While the right mattress topper will depend on your preferences, the LUCID 3-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is the best cooling mattress pad for most people. It’s made using gel-infused memory foam that promotes airflow and offers just the right level of firmness. Here are the best cooling mattress pads available online. For an all-around solid gel option that comes in at a great price point, we recommend the Lucid Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper. For around $100 (less for the 2-inch thickness topper), you get cooling technology that pulls excess heat away from your body, memory foam that supports all of your pressure points, and convenient delivery to your door. After testing this topper for two days in The Lab—stuffing items underneath it to simulate a lumpy mattress, measuring the temperature after laying on it for 5 minutes—our editors found it to be a solid option that offered a firm yet airy feel. We appreciated the amount of support it provided, though it wasn’t quite as breathable as other non-foam options. Price at time of publish: $100 for queen-size mattress topper After using it on her full-size memory foam mattress for a week, our tester found it to be comfortable and flexible, though not fully waterproof as the manufacturer claims. Its overfilled construction was a positive for her but might be a negative to those who prefer firmer sleeping surfaces. Also note that it works best on taller mattresses, with enough material to fit mattresses up to 21 inches tall. If you have a thinner mattress, this might not be the pick for you. All in all, though, if you’re looking for a mattress cover that provides protection, cooling, and extra padding, the Leisure Town option is a great option that comes in at an equally great price. Price at time of publish: $49 for queen-size mattress pad
After sleeping on it every night for a week, our tester was impressed by this mattress protector’s overall softness—a particularly impressive feat considering it’s fully waterproof. She also appreciated its durability: after sleeping on it for a week and washing it once, there weren’t any issues with snagging or ripping. And for $30, it’s hard to beat the value of this mattress pad. It also comes in every size you could ever need, including crib sizes. For such a great price and performance, we can’t think of a reason not to have one for every mattress in your house. Price at time of publish: $23 for twin XL-size mattress protector This is an expensive mattress pad but definitely worth the cost. While we like the 3-inch profile, some people may prefer something thinner. Make sure that your sheets can accommodate the extra height, particularly if you plan to use it on an already thick mattress. Price at time of publish: $400 for queen-size mattress pad Price at time of publish: $499 for queen-size mattress topper Price at time of publish: $569 Price at time of publish: $1,099 for queen-size Price at time of publish: $38 for queen-size mattress pad Price at time of publish: $1,000 for half-queen mattress pad Price at time of publish: $244 for queen-size mattress pad
Material
Most mattress pads are made of foam, gel, cotton, or a combination of these. Some do have water coils inside, which require tubing and wires as well. One of the top things to consider is how much all of these materials will impact your sleep. Waterproof mattress covers are particularly notorious for being loud and crinkly due to their waterproof barrier materials. Look for something that can provide the features you need without interrupting your shut eye.
Features
The main purpose of mattress pads is to provide extra cushion and protection for your mattress. Many also help keep you cool, either through their choice of materials or by using technology like water cooling. Some have detailed temperature controls that you can adjust using a remote. Others feature a waterproof layer that is great for households with kids and pets. Look for a mattress pad or protector that includes the features you need in your particular situation.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. To recommend the top cooling mattress pads, Katie compared the materials, features, and price to compile mattress pads that would fit a variety of budgets and needs. She also consulted reviews from our testers, who used the mattress pads in their own homes over the course of a week. All of the options have multiple sizes to make it easy to find the perfect fit.
