, we looked at whether there were removable or washable outer covers for additional sleep hygiene.
• Value-for-money: To cater to all budgets we noted the cost of each mattress, considering whether spending a little extra was worth it, or whether the same quality of comfort could be achieved for less. 

The best cooling mattresses as reviewed by our experts

At a sumptuous 28cm depth, with 1500 pocket springs packed between five layers of foam, the award-winning Eve Premium mattress promises pressure relief and plush cushioning. It's also a hybrid, which as well as providing better support for the spine, allows some airflow around the springs. 

In addition, the top two layers of foam have active graphite cooling agents to remove excess heat. Overall, the Eve offers an incredibly comfortable surface to sleep on, with sink-into softness, and sufficient support that helped to alleviate any aches. 

The cooling effects are limited to what any mattress can realistically do - they won't actively 'cool' you like a fan or AC would obviously, but our tester maintained a comfortable body temperature and enjoyed a refreshing night's rest. Plus it has good motion transfer (so you're less likely to be disturbed by a restless partner). 

There's also a soft outer cover with silver strands woven into it to make the surface antimicrobial and antibacterial. Plus - just like the best bed sheets - the cover can be unzipped and popped in the wash at 40°C when it needs a freshen. 

See our full Eve Premium Hybrid mattress review

Despite not being specifically marketed as a 'cooling' mattress, the Superb has great temperature regulating qualities. It's handmade to order in Devon, using wool from local organic farms, an upper layer of natural latex (made from sap from rubber trees) and cotton-wrapped springs. 

What makes this such a good option is that these materials are all naturally breathable, so they regulate body temperature automatically - a bit like wearing cotton or silk pajamas instead of polyester would. This means there's no need for specially formulated gels or gizmos, as the materials don't cause sweating in the first place.

What's more, the mattress is wrapped in a cooling cotton layer (which is naturally fire-retardant too, so there are no chemical smells). And the springs can be tensioned from soft through to firm, according to the comfort level that suits you best. 

It offers a super comfortable and supportive sleep, without any overheating effects. We slept through the night without breaking a sweat. There's also a zip and link option, where two single mattresses with different levels of firmness can be attached to make one large mattress.

It's no surprise why this brand and its mattresses are the choice for a raft of five-star hotels. If you prefer natural fibers to synthetic in your home, this is the 'cooling' mattress for you. It's on the pricy side though, so it's advised you invest in one of the best mattress protectors to keep it at its best.

This is another handcrafted pocket sprung bed that's packed with natural materials, which include cotton, wool, hemp and flax. So the Southdown stands up to scrutiny on the cooling front. 

The inner materials, wool, hemp and flax, are all breathable, while the outer cotton layer, as well as being breathable wicks away moisture, to keep your temperature regulated. 

As well as springy wool; pocket springs and micro springs provide all the support you need. Additionally, if you and your partner have different support requirements, there's a zip and link option. So two single mattresses with different tensions can be joined together.

It's on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for, in terms of materials and manufacture. The mattress also comes with a 100-night trial. 

After hunkering down on the Southdown, our reviewer woke temperate, rested and raring to go. 

At an indulgent 31cm deep, the Hybrid Luxe is billed as a ground-breaking, back-saving mattress and Simba's most luxurious model yet. It doesn't disappoint; its level of firmness and body pressure relief is spot on, (and there is good motion control too). Any aches or pains that crop up on waking on your old mattress may disappear - as they did for our reviewer.

This is due to its ten layers, three of which are titanium aerocoil micro-springs, which adapt to your and your partner's movements. These are sandwiched between support layers and the brand's patented foam, which claims to have 30 times more airflow than memory foam. The layer closest to the surface is a mix of wool, bamboo, and cotton, which helps with breathability.

It offers superb comfort and support, so you can expect to wake feeling rested and temperate. The top cover is removable and washable so keeping it clean is simple.

Although it's very heavy to maneuver, the Hybrid Luxe has eight handles which certainly helps when getting it out of the box and into place. It also requires a seasonal 180-degree rotation to keep it tip-top. As with any cooling mattress, it's about mitigating the heat-generating effects of foam, and it was among the best at this.

Simba is one of the greener choices, where cooling mattresses are concerned. The company has a zero-waste policy in its factories and it recycles or reprocesses anything that is sent back, from boxes to springs. Even foam from old mattresses is used in carpet underlay. 

It is an expensive option, but the retailer often offers heavy discounts so it's worth researching the best Simba mattress deals before you make the purchase. 

Not too soft, not too firm, this hybrid mattress hit the spot where comfort is concerned for our reviewer. It's designed to relieve common pressure points under the shoulders hips and legs, promising better spinal alignment for all body types. So you can expect to bounce out of bed without aches or pains in the mornings, whether you're a side, front or back sleeper.

Five layers of foam, including one in the middle with 1600 micro springs plus pressure-relieving memory foam contribute to this level of comfort. The base layer has seven zones of support, while the top two are designed to enhance airflow and draw heat away from the body. 

If you like a foam mattress for its pressure-relieving properties, this is a good choice, as you're less likely to overheat. We found it extremely comfy, didn't wake overly hot - and as a bonus aches were alleviated.

It's suitable for divans, platforms, box springs, and traditional bed frames but if you really can't make your mind up you have a whole year to decide with a lengthy 365-night trial. 

What's more, if you do keep the mattress, it has a 'forever' warranty. This means that if there's a manufacturing fault within the first ten years of your ownership, Nectar will replace it, and after that, it will repair it. So you can sleep soundly knowing it will last. This is part of a larger effort from the company to reduce its environmental footprint. From manufacturing in the UK to refurbishing or donating returns to charity, it's working to reduce waste.

Although its advertised price is on the high side, this mattress is often heavily discounted, so you're likely to be able to nab a bargain, making it one of the more affordable options. See our regularly-updated guide to the best Nectar mattress sales to snap up a bargain.

The Sleep.8 Tech mattress is super comfy and the best all-rounder in terms of support, comfort, cooling effects, and value for money.

It is made up of six different layers of foam designed for optimal pressure distribution, spinal alignment, and temperature regulation. This includes a 3cm layer with cooling gel particles, plus a handy removable jersey cover with massaging pads, which can be popped in the wash. 

With five showrooms (across the southeast of England) where you can test the mattresses and talk to the knowledgeable team about your requirements, the brand doesn't offer a trial period, which it says is better for the planet. That may be so, but bear it in mind if you're on the fence about whether or not to purchase this mattress.

There's also a choice of soft, medium or firm mattress, as well as the option to have a double with two halves if you and your partner differ in sleep style or size. The firm mattress is recommended for heavier bodies and soft for those on the lighter side. So it's easy enough to find the right level of support for both of you.

There's also no need to rotate this mattress - you could sleep on just one side the whole time without it sagging - and it's suitable for all types of bed bases, including adjustable 'ergomotion' models. We enjoyed a restful sleep without overheating. It ticked a lot of boxes and performed better than a regular foam mattress where cooling is concerned. 

This award-winning hybrid mattress combines six layers of foam with extra tall CarbonFlex titanium springs for maximum spinal alignment, comfort and stability. These layers include two of Airgocell foam, which according to the makers, absorbs sweat and enhances breathability. 

The mattress is designed to be medium-firm, however, if you find it either too firm or too soft, there is a free optional comfort layer to adjust it to your liking either way. Our reviewer found it a little on the firm side, so would opt for a soft comfort layer, however, heavier bodies may find it 'just right'. It definitely felt supportive, with good motion control and especially comfortable when sleeping on your side.

The polyester outer cover is removable and machine washable, so it's easy to keep the mattress fresh if you do get hot under the covers. There are side handles too, so although it's heavy, it's easier to maneuver than some of the others.

It has a lot going for it, however, it's important to remember the 'cooling' effects are more about reducing overheating from the foam layers than being actively cooled. In that regard, we were able to maintain a regular body temperature through the night.

This mattress is often heavily discounted during Emma mattress sales, so we would recommend looking for an offer. If you can bag a good discount, this makes the Emma Premium the best budget cooling mattress option.

The Otty Pure mattress is a hybrid, which means it has both springs and memory foam for comfort, support and that all-important airflow to aid temperature regulation. Six different layers go into Pure's construction including a bamboo and charcoal memory foam layer on the top, which also helps to keep any excess heat under control. 

In addition, Pure's anti-bacterial charcoal-infused cover is designed to wick away moisture. This all helps to reduce the chances of waking in the night in a clammy heap if you're prone.

In the middle, Pure's central layers contain up to 2000 16cm springs plus high-density support foam. In fact, it's 64% spring and 34% foam. This makes the mattress cushioned enough to be comfortable yet it still feels supportive enough to provide a good night's slumber. 

Our reviewer slept through the night without excess body heat, so Pure definitely offers sweet dreams. And although it has a high price tag there are plenty of offers around and the mattress can often go for close to 50% less than its advertised maximum price.

As one of the slightly softer options, this provided a snug surface for shuteye. This also made it good for front sleepers, as you can sink into it with some support. It's made up of a layer of 1000 pocket springs, designed to minimize 'partner disturbance', foam, and a gel-infused layer for comfort and cooling. 

It's also wrapped in a hypoallergenic fabric, so could be a good option for anyone sensitive to allergens. It's well-priced at the lower cost end for a foam cooling mattress, which makes it a worthwhile contender. 

It just needs a 180 rotation to keep it tip-top - and if you're not sure, there's a year to decide if it suits you or not.

Overall, we slept soundly through the night without waking up uncomfortably hot, which is exactly what you want from a cooling mattress. 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST COOLING MATTRESS FOR YOU

It's important to weigh up how much spinal support you and your partner need. If you're very different in size or one of you is a restless sleeper, look for a mattress with good motion control (or a two halves option). This makes it far less likely you'll be woken any time your partner turns over, or vice versa, which has to be a recipe for good relations.

Think about the firmness of the mattress, too soft and you could wake with back pain; too firm and it could be uncomfortable to sleep on. Most of the mattresses we tested were constructed to be medium-firm, which generally suited our reviewer.

Consider the type of bed base you have and check or ask how well-matched the mattress will be. Some mattresses are designed to suit all types of frame but not all. 

Do your research and look at the cooling effects offered. Hybrid mattresses which incorporate springs generally enable better airflow than pure layers of different foam. An outer layer of natural fibres will likely generate less heat than synthetics. 

Check the trial period or whether you can test the bed in a showroom first. Doing the leg work might seem dull, but you'll be richly rewarded when you wake up every day feeling refreshed once you've chosen the best cooling mattress for you. 

Obviously, your budget will be part of your decision too. A high price tag doesn't always equate to a better product. Although the advertised prices on the best cooling mattresses were often high, there are plenty of deals with huge discounts around.

Bear in mind also that not all bed-in-a-box mattresses are resold once you send them back. So whilst, the 100, 200, or 365-night trial might sound good, it can also be incredibly wasteful. (Over 3 million mattresses went to landfill last year alone).

DO COOLING MATTRESSES REALLY WORK?

If you're a fan of the pressure-relieving effects of foam or memory foam, it's worth considering a cooling mattress. Foam mattresses (and synthetic fibers) retain heat, which can make sleeping on them uncomfortably clammy. 

Cooling mattresses are designed to mitigate these effects with various layers of 'airflow technology' for better air circulation. They tend to also include foam layers embedded with graphite or specially-formulated gels, which aim to pull heat away from the body and/or absorb moisture (sweat). Some have outer covers which include natural fibers such as bamboo or cotton for better breathability. 

If your preference is to sleep on foam or memory foam but you have a tendency to overheat, a cooling mattress would be a better choice.

It's worth noting however, that mattresses made with natural materials such as wool, flax, hemp or cotton, don't need these cooling components as they naturally regulate body temperature and don't cause overheating or sweating in the first place. 

DO YOU NEED A MATTRESS TOPPER WITH A COOLING MATTRESS?

A mattress topper is generally not recommend by the manufacturers of the cooling mattresses we trialled. Here's what Musi Chayla, CEO, Sleep.8 UK had to say. 

'When using a mattress with a cooling effect, we recommend forgoing the use of a mattress topper,' says 'This is because the purpose of the integrated cooling gel layer, which is the first layer beneath the outer cover on our Tech mattress, is to allow air molecules to circulate freely through the cooling gel particles. 

'When a mattress topper is applied, the foam covers the surface of the mattress, blocking air molecules from passing through and impeding the flow of cool air. This will result in a reduced capacity for the mattress' cooling effect as the topper creates a barrier between the cooling gel layer, the air molecules, and the sleeper.'