WHAT TYPE OF MATTRESSES ARE HOT TO SLEEP ON?

Memory foam is a popular mattress material, often chosen for its comfort and pressure-relieving properties. However, memory foam is known to trap body heat, making it unsuitable for those who sleep hot. A hybrid mattress will be much the same as a memory foam mattress and the same goes for traditional pocket spring mattresses, which can also retain heat and create an uncomfortable sleeping environment for those who tend to sleep hot.

DOES THE FIRMNESS OF THE MATTRESS AFFECT THE HEAT?

A softer mattress that envelopes the body and leads the sleeper to feel as though they are ‘sinking in quicksand’ can lead to heat retention and exacerbate hot sleeping. However, this is not to say that hot sleepers need to exclusively sleep on firmer mattresses as not all soft mattresses are created equal. A pure latex mattress, with its airflow promoting open cell structure, will offer hot sleepers sufficient breathability to ensure a cooler sleep at any firmness level.

HOW TO ACHIEVE A COOLER NIGHT’S SLEEP

There are several steps that you can take to improve your sleep environment and regulate your body temperature for a good night’s sleep. By making adjustments to your bedding, opting for a cooling mattress, and considering your sleep habits, you can help prevent sleeping hot and improve your overall sleep quality.

SEEK NATURAL MATERIALS

The best mattress for hot sleepers is one made exclusively with natural materials as they tend to contain naturally cool properties that help to regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. Opt for materials such as pure latex, organic cotton, Tencel, Bamboo and wool for a cooler, more restful sleep.

CHOOSE A MATTRESS THAT DOESN’T CONTAIN SYNTHETICS AND FOAMS

In contrast, synthetic materials such as polyester, rayon, and memory foam are often less breathable and can trap heat, leading to discomfort and a less restorative sleep. This is because synthetic materials do not allow for the same level of airflow and moisture-wicking as natural materials, which can cause heat to become trapped between the body and the mattress or bedding. Many mattress manufacturers utilise cooling technologies such as cooling gel that can help to improve hybrid mattresses and memory foam mattresses for hot sleepers. Yet, these may not be as effective as naturally breathable materials as the chemical processes used to create the cooling effect are not as reliable.

BE PREPARED TO PAY FOR A LUXURY MATTRESS

Investing in a luxury mattress can be a wise choice for those who sleep hot. They are widely considered the best cooling mattresses since they often incorporate high-quality natural materials such as pure latex, organic cotton, and wool, all of which are more breathable and less likely to absorb body heat than a memory foam or hybrid mattress. In addition to their temperature-regulating properties, mattress construction that emphasises high-quality and durability can offer you a longer mattress lifespan and fewer issues with sagging, lumps, or other comfort issues over time. The initial cost may be higher than a standard mattress, yet the benefits of a luxury mattress can far outweigh the expense in terms of cooling features, improved sleep quality, overall wellbeing and a more durable, longer lasting mattress.

CONSIDER YOUR SLEEPING POSITION

Your sleeping position can influence whether you sleep cool or sleep hot. Each sleeping position has its own advantages and disadvantages, including its impact on temperature regulation. For example, sleeping on your back can be beneficial for hot sleepers, as it allows for better air circulation and prevents trapped heat between your body and the mattress. In contrast, stomach sleepers risk increasing heat retention, since their face and body are in contact with the bedding for longer periods of time. Similarly, side sleeping can lead to overheating if the bedding or mattress doesn’t allow for proper air circulation. This is because side sleepers often press their face and body against the bedding, leading to trapped heat and discomfort over time.

REVIEW MATTRESS TEMPERATURE REGULATION

How a person will react to a particular mattress can vary so you may find it helpful to review your current mattress heat retention by paying attention to how your body feels throughout the night. Consider whether you are waking up with night sweats or feeling overheated, or uncomfortable through the night. If you are consistently experiencing these issues, it may be a sign that your mattress is not providing adequate breathability and airflow and it may be time to invest in a more breathable mattress.

You may also like to consider the materials used in your mattress construction. As we discussed earlier, mattresses made from synthetic materials or foams are more likely to trap heat, while natural materials such as pure latex are more breathable and promote better airflow. If you find that your mattress is not providing adequate temperature regulation, it may be time to consider upgrading to a new mattress that better suits your needs. Before making a purchase, be sure to research different mattress materials, construction, and cooling properties to find the best cooling mattress option for your individual preferences and needs. By taking the time to review your how your mattress aids or hinders your temperature regulation, you can ensure a comfortable and restful night’s sleep.

LATEX VS SYNTHETICS

Read on for a quick side by side analysis of latex and other popular mattress materials to learn which is the best mattress for hot sleepers.

FOAM VS LATEX

Foam mattresses, including memory foam, gel infused foam and polyfoam, are known for their contouring properties and pressure relief. However, they tend to retain heat, which can make sleeping uncomfortable for hot sleepers. There are cooling gel memory foam options but as we have already discussed, natural is by far the better option. Pure latex mattresses offer similar contouring and pressure relief properties to memory foam, but their open-cell structure allows for better airflow and breathability. This means that hot sleepers can enjoy the benefits of a supportive and comfortable mattress without feeling hot and sweaty during the night and without worrying about sleeping on a surface of chemicals that may be harmful to their health.

INNERSPRING VS LATEX

Innerspring mattresses typically have a bouncy and responsive feel, with coils providing support and durability. However, the coils can also trap heat and create an uncomfortable sleeping environment for a hot sleeper. In contrast, pure latex mattresses are known for their comfort and support, with a soft, yet responsive feel that contours to the body. Of course, the naturally breathable materials are ideal for those who tend to sleep hot.

HYBRID VS LATEX

When comparing a hybrid mattress to a pure latex mattress for hot sleepers, it is important to consider the materials used in their construction. Hybrid mattresses tend to feature a combination of foam, coils, and/or latex in order to provide a balance of support and comfort. While a hybrid mattress can offer good support and pressure relief, the materials used in their construction can affect their breathability and temperature regulation. For instance, a hybrid mattress that use memory foam may trap heat and make sleeping uncomfortable for hot sleepers. Pure latex mattresses are naturally breathable, hypoallergenic, and offer excellent support and comfort without retaining heat. The open-cell structure promotes excellent airflow to provide a cooler sleeping environment for hot sleepers.

OTHER TIPS TO ENSURE YOU HAVE A COOL AND COMFORTABLE NIGHT’S SLEEP

Beyond your mattress, here are some other points to consider for a naturally cooler sleep.

SET THE CORRECT TEMPERATURE

The ideal room temperature for sleep is between 15.6°C to 19.4°C, though this may not be feasible through summer months. If not, simply ensure adequate air circulation through your bedroom with an open window, fan or air conditioning to try to keep the room as cool as possible.

CHOOSE NATURAL SHEETS

Sheets made from natural materials such as Tencel®, bamboo or cotton help to regulate body temperature with their natural cooling and moisture wicking properties.

CONSIDER AN ALTERNATIVE PILLOW

We lose around half of our body heat through our head so choose naturally cooling pillows made from natural materials. Latex, with its buoyant support and breathability is perfect.

CONSIDER A MATTRESS TOPPER

If purchasing a new mattress is not viable for you, consider a mattress topper. Not only can the additional comfort layer increase the comfortability and support of your current mattress, choosing a latex mattress topper will offer you all the breathability benefits that a latex mattress offers at a fraction of the price.