The best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers in 2024, as tested by us

If you dread going to bed and waking up hot and sticky, you'll need one of the best cooling mattresses. These are specifically designed with airflow technology and cooling gels that draw heat away from your body, promising to help you towards a cooler, quality night of sleep.

It doesn't take much to get hot and flustered over choosing the best mattress. There's a different model for every kind of sleeper as well as lots of questions, such as 'do cooling mattresses even work?' and 'how do I sleep in the heat?'. We want to take the stress out of sleeping, so have dedicated years to bringing you a comprehensive guide of the best cooling mattresses for every sleeping style and budget.

Our team of experts have been sleeping on the best cooling mattresses since 2022. We've been putting each and every mattress' bold, cold claims to the test to make sure we're giving you the latest sleep tips, technology, and research. We've also tested the best cooling pillows, breathable pyjamas, and every technique for sweat-free sleep. 

If you need a helping hand getting started on finding the right cooling mattress for you, we recommend looking for a few specifics. Always opt for natural bed fibres such as wool, cotton, hemp, and linen. These help our bodies to breathe and regulate temperature naturally. Pocket-sprung or hybrid mattresses are great for airflow, but if you like the pressure-relieving effects of memory foam, we've found some great hybrid and cooling versions too. Armed with expert advice and tips, there's no need to lose sleep over the heat.

The quick list

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The best cooling mattresses 2024, as reviewed by our experts

The best cooling mattress for couples

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 helps 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 said 'usually, I have to crank the window down in our bedroom at night and end up throwing the covers off, but I didn't need to with this one. If you often get hot flushes in the night, it's a life-saver.'

Linda, our expert tester, also enjoyed the low-motion transfer technology. She found that 'even night-time loo breaks were achieved without disturbing my sleeping partner. Overall, the Eve made a big difference to both my and my partner's sleep quality.'

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

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The best cooling mattress overall

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 pyjamas 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 fibres to synthetic in your home, this is the 'cooling' mattress for you. It's on the expensive side though, so it's advised you invest in one of the best mattress protectors to keep it at its best.

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The best premium cooling mattress

This is Simba's most luxurious model yet and it doesn't disappoint. The sumptuous 31cm deep Hybrid Luze is a ground-breaking, back-saving mattress. Linda, our expert tester said 'I didn't wake up with any of my normal aches and pains in the morning and enjoyed a consistently cool night's sleep too.'

Linda describes the Simba as 'squishy, but also really supportive, with a good balance of firmness, motion control, and body pressure relief.' This offering isn't by chance, Simba has designed a ten-layer structure, hitting all the sweet spots that a cooling mattress should.

Three of the layers are crafted from clever titanium Aerocoil micro springs, which adapt to your and your partner's movements, reducing motion transfer. These micro springs are sandwiched between supportive layers and the brand's patented foam, which claims to have 30 times more airflow than memory foam. If that's not enough to help with cooling, the layer closest to the surface is a mix of wool, bamboo, and cotton, designed for moisture-wicking breathability.

The top cover is removable and washable so keeping it clean is simple. Although it's very heavy to manoeuvre, 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 in tip-top condition. 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. 

See our full Simba mattress review

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The best cooling mattress for all sleeping positions

Our expert tester described this as the 'Goldilocks mattress: it's not too soft and not too firm, hitting the sweet spot for pressure relief and comfort.' It's designed with seven support zones, promising better spinal alignment and good support for your shoulders, hips, and legs, whichever position you sleep in.

If you want to get technical, here's how Nectar creates that perfect balance of pressure relief and no motion transfer. The Hybrid boasts five layers of foam, a middle layer of 1600 micro springs, and pressure-relieving memory foam too. Hot sleepers will benefit from the top two layers in particular, which are designed to enhance airflow, drawing heat away from the body. If you like a memory foam mattress for its pressure-relieving properties, this is a dream come true. Linda, our expert, said 'I didn't wake up overly hot in the night and could hop out of bed in the morning without all my usual aches and pains.'  

The Nectar is 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, they'll repair it, so you can sleep soundly knowing it will last. This is part of a larger effort from the company to reduce the environmental footprint. 

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.

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The best medium-firm cooling mattress

Emma is highly regarded as one of the most trustworthy premium mattress brands, so it's no surprise that the Luxe Cooling Mattress has made it onto our list. With a firmness rating of 5/10, this is the perfect middle-ground option for those who don't want to completely sink down into their mattress. Balancing soft comfort with sturdy support, this hybrid mattress is one of our favourites.

Our expert tester says, 'I'm a hot and fidgety sleeper and so is my partner, but we've been using this for several months now and have been sleeping better than ever before.' She said that all you have to do is touch the mattress to feel the cooling properties, and as you sleep you'll find that your body's temperature is regulated while a good level of motion control too.

Our tester found that not only did she feel cooler in the morning (and throughout the night) after using this mattress, but also found it to be extremely breathable, noting that there was no 'stuffy' feeling when sleeping on it, even during humid months. 

This mattress is almost always 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 Luxe Cooling Mattress a great budget cooling mattress option, as it's already very affordable for such a premium product.

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The best breathable cooling mattress

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This is the Silentnight Lift Breathe Mattress. We've got some of our own shots of it being tested if you click on the arrows.

Here's the base of the Lift Breathe mattress in situ at Linda's home.

This is the side profile of the Lift Breathe mattress. You can see all the lovely, breathable layers just by looking at it.

Silentnight's Lift Breathe mattress is a great alternative if you're not keen on foam mattresses. It has a platinum pad underneath, offering a foam-like feel without much resistance to movement in your sleep

Crucially, the Silent Night is a really breathable mattress - according to manufacturers, it's 10x more breathable than memory foam. The mattress works using patented technology to offer a cooling night's sleep. It has 1600 Mirapocket® springs that allow airflow (whilst also alleviating pressure). Even better, the breathable fibres are hypoallergenic.

So, how does it deliver? As always, this mattress can't actively cool you down - or alleviate the impact of night sweats - the way that air conditioning might, but it definitely offers a comfortable night's sleep. After three months of testing, our two hot sleepers can attest that they enjoyed a comfortable, and cool, night's sleep. 

While it's not memory foam, the Mirapocket® springs do offer a level of personalized support. One of our expert testers found that her mattress 'adapted to my shape as I shifted and fidgeted in the night, which was great both for motion control and pressure relief all night long. I've never had that with a spring mattress before, because normally they're pretty bad for motion transfer.' It's definitely on the firmer side of medium-firm, so if you're looking for a mattress on the softer side, you might want to consider other options.

This mattress is also deeper than most others on this list, with a depth of 30.5cm. While this is undoubtedly a pro for us, it does mean it's fairly heavy and a little more difficult to turn than others on this list - even with the attached handles. It also comes with a shorter warranty and sleep trial period than others. However, overall for the price, this is a great mattress that offers a supportive, cool night's sleep. 

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The best naturally cooling mattress

This is another handcrafted pocket sprung bed that's packed with natural materials that include cotton, wool, hemp, and flax; so the Southdown stands up to scrutiny on the cooling front. The inner materials of wool, hemp, and flax are all breathable, while the outer cotton layer also wicks away moisture, to keep your body's temperature regulated. 

As well as springy wool, pocket springs, and micro springs provide all the support you need. It's a forgiving, single-sided mattress that our expert described as 'responsive to all of my movements in the night, without too much motion transfer.' 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 is 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 sleeping on the Southdown for several nights, our tester woke temperate, rested, and raring to go each time. 'It's an expensive mattress, but it's also excellent quality, and the all-natural, chemical-free credentials mean a lot to me.'

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The best value-for-money cooling mattress

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's 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, and it ticked a lot of boxes and performed better than a regular foam mattress where cooling is concerned. 

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The best bed-in-a-box cooling mattress

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 the 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, the anti-bacterial charcoal-infused cover is designed to wick away moisture. Our expert tester says 'I'm prone to waking up in a bit of a clammy heap in the night, but I slept right through the night without any excess body heat or night sweats waking me up.'

In the middle, the Pure's central layers contain up to 2000 16cm springs plus high-density support foam. In fact, it's 64% spring and 34% foam, which makes the mattress cushioned enough to be comfortable, and yet it still feels supportive enough to provide a good night's slumber. Our expert said 'if you're on the heavier side, you might find this just that little bit too soft, but I found it to be just right support-wise.'

Pure's promise of sweeter dreams and sounder sleep was definitely fulfilled with their hybrid. 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.

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The best cooling mattress for front sleepers

As one of the slightly softer options, this provides a snug surface for shuteye. This also makes it suitable 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 minimise '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 regular 180 rotation to keep it tip-top, but there's some useful side handles to help you manoeuvre it. If you're not completely sure, there's a year to decide if it suits you or not. 

Our experts said 'this is on the softer side for most sleepers, but if you're a front-sleeper it offers the perfect amount of sumptuous, sink-in shaping and support. My partner and I slept soundly throughout the night without waking up uncomfortably hot, which is all you can ask for from a good cooling mattress.' What the experts did note was that the softness might be a little bit too much for back and side sleepers, since it is really soft. We'd also like it to have a warranty that's longer than five years. It might sound like a long time, but, compared to others, it's pretty short.

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How we tested the best cooling mattresses

The best cooling mattresses can be a godsend if you're a hot sleeper, so we make sure to put them through rigorous rounds of testing before we recommend them to you. We have a team of dedicated experts who sleep on these mattresses for at least four weeks, often much longer, before we write-up a review for you.

Our feedback is based on the real-life experience of our experts, so you get all of our first person insights, including an assessment of whether the mattress offers good value for money, durable construction, as well as the perfect comfort and support.

When it comes to cooling mattresses, it's important that these can do a good job of temperature regulation all year round. Our cooling mattress testers are all hot sleepers who wake up with hot flushes in the night, but we'll also get the mattresses tested by those who aren't struggling with overheating so we can get a good gauge of how these mattresses perform. We'll compare the results of our mattresses both in the summer and winter, keeping track of whether our testers are waking up cooler, hotter, more frequently or less frequently.

There's a lot about mattresses that are subjective, such as firmness and sleep quality. We like to use sleep trackers so that we have some data, but we also make sure that our experts are knowledgeable about all of the sleep styles, especially their own. 

Armed with enough sleep expertise to send any enthusiastic listener to sleep, we give them the mattresses and they'll make notes on the following:

• 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. 

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How to choose the best cooling mattress for you

Choosing the best cooling mattress for you will require you to think about how you sleep. We have a few factors that we recommend you consider before diving into a mattress purchase:

Mattress type
You'll already be familiar with all the different types of mattresses. The main four are: hybrid, innerspring, latex, and memory foam. Innerspring mattresses are great for airflow and support, but they're a lot more firm than others. Hybrid mattresses will be made with a coil base and comfort layers. It's a good blend if you need something softer, but still want support and cooling technology. Memory foam mattresses will hug your body, which is great for pressure relief, but can be quite hot. The best cooling memory foam mattresses will have gels or copper to keep you cool. Natural latex is your last option, offering the same softness as memory foam, but a more breathable structure.

Spinal support
It's important to weigh up how much spinal support you and your partner (if you sleep next to one) will need when buying a cooling mattress. 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.

Firmness
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. They're a great sweet spot between ultra-cooling, but not always comfortable firm mattresses and super sumptuous, but also quite insulating soft mattresses.

Bed base
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. 

Type of cooling technology
Do your research and look at the cooling effects offered. Hybrid mattresses that 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. You might also get a cooling cover, gel or copper top layer and other special technology. Some brands will charge you for extras, such as cooling toppers, but they might be worth it if you're really suffering.

Trial period
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. 

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).

Price
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.

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What type of mattress do I need?

Different mattresses suit different sleepers. If you need one of the best cooling mattresses, a hybrid mattress or an innerspring mattress will keep you cooler more effectively. This is because they have a layer of pocket coils or springs, which let air flow freely through them. You can get cooling memory foam mattresses that use gels or other special technologies, but we'd only recommend these if you are a front or side sleeper (you'll need the cushioning of a memory foam mattress for comfort, since spring mattresses can be quite hard.

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Do cooling mattresses really work?

We've done a deep dive into whether cooling mattresses really work, especially for hot flushes and night sweats. If you want details and statistics from the experts, you can read our article on 'do cooling mattresses really help to stop overheating and night sweats?' and if you want the short answer, it's yes.

If you struggle to fall asleep to stay asleep because of the heat, a cooling mattress could be your solution. The best cooling mattresses will use special technology and phase change materials (PCM) to dissipate body heat across your mattress. They'll also use materials that are naturally moisture-wicking and breathable.

If you're seriously struggling, a cooling mattress won't do all of the work for you. It's worth looking into some good aircon or a fan (cracking a window open can help); some cooling bedsheets; a cooling mattress topper; and a cooling pillow; and some lightweight pyjamas.

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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, of Sleep.8 UK, had to say...

"When using a mattress with a cooling effect, we recommend forgoing the use of a mattress topper," he 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's cooling effect as the topper creates a barrier between the cooling gel layer, the air molecules, and the sleeper."

Musi Chayla

Musi Chayla is the CEO of Sleep.8 Global, a retailer specialising in mattresses and bedding.

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Expert tips for hot sleepers who want a cooler night's sleep

Whilst investing in a cooling mattress can take you part of the way towards a cooler night's sleep, there's plenty more that you can do to help you towards a sweat-free sleep. 

The best place to start is building out your breathable bedding. Alongside investing in a cooling mattress, it's worth looking into cooling pillows, a cooling mattress topper, and some breathable bedding. Cooling pillows and cooling mattress toppers follow a similar story to cooling mattresses: you want to look for gel-infused layers, latex, and open-cell foam. They'll help to dissipate heat and improve the airflow around your skin.

Another breathable bedding essential will be your sheets. Natural, lightweight fibres such as cotton or linen will provide much better air circulation and heat dissipation, some will even have special moisture-wicking qualities. We'd recommend following suit with your pyjamas too. We've literally written the guide to the best pyjamas for night sweats. These feature sets are crafted from crisp cotton, breathable bamboo, and lightweight linen.

Beyond your bed, it's important to consider your environment. Experts say that 15-19°C is the optimal temperature for sleep. If you can crack a window to hit these temperatures, that's brilliant. However, night sweats will probably call for something more substantial. Silent, portable fans, such as the Shark FlexBreeze are a great way to increase the airflow in your room, keeping the air and moisture circulating away from your bed. 

Experts also recommend staying hydrated throughout the day, avoiding caffeine late at night, investing in some blackout curtains (such as these from Dunelm), and taking a lukewarm or cool shower before bed. These are less 'essentials' and more techniques that it's worth trying. They don't work for everyone, but it can't hurt to give them a go.

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How to sleep better in hot weather

A warm and humid bedroom can be every hot sleeper's worst nightmare. Throw in night sweats and you might be close to despair. Luckily, we all go through it, so there are plenty of researchers and ladies who have been there, done that, and got the tricks to save you.

If the weather gets hotter, we've got some tips for helping you to stay cool and comfortable in the night.

Cool your bedroom
The best place to start is with a cool environment. Make sure you've either got some good air conditioning or a bedroom-friendly fan (we recommend the Shark FlexBreeze). If you don't have air conditioning, try placing a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of your fan to create a makeshift air cooler. Position your fans near windows and doorways to try and draw in cooler air too. If you can create a cross-breeze with your fans, this will feel ultra-refreshing. Also, keep your curtains and blinds shut during the day to block out the sun and stop your room from heating up.

Sort out your bed set-up
Choosing one of the best cooling mattresses, an effective cooling mattress topper, a specially designed cooling pillow, and some moisture-wicking bedding to ensure that your entire bed sets you up for sweat-free success. Opt for natural fibres, such as linen and cotton, a lightweight sheet, and moisture-wicking, gel mattresses and pillows.

Invest in cool clothing
As well as breathable bedding, it's helpful to have loose-fitting, lightweight pyjamas that are crafted from cotton and bamboo. If you can find a pyjama set for night sweats that's moisture-wicking too, you'll be well on your way to cooler sleep. Steer clear of artificial fibres, since these won't help you at all.

Hydration and showering
Experts are all about water when it comes to cooler sleeping. They say to drink water throughout the day and to avoid caffeine and alcohol, since these can contribute to dehydration and disrupt your sleep, leaving you to toss and turn all night long. Plenty of people also take a lukewarm or cool shower to lower your body temperature, making it easier to fall asleep. You can also soak your feed in cold water or use a cool flannel on your neck and wrists if you need an instant refresh.

Some experts say to make a DIY cooling pack by filling a sock with rice or beans. Tie it off, place it in the freezer and then use the cold pack on your pulse points or under your pillow to keep cool.

Other practicalities
It's just a scientific fact that heat rises. If you have multiple floors in your house, it might be worth considering sleeping on a lower level where things will be a little cooler. Plus, if you can avoid using the oven or stove near to bedtime, you'll keep the whole house cooler.

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