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Jul 27, 2023

Best Cooling Mattresses 2023

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Why be sweaty when you can be cool? It's a fact that's not up for debate: Being hot while sleeping

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

Why be sweaty when you can be cool?

It's a fact that's not up for debate: Being hot while sleeping is not fun. In fact, it's even a bit gross. (We can say that because we are—unfortunately—sweaty sleepers ourselves.) So, besides stripping down and sleeping sheetless, how can you cool down while you snooze? The answer lies in your mattress.

These days, there are all kinds of mattresses on the market for every kind of sleeper. You can find organic mattresses for the eco-friendly sleeper, memory foam mattresses for the extra-cozy sleeper, cheap mattresses that don't feel cheap for the budget-conscious sleeper, and everything in between. And, when it comes to hot sleepers, there's one specific type of mattress that was made for them: Cooling mattresses.

What exactly is a cooling mattress? According to Holly Adorno, sleep expert and player development at Bedgear, while most mattresses trap and retain heat, "a cooling mattress is designed to provide proper airflow and reduce overheating as well as sweating for better sleep."

Now that's outta the way, there's one main thing to think about before buying a cooling mattress. "It is crucial to prioritize breathable, moisture-wicking, and cool-to-the-touch fabrics," says Adorno. In addition to that, gel memory foam and other perforated materials also work to enhance breathability and help the body regulate its overall temperature, which will keep you from overheating. (Read: No more sticky, sweaty nights.)

Cheap? Check. Free delivery? Check. Ultra comfortable? Triple check. Here you have the best and most affordable cooling mattresses on the market. This Amazon find is under 400 bucks, and who doesn't want that? It's made with soft gel particles that are infused into high-density memory foam that conforms to your body, supports your back, and helps prevent tossing and turning at night.

One thing we particularly like about this mattress (aside from its affordable price) is that it keeps its shape over time. A common problem in these memory foam choices. Lastly, it has killer reviews, and we're not one to argue with that.

If you're looking for a whole different type of support while you snooze, you can't go wrong with the popular Purple mattress. This hypoallergenic mattress, which is made from non-toxic materials, features three responsive coil zone areas that are made to keep you comfortable. The signature grid-like design is like no other, but helps to keep you cool.

This mattress also has a three-inch foam topper that helps circulate air, pulling hot air out and cool air in. Not to mention, the squishy foam will keep you perfectly cushioned all night long. Plus, thanks to the topper, you won't be able to feel your bedmate's movements as much if they're tossing and turning since it'll absorb them. On top of that, this Purple favorite has a moisture-wicking cover—complete with an antimicrobial finish—that'll keep you comfortably cool and extra dry, even on extra sweaty nights.

Want a hybrid choice? We have the one for you. Made with supreme temperature-regulating features that'll keep you cool all night long. The advanced, high-resilience foam is supportive, and the durable coils create a harmonious balance of both pressure relief and firmness. On top of that, it's offered in three different firmness levels, so you can choose which level works for your needs. Lastly, it has a smart zoned-support system that'll keep your spine optimally aligned, ultimately alleviating any lingering aches and pains.

If you run hot, and we mean hot, this Casper option is your best bet. Here's how it works: It has three main layers that work together to drag heat away from the body. The top layer is made of light, polyurethane foam that consists of thousands of breathable perforations that work to keep you cool. The second layer is made from zoned memory foam that's complete with a durable base of polyurethane foam with encased springs. (This means it's a hybrid bed.)

Finally, it has what the brand calls 'HeatDelete Bands,' which are graphite cooling bands that pull heat away from the body to regulate your temperature. The result? A mattress that is literally cool to the touch.

Complete with 10 or 12 inches of soft-to-the-touch memory foam, this plush mattress is ideal for the person who likes to get snug at night. Take it from us, it just might eat you and swallow you whole, but in a good way. Here's what makes this mattress stand out: It features four levels of firmness: It has a gel-infused cooling memory foam layer, a transition foam layer, a support foam layer, and finally a firm comfort foam layer. Although it's squishy, it also has a good amount of firmness to it that will keep your body feeling good when you wake up. And, if you flip or rotate the mattress 180 degrees, it completely changes the comfort zones and firmness which means it suits different sleeping positions.

If you want a mattress that has a little bit of everything, Saatva has got it all. The brand's bestselling Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress is a great option for side sleepers that want that deep, body-contouring feel that doesn't completely suck them in. This mattress also features impressive pressure-point relief technology that eases joints and muscles while you sleep. Our favorite part? It features an innovative cooling system, which the brand calls the 'LuxeCool system,' which allows for increased airflow that actively draws heat away from the body to keep you cooler than regular memory foam mattresses. Each mattress is coated with a botanical antimicrobial treatment that actively inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.

While it might be a bit pricy, this Sleep Number mattress is worth the money if you run hot and prefer sleeping on your back. Basically, this mattress is made with layers of smart ceramic gel that works overtime to release excess heat from your body, ultimately cooling you down. On top of that, it has highly supportive layers of foam that effortlessly conform to your body, meaning you'll be snug as a bug. These foam layers also provide more comfort to pressure points, melting away any muscle pain during the night.

If you want a one-and-done mattress that caters to your every need, we got just the thing. This Amazon bestseller is a bestseller for a reason. First, it's super affordable for a mattress, which is always a plus. Second, it's offered in four different sizes (Twin, Full, Queen, and King) as well as four different foam heights (8, 10, 12, 0r 14 inches). Depending on how squishy you like your bed, you can choose how much foam you want. (The less foam, the more firm.) On top of that, it's made with high-quality, durable foam that can hold its shape for years. As for the best part, it has a seven-zone ventilation system that allows for extra airflow, which means you'll stay nice and cool all night long. Last, but not least, each layer is infused with premium green tea, which will keep your mattress fresh and odor-free.

Lauren Harano is a New York based freelance writer, covering home, lifestyle, and all things gifts.

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