The Surprising Truth: Does a Memory Foam Mattress Topper Make You Sweat?

While memory foam is a dream for comfort and support, some claim it raises their temperature, making them hot and sweaty. So, why does this happen, and what can you do about it? In this guide, we’re busting the myths around memory foam mattress toppers and temperature regulation, so you can take the right steps to keeping cool and well rested. 

Why do some people run hot and others cold?

According to the NHS, it’s normal to sweat if your room or bedding is hot. However, if you wake up to find your clothes are soaked through regularly, it’s important to consult your GP, as it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. 

Does memory foam really make you hotter?

Whether a memory foam mattress makes you hot depends on what it’s made from. Many designs are crafted from synthetic materials, which trap heat. With a gradual build up of heat and nowhere for it to go, this warms your body up.

With that being said, brands have cottoned on to the overheating dilemma and believe people shouldn’t have to make a choice between body support and keeping cool. That’s why more mattress and mattress topper manufacturers are opting for natural fibres and climate control features to support better sleep hygiene.

Top tips to stay cool

For a hygienic sleep environment, experts suggest maintaining temperatures of between 16 and 18 °C. Ideally, you want to avoid the thermometer exceeding 24 °C. We’ve got all the tips you need to stay cool at night, from choosing the right bedding materials and mattress to making simple adjustments in your room or sleeping environment.

Look out for high-wicking materials
High-wicking materials transfer excess heat and sweat from your body more quickly. You’ll often find this type of material feature on athletic apparel to help sweat dry more quickly and provide a more comfortable workout for athletes. To find a mattress topper with high-wicking properties, look out for a design crafted with climate control materials.

Choose natural fibres
Choose bedsheets, covers, duvets and pillows made from natural materials, such as cotton and bamboo; these are known to be more breathable. Don’t overlook what your pyjamas are made from either, as wearing a light cotton will help keep you much cooler than a synthetic polyester.

Choose a lighter tog duvet
4.5 togs is recommended for a summer duvet. If you like a weighted feel, you could stretch to a 7.5 tog, but we say don’t go much thicker than that to avoid those pesky night sweats.

Turn on the fan or air conditioning
On particularly hot days, a fan or air conditioning might just be your best friend. To encourage a natural airflow in your home, open your doors, windows and loft hatch. Opening your loft hatch is a simple—yet often overlooked—cooling hack, as it helps the hot air to rise and escape from your bedroom.

If running hot in the night is a real problem for you, and you’d like to prioritise keeping cool over the comfort and support that memory foam has to offer, you could opt for a gel mattress topper. This features a layer of cooling gel beads that continuously draw excess heat away from your body to support better temperature regulation. You can also purchase mattress toppers with a rippled surface, which provides air pockets to improve airflow between your body and the mattress.

Want to stay cool without investing in a new mattress?

If you want to enjoy a cooler night’s sleep, and think your current memory foam mattress may be the culprit, what can you do about it? Understandably, you might not want to invest in a new mattress. In the meantime, you could buy a Slothie mattress topper.

This offers all the support and comfort you’d expect from a full-size mattress, but with a much thinner design that’s much more affordable than replacing your mattress. It’s also transportable for your holidays! With our natural bamboo cover and climate control technology, you can stay cool at home and on your travels.