I need a COOLER mattress (help, please!!)
Nov 10, 2011 7:45 PM
Joined: Nov 10, 2011
Points: 16
I recently had to replace an ancient (25 year old) mattress, and I've been in Mattress Buying Hell ever since (the old mattress was getting tired and lumpy, for sure, but I found it perfectly comfortable.  My boyfriend, however, hated it.  Hence the ensuing drama...).

I've done a ton of research and a ton of shopping.  Bottom line, I am now convinced that the right mattress for me no longer exists.  Because the new mattresses seem fraught with problems that never existed before.

In short: we needed a soft-ish mattress that is not too high and that sleeps cool.  Memory Foam was out, of course.  After practically breaking up in the mattress store, and coming to a complete impasse, my boyfriend and I finally settled on a (pricey) Stearns and Foster Pillow Top -- the one with Latex.

Since the mattress got delivered, I've been completely traumatized.  First, the thing is SO DAMN HIGH, it's a joke. We are now trying to adjust it -- we're replacing the box springs (more $$) and may eventually have to get a non pillow top (we can't put the mattress on the floor or a lower frame, or we would).

So there's the height issue. Can't believe the manufacturer's don't make a thinner coil mattress.

But the bigger issue is the HEAT problem.  I am absolutely convinced that this mattress is much warmer than my previous, boxspring mattress.  It warms up the minute I lie down and stays warm.

With the old mattress, as long as I had the right bedding, heat was NEVER even an issue.  With this mattress, it sleeps very warm, even on a chilly night.  That is not good.

I know there are all kinds of correctional steps I can take; cooling mattress pads (do they really work?), cooling sheets, etc.  I am willing to try any and all of those.

BUT...I would rather start with a mattress that doesn't heat up!!  Isn't that possible?  I've just paid a small fortune for a mattress -- why do I now have to try to "fix" it??

I only have one chance to return or exchange this mattress, and now I am really concerned that there is NO good Plan B.  We can't get Memory Foam.  We can't get a really firm mattress.  And now, the so-called "cool" Latex mattresses seem too hot, too (I was going to originally get a Sealy Posturpedic...but it has Memory Foam).

I know that some new, "micro-gel cooling" mattresses are coming on the market soon.  But they are basically Memory Foam with a gel top -- sounds iffy.

Comfort-wise, my boyfriend loves the new mattress.  But I am not yet sure I like it.  And the temperature problem is the key issue.

So at long last, here's my question: IS THERE A TRADITIONAL, NON-LATEX, NON-MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS OUT THERE THAT IS NOT TOO WARM AND DOESN'T REQUIRE A BUNCH OF COOLING ACCESSORIES?

(I don't want to order online -- need to try the bed out.  And also can't afford a 4-$5K plus bed).

Please respond if you know of any solutions -- thank you!!

 

Re: I need a COOLER mattress (help, please!!)
Reply #8 Oct 6, 2012 11:18 AM
Joined: Dec 13, 2009
Points: 26
Do what I did..buy a waveless Waterbed, it's actually called a Sponge bed .  I control the temperature with the heater.  enlightened
Re: I need a COOLER mattress (help, please!!)
Reply #9 Oct 6, 2012 11:32 AM
Joined: Feb 24, 2012
Points: 42
The problem you are having is really just inflation. Manufacturers can no longer afford to make mattresses from natural cotton and wool fibers for $2000. i have been looking hard for a new mattress and everything in $2000-3000 range is foam or junk. The best deal I have found for an all natural cotton-wool coil mattress is a VI Spring Elite which sells for about $4300 in king size. It comes with a lifetime warranty that is an actual real warranty that VI Spring  has a good reputation for honoring. If I bought this mattress I would want some sort of wool or fleece topper but most people buy these without toppers. THese beds ccan be ordered with dual firmness. VI Spring has a wonderful cotton-wool-horsehair topper that I would love to have but it costs $2200.

 

If you want to keep the mattress you have, the best suggestion would be to buy a wool fleece topper. There are two types. The first have an all cotton backing for breathability but have to be washed carefully. The second have a polyester-glue backing and can be conventionaly machine washed. Reading reviews on fleece toppers, most people think the polyester backed fleece sleeps cool but there are a small percentage of buyers complaining about the lack of porosity with polyester backing. My personal issue with fleece toppers is that they seem to smell like sheep. I am sure the smell varies with the one you get.

 

The next "solution" is to get a quilted or tufted wool topper. My experience with these is that the topper needs to be quite thick to actually get a hot bed feeling cool. I would go with a 2-4" topper. A 1.5 " toppper will not work. The wool toppers need fluffing and turning regularly. You will also need access to a commercial washing machine (the large side loaders at some laundermats will do) if you ever want to wash them. If you do wash them you need to soak and spin, don't let the machine agitate. Results are mixed but it will take at least three days to dry out.

 

The new gel toppers do sleep cooler than classic Tempurpedic memory foam, but I would not say they sleep cool compared to a cotton-wool coil mattress.

 

I have heard from several  people in the industry that people complaining of night sweats or menopause hot flashes have been well satisfied switching to old fashioned natural fiber coil  mattresses. This is a real problem and not just something in your head. The problem is that these mattresses have steadily crept up in price for the last 10 years.

Re: I need a COOLER mattress (help, please!!)
Reply #10 Oct 6, 2012 11:06 PM
Joined: Mar 15, 2012
Points: 182
FWIW, I like the passive temperature control of my 9" Blended Talalay Latex in Bamboo/Joma Wool cover on a slatted platform.

I tried the top 3" Latex layer outside the cover to see if the cover affected the Latex contouring.  Conclusion:  not much affect... but removing the wool interface had a negative affect on body heat and moisture ventilation.

While building the platform, the mattress lived on the floor.  It slept warmer on the floor than when it was on the former box spring foundation.  Now the Latex mattress sleeps cool and dry on the slatted platform... great ventilation.  I can lay on the floor under the platform while someone moves around on the mattress and feel and smell the Latex breathing air out the bottom though the slats.  It's a well-ventialted bed system on slats.  No heaters or coolers required.

GK

Re: I need a COOLER mattress (help, please!!)
Reply #11 Oct 19, 2012 1:54 PM
Joined: Aug 20, 2012
Points: 8
Hello everybody,

One of the best mattress toppers you can use for a cooler sleep is made of space-age memory foam. This type of mattress topper provides a cooler sleep surface because the memory foam does not disperse heat, creating a cooler sleep surface. Furthermore, while there are different types of memory foam pads, many of them are designed with open-cell technology, which allows for breath ability.

Thanks and regards
Michael Bevan
Re: I need a COOLER mattress (help, please!!)
Reply #12 Oct 20, 2012 1:58 AM
just a man with a goal to educate people about mattresses by being something most sales PEOPLE arent.....HONEST.
Location: El Monte Ca.
Joined: Oct 20, 2012
Points: 8
Hello

 

maybe this will help you have to look into getting a all core latex mattress. something like a 8" talalay latex with the new gel top which is gel that is topped ontop of the latex making the mattress about 9 inches high. as far as the quilting you would need to buy it with a thin cover just like the zipper covers that the memory foam mattresses come with. just some simple advice from a mattress manufacture guy.

hope it helps dont spend more then $1100 either on it.

This message was modified Oct 30, 2018 by a moderator
Re: I need a COOLER mattress (help, please!!)
Reply #13 Oct 30, 2018 5:49 AM
Joined: Jul 16, 2018
Points: 8
Hahaha... oh, man. So it's finally reached the 30-40s here. And we keep the house at approximately 74. So right now, I only have on my mattress - only! feather bed pad (it's really just an old twin feather duvet that fits perfectly on the surface of the full mattress), fitted sheet, sheet, feather duvet in a flannel cover, wool blanket, angora blanket, cotton blanket, fleece blanket. It's enough, I guess... I do keep one leg sticking out of the pile. You know--for balance.

 

 

 

This message was modified Apr 12, 2019 by a moderator
Re: I need a COOLER mattress (help, please!!)
Reply #14 Nov 25, 2018 7:03 AM
Location: Australia
Joined: Nov 20, 2018
Points: 8
Hi,

I'm using Leesa mattress since last 3 year and i though this is best COOLER mattress. If you are looking for a cooler matters I would like to suggest you to buy Leesa mattress. You can read online reviews before buying it.
Re: I need a COOLER mattress (help, please!!)
Reply #15 Nov 28, 2018 10:35 AM
Joined: Nov 28, 2018
Points: 1
I had a similar problem. I love memory foam but find it far too warm sometimes. I'd recommend doing what I did. I bought a Coolmax zipped cover for memory foam mattresses which helps to regulate your body temperature at night. Since doing that I've slept much better.
This message was modified Nov 28, 2018 by Mpill

Recent Posts