Sleeping hot isn’t just uncomfortable—it can seriously disrupt your deep sleep cycles. Studies show that when your core temperature rises during the night, it prevents your body from entering the REM and slow-wave stages of sleep, leading to:
- More tossing and turning
- Frequent wake-ups from overheating
- Morning grogginess and fatigue
- Increased heart rate and night sweats
Traditional memory foam tends to trap body heat because of its dense structure. That’s why modern cooling mattresses use gel-infused foams, breathable open-cell structures, and coil support bases that allow airflow—to pull heat away from your body and keep your skin temperature stable through the night.
The good news? You don’t need to spend thousands to get a cooler night’s sleep. The following top-rated cooling mattresses are all under $500, making them perfect for budget-conscious hot sleepers.
Quick Comparison: Best Cooling Mattresses Under $500 (2026)
| Mattress | Type | Thickness | Firmness | Cooling Features | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleepmax Queen Mattress 14 Inch | Hybrid (gel foam + pocket springs) | 14″ | Firm | Coil base promotes airflow + cooling gel foam | Hot sleepers needing firm back support | Check Price |
| ZINUS 12 Inch Green Tea Cooling Memory Foam Mattress | All-foam | 12″ | Medium-firm | Gel-infused memory foam + open-cell base | Budget-friendly cooling + motion isolation | Check Price |
| Cool Gel Chill 14 Inch Medium Firm Memory Foam Mattress | All-foam | 14″ | Medium-firm | CoolGel foam + breathable stretch knit cover | Plush contouring comfort with cooling relief | Check Price |
Best Mattress for Hot Sleepers – Cooling Mattress
Sleepmax Queen Mattress 14 Inch
Best Overall Cooling Hybrid Mattress with Firm Support
- PAIN RELIEF & MOTION ISOLATION – Blending the benefits of traditional spring and soft foam mattresses, Sleepmax Starry promotes spinal alignment, even weight distribution, and alleviation of…
The Sleepmax 14″ Queen Mattress stands out as the best all-around mattress for hot sleepers under $500 because it combines powerful cooling performance with firm orthopedic support.
This hybrid mattress uses a dual-layer comfort system of gel-infused memory foam over individually wrapped pocket coils. The gel foam pulls heat away from the body, while the coil base allows air to circulate freely underneath, so you never feel that stifling heat buildup.
The firm surface keeps your spine aligned, which is ideal for back and stomach sleepers who often overheat on softer beds. The pocket coil core also adds bounce and edge support, making it easier to move without sinking into the mattress—a common complaint with all-foam beds.
It also includes a moisture-wicking quilted knit cover that stays cool to the touch and prevents sweat buildup, and all materials are CertiPUR-US certified and fiberglass-free, ensuring safety and indoor air quality. A generous 365-night sleep trial makes it risk-free to try.
Key Features
- 14-inch hybrid build
- Gel-infused memory foam layers
- Individually wrapped coil base for airflow
- Firm support ideal for hot back/stomach sleepers
- Edge support perimeter for stability
- Moisture-wicking, breathable cover
- CertiPUR-US certified foams, fiberglass-free
- 365-night risk-free trial
Pros
- Exceptional cooling for a hybrid mattress under $500
- Strong support prevents sagging and back pain
- Excellent edge support and motion isolation
- Long lifespan and strong build quality
- Ideal for hot couples needing space and support
Cons
- Firmer feel may be too rigid for lightweight side sleepers
- Heavier to move than foam mattresses
Best For: Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, hot sleepers needing extra lumbar support.
Check [Price on Sleepmax Mattress]
ZINUS 12 Inch Green Tea Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
Best Budget All-Foam Cooling Mattress for Hot Sleepers
![ZINUS 12 Inch Green Tea Cooling Memory Foam Mattress [New Version],...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41iUftxoF2L._SL160_.jpg)
- COOLER SLEEP AND A CLEANER PLANET – Topped with soothing gel memory foam, this mattress is designed to help keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night, and ships in a new smaller box to support a reduced carbon footprint
If you want budget-friendly cooling comfort and a plush feel, the ZINUS 12″ Green Tea Cooling Memory Foam Mattress is your best bet. It’s a medium-firm all-foam model infused with cooling gel beads to draw heat away from your body while you sleep.
What sets it apart is the green tea and charcoal-infused base foam, which naturally neutralizes odors and wicks away moisture. The open-cell foam structure allows airflow, while the soft knit cover promotes breathability and keeps your skin cool.
This mattress is ideal for side and combination sleepers who want body-conforming pressure relief without waking up drenched in sweat. It’s also extremely lightweight and easy to move, making it a great pick for dorms, guest rooms, or first apartments.
Key Features
- 12-inch profile
- Gel-infused cooling memory foam
- Green tea + charcoal base foam for odor control
- Open-cell structure improves airflow
- Medium-firm support
- Moisture-wicking knit cover
- CertiPUR-US certified and fiberglass-free
- Lightweight and easy to move
Pros
- Excellent cooling performance for the price
- Naturally odor-resistant and moisture-wicking
- Conforms to the body for pressure relief
- Great motion isolation for couples
- Budget-friendly under $500
Cons
- Softer edges than hybrid mattresses
- May not offer enough support for heavier sleepers
Best For: Hot side sleepers, combination sleepers, students, guest beds.
Check [Price on ZINUS Mattress]
Cool Gel Chill 14 Inch Medium Firm Memory Foam Mattress
Best Plush Cooling Mattress for Pressure Relief
- Advanced Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress: Our bed mattress features a 3.5-inch ventilated cooling gel memory foam layer, this cooling memory foam mattress queen conforms to your body, enhancing airflow, temperature regulation, & personalized comfort
For hot sleepers who want a softer, body-contouring feel without overheating, the Cool Gel Chill 14″ is a top contender. It features multiple layers of CoolGel-infused memory foam that actively dissipate heat and improve airflow throughout the mattress.
The medium-firm comfort profile balances soft contouring with strong support, making it ideal for side, combo, and even back sleepers. The plush top cradles pressure points while the high-density base foam keeps your spine aligned.
This mattress also includes two bonus CoolGel memory foam pillows, which stay cool and supportive all night—an added perk for value shoppers. The breathable knit cover and open-cell foam construction prevent heat buildup and humidity, while CertiPUR-US certified foams ensure it’s free from harmful chemicals.
Key Features
- 14-inch gel-infused memory foam design
- CoolGel foam layers regulate body temperature
- Medium-firm, pressure-relieving comfort
- Open-cell structure improves ventilation
- Includes two free cooling pillows
- Breathable stretch-knit cover
- CertiPUR-US certified, fiberglass-free
Pros
- Luxuriously plush feel that stays cool
- Excellent contouring for joints and shoulders
- Includes free CoolGel pillows
- Very quiet and motion-isolating
- Excellent value for the price
Cons
- Not as bouncy as hybrids
- Slight off-gassing initially (normal for boxed foam)
Best For: Side sleepers, hot sleepers needing pressure relief, couples.
Check [Price on Cool Gel Chill Mattress]
What Makes a Mattress Sleep Cool?
1. Gel-Infused Memory Foam
Draws heat away from your body to regulate temperature.
2. Open-Cell Foam Structure
Increases airflow through the mattress to prevent heat buildup.
3. Coil Base Systems
Allow continuous air circulation from underneath, cooling the surface.
4. Moisture-Wicking Covers
Pull sweat away from the skin for a cooler, drier sleep environment.
5. Breathable Edge Support
Prevents heat from getting trapped around the perimeter.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Cooling Mattress Under $500
- Material: Hybrids sleep cooler thanks to airflow from coils. Gel-infused foams are also effective.
- Firmness: Medium to medium-firm mattresses prevent you from sinking in, reducing trapped heat.
- Motion Isolation: Foam excels at motion control, making it ideal for couples.
- Edge Support: Reinforced edges help with durability and airflow.
- Trial & Warranty: Look for 100+ night trials and 10-year warranties, even at this budget.
Final Verdict
- Best Overall Cooling Mattress: Sleepmax 14″ Hybrid — firm support, breathable design, excellent airflow
- Best Budget All-Foam Cooling Mattress: ZINUS 12″ Green Tea — affordable, odor-resistant, and cool
- Best Plush Cooling Mattress: Cool Gel Chill 14″ — soft, pressure-relieving, and stays cool all night
If you’re a hot sleeper on a budget, these top-rated cooling mattresses under $500 will help you beat the heat, improve your sleep quality, and wake up fully refreshed—at the best budget price.
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