Falling asleep isn't always easy. Some nights, we can find ourselves tossing and turning under the duvet, unable to drop off despite shifting our sleeping position and counting sheep!

This is especially true for hot sleepers who are prone to overheating, even on the coolest of nights. If you feel that your sleep quality suffers because of how warm you get in bed, then this guide is just what you need. Here, our team of sleep experts will explore the benefits of cooling mattress toppers and provide a definitive list of the best mattress toppers for hot sleepers that money can buy.

So, get ready to wave goodbye to night sweats and wake up feeling refreshed - this guide will help you have a good night's sleep every night.

How do cooling mattress toppers work?

Cooling mattress toppers use various high-tech materials to remove body heat from underneath your covers and regulate the temperature of your bed by dissipating heat, promoting increased airflow and preventing body heat from becoming trapped between you and your sleep surface.

Mattress toppers can be placed directly onto the top of your current mattress, meaning you won't need to worry about investing in a whole new mattress or fresh sets of bedding in order to benefit from their built-in cooling technology. What's more, manufacturers design their mattress toppers to ensure they are compatible with the majority of mattress brands and mattress sizes, so you won't struggle to find the one that's perfect for your bed.

Different cooling mattress toppers use different materials to achieve this cooling effect. Typically, these are materials like cotton, latex foam and charcoal-infused memory foam, along with man-made materials like polyester hollowfibre. Let's take a look at how each cooling technology works to help you maintain a comfortable body temperature in bed.

Memory foam

Generally, memory foam mattresses and mattress toppers are celebrated for their ability to trap heat and keep sleepers warm on chillier nights. Now, thanks to advances in memory foam technologies, other materials such as gel, charcoal and copper are infused into the foam topper to create an open-cell structure that allows air to circulate more freely.

Memory foam toppers are particularly good for sleepers with sore joints or pressure points since the material hugs your body.

Unlike a traditional memory foam topper, a cooling memory foam topper features an open-cell structure to promote better airflow and breathability. This design allows air to circulate more freely through the foam, helping to dissipate heat and regulate temperature. 

Many cooling memory foam mattress toppers include cooling gels that absorb and dissipate heat from your body to keep the sleep surface cooler. The gel can have an instant cooling effect and helps to ensure that the foam doesn't trap heat.

Phase-change materials

Some cooling mattress toppers incorporate phase-change materials (PCMs). These are substances that can absorb or release heat depending on the surrounding temperature. 

PCMs work by changing their state from solid to liquid (or vice versa), effectively absorbing heat when you're warm and releasing it when you're cool. This helps maintain a more consistent temperature throughout the night.

Natural latex

Natural latex is a breathable material with an open-cell structure that allows for efficient air circulation. A latex mattress topper tends to be firmer than a memory foam topper, meaning you won't sink into it in quite the same way. With their durability, hypoallergenic nature, and inherent resistance to dust mites, latex toppers are one of the best overall cooling mattress toppers for hot sleepers.

100% Hollowfibre

100% Hollowfibre mattress toppers use ultra-fine, hollow strands of polyester to create a lightweight, breathable cooling topper. Hollowfibre toppers are some of the best cooling mattress toppers if you want a more affordable solution or only plan on using your topper in periods of particularly warm weather. What's more, this type of topper is machine washable, meaning you can keep it fresh and hygienic without needing to take it to a specialist cleaner.

Things to consider when buying a mattress topper if you're a hot sleeper

1. Do you need a machine-washable mattress topper?

If hygiene is particularly important to you, it might be worth investing in a mattress topper with a machine-washable cover. These can be put through the wash along with the rest of your bedding to remove any odours, stains or dirt.

2. Do you plan on using fitted sheets or a mattress protector?

If you prefer a fitted sheet on your bed or want to put a mattress protector on top of your cooling mattress topper, you'll need to factor in the depth of the topper to ensure your bedding still fits properly.

3. How much are you willing to spend on your new mattress topper?

Generally, a Hollowfibre and Microfibre mattress topper will be the most affordable option, whilst a latex mattress topper will be more expensive. While the comfort and pressure-relieving benefits of memory foam used to come with a higher price tag, technological advancements now mean that you can buy an effective memory foam mattress topper relatively cheaply.

4. What is your preferred sleeping position?

If you're a side sleeper, you may fare better with a memory foam mattress topper since the material will mould to the contours of your body and prevent discomfort on any pressure points.

5. How firm do you want your mattress topper to be?

Just like mattresses, cooling mattress toppers come in a range of different firmness ratings. If you prefer a firmer mattress, it's likely that you'll also prefer a firmer mattress topper. Read the product specifications of each topper to choose the right one for your bed.

6. Are you prone to night sweats?

If you tend to wake up feeling sweaty during the night, a mattress topper with moisture-wicking qualities will help to remove any perspiration from underneath your sheets. As such, this type of topper is also one of the best cooling mattress toppers for anyone living in a more humid climate.

The 3 best cooling mattress toppers

1. Airstream Memory Cool Topper

The Slumberdown Memory Cool Mattress Topper features Airstream technology, which promotes airflow and enhances breathability for a cooler night's sleep. Thanks to the gel memory foam, this cooling topper provides excellent pressure relief, making it ideal for side sleepers who are at greater risk of spine misalignment when lying down.

Coolmax technology woven into the cover of this mattress topper provides a moisture-wicking effect to remove perspiration from your sheets and keep you feeling cool all night long.

2. Slumberdown Climate Control Topper

As the name suggests, Slumberdown's Climate Control mattress topper has fantastic climate control technology that helps regulate your body temperature throughout the night. It is designed to actively manage heat and moisture, keeping you at a comfortable temperature and promoting more restful sleep.

This mattress topper features a dual-layer construction for added comfort and support. The top layer is soft and breathable, while the bottom layer offers support and stability. The Slumberdown Climate Control topper is also machine washable for easy cleaning and hypoallergenic, making it one of the best cooling mattress toppers for sleepers with allergies.

3. Slumberdown Super Support Topper

The Super Support Mattress Topper from Slumberdown differs from other mattress toppers in that it is specifically designed to enhance the overall support and comfort of your mattress. The Super Support topper features extra supportive fillings that help alleviate pressure points, providing a more comfortable sleeping surface.

This cooling mattress topper works by connecting two 100% Hollowfibre layers together to ensure air circulates effectively. Offering the perfect blend of comfort and cooling, the Super Support topper is one of the best cooling mattress toppers for hot sleepers wanting a wonderfully premium feel.

FAQs

Is a cooling mattress topper the same as a cooling mattress pad or cooling mattress protector?

Even though both have cooling properties, a mattress pad or protector will be considerably thinner than a mattress topper. Mattress pads and mattress protectors are designed to provide a barrier between you and your mattress to prolong its lifespan by minimising staining and lingering odours.

How can I stay cool when sleeping in warm weather?

There are a few ways you can keep your bed cool during the night. Some of these options could include:

• Breathable bedding: Opt for bedding made from a natural, breathable material like 100% cotton. These fabrics allow for better airflow and help keep you cooler during sleep.
• Use a cooling mattress topper: Consider investing in a cooling mattress topper for effective temperature regulation.
• Select a cool pillow: Look for pillows made from cooling materials like gel-infused memory foam or breathable fabrics. Memory foam or latex pillows are especially good for headaches and provide support for your neck. You could also buy a cooling pad insert made from cooling gel and put it inside your pillowcase.
• Lightweight bedding: As well as a breathable material, you could also look for lightweight blankets or sheets with lower tog ratings. Tog ratings indicate the warmth and insulation level of bedding, with lower tog ratings being more suitable for hot weather.
• Use fans in your room: Position fans strategically to direct airflow towards your bed and circulate air around your bedroom to maintain a cooler temperature.

Find the best cooling mattress topper with Sleepseeker

A cooling mattress topper can be a great addition to your bed. Not only can it help to prevent night sweats and ease the symptoms of hot flashes, but i also offers a layer of extra comfort to ensure you get the most restful night's sleep possible.

At Sleepseeker, we believe that everyone deserves to get their 40 winks, which is why we offer a range of premium bedding products to keep you cool all year round. From pillows and electric blankets to duvets and mattress toppers, you're sure to find everything you need to sleep soundly.

Not sure which cooling mattress topper is the right one for you? Contact our customer service team for more information and guidance about any of the products on our website.