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The best cooling mattresses, tested by a hot sleeper
First, look at the structure. Traditionally, foams are dense, but dedicated cooling memory foam or hybrid mattresses feature enhanced technology for better temperature regulation.
Look for phrases such as “open cell”, which means the foam may have gaps for air to pass through and “gel beads” or “phase change materials”, which both absorb excess thermal energy to draw it away from the body.
Air flows more freely through pocket sprung mattresses, due to the space between the coils. Some designs also incorporate natural materials, such as wool, to dissipate heat and wick moisture.
Composition is important for the cover, too. Natural fibres, such as cotton, are more breathable than synthetic fabrics. Textiles derived from wood pulp (any described as viscose, bamboo, eucalyptus or Tencel) also tend to be better for temperature regulation.
As for firmness, softer mattresses can trap more heat as you sink into them. For further advice, read our guide on how to choose a mattress.