Best picks

9 Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers (October 2026)

Updated on · By the Discount Mattress team

The best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers include the Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Essential Queen for balanced comfort, the Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Gel Full for solo sleepers, and the Sweetnight CoolNest 12 Inch Queen for zoned cushioning.

On this page (11 sections)
  1. How we chose these cooling mattresses
  2. The best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers
  3. What should hot sleepers look for in the best cooling mattress?
  4. Is memory foam or a hybrid cooler?
  5. Who should choose a foam cooling mattress?
  6. How do you match mattress size and height to your room?
  7. What should you check before ordering a mattress in a box?
  8. How should you set up and care for a cooling mattress?
  9. What common cooling mattress buying mistakes should you avoid?
  10. Can a cooling mattress stop night sweats?
  11. Which cooling mattress should you choose?

The Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Essential Queen is the best cooling mattress for shoppers who want a medium feel, gel memory foam and a breathable cover. Choose Casper for open-cell foam airflow, or FP Flexpedic if you prefer a hybrid with pocketed coils.

A cooling mattress can make the sleep surface feel more comfortable, but the label alone won't tell you whether the feel or construction suits you. Compare the cover, foam design, firmness, size and frame fit, then weigh those details against how you sleep and what tends to make your bed feel warm.

For a broader starting point, read our guide to choosing a mattress. If you already know you prefer foam, see our picks for the best memory foam mattresses.

Our picks at a glance

  1. 1 Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Essential Queen
    Best for balanced comfort

    Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Essential Queen

    8.2/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Gel Full
    Best for solo sleepers

    Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Gel Full

    8.0/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 Sweetnight CoolNest 12 Inch Queen
    Best for zoned cushioning

    Sweetnight CoolNest 12 Inch Queen

    7.9/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  1. 4EGOHOME 12 Inch Copper Gel QueenCheck it
  2. 5Zinus 10 Inch Cooling Essential FullCheck it
  3. 6Casper Element Full

    Casper Element Full

    Best for airflow seekers
    Check it
  4. 7FP Flexpedic 14 Inch Hybrid QueenCheck it
  5. 8Sweetnight CoolNest 14 Inch Cal King

    Sweetnight CoolNest 14 Inch Cal King

    Best for California king
    Check it
  6. 9GAESTE 8 Inch Cooling Gel Full

    GAESTE 8 Inch Cooling Gel Full

    Best for tight clearance
    Check it

How we chose these cooling mattresses

We compared materials, construction, feel and stated features against the needs of hot sleepers. Scores reflect how closely each mattress's features match the reasons people look for a cooler surface, along with its size, comfort details and practical tradeoffs.

These picks cover all-foam and hybrid designs, from an 8 in full mattress to a 14 in California king. Gel memory foam appears in several models, while Casper highlights open-cell foam and the Sweetnight CoolNest uses PCM foam with gel memory foam.

Cooling descriptions are not a promise that a mattress will stay cool all night. Room temperature, bedding, body heat and your preferred feel all shape how warm a bed seems.

ProductBest forSizeThicknessFeelOur score
Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Essential Queenbalanced comfortQueen12 inMedium8.2
Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Gel Fullsolo sleepersFull12 inMedium8.0
Sweetnight CoolNest 12 Inch Queenzoned cushioningQueen12 inMedium7.9
EGOHOME 12 Inch Copper Gel Queencopper foamQueen12 inMedium7.9
Zinus 10 Inch Cooling Essential Fulllower bedsFull10 inMedium7.9
Casper Element Fullairflow seekersFull10 inMedium7.8
FP Flexpedic 14 Inch Hybrid Queencoil supportQueen14 inMedium firm7.7
Sweetnight CoolNest 14 Inch Cal KingCalifornia kingCalifornia king14 inMedium7.6
GAESTE 8 Inch Cooling Gel Fulltight clearanceFull8 inMedium7.6

The best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers

The best cooling mattress for you depends on your preferred feel, room and bed frame as well as the features meant to manage heat. These picks are ordered by score, with useful differences in size, profile and construction.

1

Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Essential Queen: Best for balanced comfort

Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Essential Queen, cooling mattresses for hot sleepers
8.2/10Our score
  • 12 in queen memory foam
  • Cooling gel memory foam
  • Breathable cover
  • Medium feel

Cooling gel memory foam and a breathable cover suit shoppers who want a cooler surface with a medium feel. Zinus says its foam contours around pressure points and absorbs motion.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Cooling gel memory foam
  • Breathable cover
  • CertiPUR-US certified foam and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified cover

Cons

  • Foam feel may not suit shoppers who prefer springs
  • Allow 24–72 hours to expand

The Zinus Cooling Essential Queen is the strongest all-around pick here because it combines cooling gel memory foam, a breathable cover and a medium feel. The foam contours around pressure points at the shoulders, hips and joints, and it is designed to absorb motion.

Its medium feel may suit side, back and combination sleepers who want cushioning without a very soft surface. Zinus says the mattress is fiberglass free and uses CertiPUR-US certified foam with an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified cover.

The queen measures 80 x 60 x 12 in. It works with platform beds, box springs, slatted frames and adjustable bases.

Choose it if you want a balanced foam feel and a standard queen size. Skip it if you specifically want the spring response of a hybrid or prefer a firmer feel.

Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Essential QueenCheck it on Amazon
2

Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Gel Full: Best for solo sleepers

Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Gel Full, cooling mattresses for hot sleepers
8.0/10Our score
  • 12 in full memory foam
  • Cooling gel and green tea
  • Medium feel
  • CertiPUR-US certified foam

Cooling gel memory foam and green tea give this full-size mattress a distinct freshness and cooling focus. Its medium feel is designed to balance cushioning with support.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Cooling gel and green tea infused foam
  • 12 in profile
  • CertiPUR-US certified foam

Cons

  • Full size may be too narrow for some couples
  • Allow 24–72 hours to expand

This Zinus option is a full-size mattress with cooling gel and green tea infused memory foam. Its medium feel and 12 in profile make it a practical fit for a solo sleeper, a smaller bedroom or a guest room.

Zinus says the gel helps draw heat away, while green tea and purified charcoal are intended to support freshness. The layered foam design is meant to cushion and support, rather than provide the buoyant response of coils.

A full mattress measures 75 x 54 in. It can feel narrow for two adults, so measure the room and consider how much personal space you want before choosing it.

Pick this if your frame is full size and you want gel foam with a freshness focus. Skip it if you share the bed and need more width, or if you want a coil feel.

Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Gel FullCheck it on Amazon
3

Sweetnight CoolNest 12 Inch Queen: Best for zoned cushioning

Sweetnight CoolNest 12 Inch Queen, cooling mattresses for hot sleepers
7.9/10Our score
  • 12 in queen memory foam
  • PCM and gel foam
  • 5-zone design
  • 3D-woven cover

The CoolNest pairs PCM high-resilience foam with gel memory foam and a 5-zone design. Its 3D-woven cover is made with ventilation pores for breathability.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • PCM and gel foam cooling system
  • 5-zone design
  • CertiPUR-US certified foams

Cons

  • Foam construction may not suit coil seekers
  • Allow 72 hours to expand

The Sweetnight CoolNest Queen stands out for its 5-zone design and layered cooling system. It combines PCM high-resilience foam with gel memory foam, and its 3D-woven cover uses ventilation pores.

Sweetnight says these features help dissipate heat and support breathability. Multiple foam layers are also designed to reduce motion transfer, which can suit couples who want less movement across the surface.

This is a good fit if you want a queen foam mattress with zoned cushioning and motion absorption. Skip it if your priority is pocketed coils or a springier surface.

Sweetnight CoolNest 12 Inch QueenCheck it on Amazon
4

EGOHOME 12 Inch Copper Gel Queen: Best for copper foam

EGOHOME 12 Inch Copper Gel Queen, cooling mattresses for hot sleepers
7.9/10Our score
  • 12 in queen memory foam
  • Copper infused foam
  • Graphene infused cover
  • Medium feel

EGOHOME combines copper infused memory foam with a graphene infused cover. The medium feel and all-foam build fit shoppers looking for a queen mattress without fiberglass.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Copper infused memory foam
  • Graphene infused cover
  • Fiberglass-free construction

Cons

  • No trial period
  • Expansion guidance ranges from 2 to 12 hours

EGOHOME combines copper infused memory foam with a graphene infused cover in a queen mattress with a medium feel. The brand says the materials help regulate heat and moisture, and the all-foam construction is fiberglass free.

EGOHOME says the mattress arrives compressed and should expand in 2–12 hours, though expansion can vary. The brand states there is no trial period and opened mattresses cannot be returned.

Choose it if the material combination and medium foam feel match your priorities. Skip it if you want a trial period to decide whether the feel suits you; review the return terms before opening the mattress.

EGOHOME 12 Inch Copper Gel QueenCheck it on Amazon
5

Zinus 10 Inch Cooling Essential Full: Best for lower beds

Zinus 10 Inch Cooling Essential Full, cooling mattresses for hot sleepers
7.9/10Our score
  • 10 in full memory foam
  • Cooling gel memory foam
  • Breathable cover
  • Medium feel

This 10 in full mattress uses cooling gel memory foam and a breathable cover. It shares the Cooling Essential's medium feel and pressure-cushioning focus.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • 10 in profile
  • Cooling gel memory foam
  • CertiPUR-US certified foam and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified cover

Cons

  • Full size may be too narrow for some couples
  • Foam feel may not suit spring fans

The Zinus Cooling Essential Full gives you a 10 in profile with cooling gel memory foam and a breathable cover. It has a medium feel and foam cushioning intended for the shoulders, hips and joints.

This is a sensible choice if you want a lower full mattress than the 12 in Zinus option. Zinus says its foam is CertiPUR-US certified and its cover is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.

The full footprint is 75 x 54 in. Check that the frame supports the mattress and that the lower profile works with your sheets and headboard.

Pick this if you want a full size, medium feel and a shorter profile. Skip it if you prefer a taller bed or need more width for two sleepers.

Zinus 10 Inch Cooling Essential FullCheck it on Amazon
6

Casper Element Full: Best for airflow seekers

Casper Element Full, cooling mattresses for hot sleepers
7.8/10Our score
  • 10 in full foam mattress
  • Breathable open-cell Flex Foam
  • Medium feel
  • Motion isolation

The Casper Element uses breathable open-cell Flex Foam to promote airflow. Its medium feel and motion-absorbing foam layers suit shoppers who want a foam mattress with a 100-night trial.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Open-cell foam promotes airflow
  • Foam layers absorb motion
  • 100-night trial

Cons

  • Full size may not fit every couple
  • Foam construction may feel different from a hybrid

Casper's Element uses breathable open-cell Flex Foam to promote airflow, rather than focusing on a gel foam layer. It is a 10 in full mattress with a medium feel.

Its foam layers are designed to absorb motion. Casper includes a 100-night trial and a 10-year limited warranty, which are useful terms if you want time to decide whether the feel works for you.

Consider this model if you want a full-size foam mattress and prefer an open-cell design. Skip it if you want coils beneath the comfort layers or need a queen or larger size.

Casper Element FullCheck it on Amazon
7

FP Flexpedic 14 Inch Hybrid Queen: Best for coil support

FP Flexpedic 14 Inch Hybrid Queen, cooling mattresses for hot sleepers
7.7/10Our score
  • 14 in queen hybrid
  • Pocketed coils
  • Gel infused foam
  • Medium firm feel

This hybrid pairs individually wrapped coils with gel infused foam and a breathable cover. Its 14 in profile and medium firm feel offer an alternative to an all-foam cooling mattress.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Pocketed coils respond independently
  • Gel infused foam
  • Zoned support design

Cons

  • Taller profile needs frame clearance
  • FP Flexpedic describes its cooling and trial terms

The FP Flexpedic pairs individually wrapped pocketed coils with gel infused foam in a 14 in queen hybrid. Its medium firm feel may suit shoppers who want a more supportive surface than a softer foam bed.

FP Flexpedic describes the design as zoned for shoulder, hip and lumbar support, with reinforced perimeter coils. The brand also describes the cover as breathable and the mattress as fiberglass free.

Choose this if you want a hybrid feel, coil support and a taller profile. Skip it if your frame has limited clearance, you prefer close all-foam contouring or you don't want to verify the brand's trial terms.

FP Flexpedic 14 Inch Hybrid QueenCheck it on Amazon
8

Sweetnight CoolNest 14 Inch Cal King: Best for California king

Sweetnight CoolNest 14 Inch Cal King, cooling mattresses for hot sleepers
7.6/10Our score
  • 14 in California king memory foam
  • PCM and gel foam
  • 5-zone design
  • 3D-woven cover

The 14 in CoolNest has the same PCM and gel foam cooling system as the queen version, in a California king size. Its 5-zone design and breathable cover add comfort features.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • California king size
  • PCM and gel foam
  • CertiPUR-US certified foams

Cons

  • Large size needs a matching frame and room
  • Allow 72 hours to expand

The Sweetnight CoolNest California king brings the PCM and gel foam cooling system to a larger mattress size. It has a 14 in profile, medium feel and 5-zone design.

The California king measures 84 x 72 in. Check both the bedroom and frame dimensions before buying, and compare the size with a standard king in our king vs California king guide.

Sweetnight says the 3D-woven cover and hollow PCM foam structure support airflow. Bedding and room conditions still affect how cool the bed feels.

Pick this if you already have a California king frame and want the CoolNest features in a larger size. Skip it if your room is better suited to a standard king or queen.

Sweetnight CoolNest 14 Inch Cal KingCheck it on Amazon
9

GAESTE 8 Inch Cooling Gel Full: Best for tight clearance

GAESTE 8 Inch Cooling Gel Full, cooling mattresses for hot sleepers
7.6/10Our score
  • 8 in full memory foam
  • Gel infused foam
  • Medium feel
  • CertiPUR-US certified foam

GAESTE's 8 in full mattress uses gel infused memory foam and has a medium feel. It suits shoppers who need a lower profile and want cooling features in a compact foam design.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • 8 in profile
  • Gel infused memory foam
  • CertiPUR-US certified foam and OEKO-TEX certified cover

Cons

  • Less height than the other foam picks
  • Allow 72 hours to expand

GAESTE is the lowest-profile pick at 8 in. Its full-size mattress uses gel infused memory foam, has a medium feel and focuses on pressure relief and stable support.

GAESTE says the foam is CertiPUR-US certified and the cover is OEKO-TEX certified. The mattress arrives compressed and rolled, and GAESTE advises allowing 72 hours for it to expand.

Choose this if you need a shorter mattress for a frame, guest bed or room with limited clearance. Skip it if you want a taller feel or more substantial foam height; compare the options in our mattress thickness guide.

GAESTE 8 Inch Cooling Gel FullCheck it on Amazon

What should hot sleepers look for in the best cooling mattress?

Hot sleepers should compare the cover, foam design and construction instead of relying on the word “cooling.” Look for named features such as open-cell foam, a breathable cover, gel memory foam or a hybrid coil layer, then consider how each fits your comfort preferences.

Which best cooling mattress features matter most?

A breathable cover can help air move near the sleep surface, while open-cell foam is designed to promote airflow within a foam layer. Gel or PCM materials are meant to manage heat, but those features do not guarantee the same temperature feel for every person.

Construction matters alongside materials. An all-foam mattress can contour closely and absorb movement, while a hybrid adds coils beneath the foam layers and may feel more responsive.

Firmness is another part of the decision. A medium feel can offer a balance of cushioning and support, but labels vary across brands and won't tell you exactly how your body will respond.

Is memory foam or a hybrid cooler?

A hybrid has coils beneath its foam layers, which can leave more open space for air movement than an all-foam mattress. That does not guarantee a cooler night, because the cover, comfort layers, bedding and room temperature also matter.

Memory foam can provide close contouring and motion absorption. A hybrid adds a spring layer that can feel more responsive, so choose based on the surface feel you want as well as airflow.

Compare the hybrid mattress basics if you are weighing those tradeoffs. If you prefer foam's closer contour, our memory foam mattress guide covers more options.

Who should choose a foam cooling mattress?

A foam cooling mattress is a good fit if you want contouring, pressure cushioning and less motion transfer across the bed. The Zinus, Sweetnight, EGOHOME, Casper and GAESTE picks all use foam construction, but their cooling features and sizes differ.

Side sleepers often look for cushioning at the shoulders and hips, while combination sleepers may want a surface that lets them change positions without feeling stuck. A medium feel is a reasonable starting point if you don't know whether you prefer a softer or firmer mattress.

Skip an all-foam option if you want the spring response of coils, or if a close-contouring surface is uncomfortable for you. In that case, compare the FP Flexpedic hybrid and read our best hybrid mattress guide.

How do you match mattress size and height to your room?

Choose a size that fits your bed frame and leaves room to move around the mattress. The queen picks here measure 80 x 60 in, the full models measure 75 x 54 in, and the California king measures 84 x 72 in.

Height can change how a bed sits with a headboard and how much fitted-sheet depth you need. The options here range from 8 to 14 in, so measure the current frame, mattress and bedding before ordering.

A larger mattress can give couples more room, but it also needs a suitable frame and enough floor space. Use our mattress size chart to compare dimensions, and check the queen and king size differences if you're deciding between those footprints.

What should you check before ordering a mattress in a box?

Measure the doorway, stairs, hallway and bedroom path as well as the final bed frame. A compressed mattress is easier to move than a full-size mattress, but you still need space to open the package and unroll it safely.

Check frame compatibility and support before opening the mattress. Zinus says the Cooling Essential models work with platform beds, box springs, slatted frames and adjustable bases; for other models, confirm that your frame is an appropriate fit.

Read the return and warranty terms before unboxing. This matters especially for EGOHOME, which states it has no trial period and that opened mattresses cannot be returned.

How should you set up and care for a cooling mattress?

Set the mattress on its intended frame, open the package carefully and unroll it in the room where it will be used. Follow the brand's expansion guidance, and avoid covering the mattress until it has had time to regain its shape.

Expansion guidance varies across these picks. Zinus and the Zinus Green Tea mattress advise 24–72 hours, Sweetnight advises 72 hours, GAESTE advises 72 hours, and EGOHOME gives a range of 2–12 hours.

Keep the sleep surface breathable with sheets and bedding that suit the room temperature. A thick or heat-trapping protector can change how the cover feels, so check its material and care instructions before using it.

Follow the care instructions that come with your mattress and avoid using cleaning products or methods that could damage the cover. Rotate or turn the mattress only if the brand's instructions allow it; don't assume every foam mattress should be flipped.

What common cooling mattress buying mistakes should you avoid?

The first mistake is treating a cooling label as proof that a mattress will feel cool all night. Look at the named construction and surface materials, then account for your room, sheets, protector and comfort preferences.

Another mistake is choosing firmness by label alone. “Medium” and “medium firm” are broad descriptions, so use them as a guide and compare the mattress's intended feel with the way you like to sleep.

Don't overlook size, height and return terms. A mattress that fits the bedroom may not fit the existing frame or stairs, and a no-trial policy can make an uncertain foam feel a bigger risk.

Finally, don't expect a new mattress to resolve ongoing night sweats or sleep problems. Mattress materials may affect surface comfort, but other factors can contribute; talk with a health professional if symptoms continue.

Can a cooling mattress stop night sweats?

A cooling mattress cannot guarantee that night sweats will stop. Mattress materials may affect surface comfort, but bedding, room temperature and other factors can also contribute to feeling warm at night.

If night sweats or sleep problems continue, talk with a health professional. For everyday comfort, try lighter bedding and a cooler room along with a breathable mattress surface.

Which cooling mattress should you choose?

Pick the Zinus Cooling Essential Queen if you want a medium foam feel, gel memory foam and a breathable cover in a standard queen size. Choose Casper Element for an open-cell foam design, FP Flexpedic for pocketed coils, or GAESTE when an 8 in full profile fits your frame.

The Sweetnight CoolNest Queen suits shoppers who want zoned foam cushioning, while its California king version fits a larger bed. Choose the Zinus Green Tea Full for a full-size mattress with gel and green tea infused foam, the 10 in Zinus Full for a lower full profile, or EGOHOME for copper foam and a graphene cover if its return terms work for you.

For more foam options, start with our memory foam mattress picks. If cooling is one part of a wider decision, use the mattress choosing guide to compare type, size and feel.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

  1. 1 Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Essential Queen
    Best for balanced comfort

    Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Essential Queen

    8.2/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Gel Full
    Best for solo sleepers

    Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Gel Full

    8.0/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 Sweetnight CoolNest 12 Inch Queen
    Best for zoned cushioning

    Sweetnight CoolNest 12 Inch Queen

    7.9/10 our score

    See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What type of mattress is best for hot sleepers?

The best type depends on what feels comfortable to you, but breathable foam and hybrid designs are useful places to start. Open-cell foam promotes airflow, while hybrids pair foam with coils.

Cooling labels alone don't guarantee that you'll sleep cool, so compare the specific materials and construction.

Sheets, protectors and room temperature also affect how warm the bed feels.

Does gel memory foam keep you cool?

Gel memory foam is designed to help manage heat, but it may not feel cool to every sleeper. Look at the full build: foam layers, cover and airflow design all play a part in how the surface feels.

A breathable cover or open-cell foam may matter alongside gel, and your bedding can change the feel too.

Are hybrid mattresses cooler than memory foam?

A hybrid mattress has coils beneath foam layers, which can leave more open space for air to move than an all-foam build. That doesn't make every hybrid cooler; the foam, cover and room conditions still affect comfort.

Compare construction and feel in our hybrid mattress guide.

What else can I do if my mattress feels hot?

Try breathable sheets, a lighter blanket and a fan or cooler room setting before replacing the mattress. A mattress protector can also change the surface feel, so check its material and care instructions.

If heat continues to disrupt sleep, consider a mattress with a breathable cover or open-cell foam.