Ultimately, a breathable cover is important, but it’s not the most important factor—after all, it will be covered by cooling bed sheets and a mattress protector. So don’t get too excited about that ultra-freeze-arctic-tech-gel-infused cover. Instead, look for basic, breathable fabric. A good option is the Saatva Classic mattress, made with an organic cotton cover and breathable foam and coil layers.
Ventilated Foam or Latex
Since your body heat first spreads down into the top of your mattress, that is arguably the most important layer for cooling. Latex foam reigns supreme for staying cool, followed by standard foam. Memory foam tends to trap heat, so avoid it unless it’s ventilated (perforated with tiny air channels) or supported by coils, which allow cooler air to circulate under the foam. The Purple mattress has a unique top layer that’s good for cooling. Its Purple GelFlex Grid is made of polymer in a waffle-like pattern that’s similar to gel for cooling. The small cube-shaped pockets also circulate air beneath you whenever you move or change positions.
Coil Base Layer
There’s a reason hybrid and innerspring mattresses tend to sleep cooler than all-foam ones: coils. If you’re a hot sleeper, a mattress with coils will give you the best shot at staying cool thanks to ample airflow. The WinkBed, for example, may have a simple Tencel cover and gel-infused foam, but the coil support system is what keeps warm air from pooling under your body. Any body heat that does build up in the foam has an easy escape route out of the mattress core.
Cooling Additions (Gel, Copper, etc.)
While not game-changers, cooling additions can make a small difference. Gel or copper infusions aren’t going to give a memory foam mattress the same cooling capacity as an innerspring bed, but airflow channels punched into the foam might. And when stacked on top of one another, a cool-to-the-touch cover, gel-infused top layer and breathable coil base layer may move the dial down to a manageable temperature—especially in a cool room with lightweight bedding.
Tips for Staying Cool at Night
Keep your bedroom temperature between 64°–70°
The best temperature for sleeping is between 64°–70°, according to Douglas Kirsch MD FAAN FAASM, medical director of sleep medicine at Atrium Health. “A bedroom that’s cool, dark, and quiet is essential for somebody to get a good night’s sleep, no matter what mattress they have,” he says. What about couples who can’t agree on a temperature? “I recommend that the temperature be cool, but not ice cold. Try to find something that both partners can maintain a reasonable comfort with,” he says. In other words, partners who sleep together need to compromise (no surprises there) while maintaining a generally cool room temperature.
Wear breathable pj’s (or none at all!)
Pajamas, just like bed sheets, can trap heat or let it pass through the fabric. The most breathable clothing fabrics that are soft enough to be pj’s are cotton, polyester, and Tencel. Avoid thick materials like fleece or wool. Better yet, sleep in the buff so there’s less fabric between your body and the cool air of your bedroom!
Crack a window or use a fan
If you don’t have air conditioning and live in a climate that’s cooler at night, crack a window while you sleep. Not only will the cooler evening air lower the temperature of your bedroom, the breeze will keep air circulating in your room, similar to a fan. If you don’t have window screens, consider a fan directed at your bed.
Swap the flannel for cooling sheets
Flannel sheets are great for winter weather, but they should definitely go back into storage during warmer months. Trade them for lightweight cotton, eucalyptus, or linen sheets. Also consider packing away down comforters during hot weather; instead opting for a lightweight comforter or quilt.
Avoid memory foam
When all else fails, avoid memory foam in your mattress. The slow-moving, doughy contour may be hard to give up, but it’s one of the warmest mattress materials on the market. If you really want a memory foam mattress, then choose a hybrid model with a coil base (we’ve recommended a few above). Also look for cooling extras like perforated foam, gel inclusions, and a breathable cover.
FAQs
What mattress type sleeps cold?
Innerspring mattresses are the best at staying cool, especially those with a thinner foam layer on top. Air circulates really well through coils, so there’s little opportunity for body heat to build up. If you prefer the cushion of foam, a hybrid mattress is next best for cooling, especially one topped with latex or perforated foam.
Do cooling mattresses really work?
Yes, they do, but the cooling features are usually much simpler than advertised. Aside from the Eight Sleep Pod Cover, which uses a grid of water tubes to cool or heat your mattress, most mattresses stay cool because of a breathable build and materials that don’t retain heat. And even the coldest mattress is no match for an overheated room or heavy bedding.
How can I keep my mattress cool?
The best ways to prevent your mattress from overheating are to use breathable, lightweight bedding and keep your room cool.