Best Cooling Mattress Topper

Best Cooling Mattress Toppers UK (2024)

Last updated: 31.10.2023 Reading time: 12 Min.

Did you know that sleeping hot can prevent you from getting deep sleep? 🥵

That’s why it’s important to use accessories to keep cool and comfortable during the warmer season.

A cool mattress topper can help with that. ❄️

We’ve found the best cooling mattress toppers for a chilled night’s sleep during a heatwave.

Our cooling mattress topper guide can tell you more. 👇

woman on cool mattress topper

The best cooling mattress topper UK

Sleep Hero Favourite

Simba Mattress Topper

The Simba mattress topper is a high-quality hybrid topper.
  • Synthetic latex, mini pocket springs & Simba-Pure foam
  • 7 cm (2.7 inches)
  • Available in standard UK sizes 

Tell me more about the Simba Hybrid mattress topper

The Simba Hybrid mattress topper features three advanced layers, including synthetic latex, mini pocket springs, and Simba-Pure foam. 

The Simba-Pure foam is CertiPUR-certified and guaranteed to be free from TCPP, phosphates, parabens, biocides and persistent organic pollutants. 

This is a cooling mattress topper, as the springs allow for maximum airflow. 

The cover with 3D mesh fabric is also ultra-breathable, further enhancing airflow and helping with temperature regulation. 

Because of its hybrid composition, the Simba topper also feels much firmer than pure foam toppers. 

The Simba topper has an anti-slip base and elasticated straps to keep it firmly in place on your mattress. 

Reasons to buy

CertiPUR-US certified 

1-year guarantee

Free delivery & returns 

Reasons to avoid

The trial period is only 14 days

Quite expensive 

Fully Washable

The Fine Bedding Company Dual Layer Mattress Topper

This Dual Layer Mattress Topper features an easy-to-use zip construction.
  • 100% super soft microfibre cover & 100% Smartfil microfibre filling
  • Single, double, king, super king
  • Dual-layer design 

Tell me more about the FBC Dual Layer Mattress Topper

The Fine Bedding Dual Layer Mattress Topper is a luxurious option for enhanced comfort. 

We felt significant pressure relief in our joints without feeling too "hugged in" by the topper.

The dual-layer construction includes a zip to remove the top layer for an easy wash up to 60°C. 

You could even separate the topper to create two thinner toppers if you're in need of two.  

Fitted with 35 cm (13.7 inches) elastic straps, this topper will fit any mattress.

Unfortunately, the Dual Layer mattress topper does not include a sleep trial or warranty period. 

Reasons to buy

Easy to store when not in use 

Elastic straps keep it fixed to the mattress 

Machine-washable & dual-layer design makes it highly practical 

Reasons to avoid

No trial or guarantee

Maximum of 14-day returns only 

15% OFF FINE BEDDING
SLEEP15Click to copy code

BUY DUAL LAYER TOPPER

Budget-Friendly

Silentnight Airmax Mattress Topper

The Silentnight Airmax Mattress Topper is specially manufactured to promote air circulation.
  • Hollowfibre
  • 8 cm (3 inches)
  • Machine-washable at 60°C

Tell me more about the Silentnight Airmax mattress topper

The Silentnight Airmax mattress topper is our top choice for breathability.

This topper features 8 cm (3.1") of hollowfibre with a dual layer to add extra comfort to your current mattress.

The mattress topper is hypoallergenic for anybody who has allergies or breathing problems. 

The medium feel provides the perfect level of support for side and back sleepers. 

The air mesh sides encourage body heat to flow out of the mattress for a cooler sleep. 

The Silentnight Airmax mattress topper is excellent value for money, making it a great choice for those needing a topper without breaking the bank. 

Reasons to buy

2-year guarantee

Highly breathable 

Budget-friendly 

Reasons to avoid

No trial period 

Some customers found it to be thinner than expected 

Natural Choice

Evergreenweb Latex Mattress Topper

The Evergreenweb latex mattress topper is naturally hypoallergenic.
  • Natural latex flakes 
  • 7 cm (2.7 inches)
  • Vacuum-sealed 

Tell me more about the Evergreenweb latex topper

The Evergreenweb latex topper is made with 100% natural latex flakes.  

This mattress topper consists of naturally breathable materials for a cool and comfortable sleep.

It is also fully hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant, so a great choice for allergy sufferers. 

The goose-feather effect of the flakes provides a luxuriously soft comfort that conforms to the body for optimal pressure relief.

We love that this Italian-made topper is OEKO-TEX-certified, meaning it has been tested against harmful substances.   

This orthopaedic mattress topper can be used as a futon, yoga mat, or simply to enhance the feel of a tired mattress. 

Reasons to buy

Natural & breathable materials 

OEKO-TEX certified 

Great for allergies 

Reasons to avoid

No trial or guarantee

How we test products

Our mission is to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect sleep products.

We've dedicated hundreds of hours to testing mattresses and sleep accessories, and rely on a team of testers of differing weights, temperature preferences, and sleeping positions to evaluate each product. 

Tested products are granted the Sleep Hero tested stamp of approval, a mark of our review's reliability.

To learn more about our testing process, check out our methodology page.

If we haven't personally tested a product, please be assured that we invest significant time and energy into scouring the UK market and researching the best recommendations, and we work with a team of sleep experts who review our articles, ensuring that the insights we provide are not only relatable but also reliable.

What is a mattress topper?

A mattress topper is a soft cushioning layer that enhances the feeling of your mattress. ☁️

It sits on the top of your mattress and promotes a more comfortable sleep for those lacking support.

A cooling mattress topper provides cooling benefits while also giving a softer feel to a mattress that feels too firm.

Do mattress toppers keep you cool?

The primary function of a mattress topper isn’t to keep you cool.

Mattress topper making bed softer
Mattress toppers add extra softness to your sleep.

A mattress topper can have cooling properties, but its primary function is to promote comfort and relieve pressure.

Typically, a mattress topper is made from memory foam, wool, or latex, which have mixed results in cooling you down at night.

Yet, some mattress toppers are cooler than others and made with heat-absorbing materials. ♨️

Consider a cooler mattress

A cooling mattress topper isn’t a miracle worker.

If you have a warm mattress, then a cooling mattress topper won’t do much to keep you cool.

Memory foam mattresses create a warmer sleep and aren’t the best choice for hot sleepers. 🥵

It might be time to upgrade to a cooling mattress instead.

Take a look at our favourite cooling mattresses below:

How do cooling mattress toppers work?

The coolest mattress toppers usually have temperature-control properties in the material.

This means absorbing body heat or pushing away moisture from the body whilst you sleep.

Yet, how a cooling mattress topper functions depends on the material.

So, what are these materials? 👇

Gel mattress toppers

Gel mattress toppers are one of the most popular cooling mattress topper options.

Whilst they feel similar to memory foam by contouring to the body and reducing pressure, they’re much cooler than basic foam.

This is because gel mattress toppers contain little gel beads with phase-changing materials that draw heat away from the body. ♨️

Woman on gel mattress topper
The best cooling gel mattress toppers absorb excess heat.

Cooling gel mattress toppers are typically firmer than memory foam, meaning they don’t “hug” around the body as much. 🤗

This is great for those who want to reduce pressure on the joints without feeling suffocated.

Whilst we think cool gel mattress toppers are great, it’s important to remember that there are no scientific-backed studies to support their cooling effects.

Instead, the popularity of gel mattress toppers comes from the positive customer reviews for their cooling capabilities.

Latex mattress toppers

Many people make the mistake of assuming latex is warm like foam.

Yet, latex is highly breathable.

Latex comes from the sap in rubber trees.

Because the process of latex extraction is non-damaging to the tree and its 100% biodegradable, it makes latex a superiorly sustainable product. 🌴

Latex being harvested
Latex is a naturally sourced material.

Unlike foam, latex has an open-cell structure, encouraging the material to breathe more naturally.

Latex toppers are also manufactured with tiny pinholes in the material, which heat can pass through. 🌬️

Latex mattress toppers feel similar to foam, contouring around the body without creating a warm surface.

Latex is also one of the most durable mattress topper materials, meaning your cooling mattress topper may last as long as 20 years.

Shredded latex, such as the Evergreenweb latex topper, is even more breathable because of its shredded structure, which encourages greater airflow.

BUY EVERGREEN TOPPER£ 139

Memory foam mattress toppers

You might be surprised to find memory foam on this list. 🤔

Typically, memory foam is a material that traps heat, creating a warmer sleep.

However, as memory foam products become more advanced, some exceptions exist.

Memory foam mattress topper
Cooling memory foam mattress toppers have superb contouring abilities.

Some memory foam toppers are infused with a cooling agent that counteracts the warm properties of memory foam.

This could be graphite, gel, or another type of cooling material.

For example, the Panda mattress topper is primarily made of memory foam but is infused with cooling gel microbeads that help to dissipate heat.

This cool memory foam mattress topper also includes a bamboo cover, a naturally breathable material that wicks away moisture. 💦

10% OFF PANDA MATTRESS TOPPER

Hollowfibre toppers

Crafted with lightweight fibres, hollowfibre provides a noticeably more breathable experience than denser materials like memory foam. 💨

hollowfibre mattress topper
Hollowfibre toppers encourage airflow.

Often, these breathable mattress toppers can be machine-washed.

This makes them an excellent choice for those who sweat during the night and need to wash their topper regularly to prevent the build-up of moisture and bacteria.

Hollowfibre is also one of the cheapest materials available.

The Silentnight Airmax Topper is one of our favourite cool hollowfibre options. ✅

BUY AIRMAX TOPPER£ 32

Cooling mattress pad vs a cooling mattress topper

A cooling mattress pad and a cooling mattress topper are two different products.

A cooling mattress pad (also known as a cooling mat) is a thin layer that goes on top of your mattress.

Unlike a mattress topper, a cooling mattress pad’s primary function is to reduce the temperature of your sleep. 🌡️

mattress pad vs mattress topper
A cool mattress pad and mattress topper have different primary functions.

If you are an excessively hot sleeper suffering from menopause or night sweats, we recommend using a cooling mattress pad.

Though they don’t enhance the feeling of the mattress, they can make your sleep significantly cooler.

Cooling mattress pads contain a gel that absorbs heat and pushes it away from the body.

Some can also be refrigerated before use for extra coolness. 🧊

Check out the best cooling mattress pads:

How else can you stay cool at night?

You shouldn’t just rely on bed products to help you sleep cool.

In fact, there are many ways you can lower the temperature of your sleep.

Our tips below can ensure a better night’s sleep with a cooler bedtime routine. 👇

Take a lukewarm shower or bath before bed

Most people think a cold shower before bed keeps you cool.

But research suggests that a warm or hot bath is a better solution.

A warm bath relaxes the muscles and can even lower your blood pressure.

Woman in bath
A warm bath before bed can keep you cool.

Hot water helps to activate your body’s core temperature and lowers it just in time for bed. 😴

As our body temperature naturally lowers during sleep, a bath can trigger your brain into understanding it’s time for bed, encouraging you to fall asleep faster.

A bath pillow is also a great way to help you wind down in the bath and get relaxed before bed.

Sleep with a lighter tog duvet

The duvet you sleep with can make a massive difference to a good night’s sleep.

Tog ratings and temperature
Lower tog ratings are much cooler during sleep.

The tog rating is a measure of a duvet's thermal insulation efficiency.

A lower rating indicates high breathability, while a higher one suggests better insulation.

We recommend:

  • 1 - 4.5 tog duvet for summer
  • 7 - 10.5 tog duvet for spring/autumn
  • 12 - 15 tog duvet for winter

Most duvets come in a 10.5 tog for year-round suitability.

You should also consider the duvet materials.

The Panda Cloud duvet is made with temperature-regulating bamboo fibres for a cooler sleep.

10% OFF PANDA DUVET

Choose a cooler pillow

If you frequently flip your pillow to the cold side, you’ll be pleased to know that some pillows stay cool all night. 😅

Like mattress toppers, many pillows are made with cooling technology that can absorb heat and keep you cool during the night.

Our cool pillow review can tell you everything you need to know about the best cool pillows in the UK.

Cool pillow
Cool pillows draw in cool air and release hot air.

The Kally Cooling pillow is an excellent budget option to promote better airflow.

+ EXTRA 5% OFF KALLY SLEEP
SLEEP5Click to copy code

30% OFF KALLY COOLING PILLOW £ 31.49

Use natural fibre sheets

Natural sheets are the superior option when it comes to staying cool.

Unlike synthetic fitted sheets, natural sheets such as cotton, silk, and bamboo have advanced cooling abilities.

They are highly breathable and able to wick away moisture during the night. 🌬️

moisture-wicking fabric
Natural fibre sheets push away excess moisture during the night.

They can also absorb extra heat and cool you down on a hot night.

Take a look at our favourite natural sheets below:

Are cooling mattress toppers washable?

Most cooling bed toppers aren’t safe for the washing machine.

This is because they are made with materials that may become damaged when in contact with hot water.

Mattress toppers can be bulky, so even washable mattress toppers will not fit in a standard washing machine.

However, the Dual Layer topper by The Fine Bedding Company can be separated into two pieces, making it much more machine-friendly. ✔️

15% OFF FINE BEDDING
SLEEP15Click to copy code

BUY DUAL LAYER TOPPER

Other mattress toppers may also come with a washable cover.

Washing a mattress topper cover
Some mattress toppers have washable covers.

The mattress cover can be popped into the wash with your regular bedding and left to air-dry before putting it back onto your topper.

We highly recommend using a mattress protector alongside your mattress topper.

A cooling mattress cover will protect your topper and mattress from stains and bacteria build-up.

The best cooling mattress covers and protectors are made with natural fibres and will encourage airflow throughout the mattress. 🌱

Our favourite cooling mattress protectors UK:

Cool mattress topper sizes

Cooling mattress toppers come in standard UK mattress sizes.

mattress topper sizes

These include:

  • Single mattress topper: 90 x 190 cm (3' x 6'3")
  • Small double mattress topper: 120 x 190 cm (4' x 6'3")
  • Double mattress topper: 135 x 190 cm (4'6" x 6'3")
  • King size mattress topper: 150 x 200 cm (5’ x 6’6”)
  • Super-king mattress topper: 180 x 200 cm (6’ x 6’6”)

You should check your bed size before you purchase to ensure you buy the correct mattress topper size.

Cool mattress toppers are also available in a variety of depths.

Need a thick mattress topper?

Our guide on the best thick mattress toppers can help you out.

Cool mattress topper prices

A good quality cooling mattress topper typically starts from around £100 - £150. 💰

Mattress toppers made with high-quality materials, such as the Simba mattress topper, are much more expensive.

BUY SIMBA TOPPER£ 219

man sitting on coins
Cooling mattress toppers can be pricey.

Depending on the size of your bed, premium toppers, like the Simba topper, can set you back around £200 - £1000.

But how much should you spend on a mattress topper?

When choosing a topper, consider your budget, whether you really need a topper, and the warranty conditions it offers.

Investing in a pricier topper with an extended warranty could be worthwhile, as it signifies a higher quality product likely to have a longer lifespan. 🤞

Cool mattress topper discount codes

Luckily, some cooling mattress toppers come with fantastic discounts. 🏷️

piggybank on mattress
Mattress toppers are on sale regularly.

You can save as much as 50% when you buy a cooling mattress topper during a promotion.

So, how do you know when there’s a sale?

Bookmark our discounts page for an updated list of the best mattress topper discounts.

You can also sign up for our newsletter for exclusive voucher codes. ✍️

Should you buy a cool mattress topper?

A cool mattress topper is an excellent buy for those looking to level up their sleep without overheating.

We think they’re great for those who feel warm at night and need extra comfort for their mattress. ✅

However, a cooling mattress pad is a better option for excessively hot sleepers looking for a significant improvement in how cool they feel during sleep.

If you have a memory foam mattress and sleep hot, you should consider changing it for a cooler alternative.

The best cool mattress toppers UK:

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the best cool mattress toppers for hot flashes?


    We recommend a cooling mattress pad instead of a cool mattress topper if you suffer from regular hot flashes.

    A cooling mattress pad is more successful at absorbing heat and keeping you cool. 

    The best cooling mattress pad for hot flashes can be found in this section of the article. 

  • Where to buy a cooling mattress topper


    You can buy a cold mattress topper from various online retailers.

    Options include:

    Amazon also has an excellent range of cooling mattress toppers with Prime Day deals and discounts throughout the year.

  • Do cooling mattress toppers really work?


    Cooling mattress toppers can be an excellent option for those who need a combination of comfort and coolness for their sleep.

    We recommend them to side sleepers as the added top layer of comfort to the mattress can relieve pressure on the shoulder and hip in the side sleeping position.

    Mattress toppers with cooling technology will promote a cooler sleep by absorbing excess heat and encouraging air to circulate throughout the mattress.

    However, a cooling mattress pad might be more effective if you feel overly hot at night.

  • References

Holly

Holly Matthews

Senior Content Writer

Holly has been a content writer at Sleep Hero UK since 2021. With an MA degree in literature and previous experience working at a leading UK bed retailer, she is committed to using her skills to guide others towards making better sleep choices.

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