During sleep, your core temperature gradually drops as part of the body’s circadian rhythm, signaling that it’s time to rest. But if heat becomes trapped near the skin, this cooling process is disrupted, often leading to sweating, restlessness, and frequent awakenings. The most common cause of heat retention in older or lower-quality mattresses is dense memory foam that closely contours to your body without a route for heat to escape. But there’s good news: modern cooling mattresses have breathable builds and use advanced heat-dissipating technologies to actively draw heat away from sleepers, providing all-night relief.

When shopping for a cooling mattress, look for materials and construction that help reduce heat buildup and promote airflow throughout the night. Hybrid mattresses are a strong choice for hot sleepers because their coil systems create more space for air to circulate, while modern foam mattresses can incorporate cooling technologies to help offset heat retention. Consider features such as phase change materials (PCM), copper or gel-infused memory foam, open-cell foams, breathable covers, and moisture-wicking or active cooling fabrics. Beyond cooling technology, choose a mattress with the right firmness, pressure relief, and support for your sleep position so you don’t have to sacrifice overall comfort for a cooler sleep surface.