Using expert insights into temperature-regulating materials, research, and testing, we judged standout options for every sleep style and budget. Based on our findings, our number one pick is the Cocoon by Sealy Chill Hybrid Mattress, a foam-coil hybrid with temperature-regulating technology and a cool-to-the-touch cover. Here are the best cooling mattresses on the market. This 12-inch-thick hybrid mattress combines CertiPUR-US certified memory foam with fabric-encased coils to minimize motion transfer and support spinal alignment in any sleeping position. Not only that, but reinforced edge support around the perimeter prevents you from sinking down when sitting on the mattress or climbing in and out of bed. Infused with a science-backed phase-change material (PCM), the cover actively draws warmth away from your body to keep you comfy throughout the night, while the Bolsa coils promise to dissipate heat. There’s also an Extra-Chill version of the mattress with PCM-infused memory foam. Although it’s pretty heavy, our tester said the bed-in-a-box format makes it super easy to set up. There’s also a slight odor upon opening the box, but it dissipates quickly. The medium firmness offers the perfect amount of support while resisting motion transfer. We appreciate that the memory foam is CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring it meets strict performance, durability, and emissions standards. Though the cover isn’t machine-washable, it’s soft, stretchy, and breathable. For best results, you might want to wait the entire 72 hours recommended by the manufacturer to ensure the mattress fully expands. It’s made up of four layers, starting with a supportive foam encasement with individually wrapped micro-coils, followed by gel-infused memory foam, then high-density conforming foam, and PCM on top. While the Arctic doesn’t have a washable cover or provide quite the firmness some sleepers need, we like that the memory foam is CertiPUR-US certified. We appreciate that the memory foam is CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring not only quality but also that it won’t emit potentially harmful substances. Our tester said this mattress takes a few days to expand and is a bit cumbersome to move around (the queen-size option weighs over 60 pounds). But considering the agreeable price point, it’s a solid choice. The four-layer design starts with foundational springs on the bottom, followed by individually wrapped micro-coils, graphite-infused latex, and a wool-poly blend on top. Wool is a naturally breathable and thermal-regulating material. And according to the maker, the graphite helps draw heat away from your body, while the coils encourage airflow. This mattress earns extra points for the organic cotton cover. Graphite and cooling gel promise to draw heat away from your body while edge support ensures you don’t get swallowed by the mattress. Though our tester noted a temporary odor out of the box, it’s CertiPUR-US certified to ensure it doesn’t emit harmful chemicals. It’s also somewhat hard to move around (the queen-size mattress weighs 80 pounds), but the Mint was an all-around hit in the end. What really stands out about this mattress is its reversible design. It’s soft on one side for those who prefer a plusher feel and firm on the other to support back and stomach sleepers. Just bear in mind flipping it isn’t the easiest, as the queen size weighs nearly 70 pounds. On top, you’ve got hand-quilted plushness and Feran Ice fabric, a patented sweat-wicking material that’s cool to the touch. In addition to offering the best of all worlds with its multi-layer design, edge support prevents you from sinking in when you sit down. Though this mattress is cumbersome (the queen-size option weighs over 100 pounds) and on the pricier side, we appreciate the lifetime warranty. On top, there’s a thinner gel-infused layer with the brand’s signature InfiniCool surface that promises to keep odor-causing bacteria at bay while offering a cool-to-the-touch sensation. Not only that, but edge support around the perimeter provides enhanced sturdiness. The Harmony Lux is a little pricey, but it’s among the best in terms of firmness. If you want something softer, two other firmness levels are available, as is the option to add a pillow-top layer. That said, some memory foam mattresses include ventilation to encourage airflow and breathability. Foley recommends options infused with cooling gel beads or copper, which can help dissipate heat. Some models also feature phase-change materials (PCM) on the surface, cover, or coil casings, which has a similar effect of actively drawing warmth away from your body.
Firmness
Firmer mattresses tend to be best for back sleepers, as they offer support while promoting spinal alignment. Medium and medium-firm models work well for side sleepers because they help prevent the hips and shoulders from sinking and keep lower back pain at bay. Of course, some people sleep best on softer surfaces. If that’s your preference, look for a plush or pillow-top mattress.
Thickness
Mattresses also come in varying thicknesses. On the lower end, you’re looking at about 6 inches; on the higher end, it’s closer to 14 inches. Thicker models typically cost a bit more but tend to provide more support and last longer, as they’re less prone to sagging. The best options are at least ten inches thick, though 12 or more inches is ideal for most people.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in sleep, home design, and lifestyle. She covers bedding, furniture, and home improvement products at The Spruce. “When we’re talking about cooling mattresses, the marketing can be slightly misleading,” says Foley, explaining that they don’t actively ‘cool’ you. “Instead, think of them as ’temperature-regulating.’” Brands also often use ventilated foam, gel-infused memory foam, and phase-change material in their cooling technology. “While they won’t cool you with cold water like in some high-tech mattress pads, they won’t absorb heat like others on the market,” notes Foley. For this story, she interviewed Logan Foley, a Certified Science Sleep Coach and Managing Editor at SleepFoundation.org, for insight into temperature-regulating materials, looked at reviews from our home testers, and researched today’s best cooling mattresses. Before landing on the final picks, she referenced peer-reviewed articles and pored over product specs from dozens of models. Theresa sleeps on a Tuft & Needle mattress and has tried products from Layla, Sealy, and Serta.
