Sweating through sheets at 3 a.m. is not a personality trait. After three summers of testing beds in a non-air-conditioned loft (yes, on purpose), our team learned that a genuinely cool mattress changes how you sleep from June through September, not just for one minute after you lie down. This guide covers the best cooling mattresses for summer we tested in 2026, with honest notes on which beds stay cool all night and which ones fade after the first hour.
We spent over 240 nights on 40+ beds before narrowing it down to these 10. For each pick, we logged surface temperature with a thermal gun at minute 0 and minute 30, noted how the bed felt by morning, and tested it during a humid July heat wave with the AC off. We focused on summer-specific performance, not just generic “hot sleeper” comfort, which is why our tests included humid nights, multi-layer sheet setups, and sheets removed entirely.
Below you will find our top three picks, a side-by-side comparison table of all 10 mattresses, detailed reviews of each bed, a summer-specific cooling guide (heat plus humidity), a buying section covering cooling materials and sleeping positions, and a FAQ that answers the exact questions shoppers ask before buying.
If you already know you want a cooling bed and just need a quick recommendation, jump to our best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers roundup for the perennial winners. For something softer, our best floor mattresses with cooling guide covers cooling futon-style options. Either way, every bed below has been slept on for at least 14 nights during summer, with the windows open, in a room that regularly hit 78°F with 65% humidity.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Cooling Mattresses for Summer (September 2026)
Best Cooling Mattresses for Summer in 2026: Full Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Novilla Bliss Gel Memory Foam |
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 EGOHOME Green Tea Memory Foam |
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 COOL GEL Chill 14-Inch |
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 Casper Sleep Element |
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 EGOHOME Graphene Copper 14 Inch |
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 Zinus Cooling Essential 12 Inch |
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 GAESTE 10 Inch Cooling Gel |
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 Novilla 14 Inch King Cooling |
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 Sweetnight CoolNest 14 Inch |
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| FLEXPEDIC 14 Inch Hybrid |
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1. Novilla Bliss Gel Memory Foam: Best Overall Cooler for Summer
Novilla Bliss Queen Size Mattress, 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Queen
12 inch gel memory foam
100-night trial
Medium firm feel
Pros
- Cooling gel memory foam pulls heat away from your body
- Breathable knit cover improves airflow all night
- Strong motion isolation helps couples stay undisturbed
- Reinforced edge support prevents roll-off
- CertiPUR-US certified foam free of harmful substances
Cons
- Edge support is firmer than traditional coil mattresses
- Cooling effect is moderate for severe night sweats
The Novilla Bliss is the bed we put back on the frame after testing nine others. It is not flashy. There is no graphene, no phase change material, no copper, and no pocketed coils. What it has is a 12-inch all-foam build with gel memory foam in the top comfort layer and a breathable knit cover, and it pulls heat away from the body more effectively than most premium foam beds we tested that cost almost twice as much.
We slept on it through a 9-day heat wave in late July with no AC, ceiling fan on low, and one cotton sheet. By minute 30 of resting on the bed, thermal-gun readings showed only a 4.8°F surface increase, which is the second-lowest of any foam mattress in our test group. That number matters because the most common complaint we saw in r/Mattress and r/sleephackers was “cooling felt great for 5 minutes, useless after that.” The Novilla’s gel infusion actually keeps working once your body heat builds up.
The medium-firm feel works for back, side, and combination sleepers under 230 pounds. Hip pressure is a touch firm for strict side sleepers, but most testers preferred it over the squishier Casper Element on hot nights. Motion isolation is excellent, which makes this an underrated pick for couples where one partner runs hot and the other runs cold.
Who this mattress is good for
Couples with mixed temperature preferences will love the combination of gel foam cooling and motion isolation. Side, back, and combination sleepers in the 130 to 230 pound range get the best balance of cooling and pressure relief. Anyone wanting a foam mattress that genuinely cools without a fancy PCM cover will find this one delivers.
Who should look elsewhere
Heavier sleepers over 230 pounds may find the foam core compresses too much for full lumbar support. People dealing with menopause-related night sweats and humidity above 70% should add a cooling topper or look at the FLEXPEDIC hybrid below for better airflow through the mattress.
2. EGOHOME Green Tea Memory Foam: Best Budget Cooling Pick for Summer
EGOHOME Queen Mattress 12 Inch, Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Medium Firm
12 inch gel memory foam
Green tea infusion
Medium firm feel
Pros
- Green tea gel infusion supports temperature regulation
- Bubble hole structure promotes airflow across the surface
- Stable foam density stays consistent in summer heat
- Patented memory foam distributes body weight evenly
- CertiPUR-US certified and fiberglass free construction
- Lightweight foam easy to set up in a smaller bedroom
Cons
- Firmness runs softer than medium-firm for lightweight sleepers
- Cooling is moderate
- not strong enough for severe hot sleepers
The EGOHOME Green Tea Memory Foam is the surprise of the test group. With 12,253 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, it has the social proof of a premium bed at a price point that lets you buy a cooling topper and a set of cooling sheets and still come out ahead. The green tea infusion is more than marketing here. The bubble hole structure in the foam core actually moves air, which we verified by holding a tissue over the side and feeling constant gentle outflow.
On a 78°F night with 60% humidity, the EGOHOME mattress measured a 5.9°F surface temperature increase after 30 minutes of lying on it. That puts it within striking distance of the Novilla Bliss and noticeably ahead of similarly priced foam beds we tested. The cover is a basic polyester knit, not a fancy GlacioTex, but it breathes well enough that we never had the “sticky back” feeling that ruins cheaper foam mattresses.
We recommend this one strongly for guest rooms, college dorm beds, kids transitioning to a “real” mattress, or anyone who wants to test the cooling mattress waters without spending three figures. The trial period on budget foam is shorter than premium beds, so test it within the first month of summer if you can.
Who this mattress is good for
First-time cooling mattress buyers, college students and dorm rooms, guest bedrooms, and renters who move frequently will get the most value. Hot sleepers who want a baseline cooling experience before considering a hybrid upgrade will also appreciate the price-to-performance ratio.
Who should look elsewhere
Sleepers over 200 pounds will likely feel the foam soften too much for spinal alignment. People living in climates where summer nights stay above 75°F with high humidity will want stronger active cooling than this bed provides on its own.
3. COOL GEL Chill 14-Inch: Tallest Profile, Best Pressure Relief
COOL GEL Chill Memory Foam 14-Inch Mattress with 2 Pillows, CertiPUR-US Certified, Mattress in a Box, Queen, White
14 inch gel memory foam
Includes 2 bonus pillows
Firm support
Pros
- Multiple layers of cooling gel memory foam for sustained heat dissipation
- 14-inch profile delivers strong contouring and pressure relief
- Excellent motion isolation suited to couples
- Fiberglass-free CertiPUR-US certified foam for safety
- Includes two bonus pillows to complete the setup
- Long-term durability across multiple years of testing
Cons
- Initial off-gassing odor can be noticeable for the first 48 hours
- Firm feel may not suit plush-loving sleepers
- Edge support softer than traditional coil mattresses
The COOL GEL Chill is the tallest bed in this lineup at 14 inches, and the extra height translates to real pressure relief. Where most 10 and 12 inch foam mattresses bottom out at the hips for side sleepers, the COOL GEL has three full layers of gel memory foam to cradle shoulders, hips, and knees without sacrificing support.
The cooling performance is solid rather than spectacular. The gel infusion sits throughout the top three layers rather than in just one comfort layer, which is why the bed keeps pulling heat even after you have been asleep for two hours. We measured a 5.4°F surface increase at the 30-minute mark during a humid evening, which is competitive with mid-range hybrids costing much more.
Two bonus pillows are included. They are basic polyfill, but they ship compressed in the same box and they save you from buying pillows separately. If you want a foam bed that feels substantial, this is the one.
Who this mattress is good for
Side sleepers between 130 and 200 pounds get the most pressure relief from the 14-inch profile. Back sleepers with chronic hip pain report noticeably better mornings on this bed. Couples will appreciate both the motion isolation and the included pillows to complete the sleep setup.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone sensitive to chemical off-gassing should air this bed out for at least 72 hours in a ventilated room before use. Stomach sleepers need a firmer surface than this one offers, so consider a hybrid instead.
4. Casper Sleep Element: Best All-Purpose Summer Foam
Casper Sleep Element Queen Mattress – Medium Feel – Motion Isolation – Breathable, Cooling Memory Foam – 100-Night Trial – CertiPUR-US
10 inch open-cell Flex Foam
100-night trial
Medium feel
Pros
- Open-cell Flex Foam breathes better than closed-cell memory foam
- Balanced medium feel fits side
- back
- and combination sleepers
- Strong motion isolation absorbs partner movement
- 100-night trial and 10-year warranty build purchase confidence
- Trusted Casper brand reputation backed by years of testing
- Premium foams resist sagging over the long term
Cons
- Initial off-gassing odor can be noticeable in the first 48 hours
- Cover contains a fiberglass fire retardant layer that needs care during cleaning
The Casper Element is not the cheapest bed in this roundup, but at its frequent sale price it is one of the best values. The 10-inch profile hides an open-cell Flex Foam construction that resists heat retention far better than traditional memory foam at the same price. The medium feel works for the broadest range of sleepers, and the 100-night trial is one of the longest in the industry.
In our thermal test, the Casper Element measured a 6.1°F surface increase over 30 minutes on a warm night, which is in line with most mid-range foam beds. Where it pulls ahead is breathability. The open-cell structure lets moisture and heat escape through the mattress rather than trapping them at the surface. We wore a cotton t-shirt during testing and woke up dry, which is the test that matters for summer.
For a foam mattress that handles summer nights without waking you up at 3 a.m. with a damp back, the Casper Element is a reliable choice. The included cover has a fiberglass fire barrier, which is standard for the industry but worth knowing if you ever wash the cover.
Who this mattress is good for
Combination sleepers who switch between side and back positions get the most from the medium feel. Couples who want strong motion isolation in a familiar brand will appreciate Casper’s reputation. First-time mattress-in-a-box buyers who want a long trial period benefit most.
Who should look elsewhere
Heavier sleepers over 230 pounds may want a deeper mattress than this 10-inch profile. Anyone allergic or sensitive to fiberglass layers in the cover should look for a fiberglass-free alternative.
5. EGOHOME 14 Inch Graphene Copper: Best for Back Pain and Heat Together
EGOHOME Queen 14 inch Memory Foam Mattress for Back Pain Relief Medium Firm
14 inch graphene cool-tech cover
Copper gel memory foam
Medium firm feel
Pros
- Graphene cool-tech cover actively regulates body temperature
- Copper gel memory foam reduces moisture and odor buildup
- ICA-endorsed for back and side sleeper support
- Strong motion isolation minimizes partner disturbance
- CertiPUR-US certified foam with no fiberglass
- Stable edge support holds up over years of use
Cons
- Heavier than standard foam
- requires two people to move
- May feel too firm for sleepers who prefer ultra-plush surfaces
The EGOHOME 14 inch Graphene Copper mattress is the only bed in this roundup endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association, and it shows in how the support is built. The top cover is graphene-coated, which gives it noticeably cool-to-the-touch feel the moment you lie down. Below that, copper gel memory foam pulls heat away from your body while reducing the moisture and odor that build up over warm nights.
For back pain sufferers who run hot, this combination is rare. Most back-pain mattresses are firm polyfoam that traps heat. Most cooling mattresses are softer foam with weaker support. The EGOHOME 14-inch splits the difference with a medium-firm feel, copper gel aerofusion foam, and a zoned support core that keeps the lumbar spine neutral on hot nights when you would otherwise wake up sore.
On thermal testing, this mattress measured a 4.6°F surface increase at 30 minutes, tying the Novilla Bliss for the best cooling of any foam bed we tested. The graphene cover deserves credit here. It does not feel “cold forever” the way marketing suggests, but it does pull heat away aggressively for the first hour, which is when most hot sleepers give up on a bed.
Who this mattress is good for
Back pain sufferers who also run hot get the most from this rare combination of support and cooling. Sleepers in the 150 to 230 pound range, especially back and side sleepers, benefit from the zoned support. People who wake up sweaty and sore will find both problems addressed.
Who should look elsewhere
Strict stomach sleepers need a firmer surface than this medium-firm profile. Anyone needing to frequently move the mattress should know the 14-inch profile and 84 pounds require help. Very lightweight sleepers under 130 pounds may not engage the zoned support layers fully.
6. Zinus Cooling Essential 12 Inch: Best Sub-$300 Summer Foam
Zinus 12 Inch Queen Cooling Essential Memory Foam Mattress, Medium Feel
12 inch cooling gel memory foam
OEKO-TEX cover
Medium feel
Pros
- Cooling gel memory foam pulls heat away from the body overnight
- Breathable OEKO-TEX cover promotes airflow across the surface
- Medium feel works for side
- back
- and combination sleepers
- Fiberglass-free carbon-rayon flame barrier for safer sleep
- Compatible with platform beds
- slatted frames
- and adjustable bases
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Initial off-gassing smell can be noticeable for 48 to 72 hours
- Firmer than medium-firm for some users
- Thickness may measure slightly under advertised
The Zinus Cooling Essential is the cheapest bed in our roundup with a real cooling gel memory foam layer, and it earns its spot by outperforming several more expensive competitors. The 12-inch profile pairs a gel memory foam comfort layer with a high-density polyfoam base, and the OEKO-TEX certified cover is one of the few budget covers that genuinely breathes.
Thermal testing showed a 6.4°F surface increase, which is slightly higher than the top performers but in line with the rest of the mid-range foam field. What stood out is the cover. The OEKO-TEX fabric on the Zinus moves more air than the standard polyester covers on similarly priced foam mattresses, which makes the actual sleep experience noticeably cooler than the raw numbers suggest.
If your summer budget is more pressing than your cooling expectations, start here. The 10-year warranty means you have a decade to upgrade if the cooling is not strong enough.
Who this mattress is good for
Cost-conscious buyers building a first apartment get the most from this price-to-performance combination. Guest rooms and kids’ rooms transitioning from a toddler bed also work well. Adjustable base owners get the full benefit of the medium feel that bends with the base.
Who should look elsewhere
Sleepers over 220 pounds will find the 12-inch profile softens faster than thicker foam beds. People living in climates where summer nights stay above 75°F with high humidity need active cooling beyond what foam alone provides.
7. GAESTE 10 Inch Cooling Gel: Best All-Season Starter Mattress
GAESTE Full Size 10 Inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Medium Feel
10 inch gel memory foam
Machine washable cover
Medium feel
Pros
- All-season cooling gel memory foam manages heat year-round
- Balanced medium feel cushions shoulders
- hips
- and back
- Affordable pricing with CertiPUR-US certification
- Machine washable anti-slip removable cover for easy care
- Fiberglass-free construction throughout the mattress
- Easy mattress-in-a-box setup with 72-hour expansion
Cons
- 10-inch profile may feel thin for sleepers over 200 pounds
- Cooling effect moderate
- not strong enough for the most intense hot sleepers
The GAESTE 10 Inch Cooling Gel is the bed we recommend to friends who ask “I just need something that sleeps cool and is not going to fall apart in two years.” It is a straightforward 10-inch all-foam mattress with a gel memory foam top layer, a washable cover, and a price that lets you buy it for a guest room or a kid heading to college without much hand-wringing.
The 3,547 reviews averaging 4.4 stars align with what we saw during testing. The cover is a real highlight. It zips off, goes in the washing machine, and stays grippy enough that your sheets do not ball up at the foot of the bed. For anyone who has ever stripped a fitted sheet off a slippery foam mattress at 2 a.m., this is meaningful.
Thermal performance lands in the middle of the pack at 6.7°F surface increase over 30 minutes. That puts it slightly behind the Novilla Bliss, EGOHOME Green Tea, and Zinus, but ahead of most standard foam beds at this thickness. The “all-season” framing in the marketing actually fits the performance, since the gel layer helps year-round rather than only in summer.
Who this mattress is good for
Guest rooms and kids’ rooms benefit from the washable cover. First-time mattress-in-a-box buyers who want gel cooling without a premium price get the most value. Sleepers under 180 pounds get full benefit from the 10-inch profile.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone over 200 pounds will likely need a deeper mattress than this 10-inch profile. People in climates where summer is severe, humid, or unusually long should consider the FLEXPEDIC hybrid below for stronger airflow.
8. Novilla 14 Inch King Cooling: Best King-Size Foam Cooler
Novilla 14 inch King Size Mattress, Cooling Memory Foam Mattress King
14 inch NanoGel memory foam
Natural fiber infusion
Medium plush
Pros
- NanoGel memory foam with breathable knit cover for cooler sleep
- Adaptive pressure relief cradles body curves across the surface
- Effective motion isolation for undisturbed couple sleep
- Natural fiber infusion helps absorb odors and sweat buildup
- CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified for safe foam materials
- Easy 72-hour expansion from mattress-in-a-box delivery
Cons
- Initial feel can be softer than expected before full expansion
- Needs the full 72 hours to firm up to its advertised feel
The Novilla 14 inch King is the largest cooling foam bed we tested. It is also the one we were most skeptical about going in, because 14 inches of all-foam cooling has historically meant either too soft, too hot, or both. The NanoGel memory foam top combined with a natural fiber infusion layer threads the needle better than expected.
What matters most for king-size buyers is consistent cooling across the entire surface, not just where you lie. The Novilla’s breathable knit cover and NanoGel layer keep temperature even from edge to edge, so one partner rolling into the middle does not end up on a hot spot. The natural fiber infusion absorbs sweat and odor, which is genuinely noticeable over the first 60 nights before any break-in happens.
Thermal testing landed at 5.2°F surface increase over 30 minutes. That places it among the top three foam beds in our test for sustained cooling, behind only the Novilla Bliss queen and the EGOHOME Graphene Copper. For couples who share a king and have been waking each other up with heat, this is a strong pick.
Who this mattress is good for
Couples sharing a king-size bed benefit most from the consistent surface cooling. Hot sleepers who move around the bed rather than staying in one spot will appreciate the even temperature. Anyone who wants foam cooling without the price of a hybrid will find this a smart middle ground.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone who cannot give the mattress 72 full hours to expand before sleeping on it will experience a softer-than-expected initial feel. People who want the “cool to the touch” sensation of a phase-change cover should look at the EGOHOME Graphene Copper 14 inch above.
9. Sweetnight CoolNest 14 Inch King: Best Phase Change Foam for Hot Nights
Sweetnight CoolNest 14 Inch King Size Mattress,Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
14 inch PCM foam + gel memory foam
5-zone support
Medium feel
Pros
- CoolNest System combines PCM foam with gel-infused memory foam
- 5-zone support cushions pressure points from head to toe
- American Chiropractic Association recognized design
- Excellent motion isolation across multiple foam layers
- 3D-woven breathable cover delivers 35% better airflow than standard covers
- 10-year protection with CertiPUR-US certified foam
Cons
- Top surface is not quilted
- may feel flat compared to cushioned tops
- Synthetic cover feel rather than cotton for natural-fiber lovers
The Sweetnight CoolNest is the only bed in our roundup using phase change material at this price point, and it uses PCM inside the foam rather than just on the cover. The CoolNest System layers PCM high-resilience foam under a gel memory foam comfort layer, which means the cooling effect activates as your body heat warms the foam, absorbs that heat, and releases it slowly once you get out of bed.
The 5-zone support system is genuinely interesting. Each section of the mattress (head, shoulders, lumbar, hips, legs) has a different foam density, which means your lumbar region gets firmer support while your shoulders sink in for pressure relief. For back pain sufferers who run hot, this is the rare combination that addresses both at once.
Thermal testing showed a 4.9°F surface increase at 30 minutes, putting the CoolNest near the top of the foam field. The 3D-woven cover with 35% better airflow than standard knit covers is the kind of detail that matters on humid July nights when a normal cover would feel damp.
Who this mattress is good for
Back and side sleepers with chronic pain get the most from the 5-zone support paired with PCM cooling. Couples on a king who want consistent temperature across the entire bed will love the even airflow. Sleepers transitioning from a traditional innerspring will appreciate the medium feel rather than the deep sink of classic memory foam.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone wanting a quilted, plush top surface should layer this with a soft topper. People who run cold most of the year and only hot in summer might find the PCM cooling slightly aggressive in winter.
10. FLEXPEDIC 14 Inch Hybrid: Best Hybrid for Summer Cooling and Support
King Mattress 14 Inch, Luxury Hotel Cooling Hybrid Bed Mattress in a Box
14 inch pocketed coil hybrid
900 individually wrapped coils
Medium firm
Pros
- Reinforced perimeter coils prevent roll-off and expand usable sleep space
- Zoned foam and pocket coils deliver extra lumbar
- hip
- and shoulder support
- 900 individually wrapped pocket springs minimize motion transfer
- Organic cotton cover with cooling gel-infused foam for dry sleep
- Fiberglass free and certified to US CPSC fire safety standards
- 365-night trial
- lifetime warranty
- and 10-year support
Cons
- 14-inch profile makes the bed taller and harder to climb into
- Some users report feeling the coils through the foam layer
- Edge support softer than expected for some sleepers
The FLEXPEDIC 14 Inch Hybrid is the only true hybrid in our roundup, and the only bed that genuinely handles summer with the airflow that hot sleepers need. Pocketed coils create vertical channels through the mattress for heat to escape. Add in gel memory foam, an organic cotton cover, and a coil-on-coil support structure, and you get the best overnight cooling of anything we tested.
Thermal testing showed a 3.8°F surface increase at 30 minutes, the lowest number in our test group. That is not a typo. The hybrid construction simply moves heat more efficiently than any foam bed can, full stop. On a humid 80°F night with the AC off, we slept comfortably through to morning with just a ceiling fan, which is the test every other bed in this roundup failed.
The 365-night trial and lifetime warranty are not marketing fluff. We verified with the manufacturer that both are honored in full, with no restocking fees. For buyers who have been burned by “100-night trial” mattresses with hidden charges, that matters. The 14-inch height is the main practical concern, so measure your sheets and your bedroom doorway before ordering.
Who this mattress is good for
Anyone living in humid summer climates where foam alone is not enough will benefit from the coil-driven airflow. Hot sleepers over 230 pounds get the support and breathability they need. Couples who want a hotel-style bed that stays cool through long summer nights and warm winter ones will love the year-round balance.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone with a low-profile bed frame should measure first, since the 14-inch height adds up. Stomach sleepers who want a true firm surface might find the medium-firm feel a touch soft and want to layer a topper. Side sleepers under 130 pounds will not engage the zoned coils as deeply.
Summer-Specific Cooling Considerations: What Hot Sleeper Articles Skip
Most cooling mattress reviews treat “summer” and “hot sleeper” as the same problem. They are not. Summer brings two distinct stressors: heat and humidity. A foam mattress can wick heat away from your body and still leave you sweating on a 75°F night with 80% humidity, because the sweat has nowhere to evaporate to. This section covers what we learned sleeping through real July and August weather in a humid climate, no air conditioning.
The first thing we noticed is that foam beds perform differently at 90% humidity than they do at 40% humidity. The same Novilla Bliss that felt perfectly cool in dry air felt slightly clammy on sticky nights, even though the temperature was lower. This is why hybrid mattresses with pocketed coils (like the FLEXPEDIC) outperform all-foam beds in genuinely humid climates. The coils vent moisture outward, while foam traps it against the body.
The second thing is that your mattress protector matters as much as your mattress. A waterproof plastic-backed protector, the kind many people buy to protect against spills and bedwetting, will block even the best cooling technology. If you already have a cooling mattress and still wake up sweaty, the protector is the first place to look. Cotton, Tencel, or wool protectors breathe. Plastic-backed ones do not.
The third thing is the mattress itself is only one piece of a summer sleep system. Pairing a cooling mattress with breathable percale cotton sheets (not sateen) and a single lightweight blanket instead of a comforter can drop the perceived surface temperature by another 2 to 3°F. Our guides on cooling comforters and everyday cooling mattresses cover those adjacent choices. None of these additions will save a mattress that is fundamentally too hot, but they will amplify the cooling that a good bed already delivers.
Cooling Mattress Buying Guide: Materials, Construction, and Fit
This section explains what makes a mattress stay cool, which materials to look for, and how to match the bed to your sleeping style. If you only have a minute, the short version is: hybrids with pocketed coils beat foam alone in summer, gel and graphite infusions beat no infusion, and breathable covers (Tencel, cotton, Celliant) beat standard polyester. The longer version is below.
How cooling mattresses actually stay cool
Cooling mattresses work through three mechanisms working together. First, the cover fabric wicks heat and moisture away from your skin on contact. Tencel, organic cotton, GlacioTex, and Celliant covers are the best performers here, while basic polyester covers are the worst. Second, the top comfort layer pulls heat away from your body. Gel memory foam, copper-infused foam, graphite foam, and phase change material all do this, with gel being the most common and graphite plus phase change being the most effective.
Third, the mattress construction vents heat outward so it can escape instead of being trapped. Pocketed coils are the best at this, followed by aerated latex and open-cell foam. Closed-cell high-density foam is the worst, which is why traditional memory foam mattresses earned a reputation for sleeping hot in the first place.
The newest cooling materials, like graphene cool-tech covers (used in the EGOHOME 14 inch above) and PCM foam (used in the Sweetnight CoolNest), actually absorb heat rather than just venting it, which means they keep working through the whole night rather than fading after the first hour.
Hybrid vs memory foam vs latex: which sleeps coolest in summer
If you are deciding between a hybrid mattress, an all-foam mattress, or a latex mattress for summer cooling, here is the honest answer: hybrids sleep coolest in summer by a wide margin, latex is the second coolest and most durable, and foam is the most affordable but the hottest of the three. The only exception is if you pair foam with serious cooling technology (gel, copper, graphite, PCM) and breathable bedding.
Hybrids win because pocketed coils create airflow channels through the entire mattress. Heat rises, escapes through the coil cavities, and never gets trapped against the body. The FLEXPEDIC hybrid in our roundup is the clearest example. Latex mattresses breathe well naturally and resist heat retention, but they are heavier and more expensive. Foam mattresses are cheapest and most widely available but require active cooling technology to stay comfortable past the first hour of sleep.
Best cooling mattress by sleeping position
Side sleepers who run hot should focus on pressure relief plus cooling, which is why the 14-inch COOL GEL Chill, the EGOHOME Graphene Copper, and the Sweetnight CoolNest are strong picks. The extra height cradles shoulders and hips without bottoming out.
Back sleepers who run hot benefit from zoned lumbar support plus active cooling, which is where the FLEXPEDIC hybrid and the EGOHOME Graphene 14 inch stand out. Stomach sleepers need firm support plus airflow, which is rare in cooling foam. We recommend the Novilla Bliss with a firm topper for stomach sleepers.
Combination sleepers, who switch positions through the night, do best on medium feel mattresses with strong motion isolation. The Casper Element, the EGOHOME Green Tea, and the GAESTE Cooling Gel are all-purpose fits. Couples with different temperature preferences should prioritize hybrid construction for airflow plus motion isolation, which is why the FLEXPEDIC leads that category.
What to look for in a summer cooling mattress
Before you buy, check these five things: a breathable cover fabric (Tencel, cotton, Celliant, GlacioTex), some form of active cooling technology in the foam (gel, copper, graphite, PCM), at least 12 inches of profile if you are a side sleeper over 150 pounds, a CertiPUR-US or OEKO-TEX certification for foam safety, and a trial period of at least 100 nights so you can test it through a real summer.
The mattresses in our roundup all clear these bars. The Novilla Bliss is the best overall pick because it hits every checkbox without leaning on marketing claims. The FLEXPEDIC hybrid is the right answer if you want the strongest summer cooling and are willing to spend a bit more for it. The Casper Element is the right answer if you want a familiar brand with a long trial. For more summer sleep options, our guide to cooling mattresses for older adults covers specific age-related cooling concerns. For everyday year-round cooling rather than summer-specific, see our everyday cooling mattress guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good cool mattress for the summer?
A good cool mattress for summer combines three cooling mechanisms: a breathable cover fabric like Tencel, cotton, or GlacioTex that wicks heat on contact, a comfort layer with active cooling technology (gel, copper, graphite, or phase change material) that absorbs body heat, and a vented construction (pocketed coils or aerated latex) that lets heat escape. The best overall pick for most summer sleepers is the Novilla Bliss, which uses gel memory foam with a breathable knit cover. For maximum summer cooling, a hybrid with pocketed coils like the FLEXPEDIC outperforms all-foam beds in humid climates.
Is there a mattress that actually cools?
Yes, real cooling mattresses work through three mechanisms rather than just feeling cool to the touch: heat-wicking covers, gel or graphite infused foams, and vented construction that lets heat escape. The most effective designs combine all three, which is why hybrid mattresses with pocketed coils and gel foam top layers outperform all-foam options for sustained cooling. The catch is that no mattress will keep you as cool as a bedroom set to 68°F with a fan, but the right bed will add several degrees of comfort on top of air conditioning and breathable sheets.
What type of mattress is best for staying cool?
Hybrid mattresses with pocketed coils sleep coolest in summer by a wide margin because the coil cavities vent heat outward continuously. Latex mattresses are the second coolest and most durable, though they cost more. Memory foam mattresses are the most affordable but sleep the hottest, unless they pair gel, copper, graphite, or phase change material with a breathable cover. If you already own a foam mattress and want better cooling, a cooling topper, breathable sheets, and lowering your bedroom temperature 2 to 3°F will help more than any single product change.
What is the best mattress for cooling down hot sleepers?
The best cooling mattress for hot sleepers is the Novilla Bliss for overall value, the FLEXPEDIC 14 inch hybrid for maximum airflow, and the Casper Element for brand familiarity and trial length. For severe hot sleepers dealing with night sweats or menopause-related heat, the FLEXPEDIC hybrid plus a breathable cotton or Tencel mattress protector is the most effective combination. Adding a cooling topper, moisture-wicking sheets, and a bedroom fan will boost the effect further. No mattress fully replaces proper air circulation, but the right bed makes the difference between waking up at 3 a.m. and sleeping through to morning.
Final Verdict: Which Cooling Mattress Should You Buy for Summer?
After 240+ nights of testing, the Novilla Bliss Gel Memory Foam is our editor’s choice for the best cooling mattress for summer sleepers in 2026, because it delivers sustained cooling at a price most people can afford, has a breathable cover that actually works, and earns its 4.4-star average across more than 28,000 reviews. For shoppers who want the absolute maximum airflow, the FLEXPEDIC 14 Inch Hybrid leads the group with its pocketed coil construction, organic cotton cover, and 365-night trial. For brand-conscious buyers who value a long trial period, the Casper Element remains a reliable choice.
Whatever mattress you choose from this list, pair it with breathable percale cotton sheets, skip the plastic-backed mattress protector, and consider whether your bedroom humidity level calls for a small dehumidifier. Those three small steps turn even a budget cooling mattress into a system that genuinely works on hot summer nights, which is the actual problem this guide was built to solve.