Summer’s coming, which means now is the time to shop for one of this year's best cooling mattresses if you want to fall asleep fast and sleep peacefully as temperatures begin to soar.
Temperature regulation is an area we scrutinize carefully when deciding which of the hundreds of mattresses we’ve tested deserve a spot in our guide to the best mattresses of 2025. While all of those mattresses do a great job of balancing your sleep temperature, we’ve rounded up the mattresses that perform the strongest in terms of keeping temperatures regulated in the face of night sweats, hot flushes and seasonal temperature fluctuations.
While the Bear Elite Hybrid remains our best cooling mattress overall, the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid is a new addition to this guide after recent testing. With a GlacioTex cooling cover and copper infused memory foam, the CopperFlex Pro punches well beyond its mid-range price tag (a queen is currently $999 at Brooklyn Bedding, was $1,332) and offers the same specialist technology as some more expensive cooling beds.
As well as key areas of performance, we’ve also considered budget. So while you will find some specialist products below (hello Eight Sleep), we have also included affordable options, like the all-foam Cocoon by Sealy Chill, which drops to $699 from $1,079 at Cocoon by Sealy, thanks to a year-round 35% off sale. If you are buying a cooling mattress, you’ve picked an excellent time. The Memorial Day mattress sales may have been and gone, but we’re still seeing some big discounts from some of our favorite cooling bed brands.
Here’s our roundup of the 8 best cooling mattresses, as tested by our team of mattress testers and sleep experts…
1. The best cooling mattress overall
If you’re looking for one of the best hybrid mattresses of the year for all sleep styles and exceptional cooling, the Bear Elite Hybrid could be it. Standing at 14" tall and made from premium-grade non-toxic materials, the Bear Elite Hybrid is the flagship mattress from the popular American mattress brand. It comes in a choice of three firmness levels (soft, medium, and firm), with standout features including a cooling cover that delivers some of the most reliable cooling power in the mattress market, and a lumbar support section to reduce lower back pain.
We want to preface what we say here by explaining that it is the Celliant Infused cover (for which you must pay an extra $300) that earns the Bear Elite Hybrid the top spot in this guide. As standard, the Bear Elite is a breathable hybrid mattress with reliable temperature control thanks to Phase Change Materials (PCM) sewn into its surface which absorb and release heat through the night. But the addition of the Celliant cover is where reliable temperature regulation becomes actively cooling.
So what exactly goes on in this special cover while you sleep on it? Celliant is a synthetic fiber that converts body heat into infrared energy, which is then reflected back into the body. The goal when used in mattresses is to improve thermoregulation and, in turn, aid restful sleep and promote wellbeing. Celliant does this by increasing blood circulation and oxygen supply to cells, which enhances muscle recovery and therefore physical performance – this makes it a particularly worthy addition for anyone with an active lifestyle. It also wicks away moisture and dries fabrics quickly, which equals a more comfortable sleep for hot sleepers. Our tester for our Bear Elite review reports the Celliant cover gives a mild cooling sensation when you lay on it.
Although cooling is what this mattress does particularly well, it excels in other areas too. The Bear Hybrid Elite isolates motion very well, which means that you’re unlikely to feel another person in the bed tossing and turning (that’s great news for couples.) Back and stomach sleepers will likely find the medium firm enough to provide spinal support, as well as heavier side sleepers and combination sleepers. Meanwhile, average to lightweight side sleepers seeking exceptional pressure relief across their shoulders, hips and knees will be better off with the soft.
The Bear Elite Hybrid sits at the cusp of upper-mid range and premium after regular sales. You can bag a queen for $1,578 now (was $2,427), which is a fair price for a hybrid mattress of this calibre. While evergreen discounts mean there’s no pressure to buy right now, this is the highest discount we tend to see.
- Read more: Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review
2. The best budget cooling mattress
The 10" Cocoon by Sealy Chill is an affordable yet effective cooling mattress with standout features for its price. It comes in both all-foam and hybrid options—we tested the all-foam version, but hybrids generally offer a cooler sleep experience than even the best memory foam mattresses thanks to increased airflow through the spring layers.
The Cocoon Chill magic begins with a cover designed to remain cool to the touch during sleep. Beneath this are two layers of the brand’s pressure-relieving memory foam made with PCM, designed to dissipate body heat while adapting to your unique shape and supporting your spine in various sleeping positions. It also provides a little of that 'sink-in' feeling but with that all-important lumbar support for sleepers who like to be cradled by their mattress.
In our tests, we found the Chill comfortable for most sleepers in most positions, although be aware if you're heavier in weight, you might sink through the memory foam layer and find it a bit too firm. The Cocoon Chill cooling mattress has a core layer made up of eight-inch pocketed coils, which will give this model a slightly bouncier feel. There are firmer coils around the perimeter to bolster the edges, meaning you can make use of every inch of your bed space.
The cooling here is excellent for the price. Our reviewers found the Chill to be noticeably better at regulating temperature than any other mid-range foam mattress they'd tested, and one of the most consistently cool mattresses they'd slept on. Note, however, that spending a bit more will yield better chilling features — if you have a slightly bigger budget, a good upgrade would be the Brooklyn Bedding at #4.
- Read more: Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress review
3. The best luxury cooling mattress
The GhostBed Luxe boasts some incredible cooling powers. This 13" mattress is constructed with seven individual layers of cooling and comfort elements, creating a comfortable cradling effect along your body.
The GhostBed Luxe cooling mattress has a top layer made from 'Ghost Ice' fabric, which, as claimed, remains cool to the touch (this is unusual, in our experience). That’s followed by one inch of cooling fiber, then one inch of gel memory foam. The Ghost Ice Layer features patented thermo-sensitivity technology designed to sense heat while you sleep and adjust the mattress to keep you cooler. In our tests we gave this mattress full marks for temperature regulation – the airflow was terrific, and our temperature remained comfortable and cool at all times.
This model has a softer sleep surface that cradles and contours to your body, making it one of the best mattresses for side sleepers who need a little extra give around the shoulders and hips for pressure relief. However, back and front sleepers, as well as heavier people, should consider something a bit firmer for better spinal support. Keep in mind, too, that the firmness of the GhostBed Luxe is affected by room temperature so it may feel firmer in the wintertime and softer in the summertime.
The plush sleep surface absorbs movements extremely well, making the Luxe a great choice for couples or restless sleepers. This is paired with excellent edge support. so you can spread out and use every inch of the bed as you wish.
The GhostBed Luxe sits in the premium bracket (you can ignore MSRP as it's never sold at full price). It's typically the same price as the Zoma Boost at #8, which includes a layer of springs. If the Ghostbed is too expensive for you, check out the Cocoon by Sealy Chill at #2.
- Read more: GhostBed Luxe mattress review
4. The best cooling mattress under $1,000
The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid mattress is a comfortable-for-most hybrid mattress that boasts specialist cooling tech commonly found on more expensive beds. A cool-to-the-touch GlacioTex cooling cover keeps you sleeping cool all night long, while the copper infused memory foam comfort layer helps draw away heat from the body while you sleep.
“Standing at 14” tall and with a sumptuous pillow top, the Brooklyn Bedding Copperflex Pro wouldn’t look out of place in a five-star luxury hotel,” says lead tester Eve Davies. And yet, you’ll typically pay under $1,000 for a queen in the Brooklyn Bedding mattress sales.
In addition to the GlacioTex cover, the copper comfort foams are infused with high thermal conductivity fibers and metal ribbons which wick away heat from the mattress surface and your body to help regulate your sleep temperature. Beneath that, a layer of 760 individually-wrapped coils increase breathability, preventing air warmed by body heat while you sleep becoming trapped within the mattress. We tested this mattress during a British heatwave and slept soundly throughout.
In terms of comfort and support, the medium-firm Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid includes a pillow top that moulds to your body, easing any pressure along the touch points of the mattress. The honeycomb stitching offers extra contouring, while the responsiveness of the coils and zoned lumbar support keeps your spine supported to prevent back pain. That said, if back pain is a pressing issue, we recommend the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe at #4. We rate it as one of the best mattresses for back pain, thanks to its superb spinal support, customisable firmness options and cooling prowess.
As for the CopperFlex Pro, our combination-sleeper tester found this hybrid mattress comfortable and supportive in all sleeping styles and, because of the responsiveness of the coils and sturdy edge support, was able to switch positions easily and safely throughout the night. However, they best recommend it to side sleepers and warn those with mobility issues that it can be a bit of a clamber to get up on this 14” beast of a bed. If that’s you, you might want to consider lowering your bed frame.
5. The best cooling mattress for back pain
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe ticks a lot of boxes; it's available in three different firmness options, we found it delivered excellent lumbar support and comfort in our tests earning it a spot in our best mattress for back pain guide, and the cooling features work reliably well. While the cooling powers can't rival the premium or specialist options in our ranking, this mattress hits the sweet spot when it comes to balancing performance and price.
There are a few different cooling features at play here. The GlacioTex cooling cover removes excess heat from the mattress’ surface and remains cold to the touch. In our tests we found it worked effectively, although it has a smooth weave that will make your mattress a little slippery, so your fitted sheet (and indeed you) may have trouble staying put.
The foams used are designed specifically to help, not hinder, temperature regulation. Finally, there's a spring layer, which provides space for air to circulate within the mattress, boosting breathability (we rate this amongst the top-rated hybrid mattresses around, putting it in the same category as the Saatva Classic and Bear Elite Hybrid). In our tests we found these features all worked together well to keep the mattress at a comfortable temperature every night.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Hybrid also performed well on the comfort front. The ability to pick your firmness means you can tailor it to ensure it's comfortable and supportive for your body type and preferred sleep position. The coils are zoned to provide extra firmness in the central third, beneath your lumbar.
However, where this mattress really comes into its own is the wide range of sizes available, including RV king and RV bunk, which makes it a decadent addition to your motor home.
There are a couple of potential down-sides to be aware of: we found the off-gassing was some of the worst we'd experienced (although people's experiences with this tend to vary), and the motion transfer was below average, too, which means this won't be a great choice if you're a particularly restless sleeper, or share a bed with one.
- Read more: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review
6. The best cooling mattress for couples
For something a little different, check out the Purple Original. Like all of the beds from this brand, the original features the 'GelFlex Grid'. This stretchy gel grid sits at the top of the mattress, and will contour to your shape for custom support. Thanks to the open structure, it won't trap body heat — which is an issue with many foams. In our review, we found the grid was temperature-neutral, and worked to ensure the mattress stayed at a cool, comfortable temperature all night long.
There's a slightly unusual sleep feel here: the grid feels squishy when pressed, but firm when you're lying down on it, with extra support seeming to concentrate exactly where it's needed, under the back and legs. It's much more responsive than traditional memory foam, too, and will spring back into shape immediately when pressure is removed. Our panel of testers found it super comfortable in all positions, but especially so for side and back sleeping, once they got used to the feel. And if you sleep with a restless partner, the low motion transfer will ensure you don't miss a single wink.
This mattress excels when it comes to pressure relief (our testers describe it as giving a kind of floating sensation), and we rank it amongst the best mattress in a box models around for anyone with hip or back pain. The grid cushions the joints comfortably, while still offering the support required to keep everything aligned properly. Do note that it's the thinnest option in our list though, clocking in at under 10". That will make changing the sheets easier, but you won't get the same luxe feeling as a chunkier option and it may lack support for heavier bodies.
Price-wise, we're in the upper-mid price bracket here, but how much you'll pay does depend on when you buy. The best Purple mattress sales and deals knock $200 or more off, but it's hard to predict when they'll appear. The Brooklyn Bedding model at #4 sits in a similar price bracket, if you want to select your firmness level.
- Read more: Purple Mattress review
7. The best smart cooling mattress
Eight Sleep is the place to go if you want an ultra-smart cooling bed, and ultimate control over your nighttime temperature. The cover contains a network of water-filled tubes that can be cooled or heated to your exact preferences, between 55°F and 110°F, and you can even pick different temperatures for each half of the bed so you and your partner don't have to fight over the covers.
You can buy the Eight Sleep Pod 4 with an Eight Sleep mattress bundled in, but we'd probably recommend just going for the cover, and pairing it with a breathable mattress that suits your needs. All the tech is in the cover, anyway — the mattress is just a standard mattress.
We're now on the fourth generation of Pods, and they're more advanced than ever. We tested this smart cooling mattress cover to find out if it is really worth its price tag. Our main tester has been sleeping better and learning more about how lifestyle choices affect their sleep quality while testing the pod over the past three months. They were especially impressed with the dual climate control and active temperature regulation, which responds to changes through the night to keep you at an ideal sleep temperature.
The dual-zone heating and cooling is just the start of it. One of our best smart bed picks, the Pod 4 also monitors your nighttime habits (again, for each side of the bed separately) the same way a sleep tracker wearable would, to provide you with insights that help you improve how well you sleep each night.
It'll track everything from sleep stages and duration to heart rate, HRV and more. And if you don't enjoy being woken up by an alarm, there's an in-built GentleRise alarm option that vibrates the cover at chest height for a more soothing wake-up. Just know that you'll need to pay for a subscription to access these features. (It starts at $199/year.)
- Read more: Eight Sleep Pod 4 mattress cover review
8. The best cooling mattress for active lifestyles
The Zoma Boost is a luxuriously thick, hybrid mattress aimed at those who live an active lifestyle. It also boasts some outstanding cooling powers. It kept our testers noticeably cooler during our review period, and they consistently woke up feeling refreshed after a night on this mattress. In particular, we liked the special cooling cover, which worked effectively to wick away body heat and remained cool to the touch throughout the night.
Elsewhere, the graphite memory foam cradles the sleepers' joints without trapping heat, and are responsive enough that you won't feel stuck in one position. A benefit that this mattress potentially has over the GhostBed (#1) is that it has a coil layer. Springs boost breathability by creating space for air to circulate within the mattress.
At a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, the Boost is best suited to side sleepers, who will appreciate the excellent pressure relief on their shoulders, hips and knees. Those who weigh above average may find it doesn't provide enough support, though. Another potential down-side to be aware of is that this mattress doesn't isolate movement especially well. This might not be the best choice for you if you're a particularly light sleeper or share a bed with a wriggler.
Factoring in both brands' regular sales, the Zoma Boost is basically the same price as the GhostBed above. The Zoma is a couple of inches thicker – which might tip it into 'unwieldy' territory for some – and has the added spring layer, discussed already.
- Read more: Zoma Boost mattress review
How we test the best cooling mattresses
The Tom’s Guide mattress review process is editorially independent, which means that it isn't influenced by third parties. Our expert mattress testers sleep on each mattress for at least three weeks (roughly how long it takes for your body to get used to a new mattress) and spend hours scientifically testing the performance of each product.
Mattress firmness is subjective, so each lead reviewer also forms a trusted and experienced testing panel made up of people with different sleep needs and body types. We have side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers, with lighter, average and heavier bodies, who rate each mattress using a specific set of performance criteria.
Together, these processes enable us to produce accurate, well-balanced and data-backed mattress reviews, to help you decide whether the mattress you like the look of is the best choice for you. Read our full mattress methodology for more info.
Best cooling mattress FAQs
What are the benefits of a cooling mattress?
There is a close link between your body temperature and your ability to fall asleep. Our core temperature naturally drops when we wind down to sleep, signalling the brain to release sleepy hormones like melatonin. Hence, a cooling mattress creates a cool sleep environment where you can fall asleep fast and get plenty of deep sleep, says Australia-based Chiropractor Dr. Mark El-Hayek.
He explains: “Cooling mattresses help by getting rid of the heat that builds up between your body and the mattress. Most people don’t realise that trapped heat is what’s causing them to feel uncomfortable during the night. When the materials are breathable and allow heat to move away, your body can stay at a more stable temperature. That reduces how often you move or wake up.”
Specialist cooling mattresses can be expensive, but if your sleep is disturbed most nights because you wake up feeling too hot, it could make a major difference to your health and wellbeing.
Aside from helping you to remain at the right temperature for sleeping, cooling mattresses have many of the same benefits as standard models: good pressure relief, support for your entire body, and they promote healthy spine alignment, protecting your posture during sleep (for the record, this is the best position to sleep in when it's hot).
Will I only need a cooling mattress in summer?
Sleeping hot is not just a summer affliction. Due to health conditions, lifestyle choices, body composition or hormone changes, many people would benefit from sleeping on a cooling mattress all year round. In fact, 57% of Americans find themselves too hot to sleep at least occasionally, according to Gallup News.
Dr. El-Hayek sees plenty of cases where people struggle with sweating through the night because their mattress holds on to too much heat. He explains: “For people with pain, poor circulation, or those who just have warmer core body temp, temperature control can be the difference between broken sleep and proper recovery.”
It’s also important to remember, cooling mattresses aren’t refrigerators. They draw excess heat away from you rather than zapping all warmth. So, they help keep you at an ideal snoozing temperature no matter the season.
When is the best time to buy a cooling mattress?
Although mattress sales happen all year round, and some of the models in our ranking will be permanently discounted, there are certain events that tend to deliver bigger savings. The very best time is at the end of November when the Black Friday mattress sales arrive and usually spill over into the Cyber Monday mattress deals.
Granted, we will be over the warmer summer months by then, so if you're looking to upgrade your mattress before the high temperatures hit, we recommend shopping this month's Memorial Day sales.
Otherwise, any national holiday is a good time to shop. We see many of the best cooling mattresses on sale for Presidents' Day in February and discounted again in September's Labor Day mattress sales.
What cooling technology do mattresses use?
Different mattress manufacturers use different technology, designs and materials to bring you cooler sleep. Some build their mattresses with naturally breathable organic materials like wool, cotton and latex, which easily wick away moisture thanks to their open cell structures.
Meanwhile, sleep tech brands employ smart technology to monitor and regulate your temperature through the night. Smart beds often feature water or fan based systems that are able to heat up or cool down the bed surface as necessary, while integrated sensors measure your body temperature to keep you at an ideal sleep climate.
Memory foam is typically poor at temperature regulation as it holds on to heat. So, many mattress manufacturers have turned to science for cooling solutions to bring memory-foam-loving hot sleepers their dream bed. Enter: copper foam, graphite foam and GlacioTex covers. Copper and graphite are high conductivity elements meaning they are good at absorbing and dissipating heat energy. Hence, when infused in mattress foams, they draw heat away from the body and release it through the mattress surface.
- Read more: How do cooling mattresses work?
What is PCM in a mattress?
Phase Change Material (PCM) is a substance that can adsorb and release heat as it changes state from a solid to a liquid state. When used in a mattress, the material is usually found in the top layers, either blended directly into the comfort foam or sewn into the fabric of the mattress cover to make sure it is in close contact with the body for the best temperature regulation.
When your body temperature rises during the night, the PCM in the mattress absorbs excess heat, drawing it away from your body as it changes from a solid to a liquid state. When your body cools down, the PCM releases this stored heat, solidifying again. Mattresses with PCM essentially act like a heat reservoir to maintain a consistent ideal sleep temperature.
Do you really need a specialist cooling mattress?
Whether you 'need' a specialist cooling mattress depends on how much you struggle with heat while sleeping. If you naturally run hot at night, even in a moderate room temperature, investing in a cooling mattress could significantly improve your sleep quality.
While most top-quality mattresses have a certain degree of cooling capability, you'll want to look out for mattresses with open-cell gel infusions, PCM, breathable covers, hybrid designs or smart cooling systems for the best cooling experience. To really make your specialist cooling bed worth it, pair it with cooling bedding and breathable clothing.
However, some medical and hormonal conditions (menopause, for example) can mean that no matter what mattress you sleep on, you just can't put the night sweats to rest. In this case, you're better off consulting a professional who can provide a medical solution.
