The 15 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers for Sweat-Free Nights

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).

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.

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.

• 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.

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: 

1. 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.” 
2. 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.” 
3. 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.”