12 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers in 2020

Do you sleep hot? Perhaps you get a bit sweaty on your memory foam mattress in the summer months? Or maybe you just don’t like the cozy warm feeling your partner enjoys? If the answer is yes to any of those questions, you’ve come to the right guide.

The Sleep Foundation Bedroom Poll Report found that 79% of people rate having a cool room temperature as an important element in getting a good night’s sleep. But controlling the room temperature isn’t always simple or cost-effective when you need to run air filtering all night long! Furthermore, the wrong bedding can make you hot and sweaty no matter how cool the room is.

That’s why we love the idea of cooling mattress toppers to control the temperature of the bed itself. Not only are they cheaper than adjusting the AC, but they’re also more precise and effective.

On our list, we’ve rounded up the top 12 best cooling mattress toppers for a range of budgets. We’ve also conducted in-depth research to find out which mattress topper is best for hot sleepers, night sweats, and plus-sized sleepers.

How We Selected the Best Cooling Mattress Topper

When testing out any mattress topper, cooling or not, there are the obvious things you look for. How well it fits your mattress, how comfortable it is, how long the warranty is, how easy it is to clean, store, and maintain. But with a cooling mattress, there are other questions you need to ask of the topper before you buy it:

• How will it change the feel of your mattress? Don’t forget you’re adding more padding. If you like a very firm mattress, avoid the memory foam mattresses on our list.
• What materials is it made of? For those with night sweats especially, choosing natural materials is important as synthetic fibers can cause that hot sweaty feeling. Look for breathable materials that wick away moisture and heat. We have a 100% cotton-filled mattress topper on our list (number 10) and several mattress cooling solutions that utilize cool air, copper-infused foam, and even NASA-designed viscose/cotton blends to keep you cool. There are plenty of options for anyone looking to avoid cheap polyester fills! And don’t forget, you can always choose breathable cotton or bamboo sheets to place over the mattress topper if you don’t like the feel of the cover.
• How long can I use it? A cooling mattress topper is great for the summer, but can it be easily stored over winter? Not all toppers can be folded up. Furthermore, some mattress toppers are suitable for use all year round if they can heat up as well as cool down.
• Can I wash the mattress topper easily? Keeping it clean is important for an odor-free and bacteria-free bed, especially if you sweat on it regularly. Washing the mattress topper will also keep it plump and prevent the fibers from mulching down and losing their breathability.

12 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers in 2020

If you don’t have time to read our detailed reviews below, here’s the summary you need to select the best cooling mattress topper for your bed.

1. Best for Hot Sleepers – DualTemp Individual Layer mattress topper, for effective and adjustable mattress cooling that keeps you cool at a different temperature to your partner.

2. Best for Night Sweats – Sealy 100% Cotton mattress topper, for natural materials free of synthetic fibers and excellent moisture-wicking properties.

3. Best for Memory Foam Mattresses – Subrtex Gel-Infused Memory Foam mattress topper, for a range of thickness options and cushioning comfort that supports side sleepers while keeping them cool!

4. Best for Plus-Size Sleepers – Marchpower Cooling Blanket, for adding cooling properties to your mattress without adding excess padding, plus the great versatility for travel.

The great thing about ordering from Walmart, Amazon and other reputable brands (all toppers on our list were checked and verified by us) is that you’ve often got at least 30 days to try out the topper and return it. There are also protection plans and manufacturer’s warranty agreements that you can rely on for years to come.

1. DualTemp Individual Layer Mattress Topper – Best for Hot Sleepers

Our favorite all-around cooling mattress topper that’s always a hit with hot sleepers is the DualTemp Individual Layer mattress topper. At just 1 inch thick, this mattress topper is very impressive!

It’s not dissimilar to an air mattress when you think about it. The single sized topper fills with air via a hose that connects to a pump beneath your bed (it’s virtually silent, don’t worry). You can control the temperature using a remote, to keep your body cold in the summer and warm in the winter.

We liked that there’s a timer function, so it will automatically shut off in the morning if you forget. It can also be programmed to turn off after an hour (or multiple hours) if you just need to drop the temperature a little to get off to sleep.

The only thing that might bother you is the price, particularly as this topper will only cover half of your bed. While that means that your partner can sleep at a different temperature to you, it also doubles the cost of this topper if you need it to cover your whole bed.

At the end of the day, if you sleep hot and your partner doesn’t, this is the best cooling mattress topper that money can buy.

2. Sealy 100% Cotton Mattress Topper – Best for Night Sweats

We picked Sealy as the best mattress topper for night sweats as it’s one of the few that has a 100% cotton cover. This Sealy mattress topper and the Cottonloft mattress topper (number 10 below) are the only 2 in the top 12 that have 100% cotton covers.

Compared to synthetic fabrics, cotton is far more cooling and breathable for your skin. Combine this mattress topper with high thread count cotton sheets for an even cooler feeling.

This type of mattress topper is almost like a hair net or hat for your mattress. It slips on over the top with elastic around the sides to keep it in place. It can be used on mattresses up to 18 inches thick, with sizes available for full, queen, and king beds.

Compared to the pump type cooling mattress toppers, this Sealy topper is far cheaper, easier to clean (it’s machine washable), and even portable. There’s no reason why you couldn’t take this mattress topper with you on vacation if you’re worried the hotel bed will be too hot.

The downsides, however, are the hypoallergenic fill and side materials. These are made from polyester which can make you sweat more overnight. But with the cotton cover, it shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Finally, don’t forget that this will add an inch or two of cushioning to your mattress, so if you prefer a firm mattress feel, this won’t be nice to sleep on!

3. Subrtex Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper – Best for Memory Foam Mattresses

Our favorite mattress topper for memory foam mattresses is this Subrtex Gel-Infused model. Not only does it cool you down with a breathable bamboo cover and gel-infused foam, but it also maintains that supportive foam feeling. So, if you love your memory foam mattress for the way it feels, this topper won’t compromise that to keep you cool.

It’s available in all bed sizes, except Cal king, and in 3 different thicknesses. 3-inch thickness is right for most people. If you prefer a firmer mattress, opt for 2-inch thickness, or 4-inch thickness for extra padding (great for side sleepers).

The 3.5-pound density cooling foam is CertiPUR-US certified and the bamboo cover is removable and machine washable, for ease of cleaning. It arrives rolled up in a box and needs up to 72 hours to unfurl and air-out. You also have a 10-year warranty, if the seller is to be believed on Amazon.

The problem with this style of topper is that it adds an extra layer of cushioning to your mattress. If you dislike super-soft mattresses, whether you’re a back/stomach sleeper or just plus-sized in general, then this gel-infused memory foam mattress topper isn’t for you.

4. Marchpower Cooling Blanket – Best for Plus-Size Sleepers

If you’ve been looking at mattress toppers and wondering how adding even more cushioning could possibly cool you down, this is a great choice for you.

The Marchpower Cooling Blanket is a simple, thin blanket made with cooling materials. One size is a nylon and PE blend, which is super breathable and light on your skin. It’s also moisture-wicking, so if you get sweaty when you sleep this blanket can help. The other side is made from natural bamboo cotton, to keep it light and soft against your skin.

The 3 sizes available loosely fit full, queen, and king size mattresses, with an inch or two larger or smaller. Of course, you can also use them as throws in the car, tent, or anywhere else you fancy a quick nap.

You could use this blanket to cover your mattress like a traditional mattress topper or use it to cover your body instead of a duvet. The problem with using it as a topper is that it will shift around while you sleep. There’s no elastic to keep it in place, so it will bunch up and roll with you.

Ultimately, this is an excellent cooling solution for anyone looking to avoid cushioned mattress toppers.

5. OOLER Sleep System

OOLER is a unique (and therefore pricey) sleep system that uses water to pump full a thin mattress topper and keep you cool. The pump fits below your bed and fills the hydronic pad with water to a specific temperature that you control via the OOLER app.

You can also set timers to create a sleep schedule, program pre-cooling or pre-heating times to get the mattress topper at the right temperature before you get into bed, and even set it up to wake you with warmth like an alarm clock.

Temperatures are programmable from 55°F to115°F (13°C to 46°C) and the whole system uses water very efficiently whether you buy a whole mattress sized pad or a half pad (great if your partner doesn’t sleep as hot as you do).

The biggest issue with this sleep system is that it’s not entirely silent. Sure, there’s no constant mechanical buzzing sound, but there’s still a faint hint of a background noise that will disturb some sleepers. You might also hear a slight clicking noise when the water pump turns on or off.

Also Read: Chilipad Sleep System Review: Answer For Hot Night?

6. SensorPEDIC All Seasons Mattress Topper

The all-season mattress topper by SensorPEDIC is a good choice if you don’t feel like spending money on a mattress topper you can only use for half of the year.

One side is quilted with soft, Sherpa fleece to insulate you during the fall and winter months. The other side is cool and light for the summer months… but still polyester.

We did like the range of sizes available and the stretch-to-fit design which can fit a mattress as deep as 18 inches. We also thought that the price was very reasonable!

But while this topper is great for those who need to keep cool, it’s not so great for night sweats as the polyester top isn’t moisture-wicking or overly breathable (especially compared to cotton and bamboo). So, if you know that synthetic materials make you sweat, avoid this one.

Furthermore, compared to a memory foam style mattress topper, this simply polyester-stuffed one just won’t offer the same level of support. Over time, your weight will compress it too and it won’t spring back like a foam mattress would.

7. TEMPUR-Adapt Cooling Mattress Topper

If you’re a fan of TEMPUR materials, then this is a good mattress topper to choose. Much like the cooling gel-infused memory mattress topper, this is a pad that sits on top of your mattress and adds extra cushioning support as well as cooling comfort. The internal TEMPUR ES material is very breathable and will pull away heat as you sleep.

If you don’t mind the synthetic materials inside and out (the cover can be removed for handwashing) then this is a great topper if you’re a side sleeper that needs contour support. At 3 inches thick, the pad offers the right level of depth to support your hip and shoulder pressure points. Back sleepers might find it a bit too soft, however.

Finally, we thought the price was a little steep! Compared to technological sleep systems like OOLER, it’s cheaper… but compared to similar memory foam mattress topper pads, it’s way more expensive. You also cannot return the mattress topper, due to the “personal nature” of the product, but you do have a generous 10-year warranty.

Oh, and don’t worry about needing a TEMPUR-PEDIC mattress, as this topper is compatible with all mattress brands and types, besides those that fold up.

Also Read: Tempur-Pedic Mattress Topper Review: Budget-Friendly Upgrade

8. Beautyrest Silver SENSACOOL Mattress Topper

The Beautyrest Silver SENSACOOL mattress topper is similar to make of the quilted cushion mattress toppers that simply stretch over your mattress, except this one is very thin.

Once stretched out on your mattress, the cushioned top is only half an inch thick. So, if you’ve got a mattress that’s just the right level of firmness for you, there’s no reason to worry about making it too soft by adding this mattress topper.

It’s made with synthetic materials, namely polyester to fill the cushioned part and a polyester/nylon blend to create the cover. It’s also woven with polyethylene which provides that cooling effect. While it is effective at keeping you cool, the synthetic materials can make you sweat a little bit. One way to avoid the sweat problem is to cover the mattress topper with cotton or bamboo sheets that will enhance the breathability of the topper and keep synthetic fibers away from your skin.

We also thought that this was good value for money compared to similar toppers available at Walmart, and if you have slept on a Beautyrest mattress in the past you’ll know that this brand is reliable when it comes to quality!

9. Nacreous Mattress Topper

Slumber Cloud gracefully explains that Nacreous is pronounced nay-kre-uhs, and it’s certainly as impressive as it sounds. It’s a padded mattress topper made with soft cushioning filling rather than foam. What makes Nacreous different is the innovative NASA technology.

The Thermocules and Outlast technology work by absorbing your heat as you get hotter, essentially wicking away the heat and storing it in the padding. When your body temperature begins to drop too far, the material releases the stored heat. This hot n’ cold tech helps to maintain a steady, balanced temperature and ensuring a smoother night’s sleep.

If you need waterproof mattress pads (e.g. because of night sweats) or extra padding from your mattress topper to offer more contour support, then you’ll need to buy separate products from Nacreous, annoyingly. It seems they worked out that they’d make more profit by separating the features instead of offering a great one-mattress-topper-does-all design. At least the mattress pad can be washed in the washing machine!

Nonetheless, if you want a mattress pad that feels natural and maintains your heat, rather than feeling cool and staying that way, then this is a good option.

10. Cottonloft Self Cooling Mattress Topper

If you’ve been feeling disheartened at the staggering amount of synthetic materials in these mattress toppers so far, you’ll be delighted with this one. The Cottonloft Self Cooling mattress topper is made entirely from cotton, from one side to the other.

The cover is ultra-soft 240 thread count which feels lovely on your skin, if you want to forgo sheets between you and the mattress topper. It’s also naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, without any chemical treatment.

This does make it a little bit more expensive than similar models made from synthetic materials, but the quality feels higher. Cotton is simply a more luxurious material than synthetic polyester! No amount of cooling technology will change that.

Make sure you’re quick to buy this one as it sells fast! The twin size is most readily available, with larger sizes being harder to come by.

The biggest flaw with this mattress topper is the large square quilting on top. Most quilted tops are in a diamond pattern and quite close together. This keeps the filling place and evenly spread within the pad. With the Cottonloft mattress topper, the filling moves around a little when it’s washed. As such, we recommend washing this on the delicate setting and drying the mattress on a flat surface to prevent the filling bunching up.

11. Zinus Cooling Copper Swirl Mattress Topper

The Zinus Cooling mattress topper draws on the same technology used by market-leading mattress companies. It’s infused with copper microparticles throughout the memory foam!

Not only does copper draw heat away from your body, but it’s also anti-microbial (kills bacteria) and won’t hold onto bad odors. This makes it a more pleasant sleeping experience and prolongs the life of the mattress topper too! It’s available in sizes from twin to king.

The biggest issue with this copper memory foam pad is that the foam is quite soft. You can buy it at different thicknesses (1.25 inches, 2 inches, or 3 inches) so choosing the thinnest will help reduce the sinking feeling. Bear in mind that compared to other memory foam pad mattresses, this one from Zinus is deceptively expensive when you compare how thick it is for the price.

Finally, there’s also no elastic or material to secure the mattress pad to your bed, which can be a problem if you toss and turn all night.

Nonetheless, it’s a good cooling mattress for those who like the comfort of a classic memory foam feel, rather than a gel memory foam.

12. Serta TempaCool All-Seasons Mattress Topper

Last on our list (but still a great choice) is the Serta TempaCool All-Seasons mattress topper. This is basically an electric blanket designed to cover your mattress like a topper instead.

The twin and full sizes have 1 controller, while the queen and king sizes have 2 so you and your partner can adjust the temperature as needed. You have 5 temperature settings to choose from – on one hand, that’s quite limiting, but on the other hand it means that you won’t need to spend ages fussing over the temperature before bed.

We liked that there’s a 10-hour auto shut off feature to save energy if you forget to turn it off. It also secures to your mattress, rather than bunching up as you move. It fits mattresses up to 18-inches thick, which is standard. Another great feature is that it’s safe for the washing machine, which is very unusual for an electric blanket. Just remember to unplug all cords before you wash it.

Also worth noting is the 5-year warranty that Serta provides on top of the Walmart protection plan and returns policy as standard.

Also Read: 

• 7 Best Bed Cooling Systems: Say Goodbye to Sweating
• How To Stay Cool During The Night?
• 5 Ways to Cool Memory Foam Mattress