Topper for Gel Memory Foam that Maintains Feel

[phoenix]

Hi toddking2,

So I am looking for a thin top layer, to go over the memory foam and help me regulate temperature. I tend to sleep hot all the time, but this issue was much better with just the latex or with the wool topper than with the gel memory foam. I was thinking maybe a silk sheet would be helpful, or maybe that would not provide enough of a barrier from the foam.

You can see some of the many factors that can affect the sleeping temperature of your mattress in post #2 here including your mattress protector and any sheets and bedding you are using. This can help you identify which of the many factors that may be involved might be contributing to the warmer sleeping temperature.

In general any layer over memory foam other than more memory foam will affect the feel and response of the memory foam below it because memory foam is a temperature sensitive material and a layer above it can reduce the amount of heat that reaches the memory foam and slow down or reduce it’s ability to soften and conform to your body shape. Thicker softer layers of any foam will also be warmer than firmer thinner layers because you will sink into the mattress more and all foam is an insulator although memory foam tends to be warmer and less breathable than other foam types.

Thinner layers of wool will have less effect on the memory foam and can still provide some temperature regulation but the first thing I would check is your mattress protector and sheets. Some of the semi breathable membrane type protectors can have a noticeable effect on temperature for some people (see post #89 here about the tradeoffs involved with different types of mattress protectors)

Natural fibers are generally more breathable, wick moisture better, and are cooler than synthetic fiber sheets and both linen and silk sheets are among the coolest fabrics. Bamboo (which is semi synthetic) and cotton sheets can also provide better ventilatioin, moisture wicking, and temperature regulation than synthetic sheets. Thinner less insulating blankets can also make a difference and of course the room temperature will also play a role.

Thicker softer layers that include memory foam on top will tend to sleep warmer than most other foam materials for some people and it can be one of the tradeoffs involved with sleeping on memory foam or thicker and softer comfort layers. A thinner memory foam topper would probably also reduce the temperature to some degree as well but of course it won’t generally “feel” as soft or allow you to sink into the memory foam as much.

Phoenix