Best Cooling Mattresses, and How They Work

How Does a Cooling Mattress Work?

One of the most common reasons for a too-hot mattress is poor breathability; whether in foam or innersprings, too much density can trap in heat and humidity, creating a stuffy, uncomfortable feel. To combat the problem of overheating, many mattresses are now designed to maximize air circulation between the sleeper and the mattress’s surface, as well as within the inside of the mattress itself.

- Open Cell Foam:

A memory foam mattress with an open cell foam design means that amidst the packed memory foam layers are micro open-air passageways, allowing heat to pass through and the mattress to breathe.

Best Open Cell Foam Mattresses:

- Gel Foam:

Infusing gel into memory foam mattresses is one of the most popular technologies mattress brands use to prevent overheating, but it actually has less to do with air circulation and more to do with the cooling properties of gel. Because gel is part liquid, it does not easily retain heat. Compared to a foam mattress, a gel foam mattress helps to counteract a hot environment, making it easier to stay cool, comfortable and asleep for longer periods of time.

Best Gel Foam Mattresses:

- Copper Foam:

Copper-infused foam for cooling comfort is not just an intriguing idea – it actually works. In a mattress, copper is naturally heat-conductive, meaning it is quick to absorb and transfer heat away from the body, helping to keep mattress temperature level cool and balanced.

Best Copper Gel Foam Mattress:

How to Make a Memory Foam Mattress Cooler

Memory foam mattresses tend to sleep hot, which can affect sleep. To cool off when the temps get uncomfortable, try using less bedding, a memory foam mattress with cooling properties built in (see tips above!) and sheet material such as linen or bamboo. You can also try placing the mattress on an airier base, such as a slatted platform or box spring, to help encourage circulation.

A Note on Fabric Breathability

One final thing to look for when considering a cooler mattress is the fabric the mattress is made of. The fabric is the material stretched over the surface of the mattress; it's the material you touch when the sheets and bedding are taken off.

New innovations in mattress fabric allow for higher breathability, or airflow, within the mattress. Due to the way the fabric is knit, what the fabric is made of (common breathable materials include bamboo and tencel) and how light/thin (read: less thick and stuffy) the fabric is, the overall mattress experience becomes cooler, lighter and more comfortable.