The 5 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers of 2025, Tested by BHG

If you’ve ever woken up at 2:17 a.m. feeling like a human space heater wrapped in a fitted sheet that’s lost the will to live, welcome. A cooling mattress topper won’t turn your bedroom into an ice rink (and honestly, your toes would file a complaint), but the right one can help you sleep less sweaty, feel more supported, and stop blaming your mattress for every bad mood before coffee.

This guide spotlights the five cooling toppers Better Homes & Gardens (BHG) tested and rated as standouts for comfort and temperature regulationplus practical advice on how to choose the right thickness, material, and “will this slide around like a banana peel?” design.

Quick Take: The 5 Cooling Toppers BHG Tested (At a Glance)

How BHG Tested Cooling Mattress Toppers (And Why It Matters)

Marketing loves to promise “ice-cold sleep.” Reality is more like: “less hot than before, assuming you’re not wearing flannel pajamas under three blankets.” That’s why testing matters.

In BHG’s process, toppers were evaluated side-by-side on real beds for the stuff you actually care about: comfort, support, durability, breathability, material quality, and value. They also pressure-tested how “bumpy” a topper feels (nobody wants to sleep on the ghost of a Lego set), checked how well it fit under a fitted sheet, compared temperature changes before and after use, and even tested water resistance for toppers that claim it.

Translation: these aren’t random picks from a scrolling session at midnight. They’re the toppers that held up when people actually slept on them, moved around, and lived with them for months.

The 5 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers of 2025 (BHG-Tested)

1) Best Overall: ViscoSoft Hybrid Lux (Pillow-Top Memory Foam)

Why it won BHG’s top spot: It hits the sweet spot between “soft enough to feel luxurious” and “supportive enough to avoid the hammock effect.” The design combines memory foam comfort with a pillow-top style cover that feels more breathable and cozy than bare foam.

What it feels like

Think: hotel-bed upgrade. You get that initial “ahhh” plushness, but the foam underneath still redistributes pressure so your shoulders and hips aren’t taking the whole night shift.

Cooling performance

Many foam toppers trap heatespecially dense ones. This one performs better because it’s designed to be more breathable overall, and the pillow-top cover helps reduce that sticky, “sleeping directly on foam” sensation.

Best for

• Most sleep positions (especially combo sleepers)
• People trying to soften a too-firm mattress without losing support
• Anyone who wants comfort that feels “finished,” not like a slab of foam

Keep in mind

• It’s thicker and can feel substantialuse a deep-pocket fitted sheet.
• Like many toppers, it may have a brief “new foam” smell when first openedair it out.

Specs snapshot: Pillow-top style + foam comfort; thicker profile (~4″); generally best when paired with breathable sheets (cotton percale, bamboo-derived viscose, or Tencel).

2) Best for Back Sleepers (and Budget Shoppers): Linenspa Gel Memory Foam

Why it stands out: This topper is proof you don’t have to spend “new mattress money” to sleep cooler. BHG called it cooling, lightweight, and wallet-friendly, with gel inside the foam to help disperse heat.

What it feels like

Soft and plush. For back sleepers, that can be a winyour lower back gets a little extra cushion while your weight spreads more evenly. If your mattress feels like a wooden plank with commitment issues, this topper can help.

Cooling performance

Gel-infused memory foam is designed to reduce heat retention compared to traditional foam. In BHG’s testing, the temperature remained more consistent across the topper even after lying on it (meaning it didn’t heat up in one big “hot spot” immediately).

Best for

• Back sleepers who want softness without a huge investment
• Guest rooms (where you want comfort without overthinking it)
• Anyone upgrading a dorm/first apartment bed situation

Keep in mind

• It’s very plushif your mattress is already soft, you may sink too much.
• Foam rebound can be slower, which some people love and others find “stuck-ish.”

Specs snapshot: Gel memory foam; typically 2″ or 3″ options; spot-clean care.

3) Most Comfortable (and Most Family-Proof): GhostBed Memory Foam Topper

Why it’s special: BHG liked this topper because it’s not just a topperit’s also a protector. It has memory foam wrapped in a cooling, waterproof cover, which is basically a love letter to anyone with kids, pets, or a habit of drinking water in bed like a raccoon guarding treasure.

What it feels like

Comfort-first with noticeable pressure relief. In BHG testing, it stayed comfortable across positions, helped the body feel supported, and remained breathable in the lab.

Cooling performance

The cooling cover helps reduce that “foam heat” feeling, and the topper’s design encourages airflow. Other reviewers (including independent product testers) also highlight zoned support patterns that promote ventilation and quicker heat dissipation.

Best for

• Hot sleepers who want comfort and a protective cover
• Side sleepers needing pressure relief at shoulders/hips
• Homes with pets, kids, or frequent snack-based optimism

Keep in mind

• It costs more than basic foam toppers.
• It leans softif you’re a stomach sleeper or need extra firmness, consider a thinner topper or a different material.

Specs snapshot: ~3″ foam; cooling waterproof cover; designed to stay secure with an elastic fit.

4) Best Memory Foam Value: Zinus Cooling Memory Foam (Green Tea + Charcoal)

Why it made the list: BHG testers liked the comfort, cooling-to-the-touch feel, and the fact that it dampened noisegreat if your bed frame sings the song of its people every time you roll over.

What it feels like

Plush and cloud-like, especially in thicker versions. It can dramatically soften a firm mattress.

Cooling performance

It’s gel-infused and felt cool at first contact in testing. Like most “cooling” foam, it can warm slightly with body heat over timebut it’s designed to be more breathable and less heat-trappy than standard foam.

The “green tea + charcoal” thing (is it real?)

The foam is infused with green tea and activated charcoal, which are commonly used in foams to help with moisture management and odor control. In BHG testing, it didn’t arrive with a strong chemical smellmore of a mild earthy scent.

Best for

• Anyone softening a firm mattress on a reasonable budget
• Light sleepers who want a quieter sleep surface
• People who want options (multiple thicknesses)

Keep in mind

• Thicker versions can be bulky to move and harder to fit under sheets.
• If you want easy bed-making, the 3″ option can be a nicer balance than 4″.

Specs snapshot: Gel memory foam; thickness options commonly include 1.5″, 3″, and 4″; wipe-clean care.

5) Most Splurge-Worthy: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt+ (Cooling)

Why it’s the “treat yourself” pick: BHG testers found it surprisingly comfortable and praised how it contours in multiple positionsthough they noted the price is the reason it didn’t become the universal recommendation for everyone.

Meanwhile, other major sleep outlets have named the TEMPUR-Adapt+ Cooling topper a top award winner for how dramatically it can change the feel of a bedespecially for side sleepers who want deep pressure relief without buying a whole new mattress.

What it feels like

Ultra plush and body-hugging. This is the topper for people who want that “slow-melting into comfort” vibe. It can be incredible for shoulders and hips on a too-firm mattress.

Cooling performance

The cooling version adds a cooling cover designed to reduce heat build-up at the surface. It’s one of the big advantages cited by testers because it tackles the classic memory-foam issue: great pressure relief, sometimes too warm.

Best for

• Side sleepers chasing premium pressure relief
• Anyone trying to revive a firm mattress into something luxurious
• Shoppers who prioritize “feel” and durability over budget

Keep in mind

• It’s expensive. Like, “I should also start meal-prepping” expensive.
• Not ideal if you need to make a soft mattress firmer, or if you’re a back/stomach sleeper needing extra support.

Specs snapshot: ~3″ premium foam; cooling removable cover with straps/secure fit; typically backed by a long warranty depending on retailer.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cooling Mattress Topper for You

1) Pick the right material (cooling isn’t one-size-fits-all)

“Cooling” can mean different strategies:

• Heat dispersal: gel-infused foams spread warmth out so you don’t feel a hot crater under you.
• Moisture wicking: breathable covers made with plant-based fibers (like bamboo-derived viscose, rayon, modal, flax/linen blends, or Tencel) pull sweat away so evaporation can do its job.
• Temperature regulation tech: materials like phase-change tech (often referenced as PCM or branded technologies) absorb and release heat to smooth temperature swings.
• Airflow improvements: zoned patterns, perforated foam, or hybrid designs help prevent heat from building up in one spot.

If you’re a very hot sleeper, consider pairing a topper with breathable sheets (percale cotton is a classic) and a lighter comforterbecause even the best topper can’t fight a heavyweight blanket that thinks it’s training for the Arctic.

2) Choose the right thickness for your problem

Thickness is comfort leverage:

• 2 inches: small comfort boost; good if your mattress is mostly fine but you want less pressure.
• 3 inches: the “most people” zonenoticeable plushness without turning your bed into quicksand.
• 4 inches: major change, often great for reviving an older mattressbut can be heavier and harder to sheet.

3) Match topper feel to sleep position

• Side sleepers: usually benefit from 3″ of pressure relief (shoulders/hips). Zoned foam or premium contouring can help keep the spine aligned.
• Back sleepers: often prefer medium-plush supporttoo soft can let hips sink too far.
• Stomach sleepers: typically need a thinner, firmer topper (or none) to avoid lower-back strain.

4) Don’t ignore “stay-put” design

A cooling topper that slides around is just a very expensive slip-and-slide. Look for:

• elastic corner straps
• skirt-style covers (like a fitted sheet)
• grippy undersides or secure encasements

5) Certifications and care (future-you will thank you)

Common markers shoppers look for include textile and foam certifications that signal safety standards or supply-chain checks. Also, prioritize a removable, washable cover if you want easy maintenanceespecially for kids, pets, allergies, or snack-related optimism.

Pro Setup Tips for Cooler Sleep (Even Before Your Topper Arrives)

• Give it time to expand: foam needs air and a few hours to fully “inflate.”
• Air it out: unbox in a ventilated room if you’re sensitive to odors.
• Upgrade your sheets: breathable fabrics matter; dense microfiber can trap heat.
• Try a lighter comforter: a cooling topper can’t defeat a comforter that weighs the same as your regrets.
• If you’re still overheating: active cooling systems (air- or water-based) exist, but they’re a different category (and budget).

FAQs

Do cooling mattress toppers actually work?

They can helpespecially if your mattress traps heat or your bed surface lacks breathability. But “cooling” usually means better temperature regulation, not constant cold. Your room temperature, bedding, and sleepwear still matter a lot.

Is gel memory foam the best for hot sleepers?

Gel-infused foam can reduce heat build-up compared to traditional foam, but breathability of the cover and airflow design often make the biggest day-to-day difference. For extreme hot sleepers, a breathable topper cover (and breathable sheets) can matter as much as the foam itself.

What if I’m sweating because of humidity, not heat?

Then moisture wicking becomes your best friend. Look for covers using plant-based fibers and breathable weaves. A dehumidifier in humid climates can also be a game-changer.

Real-World Experiences: What It’s Like Living With a Cooling Topper (Extra )

Here’s the part most product pages skip: the daily-life reality of owning a cooling mattress topper. Because choosing one is only half the storythe other half is you, at 11:43 p.m., wrestling a foam burrito while your fitted sheet looks on in judgment.

1) The Unboxing Moment: “Why Is My Bed Upgrade Shrunk Like a Fruit Roll-Up?”

Most foam toppers arrive vacuum-sealed and tightly rolled. The first experience is usually a mix of excitement and suspicion: “This can’t possibly become a full-size topper… right?” Then you cut the plastic, it inhales a decade’s worth of air, and you watch it slowly puff up like bread dough. Some toppers expand quickly; others take hours. The practical move: unbox earlier in the day, or at least give it a few hours before bedtime so you’re not sleeping on something that’s still trying to remember what shape it’s supposed to be.

2) The First Night: Cooling vs. “Cool-to-the-Touch”

A common surprise is learning that “cooling” is often about regulation, not permanent chill. Many cooling covers feel noticeably cool when you first lie downespecially designs that use cooling yarns or temperature-regulating tech. Over time, your body warms the surface a bit (because physics is rude like that), but a good topper helps prevent that warmth from turning into a lingering hot spot. In other words: you might not feel icy, but you’re less likely to wake up overheated and sticky.

3) The Sheet Struggle: The Thick-Topper Olympics

If you choose a 4-inch topper, congratulations: your bed is now plush, taller, and possibly auditioning to be a cloud. But that height change can make standard fitted sheets a tight fit. Many people find that “deep-pocket” sheets (or sheets designed for thicker mattresses) reduce nightly frustration. BHG testers also noted that bulky toppers can make sheet-fitting harderso if you want easy bed-making, a 3-inch option is often a happier medium.

4) Guest Room Truth Serum

One of the funniest “real-life” signals that a topper works is guest feedback. People are polite about a lot of thingsyour throw pillows, your decorative ladder, your questionable taste in scented candlesbut they tend to be honest about sleep. A supportive cooling topper on a guest bed can trigger the magical sentence: “I slept really well.” That’s basically a five-star review in human form.

5) The Spill and Pet Factor: When Protection Equals Peace

If you have kids, pets, or you’re simply a human who drinks water in bed like it’s a hydration-themed sport, a topper with a protective cover can lower stress. A cooling waterproof cover means you’re not stuck doing mattress triage at midnight. It’s not the most glamorous feature, but it might be the most sanity-saving.

6) The “Is It Too Soft?” Reality Check

The biggest comfort mistake people report is going too plush on an already soft mattress. A topper should fix a problem, not create a new one. If your hips sink too far, you may wake up with a cranky lower back and blame your pillow, your schedule, and the concept of mornings. Matching topper thickness and firmness to your sleep position is the quiet hero of better sleep.

Bottom line: the best cooling mattress topper isn’t the one with the most dramatic marketingit’s the one that fits your body, your bed, and your real life. And ideally, it doesn’t require a wrestling medal to put your sheets back on.

Conclusion

If you’re shopping for the best cooling mattress topper in 2025, start with your goal: do you want to sleep cooler, feel more supported, protect your mattress, or all of the above? BHG’s testing points to five standout options that cover the most common needsfrom the plush, broadly appealing ViscoSoft Hybrid Lux to the budget-friendly Linenspa gel foam, the family-proof GhostBed, the odor-managing Zinus, and the splurge-level TEMPUR-Adapt+ Cooling topper for luxury contouring.

Pick the topper that matches your sleep position, choose a thickness that solves your specific comfort problem, pair it with breathable bedding, and you’ll be much closer to that elusive dream: waking up rested instead of roasted.