Best Cooling Mattress Pads And Toppers [Review] in 2021

Best Cooling Mattress Pads and Mattress Topper Buyers Guide

A good night’s sleep can be very easily disturbed by overheating. It isn’t easy to get comfortable when you’re sweating and really feeling the heat. That’s why a cooling mattress pad were invented in the first place; to come up with an innovative but simple solution to bedtime heat woes.

With such a wide variety of mattress pads available, it can be difficult to figure out which one may work best for you.

It’s not uncommon, either, for a company to label their products as having cooling properties when in reality, the mattress topper leaves much to be desired in the temperature regulation department.

It’s important that, before making a purchase, you know what to look for in a good cooling mattress pad. It should help you spread your body weight evenly, like a normal topper, and have great cooling properties for a better, deeper, more quality sleep.

In order to find a mattress pad that fits the bill, you’ll have to be aware of all its features. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of things and characteristics to keep in mind while you’re making your decision.

What’s the Difference Between a Mattress Pad & Mattress Topper?

They may seem very similar, but they do have their differences. A mattress pad is also known as ‘mattress protectors.’ They are often made out of a thin layer that tucks over the mattress’s top as a fitted sheet would. Its primary purpose is to protect the mattress by finding some cooling mattress pads that are used to add circulation.

On the other hand, a mattress topper is an individual layer of cushioning placed on top of the mattress of sleep surface to add comfort and support to your sleep. A mattress topper is used to add ventilation to your mattress and added comfort, and help regulate body temperature throughout the night.

How does a cooling mattress pad and mattress topper work?

Cooling mattress pads and toppers are designed to regulate body temperature while you sleep. They work by balancing out and circulating airflow and the mattress while also helping absorb moisture and prevent heat build-up.

They help to contribute to your core body temperature. To fall asleep, our body needs to drop 1ºc in temperature, so if you suffer from getting hot throughout the night, it can be more difficult to fall asleep.

There are two types of cooling mattress pads you can find on the market:

Active Cooling Mattress Pads and Toppers: 

Now an active cooling mattress topper goes beyond just providing padding to cool you down; but they’re also able to be fitted with attachable fans of water pumps to keep you cool throughout the night.

They allow to maintain ideal sleep temperature and can be used for both cooling and warming benefits. They allow for effective temperature regulation with a low amount of odor.

The great thing about active cooling is that you can control these functions to work exactly to your specifications. You can make your mattress pad cooler or warmer based on climate, temperature, and your personal preferences.

They’re also fairly durable but are not usually very thick and are often much more expensive than passive cooling mattress pads and toppers.

Passive Cooling Mattress Pad and Mattress Toppers:

Instead of using attachments, passive cooling toppers are actually constructed and infused with materials (such as gel-infused foams) to absorb and transfer body heat to prevent heat buildup. They also use naturally cool materials, such as:

• – Natural latex
• – Gel-infused memory foam
• – Duck or goose down feathers
• – Wool
• -Bamboo
• – Cotton
• – Rayon

They use cooling technologies and test out different materials to see which one keeps sleepers cool. They also work with body temperature by absorbing body heat until it reaches a certain temperature then it stops this process. This helps to regulate body temperature.

You can even put some of these mattress pads and mattress toppers in the fridge or the freezer before use, especially in the hotter months. Passive cooling mattress pads and toppers are often cheaper yet still work effectively when reducing hot sweats.

Passive mattress pads are probably the more convenient and hassle-free form of a topper.

 What To Look For In Cooling Mattress Toppers and Pads

Material

There are an impressive variety of materials available for mattress pads and mattress toppers. Basic and inexpensive toppers may use polyester, cotton, or latex, but better and more comfortable options may be cushioned with wool, fleece, down, or memory foam.

Typically, memory foam that is infused with cooling gel is the best option for both comfort and temperature regulation.

The gel pad prevents overheating by controlling temperatures, stopping them from jumping to uncomfortable heights. The memory foam itself will work even better if it is open-cell or ventilated foam, which allows for better airflow throughout the pad.

Another form of mattress pad that can be great for a cool night’s rest is a down feather pad, which regulates temperature much better than other similar toppers. They tend to come at a higher price point, but what they lack in affordability, they make up for in comfort and luxury.

Latex is also a recommended material, and it’s more environmentally conservative than the other aforementioned ones.

It tends to be resistant to dust mite and mold, and as such, is more durable and can even last up to 20 years! Of all the less expensive materials, it is also the best at ensuring a good amount of temperature regulation.

The cover of a cooling mattress pad should ideally be made of 100% cotton or something similar in order to promote maximum comfort. But some companies actually manufacture products with special cooling covers too, so you get double the temperature regulation.

After considering the cooling properties of each material, it’s then up to you to decide which material will offer you the most comfort.

In order to allow you to judge for yourself, we’ve come up with a breakdown of the most common and popular mattress pad materials. Some mattress pads may combine two of these features for a better temperature lowering effect.

Memory Foam

This material shapes itself according to your body, which provides paramount support and comfort. It’s also known to be quite durable. However, the non-ventilated foam has a tendency to trap hear within it and can counteract any cooling ability a pad may have, so gel-infused foam works best.

Latex – This green material is environmentally-friendly and is also known to be rather versatile. Its firmness is also great for providing support to the body – especially the back – and can be found in very high qualities and feel luxurious.

Feathers or Down – These mattress pads are known for being incredibly comfortable and soft, especially if your mattress is firm. However, they aren’t the best for support and they can feel lumpy or uneven if not bought at high quality. If you have allergies, it may not be the best choice for you!

Fiber – If you want the feel of down without its negative properties, you can opt for fiber, which mimics feathers but it highly hypoallergenic. They provide a decent amount of support and are usually great for those on a budget

Wool – This is a fantastic material for all seasons that can keep you cool in warm months and warm in cold seasons. It’s extremely durable can is usually of average affordability, but it can be difficult to get it to stay in place on top of a mattress.

Organic – No, this isn’t a specific material in particular, but it is an option for you if you prefer to purchase organic products only.

Latex and wool mattress pads can sometimes be certified organic even if they aren’t 100% organic, so you may have to do your research about these products as well as their manufacturers.

Types of Cooling

There are many forms of cooling functions that allow for a mattress pad to regulate temperatures. It isn’t all about the ventilation properties of the materials themselves. Some high-end mattress toppers have surprisingly advanced and elaborate functions in order to fulfill their purposes.

Choosing between active and passive is a choice based on preference and budget.

Topper Density

Mattress pads usually come with a density rating, which usually runs from 3 to 5, and, as you guessed, informs you of the total density of the topper.

Essentially, density can have an effect on the cooling abilities of a product and change the comfortability of the pad. With that being said, opinions on the most comfortable density tends to differ from person to person.

Here’s what you need to know: dense mattress pads don’t have as much sink to them, making them feel firmer, thicker, and not as soft as a less dense topper. However, this means that there is more support provided for a sleeping form.

Usually, having a dense mattress pad means it retains a higher amount of heat, although there are some designs that specialize in allowing ventilation to regulate temperatures.

If you have a back problem or are of a higher weight, a thicker and denser mattress pad will usually be the best option for you as it will provide more support. If that’s what you’re going for, you’d want a mattress pad of a density of at least four.

A denser pad may also be more durable in the long run. But aside from these considerations, you’ll have to consider your own preferences in terms of comfort and softness!

A Note on Firmness

Many have argued over whether a firm, soft, or somewhere-in-between mattress pad works best for comfort, but the fact is that it depends on what you like.

A softer mattress pad will fit your body’s contours and allow you to really feel the sinking-in sort of comfort that many bedding companies advertise.

Firmness offers more support, and some people personally consider this to be more comfortable than soft mattress pads. You’ll have to work out what works best for you!

Other Considerations

While the previous features are the most important ones to think about when purchasing a new cooling mattress pad, there are also some other factors to keep in mind before you buy.

Size – This kind of goes without saying, but your mattress pad should fit the mattress you have so that it doesn’t shift. Be aware of the depth of your mattress before buying. Purchasing a mattress pad doesn’t properly shift can cause creases and lumps which are quite the opposite of comfortable.

Sleeping Position – It’s often stated that you need to shop based on your most used sleeping position. If you sleep on your side, you’ll need a product that’s thicker and softer, but if you sleep on your stomach, you may need a thinner product.

With that being said, since a large majority of people change positions throughout the night, you can just choose based on what feels most comfortable if you don’t have a particular way of sleeping.

Pest and Allergy Control – You should get a high-quality mattress pad that prevents bedbugs or dust mites from infesting it and causing you more problems later on. If you have sensitive skin, then look for a mattress pad that’s labeled as hypoallergenic.

Some of these anti-pest and anti-allergy mattress pads even come with wide zips, so that they can fully cover your whole mattress and prevent anything from sneaking in.

Care Requirements – Based on materials, different pads will have different needs. Some require dry cleaning, and others are machine-safe and very easy to maintain. Mattress pads that have gel infusions or down fillings may come with their own set of cleaning instructions, so try to follow them as closely as possible.

Organic, natural, and vegan mattress toppers: If you’re concerned with the chemicals used in synthetic materials or just want to reduce the amount of waste in the environment then choosing a sustainable, natural or organic mattress pad may be the way to go!

Warranty – This is especially important if you purchase a more expensive mattress pad or one with lots of extra features. A long warranty is a sort of guarantee for a product, so make sure you know the warranty information before purchasing.

It’s also a good idea to already know the procedure of getting a refund or exchange on the product if it’s faulty.

 FAQs:

Is a cooling mattress topper or a cooling mattress pad Better?

They both work effectively in different cooling methods; a mattress topper will add an extra layer of comfort as a pad is more of a fitted sheet. However, you can use them both together to regulate temperature even more.

A mattress topper will make a mattress feel softer and firmer, adding an extra layer of plush and support while also preserving the mattress underneath. But if you don’t want to make any changes to your bed’s feel, then a mattress pad will do.

Which is better: active or passive cooling mattress topper and mattress pads?

It is mainly down to preference and budget. If you’re looking for some serious cooling performance, then an active cooling mattress topper would work better. But if you’re suffering from other issues, then a passive cooling mattress topper or pad may be better.

Passive cooling mattress pads also tend to be much more budget-friendly; you may be paying out a new mattress price if you get an active one.

What Not to Expect from a Cooling Mattress Pad

Unfortunately, cooling mattress toppers and pads don’t work as the complete opposite of a heating pad. This means that they cannot fully cool down a bed to a specific temperature, and especially not with the changing climates.

So if your room is already very warm, a cooling pad may not be able to help you with temperature regulation any more than turning on a fan will – if it did, that would quite go against physics!

Why is this the case? Well, a pad collects heat from your body, and then it needs to release all that heat back out somewhere.

When the room itself is already warm, the pad cannot dissipate any of the heat it is holding in an effective manner – and especially not a passive cooling pad! Active cooling pads will work much better in this scenario, but the fact is, even it has its limits.

If you tend to overheat or sweat a lot at night, passive cooling pads may not be enough for you.

Using an active pad can overcome that, but expect to pay more for the added features and electricity needed to run the cooling mattress pad. It’ll still be cheaper than racking up the bill for nightly air conditioning, though!

Some Final Words About The Best Cooling Mattress Pads and Mattress Toppers

When choosing a cooling mattress to make those hot, sticky and sleepless nights more bearable, remember to pay attention to the user reviews and more importantly the returns policy.

If you find that your cooling pad doesn’t quite fit the bill, most retailers will accept a return within a set time period.

This is why we recommend shopping with Amazon directly as they have an excellent and simple online returns system that provides peace of mind which is crucial when shopping online.

If you have any questions please feel free to drop them in the comments below and I will help out in any way I can.