Key TakeawaysAddressing Memory Foam Mattress Heat Issues: Memory foam mattresses are known for their comfort but can lead to heat buildup, causing discomfort and disrupted sleep. To mitigate this issue, creating air circulation under the mattress is crucial. Elevate the bed to allow air to flow, preventing the trapping of body heat. Heat can be further reduced by employing other cooling accessories.Understanding Why Memory Foam Sleeps Hot: Memory foam’s dense and porous structure, which molds to the body, is a key contributor to its heat retention. The foam’s lack of breathability leads to the accumulation of body heat, resulting in a warm sleeping environment. Newer mattress technologies address the heat retention problem, providing alternatives for those seeking a cooler sleep experience.Additional Cooling Solutions: Cooling the room by adjusting the thermostat or using fans contributes to a more comfortable sleep environment. Adding a gel-infused mattress topper or using mattress pads made of materials like wool helps dissipate body heat and improves breathability. Opting for high-quality sheets with moisture-wicking properties assists in preventing excess moisture buildup and promotes a cooler sleep.Is your memory foam mattress too hot? Unfortunately, many people jump at the opportunity of having a memory foam mattress because they think it’s going to change their life. While they are comfortable to sleep on and very plush, that comfort can quickly turn into heat buildup, tossing and turning, and frustration.Since memory foam mattresses cause you to sink in so much, they create quite a bit of heat. There are a few things you can do to help cool yourself down when sleeping. By the end of this article, you should find yourself sleeping cooler and more comfortable.1. Create Air CirculationWhile you can’t create extra airflow through the mattress, you can set yourself up for success by getting the bed up off the ground. Make sure there is plenty of space underneath the mattress for air to work its way through.When air gets trapped under the mattress, it causes your body heat to build up. When our body heat builds up and has nowhere to go, it causes us to sweat. We need a more breathable mattress to get a good rest.Excess heat during sleep causes us to break our deep REM sleep, which quickly turns into a restless night and frustrating mornings. That memory foam bed you spent a bunch of money on quickly starts to feel like a waste.2. Use a Gel-Infused Mattress TopperWe’re starting to see more and more gel-infused items becoming popular in the mattress industry. In addition to gel, there are also charcoal and copper infusions that you can buy for your mattress topper.These mattress toppers help cool you down by sucking out all the body heat and dissipating or dispersing it somewhere else. When we sleep, and body heat builds up, we’re creating an environment that doesn’t promote healthy sleep. Having a useful mattress topper like one of these options will help keep you fresh through the night.Get resources for better sleepSign up for sleep health education, expert tips, and the latest and greatest mattress sales. Email See Privacy Policy3. Cool Down the RoomIf all else fails, turn down the thermostat and make the room cooler. Research suggests that sleeping in a cold room improves the quality of your sleep. While your mattress might be warm, the room is cool, so the two balance each other out. Where you might encounter a problem is when it’s time to get out of bed in the morning.If you don’t want to turn down the heat because it may impact the quality of someone else’s sleep, you could always install a ceiling fan or purchase a small fan that can blow on you while you sleep.Read our guide on the best temperature for sleeping for more tips on how to stay cool throughout the night.Why is Memory Foam Hot?If you’ve got a memory foam mattress too hot to handle, there are a few things you want to know. There are reasons why this foam is so comfortable but so hot, let’s take a look.The airy structure of the foam is there to hug out body and contour to our shape. That reason is why so many people turn to this type of mattress. Many people who deal with back or neck pain will use memory foam because it helps them sleep better.The problem with something hugging you while you’re sleeping is that sinking into the mattress is what causes us to get so hot. The porous foam has tiny little bubbles, and when you combine them, the mattress becomes quite dense. Since the bed is so compact, it’s not breathable.If we compare this to a box spring or innerspring mattress, there is a lot of space in the mattress for air to move around. When you sleep on an innerspring, your body heat can flow down into the bed and make its way out.Since the mattress is dense and it only becomes denser when you lay on it, there is nowhere for that body heat to go. As a result, the mattress itself becomes hot, you become hot, and everything becomes a big sweaty mess.However, the best mattresses available, whether memory foam or some other material, have found ways to combat sleeping hot. There are gel-infused memory mattresses and plant-based memory foam mattresses. Whatever type of bed you end up shopping for, just check to make sure the company has addressed the “sleeping hot” factor.What About Hybrid Mattresses?Hybrids are an excellent option for people looking to get the many benefits of memory foam without the hot sleeping concerns. Hybrids contain foam, but they often include springs and even gel, as well.The gel memory foam combination works well because you get the comfort of the foam with the breathability of the gel. Hybrid mattresses lower heat retention while still cradling pressure points and preventing overheating.Overall, hybrid mattresses are the best option for people who think memory foam sleeps too hot. While they are the best option, they also are quite expensive because of the many components and benefits they provide. You also cannot flip a hybrid mattress because they need to be set up in a specific way, so you get the benefits of the many layers.What About Mattress Pads?There are many different options for memory foam toppers, and these are also a great solution for your hot sleeping issues. Is your memory foam mattress too hot? If so, you’ll want to create a barrier between you and the foam. When you have the foam underneath the topper, you’ll still get all the benefits and comfort from the foam without having to sleep on it.Putting a mattress protector on top of the foam will keep your cool because you’ll have a layer of protection between you and the memory foam. There are many different types of toppers with different materials.Wool is one, for example. It might seem like wool would make you hotter, but it works well in a few ways. First, wool is allergy-resistant, and it absorbs moisture. Part of the reason why memory foam gets hot is that it doesn’t absorb moisture well.When we are hot and sweaty that moisture sits around in the foam, making us hotter and setting us up for mold and mildew buildup as well.You can choose with mattress topper material works best for you and put it to the test. This trick is a great option for people who aren’t looking to go out and spend a bunch of money improvising your mattress.What about Moisture Wicking Sheets?Another great option for removing moisture comes from your sheets. If you decide to get, moisture-wicking sheets make sure you go for high quality 100% cotton because these will ensure you don’t get too hot at night. These sheets get made mainly to prevent excess moisture buildup that causes you to get hot when you sleep.Many people use a heavy comforter that acts as an insulator. You want to keep everything cool by using a cooling mattress cover with a gel foam mattress topper. Combining all these breathable materials will help turn a hot mattress into a cool oasis.Saving on a Cooling MattressThe best way to save on a cooling mattress and accessories is to take advantage of the year’s recurring mattress sales:Presidents Day Mattress SalesMemorial Day Mattress Sales4th of July Mattress SalesLabor Day Mattress SalesColumbus Day Mattress SalesBlack Friday Mattress SalesCyber Monday Mattress SalesFrequently Asked QuestionsHow does a cooling mattress pad work?Cooling mattress pads contain materials that help them absorb heat. These absorbent cooling pads regulate your temperature and ensure that you don’t sweat throughout the night. Sometimes the mattress pads are made using gel while others time they can have moisture-wicking components like cotton. Either way, hot sleepers are looking for the most cooling properties possible.How can I cool my room down quickly?One of the best ways to cool your room down is by turning down the thermostat. If you’re worried about your memory foam mattress sleeping too hot, you want to cool the temperature of the entire room so you can sleep comfortably. We understand that not everyone has the same comfort levels, so the other person in the room with you might be freezing. If that’s the case, we would suggest using fans to cool yourself down, so the other person in bed with you doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable.What sleeping position is the coolest?The answer to this question definitely depends on factors such as your weight and body type. However, due to its restricting airflow, stomach sleeping is probably the warmest and the worst position for you. Back sleeping is cool– for half of your body. Side sleeping is ideal but can cause some heat to rise in your thighs.Generally, based on health and the amount of your body coming into contact with the mattress, we’d recommend side sleeping as the coolest sleeping position.If you’re looking for guides based on sleeping positions, check out our comprehensive shopping guides on the best mattress for side sleepers and the best mattress for back sleepers.ConclusionIf you’re currently dealing with a memory foam mattress that is too hot, you’re not alone. Many people run to memory foam when they need a new mattress. They think it will dramatically improve the quality of their sleep. While this factor is true for many, it also brings about the problem of excessive heat buildup during sleep.Use the tips and tricks outlined above to help cool down your nights and ensure you get a good night’s sleep. Good luck and rest easy!About the author Ray SoberanoIn an effort to explore his interest in sleep science, Ray Soberano became a freelance writer for Best Mattress Brand. Curious about different sleep disorders, Ray has done hours of research and written countless sleep health articles for our blog. Struggling from the occasional bout of insomnia himself, Ray is committed to helping readers find the answers to their sleep problems. Find more articles by Ray Comments Cancel replyLeave a CommentYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment Name Email I agree to the Privacy Policy of this website. Δ