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If you’re a hot sleeper, you know how difficult it can be to get a good night’s rest.
Falling asleep is hard enough, and the sweat and discomfort will keep you tossing and turning throughout the night. While this is a fairly common issue, many people are unaware of what causes it.
The most common cause of this problem is the use of improper bedding or mattresses. Thick mattresses are very effective in absorbing heat from the body and retaining it for long periods. This is why changing your mattress should be the first step toward resolving the issue.
Fortunately, several excellent options are available on the market specially designed for hot sleepers to help tackle the problem. And in this guide, we’ve reviewed some of the best ones to help you out.
So, let’s get started!
Coming with five layers of premium quality foam, the Nectar memory foam mattress is an excellent option for those looking for a medium-firm option. It features a quilted cool cover that can draw heat away effectively while promoting better air circulation so that you remain cool throughout the night. Additionally, it has a pressure relieving foam layer offering maximum support and comfort while you sleep.
To regulate your body temperature, there is also a dynamic support layer which lies under the quilted cover. This ensures that excess heat is transferred away from your body effectively, making this cooling mattress ideal for hot sleepers. Moreover, there is a castellated base that promotes comfortable sleep thanks to its greater capacity for compression.
This memory foam mattress from Nectar has a strong odour that can last for several days.
The Nectar memory foam mattress has a high-quality construction and comes with a quilted cover for effective temperature control. This, along with its superb support and base layers, makes it one of the best cooling mattresses currently available.
If you’re looking for hybrid mattresses, nothing beats the Simba hybrid mattress, which comes with five unique layers, each designed for a specific purpose. At the top is the Aerocoil micro spring comfort layer, which contains 2500 springs that provide personalised support to each user. Also, the open cell memory foam layer promotes better airflow and contains graphite which can draw away the body heat effectively.
The third layer is made from hand-knitted material and designed for edge-to-edge support, delivering solid support and reducing your chances of falling down. Finally, it has a multi-zoned foam base, which can adjust to your body movements, keeping it aligned for maximum comfort while sleeping.
People with lighter bodies may find the Simba hybrid mattress a bit firm.
Constructed from multiple hand-knitted foam layers, the Simba hybrid mattress delivers unparalleled comfort while effectively reducing heat. It also has a solid base that easily adjusts to your body, ensuring a good night’s sleep.
DreamCloud is a leading manufacturer of bedding products, and this hybrid mattress is one of their best offerings. It features ActivEdge pocket springs which offer unmatched support for all types of sleepers, front, back, or side. These springs also reduce motion transfer, lowering the chances of disturbances, even if you share the mattress with a partner.
Apart from that, the mattress uses high-quality memory foam and a quilted cooling cover, promoting better airflow to keep you cool at night. The breathable memory foam is accompanied by a layer of support foam, which can cradle your body and provide maximum comfort while delivering outstanding pressure relief.
This hybrid mattress comes in a single firmness option, which may not be suitable for everyone.
Combining high-quality memory foam with pocket springs, DreamCloud offers one of the best hybrid mattresses you can buy right now. It comes with a breathable cover and is great at reducing motion while also providing relief to pressure points.
The Emma premium mattress is ideal for those looking for an ultra-breathable hybrid mattress that offers effective temperature control for better sleep. It features Airgocell foam which can prevent night sweats, keeping your body dry and cool all through the night. This process is also enhanced by the HRX layer, which can improve the airflow and absorb excess heat.
Since it is a hybrid mattress, it uses extra-tall springs under the upper layer of foam that dynamically adapts to different sleeping positions. The springs function independently to ensure adequate support is provided to each area while also efficiently reducing motion transfer. Finally, there is a temperature regulating cover that can be easily removed and machine washed.
The Emma premium mattress can face sagging issues in the long term.
Coming from one of the best mattress brands, the Emma premium mattress is an impressive option using both foam and springs for a better sleeping experience. It also reduces motion transfer effectively and is a fantastic choice for couples.
Any list of the best cooling mattresses is incomplete without mentioning the Ergoflex 5G mattress, which features proprietary technologies for the best sleeping experience. It has a five-layer system made from premium materials that offer proper support and adequate comfort. The outer mattress cover is made from Tencel, which provides a breathable sleep surface and keeps the mattress protected.
This is followed by a Cool-Sleep airflow layer made from high-density open-cell memory foam, which has several cooling properties. It is highly efficient in dispersing heat and also relieves pressure, reducing discomfort while regulating your body temperature. Moreover, the material is completely hypoallergenic and is perfect for those with allergies.
The Ergoflex 5G mattress has a short trial period compared to other mattresses for hot sleepers.
Using innovative technologies and premium materials, the Ergoflex 5G mattress is among the best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers. It offers impressive motion isolation and highly efficient temperature control with superior pressure relief, providing a fantastic overall experience.
A cooling mattress is designed to help people who have difficulty sleeping due to excess heat, which gets trapped in the mattress. This happens because humans, being warm-blooded, tend to increase the temperature of the surfaces they come in contact with, such as blankets and mattresses.
Higher prevailing temperatures prevent the body's temperature from falling by a couple of degrees, which is essential for comfortable sleep. In such situations, cooling mattresses can come in handy by dispersing off any residual heat generated by your body, helping regulate the temperature effectively.
Most cooling mattresses on the market work by drawing away hot air from your body while absorbing the heat present in the room. Such mattresses are generally designed using a wide range of materials and technologies that can help solve this problem. These technologies may include wrapped wire coils, cooling gel-infused foam, or even natural materials like bamboo and charcoal.
The various materials used in cooling mattresses perform specific functions that make such mattresses effective. For instance, the core of such mattresses can be made from materials like latex, innerspring, or other materials which improve the airflow for better cooling.
However, the most important role in the process is that of the topmost layer, which can absorb, retain, or disperse heat depending on the material used for its construction. This layer generally consists of gels, phase change molecules, or natural fibres like latex foam for temperature regulation.
There are several benefits of cooling mattresses, such as:
Higher temperatures can prevent you from falling asleep, disrupting your sleep cycle. With the help of cooling mattresses, heat can be dispersed effectively, preventing the body from overheating. This allows you to fall asleep more quickly and prevents disturbances throughout the night, ensuring a deeper, more comfortable night’s sleep.
During summers, hot sleepers can experience even more discomfort, often relying on air conditioners for longer periods. This, in turn, leads to higher electricity bills. However, using cooling mattresses can help keep the temperature under control to some extent, reducing reliance on the air conditioner.
Night sweats can occur due to several reasons apart from the heat, such as sleep disorders, anxiety, or reactions to certain medications. Identifying the cause of the problem is not generally easy, but some relief can be obtained by using a cooling mattress.
Such mattresses often have certain features like moisture-wicking technologies, which can soak away sweat, helping you sleep comfortably.
If you share your bed with a partner, the problem of excess heat can become even worse, especially during the summer. With a regular mattress, the situation can become quite unbearable. However, this problem can be resolved using a cooling mattress as heat is eliminated through various cooling technologies.
While not all cooling mattresses are good for the planet, a few options use materials like Tencel, which are completely natural. Similarly, some mattresses utilise charcoal or graphite for heat absorption, which are better alternatives to synthetic chemicals.
Cooling mattresses from various brands utilise different types of materials, and some of the most popular ones include:
The most popular material used in cooling mattresses is cooling gel, most commonly found in foam gel mattresses. These mattresses contain gel microbeads in several layers that work by absorbing heat from the body to keep you cool while sleeping.
Cooling gel memory foam is used in hybrid mattresses and memory foam ones and can even be used in mattress toppers.
Unlike standard memory foam made from polyurethane which traps heat, advanced memory foam does not retain much heat and is more breathable. It usually contains several tiny holes that allow gel-infused beads or air to pass freely, allowing better cooling.
The standard springs and coils used in mattresses are constructed using steel and are used in the core layer of the mattress. These coils or springs have plenty of space in between to allow the air to flow easily, helping keep the mattress cool.
Unlike traditional spring mattresses, cooling mattresses using pocket coils are different. This is because every spring is covered in a separate fabric section. These springs are packed more tightly together than in standard spring mattresses, which allows the mattresses to adjust easily to your body. This also promotes better airflow than regular memory foam mattress options.
Pocket coils are most effective in hybrid mattresses since the coils work together with gel and memory foams offering the best combination of cooling, support, and moisture wicking.
Natural latex is produced from the sap of rubber trees and is generally cooler than foam but may trap heat. There are two types of latex used for mattress construction, Talalay and Dunlop, with the former trapping a lower amount of heat.
Also, synthetic latex traps more heat than natural latex, though just like natural latex, it can be aerated to improve breathability.
Phase Change Materials or PCMs are specialised materials which can release and absorb heat energy through freezing and melting. While water is the original PCM, modern mattresses utilise other materials for more efficient heat absorption.
This allows them to absorb heat faster and for longer periods, making them ideal for cooling mattresses. PCMs in such mattresses can absorb excess heat energy from your body during sleep, helping prevent discomfort.
Open cell foam was originally developed as an alternative to pocket coil mattresses and has numerous holes arranged in patterns. These holes promote better airflow, so that radiant heat is dispersed more effectively.
Most brands producing memory foam utilise this material for their cooling mattresses, though each uses a different pattern.
There are several factors to consider besides the cooling features when looking for a cooling mattress. This is especially important if you don’t want to end up with a mattress that is effective in cooling but does not offer proper support or cannot justify its price. So, here are some factors to keep in mind:
The type of mattress you require should be the first factor to be considered, as there are many options to choose from, including memory foam, hybrid, innerspring, etc. Regarding cooling capabilities, hybrid and innerspring mattresses tend to trap less body heat than memory foam ones, making them better options.
This is because air can flow freely through their coils, whereas foam ones lack spaces that promote airflow.
Every material used to construct a mattress is available in several quality levels. For instance, foam made from denser polyfoam tends to be of much better quality than that made from less dense material. Better quality foam tends to be more durable and resilient and can retain its shape more effectively for a longer period.
Similarly, mattresses made from natural latex are of higher quality and offer greater support than those made from synthetic latex.
A mattress that can distribute your weight properly over its surface can relieve pressure on various body parts more effectively. On the other hand, mattresses that do not offer proper weight distribution result in greater pressure when you sleep, which can lead to pain and discomfort.
Keep in mind that extremely soft or too firm mattresses can both lead to the development of pressure points.
Contouring or conforming is the ability of a mattress to adjust to the shape of your body and can affect how much heat gets trapped. A mattress that can conform to the body effectively, such as a memory foam one, will trap a higher amount of heat. That is the reason why many cooling mattresses do not contour very well.
Innerspring mattresses, for example, retain their natural shape and do not adapt to your body, which is why they do not trap as much heat.
Your sleeping position determines the type of mattress you should choose and how firm it should be. For instance, side sleepers generally prefer mattresses on the softer side though these mattresses can trap more heat. On the other hand, back sleepers like options that offer a firmer feel which has the additional advantage of temperature regulation.
But remember that your body weight will determine how firm or soft a mattress feels.
The firmness of a mattress can be measured on a scale that starts from one and goes up to ten, with one being the softest and ten being the firmest. How soft or firm a mattress is can directly affect its cooling ability, as firmer mattresses are not very contouring and thus remain cooler than softer ones.
The average firmness range for most people lies between 4.5 and 6.5, though people with more weight prefer heavier options. However, firmness is a subjective matter, so it’s best to take advantage of trial periods and try multiple mattresses for some time before settling on one.
Edge support refers to how firm the edges of a mattress are and can determine the support provided when you sit or lie on the edge. Mattresses offering better edge support prevent you from falling off when sleeping on the edge while making it easier to get in and out of bed.
Efficient temperature regulation is important to prevent overheating at night, and various materials work differently for this purpose. For instance, coil layers allow the free flow of air, which helps regulate the temperature effectively, while foam layers can absorb body heat to keep you cool.
Some mattresses tend to make noise when you get into bed or move around on them, disturbing your partner. The noise produced depends upon the material used in the construction of the mattress, and generally, foam mattresses are the most silent.
Innerspring and hybrid mattresses produce more sound because of the presence of the coils, though pocket coils are not as noisy.
Cooling mattresses are available at several different price points, and you can find both cheap and highly expensive options on the market. The price of a mattress depends upon the materials used in its construction, and mattresses using better quality materials that last longer tend to cost more.
That said, it is possible to find some good-quality yet affordable options on the market. Another thing to consider is that mattresses sold online are generally more affordable since the manufacturer does not have to spend on showrooms and staff.
Mattresses designed to promote better cooling use materials that can improve the airflow and disperse heat more effectively. That said, not all cooling mattresses work equally well, and some options are better at regulating the temperature.
Overall, hybrid mattresses are the most effective as far as cooling capabilities are concerned, as they often contain aerated latex, which allows better air circulation. The coils at the bottom also promote better airflow, and the mattress covers of hybrid options are made from natural materials, such as organic wool or cotton, for better cooling.
Latex mattresses are also effective in controlling the temperature and preventing overheating, while foam ones tend to trap heat. That is why they often contain materials like graphite or cooling gel which can absorb heat.
While there are many options on the market for people looking for cooling mattresses, finding the right one will require some time and effort. The most effective way is to test out mattresses that you think might be suitable, and most manufacturers offer a reasonable trial period for this purpose.
Or, you could just go with the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress, which has a quilted cooling cover and dynamic layers that deliver the perfect sleeping experience. It also comes with an excellent warranty and trial period, so you can try it out first.
On that note, it’s time to conclude this guide. Until next time!
