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You can make a mattress feel cooler by adding a breathable mattress protector, a cooling mattress pad, a thin natural-fiber topper, or lightweight sheets. The best choice depends on why the bed feels hot. Thick foam, waterproof layers, heavy bedding, and poor airflow can all trap warmth.
Start with the smallest change first. A breathable protector and lighter sheets are easier to wash and usually change the feel of the mattress less than a topper.
Best Things to Put on a Mattress to Make It Cooler
A Breathable Mattress Protector
A mattress protector sits directly over the mattress and helps guard against spills, sweat, and everyday wear.
Choose one with:
- A thin, flexible surface
- Breathable fabric such as cotton, Tencel-style lyocell, or rayon made from bamboo
- A waterproof layer that does not feel thick or rubbery
- A fitted design that does not bunch under the sheets
Waterproof protectors can sometimes hold in heat because the barrier blocks some airflow. Thin protectors usually feel less warm than padded or heavily coated ones.
Check the current product listing to see whether the protector is described as breathable. Also check the care label before washing or drying it.
A Cooling Mattress Pad
A mattress pad adds a light layer of cushioning. It is usually thinner than a mattress topper.
For a cooler bed, look for a pad with:
- A cotton or lyocell top
- Lightweight fill
- A smooth, lightly quilted surface
- Enough pocket depth for your mattress
Pocket depth is the amount of mattress height the fitted sides can cover. Measure the full height of your mattress, including any existing topper, before buying.
Avoid very thick, fluffy pads if heat is your main concern. More fill can create a warmer layer around the body.
Some products use cooling fabric, gel, or phase-change materials. Phase-change material is designed to absorb and release warmth as temperatures change. Results can vary, so check the product description and care instructions rather than assuming every cooling pad will feel cold all night.
A Thin Wool Topper
Wool may sound like a cold-weather material, but a thin wool topper can help manage moisture and reduce the damp, stuffy feeling that makes a bed uncomfortable.
Wool may work well for:
- Shared beds where one person sleeps warmer
- Bedrooms that change temperature with the seasons
- People who want less of the sinking feel of foam
- Mattresses that need a small comfort change
Wool toppers can still feel warm if they are very thick or deeply cushioned. They may also need more careful cleaning than a standard mattress pad. Follow the care label and manufacturer guidance.
A Latex Topper
Latex foam often feels more springy and less enclosing than slow-sinking memory foam. It may allow more airflow, especially when the topper has ventilation holes.
A latex topper may be a practical choice when you want:
- More cushioning without a deep hug
- Easier movement on the bed
- A topper that feels less dense around the body
Latex still adds another layer to the mattress, so it will not feel cool in every room. A thick topper may also change the mattress height and make fitted sheets harder to use.
Check the current product listing for materials, thickness, construction, and care guidance.
A Breathable Fiber Topper
Thin toppers filled with cotton, wool, or other breathable fibers may feel less heat-trapping than dense foam. They can soften a firm mattress without wrapping closely around the body.
The tradeoff is that fiber toppers may flatten over time. Some need regular shaking or rotating to keep the fill spread evenly.
They are often useful for:
- Guest beds
- Dorm beds
- RV mattresses
- Kids’ beds
- Mattresses that need only light cushioning
Choose a washable model when spills, pet hair, or frequent laundry are concerns.
A Cooling Sheet Set
Sheets do not change the mattress itself, but they are the bedding layer closest to your body. Switching sheets may make a bigger difference than adding another padded layer.
Good choices include:
Cotton Percale
Percale is a simple over-under weave that usually feels crisp and airy. It is often a good choice for warm rooms and hot sleepers.
Percale can wrinkle more than smooth sheets. It may also feel firm when new, then soften with washing.
Linen
Linen has a loose, textured feel and allows air to move through the fabric. It can work well in humid rooms and summer bedrooms.
Linen may feel rough at first and can wrinkle easily. Check the care label because washing and drying instructions vary.
Lyocell
Lyocell sheets often feel smooth and cool to the touch. They can manage moisture well, but some sets may feel softer and more draping than crisp cotton.
Review material, care, safety, and performance factors before deciding what suits your needs.
Lightweight Cotton
Basic cotton sheets can also work well. Look beyond thread count. Thread count is the number of threads woven into a square inch of fabric. A very high number does not always mean a cooler sheet. Dense fabric may hold more warmth.
What to Avoid Putting on a Hot Mattress
Thick Memory Foam
Memory foam softens with warmth and molds around the body. This close fit can limit airflow.
A thick memory foam topper may make the bed feel warmer, especially if:
- You sink deeply into it
- The bedroom has little air movement
- You use heavy sheets and blankets
- The topper is covered by a padded protector
Gel-infused foam may feel cooler at first, but the effect depends on the full design of the topper and the bedding placed over it.
Thick Pillow-Top Pads
A deep, fluffy mattress pad can create a warm pocket around the body. This may be comfortable in a cold room but less useful in summer.
Heavy Waterproof Covers
Some waterproof covers feel stiff, noisy, or warm. A waterproof layer can still be useful for kids’ beds, pet-friendly homes, guest rooms, and rentals. Choose the thinnest practical option and place breathable sheets over it.
Multiple Padded Layers
Stacking a topper, padded protector, mattress pad, fitted sheet, and heavy blanket can trap heat.
Use only the layers you need. Removing one unnecessary padded item may improve airflow without changing the mattress.
Check What Is Under the Mattress
Cooling is not only about what goes on top. Air also needs space to move around the mattress.
A mattress placed directly on the floor may hold warmth and moisture underneath. A platform with open slats may allow more airflow, as long as it meets the mattress maker’s support rules.
Before changing the base, check the mattress manufacturer’s guidance. Some mattresses need specific slat spacing, center support, or a solid surface.
In an RV, dorm, or small bedroom, leave space around the bed when possible. Avoid packing boxes, clothing, or thick fabric tightly against the sides of the mattress.
Use Lighter Bedding Over the Mattress
Even a breathable mattress can feel hot under heavy bedding.
Try:
- A lightweight quilt instead of a thick comforter
- A duvet insert with less fill
- A coverlet for warm weather
- One breathable blanket instead of several layers
- A loose top sheet that does not trap the feet
A coverlet is a thin decorative bed covering. It is lighter than many quilts and comforters.
For seasonal bedding swaps, store thick fleece blankets and heavy inserts during warm months. Bring them back when the room becomes cooler.
How to Choose the Right Cooling Layer
For a Mattress That Is Already Comfortable
Start with a thin breathable protector and percale, linen, or lyocell sheets. Adding a topper may change the firmness more than you want.
For a Mattress That Is Too Firm
Try a thin latex, wool, or breathable fiber topper. These can add comfort without the deep sinking feel of thick memory foam.
For a Guest Room
Use a washable mattress pad with moderate cushioning. Guest preferences vary, so avoid an extra-thick topper that makes the bed very soft or warm.
For a Dorm Bed
Choose a removable, washable pad or thin topper. Check residence hall rules before using heated, powered, or specialty bedding products.
For an RV Mattress
Measure carefully because RV beds may not match standard mattress sizes. Use thin layers that are easy to wash and store. Check the product listing for the exact dimensions.
For a Pet-Friendly Bed
A washable protector is often more practical than a delicate cooling topper. Choose fabric that releases pet hair easily and check whether the item fits in your washer.
For a Deep Mattress
Measure the mattress from the bottom edge to the top surface. Include any topper in the total height. Choose sheets and protectors with enough pocket depth so the corners do not pull loose.
Simple Steps to Make a Mattress Feel Cooler
- Remove any thick or unnecessary padded layers.
- Add a thin, breathable mattress protector.
- Switch to lightweight percale, linen, or lyocell sheets.
- Use a lighter blanket, quilt, or duvet insert.
- Improve airflow around and under the bed.
- Add a thin latex, wool, or fiber topper only if you also need more comfort.
- Wash bedding as directed so oils, sweat, and product buildup do not make fabrics feel heavy.
Always check the care label before washing, drying, bleaching, ironing, or using high heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a mattress topper make a bed cooler?
Some toppers may make a bed feel cooler than others, but every topper adds a layer. Thin latex, wool, and breathable fiber toppers often feel less heat-trapping than thick memory foam. Construction and bedding layers also matter.
Can I put a cooling pad over memory foam?
Yes. A thin cooling mattress pad can be placed over memory foam. It may reduce the warm surface feel, but it will not fully change how the foam holds heat. Make sure the pad and fitted sheet are deep enough for the total mattress height.
Are cotton sheets cooler than microfiber sheets?
Cotton sheets, especially percale, often allow more airflow than tightly woven microfiber. Microfiber can feel soft and smooth, but some sleepers find that it holds more warmth.
Will a waterproof mattress protector make me hot?
It can, especially when the waterproof barrier is thick or stiff. Look for a thin protector with a breathable top fabric. Waterproof protection may still be worth the tradeoff for spills, kids, pets, or guest beds.
Is wool too warm for a cooling mattress topper?
Not always. Wool can help manage moisture and temperature changes. However, a thick wool topper may still feel warm. Choose a lighter design when cooling is the main goal.
Do cooling mattress pads need electricity?
Most cooling mattress pads do not use electricity. Some specialty bed systems use powered air or water, but these have different setup, care, and safety requirements. Check the current product listing and manufacturer instructions.
Can I use a bamboo mat on top of my mattress?
Some people use woven mats for a firmer, less padded surface, but comfort and mattress compatibility vary. A hard or rough mat may damage soft fabric covers or create pressure points. Check the mattress maker’s guidance before adding a rigid layer.
What is the easiest way to make a bed cooler?
Start by removing heavy bedding and switching to breathable sheets. Then use a thin mattress protector instead of a thick padded one. These changes are simple, washable, and less likely to alter the feel of the mattress.
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