Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers
If you get too hot at night, then sleep can often be a miserable experience. Being too warm before falling asleep and then waking up sweaty and gross is a fact of life for some people. Sometimes it's because the weather is overly hot, and a fan isn't doing it. But for others, it could be more long-term issues.
Those going through menopause will understand this all too well, with the common 'hot flashes' that come on any time of the day. Sleep doesn't stop them, though women usually wake just before a hot flash, so it might seem like it has woken you when it's the other way around! This discomfort can make falling back asleep hard or even impossible sometimes.
Whilst we can't fully resolve the problem for hot sleepers, especially given all the various reasons people might feel too hot, we can make sleep a little more bearable. That's where a cooling mattress comes into play - types of mattresses with unique features that offer cooling benefits.
What is a cooling mattress?
Cooling mattresses do exactly what they say - they either include features that regulate temperature, have ventilation options or have natural cooling properties. It's important to note that cooling mattresses will not automatically cool you down - they are simply mattresses that are more 'cooling' than other mattresses.
Best types of cooling mattresses
Not every mattress has cooling properties, but some mattresses are more likely to either be cooling or be imbued with features that can offer a cooler sleep. These mattress types are most likely to have some cooling properties:
Gel mattresses
Gel mattresses are either mattresses with a layer of gel on the top or foam mattresses infused with gel crystals. The gel is excellent at regulating temperature, as it absorbs and distributes heat evenly compared to other mattresses.
Latex mattresses
Latex mattresses can be made from latex foam or include a layer of latex foam for comfort and support. Latex is a naturally occurring material and offers plenty of natural cooling properties - though some manufacturers may add extra features such as perforations to 'suck' heat out.
Hybrid mattresses
As their name suggests, hybrid mattresses are a hybrid of different mattress features. This means you can get a foam layer on top of a pocket spring or open coil system. Whichever you choose, the springs help to offer extra breathability for your mattress by providing airflow.
Our recommendations: 3 of the best cooling mattresses
If you're looking for the best cooling mattress, then check out our recommended list:
1. SleepSoul Orion Cool Gel Foam Pocket Spring Mattress
The SleepSoul Orion Mattress has been designed to offer a cooler sleep, with a layer of cool gel foam that offers high levels of temperature regulation. On top of this, plenty of extra foam layers offer comfort, along with 600 pocket springs for support.
- Firmness level: Medium
- Mattress type: Pocket spring
- Features:
- 3.5cm layer of cool gel foam
- 3.5cm layer of memory foam
- 2 layers of 1cm and 2cm foam
- 600 pocket springs
- Best for: Side sleepers
2. Ocean Gel Memory and Reflex Foam Cool Orthopaedic LayGel Mattress
The Ocean Gel Memory and Reflex Foam LayGel Mattress is a heat-sensitive mattress with memory foam infused with LayGel. This helps to regulate your temperature through the night to offer a cooler sleep! An added benefit is that it is vacuum-packed and rolled for easy delivery.
- Firmness level: Medium/firm
- Mattress type: Orthopaedic
- Features:
- 20mm LayGel-infused memory foam
- 20mm LayTech foam
- 140mm recon foam
- 4cm reflex foam
- Hypo-allergenic for allergy and asthma sufferers
- Vacuum-packed and rolled
- Best for: Front and back sleepers
3. Capsule Luxury Gel Foam Pocket Sprung Mattress
The Capsule Luxury Gel Mattress contains 30mm cooling gel layers that offer excellent temperature control, air vents, and individual pocket springs for extra breathability. Added padding offers extra comfort, making it perfect for a comfy sleep!
- Firmness level: Medium/firm
- Mattress type: Pocket-sprung mattress
- Features:
- 1500 individually wrapped pocket springs
- 30mm layers of cooling gel
- Quilted top layer
- Air vents offer extra breathability
- Best for: Front and back sleepers
The worst mattresses for hot sleepers
Just as there are the best mattress types for hot sleepers, there are also the worst mattress types that you should try to avoid. These include:
Memory foam mattresses
A memory foam mattress is a popular choice for sleepers and hybrid mattresses, but we wouldn't recommend it as a mattress for hot sleepers. This is because memory foam, by design, retains body heat to mould to your body - so it could be a bad choice if you get too hot at night. However, it's important to note that some memory foam mattresses may have special cooling features, such as extra breathability.
Sleep accessories to help you stay cool at night
Cooling mattresses aren't the only option to help keep you cool a night - plenty of useful accessories can keep you feeling fresh!
Lighter duvets
Opt for a duvet with a lower tog rating - these are lighter than heavier togs, making them feel cooler. This makes them ideal summer duvets, but you can use them in winter if you're a hot sleeper.
Mattress toppers
Add a mattress topper with cooling properties to your bed for a comfortable sleep. The best cooling mattress topper will be one made with latex foam, gel memory foam or wool to keep yourself cool and comfortable. If you're curious about the benefits of wool, including its temperature regulation properties, check out our natural bedding article.
Cooling pillows
Cooling pillows are designed to help regulate your temperature during the night by lowering the temperature around your neck, head and shoulders - all areas that commonly touch a pillow. They are made with breathable materials or feature cooling technology, so combined with a cooling mattress will give you the ultimate luxury!
Mattress pads
Mattress pads are designed to rest on your mattress, much like a mattress topper. They tend to be thinner and are usually for comfort, but you can buy mattress pads with cooling features such as gel foam or latex foam.
Commonly asked questions about cooling mattresses
Do cooling mattresses work?
Cooling mattresses work but are not a miracle maker. You won't instantly feel cooler when laying on one of them - instead, it's a slower process that works throughout the night. It's also important to note that a cooling mattress will not cure any medical condition if this is what is causing you to feel hot at night!
Will I be cold with a cooling mattress?
No, you won't be cold with a cooling mattress because they are designed to help keep you cool by helping regulate your temperature - not make you cold! This means they have features that 'draw away' your body heat, keeping you comfy. They don't constantly work all the time, but only when you're feeling extra hot - gel foam, for example, will soften and draw away your excess heat as you fall asleep but will return to a more solid feel once you've cooled down enough.
Do you put a sheet over a cooling mattress?
You can place a sheet over a cooling mattress if you want to - this will help keep your mattress clean and extend its lifespan. A cover may have the drawback of reduced breathability for your mattress, but if you choose one made with a breathable fabric, such as wool or bamboo bedding, you won't have any problems!
Explore our range of mattresses now
Finding the perfect mattress for a good night's sleep is important, so we have various types, sizes and styles to suit any sleeper here at Happy Bed! We have a mattress for every bed, from small single to super king-size mattresses.
Did you know that your sleep position can also influence what mattress will suit you best? Check out our best mattresses for side sleepers or our best mattresses for front sleepers to find your match!