We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping Home Reviews Bedding Reviews The 7 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers For All Sleepers, According to Testing Forget counting sheep, these cooling mattress toppers put you straight to sleep. By Nor'Adila Hepburn Nor'Adila Hepburn Nor'Adila Hepburn is a commerce writer who specializes in writing content for 6+ and 7+ figure commerce brands. She's been writing in-depth buying guides for Better Homes & Gardens since 2023. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on February 8, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line Our Testing Process Others We Tested What to Know Before Shopping Your Questions, Answered Who We Are What Is BHG Recommends? Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson If your mattress is too firm, too soft, or too old, a cooling mattress topper could be a great alternative to buying a brand-new mattress. Mattress toppers can be placed on any bed to provide additional cushioning and support, then rolled up and put into storage when you no longer need them. Cooling mattress toppers are even better if you run hot, because they can help prevent you from overheating in the middle of the night. “Mattress toppers can be very beneficial if you purchase a mattress that is firmer than you might have wanted or [in case of] any life changes such as back injury or pregnancy. They greatly help soften up the mattress for a good night's rest,” says Arin Shultz, vice president of sales and marketing at Naturepedic. We tested almost 30 different types of mattress toppers and pads in our lab to determine which are the very best cooling mattress toppers, evaluating them based on material, thickness, care, and warranties offered. In addition to Shultz, we spoke to Karl Shevick, founder and CEO of Earthfoam, and Dr. Ben Carvosso, chiropractor, nutritionist, and founder of MP Nutrition. Our Top Picks Best Overall: ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper at Amazon ($190) Jump to Review Best for Side Sleepers: Amazon Basics Cooling Gel Mattress Topper at Amazon ($104) Jump to Review Best for Back Sleepers: Linenspa Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper at Amazon ($60) Jump to Review Most Comfortable: GhostBed Memory Foam Topper at Amazon ($216) Jump to Review Best Foam: Nest Bedding Cooling Topper at Nest Bedding (See Price) Jump to Review Best Latex: Sleep On Latex Pure Green Mattress Topper at Amazon ($165) Jump to Review Best Memory Foam: Zinus Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper at Amazon ($112) Jump to Review Best Overall ViscoSoft Serene Hybrid Mattress Topper Amazon View On Amazon $190 View On Viscosoft.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Durability 4/5 Support 5/5 Breathability 5/5 Quality 4.5/5 Why You Should Get It The topper features a soft down-like cover on top of a supportive gel-infused memory foam base. Keep in Mind It sheds a ton when moved. The ViscoSoft Pillow Top Memory Foam Mattress is the best cooling mattress topper we tested. The combination of a gel-infused memory foam base and a pillow-top cover made the bed feel super cozy—almost to the point that it was difficult to get out of it. To make it stand out from the competition, the memory foam core has been enhanced by a luxurious down-alternative cover consisting of plush 300-thread count sateen material that gives it extra cushion. We were completely supported while laying on it, without feeling like we were sinking down into it, even when we rolled onto our stomach. In the lab, we placed an acupressure mat under each topper to test the thickness and ability to mask lumps and bumps—and we couldn’t feel it at all through the ViscoSoft topper. And although we tossed and turned and did everything in our power to squish it, the original shape remained intact. Elastic straps and an elasticized skirt on the bottom kept the topper firmly in place on the mattress. We also didn’t detect any odor, which was surprising considering it was a new mattress topper and unpleasant off-gassing odors are common. However, we did notice that the underside tended to shed foam, leaving behind residue that resembled snow or dandruff. We suggest having a vacuum or dustpan on hand to deal with the fallout if you’re removing the topper. While the mattress topper didn’t necessarily cool us down, it did seem to keep our temperature regulated and didn’t make us feel overheated. It comes with a 5-year warranty and a 90-day money-back guarantee. Product Details: Material: Memory foam, down alternative | Thickness: 4 inches | Care: Machine wash cover, vacuum or spot clean core Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Best for Side Sleepers Amazon Basics Cooling Gel Mattress Topper Amazon View On Amazon $104 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Support 5/5 Breathability 4.5/5 Quality 4.8/5 Why You Should Get It The topper’s gel-infused latex foam gently supports the back and limbs, which is extra important for side-sleepers. Keep in Mind It’s quite bulky so you might need help to place it on top of your bed. Made from synthetic latex foam, the Amazon Basics mattress topper felt extremely comfortable on our backs and limbs, which is an important factor for side sleepers looking for better quality rest. We tested the 3-inch thickness to see if we could feel the acupressure mat we placed underneath (we couldn’t). If that sounds too thick, you can opt for a 2-inch version. After lying on it for five minutes, we saw no noticeable dents, and the topper didn’t shift on the mattress even when we tossed and turned. Just note that it comes with no straps to hold it down on the bed. While we didn’t think the mattress topper was particularly heavy, it’s sort of big and unwieldy, so you might need a second person to help put it on the bed. As for any cooling properties, it warmed slightly from our body heat, but nothing drastic. Our final verdict: it offers lots of comfort at a decent price. But, because it’s pretty dense, we recommend you check the pocket depth of your sheets to make sure it fits properly. It’s available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes. Product Details: Material: Latex foam | Thickness: 2 or 3 inches | Care: Spot clean Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Best for Back Sleepers Linenspa Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper Amazon View On Amazon $60 View On Bed Bath & Beyond View On Linenspa.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Support 4.5/5 Breathability 5/5 Quality 5/5 Why You Should Get It This mattress topper is cool, lightweight, and comes at a budget-friendly price. Keep in Mind It is extremely plush, so it might be unnecessary if your mattress is already soft. Soft yet firm bedding is key for anyone who sleeps on their back. This cooling mattress topper from Linenspa is made out of super soft memory foam, which adds cushion and redistributes your weight for added comfort. It’s also the best cooling mattress topper if you’re looking for a deal, with an under-$100 price tag. Memory foam can retain heat, but the Linenspa topper features a cooling gel inside which helps redistribute body heat and keep you cool through the night. We found the memory foam to be pretty breathable as well. In fact, we noticed that the temperature stayed the same throughout the mattress topper even after lying on it during testing. Even though the mattress topper is really lightweight, we had no issues with it in terms of stability, though we did think the acupressure mat may have helped keep it in place. Additionally, we saw that it took a while for the mattress to regain its shape, perhaps because it’s so plush—it may not be the best cooling mattress topper for side sleepers who might sink too deep, or if your mattress is already very soft. Product Details: Material: Memory foam | Thickness: 2 or 3 inches | Care: Spot clean Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Most Comfortable GhostBed Memory Foam Topper Amazon View On Amazon $216 View On Best Buy $492 View On Ghostbed.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Support 4.5/5 Breathability 4.5/5 Quality 5/5 Why You Should Get It The features a waterproof mattress protector to guard against spills and stains makes it a great choice for those with small kids or pets. Keep in Mind It’s a premium mattress topper that comes with a high price tag. The GhostBed Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress is a mattress topper and protector all rolled into one. That’s because it features three inches of memory foam wrapped in a cooling waterproof cover. The topper is divided into three sections that are designed to either cradle, contour, or relieve pressure depending. Overall, we thought that this design worked well—we found the topper to be really comfortable no matter how we were positioned. The topper is designed to remain firmly in place, with a two-inch elastic around the bottom. It has deep pockets and should be able to fit mattresses of all sizes. For the most part, the topper retained its springiness and shape during testing. We put the waterproof claims to the test by pouring water onto the topper, which absorbed the liquid quickly, proving that it’s indeed effective against moisture. For this reason, we think it’s the best cooling mattress topper if you have small kids or pets. While the cooling effect is not that pronounced, it felt breathable and maintained our body temperature. Even though this mattress topper is expensive, we thought the high-quality materials plus the fact that it’s waterproof made it well worth the money. Product Details: Material: Memory foam | Thickness: 3 inches | Care: Machine wash protector, spot clean topper Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Best Foam Nest Bedding Cooling Topper Nest Bedding View On Nest Bedding Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Support 4.5/5 Breathability 4/5 Quality 5/5 Why You Should Get It Nest’s 30-night trial allows you to thoroughly test the topper for yourself before committing and return it free of charge if you don’t love it. Keep in Mind It only comes in one thickness. Not all mattress toppers have to be super soft. Firmer options, like this Nest Bedding Cooling Topper, may provide more support for back, side, and stomach sleepers. During our tests, we placed it on top of a medium firm foam mattress with no springs and discovered just how comfortable it was to sleep on. As with the others we’ve recommended, it passed the acupressure mat test with flying colors. It’s extra impressive considering the topper is only 2 inches thick. We love that the topper features straps on each of the corners to help it stay put while we tossed and turned. With the exception of a slight indent on the spot we laid on most, the topper maintained the same volume throughout our tests. Although we felt a cooling effect when we first lay down, it did dissipate quickly—after just five minutes, the topper had warmed up, though it wasn’t hot. Overall it retained a tiny bit of body heat, so it might not be the best choice for hot sleepers. Because each Nest mattress topper is custom-made, it will take a few weeks before it is shipped. Nest offers a 30-night trial, during which you are free to return the topper if you don’t like it, and a two-year warranty. Product Details: Material: Foam | Thickness: 2 inches | Care: Spot clean with mild soap Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Best Latex Sleep On Latex Pure Green Mattress Topper Amazon View On Amazon $165 View On Sleeponlatex.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Durability 2/5 Support 5/5 Breathability 5/5 Quality 5/5 Why You Should Get It It’s much firmer than other picks, making it a nice choice for those with hip or shoulder pain who might need more support. Keep in Mind The topper is very heavy and required two people for us to get it onto the bed. The Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Mattress Topper consists of 100 percent natural latex foam sourced from certified organic rubber trees, making it a greener option. It is also one of the best cooling mattress toppers that we tested. We found the topper to be much firmer compared to standard memory foam, which makes it great for people with hip and shoulder pain. We observed that it was firm enough to support our weight, and did not sink under us for the time we tried it. Just note that the topper is heavy; it required two people to put it on the bed. Though we initially noticed a latex smell coming from the topper, once it was on the bed with a fitted sheet over it the smell vanished, so it shouldn’t be bothersome when you sleep. We found that the mattress topper didn't shift and stayed on the mattress the entire time we tested it—which should be expected, given the weight. It also seemed to be one of the more cooling options we tried; despite typically running hot in bedding, it kept us cool and comfortable during the test. Product Details: Material: Latex | Thickness: 1, 2 or 3 inches | Care: Spot clean Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Best Memory Foam Zinus Cooling Memory Foam Mattress Topper Amazon View On Amazon $112 View On Walmart $97 View On Zinus.com Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Durability 4/5 Support 5/5 Breathability 5/5 Quality 5/5 Why You Should Get It The foam is effective at insulating noises, so it might be a nice option if you have a creaky bed. Keep in Mind It was hard to slip a fitted sheet over both the thick topper and the mattress. If your mattress is too hard for your liking, a memory foam mattress topper can make you feel like you’re sleeping on clouds. Say hello to the Zinus Green Tea Cooling Memory Topper, which provides comfort as well as absorbing moisture and eliminating odors. This is thanks to the activated charcoal and green tea infused foam. Indeed, the only odor we detected when unpacking the topper was a slight earthy scent. Another beneficial feature we noticed is that it’s truly noise-insulating and didn’t make a sound as we moved around on it. If you don’t want to deal with a creaky, squeaky bed, this is a great choice. It’s gel-infused, and feels surprisingly cool to the touch. It warmed up a little as we continued to lie on it, but we never got hot. While the 4-inch thickness helped make it one of the best cooling mattress toppers on our list, we felt it was too bulky. We ended up having to wrangle it into place to get a proper fit. The other downside concerning its size is that we were barely able to slip on our fitted sheet over both the foam and the mattress in testing. Product Details: Material: Memory foam | Thickness: 1.5, 3, or 4 inches | Care: Wipe with dry cloth Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson The Bottom Line Our top recommendation for the best cooling mattress topper is the ViscoSoft 4 Inch Pillow Top Memory Foam Mattress Topper because of its breathable memory foam and a soft synthetic down cover that practically guarantees a good night’s rest. Another mattress topper that we liked was the GhostBed Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper because it was incredibly comfortable, with a waterproof cover to protect bedding from leaks and spills. Our Testing Process To find the best cooling mattress toppers, we tested a variety of mattress pads and toppers at our testing lab in Birmingham, Alabama using a predetermined methodology. We evaluated each one based on comfort, support, durability, breathability, quality of materials, and value. First, we placed an acupressure mat near the head of the bed, underneath the topper, to test if we could feel the bumps when we laid down. We also used the mat to test the durability of each topper by observing if it left any snags or tears behind. We assessed fit by placing a queen-size fitted sheet over the mattress pad or topper. To assess comfort level, support, and the stability of the topper, we tossed and turned five times and noted whether the topper moved and how it felt under our bodies. Additionally, we evaluated the cooling properties of these models by comparing the temperature before and after we used to topper. Finally, we tested any claims of water-resistance by pouring a tablespoon of water on the mattress toppers to see if the liquid was absorbed. Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Other Cooling Mattress Toppers We Tested Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling 3-Inch Queen Mattress Topper At first glance, we thought this mattress topper might be too soft for our liking, but we found it to be surprisingly comfortable after testing it out for the first time. We liked how it contoured nicely to the body and felt great, no matter the position we were in. But it’s terribly expensive. For this reason, we couldn’t wholeheartedly recommend it. What to Know About Cooling Mattress Toppers Before Shopping Material Cooling mattress toppers are typically made from memory foam, down feathers, latex, wool, and polyester—materials that are known to aid in reducing body temperature while you sleep. In addition, many memory foam options, like the Zinus 4 Inch Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper, contain special cooling gels that offer more support and help hot sleepers cool down. Thickness Most mattress toppers are between 2 to 4 inches thick. “Two inches provides a moderate change in firmness and adds pinpointed support to any mattress while still retaining support from the underlying mattress,” Shevick says. The right thickness for you depends on personal preferences, sleeping positions, and body weight. Care Instructions For most mattress toppers, the care instructions are similar to that of a mattress. Dust, hair, and dirt can be removed using a vacuum, and you can spot clean with a damp cloth. For heavy-duty stains, use a vinegar or detergent and water solution and rub vigorously. Then, allow it to air dry before putting the sheets back on. If you don’t want to stress too much about keeping your topper clean, Carvosso recommends using a mattress protector over your topper to protect it from stains and liquid messes. “Make sure to shake out and rotate your topper regularly and vacuum your topper regularly to increase the overall lifespan of the topper,” Shultz says. Trial and Warranty Brands often offer a five- or 10-year customer warranty. In addition, you’ll find that many brands (especially premium brands) will also offer 30-night or 100-night trials to let you test out a mattress topper at home. We recommend taking advantage of these, because it can be really hard to tell if a topper is comfortable unless you’ve slept on it for a few weeks. If you decide you don’t like the topper during this period, you’ll be able to return it and get a full refund. Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Your Questions, Answered Do cooling mattress toppers actually work? While most experts agree that cooling mattress toppers work well to reduce body heat, opinions differ as to which type of mattress toppers are the most cooling. “Cooling is a hot topic in bedding,” says Shevick. “A cooling effect is often achieved by using phase-change materials, which have chemical properties that make them cool to the touch.” You’ll find many mattress toppers often contain cooling gels that help to regulate body temperature. As we saw during our tests, even cooling mattress toppers will warm up a bit when they encounter body heat, but they are designed to be breathable and retain less heat than other kinds. Can you clean gel cooling mattress toppers? According to our experts, the best way to clean a gel mattress topper is by spot-cleaning to prevent any damage. “We recommend spot clean only with mattress toppers,” says Shultz. You can also vacuum mattress toppers periodically to get rid of dust, hair, or pet dander. How much do cooling mattress toppers typically cost? Prices vary when shopping for cooling mattress toppers. There are options available for as low as $60, like the Linenspa 2-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper, to expensive models that can cost into the hundreds depending on the size and materials used. How do you keep a cooling mattress topper from moving around at night? Mattress toppers are typically quite heavy and thick, making it hard for them to shift around on your bed. However, if you want to make sure it doesn’t move at all, look for a mattress topper that comes with corner straps to keep it in place. Who We Are Nor'Adila Hepburn is a freelance writer who specializes in writing in-depth buying guides for Better Homes & Gardens. To find the best cooling mattress topper, she reviewed mattress toppers from different brands and used research and insights from our lab tests. She also spoke to Karl Shevick, founder and CEO of Earthfoam, Arin Shultz, VP of sales and marketing at Naturepedic, and Dr. Ben Carvosso, chiropractor, nutritionist, and founder of MP Nutrition. What Is BHG Recommends? Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit