Choose the Right Mattress to Fight Overheating

Buying a mattress that matches your sleeping habits – and those of your partner – is a great first step towards good nights sleep. Other factors should nonetheless be considered when on the hunt for the right mattress.One of them is how well a mattress evacuates the heat and stays cool. If you live in a hot, humid environment, or if you tend to suffer from the heat, your mattress’ breathability is certainly something to take into consideration.

When it comes to breathability and heat retention, all mattresses are not created equal. Traditional memory foam mattresses, for instance, generally fail to efficiently evacuate the heat produced by the body, which builds up and leads to discomfort in the summer season. In response to that, several companies now offer models with breathable tops in their construction to allow air to circulate. While this certainly helps, traditional memory foam models are perhaps not the best choice for those who suffer from the heat.

An alternative to traditional memory foam is natural latex which, although more expensive, offers a better breathability and durability. It is also a healthier and more eco-friendly option than memory foam. If the type of body-contouring comfort provided by memory foam and latex mattresses is not what you are looking for, you will be happy to know that innerspring mattresses are amongst the most breathable mattresses on the market. The top fabric used to cover the mattress and the thickness of the pillow top (if there is one), for instance are factors that may influence the breathability of an innerspring mattress but, overall, they do not tend to retain heat as much as either memory foam or latex.

Choose the Right Bedding to Stay Cool

When it comes to bedding, silk, linen, cotton and even wool should be preferred to synthetic fabrics, which trap the heat and prevent good air circulation. If you do not have air conditioning, tend to suffer from the heat, or are simply a hot sleeper, you should avoid thick synthetic comforters and duvet. Rather, opt for bedding that is made of breathable natural fibers – a lightweight cotton blanket or quilt, for instance, could easily replace your winter comforter. If you live in a particularly hot and humid environment, why not skip bedspreads altogether and make your bed only with nice, boldly coloured cotton sheets?