9 Best Cooling Mattresses for Side Sleepers (November 2026)

The best cooling mattresses for side sleepers include the DOWNCOOL 5 Inch Cooling Queen Mattress Topper for adding plush cushioning, the Casper Sleep Element Queen Mattress for balanced medium support, and the SLEEP100 Firm Queen Mattress 12 Inches for a firm hybrid feel.

On this page (7 sections)

1. How we chose a cooling mattress for side sleepers
2. Cooling mattresses for side sleepers compared
3. Best cooling mattresses for side sleepers
4. What should side sleepers look for in cooling mattress construction?
5. Does mattress size affect cooling comfort?
6. Is a mattress topper enough to cool a side sleeper's bed?
7. How should you choose between these cooling mattresses?

The best cooling mattress for side sleepers should cushion the shoulders and hips while managing heat at the surface. Our top pick is the Sweetnight CoolNest Queen for its medium feel, 5-zone design and layered cooling features.

A side sleeper needs enough give for the shoulder and hip to settle without the waist feeling unsupported. Cooling covers, breathable foam and coils may help with heat, but the feel and fit still matter most.

If heat is your main concern, compare this list with our guide to the best cooling mattress for hot sleepers. If hip discomfort is also a concern, our guide to the best side sleeper mattress for hip pain explains how to assess cushioning and support.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for adding plush cushioning

   DOWNCOOL 5 Inch Cooling Queen Mattress Topper

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for balanced medium support

   Casper Sleep Element Queen Mattress

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for a firm hybrid feel

   SLEEP100 Firm Queen Mattress 12 Inches

   9.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Zinus 12 Inch Queen Cooling Essential Memory

   Best for medium-feel pressure relief
   Check it
5. 5

   Sweetnight CoolNest Queen Mattress

   Best for zoned foam cushioning
   Check it
6. 6

   Sleepmax King Size Mattress 14 Inch

   Best for king-size hybrid support
   Check it
7. 7

   Sweetnight CoolNest Hybrid Queen Size Mattress

   Best for a cooler hybrid surface
   Check it
8. 8

   BedStory 13 Inch Medium Firm King Mattress

   Best for king-size shoulder cushioning
   Check it
9. 9

   Novilla Bliss Cooling Queen Mattress

   Best for a cool-touch foam cover
   Check it

How we chose a cooling mattress for side sleepers

We compared mattress construction, stated firmness, comfort materials and features tied to airflow or temperature regulation. The scores weigh those details against side sleeping needs, including cushioning around the shoulders and hips.

Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. Cooling language describes design features, not a promise that every sleeper will feel cool.

Cooling mattresses for side sleepers compared

The main differences are feel, materials and size. Foam models tend to offer closer contouring, while hybrids pair foam comfort layers with coils.

Best cooling mattresses for side sleepers

The right choice depends on how much cushioning you want and whether you prefer foam or coils. Consider your shoulder and hip comfort alongside cooling features.

1

DOWNCOOL 5 Inch Cooling Queen Mattress Topper: Best for adding plush cushioning

9.6/10Our score

• 5-inch topper
• Bamboo-derived viscose and cooling fiber fabric
• Gel and blended memory foam fill
• Elastic skirt fits mattresses up to 21 inches deep

A thick topper adds a softer surface and cushioning around the shoulders and hips. Its fabric blends bamboo-derived viscose, polyethylene cooling fiber and polyester air-layer fabric.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 5-inch cushioning layer
• Full-edge elastic skirt
• Waffle weave promotes airflow

Cons

• Topper changes the feel of your current mattress
• Hand wash only

The DOWNCOOL topper is a way to change an existing mattress without replacing it. Its 5-inch fill combines gel memory foam with a blend of regular and slow-recovery foam, adding a plush layer that may cushion the shoulders and hips.

The fabric blends bamboo-derived viscose, polyethylene cooling fiber and polyester air-layer fabric. A waffle weave is intended to support air circulation, and the full-edge elastic skirt is designed to fit mattresses up to 21 inches deep.

This pick makes the most sense if your current mattress feels too firm but still provides the support you want. A topper cannot correct a mattress that has lost its underlying support, and the added height may change how your sheets fit.

DOWNCOOL specifies hand washing, so plan for more care than a machine-washable pad. The topper is also not water resistant.

2

Casper Sleep Element Queen Mattress: Best for balanced medium support

9.6/10Our score

• 10-inch foam mattress
• Medium feel
• Open-cell Flex Foam
• Motion-isolating foam layers

The medium feel and open-cell foam suit side sleepers who want cushioning without choosing a firm surface. Foam layers absorb motion, which can help couples who share a bed.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Medium feel for several sleep positions
• Open-cell foam promotes airflow
• 100-night trial

Cons

• All-foam construction may not suit those who prefer coils
• Does not specify zoned shoulder or hip support

The Casper Element is a 10-inch foam mattress with a medium feel. Its open-cell Flex Foam is designed to keep air moving, while the foam layers absorb motion.

That mix can suit a side sleeper who wants a balanced surface and shares a bed. Casper describes it as suitable for different sleep styles, but it does not identify a separate zoned shoulder or hip layer.

The medium feel is a practical starting point if you want cushioning without a deep, plush sink. Casper includes a 100-night trial and a 10-year limited warranty, which gives you a defined period to judge the feel at home.

Choose this if you want an all-foam mattress with airflow features and motion isolation. If you prefer springier support, compare a hybrid option such as the Sweetnight CoolNest Hybrid below.

3

SLEEP100 Firm Queen Mattress 12 Inches: Best for a firm hybrid feel

9.4/10Our score

• 12-inch hybrid construction
• Pocketed coils
• Cooling tech fabric
• Extra lumbar and shoulder support

This firm hybrid combines pocketed coils with gel memory foam and a cooling fabric cover. It may suit side sleepers who prefer a firmer surface, though a firm feel can leave some shoulders or hips wanting more cushion.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Pocketed coil support
• Cooling fabric cover
• 365-night home trial

Cons

• Firm feel may not suit side sleepers who need more give
• No detailed layer measurements

The SLEEP100 is a firm 12-inch hybrid with pocketed coils, gel memory foam and a cooling tech fabric cover. Its product name highlights extra lumbar and shoulder support, and the cover is designed to feel smooth and cool.

Firmness is the main tradeoff for side sleepers. People who prefer a stable surface may like it, but those who need a deeper shoulder cradle could find a firm mattress less comfortable.

SLEEP100 offers a 365-night home trial. Treat the trial as a chance to assess pressure comfort in your normal sleep position, rather than relying on the cooling label alone.

Pick this if you want a firm hybrid and like the idea of coil support with a cooling fabric surface. If your shoulder tends to feel compressed on firmer beds, start with a medium-feel option instead.

4

Zinus 12 Inch Queen Cooling Essential Memory: Best for medium-feel pressure relief

9.3/10Our score

• 12-inch memory foam mattress
• Medium feel
• Cooling gel memory foam
• CertiPUR-US foam and OEKO-TEX cover

The medium feel and contouring foam are a good match for side sleepers who want cushioning at the shoulders and hips. Cooling gel foam and a breathable cover are designed to support airflow.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Pressure cushioning at shoulders and hips
• Medium feel
• Compatible with several frame types

Cons

• Foam conforms closely to the body
• Allow 24–72 hours to expand

The Zinus Cooling Essential combines a medium feel with cooling gel memory foam. The foam contours around pressure points, including the shoulders and hips, and the cover is described as breathable.

That combination fits side sleepers who want foam cushioning without choosing a firm feel. Its 12-inch profile may also suit shoppers who want a substantial mattress without moving to a 14-inch model.

Zinus says the mattress has no fiberglass and uses CertiPUR-US certified foam and an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified cover. It arrives compressed, and Zinus recommends allowing 24–72 hours for it to expand fully.

Choose Zinus if you want medium-feel foam and pressure cushioning. For a more targeted support design, compare the Sweetnight CoolNest's 5-zone construction.

5

Sweetnight CoolNest Queen Mattress: Best for zoned foam cushioning

9.3/10Our score

• 14-inch memory foam mattress
• Medium feel
• 5-zone support design
• PCM high-resilience and gel-infused memory foam

Its medium feel, 5-zone design and layered foams make it our lead pick for side sleepers seeking a balance of pressure cushioning and cooling features. The cover uses 3D-woven fabric with ventilation pores.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 5-zone support design
• PCM and gel-infused foam layers
• 10-year protection

Cons

• 14-inch profile may need deep-pocket sheets
• Allow 72 hours for full expansion

The Sweetnight CoolNest is our top pick because its medium feel, 5-zone design and cooling materials align well with side sleeping needs. Its comfort and support foams are designed to cushion pressure areas while maintaining stability.

The 14-inch memory foam construction includes PCM high-resilience foam and gel-infused memory foam. Sweetnight also describes a 3D-woven cover with ventilation pores, which is intended to improve breathability and wick moisture.

A zoned design can be useful when you want the mattress to respond differently across the body, though it does not guarantee a perfect fit for every sleeper. The medium feel gives side sleepers a reasonable balance to consider if they want foam contouring without an extra-firm surface.

Allow up to 72 hours for full expansion. Choose this model if cooling features and shoulder and hip cushioning matter more to you than a coil-based feel.

6

Sleepmax King Size Mattress 14 Inch: Best for king-size hybrid support

9.2/10Our score

• 14-inch hybrid mattress
• Pocketed coils
• Euro top
• CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX materials

A Euro top and foam layers cushion the surface while pocketed coils provide support. This king-size option is designed for side and combination sleepers who want a hybrid feel.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Pocketed coils isolate motion
• Euro top and pressure-relieving foam
• Fiberglass-free construction

Cons

• King size may not fit smaller rooms
• No specific cooling material is identified

The Sleepmax Mist is a king-size hybrid with a Euro top, foam layers and pocketed coils. Its stated feel is “just right,” and the construction is designed for side and combination sleepers.

The coil system is intended to isolate motion, while the top layers provide cushioning. The available details do not identify a specific cooling cover or foam treatment, so choose it mainly for its hybrid support and king-size format rather than a strong cooling claim.

Sleepmax describes its materials as CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, and says the mattress is fiberglass free. Its king dimensions are 80 x 76 inches, so check that your frame and room can accommodate the size.

Pick this if you want a king hybrid with a Euro top and motion isolation. If cooling features are your priority, consider a model with a specified cooling cover or temperature-focused foam.

7

Sweetnight CoolNest Hybrid Queen Size Mattress: Best for a cooler hybrid surface

9.1/10Our score

• 14-inch hybrid mattress
• Medium-firm feel
• Ice silk cover
• Pocketed coils with gel memory foam

An ice silk cover and cooling foam layers pair with individually wrapped coils. The medium-firm feel may work for side sleepers who want more resistance than a plush foam surface.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Cooling cover and foam layers
• Pocketed coils
• Reinforced edge support

Cons

• Medium-firm feel may be too firm for some side sleepers
• Allow up to 72 hours for expansion

The Sweetnight CoolNest Hybrid combines a cooling ice silk cover, gel memory foam and individually wrapped coils. Its medium-firm feel offers more resistance than a plush foam surface, which some side sleepers may prefer.

The foam comfort layers are intended to cushion pressure, while the coils respond independently to movement. Sweetnight also describes a four-stage cooling system that includes PCMflux foam and an ice silk cover.

Medium-firm can still feel too firm if you need significant sink at the shoulder or hip. If you are between preferences, use a trial period to assess pressure comfort across several nights.

This queen hybrid is a fit for side sleepers who want a cooler cover and coil support. For a softer, more contouring feel, compare the medium-feel CoolNest memory foam model.

8

BedStory 13 Inch Medium Firm King Mattress: Best for king-size shoulder cushioning

9.0/10Our score

• 13-inch hybrid mattress
• Medium-firm feel
• Gel memory foam
• Pocketed coils

Gel memory foam conforms to body curves while pocket springs and layered foam add support. It is a king-size option for side sleepers who want a hybrid with a medium-firm feel.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Gel foam cushions pressure points
• Pocketed coil support
• Designed for side sleepers

Cons

• Medium-firm feel may not give enough shoulder sink
• King size needs a matching frame

The BedStory is a 13-inch king hybrid with gel memory foam and pocketed coils. Its medium-firm feel and foam comfort layer are designed to cushion body curves while the coil system supports the mattress.

That mix may suit side sleepers who want a hybrid and do not prefer a soft surface. BedStory highlights shoulder and lumbar support, though the medium-firm feel may not let every sleeper's shoulder settle comfortably.

Its king size measures 80 x 76 inches. Check your frame dimensions before choosing it, especially if you are replacing a standard queen mattress.

Choose this model for a king hybrid with gel foam and pocketed coils. If a softer feel is your priority, compare a medium mattress with more explicit pressure-relief features.

9

Novilla Bliss Cooling Queen Mattress: Best for a cool-touch foam cover

8.7/10Our score

• 14-inch memory foam mattress
• Medium feel
• Cool-touch nylon cover
• NanoGEL memory foam

The cool-touch cover and NanoGEL memory foam target heat comfort, while the triple-layer design aims to cushion pressure points. Its medium feel can suit side sleepers who prefer foam.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Cool-touch nylon cover
• Medium feel
• 100-night trial

Cons

• Foam may feel close-conforming
• No zoned support is specified

The Novilla Bliss pairs a cool-touch nylon cover with NanoGEL memory foam. Its medium feel and triple-layer foam system are designed to cushion pressure points and support spinal alignment.

For side sleepers, the stated pressure-relief design is relevant around the hips and shoulders. The 14-inch profile gives it a substantial all-foam feel, while reinforced edges are intended to add stability near the perimeter.

Novilla describes the cover as blended with plant-infused fiber and the foam as promoting airflow. These are design features, not a guarantee against overheating, since room temperature, bedding and personal preference also affect how warm a bed feels.

Choose Novilla if you want a medium foam mattress with a cool-touch cover. If close-conforming foam feels too warm, review our ways to cool a foam mattress before changing mattress type.

What should side sleepers look for in cooling mattress construction?

Side sleepers should start with enough cushioning for the shoulder and hip, then compare cooling features that match their preferred feel. A breathable cover or open-cell foam may help airflow, while coils create a different feel from all-foam construction.

Medium is often a sensible starting point, but body weight affects how much a mattress compresses. If your current surface feels too hard at the shoulder, a plush comfort layer or topper may be more useful than a firmer support core.

Cooling claims vary by design. Gel foam, PCM materials, ventilation pores and cool-touch fabrics are not interchangeable, and no single feature guarantees a cool night.

Does mattress size affect cooling comfort?

Size does not determine cooling performance, but it affects space, sheets and the fit of your bed setup. Compare our best cooling mattress queen picks for queen beds and best cooling mattress king options if you need more room.

Measure the mattress and frame before ordering, especially for king models. The Sleepmax and BedStory options here are king size, while most of the other mattress picks are queen.

Is a mattress topper enough to cool a side sleeper's bed?

A topper can change surface feel and add cushioning, but it may not solve heat from the room, bedding or the mattress core. The DOWNCOOL topper combines cooling fibers with foam fill, so it is worth considering when you want to soften a mattress you already own.

If you like the contour of foam but sleep warm, start with bedding and room airflow as well. Our TEMPUR-Adapt topper review covers another way a topper can change surface feel.

How should you choose between these cooling mattresses?

Choose the Sweetnight CoolNest memory foam mattress if you want medium feel, zoned cushioning and layered cooling features. Choose Zinus for a 12-inch medium foam option, or the Sweetnight hybrid if you prefer coils and a medium-firm surface.

For a firmer hybrid, consider SLEEP100 only if you already know that firm surfaces work for your shoulders and hips. If heat remains a problem alongside ongoing pain or sleep trouble, speak with a health professional.

A cooling mattress for side sleepers should fit your pressure needs first, then your temperature preferences. Compare the best cooling mattress for hot sleepers if you want to prioritize heat management across sleep positions.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for adding plush cushioning

   DOWNCOOL 5 Inch Cooling Queen Mattress Topper

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for balanced medium support

   Casper Sleep Element Queen Mattress

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for a firm hybrid feel

   SLEEP100 Firm Queen Mattress 12 Inches

   9.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What is the best cooling mattress for side sleepers?

A medium or medium-soft mattress with shoulder and hip cushioning is a useful starting point for many side sleepers. The Sweetnight CoolNest combines a medium feel, a 5-zone support design and cooling foam features.

Your body weight and comfort preference affect how firm a mattress feels, so use the trial period when available.

Are memory foam mattresses too hot for side sleepers?

Not always. Some foam mattresses use gel, open-cell structures, breathable covers or other features intended to manage heat, but those features do not guarantee that every sleeper will feel cool.

If you like foam's contouring feel, compare its construction and read our guide to gel memory foam cooling claims.

Should side sleepers choose a hybrid or foam mattress?

Choose foam if you want closer contouring around your shoulders and hips. A hybrid adds coils beneath foam, which can feel more buoyant and less close-conforming.

Look at the stated firmness and comfort layers, then compare the broader types of mattresses before deciding.

Can a firm mattress cause shoulder pressure for side sleepers?

It can feel uncomfortable if your shoulder and hip cannot sink enough to keep your body in a relaxed position. A medium or softer comfort layer may provide more cushioning, though the right feel varies by body shape and preference.

For ongoing pain, ask a health professional for guidance.