The best cooling mattresses of 2025, according to experts and testing

New York Post

10-06-2025

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If you sleep like a human furnace, you're not alone — and you're not doomed to toss and turn through the night either. The best cooling mattresses are specifically engineered to pull heat away from your body, promote airflow, and keep you comfortably cool throughout all stages of sleep. From cutting-edge cooling memory foam mattresses to breathable organic hybrids and even smart cooling systems, the technology behind these beds is built to support the holy trinity of good sleep: ideal temperature, spinal alignment, and pressure relief.
To find the best of the best, we tapped medical experts in sleep science, holistic wellness, and environmental health. We also tested dozens of options to uncover the most effective cooling mattresses in every category — prioritizing material quality, airflow, support, certifications, price, and long-term durability. All winners include free shipping, generous sleep trials, and warranties to match.
Best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers
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Best overall: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling Mattress
Pros: Offers three firmness options (soft, medium, firm) to suit various sleep styles
TitanCool and CopperFlex foam provide noticeable cooling
Zoned coil system supports proper alignment and minimizes pressure points
Hybrid design offers great bounce and responsiveness
Cons: Some motion transfer on softer models
Heavier than average — requires a two-person setup
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling Mattress is the first bed in a long time that's left more than one commerce editor wondering why they didn't upgrade sooner. It's a six-layer hybrid mattress engineered for serious cooling, with a GlacioTex cooling cover, gel-infused memory foam, and a zoned coil core — all working in tandem to keep your body temperature down and spinal alignment in check. With firmness levels in soft, medium, and firm, it's one of the few high-performance mattresses that lets hot sleepers customize their experience without compromising support or longevity.
Dr. Christopher Allen, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, highlighted hybrid designs like the Aurora Luxe as top picks for hot sleepers. 'Latex is naturally breathable, hybrid/coil designs offer the best airflow, and traditional foam retains the most heat,' he explains. In other words, if you're trying to avoid waking up in a full-body sweat puddle, a mattress like the Aurora Luxe, specifically built for airflow, is the one to beat.
Carly Stern, wellness editor at the New York Post, tested the medium version with the optional pillow top and called it her 'first 'big girl mattress'' after years of living with budget foam beds. Her verdict? 'The cooling feature of this mattress was a big draw for me, and I'm pleased with how well it works. I've even woken up a couple times wearing a (really adorable) matching sweatshirt and sweatpants — an outfit I'd have been tearing off in an overheated fit after falling asleep with it on with my last mattress.' She admitted it was a full-body workout to unbox it solo, but 'it inflated to its full size pretty immediately,' and she was surprised to find 'no real chemical smell right out of the box.'
In terms of firmness, Stern noted: 'Medium is a bit firmer than I expected…I went with medium firmness, but this feels like a seven on a scale of one to 10.' Still, she called the mattress 'super supportive' and praised the structure: 'I've had none of those mornings where you wake up with a weird crick in your neck or pull in your back because something didn't line up properly during the night.' The layers held up to New York City radiator heat and still managed to keep her dry, even during the weird in-between weather of spring. 'This mattress arrived during that not-so-sweet spot, and I've definitely been less sweaty while using it,' she added.
Visually and physically, Stern found the Aurora Luxe luxurious: 'More expensive mattresses do actually feel more expensive. I could see it the moment it was on my bed frame and could feel it while running my hands over the surface.' That tactile impression translated to a comfortable night's sleep — and, perhaps most shockingly for her, fewer reasons to reach for her usual pharmaceutical sleep aid. It's sturdy, breathable, highly customizable, and — thanks to those six cooling and support layers — well worth the investment for anyone serious about sleeping better (and sweat-free).
Mattress type: Hybrid | Feel: Soft, Medium, or Firm | Material: GlacioTex cooling cover, gel-infused memory foam, CopperFlex, coils | Height: 13.5″ | Layers: 6 | Sleep trial: 120 nights | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: Limited lifetime
Best for side sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Pros: GlacioTex Cooling Cover provides a cool-to-the-touch surface that actively pulls heat away from the body
Plush pillow top balances softness with ergonomic support — ideal for side sleepers
Excellent motion isolation for couples, even with kids and pets in the bed
Personalized online sleep quiz makes mattress selection feel intuitive and tailored
Cons: Edge support is softer than the center — may feel less stable near the perimeter
Setup requires two people due to weight and size
The Helix Midnight Luxe was created for side sleepers—but don't be fooled, this isn't some overly squishy, unsupportive foam pad. It's a high-performance hybrid that pairs a plush pillow top with zoned coils and an ultra-breathable GlacioTex Cooling Cover. The real magic starts with the personalized quiz Helix offers online, which The Post's Senior Director of Commerce Partnerships, Al Murillo, described as a 'revelation.' He shared, 'It asked all the right questions about how we sleep, what we like, and what we don't. For the first time, it felt like a mattress was being chosen for us, not just sold to us.'
Murillo tested the Midnight Luxe after years on a memory foam mattress that didn't suit his and his wife's needs. 'We finally had the opportunity to try the Helix Midnight Luxe — and it couldn't have come soon enough.' Upon setup, he noted it arrived compact and well-packed, though quite heavy: 'You'll definitely want two people on hand to move it. One tip from experience: make sure you're unrolling it right-side up.' Once expanded, it fully decompressed in about three hours, with no strong off-gassing.
In terms of performance, Murillo praised the mattress for striking the balance between plush and supportive: 'There was a plush comfort to the pillow top layer, but without causing a sinking effect… the mattress provided the balanced combination of sturdy support and cloud-like softness.' The GlacioTex Cooling Cover also stood out: 'I could feel the cool-to-the-touch sensation right away…For once, I didn't wake up in a sweat — and that alone felt like a win.'
Additional benefits included minimal motion transfer and strong support across the surface, although Murillo noted one caveat: 'The edge support isn't quite as firm as the center… If you tend to sleep near the perimeter… you might notice a bit of sloping.' Even so, he concluded, 'It's everything we didn't know we were missing… It's the best sleep we've had in years.'
Mattress type: Hybrid | Feel: Medium-plush | Material: Memory foam, GlacioTex Cooling Cover, coils | Height: 13.5″ | Sleep trial: 100 nights | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: 15 years
Best for back pain: Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress
Pros: Combines memory foam comfort with spring support — ideal for back pain relief
Stays cool throughout the night without specialized cooling tech
Excellent edge support and motion isolation for co-sleepers
Quick expansion with no off-gassing smell
Cons: Medium-firm feel may not suit those seeking very soft or very firm support
Carrying it up the stairs or into walk-ups can be difficult solo
Leesa's Sapira Hybrid is a back pain killer disguised as a luxury bed-in-a-box. It combines memory foam comfort layers with a coil base that provides adaptive support, especially at the hips and lumbar region. The result? A medium-firm mattress that feels like it belongs in a boutique hotel, minus the upcharge or mystery stains.
I ordered the Leesa Sapira Hybrid after one too many mornings of hip pain and feeling like my old mattress had won a wrestling match against my body. Setup was simple after navigating NYC logistics (it's a heavy model, so I recommend 2-3 people if you're needing to lift it upstairs). The mattress puffed up fast, didn't smell like chemicals, and was ready to sleep on within an hour. But it was that first night that really sealed the deal: the top layers felt plush without being swampy. I wasn't sinking, just lightly hugged.
One month in, the mattress continues to impress. I still wake up feeling rested and without stiffness. It hasn't developed any dips or indentations and feels super-cool, despite not being overtly marketed as a cooling product. I'm a human furnace at night, and somehow I'm not waking up drenched in sweat anymore.
The edge support is excellent. I can flop dramatically onto the very corner of the bed and not feel like I'm about to hit the floor. And if you sleep with a partner (or a cat who thinks they're a WWE fighter at 2 a.m.), you'll appreciate not feeling every tiny shift.
Mattress type: Hybrid | Feel: Medium-firm | Material: Memory foam, perforated comfort foam, coils | Height: 11″ | Sleep trial: 100 nights | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: 10 years
Best tech-enabled cooling: Eight Sleep Pod 5
Pros: Best-in-class active cooling (55°F–110°F) on both sides of the bed
Custom temperature schedules + vibration alarm
Tracks biometrics and sleep cycles without wearables
Great support and cooling for side sleepers and hot sleepers alike
Cons: Expensive, especially with subscription
Requires WIFI, power, and app setup
Forget gel foam and breathable covers — the Eight Sleep Pod 5 is in an entirely different league of temperature regulation. This isn't just a mattress with cooling properties; it's a fully-integrated smart climate system designed to actively heat and cool both sides of the bed independently from 55°F to 110°F. Powered by a hydro-based Active Grid and controlled via an app, the Pod 5 offers unmatched control over your sleep climate — ideal for hot sleepers, cold partners, and couples who live on opposite ends of the thermostat spectrum.
This latest version improves on everything that made the Pod 3 a cult hit. The Pod 5 has faster thermal response, refined water circulation, better edge-to-edge temperature distribution, and an upgraded sensor suite for biometric precision. As Dr. Michael Gradisar, head of sleep science at Sleep Cycle, explains: 'If one wants to focus only on a mattress that can continue to transfer heat… then you're talking about the newer cooling mattress technology where cool water is pumped through the upper layers.' That's exactly what Eight Sleep has accomplished here, combining real-time thermoregulation with data-driven recovery optimization.
Beyond temperature, the Pod 5 tracks your sleep stages, heart rate variability, and respiration, delivering nightly reports and recommendations through the Eight Sleep app. Want it cooler as you fall asleep and warmer by wake-up? Set a custom temperature schedule. Want to wake up without sound? Use the vibration-based smart alarm. The mattress itself is medium-firm, with polyfoam and pocket coil construction that cradles pressure points without sacrificing airflow or bounce, especially important for side sleepers who need cooling and spinal support.
Of course, high performance comes with high expectations. The Pod 5 requires electricity, WiFi, and a little setup savvy. And while the sleep tracking subscription is optional, it's essential for unlocking the full suite of biometric insights. Still, for those who've tried every breathable foam and slept through every sweaty night, the Pod 5 is less a mattress and more a personalized climate concierge.
Mattress type: Hybrid with active water-based cooling | Feel: Medium-firm | Material: Polyfoam comfort layers, coil base, Active Grid with hydro cooling | Height: 12″ | Sleep trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years (mattress) + 2 years (tech components) | Free Shipping: Yes | Smart features: Biometric tracking, smart alarm, temperature automation, app control
Best organic: Birch Natural Mattress
Pros: Made with organic cotton, latex, and wool, free from synthetic chemicals and allergens
Naturally moisture-wicking and breathable — ideal for hot, sensitive sleepers
Excellent motion isolation and edge support for a hybrid without polyfoam
GOTS, GOLS, and GREENGUARD Gold certified; no detectable off-gassing
Cons: On the heavier side, making DIY setup more labor-intensive
$99 return fee during trial period
The Birch Natural Mattress isn't just another eco-conscious hybrid — it's the gateway drug for former skeptics of the organic lifestyle. Miska Salemann, commerce reporter, summed it up best: 'Full disclosure: I used to mock people who only bought organic.' That is, until motherhood, microplastic anxiety, and months of broken sleep pushed her to seek out a healthier, chemical-free option. 'The thought of spending half my life sleeping on a bed packed with chemicals was keeping me up at night,' she wrote. Birch, with its certified-organic materials, flame-retardant wool, and hypoallergenic latex, became her solution.
The mattress itself is a hybrid design constructed with GOTS-certified cotton, GOLS-certified latex, and sustainably sourced wool. According to Salemann, 'The Birch also turned out to be one of the best beds for my body.' She rated the firmness as a six or seven out of ten: 'I prefer something that holds its shape more than a bed that offers a sinking effect… Birch still cradles you a bit, but it's not so overwhelming that you feel trapped in one position.' This medium-firm feel suits a wide variety of sleepers, especially back and side sleepers looking for balance rather than bounce.
One of the most vivid aspects of Salemann's review was her DIY unboxing. 'It popped up immediately… The best part? No artificial fumes were detectable. My new mattress smelled like it came right out of a cedar forest; fresh, minty, and maybe a little bit woodsy.' The cooling benefits are natural and immediate: the latex and wool wick away heat and moisture, while the cotton cover allows airflow. 'After a couple of weeks of sleeping on it, my skin feels more refreshed and looks a touch brighter, too,' she noted — a detail that speaks to how well this mattress handles nighttime sweat and allergens.
In terms of support, the individually wrapped steel coils underneath provide a sturdy structure without transferring motion. 'The Birch Mattress is much more shock-absorbing than some other mattresses I've slept on,' Salemann wrote. 'Of course, it's not dead still, but I've never found myself waking up in the middle of the night with no explanation.' She also reported stronger-than-average edge support: 'It sprang back into place and was still firm enough to keep me from collapsing over.' And according to Dr. Will Cole of BodyBio's Spring Center, the materials are exactly what hot, health-conscious sleepers should be looking for: 'The ideal combination for hot sleepers is typically a breathable organic cotton cover, a wool comfort layer, and either natural latex or a pocketed coil system for airflow.'
In the end, this mattress became a revelation. 'After a few weeks of sleeping on the Birch, I noticed the weight beginning to fly off my shoulders… Did I grow? Did the knot in my back just finally unwind?' Even her toddler couldn't sabotage her newfound sleep: 'There have been a few nights where I've slept through the whole night, and after two trying years of sleep training, that doesn't go unnoticed.' It's not the softest bed on the market, but it may be the one your spine (and conscience) thanks you for the most.
Mattress type: Organic hybrid | Feel: Medium-firm | Material: GOTS-certified organic cotton, organic wool, natural latex, coils | Height: 11″ | Layers: Multi-layer + Pillow top | Sleep trial: 100 nights ($99 return fee) | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: 25 years
How we tested
Finding the best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers meant simulating the sweatiest, toss-and-turniest sleep scenarios possible — because what good is 'cooling gel foam' if it's just a marketing gimmick? Our testing process combined objective temperature tracking with subjective real-life feedback, plus a review of clinical materials data to determine which features meaningfully move the needle on temperature regulation.
Here's how we broke it down:
Thermal regulation tests: Each mattress was paired with thermal sensors and surface temperature readers to track how quickly heat built up under bodyweight and how long it took to dissipate. We compared readings over 30-minute and 4-hour intervals.
Each mattress was paired with thermal sensors and surface temperature readers to track how quickly heat built up under bodyweight and how long it took to dissipate. We compared readings over 30-minute and 4-hour intervals. Sleep environment control: We tested mattresses in rooms with consistent ambient temperatures (set at 70°F) to isolate how much the mattress itself was impacting the sleep surface.
We tested mattresses in rooms with consistent ambient temperatures (set at 70°F) to isolate how much the mattress itself was impacting the sleep surface. Diverse body types and positions: Our testers included side, back, and combo sleepers between 110 and 220 lbs. Each mattress was evaluated across multiple nights for comfort, heat retention, and support.
Our testers included side, back, and combo sleepers between 110 and 220 lbs. Each mattress was evaluated across multiple nights for comfort, heat retention, and support. Material scrutiny: We checked each brand's claims against third-party certifications (like GOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD, CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX) and consulted materials science literature to see which ingredients actually regulate temperature.
We checked each brand's claims against third-party certifications (like GOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD, CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX) and consulted materials science literature to see which ingredients actually regulate temperature. Sleep trial, setup & support: Because even the best cooling mattress means nothing if you can't return it, we tested delivery experience, ease of setup (especially for heavier hybrid and tech-enabled beds), and warranty transparency.
We also ran interviews and email correspondences with licensed professionals in sleep medicine and functional wellness to align anecdotal performance with the science of thermoregulation. If a mattress said it was cool, we asked it to prove it — with tech, sweat, and time.
How to find the best mattress if you're a hot sleeper
Choosing a mattress when you sleep hot isn't just about what feels cool — it's about what stays cool after hours of skin-to-foam contact. Here's how to decode the overwhelming market of cooling claims and find the right bed for your overheated soul.
Material matters (a lot)
When it comes to cooling, your mattress materials are make-or-break. 'Latex is naturally breathable,' says Dr. Christopher Allen, 'while traditional memory foam traps the most heat.' Organic wool is also a standout: 'It's nature's temperature regulator,' he says, 'wicking moisture away while providing natural ventilation.'
Best bets:
Natural latex (aerated for airflow)
Pocketed coils or hybrid designs
Breathable natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and bamboo
Phase change materials (in moderation, for tech-enhanced options)
Worst picks:
Traditional polyurethane memory foam
Dense foam layers without ventilation
Anything coated in vinyl or synthetic flame retardants
Support, firmness, and pressure relief
Hot sleepers also tend to toss and turn — and too-soft beds make that harder. A medium-firm or hybrid mattress can give you enough contour for pressure relief but enough bounce for position switching. If you're a side sleeper, go slightly softer. If you're a back or stomach sleeper, a firmer support core may help regulate heat by keeping you elevated and airflow open underneath.
Lauri Leadley, founder of Valley Sleep Center, notes:
'Consider your physical attributes. Do you need a little extra firmness? Mattresses that conform to your body, such as latex, memory foam or hybrid foam, may mold to your body and spine while you sleep.'
Motion isolation vs. airflow
Cooling often comes with a tradeoff. All-foam mattresses offer excellent motion isolation (great if your partner flops around like a fish), but they limit airflow. Hybrids with coils breathe better, but may allow some motion transfer. Prioritize based on what's worse: sleeping hot or waking up from movement.
Sleep trials and warranties
Because thermoregulation can take time to assess (you won't know on Night 1), you'll want a trial period of at least 90 to 120 nights. Warranties should ideally last 10+ years, especially if you're investing over $2,000.
Check for:
Free returns (no restocking or shipping fees)
Full refunds vs. credit-only policies
Non-prorated warranties (you shouldn't pay more over time for defects)
Budget and longevity
While budget options exist, don't be fooled by greenwashing or vague 'cooling' buzzwords. Dr. Cole says, 'Budget options can still deliver if they have legitimate certifications… look for GOTS certification at minimum, even on lower-priced options.'
Expect to pay:
$1,500–$3,200 for high-quality cooling mattresses
$1,400–$2,800 for side-sleeper-friendly models
$1,800–$3,500 for premium hybrids or organic latex builds
FAQs of mattresses for hot sleepers
What's the best mattress material for staying cool all night?
Hands-down, natural latex and organic hybrid mattresses win here. According to Dr. Will Cole, senior clinical director at First Functional Medicine Telehealth, 'Natural materials consistently outperform synthetic options… The ideal combination for hot sleepers is a breathable organic cotton cover, a wool comfort layer, and either natural latex or a pocketed coil system for airflow.'
Are cooling gel mattresses actually effective?
Somewhat, but not universally. Dr. Allen confirms: 'Gel-infused foam provides moderate cooling,' but notes that 'foam (traditional) traps the most heat.' If you must go foam, look for open-cell designs and copper or graphite infusions to boost thermal conductivity.
Do hybrid mattresses sleep cooler than memory foam?
Yes. 'Hybrid/coil designs offer the best airflow,' says Dr. Allen. Coils act like internal ventilation shafts, pulling trapped heat down and out of the mattress core.
Are smart or tech-enabled cooling beds worth it?
If you're desperate and have the budget — yes. The Eight Sleep Pod 3 is praised by Dr. Gradisar: 'There is some emerging evidence that cooling mattress technology can improve sleep in the first half of the night.' Still, he cautions against expensive ongoing subscriptions.
What if my cooling mattress starts feeling warm again after a few months?
Most materials reach a thermal 'equilibrium' after extended body contact. 'For most mattresses that start out cool, some of the heat will transfer from the body to the mattress until there is very little heat transfer,' explains Dr. Gradisar. That's why layering in breathable bedding and controlling your room temperature is crucial.
How long will my mattress last before I need to replace it?
Latex: 12–15+ years
Hybrid: 8–10 years
Foam: 5–7 years (less if low quality)
Dr. Allen advises: 'Replace sooner if you notice sagging, new pain, or allergy flare-ups.' And if you can't remember when you bought your mattress? It's probably already expired.
Can bedding or sleepwear help regulate temperature even more?
Yes — and it should. As Dr. Gradisar, who did his PhD in sleep and thermoregulation, puts it: 'We need to allow heat to escape our body, and heat rises… People wishing to better regulate body temperature are better off considering what they wear to bed and how their covers trap or release heat.'