Wellness

13 of the best cooling mattress toppers to help curb night sweats

02/06/2024

Nothing beats sleeping on one of the best cooling mattress toppers for relief from sticky, hot weather. Particularly if you tend to overheat at night. Sure, transitioning from dense, high thread count bedding to lighter materials (such as cotton and linen) can be a game-changer in combating night sweats, but switching your basic mattress topper to a more breathable pick will have the most noticeable impact on your slumber.

In recent years, lots of sleep tech brands have dedicated resources to developing moisture-wicking fabrics engineered to enhance airflow, and in certain instances, these advanced mattress toppers are even designed to actively cool your body as your temperature increases. By investing in one, you can ensure that your sleep environment remains optimal, even during the hottest nights of the year.

What do I need to consider, you ask? We’d recommend thinking first about whether you’re someone who struggles with overheating generally or something more specific, for example night sweats. For the former, you’ll want to look to open-cell materials like latex, which boast breathability to ensure your body heat doesn’t become trapped. Think, for instance, this 3 cm Latex Mattress Topper from Wayfair. On the flipside, buyers who build up a sweat while they sleep might lean towards more moisture-wicking choices like this Dorma Tencel Blend Memory Foam Mattress Topper.

SKIP TO: How to choose the best cooling mattress topper? | Do cooling mattress toppers work? | What material is best for cooling toppers? | How we test | Our top picks.

The best cooling mattress toppers, at a glance:

Best overall – THE SIMBA Hybrid^® Topper, £219, Simba
Best runner up – Emma Premium Topper, £197.40, Emma
Best gel-infused – Aidapt Memory Foam Cool Mattress Topper, £50, Argos
Best memory foam – Panda 5cm Memory Foam Mattress Topper, £113.99, Wayfair
Best rated – Dorma Tencel Blend Memory Foam Mattress Topper, £120, Dunelm

THE SIMBA Hybrid® Topper

£219 AT SIMBA

Emma Premium Topper

£329 AT EMMA

Aidapt 5.0cm Memory Foam Cool Mattress Topper

£33 AT ARGOS

Panda 5cm Memory Foam Mattress Topper

~~£98.99~~ £88.99 AT WAYFAIR

How we test mattress toppers

Our dedicated in-house team of testers have reviewed a selection of these cooling mattress toppers, putting them to the test in our own homes to determine their efficacy. We’ve spent hot nights and endured heatwaves, sleeping on these breathable toppers to gauge their ability to regulate nighttime temperatures. For those we haven’t had the chance to test firsthand, we’ve sifted through reviews and called on experts to curate an edit of the best recommendations out there.

How to choose the best cooling mattress topper?

When selecting a cooling mattress topper, prioritise materials known for breathability, such as gel-infused memory foam, latex or natural materials such as wool. Look out for toppers with open-cell or ventilated designs to promote airflow and heat dissipation that will ensure you remain cool throughout the night. We’d also consider the thickness of the topper too, as thicker options are likely to retain more heat and opting for a mattress topper with a removable, machine washable cover will ensure easy maintenance.

Do cooling mattress toppers work?

Yes, but it entirely depends on what your mattress and/or topper is made of. Say, for instance, your mattress is made of a non-breathable memory foam then you might find it builds up heat and sweat through the night. In situations like this you would certainly benefit from a cooling mattress topper to help regulate your temperature in warmer weather.

By contrast, if you currently own a semi-temperature regulating mattress – like a gel-infused memory foam – and layer it up with another memory foam topper (this time of the non-gel variety), you’ll likely find your original sleep surface would have been better at keeping you cool.

WATCHNicola Coughlan & Lydia West play GLAMOUR’s Bestie Test

In summary, check your mattress and ensure that you’re browsing toppers with either similar or more cooling properties.

What material is best for cooling toppers?

Within the world of foam, you’ll want to steer towards perforated foams like latex, which is naturally super breathable. Similarly, gel-infused foams are less likely to trap heat in warmer weather. See, for instance, Wayfair’s White Noise Latex Topper and Argos’ Aidapt Topper.

Meanwhile, when it comes to cooling fibre toppers, you’ll want to research more wicking fabrics like Tencel and Nylon. Cotton, on the other hand, is more likely to hold moisture and cause issues for buyers suffering with night sweats. Our picks? Dorma’s Tencel Blend Topper and Sealy’s Anti Allergy Hollowfibre Mattress Topper.

After more warm weather friendly picks from team GLAMOUR? Head this way for the best cooling pillows, look here for our round up of the best garden furniture, and these links will take you to the best portable air con units and the best summer duvets. For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.

Keep scrolling for the best cooling mattress toppers in 2024 for a comfortable night’s sleep (no matter the weather).

Best cooling mattress topper overallTHE SIMBA Hybrid^® TopperSpecifications –
- Best for: Buyers on the hunt for a washable topper and a washable cover.
- Pros: Breathable, supportive, and has a removable, washable cover.
- Cons: None!
- Sizes available: Single, small double, double, king size and super king size.
- Materials: Simbatex® foam (CertiPUR® verified), high resilience/density CertiPUR® foam, Aerocoil™ 20mm springs and polyester.
- Machine washable/tumble dryer friendly? Yes, machine washable but not tumble dryer suitable.
Featuring 2,500 Aerocoil springs inside for enhanced support and comfort, this innovative design includes a layer of open-cell Simbatex foam, facilitating 30 times more airflow than traditional foam. It’s infused with natural graphite, renowned for its heat-wicking properties, and complemented by a breathable surface to ensure a cool and comfortable sleep experience every night.The topper features an anti-slip base and four snug-fit corner straps to keep it firmly in place, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping off your mattress, sofa bed, or inflatable. It’s a top pick for women’s time of the month, or even the menopause thanks to it’s temperature regulating properties and, what’s more, the 200-night trial is super generous – you’ll really know whether it’s a good fit together with your duvet, mattress etc. by the end of that!Save money on a new top layer sleep surface with cooling technology to tackle hot flashes by using these Simba discount codes.£219 AT SIMBA
Best cooling mattress topper return policyEmma Premium TopperSpecifications –
- Best for: Body temperature control and pressure relief.
- Pros: It’s washable, flippable, and comes with a sleep trial.
- Cons: No anti-slip layer or straps to secure the topper.
- Sizes available: Single, small double, double, king size and super king size.
- Materials: Polyester, lyocell, elastane, polypropylene, premium ThermoSync® foam layer and adaptable HRX comfort foam with graphite, all OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified.
- Machine washable/tumble dryer friendly? Yes, at 40°C.
This sumptuous 9cm thick topper delivers in pressure-relieving comfort like never before, transforming the feel of any mattress. Its removable and washable top cover ensures effortless maintenance, while its graphite coating will keep you at an optimal temperature throughout the night.You’ll get a whopping 100-night sleep trial within which to try and return your topper and, after that, another 10-year warranty should anything fall below your expectations once the tester period is over. It’s worth noting that there isn’t a mention of an anti-slip layer nor elasticated straps to secure the topper in place, though of course you could use a protector or fitted bed sheets to do this.Save money on breathable new mattress toppers for hot sleepers with these Emma discount codes.£329 AT EMMA
Best gel-infused cooling mattress topperAidapt 5.0cm Memory Foam Cool Mattress TopperSpecifications –
- Best for: Contoured support.
- Pros: Anti-allergy, breathable, affordable.
- Cons: It has no elastic straps to keep it in place.
- Sizes available: Single, double, king size.
- Materials: Gel memory foam.
- Machine washable/tumble dryer friendly? No.
With a cooling gel-infused memory foam, this affordable pick from Aidapt courtesy of Argos will upgrade your current mattress protector tenfold. The egg-crate texture is designed to help with shoulder, back pain and the like and, what’s more, if you don’t love the feel of the rippled contour side, you can simply flip the topper for a smoother surface that’ll be undetectable under your fitted sheet.It has a comfortable depth of 5cm, providing extra cushioning without significantly altering your mattress’s feel, making it ideal for those who want additional comfort without changing the overall firmness of their existing mattress.Save money on mattress pads that prioritise your temperature regulation and body heat with these Argos discount codes.£33 AT ARGOS
Best memory foam cooling topperPanda 5cm Memory Foam Mattress TopperSpecifications –
- Best for: A good night’s sleep with a guilt-free conscience thanks to the eco-friendly nature of this pick.
- Pros: Eco-friendly, cooling and pressure-relieving.
- Cons: None here, it’s even got an anti-slip layer!
- Sizes available: Single, small double, double, king, super king, EU single, EU double, EU king, emperor.
- Materials: Memory foam, Hydro Foam™ and rayon from bamboo.
- Machine washable/tumble dryer friendly? Yes, but dryer not mentioned.
We love Panda London for its eco-friendly bedding. This mattress topper is not only a top pick for sustainability, but it’s a super suggestion for eczema and sensitive skin sufferers. It will help to extend the life of an existing mattress by adding an extra layer of cushioning and protection, which absorbs much of the wear and tear and reduces strain on the underlying mattress.There’s a handy removable cover should any accidental drinks spillages occur, along with adjustable straps, which are ideal for securing it in place on deeper mattresses. It’s a top pick for side and back sleepers as it relieves pressure from the neck, shoulders, and back at the same time.Save money on everything from the best pillows, cooling mattress pads and medium-firm comfort level toppers with these Wayfair retailer discount codes.~~£98.99~~ £88.99 AT WAYFAIR