Regardless of the season, cooling mattress toppers are essential for hot sleepers. As someone who regularly battles night sweats, I can tell you that the right mattress topper can be the difference between tossing and turning all night and throwing the covers off when you overheat; and waking up feeling completely refreshed.
If you, yet again, woke up this morning with sweat seeping from seemingly every pore, swapping to sweat-wicking silk pillowcases and lightweight Egyptian cotton bedding is definitely worth doing — but if overheating at night is a real issue, investing in a breathable mattress topper will likely make the most noticeable impact on your slumber.
Cleverly designed with both comfort and coolness in mind, there are lots of plush toppers out there that have been expertly engineered to enhance airflow, wick away any excess sweat, and even actively cool your body as your temperature increases. Plus, a trusty topper can also completely transform the comfort level of a worn or overly firm mattress — so you’ll be upgrading every single aspect of your sleeping set-up.
Ready to wake up looking and feeling refreshed, rather than roasting hot and red-faced? From simple models made with sweat-wicking materials, to hybrid ones that boast premium cooling technology and ergonomic support, these are the best cooling mattress toppers worth knowing about in 2025.
How to choose the best cooling mattress topper?
Primarily designed to draw heat and moisture away from the body, the best cooling mattress toppers are made with well-known breathable materials, and boast temperature-control properties within their construction. Latex or wool toppers are worth looking out for if you’re after something natural, but gel-infused memory foam or hybrid mattresses and toppers can also be really cooling if they’ve got a well-ventilated design that promotes airflow and heat dissipation. We’d also consider the thickness of the topper too, as thicker options are likely to retain more heat. Plus, opting for a mattress topper with a removable and machine washable cover will ensure easy maintenance.
Do cooling mattress toppers work?
Cleverly designed to regulate your body temperature while you sleep, cooling mattress toppers definitely help with the common issue of overheating in bed. So it’s safe to say that they definitely work.
That being said, don’t expect to feel like you’ve just stepped out of an ice bath. Cooling toppers are effective of an effective solution for most people on a typical day. However, if we’re in the midst of a heatwave — or even if you’re just someone who runs rather hot — you might need a little extra cold air from a trusty electric fan.
What material is best for cooling toppers?
While traditional closed cell memory foam mattress toppers built up quite the reputation for causing overheating and night sweats, most modern day models now boast breathable open-cell structures to maximise airflow. Plus, many advanced models are also infused with cooling gels and agents — like copper, graphite, and charcoal — which help to further dissipate heat. So there’s no reason why you can’t reap the pressure-relieving benefits of a memory foam mattress topper, while still staying nice and cool.
Constantly wake up hot, stuffy, and sniffly? Naturally breathable, temperature-regulating, and hypoallergenic, wool mattress toppers have a cushion-like feel, and make great cooling mattress toppers for those who also suffer with allergies. Typically made from 100% traceable British Wool, they do often come with quite a hefty price tag.
Alternatively, hollowfibre toppers are ideal if you’re after something a little more budget-friendly. Crafted with lightweight fibres, hollowfibre is far less dense than traditional memory foam — meaning that although it doesn’t offer quite the same level of cushioning as the more premium materials, it somewhat makes up for it by being super breathable.
When it comes to the cover of your mattress topper, a sweat-wicking fabric is paramount. Tencel and Nylon are popular picks — but bamboo and silk are ideal if you’re steering clear of synthetics. Cotton, on the other hand, is more likely to hold moisture — and can therefore cause issues for buyers suffering with night sweats.
Who we are and why you can trust us
At GLAMOUR, all of our interiors guides are written and edited by our in-house team of contributing writers and testers, led by (myelf) Mayola Fernandes, GLAMOUR’s Commerce Writer. Since joining the team in 2023, I’ve built a strong expertise in sleep content, having written extensively on the topic since 2021.
When it comes to mattress toppers, I’ve tested more than I can count (a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!). But, since comfort is highly subjective, I’ve also tapped into the expertise of our team of sleep writers and editors, consulted industry experts, visited showrooms, and conducted extensive research. This includes reading hundreds of buyer reviews to refine this roundup into a whittled down guide featuring 11 of the best mattress toppers on the market — each one rigorously tested and GLAMOUR-approved. Learn more about our testing process below.
How we tested the best 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.
After more warm weather friendly picks from team GLAMOUR? Head this way for the best mattress, 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.
