Top Cooling Mattress Toppers Reviewed to Beat the Heatwave
Overheating during sleep is not just uncomfortable; it can severely disrupt rest, especially during heatwaves. While quality mattresses and toppers improve comfort and support, cooling mattress toppers paired with cooling pillows can be a lifesaver for hot sleepers. To understand how to stay cool at night, we consulted sleep scientist Hannah Shore from Mattress Online, who highlighted that not all mattress toppers are equal in temperature regulation. Some materials trap heat and moisture, while others offer an instant cooling sensation, similar to flipping a pillow to the cooler side.
As Shore explains, "It doesn't last throughout the entire night, but if you put your hand on [the cover], it will probably stay cooler for longer than a normal fabric." The key lies in materials: many toppers use polyurethane foam, often marketed as memory foam, which retains heat. To counter this, brands incorporate conductive elements like gel layers or copper threads to draw heat away. Breathable covers made from wool or bamboo rayon also help regulate temperature and prevent overheating.
However, don't expect a cooling topper to completely transform an old mattress; they are too thin to correct body positioning, Shore notes. Yet, they can provide relief, especially on budget memory foam mattresses. Our team tested various models during spring and summer heatwaves, assessing comfort, firmness, pressure relief, and cooling effectiveness. Toppers that contributed to overheating were excluded, with value for money and storage ease also considered.
Our Top Picks for Cooling Mattress Toppers
Best Overall – Panda Bamboo Mattress Topper: Priced at £140, this topper features gel-infused memory foam with a breathable bamboo rayon cover. It offers excellent pressure relief and stays cool during heatwaves, though it may be too soft for some and is bulky to store.
Best Budget Buy – Next Temperature Regulating Mattress Enhancer: At £45, this polyester and modal topper is machine-washable and provides good airflow. It's not as thick as premium options but is effective for mild cooling and moisture-wicking.
Best Wool Mattress Topper – Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper: Costing £255, this topper uses organic cotton and traceable wool for natural temperature regulation. It's plush and hypoallergenic but expensive.
Best Cool Touch Topper – Silentnight Wellbeing Cool Touch Mattress Topper: Priced at £135, it has a moisture-wicking cover and foam filling. The cooling effect is subtle, and it's chunky to store, but it offers medium-firm comfort.
Best Memory Foam – Otty Bamboo Mattress Topper with Charcoal: At £140, this topper uses bamboo and charcoal-infused memory foam for breathability and pressure relief. It lacks straps and has a dry-clean-only cover.
Best Firm – Simba Hybrid Essential Topper: Priced at £299, it features airflow foam and aerocoil springs for support. It's comfortable but pricey and hard to store.
Best Medium Firm – Dreams Therapur Actigel Cool Mattress Topper: Costing £180, this foam topper offers a mild cooling effect and comes with a storage bag, but straps are thin and may not secure well.
Best Lightweight – Dunelm Cooler Than Memory Foam Mattress Topper: At £60, this polyester topper is affordable and breathable but may dip over time and offers minimal sink.
Best Polyester – Silentnight Airmax Mattress Topper: Priced at £30, it's machine-washable and provides slight cooling, though not as effective as others, making it a budget-friendly option.
Testing Methodology and Expert Insights
We tested each topper during heatwaves, evaluating comfort, support, fit, thickness, and care. Comfort was assessed based on temperature regulation and overall cosiness, with support focusing on spinal alignment and pressure relief. A secure fit was crucial for airflow, and thickness influenced heat retention. Ease of cleaning, especially for hot sleepers, was also considered.
Shore recommends polyester fibres for cooling, as they can be innovatively manipulated, paired with cool-touch fabrics. For night sweats, polyester is quick-drying, while natural fibres may feel clammy. There's no one-size-fits-all for sleep positions; preference dictates choice between foam for softness and fibre for firmness. Mattress toppers won't fix back pain, but checking pillow alignment and mattress support is advised.
Our reviews are trustworthy, with over four years of experience testing bedding products. We only recommend items we've personally tried and believe offer value. For more recommendations, explore our guides on best pillows and mattress protectors.
