I Tried the Tempur-Pedic Cooling Mattress Protector—Here’s the Real Verdict

Short answer? It works—just not like a magic AC. You get that cool-to-the-touch feel when you first lie down and noticeably better moisture control through the night. If you’re a very hot sleeper, it won’t turn a warm mattress into a cold one, but it does make sleep feel drier, cleaner, and less clammy. I review sleep gear for Consumer’s Best, so I put this one through real nights, sweaty workouts, the whole deal.

What it is—and what it isn’t

Here’s the thing: a cooling protector is passive, not powered. The Tempur-Pedic design uses a cool-to-the-touch knit and often a phase-change finish to pull heat away on contact. Under that, there’s a quiet, waterproof membrane to keep sweat and spills off your mattress. The tempur pedic cooling mattress protector isn’t a fan or a chiller; it’s a smarter fabric that feels instantly cooler and manages moisture so heat doesn’t build as fast.

Does it actually feel cool all night?

You’ll notice that first-contact chill right away. For me, that sensation fades after the first stretch of the night—call it the warm-up period—then settles into a steadier, neutral feel. The big win is that I didn’t get that sticky back-of-the-knees feeling at 3 a.m. If your mattress sleeps hot, the tempur pedic cooling mattress protector takes the edge off, but it can’t overcome a super-insulating foam core by itself. Pairing it with breathable sheets helps a lot.

Breathability, moisture, and waterproofing

The waterproof layer is typically a thin polyurethane film. Good news: it blocks spills and sweat; it’s also quiet and flexible. Trade-off: any waterproof barrier can reduce airflow a touch, but Tempur-Pedic’s knit and finish counter that by moving heat and moisture off your skin faster. On sweaty nights, I stayed drier, and the mattress didn’t trap that humid feel. If you’ve ever skipped a protector because of crinkly plastic, this one feels nothing like that.

Noise and feel on memory foam

Believe it or not, it’s basically silent. No papery rustle, no zipper buzz. On a slow-responding foam bed, the surface can feel a hair slicker—honestly, I like that because it makes changing positions easier. The protector doesn’t erase the contouring you bought a Tempur for, though it can slightly dial down the “hug.” Most folks won’t notice, unless you’re hyper-sensitive to surface changes.

Fit, depth, and care

The skirt has strong elastic and grips well, even on tall mattresses. Translation: fewer 2 a.m. corner pop-offs. Wash care is simple—cold wash, low heat dry, skip bleach and fabric softeners. I’ve found those keep the cooling finish happier longer. If your bed is unusually thick or thin, just double-check Tempur-Pedic’s size guide; most modern profiles are covered.

Who it’s for (and who should skip it)

If you sleep warm, value a cool first touch, and want waterproof protection without the plastic vibe, this hits the sweet spot. It’s also a smart move if you’re protecting a pricey Tempur-Pedic mattress from spills, kids, pets—life. If you run truly hot or live without AC, you’ll likely want more firepower, like an active cooling pad. And if your mattress already sleeps cool, the tempur pedic cooling mattress protector is about protection and comfort, not drastic temperature drops.

Real-world takeaway

After a couple weeks of mixed-weather nights, I’d call the performance confidently cool-to-start and comfortably dry till morning. It didn’t change the core feel of my mattress, and it saved me from a post-workout sweat spill—10/10 for that alone. If you want the nitty-gritty—temps, photos, and the full test notes—check my detailed review on Consumer’s Best. If you’re on the fence, read that next and you’ll know for sure.