Hello, summer. Sunshine, blue skies and, oh yeah, scorching heat. Nothing is immune to the mind-numbing grasp of summer’s heat—not even your sleep. If you’ve ever fallen asleep nice and cool only to wake up a few hours later in a puddle of sweat (gross, we know), you’re not alone. Whether you’re simply a hot sleeper or your place doesn’t get as cool as you’d like, don’t sweat it—we have your definitive guide to the best cooling mattresses of 2020.

What’s so great about a cooling mattress?

It’s scientifically proven that the ideal temperature for sleep is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. But between the summer heat and personal preferences, it can be challenging to find the right balance. That’s where a cooling bed comes in. A mattress with cooling technology can help you reach the ideal room temperature and body temperature—or at least get closer to it, even when your A/C can’t.

What goes into making a cooling mattress?

Since its inception, mattress cooling technology has come a long way. From breathable air channels and ventilated bed layers to surface cooling and infused foams, there’s a million-and-one ways to produce a breathable mattress that can keep you cool. Most of our favorites have a combination of breathable, ventilated foam and cool-to-the-touch layers that respond to the body for personalized, adaptive cooling.

Why do I need a cooler mattress?

You have your sleep routine in check. You followed our tips to fall asleep fast. You may be thinking, “I did everything you said, but I’m still waking up sweaty!” You’re doing everything right, but if you’re overheating in bed, you’re not getting the best sleep possible. Whether your partner is the reason you overheat or you’re simply a hot sleeper, a mattress with cooling technology is your solution. Let the cooling technology do the work, and remember: you can always layer on blankets to warm up, but you can only do so much to cool down.

What are the best mattresses with cooling?

We’ll admit we know a thing or two about sleep. But more than anything, we know that sleep is personal. The best cooling mattress for one person may not be the best fit for the next person. That’s why our recommendations are a great starting point, but doing your own research is crucial. Until then, here are a few of the best mattresses with cooling that money can buy.

• Serta iSeries Hybrid 100 13.5” Firm Mattress

  Exclusive to Mattress Firm, this hybrid mattress marries the supportive feel of traditional springs with the added comfort and cooling technology of memory foam. With a soft-to-the-touch fabric cover and Cool Reaction® Memory Foam, you can experience cooling, comforting pressure relief and support all night long.

• Renue™ 10” Medium Hybrid Mattress

  This cooling mattress features copper- and gel-infused layers that provide dynamic support and help regulate your body temperature. Plus, the IsoCore™ Support System features a unique design that works ergonomically to enhance breathability and airflow for a cooling, supported night’s sleep.

• Nectar Lush 12” Memory Foam Mattress

  Its super-cool cover and gel-coated memory foam layers are just a few of the things that make this mattress a cooling sensation—literally. Overall, 12 inches of premium, patented materials work together to provide dual-action cooling and temperature regulation for deep sleep.

• Tempur-Pedic® TEMPUR-LUXEbreeze° 13” Soft Mattress

  This bed features a four-level system of cutting-edge materials that work from cover to core to keep you cool all night long. Exclusive PureCool+™ Phase Change Material is infused into the top layer to absorb excess heat, and a ventilated TEMPUR-APR® Support Layer has strategically built-in ventilation channels for enhanced airflow.

• Sealy Hybrid Premium™ Silver Chill 14” Plush Mattress

  This super-cool mattress features ChillTech™ technology in both its cover and its memory foam, so you can enjoy double cool-to-the-touch comfort. Plus, the DuoChill™ Cooling System features layers of cooling-infused foam that ensure you’ll have a comfortable sleep environment.

What if I don’t want to buy a cooling mattress right now?

Maybe you’re not quite ready to pull the trigger on a cooling bed. Or maybe you’re happy with your mattress, comfort-wise, and just need a little additional bed cooling. A cooling mattress topper, like the Sleepy’s Cool Deluxe 2” Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper, can help you do just that. Featuring cooling gel, special channels for airflow and a removable cover, this three-inch mattress topper will keep you cool as a cucumber even if your bedroom is warm.

Where do I start?

If all this cooling-mattress talk has you questioning your bed choices, that’s good! But you don’t have to overhaul your entire bedroom just yet. If you’re still not sure where to start, we recommend starting with a cooling sleep accessory, like the Beautyrest BlackICE™ Memory Foam Pillow, which features Micro Diamond™ Memory Foam for enhanced airflow and a SurfaceCool™ removable cover for cool-to-the-touch comfort.

Sometimes, there’s no avoiding a hot night’s sleep. But when you’re winding down and going through your sleep routine, the last thing you should be worrying about is overheating—that’s why a cooling mattress can help. And if all else fails, cooling sleep accessories or a cooling mattress topper can be a great way to start or finish your search for the best cooling mattress. So go ahead, add that weighted blanket or that cooling pillow to your collection. When you’re ready to upgrade your bed to a mattress with cooling, our Mattress Finder (and our super-awesome sleep experts) will be here to help.