Cooling Mattresses
Best Cooling Mattresses for Side Sleepers
7 picks compared
6 min read
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The short answerThe best temperature regulating mattresses for side sleepers are the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe, the Nectar Premier Copper, and the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam. They combine cooling materials with pressure-relieving comfort layers.
?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.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 Best Overall
The Aurora Luxe has a phase change material cover that stays cool to the touch. It includes a copper-infused comfort layer for heat dissipation. With a medium firmness, it suits most side sleepers.
Type HybridThickness 11.5 inchesFirmness Medium (5-6)Cooling Phase change cover, copper gel foam
- Excellent cooling performance
- Great pressure relief for hips and shoulders
- Strong edge support
- Premium price
- Heavy, may need help moving
Nectar Premier Copper
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Best Value
The Nectar Premier Copper uses a heat-absorbing copper cover and gel memory foam. It offers a plush feel that cradles side sleepers. The bed sleeps noticeably cooler than standard memory foam.
Type Memory foamThickness 13 inchesFirmness Medium-firm (6)Cooling Copper cover, gel memory foam
- Lower price for cooling features
- Good motion isolation
- 365-night trial
- May be too soft for heavier side sleepers
- Edge support could be better
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best for Pressure Relief
This mattress features a graphite-infused foam layer that draws heat away. Its zoned support provides extra give under shoulders and firmer support for hips. Side sleepers report reduced pressure points.
Type Memory foamThickness 10 inchesFirmness Medium (5)Cooling Graphite-infused foam
- Excellent pressure relief
- Good spinal alignment
- Breathable cover
- No hybrid option
- Moderate edge support
Best for: Best for Pressure Relief
Purple Plus
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 Best for Hot Sleepers
The Purple Plus uses a hyper-elastic polymer grid that promotes airflow. The grid collapses under pressure, reducing heat buildup. It provides a distinctive floating feel that many side sleepers enjoy.
Type HybridThickness 11 inchesFirmness Medium (5)Cooling GelFlex grid, breathable cover
- Exceptional airflow
- Unique pressure relief
- Durable materials
- Firmness may not suit all
- Heavy and hard to move
Best for: Best for Hot Sleepers
Bear Elite Hybrid
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best for Athletes
The Bear Elite Hybrid has a Celliant cover that converts body heat into infrared energy. It includes copper-infused foam and a zoned support system. This mattress aims to aid muscle recovery while sleeping cool.
Type HybridThickness 12 inchesFirmness Medium (5)Cooling Celliant cover, copper gel foam
- Cooling technology
- Zoned support for hips and shoulders
- Good motion isolation
- Price is on the higher side
- May be too firm for some
Best for: Best for Athletes
Zinus Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam
★★★★★ 4.3 / 5 Best Budget
This budget-friendly mattress features cooling gel-infused memory foam. It has a medium-firm feel that works for many side sleepers. The green tea extract helps keep the foam fresh.
Type Memory foamThickness 10 inchesFirmness Medium-firm (6)Cooling Gel-infused foam
- Very affordable
- Good cooling for price
- Easy setup
- Less durable than premium options
- May sleep warmer than higher-end beds
Layla Hybrid
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 Best for Couples
The Layla Hybrid is flippable with a soft side and a firm side. It uses copper-infused foam that conducts heat away. Motion isolation is strong, making it ideal for couples.
Type HybridThickness 12 inchesFirmness Soft (4) and Firm (7)Cooling Copper-infused foam, breathable cover
- Two firmness options
- Good motion isolation
- Cooling copper gel
- Heavy to flip
- Edge support moderate
Best for: Best for Couples
We focused on cooling technologies like gel infusions, phase change materials, and breathable covers. We also checked pressure relief and support for side sleeping. Each pick excels in a specific area.
Why Cooling Matters for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers often experience pressure points at the shoulder and hip. Heat can exacerbate discomfort and cause restless sleep. A cooling mattress helps regulate temperature throughout the night. Materials like gel, copper, and phase change fabrics actively draw heat away. Breathable covers and airflow channels also reduce trapped body heat.
Key Features to Look For
Check the cooling technology: gel-infused foam, copper, graphite, or phase change materials. Look for breathable covers made of cotton or Tencel. Hybrid designs with coils offer better airflow than all-foam. Firmness should be medium to medium-firm for side sleepers. Edge support and motion isolation matter if you share the bed.
How We Chose These Mattresses
We compared specifications across cooling features, pressure relief, and support. We analyzed owner feedback for comfort and durability. We prioritized mattresses with clear cooling claims and positive side sleeper reviews. We also considered price and warranty. Our picks cover different budgets and needs.
Matching Mattress to Your Sleep Style
If you sleep hot, choose a hybrid with a cooling cover. For pressure relief, a medium-firm foam with zoned support works well. Couples should look for motion isolation and edge support. Athletes might benefit from recovery-focused features. Budget shoppers can still find cooling options without breaking the bank.
Questions people ask
What is the best cooling mattress for side sleepers?
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a top choice. It offers excellent cooling and pressure relief. The Nectar Premier Copper and Saatva Graphite Memory Foam are also strong contenders.
How do cooling mattresses work?
They use materials like gel, copper, or phase change fabrics to draw heat away. Some have breathable covers or airflow channels. Hybrids with coils promote air circulation.
Is a hybrid or foam mattress cooler for side sleepers?
Hybrids generally sleep cooler because coils allow more airflow. Foam mattresses can trap heat unless they have cooling infusions. Both can work if designed well.
What firmness is best for a side sleeper?
Medium to medium-firm is usually ideal. It provides pressure relief without excessive sinkage. A soft mattress may cause misalignment, while a firm one can create pressure points.
Can a cooling mattress help with night sweats?
Yes, cooling mattresses can reduce heat buildup. They help regulate temperature and wick moisture. However, they may not eliminate night sweats entirely.
What is the difference between gel and copper infused foam?
Gel foam absorbs and dissipates heat. Copper foam conducts heat away and may have antimicrobial properties. Both are effective, but copper is often more conductive.
How long does a cooling mattress last?
Most quality cooling mattresses last 7 to 10 years. Durability depends on materials and usage. Look for warranties of at least 10 years.
Are cooling mattresses worth the extra cost?
If you sleep hot, they can improve sleep quality. The price difference varies. Budget options like Zinus offer cooling at a lower cost.
Which mattress is better for side sleepers: Nectar Premier Copper or Purple Plus?
The Nectar Premier Copper offers a classic memory foam feel with good pressure relief. The Purple Plus has a unique grid that provides excellent airflow. Choose based on your preference for feel and cooling.
Can I use a cooling mattress topper instead?
Yes, a cooling topper can help, but it may not be as effective as a full cooling mattress. Toppers can provide temporary relief and are more affordable.
The bottom lineSo which one?
For most side sleepers, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe offers the best balance of cooling and support. The Nectar Premier Copper is a great value. Choose the Purple Plus if you sleep exceptionally hot.
