Continue reading to find out about mattress pricing and how your preference for sleeping position influences which mattress is best for you. Also, learn about different types of mattresses and the materials used in making them.
What Is A Cooling Mattress?
Many people feel hot while sleeping, or wake up feeling sweaty and hot in the middle of the nights. This problem can be exacerbated by some mattresses, and alleviated by others. To help hot sleepers, a cooling mattress might be a good option.
Many mattress manufacturers use the term cooling mattress to describe a mattress that is designed to keep you cool at night. A mattress can be cool in many different ways. Cooling mattress does not refer to any one mattress component or system.
What Are The Key Features To Look For In A Mattress?
While cooling mattresses are your main priority, you should also consider other features when shopping for a mattress. If you are uncomfortable or if the mattress is not within your budget, it is not worth the cost.
Mattress companies may make many claims about their mattresses and use exaggerated language to describe them. Don’t fall for the marketing hype. Instead, examine the details and determine if the mattress will suit your needs.
- Sleeping position:The type of mattress and firmness that you choose will depend on your preferred sleeping position. Side sleepers prefer soft mattresses that support their hips and shoulders. Firmer mattresses with enough support for the spine are preferred by back sleepers. Your body weight can have a significant impact on how firm or soft a mattress feels to you.
- Type of mattress:There are many types of mattresses available: all-foam (or any combination of coils and materials), hybrid (or any combination thereof), airbed and latex. Because of the airflow through their coil layers, innerspring and hybrid mattresses are more temperature neutral. All-foam and hybrid mattresses have memory foam comfort layers that trap body heat.
Temperature regulation can be achieved by all layers of a mattress. The coil layers allow for cooling airflow through your mattress. Specially designed cover fabrics and comfort layer infusions of foam can help regulate temperature by absorbing heat.
Different Types Of Mattresses Have Different Cooling Abilities
There are many types of mattresses on the market. Different mattresses can keep people cool at different times of the night. All mattresses fall into the same category and have many of the same features.
There are many variations within each type of mattress. The quality of materials and construction methods used to make mattresses will determine how good they are for you.
Hybrid
Definition:Hybrid mattresses combine elements from multiple mattress types. Hybrid mattresses typically have a core layer of pocketed coil support and layers of comfort made of latex, polyfoam or a combination of both. The comfort layers thickness and material can affect the feel of hybrid mattresses.
Highlight:A hybrid mattress’s coil support layer allows for airflow to the bed. This helps cool the sleeper by decreasing heat retention. Most hybrids are therefore temperature neutral. However, thick memory foam comfort layers can trap heat in hybrid mattresses.
Foam
Definition:Foam mattresses are also known as all-foam and mixed-foam. They use different types of polyfoam for both the support cores and comfort layers. Foam mattresses are loved by many because they provide a hug to the body.
Memory foam’s conforming properties can ease pressure and pain.
Highlight:Because foam mattresses trap heat, manufacturers add cooling materials to their mattresses. The phase-change material covers absorb heat from the body and turn it into a cooler temperature. With the intent of cooling, gel, graphite and charcoal are all infused into comfort layers made from polyfoam.
Innerspring
Definition:The innerspring mattress also has a coil support core underneath comfort layers of latex, polyfoam or another material. The support core is what makes the mattress thicker than hybrid mattresses. They are also thinner than the comfort layers. Innerspring mattresses are more bouncy and less conforming than hybrid mattresses.
Highlight:Innerspring mattresses have the advantage of naturally cooling because they are cooled by airflow through the coil layers. Innerspring mattresses with memory foam can cool down, even though the foam layers are thin. Innerspring mattresses are typically less expensive than hybrid or all-foam options.
Latex
Definition:Latex is made from the sap of rubber trees and provides a cushioning effect while also giving mattresses a springy feeling. Latex can be found in the comfort and support layers of some latex mattresses. Some mattresses combine latex layers with other materials like coils or polyfoam.
Highlight:To increase airflow, many manufacturers will aerate or drill holes in latex mattress layers to allow for more airflow. The latex layer disperses heat so that the sleeper remains cool. Talalay latex is generally more temperature neutral than Dunlop. However, both can be aerated.
Airbed
Definition:Airbeds have air chambers that can either be inflated or deflated to adjust the mattress’ firmness. Airbeds can be made with different firmness levels, which may appeal to couples. An airbed is an inflatable mattress that can be used for long-term purposes and not temporary camping or travel mattresses.
Highlight:People who like to sleep hot will find that airbeds cool down due to the fact that they have air chambers.
However, some people have reported that airbeds can get too cold. This problem is less likely for airbeds with thicker comfort layer.
Cool Mattress Materials
There are many materials that can be used to make mattresses. There are many materials that make mattresses more breathable and cooling, while others trap heat. So that people who sleep hot can understand which components of a mattress are the most cooling, they will know what to look out for when buying a mattress.
- Coils & SpringsMost coils and springs are made from steel and are used in support cores for mattresses. They allow air to circulate through the mattress because they have so many open spaces. This allows for comfort layers to cool down.
- LatexNatural latex layers, made from rubber tree sap, are typically cooler than polyfoam but can trap heat. Talalay latex retains less heat than Dunlop. Synthetic latex traps heat better than natural latex. All types of latex can be aerated to improve breathability.
- Gel-infused foamIn an attempt to promote cooling, some manufacturers add gel to memory foam comfort layers. However, it is not clear how effective this method is. People who sleep hot may want to pay more attention to the type of mattress than to whether memory foam layers have gel.
- Basic memory foamPolyurethane is used to make basic memory foam. It molds to the body and provides a hugging feeling. People who are hot may have difficulty sleeping comfortably on basic memory foam.
- Advanced foam:Scientists have made basic memory foam more breathable and less hot-retaining. Their efforts result in advanced memory foam, which often has a pattern with small holes that allow airflow and gel-infused beads to promote cooling.
- Polyfoam basic:Polyfoam, which is similar to memory foam, is made of polyurethane. It can trap heat and can be used in mattresses. Polyfoam basic can be used as a support layer or as a comfort layer.
It is less conforming than memory foam.
Hot Sleepers Need The Perfect Sleeping Environment
When trying to find ways of sleeping cool, your mattress is not the only thing to be concerned about. Consider your entire sleeping environment. Temperature neutrality can be hindered by the presence of many sleep accessories and mattresses.
You can make a difference in your sleep by determining the optimal temperature for you. Next, choose bedding that supports your goal to stay cool all night.
Which Temperature Is Best For Sleeping?
There is no one ideal sleep temperature. Experts recommend that adults sleep at 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, there are many who do not fit the criteria.
Some people prefer a warm room while others sleep hot and need a cooler bedroom. To find the most comfortable temperature for them, they can experiment with different sleeping temperatures.
Sheets
You can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel during the night by choosing the right sheet set. The heat-retaining properties of some sheets, like those made from flannel or fleece, can be enhanced by the use of heavyweight cotton and heavyweight cotton. These sheets are not recommended for hot sleepers.
Some sheets are cooler than others, like those made of lightweight cotton, linen and Tencel Lyocell. They are lightweight cotton sheets, which are well-known for their breathability. These sheets are available in percale or sateen weavings.
Both fabrics are known for their breathability. However, percale feels more crisp while sateen feels more smooth.
Although linen is known for being a cool fabric, it can also feel rough to the touch. Manufacturers often pre-soften linen sheets or make sheets from a linen-cotton mix. Tencel lyocell, a fiber made of wood pulp, is naturally moisturizing and cool. Bamboo-derived lyocell is used in most bamboo sheets.
Cooling sheets can contain cooling materials such as Coolmax fabric and Outlast fibers. Coolmax fabric can be described as a breathable and moisture-wicking polyester. Outlast fibers can be mixed with other fibers to make fabric.
Pillows
Cooling pillows are available in many forms today. A cooling pillow made from memory foam or latex can be a good alternative to traditional down pillows. Memory foam and latex can be made more cool by being aerated to increase airflow or infusing them with gel or another cooling material. These pillows are more expensive but can be very effective.
Blankets
Some blankets can increase body heat while others can cool. Warmest blankets are those made from wool, down, fleece cashmere and heavy cotton.
Cooler blankets that are thinner and lighter than thicker blankets will be those with a heavier weight. Lightweight cotton, Tencel Lyocell, linen, and cotton blends are all good options for cooling blankets. These fabrics are all breathable and less likely trap heat.
Coolmax technology or 37.5 technology are some blankets that are specially designed to cool.
Coolmax is breathable and moisture-wicking, while 37.5 fabric maintains a healthy body temperature.
Mattress toppers
A mattress topper is a temporary solution if you are not ready to replace your mattress. A mattress topper is a layer that covers a mattress and changes its feel. There are many types of mattress toppers.
Memory foam mattress toppers are more likely to retain heat. They are not recommended for people who are hot, unless they have been aerated and infused with gel, charcoal or another cooling element. Down mattress toppers are also known to retain heat.
These mattress toppers are made from naturally-breathable wool and use cooling technologies like phase change material.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
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Which mattress types are cool to sleep on at night?
The coolest mattresses are innersprings, followed closely by hybrid and latex beds. All foam mattresses are the warmest. Although there are many factors that can influence temperature regulation, the main factor is airflow.
Hybrid beds and innerspring beds have excellent airflow. However, hybrid beds are more comfortable due to the foam comfort system. Foam is not able to allow airflow. It contours close to the body, allowing for less airflow. This makes them the most comfortable mattresses. Latex, which has less airflow than synthetic foam, retains heat more effectively than synthetic foam. These factors are often addressed by mattresses.
The average foam mattress may not be warm enough for hot sleepers, but there are foam mattresses with special features that prevent heat retention and promote airflow. While the type of mattress is crucial in determining the temperature of a mattress, it is not all that important.
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How do you cool a mattress down?
You can cool your mattress if it is too hot, but you don’t have the budget to replace it. There are many options for cooling mattress toppers, from natural breathable materials to water-powered technology.
The price of toppers can vary depending on their design. However, a budget-friendly cooling pad can provide more comfortable nights. Your bed’s temperature is also affected by your bedding. Warm sleepers should make sure their sheets are made from breathable materials that wick moisture away from their bodies.
