I Review Mattresses for a Living — This One Is a Game-Changer for Hot Sleepers

I’ve been researching, testing, and writing about mattresses for years, so I feel that I have a solid grasp of the major players in the mattress industry (which, by the way, is very crowded). One brand I’ve been keeping my eye on is Brooklyn Bedding, which has been in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) mattress space since the ’90s — much longer than most of its competitors. It’s known for its in-house manufacturing and top-notch customer service, and offers a really nice range of mattresses for all types of sleep needs and styles.

So when the opportunity came up for me to test a Brooklyn Bedding mattress for myself, I couldn’t pass it up. After perusing the brand’s site and agonizing over the choices, I decided to go with the popular Aurora Luxe Mattress due to its cooling capabilities and competitive price point. After sleeping on the Aurora Luxe Mattress for a few weeks, I’m feeling pretty great about that choice. Not only is it incredibly comfortable for all types of sleep positions, but it also lives up to its cooling promise and offers incredible value for the price.

The Aurora Luxe Cooling Mattress contains six layers of premium materials, including both foam and spring layers. Starting at the bottom, it has a high-density base foam that reinforces the entire mattress, followed by a spring layer that consists of over 1,000 encased coils. One of the best parts about this mattress is that the coils are zoned, which means that they’re strategically placed to provide extra support to specific areas like the hips. 

The rest of the materials vary depending on whether you opt for the cloud pillow top. I did, so my mattress contains transition foam for extra softness and CopperFlex foam for added responsiveness. In addition to adding a cradling effect to the mattress, the CopperFlex foam provides better cooling power compared with traditional foam, which has a bad reputation for retaining heat. The copper helps minimize that risk and allows for better temperature regulation.  

The mattress is complete with the foam pillow top and cooling cover, which are my favorite parts of the mattress. I’m a side sleeper who tends to get overheated when I sleep, so a top layer that provides pressure relief and cooling power is a dream come true. Everything about the mattress looks expertly crafted, too, including the quilting on the pillow top, stitching on the sides, and stylish navy blue color. I was amazed when I rolled it out — it truly looks and feels like an upgrade.

I’ve had my previous mattress since 2019 (you can read my review here!) and had no complaints, but I felt like it was time to upgrade to a king size instead of a queen. Sleeping on the Aurora Luxe, however, was a bit of a revelation. While my previous mattress had more of a sink-in feel to it, the Aurora Luxe truly cradles. The only way I can explain it is that instead of me sinking into the mattress, I almost feel like I’m floating and the mattress is coming up to meet me. 

In short, I feel wonderfully supported. (I opted for the medium firmness level.) I sleep mostly on my side but sometimes will roll onto my stomach, and neither position ever feels uncomfortable. Although it costs a few hundred dollars extra to get the pillow top, I highly recommend it for side sleepers — the plush design is excellent for pressure relief, and I never wake up with shoulder or hip pain. It also adds a bit of a luxury vibe to the mattress, although you will need deeper sheets to accommodate the extra height.

Now, I’m the type of person who gets a bit, shall we say, fussy when it comes to my sleeping environment. I need to sleep with the ceiling fan on high and the temperature low, and I need a lightweight comforter and linen sheets for maximum breathability. Otherwise, I’m a sweaty gal. So I’m pleased to report that I’ve been sleeping great on the Aurora Luxe, which does in fact live up to its “cooling” claims. I’ve noticed less tossing and turning (both from overheating and from general discomfort), and I don’t feel the need to kick off my covers or move to the “cool side” of the bed. 

My vote is a resounding YES. I truly think that just about anyone would feel comfortable on this mattress, as it’s so customizable. Not only are there three firmness levels to choose from, but the optional pillow top is also great for side sleepers or people struggling with joint pain. The cooling features actually live up to the hype, and the construction is high-quality. If you’re looking for a bed-in-a-box that looks and feels luxurious, I think that the Aurora Luxe can’t be beat.

Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe Cooling Mattress is available at a few different retailers: 

• Brooklyn Bedding
• Wayfair
• Walmart