Best Cooling Mattresses

Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers UK (2026)

Last updated: 14.03.2024 Reading time: 11 Min.

Sleeping during a heatwave can feel like a nightmare. 😰

So, what can you do about it?

You may not know, but certain mattresses retain body heat, creating a hotbox of unwanted warmth in the bed that no amount of fans can compete with . . .

But cool mattresses have advanced technology that draws heat away from the body.

Let’s dive into the best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers in the UK. 👇

Person sleeping on cool mattress
Best For Side Sleepers

Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress

The Simba Hybrid Luxe is one of Simba's most advanced mattresses with 11 premium layers and a medium-firm feel.
  • Pocket springs, Simba-Pure foam, wool & bamboo
  • 31 cm (12 inches)
  • Medium-firm

Tell me more about the Simba Hybrid Luxe

The Simba Hybrid Luxe is one of Simba Sleep's most advanced luxury mattress.

It features an impressive 11 layers, including conical pocket springs, Simba-Pure CertiPUR-certified foam, open-cell graphite-infused Simbatex foam, and a temperature-regulating wool layer. 

The Simba Hybrid Luxe remains supportive and adapts to your body perfectly. 

The knitted cover and bamboo wool layer allow for breathability and superior temperature regulation, keeping you cool and refreshed all night long.

This luxurious mattress is available in all standard UK mattress sizes. 

It comes with free delivery & returns, a 200-day risk-free trial period, and a 10-year guarantee. 

Reasons to buy

High-quality materials 

Machine-washable cover 

200-night trial period 

Reasons to avoid

Very expensive 

Will not fit regular sheets due to its thick depth

Best For Back Sleepers

Emma Original Pro

The Emma Original Pro is made with temperature regulation technology and is ideal for hot sleepers.
  • ThermoSync foam, memory foam, and 7-zoned pocket springs
  • 27 cm (10.6")
  • Medium-firm

Tell me more about the Emma Original Pro

Emma Sleep's Original Pro (previously, Emma Hybrid Thermosync) mattress combines six advanced layers of foam and springs for medium-firm comfort.

This mattress offers zoned support to ensure proper spinal alignment, adapting to your body to relieve pressure points effectively.

It also features multiple cooling properties:

  • With advanced ThermoSync foam infused with graphite particles, it promotes excellent temperature regulation, keeping you cool throughout the night.
  • The breathable and washable UltraDry cover wicks away moisture, providing a fresh and hygienic sleep surface ideal for allergy sufferers.
  • The pocket sprung base creates natural ventilation channels and allows for better airflow.

This mattress is delivered rolled and vacuum-sealed in a box for convenient transport.

It also comes with a 200-night risk-free trial and a 10-year guarantee.

Reasons to buy

Advanced cooling features

Excellent edge support

200-night trial

Reasons to avoid

Non-memory foam products will still feel cooler

Not the cheapest option

EXTRA 5% OFF IF YOU USE OUR LINK

-25% EMMA ORIGINAL PRO

Eco-Friendly

Panda London Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro

The Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro is a luxurious bamboo mattress ideal for those environmentally-focused.
  • Bamboo, memory foam, and pocket springs
  • 27 cm (10.6 inches)
  • Medium-firm to firm

 

Tell me more about the Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pro

The Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pro mattress is made in the UK and offers orthopaedic-grade support

It's infused with bamboo, making it odour-resistant and highly breathable​​​​​, and it also features a plush bamboo cover that's soft, temperature-regulating, hypoallergenic, and antibacterial. 

We found the Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pro Mattress exceptionally comfortable, especially in the back-sleeping position. 

The OrthoAlign foam optimises spinal alignment and works with a multi-zonal spring base for superior support.

Additionally, the mattress has 1,500 premium pocket springs that isolate motion, so you won't be disturbed by your partner. 

It comes with free delivery, a 100-night trial period, and a 10-year guarantee.

Reasons to buy

Firm & supportive feel

One of the few mattresses available in the emperor size - with matching mattress protector available

100-night trial period

10-year guarantee

Reasons to avoid

Might be too firm for lightweight sleepers 

The mattress initially had a chemical smell that lasted a few days

Firmer Feel

REM-Fit 4000 Ortho Elite Hybrid

The REM-Fit 4000 Ortho Elite Hybrid Mattress is a firm orthopaedic hybrid mattress designed to provide enhanced spinal support, pressure relief, and cooling comfort for back and stomach sleepers.
  • Pocket springs with eco-friendly memory foam
  • 25 cm
  • Extra-firm

Tell me more about the REM-Fit 4000 Ortho Elite Hybrid

The REM-Fit 4000 Ortho Elite Hybrid Mattress is built for sleepers who prefer a firmer, more supportive sleep surface. Its hybrid construction combines individually wrapped pocket springs with supportive foam layers to help maintain proper spinal alignment throughout the night.

The firmer feel makes it particularly suitable for back and stomach sleepers, as it prevents the hips from sinking too deeply into the mattress. At the same time, the foam comfort layers help cushion pressure points around the shoulders and lower back.

Cooling is another important focus. The mattress uses breathable materials and airflow-enhancing spring layers to reduce heat build-up and promote a fresher sleeping environment.

The individually wrapped springs also help minimise motion transfer, making the mattress a good option for couples who share a bed.

Like other REM-Fit mattresses, the 4000 Ortho Elite is delivered rolled and boxed for convenience and comes with a sleep trial and warranty for extra peace of mind.

Previously called the REM-Fit 500 Ortho Elite Hybrid Mattress.

Advantages

Incredibly comfortable and supportive

Very breathable mattress

Solid edge-to-edge support and zero motion transfer

200-night trial and 15-year guarantee

Disadvantages

Can be too firm for lighter-weight side sleepers

Some customers report sagging of the mattress within the first few years

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BUY REM-FIT 400 ORTHO ELITE HYBRID£ 499.99

Luxury Option

Dreams TheraPur ActiGel Glacier 3600 Mattress

The Dreams TheraPur Polar ActiGel 3600 is a cooling mattress designed for optimal airflow and breathability.
  • ActiGel foam, PurFibre foam, pocket & comfort support springs
  • Medium-firm 
  • 31 cm (12.2 inches)

Tell me more about the Dreams TheraPur ActiGel Mattress

The Dreams TheraPur ActiGel Mattress features ActiGel foam and up to 3600 pocket and comfort support springs.

This unique composition allows for individually tailored support, pressure relief, and comfort. 

The 4 cm (1.5 inches) layer of ActiGel foam is zoned for optimum support for the key areas of your body. 

This foam has an open-cell structure for optimal airflow and breathability, helping regulate temperature throughout the night. 

This pillow top mattress also has an ActiCool knitted cover designed to wick heat away from your body.

The Dreams TheraPur mattress is hypoallergenic and features Proactive probiotic technology to prevent the growth of dust mites and bacteria. 

Reasons to buy

100-night sleep trial 

10-year guarantee 

Great cooling technology 

Reasons to avoid

Delivery can take up to 3 weeks 

The cover is not removable 

Quite expensive 

What is a cooling mattress?

A mattress that is cooling includes natural ventilation or temperature regulating technology. 🌡️

This means your body heat can circulate out of the mattress or be absorbed into the cooling material.

The best cool mattress for your sleep depends on the material.

Below, we will examine a variety of these materials in detail.

Gel mattresses

Gel mattresses are some of the coolest mattresses available.

Woman laying on gel mattress
Gel mattresses can help to keep you cool.

They have a foam-like feel, which makes them ideal for hot sleepers who like the feeling of memory foam. ☁️

The foam material contains tiny gel crystals that absorb body heat when you get too hot.

Likewise, if you feel too cold, the gel crystals will release the stored body heat to keep you at the perfect body temperature.

The iGel Advance 3000i Plush Top mattress is our favourite gel mattress made with advanced graphene technology.

BUY IGEL ADVANCE 3500i

Latex mattresses

Latex mattresses are natural and one of the most eco-friendly mattress materials available. ♻️

Latex being harvested
Latex is sustainably sourced.

This is because latex is a sap collected from rubber trees that doesn’t harm forests or wildlife when harvested. 🌴

Latex mattresses are also highly durable (lasting anywhere as long as 15 years) and biodegradable at the end of their lifecycle.

Latex is manufactured with tiny pinholes that promote ventilation.

This creates a “pump and suck” effect.

As you move around in your sleep, heat will be pushed away from your body and into these little gaps in the mattress, keeping you cool.

The Dunlopillo Elite Luxury 1760 mattress is an excellent latex hybrid option.

BUY DUNLOPILLO ELITE LUXURY 1750£ 1,168

Spring mattresses

Traditional pocket-sprung mattresses provide excellent breathability during sleep.

Woman laying on pocket spring mattress
Pocket spring mattresses have the best ventilation.

Unlike other mattress materials, heat flows out easily between the springs. 🌬️

Pocket springs also provide fantastic support across the body.

Each spring is contained in a fabric pocket that supports each individual area.

Pocket springs minimise motion transfer, making them an excellent choice for couples and restless sleepers. 💑

The Silentnight Pocket 2000 Latex mattress offers lots of support while keeping you cool at night.

BUY LIFT REPLENISH HYBRID 2000£ 899

Natural materials

Natural materials in mattresses and bedding are well known for maintaining a cooler sleep environment. 🌱

Some mattresses use natural fillings like wool or cotton, while other brands utilise a bamboo, Tencel or cotton cover for optimal breathability.

Wool has excellent temperature-regulating properties to keep you warm in cold temperatures and cool during warmer periods.

temperature regulating wool
Wool has natural thermal properties to keep you at the perfect temperature year-round.

Bamboo is another great natural choice for its moisture-wicking capabilities.

Its naturally hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial properties contribute to a clean, dry and refreshing sleep environment. 🧼

Bamboo is exceptionally absorbent, capable of wicking away sweat and moisture from the body.

The Simba Hybrid Luxe mattress has a breathable bamboo wool layer for optimal temperature and moisture control. 💦

BUY SIMBA LUXE£ 1,249

What about memory foam?

There is much debate when it comes to memory foam.

Memory foam vs spring
Memory foam isn’t as breathable as traditional mattress options.

Typically, memory foam creates a warmer sleep because of its closed-cell structure that retains heat inside the mattress.

However, the best cooling memory foam mattresses are made with additional cooling technology.

That said, memory foam is incomparable to other cooling materials like traditional spring mattresses or latex.

If you're a hot sleeper, we'd recommend avoiding memory foam altogether.

What cool mattress is best for my sleeping position?

As well as finding a good quality mattress with cooling technology, we advise you to pay close attention to whether it is suitable for your sleeping position.

But we’ll run you through the basics below. 👇

Best cool mattress for side sleepers

Did you know that over half of the population [1] typically sleeps on their side?

Side sleepers put more weight on their shoulder and hip than any other sleeping position.

Therefore, it’s important that the cool mattress you choose contours around the joints to relieve pressure.

A soft to medium-firm mattress is ideal for side sleepers as you need to sink into the mattress more deeply.

Woman sleeping on side
Side sleepers need a mattress that moulds to the shape of the body.

A gel or memory foam mattress is an excellent choice for side sleepers because the foam material moulds easily around pressure-point areas. 🥰

The iGel Advance 3000i Plush Top mattress is made with soft, pressure-relieving gel foam and is available in soft, medium and firm, depending on your needs.

£200 OFF IGEL ADVANCE 3000I

Best cool mattress for back sleepers

Back sleeping is generally the healthiest sleeping position.

But if back sleepers have an unsuitable mattress, this can bend the spine and neck, leaving you waking up with aches and pains.

Back sleepers should opt for a medium-firm cool mattress with a bit of give but without too much sinkage. ⚓

This encourages the spine to remain in a neutral position while gently cushioning the heavier regions.

Person sleeping on back
Back sleepers do well on medium-firm mattresses.

Latex mattresses often have a firmer feel than memory foam but still have some pressure-relieving abilities to hug around the pelvis and shoulders.

The Snoozel Green Organic mattress is an excellent option for back sleepers made from natural latex, cotton and wool.

BUY SNOOZEL GREEN MATTRESS£ 729

Best cool mattress for stomach sleepers

Stomach sleeping can put pressure on your spine and organs.

Many stomach sleepers don't realise that very soft mattresses can cause their lower spines to curve, potentially leading to back pain.

Stomach sleepers should opt for a firm cooling mattress. 🧱

Person sleeping on stomach
Stomach sleepers are best paired with a firmer mattress.

This encourages the spine to stay aligned with the neck and reduces pressure.

Pocket spring mattresses are a good choice for stomach sleepers as they help your spine stay lifted across the entire sleep surface.

The Panda Hybrid Bamboo mattress combines orthopaedic foam layers and supportive pocket springs with a breathable bamboo cover.

Take a look below:

Do cool sleep accessories work?

Buying a new mattress is a big investment. 💰

So it’s understandable that you might want to try some alternative options first.

Like mattresses, cooling accessories, such as cooling pillows, sheets, and mattress pads, are designed to regulate the body's temperature during sleep.

We'll unpack more about the cooling properties of these accessories below.

Cooling mattress toppers

A cooling mattress topper contains similar materials to a cooling mattress.

Woman sleeping on cool mattress topper.
Cool mattress toppers encourage a cooler sleep.

The cooling technology draws heat away from the body or promotes a natural airflow system. 🌬️

A cooling mattress topper is also a great idea for those looking to enhance the comfort of their mattress.

For example, if your mattress is too firm, a cooling mattress topper can add some extra softness while keeping you cool.

The Simba topper is made with cooling Simbatex foam and breathable Aerocoil springs.

BUY SIMBA TOPPER£ 299

Cool pillows

Likewise, if you find yourself flipping to the cold side of the pillow all night, then consider a cool pillow. 🤔

Cool pillows
Cool pillows come in a variety of options.

Cool pillows are made with breathable fibres or advanced cooling materials that help the head stay cool. 🥶

Some cool pillows have gel inserts or attached cooling pads that stay cold all night.

The Kally Cooling pillow is made with advanced air vent technology to dissipate excess heat during sleep.

BUY KALLY COOLING£ 34.99

Cooling mattress pads

A cooling mattress pad is essential for a hot sleeper or those who suffer from hot flashes. 🥵

Mattress pad vs mattress topper
A cooling mat's primary function is to promote coolness.

If your mattress feels warm but is otherwise comfortable, consider a cooling mattress pad before looking for a replacement.

A cooling mattress pad sits on top of the mattress and has cool gel technology that absorbs excess heat.

Some cooling mattress pads can even be popped into the fridge/freezer for additional coolness. 🧊

Alternatively, for more advanced options, you could consider a cooling cover like the Pod cover by Eight Sleep.

It fits over the mattress like a fitted sheet and is attached to an advanced temperature control device so that you can cool or warm up your mattress before you hop into bed. ❄️

Cool duvets

Duvets play an indispensable role in temperature regulation during sleep.

About 80% of the overall temperature in bed is determined by the duvet. If you overheat or freeze in bed, you should reconsider your choice of duvet. Depending on which duvet you use, it may not be suitable for your new mattress.

Walter Braun

Mattress Expert

A duvet's temperature control capabilities largely depend on its materials and construction.

Duvets filled with natural materials like down feathers, bamboo or silk tend to have excellent breathability.

Moreover, duvets with a higher tog rating are thicker and more insulated, suitable for colder nights.

duvet toag rating scale
The tog rating has a big impact on your duvet's overall temperature.

duvets with a lower tog rating are lighter and better suited for warmer seasons or for those who naturally generate more heat when they sleep.

Our favourite cool duvet options:

How can I stay cool at night?

Mattresses that keep you cool are a great idea, but there are also other ways to cool down. 😅

Open the windows at night

There is much debate about whether or not keeping windows open or closed makes the house warmer or cooler.

Woman opening windows.
Creating a cross breeze can help to draw in cooler air.

However, most agree that you should keep your windows open if it’s cooler outside than inside.

This will usually be early in the morning or late at night. 🌅

If you open the windows when it’s warmer outside, you’ll just be letting in warm air.

If the sun faces the room, you should also keep your curtains shut [2] - even if the windows are open.

Opening windows on opposite sides of the room or house can create an additional cross-breeze that helps cool the room down.

Take a warm bath before bed

Taking a cool shower before you hit the hay may seem more logical, but studies [3] suggest a hot bath is more beneficial. ✅

Woman sitting in bath.
A bath can cool you down before bed.

A hot bath activates the brain to lower your body’s core temperature.

Our bodies naturally lower by a couple of degrees when sleeping, so a warm bath encourages your body to know it’s bedtime. 🛀

A bath pillow can also help you get into relaxation mode before you sleep - just don’t fall asleep in the bath!

Use natural fibre sheets

Did you know that sheets can be made from fibres that either warm you up or cool you down at night?

Bedding material temperature scale
Natural materials are cooler than synthetic bedding.

Synthetic sheets are more likely to trap heat, whilst natural sheets are more breathable.

Natural fibres also have additional moisture-wicking properties.

This works by pushing moisture away from the body and evaporating out of the fabric to help you stay dry. 💦

Cotton, bamboo and silk are all excellent options for bedding with natural moisture-wicking properties.

Moisture-wicking fabric
Cotton and bamboo are ideal for sweaty sleepers.

Natural sheets also feel soft and gentle on sensitive skin for a snuggly sleep.

Our favourite cool bedding options:

How much do cool mattresses cost?

Cool mattress prices vary depending on the quality and type of material.

Pocket spring mattresses are usually available in both budget-friendly and high-end options - although the more springs, the more your mattress will cost!

Additionally, you can get cheaper cooling mattresses in memory foam and gel, but the quality determines how well the mattress will regulate heat. ♨️

Man and woman with coins
The coolest mattresses will have a higher price tag.

Latex mattresses are often the most expensive. 💵

Yet, they are also the most durable and should last between 15 - 20 years.

If you’re interested in latex, you could also opt for a hybrid latex mattress, a cheaper and highly breathable alternative.

The Pocket Latex 2000 mattress by Silentnight is a great value alternative.

BUY LIFT REPLENISH HYBRID 2000£ 899

Cool mattress discount codes

Are you on the hunt for a cool mattress discount code?

Don’t sweat it.

There are plenty of discounts to make your cool mattress more affordable. 🏷️

piggybank on mattress
You can get excellent savings on cool mattresses throughout the year.

Bookmark our discounts page for all the best current offers on cooling mattresses, cool mattress toppers, and sleep accessories.

You can also sign up for our newsletter for tailor-made discounts and recommendations.

Do cooling mattresses really work?

Many brands claim their product is the “best cooling mattress in the UK” without any scientific studies to back this up.

So, how can you be sure they’re going to work? 🤔

Sleep trial

We advise choosing a cool mattress that includes a sleep trial and warranty. 🤞

Sleep trial
Some mattresses that keep you cool include a sleep trial.

A sleep trial allows you to try out your new mattress before deciding if you want to keep it.

Some brands, such as Nectar and DreamCloud, have 365-day trials, meaning you can test it out in every season.

Others, like the Simba, come with a 200-day trial.

You can see if the mattress feels cool and comfy during a frosty winter as well as a summer heatwave. 🌞

Guarantee

But what happens if the cooling properties of the mattress wear off after a year?

Luckily, most cooling mattresses include a warranty.

This protects you from manufacturing faults such as faulty material and dipping. 🎢

Woman measuring indentation in mattress.
A guarantee safeguards you from problems down the line.

You should check the returns policy on the manufacturer's website to see if the cooling properties in the material are included within the guarantee.

Brands like Simba come with a 10-year warranty. 🤯

So, what is the best mattress for hot sleepers?

If you’ve tried every avenue to prevent yourself from overheating at night, it may be time to invest in a new mattress.

The best mattress for staying cool will include temperature-regulating properties like gel or natural materials with pocket springs for optimal breathability.

Pair your cool mattress with natural sheets and a cool pillow for the ultimate cooling comfort. 😍

We highly recommend buying a mattress with a long trial period, so you can be sure it can be tested during a heatwave.

Here is a reminder of the best mattresses to keep you cool UK:

Frequently asked questions

  • Why does my memory foam mattress make me hot?


    Memory foam is not the best material when it comes to staying cool.

    This is because the high-density foam stores heat retained from the body.

    However, many memory foam brands are now working to combat this issue.

    Some memory foam mattresses includes a cool touch cover or advanced cooling materials such as gel and graphite that absorbs excess body heat.

    Some hybrid mattresses have a memory foam layer with breathable pocket springs to promote air circulation.

    Yet, if you are an excessively hot sleeper, you might want to avoid memory foam altogether.

    Instead, opt for a cooler alternative such as pocket springs, gel, or latex.

  • Where can I buy a cool mattress?


    You can buy a cool mattress from various brands or retailers.

    In fact, we’ve got in-depth articles on all our favourite mattress brands.

    The best cool mattress UK brands:

    Some of these brands can recycle your old mattress for a fee, taking some stress away from the buying process.

  • What is the best mattress for hot sleepers?


    The best mattress for cool sleeping will be highly breathable, promote air circulation, and absorb excess body heat.

    Many mattresses include these features.

    However, the best mattress for hot sleepers depends on a whole catalogue of factors.

    Before you impulse-buy the best mattress for cooling, you should also consider your weight, sleeping position, whether you share the bed, and whether the mattress includes a trial or guarantee.

    Our How Do I Buy A Mattress Online guide can take you through the process step-by-step.

  • Cool mattress sizes


    Cool mattresses come in standard UK sizes, the same as regular mattresses.

    These include:

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

    You should also check the depth of the cooling mattress. 📏

    Cool mattresses with multiple layers, such as springs, latex, and wool might be deeper than your average mattress.

    Consider purchasing some extra-deep fitted sheets along with your new mattress.

  • Why do some mattresses sleep hot?


    So, we've discussed everything there is to know about the best mattress to keep you cool. 

    But now you might be wondering: what mattresses sleep hot?

    Typically, mattresses that tend to sleep hot are made from materials with less breathability and poor heat dissipation properties.

    Here are a few examples:

    1. Memory Foam Mattresses: Traditional memory foam mattresses are known to retain heat. This is because they conform closely to the body, which can restrict airflow around the sleeper and trap heat. However, many modern memory foam mattresses now include cooling technologies, such as gel infusions or open-cell structures, to mitigate this issue.

    2. Polyfoam Mattresses: Like memory foam, mattresses made from basic polyurethane foam (polyfoam) can also retain heat, especially if they are dense and conform closely to the sleeper's body.

    3. Some Innerspring and Hybrid Mattresses: While innerspring and hybrid mattresses typically sleep cooler due to their coil layers promoting airflow, those that feature a significant amount of foam or latex in the comfort layers may still sleep hot if the materials are not infused with cooling agents or designed to promote breathability.

    It's important to note that how hot a mattress feels can also depend on other factors like the bedding used, the room's temperature, and the individual sleeper's body heat and personal comfort preferences.

  • 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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