What makes a mattress breathable?
Breathability comes down to two things: the materials used in the comfort layers, and the structure of the support core. Open materials (wool, latex, gel-infused foams, certain types of fibre) let air pass through naturally; closed-cell foams and dense fillings hold air in. On the support side, sprung mattresses generally allow more airflow than all-foam mattresses, because the air spaces between the springs act as channels for warm air to escape.
Which fillings sleep coolest?
Wool
Wool is one of the most temperature-regulating natural fibres available. It wicks moisture away from the skin, holds onto heat in winter and releases it in summer, and is naturally hypoallergenic.
Latex
Natural latex has an open cell structure that allows air to circulate through the foam, which is why latex mattresses tend to sleep cooler than memory foam mattresses of similar density.
Geltex and gel foam
Geltex is a gel-infused viscoelastic foam that combines the pressure relief of memory foam with much better airflow. Gel foam works on similar principles and is often used as a thin comfort layer on hybrid mattresses.
Knitted covers
The cover itself plays a role. Knitted, stretch and tencel covers allow more air through than woven covers, and they tend to feel cooler to the touch in the first few seconds after lying down.
What to avoid if you sleep hot
Traditional memory foam mattresses are the most common cause of overheating because the foam relies on body heat to mould around you, which means it actively retains warmth. If you love the feel of memory foam but sleep hot, a hybrid with a thin memory foam top over pocket springs is a much better compromise than an all-foam mattress.
Sizes and delivery
Our breathable mattresses come in every standard UK size. Order in-stock before 4pm for free next-working-day delivery, and add our mattress recycling at checkout to have the old one taken away. Every mattress qualifies for a 60-night sleep trial with a protector.
