{"id":448,"date":"2019-12-31T22:57:06","date_gmt":"2019-12-31T22:57:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress-386983-1216903.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=448"},"modified":"2023-08-18T09:21:31","modified_gmt":"2023-08-18T16:21:31","slug":"how-to-cool-down-a-hot-memory-foam-mattress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zomasleep.com\/blog\/how-to-cool-down-a-hot-memory-foam-mattress","title":{"rendered":"How to Cool Down a Hot Memory Foam Mattress"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are many benefits to memory foam mattresses. Pressure and pain relief, motion isolation, not to mention they\u2019re one of the best types of\u00a0mattresses for side sleepers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, there\u2019s one well-known drawback\u2014 memory foam\u2019s tendency to hold onto body heat. If you\u2019ve woken up sweaty and hot in the middle of the night, it might be from your memory foam mattress.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not good to lose sleep from overheating, but there are steps you can take to cool down your mattress. Your bed frame, bedding, and bedtime routine can all help you achieve a cooler night of sleep.<\/p>\n

Why Does Heat Wake Me Up?<\/h2>\n

Body temperature helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle, and our body temperature drops as we wind down for sleep. Some researchers think taking steps to cool down before bed, such as a hot shower or bath\u00a0to increase blood circulation and disperse heat, can help us fall asleep faster.<\/p>\n

Our body temperatures drop even lower<\/a>\u00a0as we slip into REM sleep. We rely partly on environmental factors (such as bedding and air conditioning) to keep our body temperatures just right\u2014 if our surroundings are too warm or too cool, it may wake us up<\/a>\u00a0and hinder\u00a0time spent in REM sleep.<\/p>\n

Why Does a Memory Foam Mattress Get Hot?<\/h2>\n

Many memory foam mattresses<\/a> have an issue retaining body heat because memory foam is a rather dense mattress material. Plus, these beds lack interconnected air channels. Once the heat is absorbed by the mattress, it\u2019s not easy for it to work its way out.<\/p>\n

The structure of a memory foam bed is a common reason it retains too much heat, but some memory foam mattresses overheat because they\u2019re paired with warm bedding or an incorrect mattress foundation. These two factors can make heat retention worse.<\/p>\n

The Foundation<\/h2>\n

Sleeping on the wrong foundation can keep heat trapped in your memory foam mattress. If you\u2019re using a solid surface with no slats, such as a solid plywood board or your bedroom floor, heat is left with no way to escape through the bottom of your mattress.<\/p>\n

The best foundation for a memory foam mattress<\/a>\u00a0has spaces to let air flow through the bottom and clear out accumulated heat. We recommend a foundation with slats no more than 2.75 inches apart and at least 0.5 inches thick.<\/p>\n

The Bedding<\/h2>\n

Your bedding can add an extra layer between your mattress and your body to keep both parties cool. Choosing breathable mattress covers, sheets, blankets, pillows, and even cooling mattress pads and toppers can help you get a better night of sleep.<\/p>\n

Mattress Protectors<\/h3>\n

Mattress covers encase a mattress for protection but they can also keep a mattress cooler. Many are made with breathable materials such as cotton or even wool, which helps to wick away moisture.<\/p>\n

Sheets and Blankets<\/h3>\n

Stay away from sheets that trap body heat like polyester or silk. Use cooling sheets made with materials such as cotton, linen, or bamboo. Sheets with lower thread counts allow for better airflow and thus keep you cooler.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re sleeping hot, avoid insulating comforters and duvets. Sleep with a light blanket or even just a flat sheet, instead.<\/p>\n

Pillow<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s a myth that we lose most of our body heat through our heads, but the right pillow can still help absorb and disperse unneeded body heat. The best pillow<\/a>\u00a0to keep cool is one that lacks a solid fill. Pillows filled with shredded memory foam, buckwheat hulls, or microbeads allow for more air circulation.<\/p>\n

Mattress Pads and Mattress Toppers<\/h3>\n

Many mattress pads and memory foam toppers<\/a> contain cooling gels or are made with cooling fibers to better absorb body heat.<\/p>\n

If you want to get techy, you can try an electric mattress pad with cooling options. Many of them let you control the temperature with a dial or a phone app. The downside to electric pads is the expense\u2014 many cost a few hundred dollars.<\/p>\n

You can also go low-tech and get a cotton non-quilted pad to keep cool.<\/p>\n

A New Mattress<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not the most cost-effective solution, but if you still have difficulty sleeping on your memory foam mattress, you may want to consider buying a new one. There are a few different options you can consider to find your best mattress<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A cooling memory foam mattress has features to prevent overheating, such as gel memory foam or added air channels. Additives to the foam such as charcoal, copper, or graphite can also absorb or wick away body heat.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t want another memory foam mattress, consider a latex mattress or innerspring mattress. Both types keep naturally cooler than a memory foam mattress, although both have their drawbacks as well.<\/p>\n

Latex mattresses can be some of the most expensive beds on the market, while an innerspring mattress can be uncomfortable for many sleepers, particularly those used to the feel of a memory foam mattress.<\/p>\n

Other Ways to Keep Cool<\/h2>\n

Changing your bed frame, mattress<\/a>, and bedding isn\u2019t the only way to keep cool. You can take other measures to make your bedroom a chill experience.<\/p>\n