We’ve all been there.  It’s a hot summer night, the window is open, the fan is on, but it’s still too hot to sleep.  Not only is being too hot to sleep frustrating, it can lead to less time asleep and reduce sleep quality by waking you up every so often during the night.

What’s more, if you’ve got a memory foam mattress, you might notice that it’s not you that feels hot, but the mattress too.  Why is that, and can anything be done to rectify the problem?

In fact, a very common owner critique of memory foam mattresses is that they can feel too hot for a comfortable sleep, especially in those summer months!  In this article we explain why memory foam mattresses can heat up more easily than other mattresses, and what we can do about it to keep ourselves cool.

Memory Foam and Temperature

Memory foam was originally designed to be very energy absorbent.  This means that on a particularly hot night, your mattress will be absorbing the heat around it as well as your body heat.  Traditional memory foam mattresses are relatively dense, leaving little room for airflow within the mattress itself.

In addition, because memory foam is made up of a synthetic and non-breathable material, the heat that is absorbed builds up in the mattress, and then is directed right back at you, instead of simply being dissipated.  In fact, the memory foam material actually uses your body heat to contour your body and mold itself to your particular shape.

As a result, the longer you sleep on it and the hotter the environment, the hotter the mattress will feel.  This is why memory foam mattresses may feel like they get progressively hotter as the night goes on.  If you sleep with a partner, your problem can get doubly worse, because now you’re dealing with two warm bodies heating up that energy absorbent mattress.

Add all this up, and you’ve got a potential for some sleepless nights on memory foam, especially if you prefer to sleep at a cooler temperature.

How to Make A Memory Foam Mattress Cooler

If you’ve identified that your memory foam mattress is getting too hot, and that it’s harming your ability to get a good night’s sleep, we’ve put together some solutions for you.

Adjust Bedroom Temperature

To the extent that you can, try making the temperature in your bedroom cooler. Turning down the thermostat, turning on the A/C, opening the window or using a fan can help improve airflow and make the external environment cooler. Not only will this help reduce the heat absorbed by your mattress, but it will also likely make it easier for you to get to sleep.

Try a Mattress Topper or Pad

Some mattress protectors are designed with the specific intention to help keep you and your mattress cool. For instance, wool mattress pads are often used for this because the material is natural and breathable, which will help diffuse some of your body heat. Wool also helps to absorb moisture, which is important if you find yourself sweating during the night.

Aside from wool, many mattress manufacturers also make mattress toppers and pads made with other natural fibers, such as cotton, that allow airflow.

white wrinkled sheets

Invest in Breathable Bedding

There are a variety of options when it comes to sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers.  If you’re looking to cool down, consider choosing sheets made with natural, temperature regulating fibers like bamboo.  In addition to being moisture wicking, bamboo sheets and pillow cases will help keep your body temperature down, thereby reducing the heat transferred to your memory foam mattress.

Improve Air Circulation

Although you may not be able to increase air circulation inside your memory foam mattress, you can help increase air circulation around it.  In particular, look to boost air circulation below the mattress by adjusting or changing your bed frame.  If your mattress is on plywood, consider switching to wooden or metal slats if possible, as these will allow cold air to flow up to the bottom of your mattress.

Stay Cool Before Bed

Make sure you take steps to make sure you’re not already running hot before you get to sleep.  For instance, stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day, and use an ice pack or cold washcloth to cool down in bed if you’re already feeling warm on a summer night.

Similarly, it may be time to consider shedding some of your sleepwear before getting into bed, especially if you typically sleep in thick pyjamas.

Cooling Off Memory Foam

Sleeping on a memory foam mattress that feels like it’s heating up every time you get into bed can be frustrating, but before you look at replacing a new mattress altogether, give the tips listed here a try in order to cool off.