10 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers, According to Extensive Testing

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Best Overall

Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper

209.0014% OFF$178 at Puffy

Our tester, Wendy Rose Gould, tried five different cooling mattress toppers. She named Puffy’s memory foam topper the best overall for its quality construction, superior comfort and effective cooling capabilities. This hypoallergenic mattress topper is made of responsive memory foam and has a soft, cushy cover. It features a deep pocket design which allows you to put it on your mattress like a fitted sheet and it’s anti-slip base cover and elastic edges keep it snugly in place.

“I loved my bed before, but this somehow made it even more comfortable,” raves Gould. “After completing the review process, this is the one I chose to put back on my bed and enjoy. I look forward to going to bed every night because of how comfortable it is.”

According to Gould, this 2.5-inch thick topper has moderate firmness and adds just a bit of height to your existing mattress. And while the cooling effect is more subtle than others she tested, she felt comfortable under her linen sheets. “I highly recommend this topper to anyone who’s looking for a thicker mattress topper with a soft memory foam that’s not too squishy,” she says.

If you find you don’t love this cooling mattress topper, Puffy has a 101-night sleep trial. If you don’t love your topper, you can contact Puffy for a free return. And while they won’t pick up your used topper, they will help you donate it to a local organization. And if you decide you love it as much as Gould did, you’ll sleep soundly knowing it has a lifetime warranty.

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Best Budget

Amazon Basics Cooling Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper

39.9912% OFF$35.21 at Amazon

If you want the most bang for your buck, go ahead and add this Amazon Basics mattress topper to your cart. Choose from a 2- or 3-inch topper made with CertiPUR-US certified memory foam that is infused with temperature-regulating cooling gel. This responsive foam conforms to the body and helps distributes weight evenly for a restful night’s sleep.

“This topper is a good choice for those seeking a quick cooling fix without dropping a ton of cash,” says Gould. “The thickness level was superior compared to other mattress toppers.”

While Gould appreciated the thickness of the topper as well as its airy feel, she did not like the fact that it didn’t have a protective cover. “This mattress topper is essentially a giant piece of blue foam,” she explains. “Without an additional protective layer, it’s probably going to absorb more sweat and dirt over time.” In order to extend the life of your budget-friendly cooling mattress topper, pair it with this Amazon cooling blanket to ensure night sweats remain a thing of the past.

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Best Thin

The Company Store Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress Pad

199.0025% OFF$149 at The Company Store

If you love the feel of your mattress, then The Company Store mattress topper is for you. Made of premium density memory foam with a breathable gel top, this topper offers pressure relief and helps regulate your body temperature all night long. And although it’s comfortable and cooling, it won’t change the feel of your existing mattress.

“It is essentially a thin layer of memory foam with a fabric knit top and feels more like a light pad than a dense topper,” explains Gould. “I personally love my mattress, so I appreciated that this one didn’t add a lot of excess. More than anything, its primary function is to cool.” In other words, this topper is thinner and more lightweight than any of the others on our list. And because it’s so thin, you likely don’t have to worry about flattened spots or uneven wear over time.

Another noteworthy feature is the design of this topper. It has panels that fit over the entire mattress and tuck under the corners, much like a fitted sheet. And if you happen to have a very thick mattress, you’re in luck. This topper fits mattresses up to 22 inches deep. But best of all, the whole thing can be tossed in your washer and dryer. Speaking of, here’s how often you should wash your bedding.

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Best Down Alternative

Bedelite Cooling Mattress Topper

$29.99 at Amazon

Though it’s supportive, memory foam isn’t for everyone. If you hate the feel of memory foam, opt for this down-alternative topper instead. It’s made with a down-alternative filling comprised of soft and dense fibers. According to Gould, it feels like you’re laying on top of a cool, pillowy comforter rather than a dense pad.

“It has a nice cooling effect and provides a very light layer of cushion underneath,” says Gould. “In fact, the cooling effect is one of the best that I tried. And the plush topper itself enhances a mattress that’s already comfortable.”

While Gould can attest to this topper’s plush, pillowy feel, she points out that it is not truly as plush as it appears online. “In the pictures, this mattress topper looks very full. However, it’s not quite as even, and it’s not as thick or plush-looking,” she explains. “It did get slightly better over a few days, but not nearly as fluffy as the pictures show.” That said, since this mattress topper is machine washable, you can certainly toss it in the dryer and tumble dry low to fluff it up as needed.

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Best Memory Foam

Layla Memory Foam Topper

289.0034% OFF$189 at Layla Sleep

349.0029% OFF$249 at Amazon

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This cooling memory foam topper from Layla Sleep is the holy grail for hot sleepers. This 2-inch thick topper is made with memory foam infused with copper gel beads that draw the heat away from your body while you sleep. Better yet, the foam is naturally antimicrobial and CertiPur-US certified, which means it’s free from nasty toxins such as formaldehyde, chemical flame retardants and more.

Our tester, Cher Checchio, tested this mattress topper on her king-size Tempur-Pedic mattress and was pleased by how much it enhanced her sleep experience. “I sleep on a Tempur-Pedic mattress, so it already provides a ton of support, but I did notice that the mattress topper adds softness and provides even more comfort,” Checchio says. “There was a sunk-in feeling as soon as I laid on the topper, which made me want to relax and drift off to sleep.”

Though it felt comfortable and supportive enough on her bed, Cher wanted to see what this mattress topper was really made of. To do this, she placed an item under the topper and slept on the bed overnight. Much to her surprise, she didn’t notice the item at all. Color us impressed! What she did notice, however, was a slight overhang on her mattress. That said, Cher confirms that the sturdy corner straps held it snugly in place all night long.

Another thing we love about this mattress topper is its machine-washable cover. Per the care instructions, Cher washed it in cold water on a gentle cycle and laid it out to dry. She was pleased to find no wrinkles or fading, and the cover looked as good as new! Note: if you don’t have the time or space to air dry your cover, you can tumble dry on a delicate setting. The only hitch came when it was time to zip the cover back over the topper. According to Cher, this proved to be a bit cumbersome, though she was able to do it without any help.

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Best Organic

Avocado Eco Organic Mattress Topper

$219 at Avocado

The Avocado Eco organic mattress topper isn’t just the best organic cooling mattress topper. Of course, it’s made with organic materials—Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified organic latex or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified Pure Talalay latex, depending on whether you opt for the medium or plush feel—but it also boasts a slew of other certifications. For instance, it’s finished with a removable Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified organic cotton cover and is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and Made Safe certified. Additionally, it has Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verification and Greenguard Gold Certification. It’s also vegan-certified and made without wool.

Spencer Kildare opted for the 3-inch Talalay latex topper, which is softer and more plush than the Dunlop latex used in the 2-inch topper. The plush Talalay topper is designed to enhance spinal alignment and reduce pressure points, making it ideal for side and combination sleepers like Spencer.

Spencer tested this topper on his 16-year-old mattress. He loved the overall quality and spongey nature of the foam filling, which he likened to a cake. “It really has a cakey sort of feel, and it mushes when pressure is applied. It provided excellent support to my sides without applying excess pressure,” he explains in his full Avocado mattress topper review. “My sleep quality improved, and I woke up either fully rested or almost fully rested.” And while we’re on the subject of cake, Kildare adds that this mattress arrived with a factory smell that was reminiscent of vanilla cake. It wasn’t bad, per se, but he said it does need a couple of days to off-gas.

While Spencer appreciates the overall comfort and quality of this cooling mattress topper, he says it was the only topper that moved around a lot on his bed. He attributes this to the fact that the topper is slightly larger than his mattress and doesn’t have corner straps to hold it in place. Instead, it just sits atop the mattress and relies on well-fitted sheets to keep it in place. If you decide that this is the topper for you, go ahead and add a snug set of organic cotton sheets to your cart.

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Best for Back Pain

Dormeo Premium Mattress Topper

$479 at Amazon

Waking up with aches and pains every day is no way to live. Thankfully, the Dormeo Premium mattress topper will help with that. This 3-inch topper is made up of eight-sided all-foam springs laid out in a honeycomb design with a layer of memory foam on each side. It also features three-zone support, which provides varying firmness zones to support the spine and provide pressure relief.

Our tester, Leah Groth, found this topper to be more supportive and more breathable than traditional memory foam. “I definitely feel like it helped with my back pain. I awoke with less neck pain and aches throughout my body,” she says. “It also offered pressure point relief for my back and hips, as it offers varying levels of support by region.” And as a hot sleeper who is always on the hunt for cooling products, Groth was happy to report that this mattress topper kept her nice and cool.

Overall, Groth determined that this mattress topper is well-made and expects it to last a long time. “You can tell that the brand invests a lot of money in the technology,” she says. “It seems like it would last for several years.” That said, there were some elements she didn’t like.

While this mattress topper is equipped with adjustable straps, Groth found that it didn’t fit her bed properly. “It noticeably hangs off the edges of the bed, making it harder to fit under a mattress protector and fitted sheets. In fact, I struggled every night to get either to stay on, which was frustrating,” she explains. Additionally, she was able to see and feel the hexagon impressions through her bedding, which she didn’t like. That said, adding one of the best cooling comforters to your bed will ensure that you don’t see the topper’s design through your sheets.

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Best for Side Sleepers

Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper

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We tested and fell in love with the Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress, so we weren’t surprised to discover that the Saatva Graphite memory foam mattress topper is also pretty amazing. This luxe topper will make you feel as though you’re sleeping on a brand new bed thanks to its 3-inches of pressure-relieving memory foam. The foam is infused with cooling graphite and treated with Saatva’s Guardin botanical antimicrobial treatment. Moreover, it’s CertiPUR-US certified, which means it’s free from harmful substances. The entire topper is encased in a breathable cover made of moisture-wicking organic cotton.

Our tester, Lois Alter Mark, slept on this topper for a week. Though it was firmer than she prefers, she appreciated how well it supported her hips. She also liked the topper’s supportive edges. “On my soft mattress, the edges are so soft that my knees and feet sometimes slip off the bed, and I have to either move more into the side of the bed or turn over,” she explains. “The real positive difference to me was that when I slept facing out of the bed (rather than facing my husband), I was able to keep my legs, knees and feet comfortable, as well.”

Overall, Mark is not a fan of memory foam. While she slept comfortably on the Saatva topper, she prefers something soft and plush. Her husband, on the other hand, preferred this topper to their soft mattress. According to Mark, other memory foam aficionados will love it, too. “I’m just not a memory foam person, but I think those who swear by memory foam will love this topper,” she says.

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Best Smart Mattress Topper

Perfectly Snug The Smart Topper

Shop on Perfectly Snug

$2099 at Amazon

Want a high-tech way to keep cool at night? The Smart Topper from Perfectly Snug is a cooling mattress topper that works just like a bed cooling system. A built-in fan that moves air through the 3D mesh layer and memory foam to keep you dry and cool. Meanwhile, smart sensors monitor your body temperature throughout the night and automatically adjust cooling and heating.

Yep. This smart mattress topper has cooling and heating capabilities that can be used simultaneously thanks to the topper’s dual zone settings. It has two connection ports—one for each sleeper—that need to be plugged into a double-sided cord. The brand recommends downloading their app before use though you can use this topper with or without the app.

“I like that it delves into a higher tech experience and that you can customize each side for either sleeper,” says Gould. “The fan mechanism creates a cooling sensation through the night similar to a regular fan, but helps under the covers, too.”

During testing, Gould found that the fan did make some noise. Although it wasn’t very loud, she is a light sleeper and found it disruptive. She was also able to feel the hard mechanical box at the foot of the bed and cautions that this could be especially frustrating for very tall people. Aside from that, Gould insists that while this topper is expensive, it’s well constructed, and you’ll sleep comfortably for years to come.

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Best Budget Organic

Silk and Snow Organic Mattress Topper

Shop on Silk and Snow

If you’ll sleep better knowing that your mattress and bedding aren’t loaded with harmful chemicals, then organic products are the way to go. And while the best organic mattresses and toppers don’t come cheap, there are some high-quality finds that won’t break the bank. The Silk and Snow organic mattress topper is completely GOTS and GOLS certified, meaning the cover is made from latex that is 95% or more organic and cotton that is sourced responsibly and manufactured with eco-conscious standards. Best of all? It’s more affordable than other organic mattress toppers we tested.

Our product reviewer, Pamela Bondurant, tested the topper, which fit perfectly on her queen-size mattress. And at 2 inches thick, it was thin enough to fit under a standard-sized sheet.

“It was very comfortable and did not make my bed hot,” Bondurant says. “I like a firm mattress and was concerned that it would make my mattress feel too soft and squishy, but it didn’t do that.”

During testing, we found that this topper tends to slide to the side of the bed slept on. That’s likely because there are no corner straps to hold it in place. Although it doesn’t attach to the mattress, the cover is removable and can be tossed in the washing machine along with your other bedding. After washing, you can tumble dry on low. But if you prefer to air-dry your cover overnight, you may want to purchase additional covers through Silk and Snow so you have a backup on hand.

What to look for when buying a cooling mattress topper

• Cooling features: Memory foam or latex can trap heat and cause you to overheat while you sleep. Marten Carlson, a Mattress Expert and a Certified Sleep Science Coach at Mattress Clarity advises looking for mattress toppers with features like cooling gel foam, copper- or graphite-infused foam, or aerated foam. “While each of these materials works differently, they can all help maintain a temperature-controlled sleeping environment throughout the night,” he explains.
• Thickness: According to Nichole Mondshein, a Sleep Product Expert at Sleepopolis, the thickness of the topper you choose can also influence its cooling performance. “A thinner topper tends to be more breathable, as it allows for more airflow and prevents you from sinking too deeply into the material,” she explains. If you prefer something thicker, she recommends a topper that has a cooling gel. “The deeper you sink into the material, the more heat is likely to be trapped,” she says.

How we found the best cooling mattress toppers

Over time, we have diligently researched dozens of cooling mattress pad options, taking into consideration materials, features and affordability. After thorough research, we consulted with two sleep experts to understand which toppers will actually enhance your sleep experience. Once we narrowed down our list of cooling mattress toppers, we sent our selections to our testers, Wendy Rose Gould, Spencer Kildare, Lois Alter Mark, Leah Groth, Cher Checchio, and Pamela Bondurant, who have years of experience in the commerce world evaluating lifestyle products. They slept on each mattress topper for a minimum of five nights, carefully evaluating the firmness, comfort, durability and cooling properties of each one. They also took into consideration the packaging and setup of each mattress topper. Once testing was complete, we compiled all of their findings into this detailed guide to help you find the best cooling mattress topper for your lifestyle and budget.

FAQ

What to look for when buying a cooling mattress topper?

Our experts recommend looking for a thin mattress topper with features like cooling gel foam, copper- or graphite-infused foam or aerated foam.

Do you put a fitted sheet over a cooling mattress topper?

Yes. Most cooling toppers are designed to remain effective with a fitted sheet on top.

Why you should trust us

At Reader’s Digest, we know how important it is to get a good night’s rest. And since many of us are hot sleepers ourselves, we truly understand how elusive restorative sleep can be when you’re constantly waking up drenched in sweat. Our editors and testers have years of experience in the commerce world and have tested hundreds of sleep-related products, including the best cooling products like pillows, blankets and sheets. We’ve even tested some of the best bed cooling systems, including the Eight Sleep Pod 3 and BedJet.

For this article, we also consulted Marten Carlson, a Mattress Expert and a Certified Sleep Science Coach at Mattress Clarity as well as Nichole Mondshein, a Sleep Product Expert at Sleepopolis. Carlson and Mondshein offered their expertise and valuable insights to help us select the best cooling mattress toppers.