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The Best Cooling Mattress Toppers, Tested by Editors Who No Longer Sweat in Their Sleep

Starting at $99

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Original Images by Sydney Meister/Sara Baksh/Vincent Gervasi

When you sleep hot, there are two seasons: summer, and pretending it's not summer. And when the AC unit starts wheezing like a Victorian orphan, the difference between a good night’s sleep and a sweaty mess often comes down to your bedding. That’s where cooling mattress toppers come in. Thicker than a pad, cheaper than a whole new mattress, they’re basically a shortcut to reinventing your bed—adding extra comfort and (hopefully) some actual temperature regulation.

That’s why I roped in a few fellow hot sleepers from the PureWow team to help me test the best cooling toppers of 2025—each one claiming to offer breathable foam, sweat-wicking covers or temperature-reactive tech. We tested toppers from Tempur-Pedic, Saatva, Avocado Green and more, evaluating how cool they actually kept us overnight and whether they were comfy enough to justify the price tag.

The Best Editor-Tested Cooling Mattress Toppers at a Glance

1

Best Mattress Topper Overall

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt+ Cooling Topper

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2

Best Latex Mattress Topper

Avocado Green Eco Organic Mattress Topper

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3

Best Gel Mattress Topper

Saatva Micro-Coil Mattress Topper

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4

Most Customizable Mattress Topper

Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Topper

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5

Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain

Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper

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How We Tested the Best Cooling Mattress Toppers 

For each topper, we asked testers to rate them across five key metrics: cooling performance, comfort, quality of materials, ease of setup and overall value. We slept on them for multiple nights—tracking everything from night sweats to back pain—and filled out detailed forms covering how the topper felt across different sleep positions and environments.

We also took notes on the unboxing experience (because no one wants to deal with a chemical-smelling foam burrito), how long the topper took to expand, and whether the design lived up to its cooling claims—be it via latex, gel, coils or futuristic-sounding fabrics. The final list reflects the ones that didn’t just promise cooling, but delivered it.

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Best Mattress Topper Overall

1. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt+ Cooling Topper

What We Like

  • Knit cover stays cool throughout the night
  • TEMPUR absorbs pressure without trapping heat
  • 3” height provides thick comfort without lumps
  • Works well for side- and back-sleepers
  • Secure corner straps prevent slipping

What We Don't Like

  • More expensive than basic toppers
  • Dense foam may feel restrictive for stomach sleepers or those who move a lot

Tempur-pedic

Tempur-Pedic is famous for memory foam that molds like a dream—but what sets the TEMPUR-Adapt+ Cooling topper apart is its breathable, cool-to-the-touch knit cover paired with high-performance TEMPUR material designed to absorb pressure without trapping heat. “It was cool to the touch, and I was even able to feel it when putting my head directly on the mattress—no pillow,” says Sara Baksh, Senior Manager of Business Operations at Gallery Media Group. She tested the upgraded cooling version in a 70-degree bedroom with just a light blanket and woke up sweat-free: “It’s not cold, which I think is an important distinction, but it absolutely feels cooler than any topper I’ve tried before.” Even when she got up in the middle of the night, she found that, “any heat disappeared quickly and it felt cool and crisp.” 

Another standout? It made an old mattress feel brand-new. At three inches thick, the topper offers deep, body-contouring support that Baksh said “cradled our hips and shoulders really well—especially as a side sleeper.” Even her fiancé, a dedicated back sleeper, was sold: “He was having such a good sleep, he overslept by two hours.” And while she notes that the dense memory foam made it a bit harder to reposition in stomach-sleeping mode, the overall comfort outweighed any drawbacks. “We were debating splurging on a new mattress, but with this topper, we no longer need to.” Bonus: There was zero off-gassing, and the elastic corner straps kept everything in place—no bunching, shifting or sagging.

Fast Facts

  • Materials: TEMPUR memory foam, cool-to-the-touch performance knit cover (removable/washable)
  • Firmness options: One adaptive firmness level
  • Height: 2” or 3”
  • Trial period: 90 nights
  • Return policy: Free returns within trial period

Best Latex Mattress Topper

2. Avocado Green Eco Organic Mattress Topper

What We Like

  • Breathable latex and organic cotton promote continuous airflow
  • Helps reduce night sweats and back pain
  • Comes in plush or firm options for tailored support
  • Easy to unbox and lightweight enough for a one-person setup

What We Don't Like

  • On the pricier side
  • Plush option might be too soft for those who need firm support

Avocado Green

If you’re a hot sleeper who still wants that plush, cloud-like feel, this GOTS-certified organic latex topper from Avocado is a dream. It's crafted from breathable organic cotton and wool, with an open-cell latex core designed to allow for maximum airflow—so heat doesn't get trapped under your body. “As someone with a naturally high body temperature, I did notice myself waking up less sweaty,” Meg Ahern, Director of Brand Partnerships at Gallery Media Group, explains. “You notice the coolness of the topper when you first lie down, and for me, it really seems to sustain throughout the night.”

Meg tested the ‘plush’ firmness option and found it surprisingly supportive, especially for her preferred side-sleeping position. “The plushness came in favor here as it naturally molded around my body to keep everything leveled and cool,” she says. Bonus: her husband—typically a topper skeptic—was converted too. “We both suffer with back pain and noticed that the topper not only cooled us, but was a much softer surface to sleep on.” She also noted that it added a bit of height to their existing mattress, which they both liked. And as for setup? “It came in air-sealed packaging and was incredibly easy to unbox and roll onto the bed, even in my small NYC apartment.”

Fast Facts

  • Materials: Organic latex, organic cotton, GOTS-certified wool
  • Firmness options: Medium or plush 
  • Height: 2” or 3” 
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Return policy: Free returns within trial period

Best Gel Mattress Topper

3. Saatva Micro-Coil Mattress Topper

What We Like

  • Keeps you consistently cool without sudden heat build-up
  • Micro-coils promote airflow while gel-infused foam disperses body heat
  • Dense 3” profile feels like a full mattress upgrade
  • Ideal for pressure relief, especially in hips and shoulders

What We Don't Like

  • Not cool-to-the-touch, so it won’t deliver an icy surface feel
  • Cover is not removable/ machine-washable

Saatva

As someone who tests bedding products for a living, I didn’t expect a mattress topper to change my bed—let alone my sleep—but this one delivered. The plush layer of gel-infused comfort foam is dense and supportive, and when paired with the one-inch layer of recycled steel micro-coils, it turns your old mattress into something that feels brand new. It's thick, weighty and luxe—like a full mattress refresh for a fraction of the cost. Yet, in terms of cooling, what really impressed me was the temperature regulation. No, it’s not icy-to-the-touch (I’d opt for the brand’s graphite version if that’s what you’re after), but it does something arguably more important: it keeps your temperature consistent all night long. The materials allow for airflow that dissipates body heat instead of trapping it, so even on humid nights with the AC set to eco mode, I stayed sweat-free and comfortably cradled. It’s less freezer pack, more wine fridge—doing its job in the background so you don’t wake up overheated at 3 a.m.

To that end, what truly won me over was the pressure relief. My back has been in a long-term feud with my work-from-bed setup, and this topper was the truce we both needed. I didn’t toss and turn once, and the mix of coils and foam supported me in all my usual side-sleeping contortions without ever feeling stiff or stuffy. Basically, if you’re looking for something actively cooling, I’d probably go with another latex- or graphite-infused option on this list. But if you want a breathable, ultra-supportive topper that regulates your temp and makes your mattress feel $2,000 more expensive, this is it.

Fast Facts

  • Materials: Gel-infused comfort foam, recycled steel micro-coils, organic cotton cover
  • Firmness Options: One universal feel (medium-firm)
  • Height: 3 inches
  • Trial Period: 180 nights
  • Return Policy: Full refund within the trial window; $99 processing fee for returns

Most Customizable Mattress Topper

4. Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Topper

What We Like

  • Naturally breathable latex keeps air flowing all night
  • 3 firmness levels and 3 height options
  • Springs back to shape instantly—no sinking or body indentations
  • Durable after years of use with no loss of support

What We Don't Like

  • Bulky packaging requires two people for a king-size setup
  • Block-like appearance may not appeal to all aesthetics

Sleep on Latex

While this mattress topper doesn’t scream “cooling” in bold letters, it punches above its weight when it comes to breathability. Made from 100 percent natural latex foam—harvested from organically grown rubber trees in Sri Lanka—the Pure Green topper naturally regulates temperature thanks to its open-cell structure (which allows air to circulate and heat to dissipate). PureWow Editor in Chief, Jillian Quint, confirms: “I do find the airiness of the topper keeps it from retaining heat, and I consistently wake up cool,” even after five years of nightly use. (Also worth mentioning that the brand offers optional organic cotton covers for extra cooling, but Jillian opted to go without.) 

As for comfort, it’s available in three thicknesses (1-, 2- or 3-inch) and three firmness levels (soft, medium or firm). Quint tested the 3-inch medium model, which offers contouring where you want it, like your shoulders and hips, without the sink-in feel of memory foam: “It’s almost bouncy—not at-all memory-foamy—and springs back to its original shape as soon as you roll over.” She also notes it holds up beautifully over time and suits both her and her husband’s sleep styles: “I'm a side sleeper and my husband is a back sleeper, and we both love how it is quite supportive overall with give in the areas you need it, like your shoulders and hips.” Her only caveat? “The block-like look may not appeal to everyone, and it’s definitely a two-person job to unbox the king-size.”

Fast Facts

  • Materials: 100 percent natural Dunlop latex (optional organic cotton cover)
  • Firmness options: Soft, medium, firm
  • Height: 1", 2" or 3"
  • Trial period: 30 nights
  • Return policy: Free returns within 30 days, including shipping box and label

Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain

5. Helix GlacioTex Premium Mattress Topper

What We Like

  • GlacioTex™ phase-change fabric pulls and stores excess heat
  • Hybrid design promotes airflow while preventing sinkage
  • Supportive for back sleepers, especially those with lower back pain
  • Stays in place on adjustable base—no bunching or sliding

What We Don't Like

  • ‘Luxury firm’ may be too hard for side sleepers who prefer a plush surface
  • Only one height option (3.75”)

Helix

Designed for hot sleepers who crave pressure relief without the heat buildup, this topper uses a phase-change fabric cover that actively pulls heat from the body and releases it through a breathable foam and coil core. The GlacioTex™ fabric is engineered to maintain a surface temperature that feels instantly cool to the touch, and Vincent Gervasi, Senior Ad Ops Associate at Gallery Media Group, confirms: “It genuinely feels cool when you lay down.” He continues, “I have a lot of issues when it comes to sweating in my sleep, and I haven’t really been sweating much.”

Beyond cooling, the three-layer construction is a standout: a plush 1.5-inch comfort foam on top, 0.75-inch microcoils in the middle and 1.5 inches of dense support foam on the bottom. That combo made a huge difference for Vincent, who tested it on his adjustable base. “This topper adjusts almost naturally to any position we set it to. The firmness gives it that premium feel and really elevates our mattress… I felt more supported without sinking in too much, which really helped my lower back.” He also noted the topper didn’t budge, even when the bed was raised or lowered. (A huge win for anyone who tends to overheat and needs firmer support.)

Fast Facts

  • Materials: GlacioTex™ cooling cover, 1.5" comfort foam, 0.75" microcoils, 1.5" high-density foam
  • Firmness options: Luxury Plush or Luxury Firm
  • Height: 3.75 inches
  • Trial period: 100 nights
  • Return policy: Free returns within 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 Are the Best Cooling Mattress Toppers?

After weeks of testing, three toppers stood out from the rest. For serious temperature regulation, the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling Topper impressed, with a cool-to-the-touch knit cover and signature memory foam that kept one of our staffers sweat-free all night. Then, if you're craving something organic and breathable, the Avocado Green Eco Organic Topper uses natural latex and cotton to wick moisture and promote airflow—ideal for hot sleepers who want a more eco-conscious option. And finally, if you’re after breathable, plush support with real mattress-like heft, the Saatva Micro-Coil Mattress Topper was my personal favorite. It has just the right balance of structure and softness, with recycled steel coils and gel-infused foam that helps dissipate heat (not trap it)—making it a godsend for anyone who runs hot but doesn’t want to feel like they’re sleeping on an ice pack.

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:

  1. 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.”
  2. Gel Toppers: Per the doc, gel beads—specifically 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.”
  3. Graphite 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.” 

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-to-3-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). 


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