Tempurpedic mattresses (or Tempur-Pedic to be exact) are one of the most popular options available in the market today. A common complaint regarding the Viscoelastic foam (memory foam) mattresses is that they “sleep hot” and sleepers can get uncomfortably warm and sweaty. You invested in a memory foam mattress to get a great sleep, it is worth your while to know how to cool down a tempurpedic mattress and get the great sleep you so richly deserve.
The Sleep Hot Problem
Memory foam is an excellent and comfortable material. It softens to body heat, a property that makes it comfortable and excellent for use as a mattress. As the foam cradles the sleeper, it hugs parts of the body it touches, reducing airflow.
Couple that with the foam being absolutely terrible at heat dissipation, and you have sleepers who will find themselves uncomfortably warm, and for some, even drenched in sweat. Manufacturers have attempted solutions like adding gel to the top layer for quicker heat dissipation, the inherent qualities of memory foam make these solutions only somewhat successful
How to Cool Down a Tempurpedic Mattress
1. Add a Mattress Pad or Topper
Put an extra layer on top of the mattress to get some distance from the mattress. A mattress pad (or mattress protector) are quite similar, and may be slightly quilted. Mattress toppers are generally thicker than pads and behave more like another layer of the mattress. Both of these serve essentially the same purpose, and the terms are often used interchangeably.
Pads/toppers are relatively inexpensive solutions to handle heat from your expensive mattress. Natural fibers such as cotton and wool are excellent choices. They are breathable and soft, and wick away sweat to keep you soft and comfortable. Latex can also work, but it isn’t awesome at dissipating heat either, so some sleepers will have a problem. Natural down or feather-stuffed toppers can be used, though they are extremely soft. A solution like pads/toppers with circulating water at preset temperatures can also be considered.
Pad/Topper Solutions:
- Natural Fibers (Cotton and Wool)
- Feather-stuffed
- Latex
- Circulating water pads/toppers
2. Fan for Airflow
Fans can improve airflow in the bedroom and take away the sweat. If conventional approach like a two-way exhaust fan and ceiling fan are not to your taste, using a small fan close to the mattress can do the trick. This can improve air circulation within the mattress. You can place an ice pack in front of the fan for cooler air. Do remember to dust your mattress before you send air through it!
More sophisticated (and expensive) option can be found in appliances like the BedJet V2 Climate Comfort. Gadgets like this provide rather targeted solutions for airflow and can bring the temperature to your preferred setting.
Airflow Solutions:
- Ceiling and two-way exhaust fans
- Small fan near mattress
- Specialized appliances like BedJet
3. Sheets and Pillows
Sheets that wick away sweat from your body can work wonders. Natural fibers are great for this job. Sheets woven from bamboo fibers, or those made from high quality cotton like long-staple Egyptian cotton or Peruvian Pima are well renowned for their comfort. The same principle can be applied to your pillows, with the addition of feather or buckwheat pillows.
An unconventional solution would be the use of waterbed pillows. These pillows have a layer for water, surrounded by polyester filler. Water can be added or removed as convenient, allowing for the adjustment of height and the cooling potential of the pillow. Keeping your head at the right temperature can make a world of difference for your sleep.
Sheet/Pillow Solutions:
- Natural fibers for sheets and pillows like cotton and bamboo
- Buckwheat or feather pillows
- Waterbed pillows
4. Bed frames
Bed frames can make a difference in airflow for your mattress. Frames with evenly spaced slats on your bed will provide more surface area and improve airflow through the mattress, while solid frames will restrict that airflow. Although slats placed too far apart will cause sagging and indentation in the sleep surface, ruining the mattress.
Conclusion
Knowing how to cool down a tempurpedic mattress can do wonders for your sleeping comfort, and your investment in the fairly expensive world of tempurpedic mattresses. Apart from the solutions listed above, you can also try temporary fixes like taking a cool shower before bed, or keeping a wet washcloth within reach.