Are you a warm sleeper? 

Some people naturally are hotter sleepers than others, and that extra heat can become irritating if it starts to impact your ability to get the quality rest you deserve. Luckily, there are plenty of resources that work to combat this issue, and one of them is a cooling mattress pad. 

While you know cooling mattress pads are solid options for staying cold at night, you may be wondering how they work. We'll break down exactly how a cooling mattress works and what tech goes into these types of mattress pads. 

What Is a Mattress Pad?

Before we look at the benefits of a temperature-regulating mattress pad, let’s make sure you're not confusing a mattress pad for something else. People often can confuse a cooling mattress pad for a cooling mattress topper. However, cooling toppers and pads are different in their purpose and construction. 

In short, a mattress pad is an extra layer of breathable padding that sits on top of the mattress itself. Mattress pads come in a variety of materials and levels of thickness, but they mainly tend to be thicker than mattress toppers and are meant to provide further comfort and support. 

What Are the Benefits of Getting a New Mattress Pad?

While a cooling mattress pad is a sleep product with a very obvious central benefit, mattress pads actually offer a wide range of perks.

Cushioning

If your current mattress has been with you for a number of years and is not feeling as comfortable as it once did, a mattress pad is a simple way to revitalize your bed. This way, you can get some of that comfort back.

Outlast Other Mattresses 

Mattress pads are a cost-effective way to keep your current mattress and extend its lifespan. While they’re not strictly marketed as cooling mattress protectors, mattress pads can help you preserve your mattress once it’s past its warranty.

Protection From Stains

If you have ever been worried about your mattress becoming stained or the impact that accumulated dead skin may have on your mattress, then a mattress pad is just the thing to alleviate these worries! 

Mattress pads act as a barrier of protection over your mattress. Even without a waterproof mattress protector, a mattress pad can help you protect your mattress from stains and wear and tear.

Ideal for Guests

If you plan on having a guest come and stay with you at your home, a mattress pad may be perfect for them. If they are staying in a guest room with an older bed or if there is limited sleeping space in your house, a pad is an easy fix.

Mattress pads are very plush and comfortable and can stand alone as a temporary substitute for a mattress. While this isn't recommended long-term, it's completely fine to sleep a short-term guest on a mattress pad.

Cooling Technology: Sleep Cooler at Night 

Aside from all the benefits already listed, cooling mattress pads have their own specific technology that dictates what exactly gives it its cooling abilities. 

If you deal with night sweats and overheating while trying to get rest, the sleep temperature control offered by this type of pad can make all the difference.

What Are Cooling Mattress Pads Made Of?

One of the main ways that a cooling mattress pad cools you down is through what material it is made out of. 

Many different materials can have a cooling effect, but here are a few that you may find present in your mattress pad. While each material listed below is efficient in keeping you cool, some are more effective than others, so keep that in mind when choosing between these options. 

Organic Cotton

Some mattress pads are made from high-thread count cotton. Cotton is cooling because the material allows for an optimal amount of airflow, which circulates heat throughout and away from the body. In short, cotton is not a material that traps heat like other types of bedding might. 

Cooling Gel

Some mattress pads include a gel component. The gel in mattress pads has cooling properties and the ability to draw heat away from the body. This special gel also wicks away any moisture, such as sweat, which helps to regulate your body temperature. This cooling material might be exactly what you need for a good night’s sleep.

Graphite

This material has small spherical “pores'' that allow it to draw heat away from your body and absorb it. While mattress pads made from or including this material are not as common, they are also a means of keeping yourself cool and comfortable at night. 

Latex

Cooler than even gel-infused memory foam, latex mattress pads allow higher amounts and rates of air circulation. This is a wonderful choice for anyone who identifies as a hot sleeper, especially when paired with cooling sheets.

Bamboo

Any mattress pads with bamboo are also excellent at keeping you cool. Similar to mattress pads made with gel, bamboo pads keep you cool through their moisture-wicking properties. Bamboo also does not trap heat like other bedding materials.

Percale

Mattress pads made with percale can also keep you cool when sleeping. This is because percale has a tighter weave and uses less thick “yards,” which allows for the ideal amount of airflow. 

Copper

Copper ensures each night of rest is cooling and soothing.

Copper has a high thermal conductivity. Due to its conductivity, the copper will absorb body heat. However, it does not hold it within the mattress pad. There will be no buildup of heat, and a mattress pad made of cotton will actually diffuse it out of the pad. 

Should You Get a Copper-Infused Mattress Pad?

There are plenty of options for you to choose from when looking for a cooling mattress pad, but here at eLuxury, we have an excellent option for you to look further into. 

Our Copper-Infused Mattress Pad is guaranteed to keep you cool all night long. 

We gave you a brief breakdown of how copper works in bedding and what it does to cool you down. Now, let's unpack it further so you know exactly how copper can benefit you and upgrade your sleeping routine. 

Copper Is Antimicrobial 

Copper mattress pads have a unique ability to “self-clean.” The material is antimicrobial and highly effective in warding off any germs and bacteria that could cause you trouble. 

Pressure Relief and Muscle Recovery 

Believe it or not, copper also may promote faster healing for muscles, bones, and connective tissue. 

This means that if you are a frequent gym goer or someone who has a lot of strain on their body throughout the day, a copper mattress pad may be just what you need. The pad not only cools down those sore muscles and soothes pressure points but also repairs them quicker. 

Helps With Blood Flow 

Copper may even improve your blood flow and work to prevent clotting and the buildup of lactic acid. This is because copper naturally helps move oxygen and nutrients to the organs. 

May Have Anti-Aging Properties 

Collagen and elastin are the two proteins responsible for creating skin that is firm and flexible, and copper is a mineral that helps to improve the quality and power of these proteins. While your lifestyle and genetics play the biggest roles in keeping your skin looking youthful, a copper mattress pad may help as well.

Good for Your Spine and Neck 

Most copper mattress pads are infused with memory foam as well. 

The memory foam conforms to your body’s shape and spine's natural resting position. This, combined with all the benefits that copper already offers, will create the ultimate sleeping experience filled with comfort and relaxation. 

A copper pad is a fantastic choice when searching for some cooling bedding. 

This active cooling pad is machine washable, adding an extra level of convenience. When necessary, machine wash in warm water and tumble dry on low heat.

The pad is available in the following sizes:

• Twin
• Twin XL
• Full
• Queen 
• King and California King sizes

To ensure that your fitted sheet, top sheet, and bed skirt fit flawlessly, double-check that your mattress pad matches the size of your mattress.

The Best Cooling Mattress Pads: Takeaways

Cooling mattress pads rely on carefully-chosen materials to cool you down. Some common materials present in cooling mattress pads are cotton, latex, and copper, along with many more. 

Even if a cooling element is not at the top of your priorities for bedding items, mattress pads are versatile and can add years on to your current mattress’ lifespan. Try one atop one of our hybrid mattresses, which come with a 120-day trial period!

Sources:

Copper and Your Health | WebMD

Results of a pilot study of a cooling mattress pad to reduce vasomotor symptoms and improve sleep | The Journal of The North American Menopause Society

7 Reasons Why You Get Hot While Sleeping (and What to Do About It) | Healthline