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Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Technology
Alison Barretta

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper review 2024

A close-up of the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper .

Tempur-Pedic is the luxe brand behind some of the best mattresses for sleepers seeking comfort and support. The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper is the cooling upgrade of the standard Tempur-Adapt Mattress Topper, which currently sits in the No. 1 spot of our best mattress toppers guide.

So how does it compare to the original? We spent over two weeks sleeping on a twin-size Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper, testing it for comfort, support, and temperature regulation. In our in-depth review below, we’ll explain what the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper was like to sleep on and provide details on when and where to purchase it.

Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper review in brief

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper doesn’t differ much from its predecessor. Like the original Tempur-Adapt Topper, you'll find three inches of body-hugging Tempur Material. However, there is one key difference: It comes with a specialist cover woven with heat-wicking fibers to facilitate cooler sleep.

In our Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Topper review, temperature regulation was the original model's least impressive feature — so does this upgraded version perform any better? For two weeks, we slept on a Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper provided for testing by the brand. The full review is below, but if you're short on time, here's a quick summary...

Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper specs

Type: Foam (Tempur Material)
Depth: 3"
Cover: Polyester and polyethylene; removable and machine-washable
Corner straps: Yes (spandex)
Trial period: None
Warranty: 10 years
Starting MSRP: From $419 at Tempur-Pedic

The last time our lead tester slept on a Tempur-Pedic mattress at home, she dealt with frequent night sweats because it retained heat. Thus, we were skeptical of the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper at first, even though it felt cool to the touch. (That initial cooling sensation doesn’t always translate to a refreshing night's sleep, in our experience.) 

Fortunately, we didn’t have that issue with the Adapt + Cooling. even when temperatures fluctuated between seasonably cool and unusually warm. That said, some Tempur-Pedic customers claim it still sleeps warm and it doesn't have the cooling power of one of the Tempur-Breeze cooling mattresses — but we'd rank it over the standard Tempur-Adapt.

Since Tempur-Pedic doesn’t accept returns for this topper, it’s important to shop around. At $519 for a queen-size — which is $100 more than the standard Tempur-Adapt Topper — it isn’t a budget-friendly buy. However, retailers like Amazon and Kohl’s offer regular discounts with return policies that'll make this purchase less of a gamble. (Either way, it comes with a 10-year warranty.)

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

The Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper otherwise performs similarly to the original Tempur-Adapt Topper, which we consider the best memory foam mattress topper overall for its exceptional pressure relief, stretchy anchor straps, and removable, machine-washable cover (although putting the cover back on can be a challenge).

This topper is a good fit if your mattress is too firm for side sleeping and you want to add plushness while benefiting from some cooling features. Fans of memory foam will enjoy the slow, body-hugging response of the Tempur Material, but combination sleepers may find it restrictive and difficult to move around on.

You’ll still be paying a premium price for this topper, but compared to buying a Tempur-Pedic — a brand known for making some of the world's best mattresses for pain relief — it's a far more economical solution. With Black Friday mattress deals kicking off, there are plenty of chances to save. If you’re unsure about adding it to your cart, keep scrolling for our complete Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper review...

Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper review: Price & deals

  • A premium mattress topper, with a queen MSRP of $519
  • Shop around for better deals and flexible return options
  • Comes with a 10-year limited warranty

The Tempur-Adapt + Cooling is the most expensive mattress topper in Tempur-Pedic's lineup. It costs $100 more than the non-cooling Tempur-Adapt Topper, bumping the price of a queen-size to $519. 

Below are the official MSRPs for the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper  

  • Twin MSRP: $419
  • Twin long MSRP: $419
  • Full MSRP: $469
  • Queen MSRP: $519
  • King MSRP: $569
  • Cal king MSRP: $569

At Tom's Guide, we usually encourage readers to buy mattresses and mattress toppers directly from the brand to secure the best savings and aftercare...but in this case, we're making an exception.

The Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper is available at Amazon, Kohl's, Home Depot, and other retailers. We've seen as much as 40% off during Tempur-Pedic mattress sales, but several of these stores provide more frequent and generous markdowns. As of this writing, Amazon has the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper for up to 55% off, with a queen-size marked down to just $249.99 plus free shipping. That said, you may catch a better offer at Tempur-Pedic during Tempur-Pedic Black Friday mattress sales — but we doubt it. 

Then there's the matter of returns. Tempur-Pedic classifies its mattress toppers as personal items, so they can't be sent back. However, if you purchase from Amazon or another authorized Tempur-Pedic reseller, your purchase will likely be covered by that store’s standard return policy.

Regardless of where you buy the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper, it comes with a 10-year limited warranty, the same as a Tempur-Pedic mattress. Given that mattress toppers generally need to be replaced every five years, this is quite impressive.

Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper review: Design & materials

  • Features 3" of Tempur Material, a type of memory foam
  • Cooling prowess comes from the poly-blend cover
  • Cover is removable for laundering
The Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper has four stretchy anchor straps. (Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)
Tempur Material is slow to snap back into place. (Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

The design and materials of the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper are mostly the same as the non-cooling version. There's a 3" layer of Tempur Material (a type of slow-moving memory foam) and a removable cover with anchor straps designed to fit mattresses up to 13" deep.

The main difference is the cover, which is a 50/48 blend of polyester and polyethylene, a type of plastic that emits a cool-to-the-touch sensation and helps draw heat away from the surface. The cover for the standard Tempur-Adapt Topper is an 80/20 blend of polyester and polypropylene, another type of plastic known for its moisture-wicking properties and durability.

The cover is machine-washable in warm water and can be tumble-dried on low heat. although air-drying is preferred. It's also resistant to dust mites and allergens, according to Tempur-Pedic. However, we recommend using a mattress protector to safeguard it from stains and keep it in sleep-worthy condition. Knowing how to store your mattress topper will help it last, too.

Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper review: Performance

  • May take a few days to expand, but there's minimal off-gassing
  • Great for side sleepers who want to cool and soften a firm bed
  • Easy-to-clean cover comes with straps that secure the topper 

We slept on a twin-size Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper for over two weeks, testing it on ease of setup, comfort and support, temperature regulation, and care per our mattress methodology.

In addition to our tests, we combed through verified user reviews to gain a wider look at what to expect from this mattress topper. Here's what we learned...

Setup

The Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper arrives rolled-and-boxed. (Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)
The Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper arrives bundled in plastic. (Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)
The Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper on our tester's bed right after setup. (Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)
The corners of the cover needed time to fill out. (Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

Our twin-size Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper arrived bundled in plastic and rolled up in a box. Setup was simple: just unfurl and unwrap. We did have to wait for the topper to fully expand, as the corners were initially saggy. It took a couple of days for the topper to reach its full shape, but we were able to sleep on it the first night.

Off-gassing was minimal, and cracking a window helped the scent dissipate by bedtime. According to the tag, the topper was manufactured and packed in April 2024, about six months before it arrived on the doorstep. The longer foam-based toppers stay wrapped and boxed, the more prone they are to off-gassing and taking longer to fully expand.

Adding the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper to a Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress brought the total height to around 16.5". (Our tester's Cloverlane mattress appears to be slightly under its advertised 15" height). The spandex anchor straps just fit around each corner and kept the topper in place. We had more difficulty keeping the fitted sheet secured, but that's because it had stretched to its limit.

Score: 4 out of 5

Comfort and Support

Side sleeping on the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper. (Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)
Back sleeping on the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper. (Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)
Stomach sleeping on the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper. (Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

Our lead tester paired the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper with a Cloverlane Hybrid Plush Soft Mattress, which has remained on the firmer side of medium after nearly a year of sleeping on it. While she doesn't find the mattress uncomfortable, she wouldn't mind extra pressure relief for her joints and lower back, either.

Adding the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper yielded the plush, body-hugging sensation typical of Tempur Material. It took some time to adjust to such a dramatic change in bed feel but we ultimately liked it best for side sleeping, although our lead tester did need to find just the right spot to prevent pressure build-up in her hips. On our backs and stomachs, were fine until we began to feel our midsections sink.

Using this topper on a soft to medium mattress would provide less desirable results. As expected, the Tempur Material compresses quickly under pressure, especially in areas where weight is heavily concentrated. Fortunately, firmer beds underneath the topper may provide enough support for the body.

That said, the cushiness of the Tempur Material may render it too soft for larger sleepers, regardless of how firm the surface is underneath. Strict stomach sleepers likely won't get on with it well, either.

Tempur Material is also slow to respond, which we noticed whenever shifting positions even the slightest bit. The quicksand-like sensation made it difficult for our combination-sleeping tester to move and even get out of bed some days. This could be a turn-off for combination sleepers who prioritize ease of movement in their mattresses (or those who are claustrophobic).

Score: 3.5 out of 5

Temperature regulation 

The Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper feels soothing upon contact. (Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

When we reviewed the original Tempur-Adapt Mattress Topper, we weren't impressed with its temperature regulation. Although there were no major issues with overheating, we did feel significant heat buildup at times. 

Night sweats were a regular issue for our main tester when she slept on the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Mattress, so she didn’t have high expectations for the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper. However, she was happy to report that it exceeded her expectations — she didn't wake up sweaty once with this topper.

Granted, she tested this mattress topper in early November, when evening temperatures began to steadily decline, although her hometown had a stretch of unseasonably warm nights. Despite these fluctuations, she didn't wake up kicking her covers off in a sweaty fury.

It doesn't quite have the chill power of the Tempur-Adapt Tempur-Breeze mattresses, but compared to the standard Tempur-Adapt, the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper gets the job done.

Score: 4 out of 5

Care and maintenance 

The cover can go in the dryer on a low heat, but air-drying is preferred. (Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

After sleeping on the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Mattress Topper for two weeks, we removed and cleaned the cover following the care instructions: machine wash in warm water and tumble-dry on low heat. That was the easy part. The hard part was putting the cover back on. 

The cover only unzips halfway, so we had to slide it over top of the foam. However, Tempur Material feels a bit sticky so it's awkward to handle. We had to do a lot of tugging to ensure the cover fit neatly over the foam core, and that the seams matched up with the corners. This endeavor was tricky and time-consuming, even with a twin size like we tested. You'll want help if you have a larger bed.

If it's any consolation, you won't have to do this step too often as long as you use a good mattress protector, avoid eating and drinking in bed, and vacuum your mattress regularly.

Score: 4 out of 5

Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper review: User reviews

  • Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars at Tempur-Pedic (November 2024)
  • Reaction is mixed when it comes to its cooling ability
  • High marks for pain relief, but some find it too soft

As of November 2024, the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper has a 4.1-star rating out of 5 from over 3,500 reviews at Tempur-Pedic. It boasts similar scores at Amazon, Home Depot, and Kohl's.

Fans praise its plushness and pressure relief, with some customers claiming it's helped with their back and joint pain. A lot of people find it cooling, as well — several customers based in warmer clients say it helps them maintain a more comfortable sleeping temperature.

However, some reviewers complain that the topper still sleeps warm and criticize the lack of an all-night cooling sensation. (This is normal; what matters is that the heat has somewhere to go.) Others dislike the squishiness of Tempur Material and the slickness of the cover, which they say makes it difficult to keep sheets in place.

Should you buy the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper?

Trivia: The Teddy bear is also made of Tempur Material. (Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

Buy the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper if...

✅ Your current mattress is too firm: The three inches of Tempur Material layer will instantly add body-hugging pressure relief to an unyielding bed. 

✅ You occasionally sleep warm: We didn't wake up sweaty on this topper, a contrast from our time with the Tempur-Adapt. There are cooler options, but for a Tempur-Pedic, it does a good job of maintaining a cozy temperature.

✅ You want an easy clean: The Tempur-Adapt + Cooling has a removable cover that's easy to launder...although putting it back on can be a challenge.

Don't buy the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper if...

❌ You have severe night sweats: The Adapt + Cooling should sleep comfortably for most people. However, if you tend to overheat at night, consider the Saatva Graphite Mattress Topper or the Viscosoft Hybrid Lux Mattress Topper

❌ You're a larger build: Even with a firm surface underneath, this soft topper may not be supportive enough for heavier sleepers. The Saatva High-Density Foam Mattress Topper is only 1.5" tall and not as plush but it contours well.

❌ You toss and turn: If you're a combination sleeper, the Tempur Material could make you feel like you're trapped in a pile of goo. It's not easy to move around on this spongy topper.

The bottom line

When it comes to temperature control, the Tempur-Adapt + Cooling Topper is an obvious upgrade from its predecessor. It otherwise offers the same level of plush, body-hugging relief as the original Tempur-Adapt Topper, which won't appeal to everyone. It's also more expensive, yet it's a relative bargain compared to Tempur's lineup of cooling mattresses. Just remember to shop around for lower prices and better aftercare.

First reviewed: November 2024

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