Why choose a cooling gel mattress?
A cooling gel mattress can be a great choice if you love the cosy, cushioned feel of foam, but don’t love waking up too warm. The gel-infused comfort layers are designed to help move heat away from your body, creating a fresher mattress that feels more comfortable through the night.
They’re especially useful if you’re a hot sleeper, share a bed, or find traditional memory foam a little too heat-hugging. Many gel mattresses also include pocket springs or breathable support layers, helping air move through the mattress instead of letting warmth build up around you.
A cooling gel mattress can offer:
A fresher, more comfortable feel if you tend to overheat at night
Cushioned comfort with technology designed to help manage heat
Pressure relief around your shoulders, hips and back
Better airflow when paired with breathable layers or pocket springs
A choice of cushioning and support to suit how you sleep
More comfortable nights for couples who find their bed gets too warm
How to choose the right cooling gel mattress
Start with what’s bothering you about your current mattress. If you wake up warm, feel clammy in the night or avoid memory foam because it feels too dense, a cool gel mattress could give you the comfort you want with a fresher feel.
If you like a closer, more cushioned mattress, a gel memory foam mattress may suit you well. If you want more bounce, airflow and easier movement, look at hybrid gel options with springs. If you share a bed, it’s also worth checking motion isolation, edge support and size, not just the cooling layer.
Which cooling mattress brands should you consider?
Not sure where to start? We stock cooling mattresses from trusted brands, each offering different ways to help you sleep more comfortably at night.
Coolflex® mattresses are a popular choice for temperature-regulated sleep, featuring advanced cooling materials, breathable covers, and supportive hybrid designs across selected models.
You'll also find MLILY® mattresses with cool gel comfort layers, SleepSoul mattresses combining cushioning gel with pocket spring support, and Silentnight mattresses offering gel-infused foam and breathable comfort options.
Rather than choosing by brand alone, compare the cooling features, firmness and overall feel to find a mattress that suits the way you sleep.
Cooling gel mattress types
Mattress type | How it feels | May suit you if |
Gel memory foam mattress | Cushioned, contouring and pressure relieving | You want foam comfort with a fresher feel than traditional memory foam |
Cooling gel hybrid | Cushioned comfort with spring support | You want cooling comfort, bounce and more airflow through the mattress |
Pocket sprung with gel layers | Supportive, responsive and breathable | You prefer a more traditional mattress feel with added cooling comfort |
Gel pillow top | Soft, plush and more cushioned at the surface | You want a cool touch mattress with a more luxurious top layer |
For warmer sleepers, hybrid and pocket sprung designs are often worth comparing because springs can help improve airflow through the mattress. For pressure relief, a gel foam mattress can feel softer and more contouring around the body.
How does gel-infused foam technology keep you cool?
Gel-infused foam is designed to help manage heat around your body while you sleep. Instead of relying on standard foam alone, the comfort layer includes gel particles, beads or gel infusion that help absorb and move warmth away from the surface.
That doesn’t mean your mattress will feel icy cold. A cooling mattress should simply feel fresher and more temperature-balanced, especially if you usually wake up warm. Your bedding, mattress protector, duvet tog and room temperature can all affect the final feel, so it’s worth thinking about the whole sleep setup too.
Gel mattress vs traditional memory foam: What’s the difference?
Traditional memory foam is known for its cosy, body-hugging feel. It can be brilliant for pressure relief, but some sleepers find it holds onto warmth a little too much.
A gel memory foam mattress is designed to give you that same cushioned comfort with a cooler-feeling finish. The gel helps manage heat, while the foam still moulds around your shoulders, hips and back.
If you love the feel of foam but often overheat, a gel mattress could be a good compromise. If you want more airflow and easier movement as well, compare cooling gel hybrid mattresses with pocket springs from top brands such as Coolflex®, Sleepsoul, or Silentnight.
Choosing the right firmness
Cooling is important, but comfort and support still need to come first. A mattress can feel fresh, but it won’t be right for you if it’s too soft, too firm, or doesn’t suit the way you sleep.
Firmness | How it feels | May suit you if |
Soft | Plush, cushioned and more sink-in | You’re a lighter sleeper, prefer a softer surface or sleep on your side |
Medium | Balanced, with gentle cushioning | You want comfort and support without a very soft or firm feel |
Medium firm | Supportive with some cushioning | You’re a back sleeper, combination sleeper or want a steadier feel |
Firm | Sturdier with less sink | You’re heavier, prefer stronger support or usually sleep on your front or back |
Side sleepers usually need cushioning around the shoulders and hips, while back sleepers often need balanced support through the lower back. Front sleepers tend to need a steadier surface to stop the hips from dipping too far.
Cooling gel mattresses for couples
If you share a bed, you’ll know that two people can make a mattress feel warmer very quickly. A cooling gel mattress can help create a fresher surface, while a hybrid design with springs can improve airflow and make it easier to move without disturbing each other.
It’s worth checking motion isolation, edge support and size too. A king size mattress gives both sleepers more room, while pocket springs can help each side of the mattress respond more independently.
Why shop at MattressNextDay?
Next day delivery - Available on eligible in-stock gel mattresses across the UK mainland.
Lowest price promise - Compare cooling mattresses with extra reassurance. Check out our Lowest Price Promise.
Old mattress removal - We’ll save you the hassle and take your old mattress with us when your new one arrives.
Excellent reviews - Check verified customer reviews before choosing your mattress.
Award-winning retailer - Buy from a three-time NBF Online Bed Retailer of the Year.
Trusted cooling mattress brands - Explore cooling mattresses from Coolflex®, MLILY®, SleepSoul and Silentnight, with different technologies and comfort options to suit you.
Need help choosing your next mattress?
Tell us about your sleeping position, preferred firmness and budget. MattressFinder™ can quickly filter the choices and help you compare mattresses that better match what you are looking for. Find your perfect mattress.
Buying guidance for cooling gel mattresses
What is a cooling gel mattress?
A cooling gel mattress is a mattress with gel-infused comfort layers designed to help manage warmth while you sleep. These layers are often used with memory foam, giving you a cushioned feel without the same heat build-up some sleepers associate with standard foam.
It won’t make your bed feel freezing. Instead, it’s designed to help your mattress feel fresher and more comfortable, so you’re less likely to wake up hot, clammy or desperate to throw the covers off.
Are cooling gel mattresses good for hot sleepers?
Yes, a cooling gel mattress can be a great option if you often feel too warm in bed. Gel-infused comfort layers are designed to help draw heat away from the body, while breathable covers and spring systems can help air move through the mattress.
If overheating is your main concern, look beyond the word ‘cooling’ and compare the full specification. The cover, comfort layers, support system, depth and bedding can all affect how fresh your mattress feels overnight.
Can a cooling gel mattress help with night sweats?
A cooling gel mattress may help make your sleep setup feel more comfortable if you experience night sweats or hot flushes. The gel layers are designed to help manage heat around the body, which can make temperature changes feel less uncomfortable during the night.
However, a mattress can’t treat the cause of night sweats. If you’re waking up drenched, if symptoms are new, or if they’re affecting your wellbeing, it’s best to speak to a healthcare professional.
Is a cooling gel mattress good for pressure relief?
It can be. Many cooling gel mattresses use foam comfort layers that cushion the body and help relieve pressure around areas like the shoulders, hips and lower back.
If pressure relief is important to you, check the mattress type as well as the cooling features. A gel memory foam mattress may feel more contouring, while a hybrid gel mattress - such as those found in the Coolflex® range - can give you cushioning with extra bounce and support from springs.
Will a cooling gel mattress stay cool all night?
A cooling gel mattress is designed to help manage heat through the night, but cooling performance can vary from person to person. Your room temperature, duvet, sheets, mattress protector and whether you share a bed can all make a difference.
For the freshest setup, pair your mattress with breathable bedding, avoid overly thick protectors that block airflow, and choose a duvet tog that suits the season.
What should you check before ordering a cooling gel mattress?
Before buying, check:
Mattress size, especially if you’re replacing an older mattress
Firmness, so the mattress suits your sleeping position
Support system, such as pocket springs, open coil springs or foam
Cooling features, including gel foam, breathable covers and airflow layers
Mattress depth, so your fitted sheets still fit properly
Customer reviews, especially if cooling comfort is one of your main priorities
Trial and guarantee details, so you know what applies to your chosen mattress
Delivery availability, particularly if you need your new mattress quickly
The best cooling mattress for you should feel comfortable, supportive and fresh, not just cooler than your old bed.
Delivery, recycling, and guarantees
Free next-day delivery to most locations - Free next-day delivery is available across most UK mainland locations on eligible in-stock cooling gel mattresses.
Free weekend delivery - Choose a weekend delivery slot, if available, so your mattress arrives at a convenient time.
Choose a delivery date - Select your preferred delivery date at checkout to make replacing your mattress or planning around moving day easier.
Learn more about our delivery and returns policies.
We make old mattress disposal easy for you
Just £39 to responsibly dispose of your old mattress - Add old mattress removal at checkout for £39, and MattressNextDay will collect your old mattress when your new one arrives.
100% of your mattress is reused and recycled - Your old mattress is separated into its core materials so they can be repurposed. 100% of the mattress is reused and recycled into new products.
A greener way to get rid of your old mattress - Avoid arranging disposal separately with a recycling service designed to make replacing your mattress more convenient.
Looking for cooler comfort at the right price?
Browse the latest MattressNextDay sale to compare offers across cooling gel, memory foam, hybrid, and pocket sprung mattresses. Shop mattress sale.
Ask the expert about cooling gel mattresses
Not sure which cooling gel mattress is right for you? Find clear, practical guidance on cooling comfort, firmness, mattress types, night sweats and delivery before you order.
Martin Seeley, Product Expert at MattressNextDay, answers questions about cooling gel mattresses.
Are cooling gel mattresses actually cold?
No, a cooling gel mattress shouldn’t feel icy or uncomfortable. It’s designed to help manage heat and create a fresher feel, rather than make your bed feel cold.
Cooling performance can also depend on your bedding, room temperature and personal preference.
Who should choose a cooling gel mattress?
A cooling gel mattress may suit you if you often wake up feeling too warm, dislike heat build-up from traditional foam, or want a fresher-feeling mattress with cushioning comfort.
It can also be a good option for couples, as two people in one bed can create more warmth overnight.
Is a cooling gel mattress better than memory foam?
It depends on what you need. Traditional memory foam can feel cosy and pressure relieving, but some sleepers find it warm. Cooling gel memory foam is designed to offer similar cushioning with a fresher feel.
If you want more bounce and airflow, you may prefer a hybrid mattress with springs.
What firmness should I choose?
Choose firmness based on your sleeping position, body weight and comfort preference. Side sleepers often need more cushioning around the shoulders and hips, while back sleepers usually need balanced support. Front sleepers tend to need a firmer surface to help keep the hips lifted.
If your current mattress feels too soft or unsupportive, you may want to go firmer. If it feels too hard, you may prefer more cushioning.
Are cooling gel mattresses good for couples?
They can be. A cooling gel mattress may help if you and your partner both get warm at night, especially if it also has breathable layers or pocket springs.
If you share a bed, also check the size, motion transfer, edge support and firmness before ordering.
Can I use normal bedding with a cooling gel mattress?
Yes, but bedding can affect how cool your bed feels. Heavy duvets, thick mattress protectors and synthetic bedding may reduce the cooling effect.
For a fresher setup, choose breathable sheets, a suitable duvet tog and a mattress protector that doesn’t block airflow.
Can I get free next-day delivery on a cooling gel mattress?
Free next-day delivery is available on selected in-stock cooling gel mattresses. Delivery timing depends on the individual mattress, your location and the options shown at checkout.
Lowest Price Promise
0% Buy now, pay later
& Up
& Up
& Up
& Up
