9 Best Cooling Mattress Pads and Toppers for 2022 – CNET

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No one wants to get sweaty while sleeping. Hot sleepers can attest to the sticky sheets and waking up in the middle of the night to turn on the fan. Body heat can negatively impact the sleep you get. If your body heat keeps you awake at night, it might be time to invest in some cooling sleeping accessories to cool you down. 

Cooling mattress toppers can help you stay cool and change the firmness and feel of your current mattress, which is a secret weapon if you’re shopping on a budget. 

In the mattress industry, brands will advertise innovative cooling properties that banish heat from your bed. The reality is not all cooling products actually work as advertised. Many only regulate heat without actually cooling you. 

We tested the top cooling mattress toppers on the list, so you don’t have to. Let’s dig into our favorite picks.

Read More: Best Air Mattress for 2022

Saatva

Saatva is a trusted mattress brand well known for its quality products. Saatva’s cooling mattress topper is no different — it’s 3 inches of comfy foam infused with a layer of cooling graphite, which is designed to pull heat away from your body while you sleep. This cooling mattress topper offers a medium-firm foam feel that limits motion transfer well, which is a bonus if you have a partner who moves around a lot at night. 

When testing, we found that Saatva’s Cooling Graphite Mattress Topper had no off-gassing period. It has mattress straps that hug the corners of the bed, which keeps it from shifting at night. While this cooling mattress topper isn’t icy cold when you touch it, the graphite technology Saatva implements did keep our team from heating up throughout the night. 

The Saatva cooling mattress topper’s care instructions are spot clean only. It can’t be machine washed or dry cleaned. Still, thanks to the pressure relief, graphite-infused design and medium-firm profile, the Saatva Cooling Graphic Mattress Topper is our pick for the best overall cooling mattress topper.

Thickness: 3 inches

Firmness: Medium-firm

Trial period: 180-night trial, 1-year limited warranty

Care: Spot clean

Who it’s best for: Those who have pressure points and want to change the feel of their mattress

Tempurpedic

If your mattress is too firm, and you want to add a bit of pressure relief, consider the Tempur Adapt + Cooling Mattress topper. We think it’s one of the best mattress toppers for back pain thanks to its 3-inch thick profile that feels cool when you touch it. 

We think it’s one of the most comfortable cooling mattress toppers on the market, which isn’t surprising from a mattress giant like Tempur-Pedic. If you want to wake up cool and pain-free, we think it’s hard to beat the Tempur Adapt Cooling Mattress Topper. This cooling mattress topper features a removable and machine-washable cover, which also gives in a leg up in the cleaning department.

Thickness: 3 inches

Trial: No returns, 10-year warranty

Care: Removable and washable cover, spot clean topper

Who it’s best for: Sleepers with back pain who want a comfortable memory foam topper

PlushBeds

The PlushBeds 100% Natural Talalay Latex Topper doesn’t use any cooling technology. Instead, it’s made from natural latex, which is naturally cooler than foams. It features an open-cell structure that carries your body heat away from your body and redistributes it through the topper. Thanks to its natural latex design, we think it’s one of the market’s best hypoallergenic cooling mattress toppers. It’s naturally antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and dust mite- and mildew-resistant. 

This cooling mattress topper is super thick and sturdy but has enough give that you get ample pressure relief, which is a must if you’re a side sleeper. We think it’s a great option for hot sleepers trying to stretch out the life of their mattress

We like the versatility that the PlushBeds Natural Talalay Latex Topper offers. You can choose from a 2- or 3-inch height and the full firmness scale. You can also add an organic cotton cover for an extra charge that varies based on the size. We tested the medium-firm, three-inch cooling mattress topper and found plenty of pressure relief without letting your body sink too far. 

Thickness: 3 inches, 2 inches

Firmness: Soft, medium soft, medium, medium firm and extra firm

Trial: Not returnable, 5-year warranty

Care: Spot clean

Who it’s best for: People willing to spend a lot of money to change how their mattress feels.

Brooklinen

Slightly thinner than other cooling mattress toppers on the list, the Brooklinen Down Alternative Topper is one of the best down alternative cooling mattress toppers you can buy. It’s also great if you’re on a budget. 

This cooling mattress topper has a soft, microgel design with a quilted top that evenly distributes the fill across the topper. It has an attached skirt rather than straps, so it functions almost more as a mattress protector than a topper. It isn’t going to offer you the generous amounts of pressure relief that other options will, and if you’re looking to change the feel of your mattress, it won’t do that either. 

However, the down alternative is ideal for sleepers with allergies or those who don’t want animal products on their bed. This cooling mattress topper is breathable, antibacterial and hypoallergenic. 

Trial: 365-day trial period, 1-year warranty

Care: Machine wash cool, tumble dry on low

Who it’s best for: People on a budget who aren’t looking to completely change the feel of their bed.

Nature’s Sleep

If you like the feel of memory foam and you’re looking for serious pressure relief, then you’ll love Nature’s Sleep Mattress Topper. It’s our pick for the best cooling memory foam mattress topper. 

This cooling mattress topper is three inches of foam encased in a soft cover that stretches around your mattress. It features AirFlow Gel Memory Foam for top-level cooling. All foam is CertiPUR-US approved, meaning it’s made without ozone depleters and meets third-party emissions and durability standards. This cooling gel mattress topper is the best cooling memory foam mattress topper since just about anyone can sleep on it — side, back and stomach sleepers. It’s almost more affordable than other options on the list. 

The Nature’s Sleep Mattress Topper will take a couple of hours to fully decompress, as indicated on the packaging. 

Thickness: 3 inches

Trial: 101-night sleep trial

Care: Spot clean only

Who it’s best for: Memory foam lovers who want to change the feel of their mattress.

GhostBed

GhostBed has to be on the list of the best cooling mattress toppers, as it’s one of the only mattress brands that offer true cooling mattress products. Featuring an intricate design, the GhostBed Memory Foam Topper is the most stylish cooling mattress you can get. 

This cooling mattress topper is divided into five sections of waves, squiggles and swirls with different textures and firmness. This isn’t a new concept; it’s zoned support, which mattresses like Casper and Leesa use. Essentially, this cooling topper is slightly firmer in spots where your body needs extra support or cushion.

The strategic cuts and carvings of the GhostBed Memory Foam Mattress Topper promote cooling airflow. Not to mention, GhostBed is cool to the touch. It also has deep-pocket covers that function as a waterproof mattress protector. Overall, we like this best cooling mattress topper because it contours to your body while cooling you. It’s a hot sleeper’s dream!

Thickness: 3 inches

Trial: 5-year warranty, free delivery

Care: removable machine washable cover, spot clean topper

Who it’s best for: People looking for a zone-support approach to their mattress topper. 

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Cozy Earth

The Cozy Earth Mattress Pad is a hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating mattress pad made from 100% bamboo-derived viscose. While it’s not technically a mattress topper, it’s still a great choice for hot sleepers or people who live in a humid environment. Mattress pads are similar to mattress toppers. However, they tend to be thinner and designed to add comfort, not changing how the bed feels like a topper does. The Cozy Earth Mattress Pad is one of the best cooling mattress pads, as it features deep pockets that keep it from slipping off your mattress while you sleep.  

When testing, our team’s first impression was that this cooling mattress pad looked high quality and soft. It’s temperature-regulating but not icy cold to the touch. You shouldn’t expect to be instantly cooled when you sleep on it. However, it may redistribute your heat better than your mattress. 

Trial period: 100-night risk-free trial, 10-year warranty 

Care: Spot clean or dry clean

Who it’s best for: People on a budget who want to add comfort to their bed without changing how it feels. 

Brooklyn Bedding

While it’s not a mattress topper, the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector makes this list of the best cooling mattress pads because it’s inspired by the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress — one of the only truly cooling mattresses on the market. Waterproof, hypoallergenic and made from high-quality cotton, this cooling mattress protector is a great choice for hot sleepers who like the feel and firmness of their current mattress; they just want the temperature benefits. 

Made to pull heat away from your body, the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector is super soft and cool. It’s machine washable and fits any average-size mattress from 11 to 14 inches thick. 

If your mattress is too firm or you want to add another layer of foam to your bed, this isn’t the right choice. It is strictly for those who want to protect their bed from stains, dust mites and bed bugs. Or someone who just wants to sleep cooler at night. 

Trial: 30-night trial, 3-year warranty for protector defects 

Care: Machine washable

Who it’s best for: Hot sleepers on a budget who need cooling relief 

Cool Care Technologies

The Cool Flash Pad Cooling Body Pad isn’t a mattress topper or mattress protector. It’s a cooling sleeping pad designed for single-person use. That’s why we think it’s a good choice for sleeping with hot flashes or fevers.

This cooling body pad is pressure activated, so you must lie on it or sit to feel the benefits. Unlike cooling mattress toppers, this cooling pad needs time to recharge. It stays cool for around three hours and takes 30 minutes to recharge. Also, put it in the fridge or freezer for an even colder experience. This cooling body pad is best suited when you need to cool off fast, like when you have a fever or are experiencing a hot flash. 

The Cool Flash Pad Cooling Body Pad is lightweight and easy to travel with. It’s available in large (43.4 by 27.6 inches) and small (11.75 by 15.75 inches) sizes. 

Trial: 12-month limited manufacturer’s warranty. 

Care: Clean with mild soap and water

Who it’s best for: Sleepers looking for temporary temperature relief. 

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How we chose the best cooling mattress toppers

We chose the best cooling mattress toppers for this list the only way you can, by testing them. We approached testing cooling mattress toppers like we test mattresses, considering performance, pricing and warranty.

When working with the toppers, we assessed them on factors like firmness, feel and cooling performance. We took notes as we tested response time, edge support and firmness levels. Then we compared them to other brands to select the best cooling mattress toppers. Price and who is best suited for the product were also assessed and included in our reviews.

What to consider when shopping for the best cooling mattress topper

The mattress topper market is flooded with various options, making it difficult to choose the best mattress topper for your needs. With cooling mattress toppers, the search can get even more involved. How do you know which toppers cool you and which are just clever marketing? Thankfully, a few key factors can help you determine your ideal cooling mattress topper.

  • Material: The first thing to remember when shopping for the best cooling mattress topper is what it’s made of. Most of this comes down to preference — do you like memory foam? Or want a more natural option? Some materials, like latex foam, are naturally cooler than foam. 
  • Thickness and firmness: Many cooling mattress toppers have various thickness and firmness options. This is important for how much you want to change the feel of your mattress. You can turn a too-firm mattress into a plush memory foam dream with a topper. Alternatively, you can also firm up your mattress with a topper. 
  • Cooling features: Cooling mattresses and toppers will have additional features that contribute to their cooling — that’s what sets them apart from standard mattress toppers. Look for cooling elements like phase-change material, copper or graphite-infused or heat-wicking innovation. 
  • Cleaning: Cooling foam toppers are not like sheets — you can’t just throw them in the washing machine. They are similar to mattresses in that they have very specific cleaning instructions, most of which are spot clean only. However, if you’re prone to spills, opting for a cooling mattress topper with a removable and machine-washable cover is a good idea.

What’s the difference between a cooling pad, cooling protector and cooling topper?

The best cooling mattress toppers, pads and protectors often get lumped together. However, there are a few key differences between them. 

Cooling mattress toppers go on top of your mattress and often have straps that secure it to the bed. They are most often used to add substantial pressure relief or change how your mattress feels. A cooling mattress topper can make your bed more or less firm. They range from one to four inches thick. Cooling mattress pads add cushion to your mattress, but they don’t change how your bed feels. Cooling mattress protectors encase your mattress to protect it from spills and dust mites. Some have minimal padding but not as much as a mattress pad or topper. 

Other cooling sleeping products

Hot sleepers have many options for cooling down at night. If you’re ready to dive into cooling mattresses, we tested the top options available on our best cooling mattress review, which features mattresses like Ghostbed Luxe and Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

We know mattresses and even mattress toppers, for that matter, are expensive. Thankfully, you can still get some cooling relief without breaking the bank and opt for cooling sheets or pillows.

Best cooling mattress topper FAQ

What is a mattress topper?

A mattress topper is a slab of foam material that goes on top of your mattress to make it more comfortable. Typically ranging from one to four inches, mattress toppers can help you change the firmness of your mattress without buying a whole new mattress. They are great for people on a budget who need to extend the life of their current bed. 

Do cooling mattress toppers really work?

Yes, the best cooling mattress toppers work. However, they don’t all work in the same way. Many cooling mattress toppers are made with cooling technology, like phase change material or graphite-infused layers of foam. These innovations help to keep you from getting too hot at night. But that doesn’t mean they cool you down.

Only a few mattresses and mattress toppers are physically cool when you touch them, Ghostbed and Brooklyn Bedding being two of the most popular. 

Which mattress toppers are best at cooling?

The mattress topper that is the best at cooling is specifically designed with technologies that allow them to do so. Certain materials, like latex foam, are naturally cool. But there are other things companies add in their cooling mattress toppers that keep you from getting too warm — like phase-changing material or cooling gel. The best cooling mattress toppers that physically cool you are options like Ghostbed.  

How do you keep a mattress topper from sliding?

The last thing you want is a cooling mattress topper that moves around when you sleep, requiring constant adjustment. Companies combat this with straps and skirts that secure the topper to your mattress. Some options even have a grippy material on the underside of the topper that secures it to your mattress. 

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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