Best Cooling Mattress Toppers
Mar 13th, 2023 •
A gel mattress topper is an added layer of cushioning that is placed atop your mattress. Over the years, your mattress flattens out and becomes less and less comfortable, but with the addition of a quality mattress topper, you can restore some of the comfort and support to an older mattress without having to break the bank.
Gel mattress toppers are similar to memory foam toppers because most are made of memory foam. However, because of the tendency for memory foam to trap heat, the foam has been infused with a cooling gel or cooling gel beads to enhance air circulation and temperature regulation. If you are interested in how a gel mattress topper may benefit your sleep health and how to choose the perfect one for your bedroom, check out this shopping guide for more information. We have also picked out our favorite gel-infused mattress toppers to help you with your search.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cooling Mattress Toppers

Best Overall
Saatva Mattress Topper
Saatva’s topper is made from high-quality, safe, and earth-friendly materials, like high-density foams and renewable oils. This both decreases emissions of greenhouse gasses during manufacturing, and eliminates the possibility of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals.
But that’s not the only reason we love it. The topper also uses a graphite infusion to help keep you cool. Graphite is naturally cooling and moisture-wicking; when paired with Saatva’s breathable cotton cover, it is highly effective at keeping you cool and comfortable through the night.
Since Saatva’s topper is made from memory foam, it also helps to dispel motion transfer if you sleep with a partner. It can also help to alleviate back, neck and joint pain by relieving pressure in those areas.
Pros
- Lots of size options
- Non-toxic
- Eco-conscious
Cons
- On the pricier side

Best Value Cooling Mattress Topper
Viscosoft High-Density Mattress Topper
At less than $200 for a queen, this mattress topper may not be the most affordable on the list, but it definitely pleads its case for best value. The topper features three or four inches of high-density memory foam (you can pick your preferred thickness, though the 4-inch will be more expensive) and a removable, washable cover.
The cover is made from a breathable mesh, which allows for air to flow through and keep you cool; the heavy-duty adjustable straps keep the topper snug on top of your mattress so it won’t shift around—even under active sleepers.
One of the topper’s most important cooling features is the gel infusion which helps to keep the memory foam cool, brings heat away from the body, and allows the foam to feel more breathable than standard memory foam. This is a great pick for all sleeping positions, and the thick foam helps relieve pressure, eliminate motion transfer, and properly align the spine.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Washable, removable cover
- Gel-infused foam keeps you cool
Cons
- Some customers felt they sunk too far into the foam

Best Hypoallergenic Cooling Mattress Topper
Puffy Mattress Topper
While mattress toppers certainly add some additional cushioning and comfort to your bed, they can also trap allergens. If you do suffer from allergies—particularly airborne ones—you will want to make sure that your topper is specifically designed to be hypoallergenic, like this one from Puffy.
This topper is designed to resist dust mites and bacteria while keeping you cool and comfortable all night long. It features a washable cover—also a must for allergies—and allows you to choose between a firm or soft density depending on your preferences. It is made from a blend of bamboo and polyester which are cool to the touch and allow for airflow during the night.
The topper is on the lighter side, so it won’t allow you to sink down too far, and it works with all types of mattresses—foam, coil, and hybrid. Still not sold? You can try it out for 101 nights to make sure it’s the right fit for you.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Washable cover
- Affordable price
Cons
- Won’t alleviate pressure like memory foam
- Limited to standard sizing

Best Luxury Cooling Mattress Topper
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper
This medium-density topper is a great way to add some plushness to an aging mattress if you aren’t ready for a complete overhaul. It’s made with three inches of cooling memory foam that’s designed to relieve pressure and provide ergonomic support throughout the night.
It features a cool-to-touch cover that can be removed and thrown in the washing machine, and it has long elastic straps which keep it in place on top of your mattress.
This topper also comes with a 10-year warranty and free shipping.
Pros
- Removable cover
- Straps keep it in place
- High-quality foam
Cons
- Can have a lingering smell
- On the pricier side

Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Back Pain
Layla Memory Foam Topper
If you suffer from back pain, you’ll want to make sure that the mattress topper you choose to invest in will not only provide cushion, but additional support as well. This one by Layla is a great choice if you’re attempting to relieve some of that pressure and alleviate pesky aches and pains.
The bulk of this topper is made from a super-cushy, copper-gel-infused memory foam. It’s incredibly supportive and helps take compression off of pressure points, as well as helps to keep you cool. The copper infusion is designed to absorb body heat, pulling it away from the body. The topper is also naturally antimicrobial, which means that it blocks and kills bacteria.
Pros
- Naturally antimicrobial
- Reasonable price
- Good for pressure relief
Cons
- Not as thick as some other options
- Not as many size options as other models
Best Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Mattress Topper Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
A lot of mattress toppers—particularly quality ones—can easily run you upwards of $100. This one comes in at just under $90 for a queen (with ongoing sales deals), and is a great option for anyone looking for a basic memory foam topper.
The topper has no cover—it consists of just a slab of memory foam—but you can’t go wrong with a basic model like this if you are looking for a high level of support for an affordable price. It comes in both 2” and 3” thickness options, and it’s infused with a cooling gel swirl that helps regulate your temperature through the night.
The topper has an ultra-plush feel, so it will allow you to sink down into the material and feel like it’s cradling your body. It’s also made with CertiPur-US certified materials, so no need to worry about toxins or harmful chemicals.
Pros
- Affordable
- Two thickness options
- Very plush
Cons
- No cover
- Might be too soft for some
Best Plush Cooling Mattress Topper
Parachute Home Down Mattress Topper
If you are looking to add some luxurious plushness to your mattress—and not necessarily additional support—then there is nothing better than a down topper. This topper is stuffed with 550-fill power, which gives it a fluffy, cloud-like feel. It has a dual-chamber design that provides a double layer of down, and baffle-box stitching that keeps its feathers equally distributed.
The outer shell is made from 100% sateen cotton, which is light, crisp, and breathable. Both cool to the touch and highly ventilated, Parachute’s down topper regulates your temperature without the use of gels, foams, or other synthetic materials. It’s also made in the USA and comes with a three-year warranty.
Pros
- Very plush
- Natural materials
Cons
- Dry-clean only
- Not hypoallergenic

Best Cooling Mattress Topper for Pressure Relief
Nest Cooling Topper
This topper provides excellent pressure relief without adding too many inches to the top of your bed. It’s only 2’ tall, but the dense memory foam supports you from underneath and relieves pressure from sensitive areas. It’s designed to feel like a latex topper, but it doesn’t include latex, so it’s safe for those that may be allergic to the material.
The topper has a cover with straps that secure it under the four corners of the mattress, and the foam is infused with a cooling gel that regulates temperature through the night. It also comes with a 30-day trial period and two-year warranty.
Pros
- Soft and supportive
- Secures to mattress
- Optional accident protection
Cons
- Cover is not removable

Best Down Cooling Mattress Topper
Brooklinen Down Mattress Topper
This topper is peak luxury. It has the 600-fill power of white duck down, enclosed in a 100% cotton casing. It uses baffle-box stitching to keep the feathers all evenly distributed, and has two separate feather layers—a bottom layer of plump, supportive white feathers, and a top layer of powder-white down, which gives it the fluffy, puffy, signature softness.
Unlike some down toppers, this one can be thrown in the dryer to fluff it up, though it will have to be spot cleaned or dry-cleaned, as putting it in the washer can lead to shrinking and clumping.
Since it doesn’t have any cooling properties, this will be slightly warmer than a gel cooling topper but does allow for great ventilation, which helps keep your temperature regulated.
Pros
- Very plush
- Non-toxic materials
- Can be fluffed in dryer
Cons
- Limited sizing
- Must be dry-cleaned

Best Responsive Cooling Mattress Topper
Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
It can be difficult to find just the right balance between soft and supportive when it comes to a memory foam topper, but this one seems to hit the mark. It has just enough cushion to add some plushness to your mattress, but it won’t allow you to sink down so far that you feel suffocated.
It was designed to be compatible with all mattress types, and uses T&N Adaptive foam, which is an open-cell memory foam that allows for maximum breathability and airflow.
The foam is excellent at helping relieve pressure points in areas like the hips, and shoulders. It’s also both Greengaurd Gold and Certi-PUR US certified, which means that it contains no harmful chemicals that could affect you or your air quality.
Pros
- Affordable
- Not too soft
- Non-skid bottom
Cons
- Not washable
- Limited sizing
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Cooling Mattress Topper
Cooling mattress toppers come in a variety of different styles and materials – and they are not all created equal. Here are a few factors to consider when purchasing a cooling mattress topper:
- Thickness: The thicker a mattress topper is, the more cushion it provides. If you just want to add a little comfort to your bed, then a 1-2” topper will work well. On the other hand, if you want to completely transform your bed, you can add a topper up to 6” thick.
- Material: While mattress toppers can be made with a variety of materials, cooling mattress toppers are typically made from a gel-infused memory foam, which provides a high level of comfort and pressure relief for sleepers.
- Size and Fit: We often hear complaints of mattress toppers being too small or too large for the mattress size. You want to get the best fit possible so you don’t experience shifting during the night so make sure to read the measurements and reviews. In addition, it could be beneficial to purchase a trimmable topper.
- Budget: Cooling mattress toppers range anywhere from $50 to $250, so it is important to set a budget for your new mattress topper. In addition, think about how often you will be making this purchase. If you take care of your mattress topper, it will take care of you, and last for many years. You won’t have to purchase a new mattress topper for a while, so it may be a good idea to splurge on a higher quality topper rather than save on a lower-quality option.
- Certifications: There are a few notable independent companies that test products for quality such as memory foam mattress toppers. The main certifications that we recommend looking out for include CertiPUR-US, Greenguard, and OEKO-TEX. All of these organizations ensure the rigorous safety standards are met and no harmful chemicals are used in the manufacturing of the memory foam.
Related: Best Cooling Mattresses
Perks of Cooling Toppers
So, what are some of the benefits of owning a cooling mattress topper?
- Comfort: Aside from keeping you cool, these mattress toppers are also made to contour your body and relieve pressure points. With a cooling mattress topper, you will have a much more comfortable sleep surface that will help to ensure you receive the best night’s sleep possible.
- Long-term health: We all know that one-third of our lives are spent in bed, so it is obvious that the support your body receives during this time will impact your long-term health. Investing in products that will improve your comfort levels during sleep will help you wake up refreshed and ready to go each day. Also, all of the cooling mattress toppers included here are memory foam based – memory foam is famous for relieving back and neck pain
- Reduce electricity costs: If your mattress topper keeps you cool at night, you will not find yourself waking up in the middle of the night to turn on the A/C. Ultimately, it is possible that the one-time purchase of a cooling memory topper will reduce your A/C bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any way to enhance the cooling effect of my mattress topper?
The best way to improve the cooling power of your topper is to invest in highly breathable bedding. For example, purchase sheets made of natural materials like cotton, linen, or bamboo – all of which are highly breathable fabrics known for their cooling effects and moisture-wicking abilities. This goes for your pillowcases, too.
Will a gel mattress topper turn my old mattress like new?
Not exactly. A quality gel mattress topper will improve the comfort level of your mattress but it will not fix a mattress that needs to be replaced. For example, if your mattress is lumpy, sagging, or over 10 years old, a gel mattress topper will not transform it into the mattress of your dreams. If it is time to buy a new mattress, then nothing short of buying a new mattress is going to help you.
Will a gel topper fit my bed perfectly?
One of the most common reports we hear from individuals with a mattress topper is that they have a hard time finding the perfect fit for their mattress. In general, mattress toppers seem to be a little too big or a little too small for the mattress size, therefore, it is a good idea to purchase a topper that can be trimmed down to fit your bed.
Conclusion
People sleep better in the cool than they do in the heat. In fact, while you are lying in bed trying to catch some z’s, your body temperature decreases to initiate sleep. To ensure optimal sleep, the suggested bedroom temperature is somewhere between 60 and 67-degrees, however, just lowering the thermostat doesn’t work for everyone. Some of us are just hot sleepers.
Thankfully, keeping you and your bed cool at night does not have to feel like an uphill battle. Without having to break the bank, you can add a quality cooling mattress topper to your bed to improve airflow and temperature regulation – ultimately leading to a better night’s sleep. Use this informative shopping guide to learn the tips and tricks to buying a cooling mattress topper and say goodbye to night sweats.
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