Are Natural Latex Mattresses Hot?

Do Natural Latex Mattresses Sleep Hot? A Complete Explanation.

One of the most common questions that people ask about natural latex mattresses is whether they are hot. It’s a valid question because many people have had bad experiences with memory foam mattresses that were too warm to sleep on comfortably. But luckily, there is research that has determined if natural latex mattresses are hot or not! Here’s what experts say:

As a general rule, latex mattresses sleep much cooler than synthetic foam mattresses. Latex foam has thermo-regulating properties, meaning that they are neither too hot nor too cold. Latex mattresses have an open-cell structure that allows for breathability.

In the rest of this article, I will explain why natural latex sleeps cooler than other mattress types, such as memory foam and how your mattress is probably not why you sleep hot at night. Then ill share with you the secrets to a cool night’s sleep.

Why Natural Latex Sleeps Cooler Than Memory Foam

The difference between latex and memory foam can be confusing since they are both foams—however, each has unique properties, which influences how hot they sleep.

Latex Foam Cell Structure

Latex mattresses have an open-cell structure that allows for breathability. The open-cell foam structure means the latex mattresses allow hot air and moisture to escape keeping you cool at night. Memory foam has a “closed cell” construction making it difficult to ventilate heat and moisture from inside the mattress.

Latex mattresses have better air ventilation than memory foam which is why they sleep cooler. Latex also does not absorb heat, and like memory foam which requires heat to soften and contour. Instead, it allows the body’s natural cooling process to happen.

Mattress Contouring

Memory foam mattresses are well known for their pressure relieving qualities. They provide pressure relief by conforming to your body. However, this is a chemical reaction that requires heat. You have probably heard that memory foam mattresses are problematic in the winter; well, this is why. The problem is that while the contouring is excellent for preventing pressure points, it traps heat. Simply more of the body is ‘sunk’ into the mattress, preventing heat and moisture from escaping.

While natural latex is often just as pressure-relieving as memory foam in many cases, it does not contour to your body to the same degree as memory foam, providing some air and moisture circulation.

Natural Latex’s Perforations & Airflow

During the production of natural latex, perforations are added for ergonomic support zones. However, these perforations also have the added benefit of improving air circulation. When you move during sleep, air moves in and out of your mattress through these holes and an open-cell structure, helping you feel cooler. Memory foam doesn’t have these same perforations, preventing airflow.

Foam Mattresses Are Probably Not As Hot As You Think

Most people overestimate how much foam is responsible for sleeping hot. Research by the Ergonomic Institute in Munich proved that a duvet determines about 70% of the temperature of your bed. This means your sheets and bedding are primarily responsible for how hot you sleep, not your foam mattress.

The type of mattress you have is not as crucial in determining how hot your bed is at night. In fact, the fabrics used for sheets and pillowcases have a more significant effect on how warm or cool you sleep than what kind of mattress you have. As a general rule, the closer something to another object (such as fabric), the greater its effect on airflow, moisture transport and temperature regulation. These are critical factors that are critical when it comes to sleeping comfortably throughout an entire night without waking up sweating due to sleeping hot!

That being said, memory foam sleeps hotter than most other types of mattresses because it is usually made out of chemicals that allow heat to build up quickly.

Avoid Synthetic Bedding Fabrics

Some synthetic bedding fabrics, such as polyester and acrylics trap heat and moisture. So if you want to sleep naturally cool at night, it is best not to use these fabrics in your sheets and pillowcase!

An excellent option for keeping the temperature of your bed feeling comfortable all night would be Tencel or linen (which are both natural fibres). These materials are both breathable and moisture-wicking. We use Tencel for our mattress cover because it is an innovative natural fabric that sleeps cooler than linen and softer than silk while also being one of the most eco-friendly materials in the world.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a mattress that will keep your body cool at night, latex foam may be the best option. Latex mattresses have an open-cell structure and thermo-regulating properties that allow it to sleep much cooler than synthetic foams with closed cells. People are increasingly getting sick from sleeping on their synthetics because of this increased heat in the bedding materials. Consider using natural bedding fibres with your latex mattress if you want more cool and comfortable nights!