Advice for hot side sleeper with shoulder issues

Talk To The Experts
,
1

Hi. I’m looking for some recommendations. I’m a side sleeper with shouldn’t pain, sleep hot and have a dust mite allergy. What type of mattress comfort layer would be the most appropriate on top of pocket springs?

I’ve read something with a latex layer would be good (cooling + hypoallergenic) but I tried a full latex mattress (probably Dunlop, not sure) some time ago and it was way too hard. So I’m not sure latex is the answer? Also heard wool would be a good comfort layer (breathable + hypoallergenic) but perhaps not on its own as doesn’t provide enough pressure relief. All memory foam mattresses, although I find most comfy are too hot (even the gel infused ones).

I’m 6ft 2in, 109kg weight. UK based.

2

Hey Josh,
Welcome to the MattressUnderGround.

Given your needs as a side sleeper with shoulder pain, hot sleeping, and a dust mite allergy, here are a few mattress layer recommendations that might work well for you:

I recommend washing your sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers with a couple of capfuls of eucalyptus essential oil in the wash. Just like using lavender sachets and cedar in your closet to deter moths, eucalyptus acts as a natural dust mite repellent. Additionally, ensure your room is kept dry and free from excess moisture to help minimize allergens.

1. Hybrid Comfort Layer

A combination of latex and memory foam can offer a good balance. You might want to look for a mattress that has a top layer of latex for its cooling and hypoallergenic properties, paired with a supportive layer of gel-infused memory foam that’s designed to sleep cooler. The latex can provide responsiveness and support, while the gel foam can offer pressure relief.

2. Wool and Latex Blend

You could also consider a mattress with a wool layer combined with latex. Wool is breathable and helps regulate temperature, while latex provides support and pressure relief. Make sure the wool layer is thick enough to offer comfort without sacrificing support.

3. High-Quality Pocket Springs with Adaptive Foam

A mattress with pocket springs and a top layer of adaptive foam can be beneficial. Adaptive foams are designed to contour to your body while offering better breathability than traditional memory foam.

Since you are in the UK, Millbrook makes an amazing mattress topper that employs latex and wool and was one of the most comfortable toppers I have ever lied on, while at a recent trade show in Las Vegas.

Another important tip is to reassess your pillow choice. If your mattress feels too firm, a higher loft pillow can help alleviate shoulder pressure by keeping your neck aligned with your spine. This adjustment can enhance comfort and support while you sleep. Some folks prefer pillows with the side sleeper center cut out of the pillow, such as this design. The pillow can be made from any material fill, but horsehair and wool will likely be the coolest to sleep on. My horsehair pillows retain no heat at all and despite compressing slightly when sleeping with them, when used in combination with a 2nd pillow as the base pillow, horsehair has worked wonders for me.

Hopefully this will help, good luck.

Maverick

3

Thanks very much for your in-depth response. I have some questions;

-If the latex layer is above the foam layer, does it not cancel out the pressure reliving properties of the foam layer? (I’m concerned about latex as I tried a full latex mattress previously and I found it far too hard).

-Will a wool layer on top of latex sleep noticeably cooler than wool on top of foam, or is it marginal?

-Would I be able to get an adequate amount of pressure relief with only a wool layer directly on top of springs?

-Are polyester fibres an option as a comfort layer. How do they compare to wool for breathability and hypoallergenic?

4

If the latex layer is above the foam layer, it can affect the overall feel of the mattress. Latex tends to be firmer and more resilient, which might mask some of the pressure-relieving qualities of the foam beneath it.

However, the specific design and thickness of each layer can make a difference. A softer foam layer underneath can still provide some contouring and pressure relief, even if it’s topped with latex. If you found a full latex mattress too hard, you might want to look for a mattress with a thicker or softer foam layer underneath the latex, or one that combines different materials to balance comfort and support

Wool on top of anything is generally cooler. I have a 3" organic wool topper over an 50ILD cover panel on top of a 36ILD HD 1.8lb layer and it is very cool to sleep on. Actually, I would be better off saying it is simply not hot to sleep on.

Polyester is plastic, wool is natural. Wool is simply more breathable, and more heat neutral and just plain old better in my opinon. Polyester is hypoallergenic to a point, but it must be cleaned regularly, (as it can trap dust and moisture), to maintain a dustmite free environment. Dustmites do not like a very dry climate, so moisture is not something you want to have trapped in that layer.