We love the heat when it comes to tropical vacays. But one place we could do without it? Our beds. Indeed, if you’re a sweaty sleeper, you most likely have a hard time falling asleep and frequently wake up during the night. Luckily, this is a problem with a solution: a cooling mattress topper. (Plus a cooling mattress and sheets if you’re really looking to sleep like an icicle.) Made from latex, copper gel or charcoal-infused memory foam, these plush little toppers draw heat away from your body, so you can sleep comfortably. Ahead, find 15 of the best cooling mattress toppers to make those hot summer nights significantly more bearable (along with expert advice on how to choose the right one for your sleep style).
The 15 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers for Sweat-Free Nights
Starting at $50
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Published Apr 3, 2024
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Temper-Pedic
The Best Cooling Mattress Toppers of 2024 at a Glance
1
Best Mattress Topper Overall
Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
read more
2
Best Mattress Topper Under $50
Sleep Zone Mattress Topper
read more
3
Most Splurge-Worthy Mattress Topper
TEMPUR-PEDIC TEMPUR-Adapt Cooling Topper
read more
4
Best for Pain Relief
The Molecule AirTEC Topper
read more
5
Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
Casper Comfy Mattress Topper
read more
How We Chose the Best Cooling Mattress Toppers
After researching the top-reviewed mattress toppers on the web, we vetted them based on what cooling materials they used (like gel-foam or latex), how thick they were (at least 2-inches) and whether they had a 30+day return policy.
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Best Mattress Topper Overall
1. Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
What We Love
- graphite forces the foam of the mattress to release heat
- layers of cushion is good for side sleepers
What We Don't Love
- expensive
Saatva
First, some science101: Graphite is used in computers and phones, for example, because it has tiny spherical “pores” that allow it to absorb heat (aka prevent your iPhone from exploding when exposed to the hot sun). This is precisely why Saatva decided to infuse this topper with “graphite memory foam,” making it completely unique from foam toppers on the market (which are known to trap heat). When you sink into this one, the foam forces the graphite particles closer together, allowing it to quickly absorb and dissipate body heat. Not only that, but it also features a 2-inch base layer of high-density polyfoam to prevent sinking—which is ideal for side sleepers, per the brand—and it’s topped with a moisture-wicking, organic cotton cover to keep the surface dry.
One Saatva reviewer says, “I have been going through menopause for years now and sleep with a fan on all year round. I toss and turn and wake up several times during the night. After sleeping with this topper, I no longer wake up [in a sweat]. I sleep through the night and notice when I wake up the next day, I don't feel like I am on fire.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: graphite-infused memory foam
- Thickness: 3 inches
- Warranty and Returns: Saatva offers a one-year limited warranty with a 365-night sleep trial. If you're not completely happy with your purchase after 45 days, the company will provide a full (with a $99 processing fee for return pickups).
Best Mattress Topper Under $50
What We Love
- Nanotex tech regulates temperature throughout the night
- moisture-wicking quilted top that’s used in sports fabric
What We Don't Love
- not as thick as foam toppers
Sleep Zone
With more than 18,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, we had to see why people were raving about this topper. Basically, what makes it unique is the Nanotex Technology, which regulates temperature like your own personal thermostat. It also wicks away moisture and dries ultra-fast, thanks to a breathable embossed design (which is usually applied to sports fabrics). In terms of comfort, it’s stuffed with 5D spiral fiber—so it’s thicker than your average mattress pad—and the surface is made of brushed microfiber that feels like a second skin. The cherry on top? It has deep pockets that fit mattresses up to 21 inches thick and it's machine-washable (wash on a cold cycle, tumble dry on low).
“From the first day I put this on the bed, it has been a huge game changer. NO MORE SWEAT,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “Before trying this topper, I’d have to wake my husband in the middle of the night to keep him from sweating through his clothes. Since trying this, I've been checking his forehead/clothes at night—totally dry. He hasn't had any complaints about sweat or having to wake up in the middle of the night because of it.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: microfiber with 5D fiber fill
- Thickness: 120 GSM
- Warranty and Returns: the mattress topper is protected against defects through a limited lifetime warranty. You can contact Sleep Zone directly to make a warranty claim within 30 days of receipt of the product.
Most Splurge-Worthy Mattress Topper
3. TEMPUR-PEDIC TEMPUR-Adapt Cooling Topper
What We Love
- pure cool foam dissipates heat and offers a soothing effect
- removable/washable SmartClimate® cover
What We Don't Love
- expensive
tempur-pedic
If you don’t have 5K to spend on the TEMPUR-PEDIC ProBreeze mattress—which scored 98 points out of 100 in a PureWow100 review—this topper is the next best thing. It uses an enhanced version of the brand’s exclusive Pure Cool foam material, which is designed to dissipate excess heat and provide a soothing effect. Add to that the fact that NASA developed TEMPUR-PEDIC’s signature foam to absorb cabin pressure astronauts undergo during take-off and landing. Hence why, in mattress topper form, the foam can neutralize pressure points and adapt to your shape—all while keeping you nestled in an undisturbed cocoon when your partner gets up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Take it from one TEMPUR-PEDIC reviewer, who says: “Living in Arizona where temperatures can reach upwards of 110 degrees Fahrenheit, waking up drenched in sweat is not out of the norm. Since purchasing this cooling topper, however, I have not had a single night sweat—never slept more soundly!” Plus, another person mentions, “The moment you sink into its plush surface, it gently conforms to your body, providing unparalleled support and relieving pressure points. It's like sleeping on a fluffy, supportive cloud that cradles you throughout the night. [Plus], the standout feature of this topper is its remarkable ability to regulate temperature. It effectively dissipates heat and keeps you cool—no more tossing and turning or waking up drenched in sweat.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: TEMPUR-Material™, pure cool foam, SmartClimate® cover
- Thickness: 3-inches
- Warranty and Returns: TEMPUR-PEDIC toppers have a 10-year warranty with a 90-day trial period, so if you don't love your new mattress, they’ll refund your money after 30 days (shipping charges not included).
Best for Pain Relief
What We Love
- open-cell foam maximizes airflow and breathability
- reduces back inflammation and shooting ligament pain
What We Don't Love
- doesn’t have elastic that prevents it from shifting on the bed
Molecule
Need something to soothe your aches and pains? This topper was awarded a whopping 97 points out of 100 in a PureWow100 review for its responsive foam, which provides the buoyant feel of latex with ample airflow and durability. PureWow executive editor Dara Katz says, “The quilted honeycomb cover is silky and surprisingly cool to the touch. Sure, the brand promises cooling technology, but because I was so focused on the support elements, I didn’t really care about the temperature regulation. But now that I’ve been sleeping on the Molecule for a few weeks, I can confidently tell you it not only really works but is extra nice for those of us who run warm.”
Katz adds: “As for comfort, sleeping on the topper compared to my mattress was like night and day. In fact, I could actually get through the entire night sleeping on my left side...without rotating. This is important because the rotating was inflaming my back even more and causing shooting round ligament pain. And best of all, my anxiety about going to bed and waking up in pain eased as my pain eased.” Bonus: The topper’s soft-knit, cool-to-touch cover also happens to be antimicrobial, removable and machine-washable.
Fast Facts
- Materials: polyurethane AIR-ENGINEERED™ foam, cooling nylon, MOLECULEshield™ antimicrobial cover
- Thickness: 3 inches
- Warranty and Returns: Molecule offers a 5-year limited warranty with a 30-night risk-free trial. You will be refunded for full the cost of the mattress topper (less any discounts) and they’ll remove it from your home at no extra cost.
Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers
5. Casper Comfy Mattress Topper
What We Love
- enhances naturally cooling graphite and latex with Airscape technology
- offers hip and shoulder alignment with enough support to prevent aches
What We Don't Love
- might be too plush for stomach and back sleepers
casper
It’s no secret that Casper is a mecca for top-of-the-line mattresses (see our review for proof). But, as it turns out, the brand’s mattress topper is just as innovative. Designed with three cooling layers—latex, graphite and memory foam—this topper uses a proprietary AirScape™ perforated foam that keeps air circulating and dissipates heat. Yet, what makes it ideal for side sleepers is the cradling base layer of memory foam, which offers alignment in the hips and shoulders with enough support to prevent you from sinking too deep (aka less likely to cause aches and pains). Basically, it’s everything you’d want in a memory foam Casper mattress—plus, cooling capabilities and a more affordable price tag.
“The first few nights, we didn’t put any bedding on this topper because we wanted to see how the knit cover would perform…It did an excellent job of keeping us cool at night on its own,” writes one Casper reviewer. “We added a sheet set to see if the extra layer of bedding would make a difference. It didn’t. We could still feel the cooling effects and never woke up hot and sweaty.” As for the feel? “The topper is luxuriously soft but supportive enough to keep everything aligned, so we never woke up with aches and pains—ideal for side sleeping positions.” To that end, this reviewer warns: “If you [sleep on your stomach/back] or prefer a medium-firm or firm mattress, you may not find it as easy to get comfortable.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: Airscape technology, latex, graphite and memory foam
- Thickness: 3 inches
- Warranty and Returns: Casper offers a 5-year limited warranty with a 30-day sleep trial. They’ll also provide a free shipping label for returns (so long as it’s within the trial period)
Best Pillow-Top Mattress Topper
6. Viscosoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper
What We Love
- gel-infused memory foam actively transfers heat away
- includes a washable down-alternative pillowtop with deep-pocketed straps
What We Don't Love
- extra-hot sleepers may have to remove the pillowtop during warmer months
viscosoft
Here, the perfect marriage of memory foam support with the plush comfort of a down-alternative pillow-top. This topper features 2.5 inches of gel-infused memory foam layered by a 1.5-inch down-alternative cover, which is removable and machine-washable. This not only means it can offer pressure relief for side- and combination-sleepers who find their mattress to be too firm, but it also includes the cooling benefits of heat-reducing gel. And as if the cooling memory foam wasn’t enough, the 300 thread count pillow-top cover features plush, 380GSM down alternative-fill—and it’s equipped with adjustable elastic straps with 18-inch-deep pockets (so the topper stays put, just like a fitted sheet).
Take it from one Viscosoft reviewer, who writes: “This topper made my ultra-hard mattress just soft enough without being too soft. And it absolutely keeps me cool. I tend to get boiling hot while sleeping, but I can use a hefty feather comforter on this topper without getting hot at all. And even though it added three inches of height, my regular deep pocket sheets still fit! I also like how the quilted part fits all around the mattress like a fitted sheet, so it keeps the gel foam underneath in place.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: gel-infused memory foam and down alternative fill
- Thickness: 3-4 inches
- Warranty and Returns: Viscosoft covers all of its toppers with a 5-year warranty (just be sure to register your item through the vendor’s website if you purchase through Amazon).
Best Gel Mattress Topper
7. Plush Beds Cooling Gel Mattress Topper
What We Love
- gel beads make memory foam 30 percent cooler
- beads coalesce in the foam to offer a custom-tailored feel
What We Don't Love
- expensive
plush beds
This guy has a 4.9-star rating for a reason: as your body comes into contact with the topper, the cooling gel beads absorb excess heat, creating a soothing sensation that lasts all night long. In fact, after rigorous laboratory testing, the topper was rated 30 percent cooler than traditional memory foams (according to the brand). And it’s not just about immediate relief; as you shift and move in your sleep, the gel is designed to continuously dissipate heat, so it keeps cooling no matter how much you toss and turn. Not to mention that the beads coalesce in the foam when compressed, so it offers customizable support that’s tailored just for you.
One Plush Beds reviewer raves: “I bought this topper to help relieve shoulder and hip pain as well as night sweats caused by my menopause. I absolutely love it! It stays cool all night and has helped with the intensity of the hot flashes. I wake up without shoulder or hip pain. It's the perfect density and provides nice back support while feeling like you are sleeping in a cool cloud!”
Fast Facts
- Materials: cooling gel-infused memory foam
- Thickness: 2 or 3 inches (3” is recommended for heavier individuals)
- Warranty and Returns: Plush Beds offers a 5-year limited warranty that covers material defects (not including normal wear and tear). If defects like splitting or cracking occur, the brand will repair/replace the mattress topper at a prorated charge.
Best Egg Crate Mattress Topper
8. GhostBed Memory Foam Topper
What We Love
- peaks and valleys in the egg crate promote airflow
- contours to your body's natural weight distribution
What We Don't Love
- arrives with a slight smell (disappears after a few days)
ghostbed
The funky pattern on this topper isn’t just there to look pretty; it’s actually designed to cradle, contour and relieve pressure points based on your body's natural weight distribution. More importantly, the peaks and valleys aren't just for comfort—they're also there to keep you cool. The airflow-promoting design means you’ll be less prone to night sweats or waking up from hot flashes. It also includes a water-resistant, Ghost Ice fabric cover that’s not only whisper-quiet and breathable but also washable and designed to protect against spills and stains. Everything is then secured in place with a 2-inch GhostGrip elastic band, so the topper stays put, no matter how much you toss and turn.
“I have been struggling with body aches, and back pain for a long time now as well as frequent night sweats. Ever since I got my mattress topper, I feel like I am sleeping on a cool cloud,” one Ghostbed reviewer reports. “My body aches and pains have significantly reduced, and I no longer sweat at night. It’s made from high-quality material. The ridges contour to your body’s shape for a peaceful night's sleep.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: gel memory foam and Ghost Ice fabric cover
- Thickness: 3 inches
- Warranty and Returns: GhostBed offers a 5-year limited warranty that protects against defects in the topper’s materials. During this period, GhostBed is responsible for the repair or replacement topper (excluding handling or transportation costs).
Best Latex Mattress Topper
9. Avocado Green Organic Latex Mattress Topper
What We Love
- naturally breathable latex with moisture-wicking wool and cotton
- comes in plush and firm feels
What We Don't Love
- toppers are made-to-order with 1+ month delivery windows
Avocado Green
While most toppers are just a chunk of synthetic material, this one takes it up a notch with Dunlop latex. For those who don’t know, it’s a naturally breathable material that provides excellent airflow—and it has inherent resilience, which prevents it from trapping heat like generic memory foams. Plus, on top of the latex, there are layers of wool and cotton that make it extra-breathable. While wool is a fantastic natural insulator that helps regulate temperature, it also has moisture-wicking properties that can absorb and wick away sweat. And of course, there’s cotton, which is known for its breathability and softness—and this one happens to be GOLS-certified organic, so it’s grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
“We’ve been using the plush topper for a few months now and so far, it’s stayed temperature neutral—we haven't woken up in a sweat. It's comfortable without the sinking-in feeling from memory foam; we used it on our old bed and it helped tremendously…It's definitely a medium-firm combination, where you feel like you're sleeping on top of the bed without sinking in,” one Acovado user says.
Fast Facts
- Materials: GOLS-certified Dunlop latex, wool and cotton
- Thickness: 2.75-inches
- Warranty and Returns: Avocado Green offers a 10-year limited warranty to cover defects. Plus, if you don’t like the topper after 30 days, you can request a return and refund within the first 365 days.
Best Copper Gel Mattress Topper
10. Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper
What We Love
- copper gel beads carry heat away quickly
- reduces pressure and strain on your spine
What We Don't Love
- some sleepers might experience occasional pain from it being too soft
layla sleep
With 2 inches of copper-gel-infused memory foam, which molds under compression, this topper has what call ‘variable support.’ This means the copper gel beads compress into a firmer shape under pressure, so you get extra support at your hips and shoulders—all while preventing you from overheating. Not only is this crucial for sleepers with back pain, since it reduces pressure and strain on your spine, but it also helps to reduce heat transfer. When the beads come in contact with each other, they carry heat away quickly, preventing it from accumulating at the surface.
According to one Layla reviewer, this makes it a great option for anyone who suffers from night sweats: “I’m a side sleeper and recently started waking up drenched in sweat with massive amounts of hip pain. This topper is exactly what I needed. My bed is MUCH cooler than before and it has made the mattress soft enough that my hips no longer ache.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: copper-infused gel memory foam
- Thickness: 2 inches
- Warranty and Returns: Layla offers a five-year warranty with 120-night trial period, where you can return the mattress for a 100 percent refund with no return/shipping fees. (The company requires that you sleep on the mattress for at least 14 days before requesting a return).
Best Air Foam Mattress Topper
What We Love
- AirFoam™ dissipates heat 20 percent faster than memory foam
- plush and luxury firm options
What We Don't Love
- might need to be paired with cooling sheets for extra breathability
Nolah
Unlike traditional memory foam that feels like a sauna, Nolah uses AirFoam™ material that’s been proven to dissipate heat 20 percent faster (per the brand). The organic cotton cover is also breathable, helping to keep the foam cool and dry all night long. Available in both Plush and Luxury Firm options, the Plush offers extra cushioning for your hips and shoulders—perfect for anyone who likes to sink in and feel cradled. The Luxury Firm offers all the cushioning you need for pressure points, plus enough support to keep your spine in perfect alignment.
One Nolah reviewer said this made all the difference (after sleeping on memory foam and latex toppers that disappointed): “My last topper felt hot as a barbecue grill, even though it was marketed as cooling. It was also too plushy for our backs. Then, I got the Nolah firm topper. SO MUCH better. Supportive enough for our backs, way more comfortable, and cool! The breathability of the air foam combined with a cooling sheet set is helping a lot [with hot flashes]—I’m sleeping for the first time in a few years.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: AirFoam™ and an organic cotton cover
- Thickness: 2 inches
- Warranty and Returns: Nolah covers all of its toppers with a 10 year limited warranty. If the foam of the topper is found to be defective, it will be replaced or repaired by Nolah (with a $99 transportation fee).
Most Plush Mattress Topper
12. Nelaukoko Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
What We Love
- combines cooling technology with a marshmallow foam feel
- open-cell structure makes it breathable
What We Don't Love
- might be too sinkable for back and stomach sleepers
Walmart
Associate Editor Sydney Meister is all too familiar with the feeling of waking up drenched in sweat, and after weeks of research, she finally pulled the trigger on this mattress topper: “I went with this because it promised to combine cooling technology with a plush, memory foam feel (at a price point I could actually afford). My first reaction after one night with this guy? Cool nirvana.” Presumably, this has something to do with the topper's open-cell structure and infused gel beads, which encourage airflow and dissipate heat. It also eliminates motion transfer and helps regulate your body temperature throughout the night. “The dense foam has a ‘sink-into-me’ effect that literally makes it feel like you’re being wrapped in a marshmallow hug—and I can report zero night sweats during especially sticky nights in July.”
And don’t just take her word for it—the topper has a 4.5-star rating with over 4,900 reviews on Amazon with comments span from, “So cooling and feels like you’re on a CLOUD,” to “have not experienced any sweating that’s typical of memory foam with this topper.” Bottom line: If you’re looking for a cooling topper that doesn’t have that stiff, brick-like feel, Meister is with the collective that’s rating this guy 10/10.
Fast Facts
- Materials: gel-infused memory foam
- Thickness: 3-inches
- Warranty and Returns: Nelaukoko offers a 3-year limited warranty and can be returned to Amazon in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 120 days of delivery.
Best Recovery Mattress Topper
What We Love
- Celliant cover converts body heat into infrared energy
- can help the body recover from aches and pains
What We Don't Love
- no studies to back the brand’s claims on Celliant cooling technology
bear
Bear’s pressure-relieving 3-inch copper-infused foam pad uses something called Celliant technology to convert your body heat into infrared energy and reflect it back at you to trigger oxygenation and vasodilation, or dilation of your blood vessels. In turn, Bear claims this topper can actually help your body recover quicker from aches and pains from a tough workout (per the brand). More importantly, in terms of cooling, the breathable cover is also infused with copper for a cool-to-the-touch surface (with antimicrobial properties).
“I put off a lot of heat, so I like to be cool when I'm sleeping. Fortunately, the Bear Pro Mattress did an outstanding job of dissipating the heat I put off to keep me cool through the night. I can't say that the copper-infused foam did anything here and there are no studies to back up the brand's claims, but I did stay cool throughout my testing. This could've been due to the gel layer or the breathable Celliant cover,” writes one Bear reviewer. They also add: “I like to sleep on my side or stomach. With the firmness level of the Bear Pro – slightly softer than average firmness—I preferred sleeping on my side, which I found to be incredibly comfortable.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: copper-infused foam with Celliant cover
- Thickness: 3 inches
- Warranty and Returns: Bear offers a 3-year limited warranty with a 30-day return window. If you’re not happy with the topper, you can return it within the trial period for a full refund at no extra cost.
Best Organic Mattress Topper
14. Helix Birch Organic Mattress Topper
What We Love
- latex is naturally breathable and ventilating
- GOLS-certified and free from polyurethane-based foams
What We Don't Love
- might be too firm for anyone who prefers a softer feel
Birch
This topper’s latex, wool and cotton materials were chosen with high breathability and airflow in mind—and its soft composition offers the perfect amount of contoured plushness. Not only does the latex offer an open-cell design (that won’t trap heat), but it also uses the multi-layer structure of wool, which naturally creates insulation to regulate temperature. Plus, to top it all off, the topper has an organic cotton cover that was designed to absorb and wick away moisture. And of course, its Greenguard Gold and GOTS certifications ensure that its materials are 100 percent organic and free of harmful chemicals.
It’s also a great option for side- and stomach-sleepers: “The organic mattress keeps us cool even when the temperature is hot. It’s a perfect combination of firmness and softness. Has good support for my back. I strongly recommend this bed for people who sleep on their side and on tummy,” writes one Birch reviewer. Plus, another person adds: “I am NOT HOT at night with this topper (I honestly didn't think it was possible)... I used to throw my covers off every night on my other, [twice-the-price], mattress. And now...sometimes I need more covers because the mattress isn't storing all the heat under my body.”
Fast Facts
- Materials: latex, wool and cotton
- Thickness: 2 inches
- Warranty and Returns: Helix offers a 100-night trial period with a 10-year limited warranty. If you’re not happy with the topper, the brand will provide a full refund at any time within the trial period.
Best Electric Mattress Topper
15. ChiliSleep Cube Sleep System
What We Love
- regulates body temperature with an electric thermal pad
- adjustable noise levels
What We Don't Love
- not thick and fluffy like traditional toppers
ChiliPad
If you’re looking for the crème de la crème of technology-driven cooling toppers, you’ve found it. ChiliSleep’s hydro-powered mattress pad is the company’s most advanced sleep system with a control unit that allows you to customize the temperature (between 55 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s designed with a hydro-powered thermal pad that circulates water between your mattress and fitted sheet, and the temperature can easily be controlled by an app on your phone that features scheduling abilities and adjustable noise levels for uninterrupted sleep. Plus, it’s also fit with a machine-washable and dryable design (which is almost unheard of when it comes to electric cooling systems).
“My wife has turned into lava. Maybe magma. At least when we sleep. She's been miserable [so I got this] for her as a special Christmas gift. The unit emits nice white noise and gradually cools her side of the bed. After a week, she said she’s waking up less [from hot flashes] and isn't sweaty in the morning. The app is simple enough to load and configure. It's not fast or pronounced cooling like an AC on blast. Be ready for a slow and steady cooling effect from the circulation pad,” one reviewer raves.
Fast Facts
- Materials: cotton and a polyester woven blend
- Thickness: N/A
- Warranty and Returns: per ChilliSleep’s website, the topper has a one-year limited warranty with a 30-day trial period. If you’re unhappy with topper, you can return it directly through Amazon for a full refund (within the trial period).
Meet the Experts
- Gbolahan Okubadejo, M.D. is a spinal and orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of degenerative spinal disease, spinal deformity, and cervical, lumbar and thoracic conditions.
- Dr. Frank Siraguso is a Kansas City-based chiropractor who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders.
What To Look For When Buying a Cooling Mattress Topper?
While the standard thickness of a mattress topper is between two and eight inches, you want to make sure that your topper will not only keep you cool, but also accommodate your sleeping style. A plush, contoured foam might be best for side sleepers, but a 2021 review suggests that a medium-firm [feel] can help reduce lower back pain. “Pay attention to the thickness of a mattress topper,” cautions spinal and orthopedic surgeon Gbolahan Okubadejo, M.D. “A thicker mattress topper provides more support, especially for heavyweight people, and can help alleviate pressure point pain on the hips and shoulders. The downside to a denser mattress topper is the thicker they are, the hotter they can feel,” he adds.
But of course, finding an effective cooling topper comes down to its materials. According to Dr. Frank Siraguso, a Kansas City-based chiropractor, there are three categories that you should note when it comes to temperature regulation:
- Copper Gel Toppers: Per the doc, copper gel beads can be infused into memory foam toppers to offer a one-of-a-kind sleep experience: “Copper is known for its cooling and cleansing antimicrobial properties, while the benefit of gel beads is heat transfer. When the beads come in contact with each other, they carry heat away quickly and efficiently, leading to a cooler sleep experience.” He also adds: “The beads compress into a firmer shape under pressure, providing extra support to areas like your hips and shoulders. This is crucial for sleepers with back pain, as it reduces the pressure and strain on your spine at night.”
- Graphite Memory Foam Toppers: “Graphite memory foam is ideal for sleepers who run hot, rest on their back and side, or are generally in search of pressure relief,” notes Dr. Siraguso. This is because graphite has small, spherical pores that are experts in absorbing and dissipating heat. The graphite is typically mixed into the foam itself, so when you sink in, its particles are forced to quickly conduct heat and release it through the surface. Plus, the doc also says, “The memory foam element is particularly ideal for side and back sleepers because it conforms to the contours of your body and provides support on pressure points…This will keep you in place and adapt to your position as you sleep.”
- Latex Toppers: “The open-cell pattern of latex allows air into the material and helps with breathability,” Dr. Siraguso explains. This is because latex is constructed with little perforations in its design, so it’ll never trap or hold heat on the surface. Plus, according to the doc, it’s also a top choice for anyone with allergies or sensitive skin, where “natural latex is odor free, hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, and dust mite resistant.” He also adds: “The sustainably sourced material is also free of chemical dyes, pesticides, bleach, and other fillers that are found in other synthetic materials.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Put on Top of My Mattress to Make It Cooler?
First, using breathable bedding made from fabrics like cotton or bamboo can promote airflow and prevent heat retention. Think: lightweight and moisture-wicking sheets, preferably made from natural fibers like cotton or linen, to increase ventilation while you sleep. You also want to be sure to adjust the room temperature to a cooler setting and use fans or blackout curtains to create a less heat-prone sleep environment.
How Many Inches of a Mattress Topper is Best?
Generally speaking, a 2-inch topper is ideal for adding a subtle layer of cushioning without drastically altering the firmness of your mattress. If you need more pressure relief or have discomfort points, you’ll want to go with something thicker (3 or 4 inches) for enhanced cushioning that distributes body weight more effectively. It’s also worth mentioning that your sleeping position can also influence the ideal thickness of the mattress topper. Side sleepers, who often experience pressure points at the hips and shoulders, may prefer a thicker topper for better cushioning and alignment. Back and stomach sleepers may find a thinner topper more suitable, as it provides sufficient support without excessive sinkage.
What Is the Best Mattress Topper for Bad Shoulders?
Memory foam mattress toppers are usually recommended for bad shoulders since they can contour to the body's shape and alleviate pressure points. Otherwise, you might want to consider a topper with a thicker profile—around 3 to 4 inches—to provide ample cushioning and support for the shoulders. Another option to consider is a latex mattress topper, particularly one with a zoned design that offers extra support and cushioning for the shoulders. This is because they’re naturally resilient and supportive (aka great for relief from shoulder discomfort).
Why You Should Trust Us
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