There’s nothing more frustrating than feeling too hot to sleep. Whether it’s warm summer weather, a naturally warm bedroom or simply being someone who tends to overheat at night, getting your sleep environment right can make a big difference.
Your mattress plays an important part in this. Some mattress materials retain more warmth than others, while cooling mattresses are specifically designed to encourage airflow or help manage heat as you sleep.
Here, we explain how cooling mattresses work, which materials are best for hot sleepers and some simple ways to create a cooler, more comfortable bed.
What is a cooling mattress?
A cooling mattress is designed to help reduce heat build-up around your body while you sleep.
Different mattresses achieve this in different ways. Some use specialist cooling layers that feel cool to the touch, while others rely on naturally breathable materials such as wool to help regulate temperature and wick away moisture.
If you regularly wake up feeling hot or find yourself throwing the covers off throughout the night, choosing a mattress with temperature-regulating properties could help create a more comfortable sleeping environment.
What type of mattress is best for keeping cool?
There isn’t one single mattress that will suit every hot sleeper. Your preferred firmness, sleeping position and the type of support you like should all be considered alongside temperature.
Cooling memory foam mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are popular because they adapt to the shape and position of your body, providing supportive, pressure-relieving comfort.
Traditional memory foam can sometimes retain warmth because it is a dense material with less airflow than a traditional sprung mattress. However, newer designs can incorporate cooling technology to help counteract this.
Our Cooling Memory Foam Mattress combines adaptive memory foam with a specialist cooling layer that feels cool to the touch, helping you enjoy the supportive feel of memory foam with added temperature comfort. Its medium-firm feel also makes it a versatile choice for sleepers who want a balance of cushioning and support.
Wool mattresses
Natural materials are another great option for hot sleepers.
Wool is naturally breathable and temperature regulating, helping your body maintain a more comfortable temperature throughout the night. It can also help wick away moisture, making it useful if you tend to become warm or clammy while sleeping.
Our Wool 2000 Pocket Spring Mattress combines temperature-regulating wool with individually responsive pocket springs, making it a good alternative for sleepers who prefer the traditional feel and bounce of a sprung mattress.
Are memory foam mattresses hot to sleep on?
Traditional memory foam can feel warmer than some other mattress materials because it responds to body heat and has a dense structure that can restrict airflow.
That doesn’t mean you need to avoid memory foam if you’re a hot sleeper.
Choosing a mattress designed with a specialist cooling layer can help reduce heat build-up while still giving you the contouring support memory foam is known for. You can also make your overall sleep environment cooler by pairing your mattress with breathable bedding and lighter layers.
How else can you keep your mattress cool?
Your mattress is only one part of your sleep set-up. A few small changes can help make your whole bed feel fresher.
Choose breathable bedding
Natural fibres such as cotton and linen are breathable and allow air to circulate more freely than many synthetic materials.
During warmer months, consider switching heavy bedding for lightweight cotton or linen sheets and choosing a lower tog duvet.
Try a temperature-regulating mattress topper
If replacing your mattress isn’t necessary, adding the right mattress topper can help change how your bed feels.
A cooling memory foam topper can add adaptive support while helping reduce heat build-up, while naturally breathable fillings such as wool can help regulate your temperature throughout the seasons.
Keep your bedroom cool
Your bedroom environment matters too.
Keeping curtains or blinds closed during the hottest part of the day can help stop your room overheating. When the temperature outside drops in the evening, opening windows can encourage cooler air to circulate.
A fan can also help keep air moving around the room on particularly warm nights.
Choose lightweight nightwear
Loose-fitting nightwear made from breathable natural fibres can help your body release heat more easily. Alternatively, sleeping with fewer layers can make a noticeable difference if you tend to overheat.
What if you sweat at night?
Occasional sweating during particularly warm weather is normal, but protecting your mattress is still important.
A breathable mattress protector creates a washable barrier between you and your mattress, helping protect it against perspiration and everyday moisture.
If sweat has already marked your mattress, gently blot any excess moisture rather than rubbing it further into the fabric. Always follow the mattress care instructions before using cleaning products and allow the mattress to dry fully before remaking your bed.
How do you choose the best cooling mattress?
When choosing a cooling mattress, look beyond temperature alone.
Consider:
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Sleeping position: Side sleepers may prefer more cushioning around the shoulders and hips, while back and front sleepers often prefer greater support.
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Firmness: Choose a feel that supports your body comfortably rather than selecting based purely on cooling technology.
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Materials: Cooling gel layers can help reduce heat build-up, while natural materials such as wool offer breathability and temperature regulation.
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Mattress construction: Memory foam provides adaptive support, whereas pocket springs can encourage airflow and offer a bouncier feel.
Ultimately, the best cooling mattress is one that keeps you comfortable while providing the right support for the way you sleep.
Find your cooler night’s sleep
If overheating regularly interrupts your sleep, your mattress could be contributing to the problem.
Choosing breathable materials, specialist cooling technology and lightweight bedding can all help create a fresher sleep environment.
Explore our mattress collection, including our Cooling Memory Foam Mattress for adaptive cooling comfort and naturally temperature-regulating Wool 2000 Pocket Spring Mattress, to find the right support for a cooler, more comfortable night’s sleep.
