Cooling Mattresses
Cooling Mattresses with Breathable Covers: Top Picks
7 picks compared
6 min read
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The short answerThe best cooling mattresses with breathable covers are the Saatva Classic, the Purple Mattress, and the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. Each excels in airflow and temperature regulation.
?How we pickedWe compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.
Saatva Classic
★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 Best overall for luxury cooling
The Saatva Classic uses a breathable organic cotton cover and a coil-on-coil design. This promotes strong airflow through the mattress. It offers three firmness levels and two heights.
Type Hybrid innerspringHeight 11.5 or 14.5 inchesFirmness Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, FirmCover Organic cotton, breathable
- Excellent airflow from dual coil layers
- Multiple firmness options
- Organic cotton cover is soft and breathable
- Higher price point
- Heavy, may need help moving
Best for: Best overall for luxury cooling
Purple Mattress
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Best for pressure relief and airflow
The Purple Mattress features a unique GelFlex Grid that stays cool. The grid's open channels allow air to circulate freely. It provides a distinctive, pressure-relieving feel.
Type Hyper-elastic polymer gridHeight 9.5 inchesFirmness MediumCover Stretch knit, breathable
- GelFlex Grid never sleeps hot
- Great for pressure points
- Durable materials
- Unique feel may not suit everyone
- Pricey for some budgets
Best for: Best for pressure relief and airflow
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Best for active cooling technology
The Aurora Luxe uses a phase change material cover that feels cool to the touch. It also has a copper-infused comfort layer for heat dissipation. This mattress is designed for hot sleepers.
Type HybridHeight 11.25 inchesFirmness Soft, Medium, FirmCover Phase change material
- Cool-to-touch cover
- Multiple firmness choices
- Strong edge support
- May be too firm for some
- Heavier than average
Best for: Best for active cooling technology
Nectar Premier Copper
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best value for cooling comfort
The Nectar Premier Copper has a heat-dispersing copper gel memory foam. Its breathable cover adds to the cooling effect. It offers a balanced feel with good motion isolation.
Type Memory foamHeight 13 inchesFirmness Medium-firmCover Breathable, cooling
- Copper gel helps regulate temperature
- Excellent motion isolation
- Generous trial period
- Memory foam may retain some heat
- Not as responsive as hybrids
Best for: Best value for cooling comfort
Zinus Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 Best budget cooling mattress
This Zinus mattress infuses cooling gel into its memory foam. The cover is soft and breathable, aiding airflow. It provides a comfortable sleep surface at an affordable price.
Type Memory foamHeight 10 inchesFirmness Medium-firmCover Knit, breathable
- Very affordable
- Cooling gel in foam
- Easy setup
- Limited firmness options
- May lack durability over time
Best for: Best budget cooling mattress
Casper Wave Hybrid
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best for side sleepers who overheat
The Casper Wave Hybrid combines zoned support with breathable foam. Its AirScape technology promotes airflow. Side sleepers get pressure relief at shoulders and hips.
Type HybridHeight 13 inchesFirmness MediumCover AirScape breathable
- Zoned support for side sleepers
- AirScape helps with airflow
- Good motion isolation
- Premium price
- May be too soft for stomach sleepers
Best for: Best for side sleepers who overheat
Bear Elite Hybrid
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 Best for athletes and active sleepers
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses a Celliant cover that converts body heat into infrared energy. This may aid recovery. It also has gel memory foam and zoned coils for support.
Type HybridHeight 12 or 14 inchesFirmness Plush, Medium, FirmCover Celliant, breathable
- Celliant cover technology
- Multiple firmness options
- Strong edge support
- Expensive
- Celliant benefits may vary
Best for: Best for athletes and active sleepers
We compared cooling technologies like gel infusions, phase change materials, and coil airflow. We also weighed owner feedback on temperature relief and comfort.
What to Look for in a Cooling Mattress
Focus on the cover material first. Breathable covers like cotton, Tencel, or phase change materials help wick moisture. Next, examine the comfort layer. Gel-infused foams and copper are common cooling additives. Hybrids with coils offer better airflow than all-foam. Check the firmness to match your sleeping position. Finally, consider your budget and any trial period.
Cooling Technologies Explained
Phase change materials absorb and release heat to maintain a neutral temperature. Gel infusions in foam help draw heat away from the body. Copper is a natural conductor that spreads heat. Airflow through coils or perforated foam also reduces trapped heat. Each technology works differently, so choose based on your needs.
How to Choose for Your Sleeping Position
Side sleepers often prefer softer mattresses that cushion shoulders and hips. Stomach sleepers need firmer support to keep the spine aligned. Back sleepers do well with medium firmness. Consider your weight too. Heavier individuals may need firmer support and more durable materials.
Edge Cases: Couples and Hot Sleepers
Couples should look for motion isolation and edge support. A hybrid with coils often provides both. For extreme hot sleepers, prioritize phase change covers and coil airflow. Avoid dense memory foam without cooling features. Test the mattress if possible, or rely on generous trial periods.
Questions people ask
What is the best cooling mattress with a breathable cover?
The Saatva Classic is a top choice due to its organic cotton cover and coil airflow. The Purple Mattress also excels with its GelFlex Grid.
How does a breathable cover help with cooling?
A breathable cover allows air to circulate and moisture to evaporate. This helps regulate body temperature during sleep.
Which cooling mattress is best for side sleepers?
The Casper Wave Hybrid offers zoned support and pressure relief for side sleepers. Its AirScape cover enhances airflow.
Are cooling mattresses worth the extra cost?
If you sleep hot, a cooling mattress can improve sleep quality. The investment may be worth it for better rest.
Can a cooling mattress help with night sweats?
Yes, cooling mattresses with breathable covers and heat-dissipating materials can reduce night sweats for some people.
What is the difference between gel memory foam and copper-infused foam?
Gel memory foam uses gel beads to draw heat away. Copper-infused foam conducts heat away from the body. Both aim to keep you cool.
How long does a cooling mattress last?
Most cooling mattresses last 7 to 10 years with proper care. Durability depends on materials and usage.
Is a hybrid mattress cooler than an all-foam mattress?
Yes, hybrids with coils allow more airflow. All-foam mattresses tend to trap more heat.
The bottom lineSo which one?
Choose the Saatva Classic for luxury and airflow. For pressure relief, the Purple Mattress is a strong contender. Budget shoppers can rely on the Zinus Green Tea.
