Recent updates

20/05/26: This guide has been refreshed for spring and summer, when cooling mattress toppers and pads are essential. I replaced the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper with the cooler Nolah AirFoam Luxe Mattress Topper, which I've tested and love. Updated details and pricing for Queen sizes are confirmed.

For hot sleepers, cooling mattress toppers are crucial, especially during warmer months. They address heat retention from memory foam mattresses, HVAC issues, or sleeping with a warm partner, ensuring restful sleep.

As the Sleep Editor, I led a team to test a variety of cooling toppers and pads, including options made from graphite, organic latex, and bamboo, over 30 nights to evaluate comfort, support, and thermoregulation.

Quick Picks: Best Cooling Mattress Toppers and Pads

Our top choice for cooling and support is the Saatva Graphite Topper, which excels at heat dissipation, particularly in humid conditions.

Tested Cooling Mattress Toppers and Pads Summary

Below is a brief overview of our tested options. For more details, scroll or click 'read more' to jump to specific sections, including tips on selecting a cooling topper or pad.

All prices reflect the Queen size as of the last update.

Corner of the Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper against a white wall.Best overall

  1. Saatva Memory Foam Graphite Mattress Topper

    This topper uses graphite to effectively channel heat away, keeping our tester cool during a humid summer.

  2. Helix ErgoAlign Mattress TopperBest memory foam

    This model features GlacioTex fabric, providing a cool touch and innovative temperature control.

  3. Avocado Latex Mattress Topper on a wooden bedframe with a large plant behind and grey rug underneath.Best latex

    Filled with organic latex, this topper offers breathability and is topped with moisture-wicking wool and cotton.

  4. A white Nolah AirFoam Luxe Mattress Topper on a beige bed with beige headboard, on a Persian-style rug.Best for side sleepers

    This medium-soft topper offers cushioning support for hips and shoulders, ensuring proper spinal alignment.

  5. Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad against an off-white background.Best bamboo

    Designed to regulate temperature, this pad uses natural bamboo for moisture-wicking properties, ideal for hot flashes.

  6. Viscosoft mattress topperBest on a budget

    This economical choice is easy to set up, featuring a breathable, machine-washable cover.

Top Cooling Mattress Topper Overall

The Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper on a white mattress on a neutral bedframe, with a white cushion and an ochre knitted blanket on top. The wall is white, and the rug beneath is grey and striped.
The Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper has bands to help keep it secure.

Saatva Memory Foam Graphite Mattress Topper

Ideal for warm nights.

Specifications

Price: $225 - $355
Firmness: Medium-firm
Thickness: 3 inches
Type: Memory foam
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Sleep trials: 180 nights
Warranty: 1 year
Delivery: Free shipping

Pros

  • Cooling graphite infusion
  • Breathable organic cotton cover
  • Corner straps for secure fit

Cons

  • Relatively high price

Our tester found this topper exceptional, providing comfort and cooling throughout a humid summer.

Key takeaway: Best for maximum cooling and support.

Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper

The white Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper with corner straps seen on a navy mattress and wooden bedframe. The floor is grey, and behind is a neutral panelled wall, cheeseplant and window with blinds.
The Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper offers firm, cooling support.

Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper

Classic memory foam without the heat.

Specifications

Price: $373.75 - $561.25
Firmness: Medium-firm
Thickness: 3 inches
Type: Memory foam and high-density foam
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Sleep trials: 120 nights
Warranty: 1 year
Delivery: Free shipping

Pros

  • GlacioTex fabric feels cool
  • Maintains optimal sleep temperature
  • Supports ergonomic alignment

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Increases bed height
  • May need new fitted sheets

Our expert was pleasantly surprised by the Helix ErgoAlign's cooling abilities and comfort.

Key takeaway: Best for stable co-sleeping.

Best Cooling Latex Mattress Topper

A white Avocado Latex Mattress Topper on top of a white Avocado mattress with green lettering, with a white pillow. To the right is a houseplant with a window behind sheer white curtains.
The Avocado Latex Mattress Topper is perfect for eco-conscious consumers.

Avocado Eco-Organic Latex Mattress Topper

Best latex for hot sleepers.

Specifications

Price: $249 - $499
Firmness: Medium
Thickness: 2 inches
Type: Organic latex
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Sleep trials: 100 nights
Warranty: 1 year
Delivery: Free shipping

Pros

  • Temperature-neutral latex
  • Open-cell structure for airflow
  • Breathable cotton cover

Cons

  • No corner straps

Great for sustainable sleep, this topper offers natural ventilation and comfort.

Key takeaway: Best organic materials.

Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers

Nolah AirFoam® Luxe Mattress Topper on a grey Nolah Original Hybrid mattress, shown on a beige bed frame on top of a grey patterned Persian-style rug.
The Nolah AirFoam Luxe mattress topper is ideal for side sleepers.

Nolah AirFoam Luxe Mattress Topper

Soft yet supportive.

Specifications

Price: $349-$549
Firmness: Medium-soft
Thickness: 2-3 inches
Type: CertiPUR-US certified polyurethane foam
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Sleep trials: 30 nights
Warranty: 10 years
Delivery: Free shipping

Pros

  • Plush and cooling
  • Excellent support
  • Strong motion isolation

Cons

  • Higher price
  • Initial off-gassing smell
  • Edge support could be better

Testers praised the Nolah AirFoam Luxe for its cooling properties and support for side sleepers.

Key takeaway: Perfect balance for side sleepers.

Best Bamboo Cooling Mattress Pad

A white quilted Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad shown on a bed, with a white pillow. Behind is a wooden side-table, with a green houseplant in a brown rectangular pot, and a white plant pot beside it.

The Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad is thin yet effective.

Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad

Natural moisture control for temperature regulation.

Specifications

Price: $128-$188
Firmness: Medium-soft
Thickness: 1/2 inch
Type: Viscose from Bamboo
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Sleep trials: 100 nights
Warranty: 10 years
Delivery: Free shipping

Pros

  • Moisture-wicking
  • Natural breathability
  • Temperature regulating

Cons

  • Thinner than a topper

Designed to enhance comfort, the bamboo pad is slim yet effective for temperature control.

Key takeaway: Best slim design.

Best Cooling Mattress Topper on a Budget

A grey Viscosoft High-Density Mattress Topper with corner straps a grey mattress on a wooden bedframe, with red, cream, and white pillows and cushions, against a white wall, beside a nightstand.
The Viscosoft High-Density Mattress Topper provides excellent cooling at a budget price.

Viscosoft High-Density Mattress Topper

Comfortable cooling at an accessible price.

Specifications

Price: $179.95-274.95
Firmness: Medium
Thickness: 2-4 inches
Type: Gel-infused memory foam
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Short Queen, Queen, Short King, King, California King
Sleep trials: 90 nights
Warranty: Five years
Delivery: Free shipping

Pros

  • Breathable, washable cover
  • Cooling gel-infused memory foam
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Straps can slip off

The Viscosoft High Density Mattress Topper is popular for its comfort and quality.

Key takeaway: Affordable comfort with cooling features.

Testing Methodology

Our team of testers evaluated cooling mattress toppers and pads across various factors, focusing on cooling capabilities, pressure relief, and support. We tested in diverse climates, ensuring thorough performance assessments over at least 30 nights.

We also assessed practical aspects like size options, delivery details, and warranties, alongside verified customer reviews for long-term insights.

Choosing the Right Cooling Topper or Pad

If you're unsure which product suits you best, consider these differences. A cooling topper is thicker, made from foam infused with cooling materials, while a cooling pad is thinner, often made from natural fibers, providing a cooling effect without altering your mattress's feel.

  • Sleep position: Your sleep position affects spinal alignment; choose a firmness level accordingly.
  • Budget: Cooling toppers generally cost more than pads; set a budget range.
  • Mattress condition: If your mattress is still good, a pad may suffice; if not, consider a topper.
  • Key features: Look for materials, thickness, trial periods, and compatibility with your mattress.

Here's a side-by-side comparison of our top picks, all with free shipping.

Cooling Mattress Toppers and Pads Comparison
NamePriceFirmnessThicknessTypeSizesSleep TrialsWarranty
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper$225 - $355Medium-firm3 inchesMemory foamTwin-California King (including Split King)180 nights1 year
Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper$373.75 - $561.25Medium-firm3 inchesMemory foam and high-density foamTwin-California King120 nights1 year
Avocado Eco-Organic Latex Mattress Toppers$249 - $499Medium2 inchesOrganic latexTwin-California King100 nights1 year
Nolah Airfoam Luxe Mattress Topper$349 - $549Medium-soft2-3 inchesCertiPUR-US certified polyurethane foamTwin-California King30 nights10 years
Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad$128 - $188Medium-soft1/2 inchViscose from bambooTwin-California King (including Split King, no Twin XL)100 nights10 years
Viscosoft High-Density Mattress Topper$179.95 - $274.95Medium2-4 inchesGel-infused memory foamTwin-California King (including Full XL, Short Queen, and Short King)90 nights5 years

FAQs

Why Is My Mattress Hot?

Your mattress may trap heat if made from dense memory foam, which restricts airflow. Consider switching to gel-infused options for better temperature regulation.

Finding Deals on Mattress Toppers

Watch for discounts during key shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Bookmark this page for ongoing updates on the best deals.

Ideal Thickness for Cooling Mattress Toppers

Thickness varies based on personal needs; our recommendations range from 1/2 inch to 4 inches. Consider your bed frame and bedding compatibility when choosing thickness.

Should I Consider a Cooling Mattress Protector?

Cooling protectors safeguard your mattress and may help with temperature regulation, but they don't offer the same level of support and comfort as a topper.

Meet Our Testing Team

Antonia Santoro headshot

Antonia is our freelance sleep product reviewer, testing the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper for durability and comfort.

Headshot of Kaitlin Madden.

Kaitlin, a freelance reviewer with extensive experience, required a topper that supports her side-sleeping posture.

Headshot of Meg St-Esprit.

Meg, our regular tester, focuses on memory foam for its contouring benefits to alleviate back pain.

If you're on a budget but want to stay cool, consider investing in cooling sheets.