Quick Answer: A cooling memory foam mattress topper adds a gel-infused or copper-infused foam layer on top of your existing mattress to reduce surface heat and add contouring. The ideal thickness for most sleepers is 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 inches). Cooling toppers work best as a short-term fix for mattresses that sleep warm, but they cannot replace the sustained airflow that a hybrid mattress provides.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 8 minutes
Your mattress is still supportive, still comfortable, but it sleeps too warm. You are not ready to replace it. This is exactly the situation where a cooling memory foam mattress topper earns its keep.
A cooling topper sits on top of your mattress, under your sheets, adding a layer of gel-infused or otherwise treated foam designed to regulate surface temperature. It is a fraction of the cost of a new mattress, and it can meaningfully improve how your bed feels in the warm months.
But not all cooling toppers deliver on their promises, and in some situations, a topper is money spent on a problem that needs a different solution. Here is what we have learned from helping customers at our Brantford showroom work through this decision.
When a Topper Makes Sense (and When It Does Not)
| A Cooling Topper Is a Good Idea When... | A Cooling Topper Will Not Fix the Problem When... |
|---|---|
| Your mattress is still supportive but sleeps warm | Your mattress is sagging or worn out (a topper cannot fix structural problems) |
| You want to extend the life of a good mattress by 1-2 years | Your mattress is more than 8 years old and losing support |
| You sleep hot at bedtime but not throughout the night | You overheat consistently at 2-3 a.m. (topper cooling fades by then) |
| Your budget is under $200 CAD | You can invest $800+ in a hybrid mattress that solves the root cause |
| You want to soften a mattress that is too firm | You want to make a soft mattress firmer (toppers add softness, not firmness) |
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "I am always honest with customers about this. If your mattress is seven or eight years old and sleeping hot, a topper buys you maybe another year of comfortable sleep. At that point, you are better off putting the topper money toward a new mattress that addresses both support and temperature from the ground up."
8 min read
Cooling Technologies in Toppers
Cooling memory foam toppers use the same gel technologies found in full cooling gel mattresses, just in a thinner comfort layer format.
| Technology | How It Cools | Typical Price (Queen, CAD) | Cooling Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gel-infused foam | Gel beads absorb and disperse body heat | $80-$200 | 30-90 minutes |
| Copper-infused foam | Copper's high conductivity transfers heat faster | $150-$350 | 30-90 minutes, faster onset |
| Graphite-infused foam | Graphite conducts heat away from sleep surface | $120-$300 | 30-90 minutes |
| Open-cell foam with gel | Structural airflow + gel heat absorption | $100-$250 | Longer than closed-cell, still limited |
| PCM (phase change material) | Actively absorbs heat by changing physical state | $200-$500 | 2-4 hours, best sustained cooling |
In testing conducted by the Sleep Foundation, the most effective cooling toppers reduced surface temperature increase by roughly half compared to standard memory foam. The Bear Pro Topper, for example, only increased in temperature by 6.1 degrees Fahrenheit during testing, while competitors often rose by 10 degrees or more.
The Cover Matters More Than You Think
The cooling properties of the foam are only part of the equation. The cover fabric that wraps the topper sits directly against your sheets and can either help or hinder heat dissipation. Breathable covers made from Tencel, bamboo-rayon, or organic cotton allow heat to pass through. Quilted polyester covers trap warm air against the sleep surface, cancelling out much of the gel's benefit.
When comparing toppers, check what the cover is made of. A topper with good foam cooling and a polyester cover will underperform a topper with average foam cooling and a breathable Tencel cover.
Thickness Guide
Thickness affects both comfort and cooling performance. Thicker is not always better.
| Thickness | Best For | Cooling Notes | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 cm (1 inch) | Minimal cushioning, budget option | Limited cooling, thin layer heats quickly | Light surface change only |
| 5 cm (2 inches) | Most sleepers, good all-around | Good cooling-to-heat-retention balance | Noticeable contouring without excess sinking |
| 7.5 cm (3 inches) | Side sleepers, pressure relief seekers | More gel = more cooling capacity, but more insulation too | Deep contouring, significant feel change |
| 10 cm (4 inches) | Heavy sleepers, significant mattress softening | Traps more heat than thinner options despite more gel | Very deep hug, may feel too soft for some |
There is a paradox with thickness and cooling. A thicker topper contains more gel material, which means more thermal mass to absorb heat. But it also puts more insulating foam between you and the mattress surface below. In practice, 5 cm toppers tend to sleep cooler than 10 cm toppers because the thinner profile allows some heat to dissipate through to the mattress beneath.
Dorothy, Sleep Specialist: "I usually recommend starting with a 5 cm topper if cooling is the main goal. It provides enough material for the gel to do its job without adding so much foam that you end up trapping heat in a different way. A 7.5 cm topper makes sense if you also need more pressure relief at the shoulders or hips."
What to Look For When Buying
Buying Checklist
- Foam density: 40 to 60 kg/m3 for durability. Below 40, the topper will develop body impressions within a year.
- Cover material: Tencel, bamboo-rayon, or organic cotton. Avoid quilted polyester.
- Removable cover: Makes cleaning dramatically easier since the foam itself cannot be machine washed.
- CertiPUR-US certification: Confirms the foam has been tested for harmful chemicals and VOC emissions.
- Secure attachment: Elastic straps or a deep-pocket skirt that keeps the topper from shifting on the mattress.
- Trial period: If buying online, look for at least 30 days to test. Cooling claims are hard to evaluate without sleeping on the product.
Topper vs. New Mattress: The Honest Math
This is the calculation most sites skip. A cooling topper is cheaper upfront, but the per-year cost comparison sometimes favours a new mattress.
| Option | Cost (Queen, CAD) | Expected Lifespan | Cost Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling memory foam topper | $100-$350 | 2-4 years | $50-$175 |
| Restonic ComfortCare hybrid (queen) | $1,619 | 8-10 years | $112-$140 |
| Restonic Revive Reflections (flippable) | $1,395 | 10-12 years | $116-$140 |
A $150 topper that lasts three years costs $50 per year. A $1,125 mattress that lasts nine years costs $125 per year. The mattress costs more per year, but it addresses both support and cooling rather than patching one problem on an aging mattress.
If your mattress has more than two years of good support left, a topper is the smart play. If your mattress is nearing the end of its life regardless, the topper money is better directed toward a proper replacement.
Care and Maintenance
Cooling memory foam toppers need the same care as any memory foam product. The foam cannot go in the washing machine. Spot clean stains, use baking soda for odours, and always protect the topper with a washable mattress protector.
If your topper has a removable cover, wash the cover monthly in cool water on a gentle cycle. This is by far the easiest way to keep the topper fresh.
Rotate the topper 180 degrees every three months to distribute wear evenly. Unlike mattresses, toppers do not need to be flipped (they are one-sided).
Seasonal Tip for Ontario
Some Brantford customers use a cooling topper only during summer months and remove it for winter. This is a perfectly reasonable approach. Without the topper, the mattress retains more warmth during cold months. With it, the sleep surface stays cooler through July and August. Store the topper in a clean, dry space when not in use, and air it out for a few hours before putting it back on the bed each spring.
Sources
- Sleep Foundation, "Best Cooling Mattress Toppers of 2026: Expert Tested." sleepfoundation.org
- Sleepopolis, "Best Cooling Mattress Topper (2026): Tested and Reviewed." sleepopolis.com
- Sleep Advisor, "Best Cooling Mattress Toppers Reviews for 2026." sleepadvisor.org
- NCOA, "Your 2026 Guide to the Best Cooling Mattress Toppers." ncoa.org
Shop: Mattress Toppers at Mattress Miracle
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Cooling picks we carry at Mattress Miracle:
Or cooling mattresses in our Brantford showroom.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should a cooling memory foam topper be?
For most sleepers, a 5 to 7.5 centimetre (2 to 3 inch) topper provides the best balance of comfort, cooling, and support. Thinner toppers offer mild cushioning but limited contouring. Thicker toppers (10 cm or more) provide deep contouring but can trap more heat and make the mattress feel softer than intended.
Does a cooling topper make a hot mattress sleep cool?
A cooling topper can reduce surface temperature and improve initial comfort, but it cannot fundamentally change a mattress that sleeps hot. If your mattress is an all-foam design that traps heat, a topper provides temporary relief. For persistent overheating, a hybrid mattress with coil airflow is a more effective long-term solution.
Is gel-infused or copper-infused foam cooler?
Copper-infused foam has higher thermal conductivity than standard gel, meaning it transfers heat away from the body faster. In practice, the difference is modest. Both provide initial cooling that diminishes as the material reaches body temperature. The topper's overall design, thickness, and whether it has a breathable cover matter more than the specific infusion type.
Can you wash a cooling memory foam mattress topper?
Memory foam toppers cannot be machine washed. The agitation will damage the foam. Spot clean stains with a damp cloth and mild soap, and deodorise with baking soda every two to three months. If the topper has a removable cover, that cover is usually machine washable. Using a mattress protector over the topper is the best way to keep it clean.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Not sure whether a topper or a new mattress is the right move? Bring in your mattress details and we will give you an honest answer. We carry toppers, protectors, and a full range of hybrid and innerspring mattresses that address cooling from the foundation up. Helping Brantford families sleep better since 1997.
Related Reading
- Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress: What to Know Before You Buy
- Blue Foam Explained: What It Is and How It Works
- Bamboo Mattress Toppers: Types, Thickness, and Buying Guide
- Can You Wash a Mattress Topper? Step-by-Step Instructions
- King Memory Foam Mattress Pads: Comparing Types, Densities and Thickness
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441 1/2 West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle -- 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, ON -- (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10am-6pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm.
Come in and let our team help you find the right mattress for your needs. No pressure, no commission.