Consumer Reports recently answered a question that we’ve had for years – what’s the best mattress to sleep cool?
So far we’ve seen a lot of promises but not a lot of performance when it comes to cooling products. Except the Bed Jet which blows cooler air into your bed, we don’t find many cooling products that work.
Even special fabrics or cooling gels haven’t given us great results (but a higher price tag). That goes for pillows, sheets, mattress protectors and mattresses. So rather than a cooling mattress or cooling mattress cover you should focus on finding one that doesn’t sleep hot! In other words, on that’s temperature neutral.
Foam, especially memory foam, softens when it gets warm. Then you sink in, it traps your body heat and the temperature rises. Generally speaking, the softer or more plush or the more memory foam you have, the hotter you’ll sleep. Even people who normally sleep cold will find themselves getting sweaty.
Best Mattress to Sleep Cool?
We know this isn’t a comprehensive test but Consumer Reports came out with a list of the mattresses that trapped the least body heat. One of them is an Unbox Mattress top pick – Purple!
Sleep Number c2 Adjustable Air Mattress
Purple Mattress (the original was tested – the new Purple mattresses should be just as cool or more as they have springs and the breathable polymer layer – read our review.)
As Purple states on their website: Most mattresses don’t breathe. Memory foam, latex, even foam with “cooling” gel beads are hot because there is no place for air to flow.
These materials are either completely solid or have very small airways that allow for little ventilation.
How The Beds Were Tested
Consumer Reports put a copper plate on a mattress in a temperature-controlled room. “The plate is insulated on all sides except the one that comes in contact with the mattress. Then we run an electrical current through the plate”. Then they measured how much energy the copper plate uses to maintain a temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (close to people’s average body temperature).
“If a mattress dissipates heat well, more energy is needed to maintain that temperature, but if the mattress retains heat, less energy is used,” – Consumer Reports
The 10 hour test looked at how much energy was used.
Beds that Sleep Warmest
Consumer Reports also looked at the worst performers – the mattresses that slept the warmest. Stay away from them if you want to sleep cool! It’s interesting that Sleep Number beds made both lists! That just goes to show that materials used makes a big difference! Also note that no boxed brands made the list (even though boxed brands are usually all foam).
Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed Adjustable Air Mattress
Charles P. Rogers St. Regis Pillowtop Innerspring Mattress
What materials should you avoid if you want to sleep cool? Foam.
“You’re more likely to sleep warm on a foam mattress, compared with a hybrid innerspring, which we define as several inches of foam layers over metal springs. Despite having a layer of cooling gel foam, a larger percentage of foam models still retain warmth.”
Is your mattress too hot? It might be time to switch. Let us know if you’ve ever found a cooling mattress that works!
Today, Nectar announced a new product: an adjustable frame. Pair with your Nectar mattress to add a whole new sleeping experience. Like most boxed mattresses, you buy the top mattress only and so you need a base to go with it.
Nectar already has a foundation you can use, but now they also have an adjustable base.
Note: we earn a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase using one of our links. We hope to do a full Nectar adjustable frame review next and your support allows us to continue to offer reviews.
What most impressed us is that their adjustable base has a guarantee! Usually sleep trials don’t apply to adjustable beds because they’re heavy and difficult to return. However, it’s risk free to try the Nectar adjustable frame. Nectar says if you are not 100% satisfied, you can return your adjustable frame for a full refund up to 100 days after your purchase! It has a 3 year warranty.
We are impressed with the number of features you get for the price…
Elevate your head and/or feet separately or at the same time.
Massage with 3 zones.
Zero Gravity setting which is what NASA found the best sleep angles for astronauts to reduce pressure on backs and improve circulation. No more sleeping on the Lazy Boy!
Wireless remote with 3 programmable memory settings.
Though it’s an attractive base, most people will still want a bed frame with a headboard and footboard to drop the base into. It just has to have removable slats, like this.
Boxed mattresses often just have the top mattress and still need to be paired with a base or platform. This has contributed to more interest in adjustable beds. You can find them in a variety of colors and fabrics and with higher tech features. To get a more finished look, a headboard or bed frame with your base.
Adjustable beds are popular for all ages. Split options make them appealing to couples. They address health issues like back pain, snoring, acid reflux, congestion and other concerns so you can sleep more deeply.
Enhance the time you spend in bed with under bed lighting and even speakers or USB chargers can keep you powered as your bed becomes your work station that allows you to work in bed. You can find the most luxurious adjustable bed or a cheaper model that covers the basics.
Zero-G positions may reduce the pressure on your spine, shoulders, or hips. Relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.There’s nothing better for bad backs.
Massage soothes sore muscles from today’s tough workout or takes you to a deeper state of relaxation.
Like mattresses, adjustable beds can be boxed and sent to you. However, most don’t offer returns or sleep trials because they’re so heavy.
Best Rated Adjustable Beds 2018
We looked at the top 5 adjustable beds based on number of reviews and features they offer. These have features and price tag to make them attractive choices for different budgets and price ranges. Unbox Mattress may receive a commission from sales on this page at no cost to you. This allows us to bring you even more reviews and industry news.
Adjustable Beds Reviews and Comparisons
Adjustable bases can run hundreds or thousands of dollars. Here are some top choices based on research to help you get the most out of yours.
This is a 2-for-1 adjustable bed base and the only one on our list that includes the mattresses.
Comes in a split queen option, not just a split king like most adjustable beds.
Comes with two xl twin memory foam mattresses for the split king (with a 30 year warranty on them!).
Massage for head or foot (or both), plus a wave motion option that operates very smoothly and quietly.
Under bed lighting.
Supports up to 850 lbs.
10 year warranty.
Has 2 sizes of legs so you can adjust depending on the height you need or prefer. For the price this adjustable bed is a bargain since it includes the mattresses.
Reverie brand is known for making high quality adjustable beds so you can trust that this bed is well made (Reverie also makes the Tempurpedic Ergo). They’re on the cutting edge.
Control this bed with the wireless remote or app (this comes two remotes).
Massage with 10 different modes.
Anti-snore button.
Zero gravity preset.
Wall hugging.
Bluetooth option.
This bed is practically silent so you won’t wake anyone up if you move it during the night. Ideal for light sleepers.
This model is made by Leggett and Platt which is also a trusted brand. We picked this one for its affordability. That said, it doesn’t come with any fancy features.
Wired remote (not wireless/no app).
No massage, lights or presets.
Affordable.
Economical, base adjustable bed that’s budget friendly. Easier setup than most adjustable beds and has varied height options.
16″ height (taller than most on market – ideal if you want a tall profile/look).
Classy black woven fabric.
Flat preset position to quickly return to a flat position.
Ability to adjust head and foot positions at the same time (saves time).
White glove set up service available (choose this one if you cannot lift heavier boxes).
10 year warranty.
This adjustable bed comes in more sizes and options than any other adjustable bed on our list. If you want split queen or other unusual sizes, choose this one.
Do you sleep solo or with someone else? If you sleep with someone else do you want one mattress or a split base that each has its own control?
How much space do you have? Wall huggers conserve space.
What features do you want? Consider what’s important to you – massage, plugs, alarm feature, etc.
Wired or wireless remote? Does it come with an app? Presets?
What is your price range and does the price include the mattress? If you buy a mattress that’s too thick it won’t bend when you raise or lower your head/feet. Make sure you get a quality mattress though – the flexing motion will cause extra wear and you don’t want to sleep on a mattress that develops a fold in the middle. Adjustable mattresses can be innerspring, foam or a combination of the two. Most boxed mattresses will work with an electric bed.
What’s your style? If you don’t like the look of the mattress and bare base, you might still need a bed frame to drop your adjustable base into. It gives a more polished/stylish look.
That’s it for our top adjustable bases for 2018. What one do you want?
Mattress Firm has their Memorial Day sale going on now. Prices are good in store and you can order them online. We recommend buying online and skipping dealing with a mattress salesperson. See our list below for some of the top deals this year!
The sale runs from 5/16 to 5/29 at MattressFirm.com and you have many choices in different price ranges to choose from. You can also chat with a sleep expert on their website to answer any questions you might have. The advantage is they offer free delivery and it’s really fast. You just schedule it through their site.
Free adjustable bed when spending at least $599 on a mattress
King mattresses for queen prices, queen mattresses for twin prices
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