Buying Guides

Published February 27, 2025

11 min

Guide to Cooling Mattresses

Nectar Editorial Team

Table of contents

What is a Cooling Mattress? General Principles for Mattress Stain Removal Cooling Mattress Solutions for Every Sleeper Benefits of Cooling Mattresses Choosing the Right Cooling Mattress for Your Needs Maintenance and Care for Cooling Mattresses

Have you ever woken up drenched in sweat, feeling like your bed is radiating heat? According to a 2023 Gallup poll, you’re far from alone. 14% of adults report feeling too hot while they’re sleeping (or trying to). A whopping 57% of U.S. adults reported feeling too hot occasionally, while only 37% reported feeling too cool. Luckily, this problem is prevalent enough that the mattress industry has evolved by leaps and bounds to try and solve it. The result? A variety of innovative sleep technologies, each promising a better (read: cooler!) night’s sleep.While it’s great to see so many new innovations in the field, this also means that shopping for a cooling mattress has now become a bit more complicated. What are cooling fibers, exactly, and what does phase change material even mean? We’re here to break things down, and help you find the right cooling solution for your sleep.

What is a Cooling Mattress?

A cooling mattress is a mattress built with materials that keep your body temperature comfortable while you sleep. It works with your body’s natural processes, rather than against them.Unlike traditional mattresses that can trap heat and moisture, a mattress with cooling features actively works to dissipate heat, promote air circulation, and create a more comfortable sleeping environment.The human body naturally drops its core temperature by about two degrees when preparing for sleep. This temperature regulation is crucial for entering and maintaining deep sleep cycles. When your mattress works against this natural process by trapping heat, it can lead to restless nights and poor sleep quality.But temperature regulation while sleeping affects more than just comfort. It’s also been shown to impact your overall health and well-being. Research shows that sleeping in overly warm conditions can disrupt your REM sleep, reduce sleep efficiency , and even affect your body's ability to recover and repair itself during rest.

General Principles for Mattress Stain Removal

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Cooling mattresses use materials that stop heat from building up while you sleep. Each layer plays a role in supporting a mattress's cooling process. Some layers add cooling, while others help with air flow and heat transfer.

Cooling Features and Layers

Breathable Foam with Open-Cell Design

Newer memory foams use an open-cell structure, which simply means that there are tiny air pockets built into the foam. Higher-quality breathable foams feature millions of air pockets that create pathways for heat and moisture to escape. Some manufacturers even add special cooling agents during the foam production process, creating materials that actively pull heat away from your body.

Gel-Infused Mattress Technology

Cool gel mattresses represent one of the most popular cooling technologies available today. These mattresses incorporate gel beads or gel-infused foam layers that absorb and disperse heat more effectively than traditional materials. The gel absorbs your body heat and then releases it away from the sleep surface.There are two main types of gel-infused mattress designs. Some mattresses feature a separate gel layer on top of the foam, while others have gel beads mixed directly into the foam itself. Both approaches work to create a cooler sleeping surface. However, gel-infused foam tends to provide more consistent cooling throughout the mattress.

Phase Change Materials (PCMs)

Some of the most advanced cooling mattresses incorporate phase change materials — substances that absorb, store, and release heat as they change from solid to liquid and back again. These materials are engineered to activate at specific temperatures, typically around your ideal sleeping temperature. When your body heat rises, the PCMs absorb the excess heat, and when your body cools down, they release that stored heat. This helps your body maintain a consistent temperature throughout the night.

Air Flow & Heat Transfer Features in Mattresses

Air Circulation Features

Proper airflow is a fundamental aspect of effective cooling. To promote cooling, mattresses incorporate features that help with ventilation and airflow.Zoned construction creates different firmness levels across the mattress while maintaining air channels between zones. Perforated foam layers feature strategically placed holes that allow air to move freely through the mattress. Edge support systems often include ventilation channels that help air flow around the perimeter of the mattress.Many manufacturers also design their mattresses with specific airflow patterns in mind. Some create vertical air channels that allow heat to escape upward, while others focus on horizontal airflow to move heat away from your body laterally.

Cooling Mattress Covers and Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

A breathable, moisture-wicking mattress cover is essential for staying dry and cool. Moisture-wicking mattress covers use advanced textile technologies to pull sweat and moisture away from your skin and allow it to evaporate quickly. These covers often incorporate materials like bamboo fiber, Tencel, or specialized polyester blends that have natural moisture-wicking properties.The fabric construction is just as important as the material itself. Manufacturers often use knit patterns that create small air pockets within the fabric, providing additional insulation and breathability. Some covers even feature mesh panels or ventilation zones in key areas where heat tends to accumulate.

Cooling Mattress Solutions for Every Sleeper

The cooling mattress market offers solutions for different preferences, budgets, and sleeping styles. Understanding the various options can help you find the perfect match for your specific needs.

Innerspring Cooling Mattresses

Traditional innerspring mattresses naturally provide good airflow due to open space between each coil. Modern cooling versions enhance this natural ventilation with additional features like gel-infused comfort layers, breathable covers, and specialized foam toppers. These mattresses work well for people who prefer a more traditional mattress feel with enhanced cooling properties.The coil systems in these mattresses create natural air channels that promote ventilation from the core of the mattress outward. When combined with cooling foam layers on top, they create a sleep system that offers both support and temperature regulation.

Hybrid Cooling Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds — the support of innerspring coils with the comfort and cooling properties of advanced foam layers. These mattresses typically feature a coil support core topped with layers of gel-infused foam, latex, or other cooling materials.The combination allows for excellent airflow throughout the coil system, while also providing targeted cooling in the layers where your body makes contact. Many hybrid cooling mattresses also incorporate zoned construction, with different firmness levels and cooling properties in different areas of the mattress.

All-Foam Cooling Mattresses

Modern all-foam cooling mattresses have overcome the heat retention issues that plagued early memory foam designs. These mattresses use multiple layers of different foam types, each engineered for specific purposes—support, pressure relief, and cooling.The layered approach allows manufacturers to create complex cooling systems within each mattress. A typical all-foam cooling mattress might include a supportive base layer, a transitional layer for pressure relief, and a top layer specifically designed for cooling and comfort.

Cooling Mattress Accessories and Toppers

Sometimes, you don't need a complete mattress replacement to achieve better temperature regulation. Cooling mattress toppers offer an affordable way to upgrade your existing sleep surface. The best cooling mattress toppers use the same advanced materials found in full mattresses—gel-infused foam, latex, or even specialized cooling fabrics.Toppers typically range from two to four inches thick and can dramatically change the feel and temperature regulation of your current mattress. Gel-infused toppers are popular for their immediate cooling effect, while latex toppers provide natural temperature regulation and durability.

Cooling Mattress Pads and Protectors

Cooling mattress pads serve a dual purpose—they protect your mattress while adding cooling properties to your sleep surface. These products typically feature moisture-wicking fabrics on the top and waterproof barriers on the bottom, creating a cooler sleeping environment while protecting your mattress investment.Cooling mattress protectors often incorporate advanced fabric technologies or other phase change materials woven directly into the fabric. Some even feature quilted designs that create additional air pockets for improved breathability.

Adjustable Cooling Mattress Systems

The most advanced cooling sleep systems go beyond passive cooling to actively regulate temperature throughout the night. Adjustable cooling mattresses often feature built-in fans, water circulation systems, or even air conditioning units that can be controlled to maintain your ideal sleeping temperature.These systems typically include dual-zone controls, allowing couples with different temperature preferences to customize their side of the bed independently. Some models even include smartphone apps that let you adjust settings remotely or program temperature changes throughout the night.Modern cooling sleep systems increasingly incorporate smart technology that learns your sleep patterns and automatically adjusts cooling based on your needs. These systems can detect when you're entering different sleep phases and adjust the cooling accordingly, or they can respond to changes in room temperature throughout the night.Some smart cooling mattresses even integrate with home automation systems, working together with your thermostat, ceiling fans, or other environmental controls to create the perfect sleeping environment.

Benefits of Cooling Mattresses

Investing in a cooling mattress isn't just about comfort—it's about optimizing your health and well-being through better sleep quality.

Improved Sleep Quality and Duration

When your body can maintain its ideal temperature throughout the night, you're more likely to experience uninterrupted sleep cycles. This means spending more time in deep sleep and REM sleep, the phases most crucial for physical recovery and mental restoration.Research indicates that people who sleep on cooling mattresses experience fewer sleep disruptions and feel more rested upon waking. The consistent temperature regulation helps prevent the micro-awakenings that occur when your body overheats during the night.

Reduced Night Sweats and Hot Flashes

For people who experience night sweats, whether due to medical conditions, medications, or hormonal changes, a cooling mattress can provide significant relief. The moisture-wicking properties and temperature regulation help manage perspiration more effectively than traditional bedding.Women going through menopause often find that cooling mattresses help manage hot flashes and night sweats, leading to more restful sleep during an already challenging time. Consistent cooling effects can help moderate the temperature fluctuations that often disrupt sleep.

Better Recovery and Performance

Athletes and active individuals often report improved recovery when sleeping on cooling mattresses. The enhanced sleep quality supports the body's natural recovery processes, including muscle repair, hormone regulation, and immune system function.The temperature regulation also helps reduce inflammation and supports the body's natural healing processes that occur during deep sleep phases. This can lead to better physical performance and faster recovery from workouts or daily activities.

Choosing the Right Cooling Mattress for Your Needs

Selecting the perfect cooling mattress requires considering several factors beyond just cooling technology. Your sleeping position, body type, preferences, and budget all play important roles in finding the right match.

Body Type and Weight Considerations

Heavier individuals often sleep hotter and may need more robust cooling systems. Look for mattresses with thicker cooling layers and more advanced temperature regulation technologies. Latex and hybrid cooling mattresses often provide better support and cooling for heavier sleepers.Lighter individuals may find that less aggressive cooling systems work well for them, and a cooling mattress topper or a mattress with moderate cooling properties might be sufficient.

Budget-Friendly Options

Cooling Mattress Toppers

If you're working with a limited budget, a high-quality cooling mattress topper can transform your existing mattress. Look for toppers with gel infusion or advanced foam construction that provides cooling properties at a fraction of the cost of a new mattress.

Online Direct-to-Consumer Brands

Many online mattress companies offer cooling mattresses at competitive prices by eliminating the middleman. These companies often provide generous trial periods and warranties, allowing you to test the cooling properties before committing to the purchase.

Premium Options

Active Cooling Systems

If budget isn't a concern, active cooling systems provide the ultimate in temperature control. These mattresses often include features like water circulation, built-in fans, or even air conditioning systems that can be precisely controlled throughout the night.

Luxury Materials

Premium cooling mattresses often feature the highest-quality materials, including organic latex, high-grade gel infusions, and advanced phase change materials. These mattresses typically offer the best durability and most effective cooling properties.

Maintenance and Care for Cooling Mattresses

Proper care and maintenance are essential for preserving the cooling properties and extending the life of your cooling mattress.Mattress Protectors: Using a cooling mattress protector can help maintain both the cooling properties and the longevity of your mattress. These protectors should be washed regularly according to manufacturer instructions to maintain their moisture-wicking and cooling properties.Proper Ventilation: Ensure your bedroom has adequate ventilation to support your cooling mattress. Good airflow around the mattress helps the cooling technologies work more effectively. Avoid placing the mattress directly on the floor or in areas with poor air circulation.Rotation and Flipping: Some cooling mattresses benefit from regular rotation to ensure even wear and maintain cooling properties throughout the sleep surface. Check manufacturer recommendations, as some modern mattresses are designed with specific top and bottom layers that shouldn't be flipped.Temperature and Humidity Control: Maintaining appropriate bedroom temperature and humidity levels helps cooling mattresses work more effectively and last longer. Most cooling mattresses perform best in rooms kept between 65-70°F with moderate humidity levels.

Investment in a Cooling Mattress

The cooling mattress market offers solutions for every budget and preference, from affordable cooling mattress toppers to premium active cooling systems. The key is finding the right balance of cooling technology, comfort, and support for your specific needs.Modern cooling mattresses have evolved far beyond simple marketing claims to become sophisticated sleep systems backed by real science and engineering. Whether you choose a gel-infused mattress, a breathable foam mattress, or an advanced cooling sleep system, you're investing in technology that can transform your sleep experience.This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.