Bed is cool upon initial touch. Within a few minutes it becomes warm were you are laying. If you are sleeping by yourself, you may have the option to roll to the cool side. However, once that warms up you will have to move back over to the initial side which is still retaining heat from 10 minutes ago. The cooling option is a gimmick. This is the WORST, HEAT RETAINING, MOST EXPENSIVE BED I HAVE EVER PURCHASED.