Does Memory Foam Make You Sweat?

Does memory foam make you sweat? Our top tips for keeping cool at night in this beginner's guide.

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women in bed with fan on sat up feeling hot

Night sweats are a killer of a good night’s sleep. And if you’re considering a memory foam mattress, or perhaps you already have one, you might have wondered: 

"Does memory foam actually make you sweat?" 

The straightforward answer is that yes, memory foam can make you sweat. 

But why does this happen, and how can you avoid it?

You can learn all this and more below:

Why Can Memory Foam Cause Night Sweats?

So, what is it about traditional memory foam that can sometimes lead to those unwanted night sweats? 

It mainly boils down to the material it uses:

Dense Material

Traditional memory foam has a dense, closed-cell structure. 

While this is fantastic for providing that signature body-hugging support and pressure relief, it can also limit airflow through the mattress itself. 

This can trap the heat, keeping you warm and leading to sweating.

Body Contouring

Memory foam works by reacting to your body heat and pressure, moulding to your shape. 

This close contouring means more of the mattress surface is in contact with your body, which can sometimes lead to heat being trapped between you and the mattress.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, "Why does my memory foam bed make me sweat?", these factors are often the primary culprits. 

Essentially, the heat your body naturally gives off can sometimes get "stuck" rather than dissipating into the night air.

How to Stay Cool on a Memory Foam Mattress: Our Tips

If you love your memory foam mattress (or the idea of one!) but are worried about overheating, fear not! 

There are lots of simple and effective things you can do to help you stay cool and comfortable all night long:

Choose Breathable Bedding

Opt for sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases made from natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or bamboo. 

These materials are much better at wicking moisture away from your body and allowing air to circulate.

Lightweight Pyjamas (or None!)

Similar to your bedding, choose loose-fitting, lightweight sleepwear made from natural fibres.

Consider Your Mattress Protector

Some waterproof mattress protectors can also trap heat. 

Look for protectors specifically designed to be breathable or cooling.

Good Bedroom Ventilation

Keep air circulating in your bedroom. 

This could be as simple as opening a window (weather permitting!), using a fan to create a breeze, or ensuring your room isn't overly heated.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help regulate your body temperature.

These tips can make a real difference and help you enjoy a cooler sleep experience.

Have You Considered a Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress?

While the tips above are great, what if the mattress itself could help you stay cool? 

That’s where cooling gel memory foam comes in.

What is a Cooling Gel Mattress?

A gel mattress is a type of mattress that incorporates cooling gel into a memory foam structure. 

Unlike traditional memory foam mattresses that can trap heat, gel mattresses are designed to disperse body heat more effectively, offering a cooler and more comfortable sleep experience.

You can learn more in our guide on what is a gel mattress.

How does it work?

The gel helps to absorb and draw heat away from your body, preventing that build-up of warmth often associated with traditional memory foam. 

Many of these mattresses also feature an open-cell structure, which further promotes airflow and breathability. 

It’s all designed to give you that lovely pressure relief of memory foam, but with a noticeably cooler feel.

For many people, a cooling gel memory foam mattress is an excellent alternative, offering the best of both worlds. 

Here at eze™ Mattress, we’ve developed our Cooleze™ collection with precisely this in mind. 

These mattresses utilise advanced cooling technologies, such as our Cooleze™ gel foam, with our supportive pocket spring systems, to help regulate your body temperature for a more comfortable and refreshing night’s sleep.

Sleep Soundly, Not Sweatily!

So, while traditional memory foam can sometimes make you feel a bit warm, it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. 

By choosing breathable bedding, ensuring good airflow, or opting for a mattress specifically designed with cooling technology, such as a gel-infused memory foam hybrid, you can enjoy the superb comfort and support of memory foam without the unwanted night sweats. 

Sweet (and cool) dreams!

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