Memory foam mattresses have a bad reputation for sleeping hot, but it’s not a given that you’ll overheat on this style of mattress. Some new mattress models use specialized technology to help regulate your temperature as you snooze while providing the level of comfort you’ve come to expect from the mattress type. We think the GhostBed Luxe is the best cooling memory foam mattress available due to its multiple layers of cooling technology.
One of the best cooling memory foam mattresses is the T&N Original from Tuft & Needle.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer
There were two main issues with older versions of memory foam, that resulted in them feeling hot. According to W. Christopher Winter, MD, a Virginia neurologist and sleep medicine physician and host of the Sleep Unplugged podcast, their foams were too dense and they tended to reflect heat back to the sleeper. “These factors can lead to a very hot sleeping experience,” he says. But companies have worked to infuse effective cooling technology to enhance comfort. When shopping for a cooling memory foam mattress, look for elements like a breathable cover and cooling foams, along with your preferred firmness level.
Type: Foam | Firmness: Medium | Delivery: Free shipping and returns | Trial: 101 nights | Warranty: 25 years
Pros:
Several layers of cooling technology
Good for side and back sleepers
Specialized foam for a springy feel
Cons:
Expensive when not on sale
One firmness type
GhostBed is a newer brand in the mattress space but has quickly built up a reputation for its impressive comfort and cooling capabilities. The GhostBed Luxe—which is billed as “the coldest bed in the world”—uses a proprietary Ghost Ice cover, along with specialized cooling technology built into several layers of the bed, to deliver superior temperature regulation in a memory foam mattress. This bed uses several types of foam to create a responsive feel, making it a good option for side, back and combination sleepers.
Be aware that the GhostBed Luxe comes in only one firmness level (which is on the firmer end of medium), although the brand’s LuxeBreeze gives you the choice of three. If cooling is a premium factor for you, though, you can’t get much more temperature regulation in a memory foam mattress than the GhostBed Luxe.
What the editors say:Forbes Vetted sleep editor Bridget Chapman likes the GhostBed Luxe for its “impressive” cooling technology. “This bed has a true cool-to-the-touch feel,” she notes. Chapman also says that the GhostBed Luxe has a plush feel that works well for a variety of sleep styles.
Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress For Side Sleepers
Several Cooling Layers, With Plushness Up Top
Nectar
Nectar Premier Copper (Queen)
Type: Foam (also available as a hybrid) | Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5) | Delivery: Free shipping | Trial: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Pros:
Ideal for side sleepers and back sleepers
Packed with cooling technology
Lengthy trial period and lifetime warranty
Cons:
May need deep sheets to fit 14-inch height
Extra hot sleepers may prefer the hybrid version
The Nectar Premier Copper mattress uses several cooling elements in a package that’s ideal for side sleepers. This mattress is medium-firm with enough plushness up top to cradle side sleepers’ pressure points while still delivering impressive support. On the cooling front, enjoy the heat-wicking copper fibers woven into the cover, along with the brand’s ActiveCool phase-change material in the comfort layer. That responds to your body’s temperature to keep you cozy—not hot—all night.
If you’re an extra-hot sleeper, you may prefer to purchase the brand’s hybrid option for additional airflow. But many find that the Nectar Premier Copper is an excellent choice for staying cool. This mattress is backed with an impressive 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty, just in case issues arise.
What the editors say:Forbes Vetted executive editor Dave Johnson gives this mattress the thumbs up for its cooling power. “It works surprisingly well,” he shares. “Since starting to use this mattress about six months ago, I've never woken in a sweat even once—nor has my partner, who notoriously sleeps even hotter than I do.”
While many cooling memory foam mattresses cost $1,000 or more, the Sealy Cocoon Chill is often priced much lower. This mattress boasts four layers of foam, wrapped in a cooling cover that’s infused with the brand’s specialized Phase Change Material. That material works to absorb and dissipate heat, helping you to sleep cooler. Underneath is Sealy’s breathable Perfect Fit memory foam, which eases pressure points and provides support without causing you to overheat.
The mattress is on the lower end of medium-firm, making it a great fit for side sleepers. Just be aware that the Cocoon Chill is 10 inches tall, which is smaller than its more expensive competition. As a result, it may not feel as supportive as higher-end models. But when it comes to a cooling memory foam mattress deal, you can’t do much better. Something else to sweeten the deal: Sealy throws in free pillows and sheets with purchase.
What the editors say:Forbes Vetted sleep editor McKenzie Dillon calls the Sealy Cocoon Chill “one of the best cooling memory foam mattresses you can get your hands on” when it comes to a value. She praises its subtle cooling sensation and moisture wicking capabilities.
Best Cooling Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
Ideal For Extra-Hot Sleepers
Purple
Purple RestorePremier (Queen)
Type: Hybrid (springs, comfort foam and GelFlex Grid) | Firmness: Soft or firm | Delivery: Free shipping | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Pros:
Cooling grid
Superior pressure point relief
Great motion isolation
Cons:
Very expensive
Some report that it’s hard to move
Cooling technology can only get you so far with a memory foam mattress. If you’re an extra-hot sleeper, consider the Purple RestorePremier, which contains a mix of the brand’s proprietary GelFlex Grid, springs and comfort foam. This combination of layers creates an airy, cool sensation you can feel. It’s all wrapped in a moisture-wicking cover to keep you dry while you snooze.
The Purple RestorePremier delivers impressive pressure relief and edge support, along with motion isolation, making it a good choice for couples. It also comes in your choice of soft or firm levels, delivering an option for every sleep style.
What the editors say: Forbes Vetted executive editor Dave Johnson calls the Purple RestorePremier Hybrid a “revelation.” He adds, “I noted absolutely no heat retention at all. The mattress was cool on my skin when I climbed into bed and it stayed that way all night. If you sleep hot, you should appreciate this mattress.”
Best Firm Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
Three Firmness Levels For Optimal Comfort
Tempur-Pedic
Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze (Queen)
Type: Foam or hybrid | Firmness: Soft, medium and firm | Delivery: Free white glove delivery (arrives flat) | Trial period: 90 nights | Warranty: 1o years
Pros:
Your choice of three firmness levels
Feels up to 10 degrees cooler at night
Good motion isolation
Cons:
Very expensive
Some note that the mattress is heavy to lift
A firm mattress isn’t for everyone, but it can be an ideal type for stomach sleepers. The Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze comes in firm, medium and soft options, each with specialized technology to cool you off. The LuxeBreeze uses Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary open-cell foam, alongside phase change materials that pull excess heat away from your body and cause it to dissipate. A ventilated comfort foam layer pulls out heat and humidity, too. According to the brand, all of those factors can cause this mattress to feel up to 10 degrees cooler overnight.
The mattress is swathed in Tempur-Pedic’s SmartClimate Cover, which is cooling, as well as removable and machine-washable. This mattress comes in your choice of all-foam or hybrid materials.
What the editors say: Forbes Vetted sleep editor Bridget Chapmanpraises the Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze for its cooling capabilities, particularly its cool-to-the-touch cover. “I was overall really impressed with its cooling abilities during testing,” she says.
Some say it’s tough to find the right firmness level
A soft memory foam mattress is often ideal for side sleepers to cradle pressure points and enhance comfort. The WinkBeds The GravityLux comes in your choice of soft, medium and firm options, with each being handmade to order.
This mattress features the brand’s AirCell Memory Foam, along with a Tencel cover to wick away moisture and keep you cool. The GravityLux offers seven layers of contouring and support foam, along with impressive motion isolation to make this a great pick for couples or those who shared a bed with a pet. This mattress features specialized zones for different areas of your body, with extra plushness around the shoulders and legs and more firmness at the midsection for enhanced comfort. Just be aware that its edge support isn’t the strongest on the market. However, the plush feel and cooling technology make it a top choice for many.
What the editors say: Forbes Vetted sleep editor McKenzie Dillon praises the WinkBed Gravity Lux for its “plush, cushy feel that cradles your curves.” The mattress also has superior motion isolation, which makes it a great choice for couples, Dillon says.
Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress For Couples
Excellent Motion Isolation For Minimal Disturbances
Tuft & Needle
Tuft & Needle Essential T&N Original (Queen)
Type: Foam | Firmness: Medium-firm (6 to 6.5) | Delivery: Free shipping | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Pros:
Relatively inexpensive
Several cooling features
Great motion isolation and edge support
Cons:
Shorter loft may not offer as much support
Some say it’s on the firmer side
When it comes to choosing a mattress for couples, flexibility across several sleep styles and motion isolation are often prized features. Our testing found this mattress has impressive motion isolation to lower the risk that your partner’s late-night bathroom break disturbs you. The Tuft & Needle Original also has quality edge support, so you can tie your laces on the edge of the bed without slipping off. The mattress’ construction and medium firmess also makes it a good fit for a range of sleep styles.
The Tuft & Needle Essential T&N Original is made with two layers of open-cell foam that features cooling gel for temperature regulation. It also boasts the brand’s specialized T&N Adaptive Foam for support and flexibility. Just be aware that the mattress is slightly under 10 inches tall, which may make it feel a little less supportive than some of its loftier competition.
What the writer says: Forbes Vetted contributor Camryn Rabideau gives the Tuft & Needle Original mattress high marks for its motion isolation. “Plus, there’s minimal sinkage,” she says. “Both of these qualities should bode well if you sleep with a fidgety partner.” Rabideau points out that this mattress is “priced right” for those who are looking for a less expensive option or a guest mattress.
Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress For Combination Sleepers
Great For A Range Of Sleep Positions
Bear
Bear Original (Queen)
Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium toMedium-firm (7.1) | Delivery: Ships free, optional white glove service for an added fee | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Pros
Works for a range of sleep styles
Cooling technology and breathable cover
Lower-priced option
Cons
May feel too firm for some
Doesn’t have classic memory foam feel
The Bear Original is a lesser-price option with enough versatility to make it a solid choice for combination sleepers, as well as couples who have different sleep styles. This mattress is on the firmer end of medium-firm and features several cooling elements. Those include a cover made with Tencel for a breathable and soft feel, along with a layer of cooling gel-infused memory foam.
This mattress is GreenGuard-Gold certified to be free from many chemicals and pollutants, with CertiPur-US–certified foams that are made without formaldehyde. Testing revealed that the mattress has super motion isolation, too, making it a great choice for couples.
What our writers say: Forbes Vetted contributor Rena Goldman highly recommends this mattress for back, stomach and combination sleepers, based on testing. “It’s supportive and hugs you a bit without the classic sinking feeling of memory foam,” she says. Goldman also noted that you “don’t feel your partner moving” during sleep.
The Forbes Vetted sleep team has spent countless hours researching, testing and writing about the best mattresses and other sleep products. Collectively, we have decades of experience in the sleep space.
Korin Miller, the author of this story, has more than ten years of experience in the health and commerce space. She’s also researched, tested and written dozens of stories for Forbes Vetted, including the best mattresses for couples.
Forbes Vetted sleep stories are overseen by mattress and sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon, who are certified sleep science coaches.
All of our choices for the best cooling memory foam mattresses were extensively tested firsthand by our team.
To enhance our knowledge, we consulted with several medical professionals about cooling memory foam: W. Christopher Winter, MD, a neurologist and sleep medicine physician with Virginia’s Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and host of the Sleep Unpluggedpodcast; and Chelsea Perry, MD, a sleep specialist and founder of Sleep Solutions.
We strive to bring you current and relevant shopping recommendations. We revisit this article frequently to check for accuracy. It was last updated in July 2024.
How We Chose The Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
We selected the best cooling memory foam mattresses based on a combination of hands-on testing, research and personal expertise.
We factored in feedback from editors and contributors who personally tested these mattresses, making sure to carefully consider their notes when making our final selections.
Each mattress was analyzed for elements such as cooling technology, material quality, loft, firmness and enhanced breathability.
We factored in medical insight from our experts Winter and Perry.
We prioritized cooling memory foam mattresses with excellent reviews, making sure to only include picks with an average of four or more stars.
Because there are a range of budgets and needs, we considered cooling memory foam mattresses across a variety of price points that suits all sleep styles.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
There are several elements to keep in mind while searching for a cooling memory foam mattress. Consider these as you shop.
Cooling Technology
Cooling technology is a premium factor in these mattresses. “Some memory foam mattresses have gel infused into the foam. These gel beads or layers work to absorb and dissipate heat away from your body, keeping the mattress cooler,” explains Chelsea Perry, MD, a sleep specialist and founder of Sleep Solutions. An open-cell structure in the foam can also allow better airflow. “This helps heat to escape more easily,” Perry says. Some mattresses use phase change materials, too, which can absorb and release heat as needed. “Additionally, many high-quality memory foam mattresses come with breathable covers made from materials like cotton, bamboo or moisture-wicking fabrics,” Perry says. “These covers enhance airflow and help wick away moisture, contributing to a cooler sleeping surface.”
Body Type
You can sleep hot or cool across a range of body types, but your body type may influence how comfortable you feel in any given mattress. Heavier sleepers tend to sink into the mattress more and may need additional support and cooling technology as a result. Lighter sleepers, however, may prefer a more plush upper layer for comfort and may not require as much cooling support as their heavier counterparts.
Sleeping Position
Sleep position can influence important factors to consider in a mattress. Side sleepers often feel most comfortable in a mattress with a more plush comfort layer to cradle their hips and shoulders while they sleep. However, back, stomach and combination sleepers may prefer less of a sinking-in feel in their mattress for maximum comfort.
Firmness
Your sleeping position often dictates the ideal level of firmness in a mattress. Side sleepers tend to do best with a softer or medium mattress firmness to cushion their pressure points. Stomach sleepers typically feel the most comfortable on a firm mattress, and back sleepers often do well with a medium-firm pick. Combination sleepers typically prefer a medium-firm level of support, too.
Trial
The trial period is important in a mattress, particularly if you’re trying out a new brand. Most allow you to sleep on the mattress for at least a month before returning it if it’s not a good fit, but some offer trial periods of up to a year. If you’re uncertain about a choice or tend to take time to make purchasing decisions, this is an important element to consider.
Warranty
Mattress warranties run the gamut from a few years to a lifetime. Often—but not always—mattresses with a lengthy warranty have a higher price tag. Not every warranty covers the same thing, so read the fine print before purchasing.
Is Cooling Memory Foam Worth It?
It depends on who you are. At baseline, memory foam can get warm. “Memory foam responds to your body heat and pressure, molding to your shape,” Perry says. “While this contouring feels nice and snug, it can also trap heat around your body, making things warmer than you’d like.” Many people aren’t comfortable sleeping hot, putting a premium on cooling memory foam. “We do not tend to sleep as well when we are hot,” Winter says. “I would guess that if you slept in a truly frigid climate, this might be an advantage, but for most of us, it is not.”
Do Memory Foam Mattresses Keep You Cool?
Traditionally, memory foam mattresses do not keep you cool. However, modern memory foam mattress typically contain some elements to help keep your temperature down. Those include gel-infused foam to absorb and dissipate heat, open-cell structure foam for better airflow, phase change materials to absorb and release heat, and breathable covers for enhanced airflow and moisture wicking. If you tend to sleep hot but prefer the feel of memory foam, look for as many of these elements as possible.
What Type Of Mattress Keeps You The Coolest?
Most mattress types contain some elements to help keep you cool while you sleep. However, if you want to be as cool as possible, it may be best to opt for an innerspring mattress. These contain coils that air can circulate through. They also don’t tend to hug your body as much as memory foam or hybrid beds, which naturally helps to deflect body heat. That doesn’t mean memory foam and hybrid beds can’t sleep cool, though. If you prefer either of these mattress types, look for options with specialized cooling technology to offset the mattress’ natural warming tendencies.
