We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Bedding & Bath Product Reviews The 8 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed If you’re tired of battling night sweats, these breathable toppers will give you a good night’s sleep. By Kat de Naoum Kat de Naoum Kat is a writer, editor, author, SEO specialist, and mother based in the UK. She has over 10 years of commerce writing experience and has written for a variety of publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, Food & Wine, Southern Living, Shape, Better Homes & Gardens, Parents, and Parenting. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 08, 2024 Fact checked by Emily Estep Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she’s an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Whether you’re a year-round hot sleeper or trying to escape stuffy and restless summer nights, a cooling mattress topper can prevent overheating and regulate your body temperature so you stay comfortable and cool. Since a regulated, cool temperature is essential for a good night’s sleep, Lauri Leadley, a clinical sleep educator and president of Valley Sleep Center, recommends prioritizing quality—even if you have to spend a bit extra. “The mattress topper sits atop the mattress, and it’s that much closer to your skin,” she says. “It’s a purchase you won’t regret.” To find the best cooling mattress toppers, we tested 16 models in our Lab while comparing comfort, support, breathability, durability, quality, and overall value. In addition to Kahn and Leadley, we also spoke to Jeff Kahn, published sleep expert and CEO of Rise Science, Byron Golub, the vice president of product and merchandising at the bedding company Saatva. Our Top Picks Best Overall: GhostBed Memory Foam Topper at Amazon $230 Jump to Review Best Budget : Linenspa Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper at Amazon $60 Jump to Review Best Splurge : SALE Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt+ Mattress Topper at Amazon $499 $332 Jump to Review Most Supportive : SALE Casper Comfy Mattress Topper at Amazon $299 $250 Jump to Review Softest : SALE Zinus Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper at Amazon $135 $112 Jump to Review Best for Side Sleepers: Sleep On Latex Pure Green Mattress Topper at Amazon $165 Jump to Review Best Plush : Lucid Down Alternative and Gel Foam Mattress Topper at Amazon $160 Jump to Review Best Down : Southern Living Ultra Feather Mattress Topper at Dillards.com $189 Jump to Review Best Overall GhostBed Memory Foam Topper PHOTO: Amazon $216 at Amazon View on Ghostbed.com $492 at Best Buy What Stands Out It’s easy to put on the bed and retains its shape. What Could Be Improved It offers more comfort than support. We loved the GhostBed Memory Foam Mattress Topper thanks to its super soft feel that was plush and comfortable to sleep on in any position. While it wasn’t the most supportive topper we tried, it didn't flatten at all after two months of nightly use and the shape and position stayed in place despite us moving around. This mattress topper is so comfortable that it has lessened our need to reposition throughout the night. Side sleepers will particularly like how soft it is, as it can keep shoulders and hips protected without too much pressure. The mattress also boasts waterproof qualities. During testing, we poured water on the topper and found that it absorbed quickly and easily—the waterproof backing kept the mattress perfectly dry. This feature may appeal to those with small kids and pets, plus it can be spot-cleaned if necessary. We’re particularly impressed by this topper’s cooling capabilities, making it a great choice for hot sleepers. Plus, it’s easy to put on the bed and didn’t make noise as we moved around. Material: Gel memory foam | Height: 3 inches | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 30 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Budget Linenspa Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper PHOTO: Amazon $54 at Amazon View on Bed Bath & Beyond View on Linenspa.com What Stands Out It’s lightweight enough for one person to install and smells pleasant. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t spring back into shape immediately. The affordable Linenspa 2-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper provides impressive comfort despite its low price. We found it to be soft, plush, and super comfortable. During testing, we jumped up on the bed and rolled around, but the topper stayed in place and regained its shape—though it took some time to rebound. Throughout two months of use, this comfortable choice has notably improved our sleep quality. We’ve noticed no flattening, loose threads, or signs of wear, so we think this mattress topper will last a while. We also appreciated how breathable the memory foam was, which helped keep our body heat to a minimum. The other great thing about this topper is its lightweight design that only requires one person to put it on the bed. Straight out of the box, the topper was fresh with no pesky chemical odors. During testing, this topper stayed in place no matter how hard we tossed and turned and didn't make any noise, either. We tested the 2-inch mattress topper, which felt a bit thin, so we recommend buying the brand’s 3-inch option for additional comfort. The topper is available in every size you might need, so you can easily outfit all the beds in your home for a sweat-free, comfortable sleep. Material: Polyurethane | Height: 2 or 3 inches | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, short queen, king, California king, small single | Return Policy: 30 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Splurge Tempur-Pedic Tempur Adapt+ Mattress Topper PHOTO: Amazon $332 at Amazon $243 at Wayfair $419 at Pottery Barn What Stands Out This cloud-like mattress topper conforms to your body and keeps you cool. What Could Be Improved The soft foam doesn’t offer much joint support. The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt+ Cooling Topper has 3 inches of cooling and pressure-relieving technology that adapts to your body shape, weight, and temperature, which is especially handy for side sleepers. This pick also includes a soft-to-the-touch, breathable, and stretchy knit cover that’s removable and washable. It effectively kept us cool throughout the testing period, and we never woke up warm or sweaty. There was no unpleasant odor when we took it out of the box, but we did need an extra hand to place it on the bed. The soft mattress topper provided comfortable support, making us feel as though we were sleeping on a cloud. Though it has more of a sinking feeling than some other models we tested, it doesn't feel too enveloping or stuffy. After a few minutes, the topper conformed nicely to our body with no pressure points, and it felt comfortable when sleeping in all positions. We do wish the foam was a bit more structured, though. We began experiencing some hip pain at the two-month mark, so we think the soft material may not be supportive enough for those with joint pain. This mattress topper also stayed in place after tossing and turning, although it took longer to regain its shape after we moved to the other side of the bed. We like that it has corner straps and non-slip backing to keep it securely in place. The main downside is that the return policy for this topper varies depending on where you shop. Purchases through Amazon are eligible for 30-day returns, but purchases directly from the brand are final sales—though this topper does come with a 10-year warranty. Material: TEMPUR-Material foam | Height: 3 inches | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 30 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Most Supportive Casper Comfy Mattress Topper PHOTO: Amazon $250 at Amazon $279 at Nordstrom $198 at Wayfair What Stands Out It's heavier and firmer than other toppers. What Could Be Improved It may be too firm for side sleepers. If you need extra support while you sleep, pop the Casper Comfy Mattress Topper on your bed. This firm and supportive topper was very comfortable to sleep on and felt nice in all positions, although it felt better when lying on our back than on our side due to its firmness. This pick is fairly heavy and took some effort to lift alone, so you may want a helper to place it on the bed. The topper flattened slightly when we laid on it but immediately returned to its original shape when we got up. It stayed in place when we tossed, turned, and rolled and didn't make any noise, either. After two months of use, the mattress topper has continued performing up to our standards. The underside of the topper has a plastic-like fabric that feels waterproof, but it kept us nice and cool during the night. There was no odor when we took it out of the box, and although it’s more expensive than other options on our list, it’s an affordable way to boost the support of our bed without buying a new mattress. Material: Foam | Height: 3 inches | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 30 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Softest Zinus Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper PHOTO: Amazon $112 at Amazon $97 at Walmart View on Zinus.com What Stands Out It’s very quiet, so it won’t make noise as you toss and turn. What Could Be Improved It’s not very supportive and may shift as you sleep. If you want a topper that completely transforms the cushioning of your bed, opt for the Zinus 4-Inch Green Tea Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper. It was soft and sumptuous—it felt like our whole body sank into the foam no matter what position we lay in. Although it’s not exactly supportive, it didn’t lose shape and returned to its original form almost instantly. It did, however, slip a few inches over the edge of the mattress. The topper's thick foam is floppy and challenging to put on the bed, especially as it has no gusset and simply rests on top of the mattress. Even so, it added a nice extra layer of comfort to our inexpensive mattress, evening out our weight distribution and supporting our pressure points. This pick had a slight odor when we first unpackaged it, but the smell went away once it aired out. Unfortunately, the cooling effect was less noticeable than we would have liked, and after laying on it for five minutes, the temperature beneath us felt the same as the unused parts of the bed. We also noticed a few small tears on the mattress topper after two months of use, making us question its longevity. These rips didn’t impact the topper’s overall performance, though. Besides its comfortable support, we also love that this mattress topper is pretty much silent. The cushiony foam dampens noise, so any creaks from the bed were virtually inaudible. Since it’s noiseless, we think this pick is ideal for those who reposition frequently throughout the night. Material: Gel-infused memory foam | Height: 2, 3, or 4 inches | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king Return Policy: 30 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best for Side Sleepers Sleep On Latex Pure Green Mattress Topper PHOTO: Amazon $165 at Amazon View on Sleeponlatex.com What Stands Out It’s thick and comfortable, made from sustainable materials, and has a breathable, perforated design. What Could Be Improved It’s on the heavy side and doesn't have a cover. The Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper was extremely comfortable—it was soft, plush, and supportive all at the same time. The topper adjusted to our body adding extra softness and support for a comfortable night's sleep. Plus, the pad is thick enough that we couldn't feel any lumps and bumps on the mattress below. After tossing and turning (exaggeratedly, for testing purposes), the topper didn't flatten or make any noise. Instead, this pad molds to the mattress and feels like a part of the bed. The topper stayed in place and was cooling throughout the night. After using it for two months, the topper has continued molding to our body and conforming to our sleep position. It sustained no damage throughout the testing period, though it did cling to the sheets a bit. The main downside is that this mattress topper is quite heavy and may take two people to put it on the bed. There was a slight latex smell when we unpacked it, but this disappeared completely once we put the sheets on. All in all, this mattress topper is reasonably priced and offers great value for money. Material: Organic latex | Height: 1, 2, or 3 inches | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 30 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Plush Lucid Down Alternative and Gel Foam Mattress Topper PHOTO: Amazon $160 at Amazon $205 at Kohls.com View on Lucidmattress.com What Stands Out Its combination of memory foam and poly-fill makes it supportive and plush. What Could Be Improved It’s heavy, so getting it on the bed is challenging. To transform your bed into a cloud, opt for the Lucid 4-Inch Down Alternative and Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper. This comfortable topper has a gel memory foam base that we sink right in and a comfy poly-fill layer. Its dual fills make it well-suited to many sleep needs, as it’s plush and supportive. The comfort level remained the same when we slept in all positions. The mattress is thick and dense, so you can’t feel anything underneath it, and its volume stayed consistent even after we tossed and turned. The portion we slept on was slightly more compressed than the other side of the bed, but this was minimal and regained its shape quickly. After two months of use, the mattress topper still has no impressions of our body. Since the thick topper has layered components, we found that it does shift a bit throughout the night. Even so, we appreciate the extra cushion and think the two-in-one pad and topper design outweigh this con. When sleeping on this topper, our temperature stayed relatively consistent. Since it’s fairly heavy, getting it on the bed proved a bit challenging. Once it was on the bed, however, it tucked in nicely and stayed on. It made zero noise when moving around on it, and there were no odors, either. Material: Memory foam and down alternative fill | Height: 4 inches | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 30 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Down Southern Living Ultra Feather Mattress Topper PHOTO: Dillard's $189 at Dillards.com What Stands Out It’s a lightweight topper that keeps you cool yet cozy. What Could Be Improved It’s not supportive, and you can feel everything under it. The Southern Living Ultra Feather Mattress Topper looks like a down duvet with gussets—and feels like one, too. It is very soft and plush but doesn't offer much support. It doesn’t provide any firmness, and though it’s thick, you can still feel the mattress underneath it. However, we sank into this topper and had an extremely cozy experience overall. This topper offers an unparalleled snugness that only duck down can provide. Once we put it on our old mattress, it made the bed feel entirely brand new. Under pressure, the topper flattened like a down comforter but regained shape as we rolled around. We also liked its cooling properties; the entire topper feels breathable, including the parts we were lying on. After two months of use, we’ve noticed no changes in quality–the topper continues to bounce back every time we sleep on it or wash it. Just keep in mind that this pick is pretty bulky, which makes the cleaning process a bit of a hassle. It’s also easy to place on the bed, as it's lightweight like a down comforter. The deep gussets helped it stay in place as we tossed and turned, though the fabric was noisy and made a crinkly sound when we rubbed our hands over it. There were no noticeable odors either, and the price is affordable for those on a budget. Material: Cotton with down and feather fill | Height: N/A | Size Range: Queen, king, California king | Return Policy: 30 days Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Final Verdict The GhostBed Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is our top pick for its comfort, durability, and breathability. It kept us cool throughout testing and retained its shape beautifully, even after two months of use. Plus, it’s waterproof and easy to clean. If you’re seeking a more affordable option, we recommend the Linenspa 2-inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper, which is soft, plush, and easy to get on the bed. Our Testing Process To find the best cooling mattress toppers on the market, we tested 16 models in our Lab, considering comfort, support, breathability, durability, quality, and overall value. Over the testing period, we conducted several tests to evaluate each topper’s effectiveness. We began by evaluating how easy each topper was to unbox and put on the bed and whether this was a one- or two-person endeavor. We then considered if it had an odor, whether it was soft, plush, firm, or supportive, and whether it made any noise when we moved around. Next, we placed acupressure mats under each topper to see if we could feel it while lying down. After testing, we looked for any snags, rips, or tears from the acupressure mat. We tossed and turned on the toppers to see if they remained comfortable, retained their shape and volume, and stayed in place on the bed. We tested for cooling properties by laying on each topper for 5 minutes, first noticing how it felt and recording any temperature changes, comparing the areas laid on to the untouched areas. Finally, if a topper was waterproof, we poured water on a corner and noted how the water distributed, whether it sat or formed droplets, and whether it seeped into the material. After our lab tests, we took the mattress toppers home to evaluate their real-world performance after two months of use. Real Simple / Dera Burreson How to Shop for Cooling Mattress Toppers Like a Pro Material When searching for a cooling mattress topper, Kahn stresses the importance of breathability. “It's important to choose a topper made of materials that promote airflow and heat dissipation, such as gel-infused memory foam, latex foam, or breathable fabrics like bamboo or cotton," he says. Golub agrees, noting that “air circulation is at the heart of most sleep-related cooling.” He notes that traditional foam can trap heat close to the body, which is why most cooling pads utilize memory foam. Plus, some types of memory foam allow more airflow than others. Natural latex, for example, has an open-cell structure that makes it cooler than synthetic versions. “Look for a cooling mattress topper that’s made of latex," Leadley suggests. "It'll be more expensive than other fabrics such as foam or fiber, but comprises natural materials that provide better air circulation, thus giving you a cooler night’s sleep." Wool is another exceptionally breathable material, which regulates temperature for those who tend to get too hot or cold at night. In warm weather, it wicks away sweat, but when temperatures drop, it’s a good insulator. Wool is also naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. Cooling Properties Moisture-wicking materials like cotton, wool, or poly-fiber, and heat-absorbing materials like graphite, copper, or gel promote airflow and minimize heat as you sleep. Some toppers feel cool to the touch because of their composition, while others regulate your temperature throughout the night. “Some materials, like gel- and graphite-infused memory foam, dissipate heat by soaking up the thermal energy from your body and dispersing it throughout the surface,” says Golub. “You can also check to see if your topper has features like ventilation holes that promote air circulation and prevent overheating.” When shopping for a cooling mattress topper, Kahn also recommends toppers with cooling technologies like phase-change materials or gel beads that absorb and dissipate heat. Height Unlike mattress pads that lay flat, mattress toppers can add a few inches of height and padding to your bed. Cooling mattress toppers can range from under 1 inch thick to around 5 inches. “Thicker toppers may provide more cushioning but also trap more heat,” Golub says. If you want to prioritize padding over cooling, we recommend a thicker mattress topper, while those who primarily want cooling properties should opt for a thinner style. Care If easy cleaning and care are a priority, check the manufacturer specifications on your mattress topper before purchasing. While some mattress toppers have washable covers, many cannot be tossed in with your laundry. “Some can be dry cleaned, but spot cleaning is your best bet,” says Golub. “The best way to clean a mattress topper is to vacuum it, and spot clean with a solution of water and white vinegar,” says Leadley. “Don’t let it stay wet—compress it with a towel to mop up any moisture, and let it air dry. I recommend cleaning it twice a year at least—that means vacuuming and spot cleaning.” Return Policy The return policy of your mattress topper should be stated in the product description and will vary from retailer to retailer. You may find return or trial policies anywhere from 30 to 100 days, but it may be hard to find anything longer. Golub recommends looking for a generous home trial to determine if a mattress topper delivers on its promises. More Cooling Mattress Toppers to Consider Nest Bedding Cooling Mattress Topper: This topper is supportive, firm, and comfortably conforms to the body in all sleep positions. It didn’t shift at all as we tossed and turned, and it remained consistently thick throughout, leaving only a slight dent that was hardly noticeable and filled in within a couple of minutes. Although it was super comfy and didn’t cause us to heat up, it didn't keep us cool. Instead, it retained its neutral temperature. Nolah Mattress Topper: This comfortable mattress topper is firm and supportive, without being too stiff or hard. It is suitable for side, back, and stomach sleepers and regains shape easily. Since it’s heavy, we needed two people to make the bed, but it stays in place, has no odor, and doesn’t make any noise as you toss and turn. All that said, it wasn’t particularly cooling either. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Questions You Might Ask Do cooling mattress toppers actually work? According to the experts, cooling mattress toppers do work. “Toppers with cooling features can help hot sleepers rest more comfortably by dissipating heat more effectively than conventional mattress toppers,” says Golub. Leadley adds that gel-infused foam or breathable fabrics regulate body temperature during sleep. Kahn recommends gel-infused memory foam and phase-change materials to dissipate heat and improve temperature regulation. “We know a bit more about the thermoregulatory properties of certain materials when it comes to mattresses themselves, and, although cooling mattress toppers may be effective in reducing heat retention and promoting a cooler sleep environment, scientific inquiry is limited,” he says. “Like with mattresses, however, the effectiveness of cooling mattress toppers will depend on the specific materials used and the individual's body temperature and sleep preferences.” What mattress topper is best for night sweats? When it comes to night sweats, Golub says cooling mattress toppers can help you sleep more comfortably. Latex is a naturally breathable material that offers the contouring of memory foam without the tendency to trap heat, making for a cooler night’s sleep. Natural latex has an open-cell structure that's even better than synthetic versions. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that the cause of your night sweats can be health-related. “While a cooling mattress topper will help, it’s not getting to the root cause of the sweats,” says Leadley. “If you suffer from persistent night sweats, see a doctor so you can treat the condition. You can use a cooling mattress topper as an aid to help you get a good night’s sleep.” What’s the difference between a mattress pad and a mattress topper? The main difference between a mattress pad and a mattress topper is the level of thickness and support they provide. A mattress topper is a layer of memory foam, latex, or quilted material, usually 1 to 3 inches thick. They are “thicker than a mattress pad and provide more substantial cushioning and support,” Kahn says. “Toppers prolong the life of an old mattress, reduce motion transfer, regulate temperature if you sleep too hot or cold, and ease the break-in period that sometimes happens with a new mattress,” says Golub. Mattress pads, on the other hand, are best used to protect your mattress from everyday wear. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat is also the Commerce Editor-at-Large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. This piece was also updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. For this article, we tested 16 mattress toppers in our Lab and considered factors such as comfort, support, breathability, durability, quality, and overall value. Kat also spoke to Jeff Kahn, sleep expert and CEO of Rise Science, Lauri Leadley, a clinical sleep educator and founder of Valley Sleep Center, and Byron Golub, vice president of product and merchandising at Saatva, a luxury mattress and bedding company. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.