How Do I Make My “Hot” Mattress Sleep Cooler?

Last Updated on September 18, 2022

by Marc Werner, Founder - GhostBed

We’ve all been there: you wake up in the morning hot, sweaty and grumpy. Not only is sleeping too hot uncomfortable, but it can also impact the quality of your sleep and therefore your overall health and energy levels. If you have a memory foam mattress and this keeps happening to you, it’s time to learn how to keep your cool. Luckily, there are a few simple tweaks you can make to ensure you reap the benefits of sleeping cool.

Overview: What to Do if Your Memory Foam Mattress is Too Hot

If you wake up hot and are looking for ways to make your memory foam mattress cooler, here are our best tips:

  • Use a slatted foundation for your mattress so air can flow
  • Invest in luxury bedding made from natural materials such as cotton
  • Choose a breathable pillow and accompanying pillowcase
  • Add a cooling mattress topper made with gel memory foam on top of your mattress
  • Swap out your old mattress for one made with cooling technology
Use lightweight sheets to combat a “hot” mattress

I. Choose a Slatted Base

II. Choose the Right Bedding

III. Use a Cooling Mattress Topper

IV. Consider a New Mattress

I. Choose a Slatted Base

It’s no surprise that the type of mattress you choose will affect how you sleep at night, but did you know that the foundation that you put your mattress on can also impact your sleep?

Memory foam mattresses tend to retain heat because they’re made from such dense material. If you have your mattress on a traditional solid foundation, airflow is restricted even further. So, what’s the fix? Consider putting your mattress on a slatted foundation, instead. It may seem like a subtle change, but when air can flow beneath your mattress, you’ll find that your temperature is better regulated throughout the night.

Marc's Tip

Opt for comfort, cooling and style with the GhostBed All-in-One Foundation. A foundation and bed frame in one, it works with all mattress types and comes with a grey slip-on cover for an elevated, upholstered look.

II. Choose the Right Bedding

Another way to keep cool on a memory foam mattress: consider your bedding! Your bedding can play a big role in how hot you sleep.

How to Choose Cooling Bed Sheets

First, don’t skimp on the right bed sheets. As you’re shopping, keep an eye out for natural materials like cotton or bamboo. Synthetic materials, like acrylic fibers, are a lot less breathable. The result? You’ll wake up sticky, hot and stuffy. And nobody wants that!

Marc's Tip

Our cooling bed sheets are crafted with breathable Supima cotton and plant-based TENCEL® for a super-soft, luxury feel. They’re wrinkle-resistant, too!

How to Choose a Cooling Pillow

Second, choosing the right pillow can help you keep cool.

Look for a pillow that features cooling materials, such as a gel memory foam, and an ergonomic design that promotes airflow. If you prefer down or faux down pillows instead of memory foam, look for one that is made with breathable materials. You can also choose a cooling pillowcase made from cotton or silk to keep your head and neck cool.

Marc's Tip

Looking for cooling pillows, you say? We’ve got you covered. All 3 of our GhostPillows are designed with breathable comfort in mind. Plus, they come with our signature Ghost Ice fabric cover, so you’ll feel cool from the moment your head hits the pillow.

III. Use a Cooling Mattress Topper

The GhostBed Memory Foam Topper includes cooling features for a more comfortable sleep

Still need help with keeping your memory foam mattress cool? A mattress topper should be at the top of your list. Mattress toppers are pads that go on top of your existing mattress to make your mattress softer or even cooler, depending on the type that you get. They are a great complement to any mattress, especially if you’re not quite ready to invest in a new mattress.

How to Choose a Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers come in all shapes and sizes. Not sure which one to choose? Here is a quick summary of some of the most common materials to choose from:

  • Latex - Latex mattress toppers are either made from natural or synthetic latex and offer firm support for your mattress. While they offer good joint support and are durable, they may be too firm for some sleepers.
  • Memory Foam - Memory foam mattress toppers are a popular choice, as they are soft and super comfortable. Opt for gel-infused memory foam to stay cool, as the former tends to retain heat.
  • Down - Down or synthetic down mattress toppers are made with feathers or microfiber, typically. While they are light and cool, they don’t provide much support.

Marc's Tip

Our cooling memory foam mattress topper is a great choice for an instant upgrade. With 3” of gel memory foam and various targeted “comfort zones,” you’ll feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud. Plus, with its included waterproof cover, it’s like a topper and protector in one.

IV. Consider a New Mattress

Lastly, if you find that your current mattress is just too hot even with these changes, it may be time to upgrade your mattress to one that keeps you cool.

Although memory foam mattresses are known for retaining heat, technology has come a long way and you can now find options that are both comfortable and cool.

Marc's Tip

We’ve designed all of our GhostBed mattresses with cooling in mind, but I recommend the GhostBed Luxe and the GhostBed 3D Matrix® as your best cooling options. Compare the two below, or use the shopping links to learn more!

GhostBed Luxe

GhostBed Luxe Layers
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Best Choice If...

  • Sleeping cool is a major priority.
  • You dream of a soft, yet supportive mattress, but you prefer a plusher top.
  • You're looking for relief from neck, shoulder, or hip pain.

Sleeper Type

  • Side sleepers and back sleepers who love the feeling of sleeping on a cloud.
  • Couples who prefer low motion transfer throughout the night.

GhostBed 3D Matrix®

GhostBed 3D Matrix® Layers
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Best Choice If...

  • You crave the ultimate in luxury and cutting-edge sleep technology.
  • You need added support due to joint pain, arthritis, or limited range of motion.
  • You tend to sleep hot (and are tired of waking up drenched in sweat).

Sleeper Type

  • Side sleepers and back sleepers who want a soft and bouncy mattress.
Marc Werner - Founder, GhostBed

Marc Werner

Founder - GhostBed

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After undergoing three neck surgeries, Marc knew what it was like to live and sleep in constant pain. In 2001, after searching fruitlessly for a comfortable pillow and mattress that supported his neck and back ... Learn More

GhostBed®

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