The 11 Best Cooling Mattress Pads of 2023

These are must-haves for warm weather and hot sleepers

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

A gray bed with a cooling mattress pad, throw blanket, and pillows

The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

A cooling mattress pad aims to regulate your body temperature while providing a measure of protection to your mattress below. This type of mattress cover is designed with comfort in mind and frequently incorporates materials and cooling technology to keep you cool and sweat-free through the night. 

The sleep products you choose can have a big impact on your comfort and how your body feels after a night of rest. Lalitha Bhowani-McSorley, the lead physical therapist at Brentwood Physiotherapy Calgary, says there are several factors to consider when picking the best cooling mattress pad, including the material, amount of cushion, and degree of cooling power. She cautions that “it’s also wise to look into the pad’s durability, as some materials may not last as long under certain conditions.” With that in mind, we’ve included information on applicable sleep trial periods and warranty information for our picks below. 

Over the past four years, we've spent many days—and nights—researching and testing cooling mattress pads, evaluating quality, comfort, breathability, and overall value. Like any sleep product, the best choice will depend on your needs, preferences, and budget.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Slumber Cloud Performance Mattress Pad

Slumber Cloud Performance Mattress Pad

Slumber Cloud

What We Like
  • Proprietary fabric blend for heat management and moisture-wicking

  • Hypoallergenic, down-alternative fiber-fill

  • 60-night sleep trial

What We Don't Like
  • Not waterproof

  • Warranty limited to 180 days

The Slumber Cloud Performance Mattress Pad is one of the best mattress pads on the market, especially if you sleep hot. It features advanced materials and high-quality construction, ensuring that it will give you cool, comfortable sleeping conditions for many nights to come. It’s backed by a 60-night sleep trial, so you can sleep on it, wash it, and return it if it doesn’t turn out to be the right option for you. However, with its advanced materials and technology, this mattress pad has been a solution for many hot sleepers.

This cooling mattress pad takes a two-fold approach to temperature regulation. The material of the Performance Mattress Pad is constructed of Tencel, a lyocell fiber commonly used in bedding that's known for its coolness and moisture-wicking properties. In addition, Slumber Cloud’s proprietary Outlast fibers are incorporated into the lining. This fiber technology is designed to actively manage heat; it absorbs the heat released from your body, holds on to it, and then releases it as your body temperature cools. What makes that so great? With temperature-regulating properties, you avoid that hot-and-sweaty feeling or cold-and-clammy sensation since the mattress pad is designed to manage heat and wick away moisture.

We recommend this breathable mattress pad for anyone looking for a cooler night of sleep, but it’s also a great pick for couples who may struggle with finding sleep products that address individual temperature needs. It’s available in sizes to accommodate most mattresses, including twin, twin XL, California king, and split king sizes. The only downside is that while this mattress pad is moisture-wicking, it’s not water-resistant. However, it is machine washable for easy cleanup if a spill or accident occurs. Plus, it's certified to meet the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which means it has been screened for 100 specific potentially harmful substances.

One other thing to know is that while this mattress pad comes with a 60-night sleep trial, it's only covered by a 180-day warranty (despite its over-$200 price tag). This is significantly shorter than the warranty periods (which often cover three, five, or even ten years) of some other mattress pads.

Price at time of publish: $249 for a queen

Material: Proprietary fiber blend including lyocell, down-alternative fiber blend | Thickness: Not listed | Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king

Best Budget

LEISURE TOWN Mattress Pad

LEISURE TOWN Mattress Pad

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Performed well in our testing

  • Fits mattresses up to 21 inches deep

  • Machine washable

  • Hypoallergenic

What We Don't Like
  • Minimal water-resistance

  • Expect some off-gassing

When we tested the Leisure Town Cooling Mattress Pad, we found that it's an affordable way to add protection and softness to your mattress without the risk of raising the temperature of your sleeping environment. During testing, we put this mattress through sleeping, washing, and spill tests on a full-size memory foam mattress, and we noted that it made a significant difference in comfort and sleeping temperature. 

Breathability is a key part of this mattress pad’s cooling function. It has a 300-thread-count cotton cover and features what the manufacturer describes as "HNN Cooling Technology" to enhance airflow. In our experience, it lived up to the claim as it was breathable—and therefore delightful—to sleep on. Comfort was the other standout factor of this product, as we found the hypoallergenic fill to provide a sufficient amount of softness. However, fans of a firm sleeping surface may not appreciate the generous fill amount. The only serious drawback we found during testing was the claim of water resistance. This cooling mattress pad doesn’t offer much in the way of repelling liquids, and the cotton cover readily soaks up anything spilled on it. 

Price at time of publish: $59 for a queen

Material: Cotton cover, down alternative fill | Thickness: Not listed | Size: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, super queen, king, California king

Leisure Town Mattress Pad on a mattress on a wooden bed frame in a bedroom

The Spruce / Joseph Gonzalez

Best Splurge

Sleep Number DualTemp Individual Layer Mattress Topper

Sleep Number DualTemp Individual Layer Mattress Topper

Sleep Number

What We Like
  • Offers cooling and warming feature

  • Automatic shut-off timer

  • 100-night sleep trial

What We Don't Like
  • Halves sold separately

  • Expect some fan noise

One of the most advanced options for a cooling mattress pad is this remote-controlled version from Sleep Number. The DualTemp Individual Layer Mattress Topper is like an air conditioner for your side of the bed, but it also offers a heating function, too. The versatility means it will keep you comfortable in the hot summer season and during the chill of winter. This fact is the top reason we believe it's worth the spend of about $1,000 for a mattress pad that fits half of a queen-size mattress. If you and your sleeping partner both want to experience individualized climate control, be prepared to spend twice as much to receive a mattress pad for each side of the bed.

The edge this mattress topper has over other cooling versions is its motor-powered fan box. The device sits underneath the bed (or at the head of the bed if there is no space underneath your bed frame) and channels cool or warm air up to the DualTemp Individual Layer Mattress Topper. With that in mind, you can expect some perceptible fan noise during operation; the manufacturer compares it to the operating noise from a ceiling fan. If you’re intrigued but not convinced that this high-end cooling mattress topper is the solution to your sweaty nights, you can try it out with SleepNumber’s 100-night sleep trial. It's covered by a one-year limited warranty, too.

Price at time of publish: $1,000 for a half queen

Material: Vinyl | Thickness: Not listed | Size: Half queen, half king, half California king

Best Rated

Lucid 3-Inch Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

LUCID 3-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Amazon

What We Like
  • Perforated holes enhance airflow

  • Infused with gel for heat management

  • Didn't get too warm in our lab tests

  • 3-inch thickness for extra plushness

What We Don't Like
  • Requires up to 48 hours to fully expand

  • Removable cover not included

Checking the boxes for cooling, comfort, and affordability during our lab testing, it’s not a surprise to find that the Lucid Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is one of the best-rated options. With a 3-inch-thick profile, this is thicker than many options on this list (it's a true mattress topper). It offers support and pressure relief, while its ventilated surface leaves hot sleepers satisfied with the topper’s cooling properties. For about $130, it doesn’t include a removable cover, but you can upgrade your purchase to include one.

In our testing, we found the Lucid Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper to be excellent at concealing lumps from items stuffed underneath the mattress and even after laying on it for five minutes, it didn’t become uncomfortably warm as memory foam is prone to do. The fact that this cooling mattress pad uses gel to absorb body heat and a perforated surface for enhancing airflow certainly helps. While it’s not the absolute most cooling mattress pad we tested, it won us over for its firm yet airy feel. Just be sure to allow the topper to expand for 24 to 48 hours before sleeping on it.

Price at time of publish: $130 for a 3-inch queen

Material: Gel memory foam | Thickness: 3 inches | Size: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, California king

LUCID 3-Inch Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper on a bed in a bedroom

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Best Temperature Regulating

Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Pad

Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Pad

Slumber Cloud

What We Like
  • Proprietary fabric for managing heat

  • Great for couples

  • Sizes available to fit specialty mattresses like Twin XL and Split King

  • 60-night sleep trial

What We Don't Like
  • Not waterproof

  • Warranty limited to 180 days

The point of a temperature-regulating mattress pad is to capture heat as your body releases it and disperse it as your body temperature falls, ensuring that you never become too hot or too cold. This makes the Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Pad an ideal solution for sleepers that struggle with fluctuating body temperature. It also is helpful if you and your sleeping partner aren’t on the same page when it comes to temperature since the material actively responds to individual body heat. 

This OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified pick earns our recommendation as the best temperature-regulating mattress pad primarily because of its unique fabric. It’s made with a blend of a proprietary viscose material known as Outlast and cotton to optimize breathability and comfort. Outlast fabric has the ability to absorb heat, store it, and then release it. It was developed for use by NASA but is a key component of Slumber Cloud’s cooling sleep products. The fact that this mattress topper is available in standard mattress sizes along with specialty sizes ensures that you’ll get a perfect fit for your bed. Free shipping, free returns, and a 60-night sleep trial eliminate the risk of giving the Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Pad a go. Like our Best Overall pick, this mattress pad is covered by a (relatively short) 180-day warranty.

Price at time of publish: $244 for a queen

Material: 40 percent Outlast® viscose, 60 percent cotton | Thickness: Not listed | Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king

Best Bamboo

Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad

Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad

Amazon

What We Like
  • Made from breathable bamboo-derived material

  • Fits mattresses up to 20 inches thick

  • Ten-year warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Not waterproof

Once spun into fibers, bamboo material is known for being breathable as well as very soft. Given that fact, it’s no surprise to see this material appearing in sleep products like bamboo sheets, mattresses, pillows, comforters, and mattress pads. This option from Cozy Earth is our top recommendation for a bamboo cooling mattress pad since it’s made with 100 percent bamboo-derived viscose fibers. Many other bamboo mattress pads and other sleep products are made with a blend of fibers but this one sets itself apart with its singular fiber source.

People frequently use this bamboo cooling mattress pad over a memory foam mattress, pointing out that it goes a long way in reducing the hot, stuffy feeling of their mattress. It accommodates mattresses up to 20 inches thick with an elastic band that keeps the pad securely in place. The thin profile of this bamboo mattress pad means you shouldn’t expect a serious change in the comfort of your mattress. Instead, it offers a cooling surface and a measure of protection against spills and stains—but take note it’s not a waterproof mattress pad. This option retails around $200 for a queen-size mattress pad but can occasionally be found on sale for less. Your satisfaction is assured by a 100-night sleep trial and backed by a ten-year warranty that covers things like pilling or ripping. 

Price at time of publish: $200 for a queen

Material: Bamboo-derived viscose | Thickness: Not listed | Size: Twin, full, queen, king, California king

Best for Memory Foam

GhostBed Memory Foam Topper

GhostBed Memory Foam Topper

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Foam is optimized for airflow

  • Zoned support for pressure-relief

  • Waterproof, machine-washable cover

What We Don't Like
  • Strong odor upon opening

Memory foam mattresses are popular for the comfort and pressure relief that they offer, but they have a reputation for trapping body heat. If you are looking for a cooler mattress topper but don’t want to miss out on zoned support for your head, shoulders, torso, legs, and feet, then check out this option from GhostBed. The 3-inch Memory Foam Topper is made of gel-infused memory foam for better heat dispersion and includes a removable, washable cover made with cooling fibers. 

You can’t help but notice the peaks, valleys, and swirls that make up the sleeping surface of the GhostBed Memory Foam Topper. Aside from relieving pressure points along your spine and hips, the variation in the surface texture promotes airflow and helps you to sleep cooler. The foam is CertiPur-US certified, which means it's met specific standards for emissions that might harm the environment—but you should still expect a strong odor during the first 24 hours that this topper is off-gassing. Once it’s aired out and fully expanded, protect the topper with the included waterproof cover. 

Price at time of publish: $230 for a queen

Material: Gel memory foam | Thickness: 3 inches | Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king

Best Smart

Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover

Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover

Eight Sleep

What We Like
  • Control temperature settings for each side of the bed

  • Offers heating and cooling function

  • Optimize temperature to match sleep stages

  • Great for couples

What We Don't Like
  • Surface is firm

  • Advanced app features require subscription

For the most advanced technology in a mattress topper, look no further than the EightSleep Pod 3 Cover. We named this product one of our favorite bed cooling systems—that's because this smart cooling mattress pad boasts some of the most advanced features of any option on our list. Think: independently controlled temperature zones for each side of the bed and an app for setting your preferences and tracking sleep and health metrics, plus an alarm setting to gently wake you using vibration and temperature.

The Pod 3 keeps things cool and comfortable or warm and toasty using circulated water from a pump that stands next to (or under) your bed. Compared to earlier generations of the EightSleep Pod Cover, this newest version has a softer, less noticeable coil system, although you may still notice that it firms up the surface of your mattress. 

The system shines at temperature regulation, giving you the ability to finetune your temperature preferences in the app or automatically adjust the temperature based on your body and sleep stage. There’s a learning cover to making the most of the experience of using this smart cooling mattress pad and it’s a serious investment with a high price. Plus, some advanced features of the app are only available with an additional monthly subscription. Even still, it’s hands-down the best choice for dialed-in temperature control, especially for two people sharing a bed. 

Price at time of publish: $2,295 for a queen

Material: Not listed | Thickness: Not listed | Size: Full, queen, king, California king

Best Organic

Birch by Helix Organic Mattress Pad

Birch by Helix Organic Mattress Pad

Birch Living

What We Like
  • Materials certified to meet certain environmental and social standards

  • Breathable cotton material with sateen weave

  • Machine washable

  • 100-night sleep trial

What We Don't Like
  • Not waterproof

If considering your wellness and environmental impact has led you on a search for an organic cooling mattress pad, this cotton version may fit your expectations. The Birch Organic Mattress Pad is made with cotton that meets the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), along with being Fair Trade certified and GreenGuard Gold certified. With those certifications in mind, you can rest easy on this mattress pad that has been verified to be organic, free of harmful chemicals, and ethically and sustainably produced.

There are three layers to this organic mattress pad, all made from GOTS-certified cotton. The top layer features a 300-thread count shell with a sateen weave, which gives the cover a soft, cooling finish. Cotton fiberfill cushions the mattress pad and is met with another layer of cotton material for the backing. Since cotton is a breathable material for bedding you can expect a comfortable feel from the Birch Organic Mattress Pad. 

While it is machine washable, there’s no waterproof membrane. Any liquids will be absorbed by the pad, but there’s no guarantee that they won’t reach your mattress below. A one-year warranty applies to the mattress pad and a 100-night sleep trial gives you the opportunity to test it out on your own mattress.

Price at time of publish: $249 for a queen

Material: Organic cotton | Thickness: Not listed | Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

Best Latex

Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper

Sleep on Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Latex sourced from sustainable sources

  • Perforated surface for breathability

  • Available in 1, 2, or 3-inch thicknesses

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn’t include a cover

  • Heavy

Latex is an open-cell foam that is temperature-neutral—it doesn’t trap heat in the same way that other materials (like memory foam) are sometimes known to do, which means it's a popular material for supportive mattresses and comfortable pillows. When used as a mattress pad, the Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper offers support and pressure relief for your existing mattress. In addition, it has perforated holes that further facilitate airflow.

Made from sustainably sourced latex using the Dunlop process, the Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper comes in thickness ranging from 1 to 3 inches, depending on how much you’re looking to adjust the feeling of your sleeping surface. It’s certified to meet the criteria for standards like the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), GREENGUARD Gold, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and Fair For Life. In short, this means that the materials used to manufacture this topper are sustainably sourced, along with meeting certain worker and consumer safety standards. You can also opt to purchase this topper with an included cover for a slight price premium.

Price at time of publish: $165 for a 2-inch queen

Material: Latex | Thickness: 2 inches | Size: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

Best Hypoallergenic

Sijo TempTune Temperature-Regulating Cooling Mattress Pad

Sijo TempTune Temperature-Regulating Cooling Mattress Pad

Sijo

What We Like
  • Hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking fill material 

  • Soft to the touch

  • Waterproof barrier

What We Don't Like
  • Not available in twin sizes

The Sijo TempTune Cooling Mattress Pad has temperature regulation as its claim to fame but is also made with hypoallergenic materials that won’t aggravate allergy sufferers. It’s also certified to meet the OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

The shell of this hypoallergenic mattress pad is made of lyocell for softness and nylon fibers infused with mica, a mineral material that helps to absorb heat. Diving deeper, the fill material of this mattress pad is Sijo’s proprietary CLIMA fiber fill blend. While the fiber content is proprietary, it’s temperature-regulating so it absorbs body heat and then releases it as your temperature drops. With an internal moisture-wicking membrane, this mattress pad is also waterproof and can protect your new mattress. At the same time, it's not too crinkly or noisy. There’s a 30-day sleep trial available, so you can test out this hypoallergenic cooling mattress pad for yourself.

Price at time of publish: $175 for a queen

Material: Lyocell, mica nylon, patented fiber fill | Thickness: Not listed | Size: Full, queen, king, California king

Final Verdict

The proprietary fabric blend of the Slumber Cloud Performance Mattress Pad makes it our top pick because it absorbs heat and wicks away moisture, giving you a cooler, more comfortable night of sleep. But if you're looking for an ultra-affordable option, then consider the Leisure Town Mattress Pad. It’s not as moisture-resistant as it claims, but it has a soft, puffy filling and impressed us with its breathability. It’s a very affordable option at just over $50.

Close-up of the edge of Leisure Town Mattress Pad

The Spruce / Joseph Gonzalez

What to Look for in a Cooling Mattress Pad

Material

The material of a cooling mattress pad plays a large role in its temperature-regulating properties and comfort. As Lalitha Bhowani-McSorley, the lead Physical Therapist at Brentwood Physiotherapy Calgary in Alberta, Canada, points out, “Cotton, silk, wool, foam, and gel all offer different properties that can provide different levels of coolness and cushioning.” When comparing options, take into account the material of the pad (and any fill inside) to determine the cooling power you can expect and what type of comfort the sleeping surface will offer. Some options are made using proprietary fabric blends that include special fibers for attracting and retaining heat or moisture. An example is our Best Overall choice, Slumber Cloud Performance Mattress Pad. It’s made using lyocell and Outlast® fibers for softness and temperature control.

Cooling mattress pads made of materials like cotton, silk, and wool are noteworthy for being highly breathable. That’s one reason why we selected the Birch Organic Mattress Pad for this list (as our Best Organic cooling mattress pad). It’s made entirely of cotton fibers for maximum breathability. However, it doesn’t offer a plush factor, like you’ll find with a foam mattress pad. Foam offers excellent pressure-relieving properties but can trap heat without the addition of a material like gel. 

The material will also determine whether the mattress pad offers any protection against liquids. Some options are made of water-resistant materials that will absorb small spills while others, like our pick for the Best Hypoallergenic cooling mattress pad—the Sijo TempTune Temperature-Regulating Cooling Mattress Pad, has a waterproof membrane that blocks spills and stains from reaching your mattress.

Firmness Level

Any time you add a mattress pad or topper to your bed, you will change the firmness level of the sleeping surface. A mattress pad usually has a thinner composition and will alter the feel of your mattress to a lesser degree than a thicker mattress topper. 

If you're looking to change the firmness level of your mattress using a cooling mattress pad, establish whether you’re looking for a more plush feel from your bed or if you need a pad that adds firmness and support. For the former, pick a pad with cushioned construction to add softness and loft, such as the 3-inch-thick GhostBed Memory Foam Topper, our Best for Memory Foam pick. For the latter, firm up your bed with a mattress topper that has a medium to firm feel, like you’ll find on some latex or thin, dense foam mattress toppers.

Sleep Positions

Your preferred sleeping position will have an impact on how comfortable you find a mattress pad or topper, especially when considering thicker memory foam or latex options. From Bhowani-McSorley’s experience, side sleepers will likely prefer softer options that better contour to the body, “reducing pressure points that occur when lying on a harder surface.” But for back sleepers, she suggests trying a sleeping surface with more firmness “to help keep the spine in proper alignment.” Stomach sleepers may also find a firmer sleep surface to be more comfortable, but that’s not always true. “Some [stomach sleepers] may find that an extra plush surface is better for relieving pressure on the hips and shoulders,” according to Bhowani-McSorley.

The bottom line is that with the right support and comfort, “you can enjoy healthier sleep that will help you feel more rested and energized throughout each day," says Bhowani-McSorley.

Care and Maintenance

The care and maintenance requirements of cooling mattress pads are very similar to conventional mattress pads or mattress protectors. Some options can be machine washed and either dried on low heat settings or air-dried. Thicker options made of foam or latex, however, require spot-cleaning. For this type of cooling mattress pad, it can be beneficial to invest in a removable, washable cover. If spills or accidents occur, the cover can be machine washed, and the pad inside can be gently cleaned by hand. 

Person pulling mattress pad over the corner of a mattress

The Spruce / Joseph Gonzalez

FAQ
  • What is the difference between a mattress pad and a mattress topper?

    A mattress pad is usually thinner than a mattress topper, with straps to secure it to the mattress below. The purpose of a mattress pad is often to provide protection for the mattress from wear, spills, and stains. A cooling mattress pad serves the same purpose but also serves to enhance temperature regulation or breathability—whether you're using a regular or air mattress. On the other hand, a mattress topper is typically designed to change the feel of your mattress. While it does provide a measure of protection for your mattress, its purpose puts comfort first.  

  • Do mattress cooling toppers work?

    Mattress cooling toppers do provide temperature-regulating properties that result in more comfortable sleeping conditions for many people, but the degree of perceived difference can vary from one person to another. 

    When it comes to explaining how a cooling mattress topper works, Bhowani-McSorley says that “it provides a layer of comfort and temperature regulation between you and your mattress. The material in the topper absorbs body heat and regulates the temperature of your bedding, creating a cooler sleeping surface.” 

  • Who should buy a cooling mattress pad?

    This can be particularly helpful in hot climates or during times when you are prone to overheating while sleeping. It also provides an extra layer of cushioning that helps reduce pressure points and can provide greater comfort during sleep. If you tend to get warm while you sleep or wake up sweating, a cooling mattress pad may be of benefit.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Erica Puisis is a lifestyle writer and product tester who has been researching the best mattresses, toppers, and pads for every sleeping style and budget since 2017. For this article, she evaluated cooling mattress pads of different material types and thicknesses to find the best options on the market. Mattress pads were evaluated based on their material, cooling properties, care requirements, and cost. We also took note of any applicable sleep trial periods and warranty coverage. 

For additional context on choosing a cooling mattress pad, we spoke to Lalitha Bhowani-McSorley, the lead Physical Therapist at Brentwood Physiotherapy Calgary in Alberta, Canada. Bhowani-McSorley provided details on the materials that make cooling mattress pads effective, along with who would benefit the most from this type of sleep product.

This article was updated by Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer who specializes in bedding, bath, and home decor at The Spruce.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. OEKO-TEX Standard 100. OEKO-TEX.

  2. About Certified Foam. CertiPUR-US.

  3. Brooklyn Bedding DBA Helix Sleep, Birch Living. Global Organic Textile Standard.

  4. UL GREENGUARD Certification. UL Solutions.

  5. GOLS - Global Organic Latex Standard. Control Union Certifications.

Continue to 9 of 11 below.