Are you looking for the best cooling mattress topper, mattress pad, or cooling comforter?
You’ve come to the right place!
When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, cooler is better – a lot cooler than you might expect: according to science, the ideal temperature for sleeping at night is between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you experience hot flashes or night sweats at night or if your mattress reflects too much heat, then you will not sleep properly.
This is because your body's cooling processes require your brain's attention, which prevents you from sleeping as deeply as you need to.
Cooling mattress pads, forced-air comforters and mattress toppers are all proven solutions for helping you sleep cooler in a warm room. But navigating this over-hyped and crowded field of products can be difficult.
That's why we spent the past month surveying the market and selecting what we believe are the very best cooling mattress pads, toppers and powered cooling solutions you can buy online – and reviewed them for you, below.
Keep reading to see our reviews and to find the right bed-cooling solution for your needs and budget.
Note: If your problem is a hot mattress, you may want to instead buy a new bed that sleeps cooler. Mattress cooling technology has advanced quite a bit over the past 20 years! Check out our reviews of the best cooling mattresses for a short list.
We also discuss the cooling performance of every mattress we review in our guides to the best mattresses for side sleepers, best mattresses for back sleepers, best mattresses for sex and best hybrid mattresses.
What's In this Buying Guide
Table of Contents
- What's In this Buying Guide
- Who Should Get a Cooling Mattress Topper, Pad, or Cooling Comforter?
- Best Cooling Mattress Toppers, Mattress Pads and Cooling Comforters
- 1. Best Cooling Comforter: HOMBYS Lightweight Cooling Bamboo Viscose Comforter
- 2. Best for Night Sweats: Sheets & Giggles Eucalyptus, Down Alternative Comforter
- 3. Best for Fever and Hot Flashes: Cool Care Pressure Activated Gel Cooling Mattress Pad
- 4. Best Cooling Memory Foam Topper: Subrtex 3 Inch Gel-Infused Memory Foam Bed Mattress Topper
- 5. Best Cooling Down Comforter: WarmKiss Lightweight Summer Comforter
- 6. Best For Side Sleepers: S SECRETLAND 3” Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- 7. Best For Very Hot Sleepers: Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper
- 8. Best All-season Wool Mattress Topper: Sleep & Beyond Organic Merino Wool Mattress Topper
- 9. Best Cooling waterproof mattress protector: Zen Bamboo Fitted Cooling Mattress Pad
- 10. Best Cooling Mattress Pad: SlumberCloud Core Mattress Pad
- 11. Best Luxury Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper: PlushBeds Cooling Gel Memory Foam Topper
- 12. Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Aches and Pains: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling 3-Inch Mattress Topper
- 13. Best Water-cooled Mattress Pad: ChiliSleep Dock Pro
- 14. Best Air-cooled System: BedJet 3
- Mattress Toppers, Pads and Comforters: Buying Guide
- Benefits of Using a Mattress Pad/Cooling Comforter
- Frequently Asked Questions
In this buying guide, we select and review the best cooling mattress toppers, cooling comforters, bed cooling systems and cooling mattress pads selling today in enough detail to help you make the right purchase decision for your needs and budget.
After we list our best picks & review them, we cover the features and options to consider when deciding what type of cooling solution is right for your bed.
Finally, we answer the most common questions related to bed cooling solutions.
All of the products on this page are highly-rated by verified owners, are proven and have our seal of approval.
This in-depth buying guide took us a lot of time to create and will probably take you about 10 minutes to read it all.
If you are short on time, use this table of contents to skip to the section that matters most to you.
So let's get started!
Who Should Get a Cooling Mattress Topper, Pad, or Cooling Comforter?
Not everyone needs a cooling add-on solution for their bed.
But a cooling mattress pad, mattress topper or cooling comforter is a probably good choice for you if you suffer from any of the following conditions:
- You own a “hot” mattress that reflects heat and/or traps moisture.
- Your only problem is sleeping too warm. You like your existing mattress and don’t want to buy a new one.
- You naturally sleep hot or sweat at night. Especially take a look at the leading forced-air and water-cooled solutions discussed below.
- You experience hot flashes at night. Any of the products below can help.
- You and your partner have different temperature preferences. Some cooling pads let you configure each side of the bed differently, which solves this common problem once and for all.
- You live in a warm climate and don't want to turn your thermostat down to 65 degrees.
Best Cooling Mattress Toppers, Mattress Pads and Cooling Comforters
Note: some of the links below go to Amazon. We may receive a fee if you buy within the next 24 hours – but it doesn't affect the price you pay.
- Best Cooling Comforter: HOMBYS Lightweight
- Best for Night Sweats: Sheets & Giggles Eucalyptus
- Best for Fever and Hot Flashes: Cool Care Pressure Activated Gel
- Best Cooling Memory Foam Topper: subrtex 3 Inch Gel-Infused
- Best Cooling Down Comforter: WarmKiss Lightweight Summer Comforter
- Best For Side Sleepers: S SECRETLAND Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Best For Very Hot Sleepers: Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper
- Best All-season Wool Mattress Topper: Sleep & Beyond Organic
- Best Cooling waterproof mattress protector: Zen Bamboo
- Best Cooling Mattress Pad: SlumberCloud Core Mattress Pad
- Best Luxury Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper: PlushBeds
- Best Cooling Topper for Aches and Pains: Tempur-PedicTEMPUR
- Best Water-cooled Mattress Pad: ChiliSleep Dock Pro
- Best Air-cooled System: BedJet 3
| Product | Best For | Fill | Cover | Machine washable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
HOMBYS | Best cooling comforter | Hollow microfiber | Bamboo | Yes |
Sheets & Giggles | Best for night sweats | Eucalyptus & polyester fiber | Eucalyptus lyocell | Yes |
Cool Care Technologies | Best for fever & hot flashes | Cooling gel | Vinyl | No |
Subrtex | Best memory foam topper | Ventilated gel memory foam | Bamboo rayon | Cover only |
WarmKiss  | Best down comforter | 75% down, 25% feathers | 100% cotton | Yes |
S SECRETLAND | Best for side sleepers | Gel memory foam | Polyester | Cover only |
Pure Green  | Best for very hot sleepers | Organic dunlop latex | None | No |
Sleep & Beyond | Best all-season wool topper | Organic Merino wool | Organic cotton | No |
Zen Bamboo | Best cooling mattress protector | Polyester fiber | Bamboo & polyester | Yes |
SlumberCloud Core  | Best cooling mattress pad | None | Outlast fabric & cotton | Yes |
PlushBeds  | Best luxury gel memory foam topper | Gel memory foam | Organic cotton (Sold separately) | No |
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt See Price on AmazonLink goes to Amazon | Best for aches and pains | TEMPUR-ES memory foam | Knit cooling cover | Cover only |
ChiliSleep Dock Pro | Best water-cooled mattress pad | None | Polyester | Yes |
BedJet 3 | Best air-cooled system | None | Optional cotton Cloud Sheet | Yes |
1. Best Cooling Comforter: HOMBYS Lightweight Cooling Bamboo Viscose Comforter
The Hombys bamboo comforter uses the excellent breathability of bamboo viscose and hollow microfiber to keep you cool and sweat-free.
Pros
- Cooling bamboo cover.
- Breathable microfiber filling.
- Machine washable.
- Soft and luxurious.
Cons
- Pricey compared to most down alternative comforters.
Our Review
The Hombys bamboo lightweight comforter is designed specifically for summer use, which makes it a great choice for hot sleepers.
It uses two materials to keep you cool.
Hollow microfiber filling
Instead of ordinary down alternative polyfill, the Hombys comforter contains hollow microfiber.
The microfiber is structured to resemble natural down, which improves breathability and moisture wicking.
If you find down comforters out of your budget, the Hombys bamboo is a cheaper alternative that feels almost just as soft and cool.
Bamboo viscose cover
The other secret to the Hombys comforter’s cool feel is the bamboo cover.
Unlike polyester fabric, bamboo fabric is naturally cool and breathable. In fact, bamboo fabric is more breathable than some types of cotton fabric.
The comforter’s cover allows body heat to escape and is also great at absorbing sweat.
Another advantage of the bamboo fabric is that it feels incredibly soft against your skin.
Care
The Hombys bamboo comforter is machine washable and you can also put it in the dryer. Check the care label for additional cleaning instructions.
Issues & Complaints
The only issue with the Hombys lightweight bamboo comforter is the price.
Because of the special hollow polyfill and the cooling bamboo cover, it’s more expensive compared to most down alternative comforters.
Bottom Line
The Hombys bamboo comforter is best for anyone looking for a cool and luxurious comforter.
Avoid it if you are shopping for a budget-down alternative comforter.
2. Best for Night Sweats: Sheets & Giggles Eucalyptus, Down Alternative Comforter
Eucalyptus lyocell is Another fabric that cools and absorbs sweat better than cotton. The Sheets & Giggles eucalyptus comforter is a great choice for sleepers who have night sweats.
It’s also great for hot sleepers, women with hot flashes, and anyone looking for an eco-friendlier alternative to cotton or bamboo viscose.
Pros
- Absorbs sweat.
- Excellent cooling performance.
- Eco-friendly.
- Feels luxurious.
Cons
- Pricey.
Our Review
Eucalyptus lyocell is not only cooler than cotton, it’s also more environmentally friendly than both cotton and bamboo viscose.
The Sheets & Giggles eucalyptus comforter is a good choice if you want to sleep cool and dry while also going green.
100% eucalyptus cover
The soft cool-to-the-touch cover of the Sheets & Giggles comforter is made from 100% eucalyptus lyocell.
It is naturally breathable and has excellent moisture absorption.
It’s also really soft and feels luxurious against your skin. You can insert it into a duvet cover, but we think it’s better without so you can get the best out of it.
Don’t worry if it gets dirty. The comfort is machine washable or you can get it dry cleaned.
Eucalyptus & polyester fill
Inside the cover is a mix of eucalyptus and polyester filling in a 50:50 ratio.
Combining the two keeps the comforter cool and breathable. Polyester fill on its own tends to be too warm.
Eco-friendly comforter
As we mentioned, eucalyptus lyocell is greener than cotton and bamboo viscose. Eucalyptus trees require less water and the lyocell manufacturing process is safer for workers and the environment.
The Sheets & Giggles comforter is a good choice if you prefer eco-friendly or sustainable bedding.
Even the polyester fiber is eco-friendly. It’s made from recycled plastic bottles.
Issues & Complaints
The Sheets & Giggles eucalyptus comforter doesn't come cheap. It’s one of the more expensive cooling comforters you’ll come across.
Bottom Line
The Sheets & Giggles eucalyptus comforter is best for people with night sweats and hot flashes. It’s also ideal for those looking for an eco-friendly cooling comforter.
Avoid it if you are shopping for a budget cooling comforter.
3. Best for Fever and Hot Flashes: Cool Care Pressure Activated Gel Cooling Mattress Pad
The Cool Care pressure-activated mattress pad provides instant cooling, which helps cool you down when you have a fever or experience a hot flash.
Pros
- Instant cooling.
- Easy to use.
- Good for hot flashes, fever, and body aches.
- Portable.
Cons
- Doesn't cover the entire body.
- Not ideal for all-night cooling.
Our Review
The Cool Care cooling pad is filled with cooling gel. The gel activates when pressure is applied on the pad.
When you sleep on the pad, it instantly feels cool.
However, the coolness doesn't last all night. The pad gradually gets warmer and you have to recharge it after some time.
Ideal for occasional cooling
Unlike other mattress pads and toppers, the Cool Care pad is not meant to cool your entire bed. It provides targeted cooling to part of your body.
It measures 43.4 by 27.6 inches, so you have to choose which part of the body to place it under.
If you often get hot flashes in your head and neck region, place it under your upper body. If your legs get hot, place the pad under them.
Don't sleep on the pad all night. It provides cooling for a limited period; between 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on how warm your bedroom is.
Once the hot flash or fever has passed, remove the pad and let it reactivate for about 20 minutes. It’ll then be ready for use once you feel hot again.
Portable cooling pad
The upside of the small size of the Cool Care cooling pad is that it’s easy to carry it with you. You can use it in a hotel room, in the car, or when camping.
It’s also great for the gym to soothe sore or aching joints and muscles after a workout.
Issues & Complaints
The Cool Care Technologies cooling pad is not suitable for most hot sleepers. That’s because it does not provide cooling through the night. It only stays cool for between half an hour and three hours.
It works best for those who get occasional hot flashes or when a fever makes you hot.
If you want to lengthen cooling time, consider getting two pads. When one gets warm, switch to the other one.
Another issue with the Cool Care pad is that the vinyl cover is not very comfortable and can even make you sweat if you sleep on the pad for too long. It also slides around easily on the bed even if you tuck it under the sheets.
Bottom Line
The Cool Care cooling pad is best for hot flashes, fever, and people who get hot on a specific part of the body.
Avoid it if you sleep hot throughout the night. Get a traditional cooling pad, topper or comforter instead.
4. Best Cooling Memory Foam Topper: Subrtex 3 Inch Gel-Infused Memory Foam Bed Mattress Topper
If you want to sleep cool while enjoying the deep pressure relief of memory foam, we recommend the Subrtex 3” gel infused memory foam topper.
Though it’s not as cool as a latex topper or a eucalyptus comforter, it’s sleeps cooler than most memory foam toppers.
Pros
- Sleeps fairly cool.
- Deep pressure relief for side sleepers.
- Breathable bamboo cover.
- Helps with body aches.
Cons
- Not suitable for back and stomach sleepers.
- Not ideal for very hot sleepers.
Our Review
It’s hard to find a gel memory foam topper that actually sleeps cool. The Subrtex gel-infused topper is one of the few that sleepers rate highly when it comes to cooling performance.
Three ways to stay cool
One of the reasons the Subrtex topper has better cooling performance is that it doesn't rely on just the cooling gel infused into it.
It also comes with a highly breathable and moisture-wicking bamboo rayon cover.
In addition, the memory foam itself has a ventilated design, with holes that prevent the foam from trapping too much body heat.
3” of deep pressure relief
Memory foam provides excellent pressure relief, making the Subrtex topper a good choice for those who find their mattress too firm.
With its 3” of thickness, it feels like sinking into a plush cloud.
It’s ideal for side sleepers. It also helps with hip and shoulder pain.
If you need even deeper pressure relief, there’s a 4” version. And if you want a bit less sinkage, there’s a thinner 2” Subrtex topper.
Issues & Complaints
The Subrtex topper is not suitable for all types of sleepers. We don't recommend it for:
- Very hot sleepers. This is still memory foam and can feel a bit warm for those sensitive to heat.
- Most back sleepers. The topper is too soft to support your back.
- Most stomach sleepers. The topper is too soft to keep your spine properly aligned.
Bottom Line
The Subrtex gel memory foam topper is best for anyone (but especially side sleepers) looking for a memory foam topper that sleeps cool.
Avoid it if you sleep extra-hot. Get a different kind of topper or pad that’s not memory foam.
5. Best Cooling Down Comforter: WarmKiss Lightweight Summer Comforter
Down is one of the best materials when it comes to temperature control. The WarmKiss lightweight down comforter is guaranteed to keep you cool all year round.
Pros
- High-quality down filling.
- Excellent cooling performance.
- Great for night sweats.
- Breathable cotton cover.
- Soft and luxurious comforter.
Cons
- Mild crinkly noise.
Our Review
Natural fibers like wool and down offer really good temperature regulation. They keep you cool throughout the year.
They are also great at wicking away sweat from your skin, which keeps you cool and dry.
This is why the WarmKiss Lightweight down comforter is one of the best cooling comforters for hot sleepers and those with night sweats.
It has a lightweight design meant to provide extra cooling performance in the summer. Most sleepers say it’s still warm enough during winter, especially when you pair it with a warm duvet cover.
But it may not be adequate if you live in a place that gets harsh winters.
High quality down filling
Unlike some down comforters that are mostly feathers, the WarmKiss comforter has just 25% feather and 75% natural down.
The comforter contains high quality down with a 750 fill power. The high fill power gives the comforter a soft and luxurious feel, improves its insulation on cold nights, and increases its lifespan.
Furthermore, the manufacturer says the down goes through almost two dozen processes to make it odorless and hypoallergenic.
100% cotton cover
The 100% Egyptian cotton cover provides additional cooling and moisture wicking. It also feels soft against your skin.
So if you don't want to use a duvet cover, the WarmKiss comforter feels comfortable on its own.
Issues & Complaints
The main complaint from many customers is that the comforter makes a slight crinkly noise when you move it around.
It’s not bad enough to wake you up, but it can be an issue for those with noise sensitivity. However, the noise will go away with repeated use and washing.
Bottom Line
The WarmKiss lightweight down comforter is a great choice for anyone looking for a cool and sweat-absorbing natural down comforter.
Avoid it if you are looking for an all-season down comforter that will keep you cool in the summer and stay warm during winter.
6. Best For Side Sleepers: S SECRETLAND 3” Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The S SECRETLAND gel memory foam topper provides deep pressure relief for side sleepers, while also keeping you cool.
Pros
- Great for side sleepers.
- Provides hip and shoulder pain relief.
- Sleeps fairly cool.
- Includes washable cover.
Cons
- Not ideal for very hot sleepers.
Our Review
If your current mattress digs into your hips and shoulders when you sleep on your side, the S SECRETLAND memory foam topper will help.
The 3” topper allows your body to sink into the mattress, thus relieving pressure under your pressure points.
The topper will also help if you have pain in your hip or shoulder.
For back sleepers, we recommend the thinner 2” version of the S SECRETLAND topper. It has less sinkage and provides better support for your back. It’s also good for back pain.
Cooling gel for hot sleepers
If you tend to sleep a bit too warm, the S SECRETLAND memory foam topper is infused with cooling gel that absorbs body heat to cool you down.
It also comes with a breathable polyester cover.
Issues & Complaints
We do not recommend the S SECRETLAND 3” memory foam topper for extra hot sleepers. If you get really hot at night and sweat a lot, the S SECRETLAND topper won’t cool you enough.
Go with a latex topper or pick of the comforters we’ve reviewed above.
Bottom Line
The S SECRETLAND gel memory foam topper is best for side sleepers looking for a pressure-relieving memory foam topper that also sleeps cool.
Avoid it if you sleep hotter than average. Generally, stay away from memory foam, even if it contains gel. Gel memory foam is best for mild hot sleepers.
7. Best For Very Hot Sleepers: Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper
The properties of natural latex allow it to stay cool no matter the weather or how much body heat you produce.
That’s why we recommend the Pure Green natural latex topper for very hot sleepers who find memory foam toppers too warm.
Pros
- Excellent cooling performance.
- Eco-friendly.
- Improves pressure relief and support.
- Three thickness options.
Cons
- Pricey compared to a memory foam topper.
Our Review
Latex is the best cooling solution for extra-hot sleepers, whether you are shopping for a mattress or a topper.
Natural latex is very breathable and doesn't absorb body heat like polyurethane foam.
Certified organic latex
The Pure Green natural latex mattress is made with GOLS certified organic dunlop latex.
It is 100% natural and organic, so you know you are getting a topper that is eco-friendly and safe for your health.
Note that the topper doesn't come with a cover. But you don't need one if you place it under a fitted sheet. You can also buy a breathable cover separately online.
Three sizes to choose from
Pure Green offers the latex topper in three thickness options: 1”, 2”, and 3”.
The three sizes vary in how they feel. The one inch topper has less sinkage and thus a firmer feel. It’s ideal for back and stomach sleepers. It’s also the best option if you have a soft or medium mattress and you don't want to soften it any further.
The 2” version has a plusher feel and is great for back sleepers and some side sleepers. It’s also good for making a firm mattress softer without sinking too deep.
The 3” size is the softest and is great for side sleepers and extra-firm mattresses.
Though the two and three inch sizes have a plush feel, they do not sink as deep as memory foam. You still get plenty of support.
Issues & Complaints
If you are shopping for a budget cooling topper, the Pure Green natural latex topper is a bit pricey compared to gel memory foam toppers.
Bottom Line
The Pure Green natural latex topper is a great choice for extra hot sleepers and anyone looking for an organic latex topper.
Avoid it if you are shopping for a budget topper. Memory foam is cheaper but won’t feel as cool as latex.
8. Best All-season Wool Mattress Topper: Sleep & Beyond Organic Merino Wool Mattress Topper
Wool is one of the best natural materials for temperature regulation. It keeps you cool when hot, and insulates you when it’s cold. This allows the Sleep & Beyond organic merino wool mattress topper to provide all-season comfort.
Pros
- All-season comfort.
- Great for night sweats.
- 100% organic fill and cover.
- Healthy & eco-friendly.
- Softens firm mattresses.
Cons
- Expensive.
Our Review
Wool provides the best of both worlds: insulation and cooling.
If you are a hot sleeper, the Sleep & Beyond wool topper absorbs sweat from your skin, which helps you cool down. The wool is also highly breathable, allowing body heat to escape.
And when it gets chilly, the wool fibers trap air, insulating you from the cold and keeping you warm.
100% organic wool & cover
The Sleep & Beyond topper is 100% organic, inside and outside.
The Merino wool is organic and is harvested sustainably. In fact, the company raises their own sheep to ensure they get the best quality wool.
The cotton jacquard cover is also organic. It’s breathable and easily absorbs sweat.
Adds a touch of softness to a firm mattress
The puffy wool topper softens a too-firm mattress without compromising support.
If your current spring or latex mattress leaves you with an aching hip, shoulder or back, try this topper.
Issues & Complaints
The Sleep & Beyond organic wool topper is expensive. If you are shopping on a budget, we recommend a down or down alternative topper or comforter.
Some sleepers have mentioned that the topper has a mild sheep smell, but it goes away after a few days.
Bottom Line
The Sleep & Beyond organic Merino wool topper is best for anyone shopping for a cooling mattress topper that feels comfortable all year long.
Avoid it if you are shopping for a budget topper.
9. Best Cooling waterproof mattress protector: Zen Bamboo Fitted Cooling Mattress Pad
The Zen bamboo fitted cooling mattress pad is really inexpensive for a bamboo set.
Of course, at this price it's not 100% bamboo. Only about 40% of it is. But that is enough to make it feel cool and cozy.
At night, this mattress pad dissipates excess body heat from the mattress and ensures that any perspiration dries quickly. So if you have a memory foam mattress that sleeps too hot, try this mattress pad.
The Zen feels soft and cozy and supports your back comfortably while also providing a bit of additional pressure relief for your shoulders and hips.
It also functions as a mattress protector. The material used is tough and durable, and you can even throw it in the washing machine when it gets dirty or stained.
The provided elastic skirt fits under your mattress to prevent the pad from shifting at night.
10. Best Cooling Mattress Pad: SlumberCloud Core Mattress Pad
If you don’t want to get a ventilated mattress pad, this is the next best alternative.
It performs just as well as a water or air-cooled pad without the need to plug it in. Instead of air or water, it uses a special fabric developed by Outlast.
The fabric contains PCMs or phase change materials. When you get hot, they absorb the excess body heat and store it.
When you get cold, the PCM releases the stored heat to make the bed warmer.
In other words, they provide perfect customized cooling. This is great if your body temperature fluctuates wildly through the night or you and your partner have different sleeping preferences.
The Outlast fabric creates a microclimate that is perfect for you and your partner.
Cotton is also used alongside the PCM materials to enhance cooling and make the pad soft.
The pad is hypoallergenic, which is great for allergy sufferers. It’s also easy to maintain. You can clean it in the washing machine.
It’s available in all standard sizes from twin to Cal King and in four colors (white, blue, dewdrop and mauve).
It’s designed to fit on all mattress heights up to a maximum of 20”.
11. Best Luxury Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper: PlushBeds Cooling Gel Memory Foam Topper
Memory foam feels pretty plush on its own. Add cooling gel to it and it becomes a luxurious upgrade for your bed.
The cooling gel in the PlushBeds memory foam topper does two important things. The most obvious one is cooling.
Gel beads embedded in the foam absorb heat from your skin, helping you sleep cooler. Gel cooling technology generally works best for mild to average hot sleepers.
If you are an extra-hot sleeper, the gel may not be enough to keep you cool. We recommend air or water-cooled systems like BedJet or ChiliPad instead.
In addition to cooling, the gel also improves pressure relief.
According to PlushBeds, the gel beads react to pressure by coalescing and molding around that area of your body.
This allows the memory foam topper to provide variable support. It feels firmer where you need support such as under your lower back but softens to relieve pressure around pressure points like your hips and shoulders.
The result is a luxurious sleeping experience, especially for a side sleeper. Using the PlushBeds gel memory foam topper essentially transforms your old mattress to feel like a 5-star hotel pillow top mattress.
The comfort and luxury don’t come cheap. The PlushBeds costs more than other gel memory foam toppers.
For your money, you have also assured a safe and healthy product. The PlushBeds gel memory foam topper has two certifications: CertiPUR-US® and GreenGuard Gold.
These mean that the topper is certified for the absence of a bunch of dangerous stuff including VOCs, PBDEs, CFCs, and others.
Another reason the PlushBeds gel memory foam topper costs more is that it is designed to last. Cheaper memory foam toppers last about three years.
The PlushBeds gel memory foam topper has a 5-year warranty, guaranteeing you’ll be using it for a long time.
You can choose from two thickness options: 2” and 3”. The 2” topper is slightly firmer and feels less plush. We recommend it for back sleepers who don’t want to risk compromising support from their mattress. The 2” topper is also ideal for use on medium firmness mattresses.
If you are struggling with back problems, the 2” topper is one of the best mattress toppers for back pain.
The 3” topper feels plusher and more luxurious. We recommend it for side sleepers and heavier sleepers who need more give and pressure relief. It also works great on a medium-firm or firm mattress.
The standard topper doesn’t come with a cover. But you can add an organic cotton cover to your order when you buy the topper.
12. Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Aches and Pains: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt + Cooling 3-Inch Mattress Topper
If you suffer from pain in your back, shoulders or hips, you have to be careful which mattress topper you buy.
A too-firm topper will press on the painful areas and worsen the pain. We recommend a soft memory foam topper that will hug your body, align your spine and relieve pressure points. The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt cooling topper does all these.
The 3” topper is pricey but it is one of the most comfortable upgrades you can give your bed. If you’ve heard great things about Tempur-Pedic mattresses (or experienced them), the Tempur-Adapt is just as good.
It’s made with premium TEMPUR-ES memory foam that melts around your body, contouring to your curves and relieving pressure from your back, shoulders and hips.
If you sleep on your side, the Tempur-Adapt can reduce hip and shoulder pain. If you sleep on your back, the topper helps with back pain.
We do not recommend the Tempur-Adapt topper for stomach sleepers as it is too soft to provide proper support and alignment. We also don’t recommend getting this topper if your mattress is already soft or is sagging in the middle. You’ll sink too deep into the topper, which will only worsen your aches and pains.
The Tempur-Adapt topper is suitable for medium-firm and firm mattresses that are still in good shape.
As for cooling, the TEMPUR-ESmaterial does not retain as much heat as ordinary memory foam, despite being softer and hugging your body closer.
But the real cooling star is the cool-to-the-touch knit cover. By the way, the cover is removable and washable. Wash it in cold water without any bleach or harsh detergents.
The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt cooling mattress topper comes with a 10-year warranty.
13. Best Water-cooled Mattress Pad: ChiliSleep Dock Pro
If you sleep really hot or get frequent hot flashes, we recommend the ChiliSleep Dock Pro.
It’s a water cooled system that cools you faster and better than any mattress topper or comforter. Oh, it can also warm your bed on chilly nights.
Pros
- Powerful cooling – perfect for extra-hot sleepers.
- Cools and warms the bed.
- Smart app control.
- Comfortable tubeless mattress pad.
Cons
- Expensive.
- WiFi connectivity issues.
Our Review
The ChiliSleep Dock Pro is an active cooler, not a passive cooler like mattress toppers and comforters.
Active coolers actively take away heat from the bed using water or air. This makes them much more effective at cooling compared to passive coolers.
The ChiliSleep Dock Pro is currently the best water-cooled mattress pad in the market.
Powerful Cooling Performance
The Dock Pro consists of two main components: the control unit and a mattress pad (the ChiliPad Pro).
The Dock Pro control unit is where most – not all; the mattress pad is pretty amazing too – of the magic happens.
Using an almost silent fan, it cools water in a reservoir and pumps it to the mattress pad. It can cool water to as low as 55 degrees (depending on ambient temperature and humidity).
The Dock Pro can get your bed cold (sometimes too cold) in minutes. It’s really effective against hot flashes and can help reduce night sweats caused by sleeping hot.
The Dock Pro can also heat water up to 115 degrees for those cold winter nights.
Tubeless ChiliPad Pro Mattress Pad
Most water-cooled systems have a mattress pad with tubes inside. Even ChiliSleeps other systems – Cube and Ooler – have a mattress pad with tubes.
The new ChiliPad Pro is tubeless. Instead, it has a membrane that distributes cooled or heated water over the mattress.
You’ll never feel any tubes under you when sleeping. More importantly, the membrane increases the cooling surface area, which cools you faster and more effectively.
The ChiliPad Pro mattress pad secures to your mattress using an elastic skirt.
You can get the mattress pad in a ME or WE option. The ME option is just for one person and is available in half queen, king and Cal king sizes.
The WE option is for couples and is available in dual zone queen, king and Cal king sizes. It comes with two control units, one for each half of the bed.
Sleepme App
You can use touch buttons on the control unit to adjust temperature.
Alternatively, link the Dock Pro to your home network (2.4 GHz only) and control it via the sleepme app from anywhere.
The app lets you adjust temperature, set sleep schedules, and activate the warm awake silent alarm feature.
Issues & Complaints
The main downside of active bed cooling systems like ChiliSleep Dock Pro is that they are expensive. The Dock Pro costs the same as a premium mattress.
If you are shopping on a budget, consider getting a basic bed fan or get a regular mattress topper or pad.
Bottom Line
The ChiliSleep Dock Pro is expensive, but it’s one of the most effective cooling solutions for hot sleepers, night sweats, and hot flashes.
14. Best Air-cooled System: BedJet 3
If you want instant cooling and heating, we recommend the BedJet 3. It uses forced air to cool and warm you in bed.
It helps with hot flashes and is particularly good at tackling night sweats.
Pros
- Instant heating and cooling.
- Excellent solution for night sweats.
- Advanced temperature control with personalized schedules and silent alarm.
- Easy to use remote control.
- Easy to set up.
Cons
- Pricey, especially once you add the Cloud Sheet.
- Limited cooling performance – not ideal for extra-hot sleepers or hot climates.
Our Review
The BedJet control unit has a fan that pulls in ambient air through a filter and blows it directly on you under the sheets.
Depending on where you set the temperature, it can cool you down or keep you warm. It also comes with a special dry mode to eliminate night sweats.
Instant Air Cooling
The biggest advantage of an air-cooled system like BedJet 3 is how instant the temperature change is.
It can cool or warm you in seconds. This is really helpful for hot flashes or on those chilly nights when you need to get warm quickly.
The BedJet 3 control unit doesn't actively cool the air. It just takes ambient air and directs it under the sheets using a hose that hooks onto your bed.
It might sound like a regular fan, but BedJet is much more effective at cooling you. That’s because it moves a lot more air and does a better job directing it where it’s needed.
Most hot sleepers find they are able to sleep comfortably all night long.
Optional Cloud Sheet
You can use the BedJet 3 as it is but the optional Cloud Sheet makes a huge difference especially if you get the dual zone BedJet.
The Cloud Sheet is a two-layer sheet that you get inside of.
It directs warm or cool air more evenly and gently over you. It provides even cooling or warming.
The dual zone Cloud Sheet consists of two separate chambers that allow couples to set different temperatures for each half of the bed.
The Cloud Sheet is 100% cotton and feels super soft against your skin. It’s machine washable.
Bluetooth Remote Control & App
BedJet 3 has hands down the best remote control of any bed cooling system in the market.
It’s a wireless Bluetooth remote control with a bright display and buttons for all the features. So you don't need to come with your phone to the bedroom or struggle with WiFi connections.
You can adjust the temperature between 66F and 104F, set different temperatures for each hour of the night (biorhythm sleep temperatures), and activate the silent alarm.
Other features include:
- Auto-off timer
- Fan speed settings – great for reducing noise level
- Turbo mode to rapidly warm up the bed
- Dry mode for sweat
- Memory functions
You can also use the BedJet 3 Bluetooth app to control temperature and other settings.
Issues & Complaints
If you sleep really hot, we recommend the ChiliSleep Dock Pro over BedJet. Water cooling is more powerful than air cooling.
BedJet’s minimum temperature is 66F, and even then it’s not a guarantee it can go that low. In contrast, the Dock Pro’s min temperature is 55F and it can get close to it on most nights.
The same goes for folks in hot climates. BedJet particularly struggles if ambient temperature is too high. You have to keep your AC turned low for it to be effective.
If you want to save on AC, go with Dock Pro. You can set the AC higher and it’ll still keep you cool.
The other issue with BedJet 3 is the price. It’s already pricey before you add on the separately sold Cloud Sheet (which we think, and many customers agree, is a must-have).
Bottom Line
BedJet 3 is a great choice for hot sleepers, cold sleepers, hot flashes and night sweats. It’s also a great solution for year-round sleep comfort; it’ll keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Mattress Toppers, Pads and Comforters: Buying Guide
What to Look for When Buying a Cooling Mattress Topper or Pad?
The best cooling mattress pad or topper depends on how hot you sleep and whether you also want to adjust the firmness of your mattress.
Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing a cooling mattress topper or pad.
Note: Cooling comforters are a whole different ball game. We have a dedicated section on buying a cooling comforter below.
1. Cooling Performance
How much cooling do you need?
This depends on how hot a sleeper you are as well as the climate where you live.
If you are a mild to average hot sleeper – meaning you get a bit warm at night but not sweltering hot – a gel memory foam or down alternative topper/pad will do.
If you are an extra-hot sleeper – meaning you get really hot at night and probably sweat a lot too – you’ll need a lot more cooling power.
We recommend a natural latex topper, a wool mattress pad, or a down mattress pad. All these are natural materials that have very good temperature regulation.
2. Materials
The other thing to consider is the construction of the topper or pad. This has an impact on cooling performance, comfort, and price.
Here are the different types of mattress toppers based on materials.
- Gel memory foam toppers – these are the most popular cooling toppers, and usually some of the most affordable. They are great for softening a firm mattress, but have limited cooling performance.
- Latex toppers – natural latex mattress toppers are pricier but offer very good cooling performance. They are ideal for extra-hot sleepers. A latex topper is also a good way to add support to a soft mattress.
- Wool toppers – wool mattress pads are also expensive but have excellent all-season temperature regulation. Get a wool topper if you want to be comfortable both in summer and winter.
- Down toppers – a down topper is another good choice if you want to go natural. The down filling has good temperature regulation and is great for extra-hot sleepers. Down toppers also tend to be cheaper than wool and latex toppers.
- Down alternative – if you want the softness of a down topper at a cheaper price, get a down alternative topper. Unfortunately, down alternative microfiber filling has limited cooling performance. Down alternative toppers are more suited to warm sleepers.
3. Cover
Check if the topper or pad comes with a cover.
A cover provides additional cooling and sweat absorption. It also helps keep the topper clean and hygienic.
The best toppers have breathable covers made from fabrics like cotton, eucalyptus and bamboo.
4. Feel & Comfort
Decide what kind of feel you want in your new cooling topper.
If you have a soft mattress, avoid a thick memory foam topper that will make it even softer and reduce how much support you get.
Get a 1-2” memory foam topper or, even better, a latex topper to improve support. A down, wool, or microfiber topper can also work. It will not add too much sinkage to the mattress.
If you have a firm mattress or a spring mattress that digs into your ribs and bones, a thicker (2 or 3 inches) memory foam topper is perfect.
If you only want to add a bit of softness, get a down, down alternative, or wool mattress pad.
5. Care & Cleaning
If you are getting a wool, microfiber, or down cooling pad, check if it is machine washable. Pads with natural materials require delicate care.
If you are buying a memory foam or latex mattress topper with a cover, check that the cover is removable and machine washable. It makes it easy to keep the topper clean.
6. Price
If you are on a budget, there are plenty of brands selling affordable gel memory foam toppers. But you may need to stick to 1” or 2” toppers as they are cheaper.
Microfiber/down alternative toppers are also affordable.
Toppers and pads with natural and organic materials cost more with wool toppers being the most expensive.
Down cooling pads are a bit more affordable, and you can get a well price 1” or 2” natural latex topper.
What to Look for When Buying a Cooling Comforter?
1. Materials (Cover & Filling)
Most of the cooling comforters you’ll come across contain microfiber filling, what’s also called down alternative.
It feels soft and luxurious, but it’s not the best for cooling.
If you prefer a down alternative comforter because it’s more affordable, at least make sure it has a breathable outer cover made from cotton, eucalyptus, bamboo, Tencel, or some other cool fabric.
Comforters with natural fiberfill offer the best cooling performance. This can be wool, down, bamboo, or eucalyptus fiber.
Some cool comforters use a mix of natural fibers and synthetic microfiber to keep the price low.
2. Fill Power (Down Comforters Only)
If you decide to get a down comforter, get one with a high fill power – at least 700.
Fill power indicates how fluffy the comforter is. A fluffier down comforter will feel more luxurious, it’ll cool and warm you more effectively, and it’ll last longer.
3. All-season vs. Summer Comforter
Hot sleepers should stick to two types of comforters: all-season or lightweight summer comforters.
Avoid heavyweight winter comforters.
Summer comforters are thin and light since they are designed to offer maximum breathability. These are ideal if you live in a place with sweltering hot summers or if you are a really hot sleeper.
An all-season comforter is ideal if you tend to get a bit chilly in the colder months but overheat easily in summer. This type of comforter keeps you comfortable in any season.
The best all-season comforters are made from wool or down, two natural materials that provide good temperature regulation.
4. Care & Cleaning
Check what kind of care the comforter requires. Some comforters like down and wool are delicate and require special care.
Some manufacturers won’t even let you machine wash a wool comforter at all. You either dry clean it or spot clean any stains.
Microfiber comforters are the easiest to take care of.
5. Price
Microfiber comforters are the most affordable, though the price can go up if the comforter has a bamboo, eucalyptus or an organic cotton cover.
Similar to cooling toppers and pads, comforters with natural filling are more expensive. Again, wool comforters tend to be the most expensive followed by down comforters.
Benefits of Using a Mattress Pad/Cooling Comforter
Here are some of the benefits of getting a mattress pad or cooling comforter.
Personalized Comfort
Air-conditioned comforters let you choose exactly what temperature you want the mattress to be. Most also provide a dual-zone configuration for couples with different sleeping preferences.
Even normal non-ventilated mattress pads can provide customized comfort by using phase change materials. The mattress pads cool or warms you up depending on your body temperature.
Lower Heating/Cooling Bills
Turning down the thermostat when you just need to cool the bed wastes a lot of energy.
With a cooling pad, you can keep the room warm while still enjoying a cool and comfortable bed.
You also don’t have to keep arguing with your partner over the thermostat. Everyone can enjoy their own personalized comfort.
Better Sleep
To sleep better, sleep experts recommend turning down the temperature a degree or two. The ideal sleep temperature is 65F though it can vary slightly among different people.
A cooler bed allows you to fall asleep more quickly and enjoy deeper sleep.
If your current mattress sleeps hot, it will affect your sleep, and in turn, this will affect your health and productivity.
A cooling pad will help you sleep better, enjoy better health and be more productive at work.
It can also be helpful for those with sleep disorders such as insomnia or health conditions like hot flashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of mattress cooling solution is right for me?
It will depend on several factors including how much cooling you need, whether you sleep alone or with your partner and of course your budget.
For help choosing the best mattress cooling solution for you, see our section above on factors to consider when buying a mattress cooling pad or comforter.
How do I keep my mattress cool during warm summer nights?
You could turn down the thermostat, but that will use up a lot of energy and drive up your bills. It will also interfere with your partner’s sleep if they prefer sleeping warm.
The best solution is to get a cooling pad or comforter. It will provide personalized cooling, and for some, you can even set the exact sleeping temperature that is most comfortable for you.
If you are a couple, look for a dual zone cooling solution that lets each of you configure the temperature on your side of the bed.
How long will a cooling comforter last?
This varies depending on the type of comforter.
Some thin foam pads last 2-3 years while more advanced cooling systems can last for 5 or even ten years.
What are the best material types to keep me cool?
Cotton, wool, synthetic down filling, microfiber and bamboo rayon are some of the most commonly used materials in cooling pads. They are great at dissipating excess heat and moisture.
Gel-infused memory foam and latex foam are also great alternatives.
How long can a memory foam topper cool before it warms up?
It will depend on the quality and design of the memory foam.
Some memory foam toppers will keep you cool for half the night but then start warming up as they trap more heat.
That’s why I recommend buying gel-infused memory foam toppers with an open-cell design. They don’t trap a lot of heat and will keep you cool through the night.
What is Outlast technology?
It is a type of fabric that utilizes PCM or Phase Change Materials to provide customized comfort. The PCMs absorb and release heat depending on your body temperature.
When you are feeling warm, they absorb heat to cool you. When you are feeling cold, they release heat to keep you warm.
So regardless of the weather, you’ll never be too cold or too warm.
A couple of cooling pads in our list above use Outlast Technology.
What type of solution is best for high-humidity/tropical environments?
Look for a forced air/convection mattress cooling system such as BedJet V2. It’s best for humid climates.
Radiant systems that use water tend to perform better in drier and warmer climates. But they are not useless in humid rooms. This is because the system is restricted to just the bed and not the whole house. So it is not affected as much.
But I’d still recommend an air-based cooling system for best results.
Alternatively, get an ordinary foam or down filling mattress pad.
How do cooling pads work?
Simple cooling pads are consisting of foam or filling work by enhancing air flow. This allows heat and sweat from your body to be carried away from the mattress.
PCM (phase change material) cooling pads work by absorbing excess heat from your body when you are feeling warm and releasing it back when you are feeling cold.
Air-conditioned cooling systems work either by using forced air or water. Warm/cool air or water is introduced into the bed to either cool or warm it.
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