Written by
Amanda Doyle
Sleep Researcher Writer
Reviewed by
Pavel Ufimtsev
Sleep Science Coach
A cooling mattress topper can serve several purposes. Obviously, if you wake up perspiring, the best cooling mattress topper can let you sleep in comfort.
Several of the cooling mattress toppers in this review are quite thick, which means the best cooling mattress toppers can also keep a worn mattress from going to the dump.
Quality memory foam may be the simplest option; a memory foam mattress topper with a graphite layer can wick away even more heat. With the best cooling products, you can skip the mattress pad put your sheets directly over your gel memory foam or infused memory foam layer.
Hot sleepers may be happiest on gel infused memory foam; you can find a cooling gel topper with a machine washable cover and mattress protector to wick away body heat and keep you cool.
Even better, you can find a cooling mattress topper to provide extra cushion and give you relief at pressure points.
Avocado Organic Cooling Latex Foam Mattress Topper
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Avocado Organic Cooling Latex Foam Mattress Topper
What is a Cooling Mattress Topper?
Cooling mattress toppers are designed to wick away body heat and perspiration from your skin. You can also use the best cooling mattress toppers as a way to reduce pressure or bring life back to an old innerspring mattress topper.
A memory foam mattress topper is very different from a mattress pad. While a pad is designed to work as a mattress protector and is machine washable, a gel infused memory foam topper should not be washed.
However, gel memory foam may be the best cooling option for hot sleepers who also need more cushion to take away body heat.
There are some sleepers for who a memory foam mattress is just too hot. A cooling gel or organic latex topper can help you keep the comfort of your memory foam mattress and
keep you cool while you rest comfortably.
10 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers You Can Buy
1. Top pick: Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
The Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper is made of layered memory foam and graphite infused memory foam and is a terrific way to cool off your existing foam mattress or add life to an innerspring mattress that has lost its cushion.
This cooling mattress topper offers inherent protection against moisture build-up and bacterial growth. The organic cotton cover allows for spot cleaning and makes for even better airflow.
This may be the best cooling mattress topper for someone with joint pain. The pressure relief features are quite soothing and this memory foam topper protects against motion transfer.
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Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper
- Organic cotton cover comes with bands to hold this cooling mattress topper firmly to your existing bed.
- The graphite layer lessens the risk of moisture and bacterial build-up, which can lead to odor and mildew.
- You'll add three inches of cushion to your existing mattress, making this ideal for side and back sleepers.
2. Runner Up: Helix Plush Mattress Topper
If you've ever slept in a hotel bed and wanted to sneak the mattress into your suitcase, the Helix Plush Mattress Topper is an ideal choice.
Not only is this one of the best cooling options on the market, but it's also designed like a quality mattress pad and has an elastic skirt that will easily wrap around your existing mattress and let you sleep deeply without worrying about rearranging all the bedding in the morning.
This machine washable plush topper is built with a bamboo cover for extra softness and durability.
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Helix Plush Mattress Topper
- Revoloft™ Cluster Fiber gives this topper lots of softness without adding a lot of height; it's only 1.5 inches thick at the top.
- Each pocket of Cluster Fiber is carefully stitched to avoid bunching up or shifting as you snuggle into this topper.
- The elastic skirt means that this topper will fit snugly to your mattress and keep you comfy.
3. Best Value: GhostBed Memory Foam Topper
If you're ready to toss your existing mattress and make a huge investment on another one, protect your budget with a GhostBed Memory Foam Topper.
Not only is this memory foam piece designed to support you with zoned pressure, but you can skip the need for a mattress pad thanks to the organic cotton ghost cover which is always cool to the touch.
The 3-inch memory foam zoned topper covers the bed and the waterproof organic cover wraps around both topper and mattress. Once installed, this topper is going nowhere and you can enjoy sleeping on foam that is designed to move air.
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Finally, if you've been swapping out mattresses for a while and just can't get comfy, this layer of memory foam may reduce that frustration. Even better, the cotton cover is hypoallergenic!
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GhostBed Memory Foam Topper
- Zoned memory foam means that side sleepers will get the support they need at the shoulders and hips.
- The Ghost Ice fabric will keep your bottom sheet cool to the touch all night long.
- The 2″ GhostGrip elastic bands will keep this topper from sliding around.
4. Best Latex: Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper
For those who are sensitive to fragrance or who just don't like the feel of memory foam, the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper may be the best cooling option. This topper is made up of layers of organic wool and latex foam, wrapped in an organic cotton cover.
You will enjoy a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty with the purchase of this natural mattress topper.
The cotton cover is box stitched for durability and to prevent any part of the cushion from shifting around inside the cover.
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Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper
- Every layer of this mattress topper is breathable.
- None of the products in this mattress topper outgas; there is no risk of "foam" smell or an allergic response.
- You can spot clean this topper and allow it to air dry, but it's not washable. Consider investing in the washable organic cotton waterproof cover if fluids are a concern.
5. Most Comfortable: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme
If you need some serious pressure relief, the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme may be the best cooling and support option. This memory foam product line has been providing durable comfort for sleepers for years and truly pioneered the memory foam industry.
This best cooling mattress topper has a removable cover that is resistant to dust mites and other allergens. This is also a terrific memory foam cooling mattress topper if your existing mattress is getting tired and worn out.
If you need a mattress topper to boost the comfort of a guest bed or an RV mattress, this is it.
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Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Topper Supreme
- This memory foam cooling mattress topper comes with a 10-year warranty, though it is not returnable.
- The cover offers great comfort and protection. It also has a bit of stretch, which makes it easy to remove for washing.
- This topper will hold its shape for years; if you like the look of the crisp, square corners of memory foam but your existing mattress is showing crush damage, this will help.
6. Best Organic: Avocado Organic Cooling Latex Foam Mattress Topper
Those with chemical sensitivities, allergies, and anyone who prefers a more organic lifestyle will love the Avocado Organic Cooling Latex Foam Mattress Topper.
This cooling mattress topper is made up of layers of organic latex, organic cotton, and organic wool. Vegans can also get cooling mattress toppers that contain no wool. This may also be one of the best cooling mattress toppers for those seeking pressure relief.
You can get this topper in firm or plush. Hot sleepers will also want to consider investing in one of the machine washable organic mattress protector or mattress pad products from Avocado.
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Avocado Organic Cooling Latex Foam Mattress Topper
- This may be the best cooling mattress topper to wick away body heat and keep you cool without petroleum products.
- Each layer of this best cooling topper is formulated to move air and maintain bounce.
- This cooling mattress topper comes with a 10 year warranty and can be returned within the first year, though Avocado requests that you try it for 30 days.
7. Great Airflow: Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Topper
For those seeking pressure relief and cooling, the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Topper may be your best choice in a cooling mattress topper. This topper is quite simple; it's a single 3-inch perforated layer of Talalay latex foam.
You will also get your choice of cover in either organic cotton or a cooling knit. If you're a very hot sleeper, you may also want to cover this with a breathable mattress pad or machine washable mattress protector.
You can get this cooling mattress topper in soft, medium, or firm as well. For those looking to get a few more years out of a worn innerspring mattress, this latex foam topper is a great choice.
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Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Topper
- The whole topper is perforated for excellent airflow.
- If you need to trim or shape this topper to fit in an RV or other unique situation, you can easily customize this latex topper.
- For those who like the feel of memory foam but can't stand the heat build-up, this cooling mattress topper is a great option for pressure relief.
8. Best Feather: Parachute Down Mattress Topper
If you don't like the feel of memory foam but need a cooling layer, the Parachute Down Mattress Topper maybe your best cooling option. This topper contains 85% down and 15% combination down and feather fibers.
It comes wrapped in a sateen cotton shell which will be smooth and cool to your touch. This product does need to be dry cleaned for best results, and you will want to keep it rotated and fluffed for best airflow. When fully puffed up, this cooling mattress topper offers 3 inches of loft.
While many use down comforters to warm up a bed, the cotton cover on this cooling mattress topper will wick away heat. When the cold weather comes and things cool off, you can cover this topper in flannel and fleece to capture heat close to your skin.
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Parachute Down Mattress Topper
- Baffle box construction will keep this down cooling mattress topper from flattening out, bunching up, or becoming lumpy.
- If you love the look of a plumped-up, luxurious bed, this topper will soften the edges of your existing mattress.
- This cooling mattress topper will reduce the intensity of pressure points at the shoulder, hip, and knee, especially if you're a side sleeper.
9. Best for Back Pain: Layla Memory Foam Topper
The Layla Memory Foam Topper is a great choice for those who need pressure relief. This memory foam cushion is copper infused to wick away heat while boosting the cushion beneath you to help you reduce joint pain.
This topper is just two inches thick; if you love the look of a low-profile mattress, you can still get a break from the heat of a memory foam mattress and enjoy extra pressure relief with the Layla topper.
This topper comes with a 5-year warranty as well.
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Layla Memory Foam Topper
- This foam cushion is formulated to cool you as it cushions you. If you need relief at pressure points, or if you struggle with back pain, this will allow you to sleep in comfort without waking up sweaty.
- This 2-inch topper is nice and square; if you like a low profile, minimalist look, this is a great topper for your decor.
- Because this topper is just two inches, it may not work as a life extender for an old innerspring mattress. However, if you have a wool camping pad, putting that under your new Layla topper may give you more time and protect your budget.
10. Best Pressure Relief: ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper
If you have a mattress that is no longer supporting you, you can get the ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper in both 3 and 4-inch thicknesses. Instead of sinking into this memory foam layer, you can enjoy great relief at pressure points while sleeping on this cooling mattress topper.
You can get this in lavender-infused foam if you struggle with scent from memory foam. You can also use the best cooling option of charcoal infused foam.
This line of cooling mattress toppers comes with washable covers. The covers feature elastic bands to hold this securely to your existing mattress.
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ViscoSoft High Density Mattress Topper
- While this is high density foam, this cooling mattress topper has a decent amount of giving. You will not find yourself embedded in this foam layer.
- The washable cover makes this cooling mattress topper very easy to care for.
- The base of this line of cooling mattress toppers is perforated to keep air moving between the mattress and the topper.
Cooling Mattress Topper Material Types
Memory Foam
Standard memory foam products work for a lot of sleepers. Modern mattress designers have also paired memory foam with innerspring to increase airflow. Additionally, you can get memory foam infused with other materials.
Copper and graphite increase the cooling power of this foam. Cooling gel beads are often added to memory foam toppers that are cut into specific patterns to reduce pressure at the hips and shoulders.
Talalay Latex
If you can’t tolerate the aroma or feel of memory foam, Talalay latex toppers offer extra protection against crush and compression. Perforated Talalay latex offers great protection against heat and moisture build-up.
Natural Fibers
The Avocado and Parachute products in this review offer extra cushioning without petrochemical risk. Cotton covers offer more cooling power, wool carries away heat and moisture, and down adds plush loft and airflow.
Things to consider before buying a Cooling Mattress Topper
Comfort
If you tend to wake up sweaty, a super plush topper may not suit you. Those who sleep hot need to sleep on, not in, their mattress. However, side sleepers and those who struggle with pain will want to avoid firming up their mattress.
Size
The majority of toppers in this listing are available in 3 inches, though 2 and 4 inches are also possible.
A too-tall mattress can be frustrating for small adults, children, and pets, while a too-low mattress will make getting up in the night difficult, especially if you have spinal or joint pain issues.
If you are thinking about stacking toppers to serve as a “for now” mattress, you may do best with a firm memory cushion on the base and a more plush, breathable latex or down the top layer.
Price
For those who wake up miserable and overheated, those in pain, or those who just need a bit more loft, one night on one of these cooling mattress toppers will make them worth the money.
If your current mattress is nearly done for and you don’t want to deal with the hassle and expense of changing it out, any of these cooling mattress toppers will protect your budget.
To reduce risk, get a topper with free shipping and a return window to avoid paying for something that doesn’t work.
Portability
All of these cooling mattress toppers come boxed for easy moving. If you need a large king size cooling topper, consider getting two twins and a waterproof protector to secure everything to your king mattress.
If you have spinal issues, be aware that none of the toppers listed above offered white glove delivery; you will have to get this up the stairs or down the hall to your bedroom.
Hygiene
For serious sweaters, a topper with a washable cover is critical. Once you’ve decided on your topper, consider contacting the company to see if you can get two covers so you have a spare in the cupboard. You may also want a waterproof protector; make sure you get one that is breathable so it doesn’t negate the cooling power of your topper.
FAQ
- Is a cooling mattress worth it?
A cooling mattress topper can not only make your sleep more comfortable by reducing your chance of waking up sweaty, it can firm or soften a mattress as needed. If you sleep hot, it's totally worth it!
- What can I put on my mattress to keep it cool?
A ventilated mattress topper is a good start, as is one infused with copper or graphite. Both will wick away heat.
- Do cooling mattress toppers really work?
Absolutely. New technology also includes the option to get a topper covered in a woven fabric that stays cooler than body temperature.
- How can I keep my bed cool?
Some of the best cooling options include using cotton sheets, a topper that will wick away heat, and air movement below the mattress. If your foam mattress is on a plywood or particleboard base, you may need a slatted base.
- Do gel mattress toppers keep you cool?
Gel foam is formulated to wick away heat. Additionally, graphite and copper infusions will cool a mattress.
- Is gel memory foam hot?
Gel foam disperses heat more quickly than standard foam.
- How do I stop my mattress topper from moving?
Consider one of the options on this listing that has elastic bands or an elastic skirt on it to keep the mattress and topper together.
- What’s the difference between a mattress pad and a mattress topper?
A mattress pad protects the mattress from perspiration, moisture, and body oils. A topper adds cushion and lift.
- What type of mattress keeps you the coolest?
The best cooling mattress out there is probably a hybrid. These mattresses pair foam and springs to give you plenty of support and avoid heat build-up under your body.
Stretch Out and Sleep Cool
The Saatva Mattress Topper takes the prize in this comparison. This can be purchased in latex, standard foam or graphite infused foam.
For those who sleep hot, the graphite choice is the simplest way to avoid moisture and bacterial build-up, as well as doing the best job of wicking away excess heat.
It offers elastic bands and an organic cotton cover to keep heat and moisture away from your body.
