The hottest (or coolest) trend in memory foam these days is what marketers call “gel-infused foam” or “cooling foam” or foam with “cooling chemicals.” Basically, this type of foam is standard memory foam blended with a gel or gel beads made with “phase change materials.”
Drawing a blank? So are many concerned shoppers, as full disclosures of the chemicals in memory foams and gels are hard to come by. Synthetic foam manufacturers guard their formulas closely, so general descriptions are all consumers have to rely on.
Chemical gazpacho
Phase change materials could be any of a host of chemicals. They are used to make mattress foams feel cooler because they have properties that transfer heat from the sleeper down into the mattress core. The effect doesn’t last all night long, but can make initial hours of sleep less sweaty. (We’ll get to more effective alternatives below.)
These materials haven’t been tested or reviewed over a long period of time, so not only the content but the long-term performance of gel-infused mattresses or toppers is unknown. And although their odor is less caustic than the notorious off-gassing of conventional memory foam, a chemical smell is still noticeable.
Better ways to keep your cool
One of the best materials known to help the human body regulate temperature is wool. Everyone associates wool with warmth—after all, what’s a snuggly wool sweater for? Wool is a wonderful material for outerwear or winter blankets. But lightweight wool is comfortable in summer, too. (Hence, the finest men’s summer suits are made of wool.)
The secret to wool fiber’s amazing performance is that each strand is covered with microscopic “hooks” which overlap and grip adjacent ones. This forms countless tiny air pockets between the strands. And voila, insulation—from cold OR excess heat.
Wool is also highly absorbent. When the air is cool and damp, wool absorbs moisture and keeps a layer of dry insulating air next to the skin. Likewise, beneath a “hot sleeper,” wool also absorbs moisture and traps insulating dry air. This helps the body’s own cooling system work more effectively. Even if an unusually high metabolism or hot flashes are adding to the flames, wool beneath you can help cool things down.
Choosing a “cool” mattress or topper
If you’re concerned about unnecessary chemicals polluting your home’s air or creating toxic dust, a natural mattress that uses wool for flame resistance and insulating comfort is an ideal choice. And a lot less risky than mystery-chemical gels.
Savvy Rest’s natural latex mattresses contain organic wool batting quilted within the mattress casing (made of organic cotton). Natural latex, particularly natural Talalay, is more porous and breathable than any synthetic foam or gel. And the use of wool allows Savvy Rest mattresses both to meet federal fire safety requirements without chemical flame retardants, and provide a cooler, drier sleep environment.
Naturally cooler sleep
If you’re excited about wool’s potential for a temperature-adaptable bed, you might also consider a wool-filled mattress topper, such as the Savvy Woolsy. Its fluffy, organic wool fiber within an organic cotton, duvet-style casing makes a comfortable, wonderfully insulating surface for your mattress.
Or if you’re really crazy about wool you can choose the wool-filled, hand-tufted organic Pastoral mattress, even topping it with a Savvy Woolsy. Worried it’ll feel itchy? No need. Your skin won’t be in direct contact with wool on either product—it’s inside an organic cotton casing and, of course, also will be topped with your bedding.
So stay away from those chemical gels. With a Savvy Rest you won’t be counting sheep, but you’ll certainly be thanking them. You can sleep well and keep your cool, on top of wonderful wool!
This article was written by Laura, September 8, 2015, Savvyrest.com
