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What type of mattress is best for staying cool?
Whether you choose a pocket spring, memory foam or hybrid mattress, there are a number of cooling features to look for in a mattress to help regulate your body temperature as you snooze. ‘Memory foam is going to be the hottest, by virtue of how it works,’ says David Rubin, a Certified Sleep Science Coach and Director of Product Testing at Sleep Doctor, a sleep health company.
‘As memory foam heats up, it gets softer and more conforming, but also denser and less breathable. Components such as gel-infused foam, copper and graphite infusions and phase change materials will help level things out.
‘While these materials can help dissipate heat, it’s also important to look at the construction of a mattress. Those with a coil support core, like hybrids, allow more air flow through so there won’t be as much a build-up of heat, for example.’
Are foam mattresses hotter to sleep on?
Before manufacturers started making a conscious effort to enhance cooling properties and highlight these in their designs, mattresses with memory foam, latex foam or standard foam were inclined to have you sleeping hotter. ‘Historically, the insulating properties of traditional foam, which hugged body contours and conformed to the sleeper’s curves, raised temperatures,’ says Tristine Hargreaves, director at the National Bed Foundation.
‘So, the more you sank into the mattress, the more body heat was trapped. But these days advancements in foam manufacturing technology has led to the creation of innovative ‘intelligent foams’ that offer enhanced thermal regulation. This helps you maintain an ideal temperature as you sleep.’
How does a cooling mattress work?
The latest cooling mattresses are structured to encourage better airflow and have specially designed materials and/or foams to wick away body moisture. ‘When paired with high-performance fabrics with cooling and quick-drying capabilities that allows moisture to evaporate rapidly, modern foam mattresses deliver a significantly improved sleeping experience,’ says Tristine.
‘Sprung mattresses with layers of natural fillings such as wool can provide a cooler night’s sleep than those with layers of synthetic fibres. Choosing natural covering materials such as cotton or viscose rather than polyester can also help with regulating night time temperature.’
Do you put a sheet over a cooling mattress?
Dressing your bed with a breathable bed sheet will enhance your sleep, protect your mattress and keep things looking and feeling fresh. ‘Breathable sheets and mattress protectors made from materials like cotton, bamboo or Tencel will complement your bed’s cooling properties,’ says David Rubin. ‘For best results, try to sleep in a room temperature between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit (20-22 Celsius).’
Can you flip a cooling mattress?
Just like a standard mattress, not all cooling mattresses need to be flipped. Some can simply benefit from regularly rotating 180 degrees to limit impression marks. Once you’ve got the mattress set up on your wooden bed frame or divan, read the manufacturer’s care instructions to find out best practice for cleaning and maintenance. A mattress with a handle will make it easier to rotate.
