Best Cooling Mattress Pads of 2023 | Sleep Foundation (2023)

If you love almost everything about your mattress but want to make small changes to customize your sleep environment, a mattress pad is worth considering. A mattress pad is a thin layer that sits on top of your current mattress. A cooling mattress pad actively or passively regulates temperature and prevents you from sleeping hot. Some are made with breathable materials, like cotton or wool, while others are infused with gel to draw heat away from the body and dissipate moisture. Certain designs use technology to actively cool down the surface of the mattress.

Our team has tested dozens of cooling mattress pads and determined which models are worth purchasing. Side, back, and stomach sleepers across multiple weight groups put our top picks to the test, analyzing each one for comfort, value, and temperature regulation.

How to Build the Coolest Bedroom – Video

Watch the video below for some tips on how to create a cooler sleep environment.

Along with the featured cooling mattress pads in our top picks, we’ve also included a comprehensive buyer’s guide. This section tells you what to look for – and what to avoid – when shopping for a cooling pad. We’ll also break down how cooling mattress pads work, answer some frequently asked questions, and help you choose the right style for your sleep preferences.

Product Details

The Saatva Organic Mattress Pad naturally wicks away moisture and heat for a cooler sleep environment. Cotton is lightweight and breathable and the Saatva Organic Mattress Pad uses 100 percent Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified cotton in its quilted construction. It is made without the use of chemicals or synthetic materials.

The 300 thread count of the Saatva Organic Mattress Pad is soft and breathable, allowing air to flow through the mattress pad. Organic cotton side panels with a wide elastic band secure the pad to the mattress. The pad can fit mattresses up to 16 inches thick, making it a great choice for those with higher mattress profiles. The mattress pad includes 0.75 inches of plush cotton fill, so it will add some softness to the mattress.

The Saatva Organic Mattress Pad is easy to clean as it can be machine washed on the gentle cycle and tumble dried. The mattress pad is available in standard sizes twin through California king. Saatva also offers an Upper-Flex option for the queen and king sizes, which corresponds to the Saatva Upper-Flex split top mattress.

Saatva offers a 45-day sleep trial for the Organic Mattress Pad and issues a full refund if you decide to return the pad. The company asks that any bedding is washed before returning. The Organic Mattress Pad is covered by a 1-year limited warranty.

The Brooklyn Bedding Cooling Mattress Protector has a cool to the touch feel and breathable construction. The mattress protector improves the overall breathability of the mattress and draws heat away from the body. It resists dust mites and other allergens.

The company’s TitanCool technology is infused in the surface of the Cooling Mattress Protector. This phase change material (PCM) increases the conductivity of the protector and draws heat away from the body. The breathable elastic fabrication increases airflow.

Shoppers who want an easy to clean mattress pad will appreciate that the Brooklyn Bedding Cooling Mattress Protector can be machine washed in cool or warm water and tumble dried on a low setting. The mattress pad adds a layer of protection to the mattress, reducing normal wear and tear. The waterproof fabrication prevents spills from staining the mattress below.

The Brooklyn Bedding Cooling Mattress Protector is a thin cover, so sleepers should not expect it to add softness or change the firmness of the mattress. It is ideal for shoppers who want to protect their mattress from spills and stains while improving its overall breathability.

Brooklyn Bedding offers a 30-day sleep trial for the Cooling Mattress Protector.

Slumber Cloud products are known for using proprietary Outlast technology, which is engineered for optimal temperature regulation. Outlast is a phase change material (PCM), designed to absorb, store, and return heat. The Slumber Cloud Performance Mattress Pad elaborates on this technology using Tencel-based Outlast meant to reduce heat and moisture buildup when you’re too hot, and releasing heat if you start to get cold.

Down alternative fiber fills the mattress pad’s interior, adding cushioning to the surface without changing the overall feel of your mattress. The pad is available in seven sizes, including a split king option where you’ll receive two twin XL mattress pads. This is a great option for couples who own adjustable beds. Its elastic skirting has a 360-degree grip to ensure a snug fit, and the pad will fit mattresses with profiles up to 20 inches thick.

Slumber Cloud ships free to customers living in the contiguous U.S. All orders come with 60-night sleep trials and 180-day warranties against structural defects.

The SHEEX Original Performance Mattress Pad is designed with coolness and comfort in mind. Unlike some competing pads that can feel stiff, this one excels at protecting your mattress from wear and tear without compromising on comfort.

The mattress pad is made with a polyester and spandex fabric that feels silky to the touch and wicks moisture from your body. It’s quilted with a down alternative fiber that’s engineered to promote cooling on the surface. These cooling materials help dissipate heat buildup and prevent excessive sweating, so you should sleep fairly cool if you’re a hot sleeper or live in a humid climate. The quilted surface also adds a touch of plushness to any mattress.

You can purchase the pad in a queen or king/California king size, and both options are designed with a mesh skirt that can accommodate mattresses up to 18 inches deep. The pad is machine-washable if you use a large capacity washer and dryer. SHEEX recommends washing in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble drying on low.

SHEEX offers a 30-night sleep trial for this mattress pad, as well as a 1-year warranty. Reasonable flat-rate fees apply for orders up to $150, and shipping is free to the contiguous U.S. for orders over $150.

The Cozy Earth Bamboo Mattress Pad is a lightweight model with a thin profile. The breathable viscose derived from bamboo is particularly suitable for hot sleepers or those living in humid climates, as it helps wick away moisture and regulate temperature.

The pad is hypoallergenic. Cozy Earth sources bamboo from USDA-certified organic farms, which means that it is free of chemicals and pesticides. The company does not use dyes, and the pad is a natural white color. The bamboo-derived viscose is highly breathable, which helps the mattress pad prevent the buildup of moisture and bacteria.

The pad is available in twin, queen, king, and California king sizes and fits mattresses up to 20 inches deep. It has a strong elastic band to help keep the mattress pad in place. In order to preserve the mattress pad’s structural integrity and soft feel, it should be machine washed on the delicate setting.

Cozy Earth offers free shipping and returns for U.S. orders. The Bamboo Mattress Pad is backed by a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty.

If you want to invest in a cooling mattress pad that also provides moisture control, the Sijo TempTune checks both boxes. The fill consists of Clima, a proprietary fiber that mimics the softness of natural down and dissipates heat on contact to help you maintain a comfortable temperature. Another thermoregulating component is the shell, which is made from a blend of moisture-wicking Tencel and breathable nylon. A membrane embedded beneath the shell provides additional liquid protection.

The pad’s surface is quilted with small baffle boxes to ensure the fill is evenly distributed, so you shouldn’t need to fluff it too often. A thick elastic skirt along the perimeter provides a secure fit and prevents the pad from slipping off during the night. The skirt’s pocket depth makes the pad compatible with mattresses up to 16 inches thick. You may wash and dry the pad in any household appliance.

The TempTune is competitively priced and Sijo offers free shipping for all orders in the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a 30-night trial, during which returns and exchanges are also free of charge.

The Puffy Mattress Pad features a quilted surface cushioned with plush down alternative fill. The result is a luxuriously soft design that is well suited to anyone who finds their current mattress too firm. Elasticated corners allow you to secure the pad over your mattress, rather than simply tucking it beneath your fitted sheet, so there shouldn’t be any uncomfortably clumping or shifting while you sleep. The pocket depth is 15 inches, making the pad compatible with most mattresses on the market today.

The shell is made of viscose derived from bamboo, a highly breathable material that wicks moisture away from the body. The fill – unlike real down – also retains very little heat. Since the fill is completely synthetic, this pad is a good option for people who are allergic to real down as well as those who prefer not to buy products with animal-based materials. You can wash and dry the pad in any household machine. Six sizes are available, all of which correspond with standard mattress dimensions.

Puffy offers free ground delivery to customers in all 50 states. Your order will include a sleep trial that spans 101 nights. Should you decide to keep the Puffy Mattress Pad, you’ll also receive a lifetime warranty against structural defects.

Sleepme has garnered acclaim for its line of practical sleep accessories equipped with high-tech components. One of the brand’s newest offerings is the Dock Pro Sleep System, which consists of a Chilipad Pro mattress pad that connects to an external control unit. The latter serves as a reservoir that heats or cools the water, depending on your personal preferences. Once the water reaches your desired temperature, the control unit delivers it through a connective hose into the pad’s membrane system. You can program the temperature anywhere from 55 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cutting-edge technology doesn’t stop there. You can remotely program and adjust temperature settings using the Smartme app on most iOS or Android smart devices. The control unit also connects to Wi-Fi, so you can sync it with other smart devices in your household. Alternatively, the control unit is designed for manual controls if you prefer to keep your phone or tablet outside your bedroom. For added peace of mind, the sleep system does not use any electrical wires or electromagnetic fields.

As for the Chilisleep Pro, this mattress pad is constructed with elastic corners for a pocket depth of 8 to 18 inches. This range ensures you can use it with most mattresses made today. You can opt for a half pad that only covers your side of the bed, or a full pad with dual-temperature settings. The pad is fully machine-washable for quick and easy care. Queen, king, and California king sizes are available in both half and full designs, and you can also choose from two colors.

The Sleepme Dock Pro’s expensive sticker price reflects its high-end design, but this pad may prove invaluable if you lose sleep night after night for temperature-related reasons. Your purchase includes a trial period that runs for 30 nights. If you choose to keep the sleep system, it’ll be covered under a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty against various defects.

A cooling mattress pad can be a worthwhile investment for sleepers who want to reduce heat buildup on their sleep surface, but most pads provide minimal – if any – comfort adjustments for your mattress. The ViscoSoft Copper Pillow Top Mattress Pad manages to sleep very cool and make your mattress feel noticeably softer thanks to a layer of plush fiber fill. The shell fabric is woven with copper yarns intended to capture and dissipate body heat. The fabric also has moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry on humid nights.

The pad is available in six sizes that correspond to standard mattress dimensions. A deep-pocket elastic skirt makes the pad compatible with any mattress measuring up to 18 inches thick. For added convenience, the pad is fully machine-washable.

The Copper Pillow Top Mattress Pad is competitively priced and all orders qualify for free ground delivery. Your order comes with a 90-night trial period, giving you ample time to test out the pad.

Birch is known for producing quality mattresses and bedding products that are made with eco-conscious materials, and the Organic Mattress Pad is no exception. The materials are sustainably sourced and excel at absorbing moisture, making this an ideal product for shoppers who prioritize environmentally friendly pads that keep you dry.

The pad is composed of cotton with a GOTS organic certification. The cotton cover has a 300 thread count with a sateen weave that gives it a smooth, silky feel. It is quilted with cotton fibers that wick moisture from the surface to prevent sweat and other liquids from seeping into your mattress. The pad is designed with an elasticated skirt that fits over your mattress. Measuring 16 inches deep, the skirt is compatible with most mattresses. Note that the skirt is made mostly of cotton but contains a small amount of lycra to ensure a snug fit.

Cotton has natural cooling properties, so the cotton composition of the Birch Organic Mattress Pad makes it a highly breathable option – which is not always the case with mattress pads. The quilting also creates a soft and slightly plush surface, which some may find more comfortable than mattress pads that feel stiff or crinkly.

The pad is available in a twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king size. It is machine-washable, though Birch recommends a washer and dryer with high capacity to ensure it can handle the pad. Wash in cold water on a gentle setting, then tumble dry on low heat.

The Organic Mattress Pad comes with a 100-night sleep trial and 1-year warranty. Shipping is free to all 50 states.

How to Choose a Cooling Mattress Pad

There are multiple types of mattress pads, which can make choosing the best cooling mattress pad somewhat overwhelming. Understanding what you are looking for will help narrow down the search. There are several factors for shoppers to keep in mind, which we will break down here. This includes the cooling properties of the mattress pad, how it performs, and what price-point you have in mind. Shoppers will also want to consider what they want to change about their current mattress.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Cooling Mattress Pad

Sometimes, companies use misleading terminology or overstate the features of a mattress pad, which can make it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. Additionally, every shopper has unique needs and preferences. What works for one person may not work for another.

Focusing on the following features will help narrow down the vast selection and differentiate between a mattress pad that suits your needs, and one that does not.

Which Type of Mattress Pad is Best at Cooling?

There are different types of cooling mattress pads available, each of which has benefits and drawbacks. We’ll break down what types are best at cooling here. Keep in mind that mattress pads enhance the features of your current mattress. Additional factors, including bedding, room temperature, and personal preferences, will also determine which mattress pad is best for you.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattress pads react to heat and pressure to conform closely, which can restrict airflow around the body. These pads may also retain heat. This is especially the case for mattress pads made of traditional memory foam. Newer styles of memory foam often have an open-cell structure for better airflow. Memory foam can also be infused with copper or graphite with the intent of drawing heat away from the body, or gel for additional cooling.

Polyfoam

Polyfoam is less conforming than memory foam, which allows for better airflow around the body. There are many types of polyfoam, some of which regulate temperature better than others. Basic polyfoam may still retain heat, but is going to be less restrictive than memory foam. Like memory foam, advanced polyfoam can also have an open-cell structure, or be infused with copper, graphite, or gel.

Gel

A cooling gel mattress pad draws heat away from the body. Gel-infused foam dissipates heat and moisture to prevent overheating. Some gel foams are better than others. How well it performs depends on the type of gel used and how it is incorporated into the foam. Heat retention is still possible.

Latex

Latex is a natural material made from sap harvested from rubber trees. It is more breathable than synthetic foam and regulates temperature well. There are two types of natural latex: Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop latex is more dense. Talalay latex is light and breathable, and it is often used to regulate temperature in mattresses. Latex can be aerated to maximize airflow and improve breathability.

Wool and Cotton

Wool and cotton are natural fibers that wick away moisture and regulate temperature. Cotton is lightweight and breathable. It prevents moisture from building up in the mattress pad. This is beneficial for hot sleepers who are prone to sweating throughout the night.

Wool acts as natural insulation. The fibers absorb and retain heat in cooler months, and dissipate heat when it is warmer. This keeps sleepers comfortable throughout the year. Wool and cotton fill can also add softness to a mattress.

Frequently Asked Questions