Memory foam mattresses offer a vast amount of comfort and very little movement thanks to the unique formulation of the material. That same formulation, however, can prevent air from circulating through the mattress which can lead to higher body temperatures at night.
Of all mattress types on the market, memory foam retains the most heat. In fact, many people have reported that since switching to memory foam their nighttime sweating and overall evening body temperature has increased. If you are one of those who are facing discomfort due to increased mattress temperatures, we have some tips that can help you cool your memory foam efficiently.
Why Does Memory Foam Get Hot?
Memory foam is made out of a unique material that is extremely dense. This denseness is what allows it to conform to the human body and help alleviate pressure when you sleep. The material is also full of disconnected air bubbles which greatly limits the flow of air. When you lay down on your memory foam mattress, it compresses the foam thereby displacing the air bubbles and further limiting the available airflow.
Human bodies depend on contact with the air in order to self-regulate body temperature. The dense nature of memory foam restricts the passage of air and thus reduces your ability to self-regulate and cool your body while you sleep. Modern memory foam mattresses have improved breathability and of course, still, pull moisture away from the skin. However, they still have a tendency to cause you to run warmer than usual when you sleep.
How Can You Make a Memory Foam Mattress Cooler
Are you looking for ways to cool your memory foam mattress or topper? Are you tired of tossing and turning due to overheating? Are you on the verge of tossing your memory foam to the curb just to get a cool night’s sleep? Instead of suffering in the heat for even another night, take a look at our list of mattress cooling suggestions so you don’t wake up sweaty.
1. Use Cooling Mattress Toppers
Another cheap way to cool your bed is by using a mattress topper infused with gel. You can also use a latex mattress topper to help put a barrier between your body and the foam which will reduce how much heat it retains. Cotton and wool toppers are also great ways to naturally help regulate body temperature.
2. Upgrade Your Mattress Base
The quickest way to cool your memory foam mattress is to change the base. If you have a solid frame or if your mattress sits on the floor you will have less airflow which can lead to overheating. Put your mattress on a slatted base to allow more air to flow up and through the mattress to cool it down.
3. Choose Linens That Cool The Body
The bedding you use can also contribute to overheating. Focus on natural fibers instead of synthetic ones when choosing bedsheets for a memory foam mattress. Polyester is the worst fabric to sleep on because it promotes heat and being hydrophobic it doesn’t absorb sweat. Another bedding material that retains heat and best to avoid pairing with a memory foam mattress is microfiber.
Lightweight cotton or linen are among the best linen options for those who want to keep cool while using a memory foam mattress. Bamboo, eucalyptus, and Tencel are middle-of-the-road options that combat moisture and promote cooling.
4. Mattress Temperature Maintenance
The breathability and contouring of your mattress will play a big role in how cool your nights will be. You can ensure that your mattress stays cool in the evening by not layering it down with heavy fabrics and by using a cooling topper. Boost the air circulation in your room and also ensure that you keep your thermostat lower than usual to help keep your mattress cool.
To increase air circulation and cool down a warm bedroom consider using a ceiling fan for use in your bedroom.
5. Cooling Pillowcases & Duvets
Pillowcases and duvets not only keep your bed clean, they can also help you stay cool. Pillowcases crafted from bamboo, silk, or satin – are the best cooling pillows to help wick moisture and heat away from your body while you sleep. Duvets are a great way to keep warm, but they can also help regulate your body temperature in the summer months. Swap out heavy duvets once the season changes by replacing them with light, airy fabrics that breathe instead.
6. Latex, Hybrid, or Innerspring Mattress
Sometimes even the best tips are not enough to keep you cool. If overheating is becoming a real problem, consider using a really cool mattress – gel and ventilated mattresses, latex, hybrid or innerspring mattresses are the types of mattresses that can get downright cold.
Latex blends offer several foam layers that are not only soft but offer more cooling options than memory foam alone. Innersprings have a coil base layer that allows more air to flow which will result in a cooler mattress overall. A hybrid will allow you to get the cooling sensation you desire and the plush contours that memory foam has to offer.
7. Cooling Sleepwear & Lifestyle Changes
What you wear to bed could be one of the reasons that you wake up in a cold sweat. Avoid bundling up at night, instead wear short sleeves that let your body breathe. Simple, pure cotton will help you stay cool and dry all night long. Satin is also a soft and cooling option to help reduce heat transference while you sleep. Making changes to your evening routine will also help you cut back on the nighttime heat. Avoid spicy foods and over activity at least an hour before bed. Take a shower right before you sleep to help rid your body of oils and bring your overall temperature down while you slumber.
Can You Sleep on a Memory Foam Mattress Topper The First Night?
Memory foam is a very dense material. Memory foam toppers are just as dense as memory foam mattresses, although they are thinner. It is recommended that you wait at least 48 hours before sleeping on your new mattress topper for the best results. This will allow the memory foam enough time to fully expand as well as give the built-up gasses ample time to dissipate.
What is the Best Mattress for Hot Sleepers?
The human body is an amazing machine that will change temperatures hundreds of times each day. According to scientific research, the body will even change temperatures several times during a sleep cycle. Lower temperatures promote better regeneration but if you tend to run hot, a cooling mattress can help you attain a better quality of sleep. There are several cooling mattresses on the market that can help reduce restlessness. Many can even eliminate night sweats. If you are looking for a mattress that is highly breathable and helps you regulate your temperature, we have a few suggestions.
The DreamCloud Mattress featuring medium support offers great value for hot sleepers looking to cool off without breaking the bank. It sits on all bed frames, comes in a box, comes with a 365 nights sleep trial and lifetime warranty.
Do You Put a Sheet Over a Cooling Mattress Pad?
Cooling mattress pads help to create a barrier between your body and your memory foam mattress. This helps to regulate body temperature and stop heat from getting trapped between your body and the mattress. You still need to use a fitted sheet over your cooling pad, however. Cooling pads are made of synthetics that can irritate the skin. Also, your body secretes oils and dirt while you sleep, using a sheet will help keep your cooling pad clean and free of bodily oils.
What’s the Best Room Temperature for Sleep?
Everyone has their own personal level of comfort when it comes to temperatures during their sleep cycle. According to scientific research, the body is able to sleep and recuperate more efficiently when the room is slightly cooler than normal.
The optimal temperature of a room for the most regenerative sleep is between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 22 degrees Celsius). That being said, it is normal for people to keep the room a bit cooler for the purpose of creating a warm and toasty environment under the covers.
Does Freezing Damage Memory Foam?
It would be difficult to freeze an entire mattress, however, the foam is not intended for extremely cold temperatures. If you have a memory foam mattress or even a memory foam pillow that is not infused with gel, freezing can result in permanent damage. When memory foam freezes it causes the viscosity of the foam to increase dramatically. It then becomes too dense and too hard to use comfortably.
According to The Foam Factory “the foam should be okay in temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C)“.
Can I Use a Heating Pad on a Memory Foam Mattress?
Heated blankets or localized heating pads should not be used directly on a memory foam mattress or a gel topper. The Foam Factory advises against direct applications of heat, whether through a heating pad, a hot water bottle, or an electric blanket since it can damage the material, reduce durability and performance.
Pro Tip: Using a heating pad directly on top of a memory foam mattress is not recommended. Instead, place a blanket or a mattress cover between the pad and the mattress and ensure the temperature doesn’t go above 150°F (65°C).
In order to prevent accidental damage, you should always use your heated blankets on top of you instead of on the bed directly. While memory foam is made to be highly durable, extended periods of excessive heat could damage the fabric if left unattended.
How Can I Warm My Memory Foam Mattress?
Given it’s temperature-sensitivity trait, a more rigid, stiff and cooler memory foam mattress or mattress topper is associated with lower temperatures. Here are some tips to both warm up and soften your memory foam bed so you can rest comfortably.
Memory foam traps body heat easily so if you bundle up, you can raise the temperature of your mattress. Aside from bundling up, you can increase the ambient room temperature 30 minutes before going to bed.
Use a heated mattress pad will help keep you warm throughout the night. Limit heating pad use to just 30 minutes and remember to use a light cover between the pad and your memory foam product. Make sure the heading pad isn’t worn or damaged and there are no exposed wiring.
Hot water bottles placed on the mattress a few minutes before heading to bed are also a great way to affordably and quickly warm your memory foam mattress during cooler seasons. Make sure the water bottle does not leak into the foam, otherwise the cover will need to be removed and the foam will need to be air dried.
Add extra blankets to the mattress or topper (use wool, fleece, or down) and remove them once you’re in bed and have reached the optimum temperature.