How to Find a Mattress That Retains Less Heat

Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.You probably arent getting a restful nights sleep if you wake up sweating or shivering.

If youre suffering from one extreme or the other, the problem could be your mattress.Mattresses are made of layers of fabric, foam, batting, coils, and gel in different combinations and configurations, depending on the type. And some mattress materials tend to retain more warmth than others.

Youre more likely to sleep warm on a foam mattress, even when compared to a hybrid innerspring, which we define as a combination of foam layers over metal springs, says Chris Regan, who oversees Consumer Reports mattress tests. And despite the fact that they might contain a layer of cooling gel foam, a larger percentage of the foam models still retain warmth.How We Test MattressesWe use real test subjects to measure support, but when it comes to testing whether a mattress retains warmth, we rely on technology.

We start by placing an 11x15-inch copper plate in the center of the mattress. The plate is insulated on all sides except the one that comes in contact with the mattress. Then we run an electrical current through the plate, which warms it to 98.

6 F, simulating average body temperature.In a temperature-controlled room over a 10-hour period, we note how much energy the copper plate uses to maintain 98.6 F.

If a mattress doesnt insulate well and dissipates heat, more energy is needed to maintain the temperature of the copper plate. If the mattress insulates well and retains heat, less energy is used.We analyze that data and note in the Features & Specs section ofour mattress ratingswhether a mattress retains warmth.

To make it easier to find one to your liking, you can sort by this factor using the arrow at the top of the column labeled Retains Warmth.To get you started on the path to a better nights sleep, weve identified recommended mattresses from each side of the spectrumfour that will sleep cooler and three that insulate and sleep warmer.Mattresses That Sleep CoolerThese four recommended mattresses trapped very little heat in our tests for warmth retention.

Tips for Buying a MattressTossing and turning all night? Maybe its time for a new mattress. On the "Consumer 101" TV show, CR expert Chris Regan shares tips on what to look for when mattress shopping.

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