As hot sleepers seek new ways to increase their comfort and quality of rest, some bed manufacturers are responding with a range of materials and technologies designed to lower the temperature of your sleeping environment. But are these so-called cooling mattresses all they’re cracked up to be? 

The expert team at Dreamwool Beds is here to tell you all about how to stay cool and well-rested, no matter the climate or season.

What is a cooling mattress?

Some modern mattresses are manufactured with fans inside or underneath them, or with a grid-like top layer of what’s known as a Phase Change Material. This material, often a gel, is added to the surface of the mattress to absorb excess heat and help maintain a stable mattress temperature.

Do cooling mattresses work?

In principle, yes, cooling mattresses can help regulate the temperature of your bed, but in most cases, the cooling mechanisms are simply responding to problems created by flaws in the original mattress design. When mattresses retain heat, this is typically because they have been made with substandard materials and synthetic foams that fail to breathe, trapping heat and promoting night sweats. 

By adding fans or gels to these synthetic base materials, you’re masking the issue, rather than solving it. Unless air can move freely through the mattress – which is not possible in a closed-cell synthetic foam – you’ll never really be able to keep it cool. Simply put, cooling mattresses are more of a marketing angle than an actual improvement in comfort or functionality. And in the case of fan-powered cooling mechanisms, you are creating a noisy sleep environment which, for many sleepers, can actually worsen the quality of your rest.

Breathable Mattresses

The best cooling mattress for hot sleepers is one made from a combination of natural materials and generous, breathable comfort layers. Materials such as the all-natural latex and Merino wool used in Dreamwool’s second-to-none luxury mattresses are the product of thousands of years of evolution. They are naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and temperature-neutral, unlike synthetic foams that lock in heat and don’t allow air to pass through. Using natural materials to absorb and disperse heat and moisture is the only way to truly maintain thermophysiological comfort.

Discover the Difference

When shopping for a temperature-regulating mattress, the most important thing to determine is exactly what it’s made of – it could be ticking the box but not actually doing the job. Don’t rely on computer-generated drawings; ask to see samples to learn exactly what’s inside and how much. These samples should clearly show you what the mattress is made of and exactly how those materials are working together to give you the best night’s sleep.

Here are the main things you should be looking for as you decide what to buy:

Natural Materials

You want locally made and sustainable natural materials including all-natural latex (not synthetic) and responsibly sourced wool. Merino wool is the best of the best as it will get warm but never hot, buffering the ambient temperature of your sleeping space even on a scorching summer night.

Quantity of Materials

Coolness comes from breathability; a big component of this is the volume of materials in your mattress. You should be looking for at least 25mm of all-natural latex as well as generous comfort layers of a natural product like Merino wool. 

Best Mattress for Night Sweats

Night sweats can be a hugely disruptive and unwelcome part of your sleep routine. We find that Dreamwool customers with night sweats benefit most from a mattress system with a layer of microcoils for added breathability. Microcoils support your mattress’ comfort layers by putting a buffer between them and allowing more air to pass through the bed.

Sleep Cooler Tonight

When figuring out how to sleep cooler at night, don’t be fooled by gimmicks and add-ons designed to distract you from poorer-quality materials and construction. The coolest, most comfortable night’s sleep you’ll ever have will come from handmade craftsmanship and the best quality and volume of all-natural materials. Book a consultation at Dreamwool today and discover the difference.

The impact of mattress choice on spinal health

Your choice of mattress can have a huge impact on your overall spinal health. A high-quality mattress will provide you with the spinal support and conformity you need as you sleep, leading to better alignment, back pain relief, and healthier joints. Conversely, a low-quality mattress with inferior or insufficient materials can lead to back pain, bad posture, and poor muscle and joint health.

Common sleep disruptions caused by back pain

Back pain from an inferior mattress can lead to excess tossing and turning, waking repeatedly through the night, and struggling to find a comfortable sleeping position. As importantly, this can lead to chronic joint and muscle pain throughout your day.

What is a latex mattress?

A natural latex mattress is made from the sap of the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree. Latex mattresses provide strong support, absorbing every contour of your body and adjusting with you as you move during the night.

Natural vs. synthetic latex: Key differences

All-natural latex made from the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree is known to be sustainable, breathable, durable and hypoallergenic. Dreamwool luxury latex mattresses feature all-natural latex infused with activated charcoal for added freshness and don’t use any synthetic ingredients such as glue, foam or polyester. The result is optimum comfort and support for up to 15 years. Synthetic latex is cheaper but not environmentally sustainable. It breathes poorly – meaning that it retains moisture and can be prone to mould – making it both less comfortable and not as durable as its natural counterpart.

How merino wool latex mattresses are constructed

Dreamwool can provide you with the best mattress for back pain relief, handmade with the highest quality and volume of all-natural materials. Activated-charcoal-infused, all-natural latex is topped with plush comfort layers of locally sourced Merino wool for maximum comfort, breathability and support. Our hands-on craftsmanship across all mattress types, as opposed to the mass production of many standard mattresses, enables constant improvements to design quality to maintain an optimum sleep experience.

Benefits of merino wool latex mattresses for back pain sufferers

Many sleepers would benefit from using natural latex mattresses for spinal support. Latex mattress benefits for back pain include superior comfort and conformity to your body profile, with Merino wool providing temperature consistency and natural warmth to prevent joint stiffness.

Superior support and spinal alignment

Both Merino wool and all-natural latex provide superior comfort and spinal alignment by holding your body in a supported position without being overly firm or soft. Dreamwool offers four different latex densities to customise your mattress to your unique sleep preferences and needs.

Pressure relief for joints and muscles

The best way to ensure pressure relief for your joints and muscles is to select a mattress that has the correct latex density and comfort layers for your specific needs.

Hypoallergenic properties and sleep health

All-natural latex is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic. It is resistant to dust mites, mildew and mould, making it an excellent option for people with allergies and ideal for overall sleep health.

Choosing the right latex mattress for your needs

The best way to select the right mattress for your needs is to test potential options by lying down on them in your preferred sleep position. You should feel the mattress conforming to your body profile with equal support on all of your joints. You should also ask about what’s inside – all-natural products breathe better and provide optimum support and comfort.

Firmness levels suitable for back pain relief

While some promote firm mattresses for lower back pain, this ultimately depends on your weight and body composition. If you can easily slip your hand under your midriff, you know it’s too firm. You also want your hip and shoulder to be able to deflect and move into the bed without too much resistance.

Importance of mattress thickness and density

Density is much more important than thickness when selecting a mattress – the thickness of a mattress on the shop floor can be misleading due to synthetic materials that will not stand the test of time. To make the best selection, find out what it offers in terms of comfort layers and test how your body fits into the mattress in your natural sleeping position.

Customization options for personalized comfort

Dreamwool beds are crafted with customisable firmness to support optimal spinal alignment and better posture during sleep. By using different pocket spring gauges and varying latex densities, Dreamwool creates a sleep experience tailored to your unique body and comfort needs. This personalized approach ensures that each area of your body receives the exact level of support it requires, promoting restorative sleep and reducing pressure points.

Optimal sleeping positions for spinal health

Experts are divided on the best sleeping position for spinal health, but the consensus seems to be that your stomach is the worst. Back and side sleeping positions can both be beneficial for spinal health, particularly with a pillow under the knees while sleeping on your back, or between your knees to stack your hips while sleeping on your side. Ultimately, what’s most important is that your mattress offers the right support for your needs.

Understanding the connection between sleep and health

Diet, exercise and sleep are the three pillars of great health. There are numerous studies demonstrating how sleep positively impacts critical health factors including weight, illness and injury prevention and recovery, blood pressure, stress, and mental health. Sleep is a critical tool that can greatly increase your overall well-being.

Why your mattress matters for long-term wellness

The health benefits of a good mattress cannot be overstated. Your mattress is the foundation for a good night’s sleep; this is an investment in your health that will pay you back many times over. The positive long-term effects of mattress quality can include better joint and muscle health, lower stress, weight management, allergy prevention, increased energy, enhanced mental health, better posture, increased circulation, and pain reduction.

The role of support and spinal alignment

There is a close relationship between your mattress and spinal alignment. Prioritising quality mattresses for better sleep is critical for a healthy spine, as a premium mattress will provide you with the support and conformity to adapt to your movements as you sleep. Dreamwool mattresses offer optimum pressure relief due to their high manufacturing quality and the combination and volume of natural materials being used.

Pressure relief for joint and muscle health

To ensure optimum joint and muscle health, choose a mattress with a high quality and quantity of natural materials and plush comfort layers that will adequately support you as you sleep. A luxurious Dreamwool mattress supports joint and muscle health with second-to-none materials and craftsmanship; we also offer many customisable elements, such as spring gauge and density of fillings, to provide a truly personalised sleep support experience.

Materials matter: choosing the right mattress for your needs

Low-quality and artificial materials – or an insufficient quantity of materials – will negatively impact your sleep by creating an environment with reduced breathability, support, and temperature control. As you look to prioritise the importance of a mattress for sleep health, it is critical to select a fit-for-purpose mattress with a good volume of high-quality, natural materials that will support good sleep now and in the future.

Benefits of natural materials like Merino wool and latex

Selecting a natural mattress for wellness is a great way to improve your overall health. The primary benefits of using natural materials such as Merino wool and all-natural latex are breathability, longevity, conformity, comfort and support.

Why breathability and temperature control are essential

Your body temperature naturally fluctuates overnight; this can often lead to damp or disrupted sleep. All-natural materials increase your thermophysiological comfort by providing a breathable sleeping environment that wicks away moisture and regulates your bed’s temperature.

Common issues caused by subpar sleep surfaces

Some of the most common issues caused by subpar mattress quality and synthetic materials are poor sleep, clamminess and night sweats, temperature dysregulation, aches and pains, and partner disturbance.

How to select the right mattress

As you are looking to select the best mattress for health and comfort, you should test potential options by lying down on them in your preferred sleep position. You should also ask about what’s inside – all-natural products breathe better and provide optimum support and comfort.

Why Dreamwool mattresses are ideal for long-term health

Dreamwool mattresses provide the best quality of rest because they are built to the highest standard of materials and craftsmanship. We don’t compromise on the quality or quantity of materials used, and all of our mattresses are handmade to exacting standards. We also offer many customisable elements to provide a truly personalised sleep experience that can optimise your long-term health.

Merino wool for comfort and temperature regulation

Merino wool delivers unparalleled microclimate control for a truly restful night’s sleep. This extraordinary natural fibre comes from Merino sheep that thrive in New Zealand’s rugged high country—a region known for its dramatic temperature fluctuations. As a result, their wool naturally regulates temperature, moving the dial in comfort and delivering unparalleled microclimate control.

Handcrafted quality for lifelong support

A handmade mattress brings a level of care and attention that mass-produced options simply can’t match. Each Dreamwool bed is handmade in Christchurch, showcasing locally sourced Merino wool, natural latex, and European-made pocket springs. This allows us to focus on detail and quality, so you receive a bed that’s uniquely yours and built to last.

The lasting benefits of investing in a premium mattress

The best investment you can make in tomorrow is a good night’s sleep. With a premium Dreamwool mattress, you can achieve a better quality of sleep, a better quality of life, and a higher standard of overall health and well-being.

Understanding Mattress Toppers

A mattress topper is a protector that is installed on top of your existing mattress. They are designed to add additional comfort and make mattress care easier due to their ability to be removed, aired and cleaned.

Benefits of Using a Mattress Topper

A good mattress topper can increase the longevity of your mattress and enhance comfort, particularly if your existing mattress is not meeting your needs, though even luxury mattress toppers are still no substitute for a suitable, high-quality mattress.

How Mattress Toppers Enhance Sleep Quality

Depending on the fillers used, a mattress topper may provide more comfort for tired hips and shoulders, offer peace of mind around spills and moisture, and give a bit of extra life to your mattress.

Pressure Relief and Support

A quality mattress topper can offer additional plushness with more layers to support your joints and muscles.

Temperature Regulation

A mattress topper’s ability to regulate temperature depends on the materials it has been made with. Dreamwool mattress toppers are all-natural, made with the utmost quality and quantity of Merino wool to offer greater temperature regulation, breathability, and support.

Different Types of Mattress Toppers

Most Dreamwool mattresses already have an integrated woollen overlay mattress topper. This adds to the comfort and hygiene of the bed due to its additional Merino wool comfort layers and the ability for it to be removed for airing and dry cleaning. Many other mattress toppers on the market are designed to be a cheaper alternative to mattress replacement, with the aim being to extend the lifespan of your bed.

Latex Toppers

We recommend a mattress topper with generous layers of all-natural latex combined with fine Merino wool for optimum comfort and support.

Wool Toppers

Wool mattress toppers offer the best temperature regulation, breathability, moisture-wicking, and climate control.

Choosing the Right Mattress Topper for Your Needs

It is important to choose a mattress topper with both a high quality and a high quantity of natural material. If there is not much product in it, it is unlikely to provide significant support.

Assessing Your Mattress Condition

It’s a good idea to assess the condition of your mattress before buying a topper. If it is hollow or lumpy, a topper may not help you, and you may need to just replace the mattress.

Identifying Your Sleep Preferences

There aren’t any meaningful customisation options for mattress toppers in terms of sleep preference – you won’t find a mattress topper that has been optimised for side sleepers, for instance. The best way to choose the right mattress topper for your needs is to try them all in your normal sleep position and assess their level of comfort.

How to Properly Use and Maintain a Mattress Topper

Dreamwool woollen overlay mattress toppers are designed to be unzipped and hung in direct sunlight regularly to air them out and eradicate dust mites. Should you experience a spill, the best way to clean a wool mattress topper is to spot-clean it, avoid using too much liquid, and treat it like you would any other natural fibre.

Installation Tips

Choose a mattress topper that is the appropriate size for your mattress, ideally with good, strong elastics on each corner. Remove all of your bedding and ensure your mattress is clean, then secure the mattress topper in place using any built-in elastic edges or straps.

Mattress Toppers vs. Mattress Pads: What’s the Difference?

Typically, mattress pads are thinner and designed to protect your mattress from regular wear and tear and spills. Mattress toppers are often thicker and can change the overall feel of your existing mattress.

An introduction to Merino wool

Merino wool is a natural fibre made from the wool of Merino sheep. This unique breed originated in Spain and was introduced to New Zealand in the early 1800s. Merino sheep are well-suited to the New Zealand high country due to their ability to thrive in extreme climates. This makes their wool an excellent material choice for clothing and bedding due to its natural temperature regulation and breathability.

What makes Merino wool unique?

Merino wool is a natural, lightweight fibre known for its softness, temperature regulation, breathability, and moisture wicking. Its natural wool benefits include odour resistance and the anti-bacterial properties of lanolin, which prevents the build-up of odour-causing bacteria.

Is merino wool soft?

Merino wool is exceptionally soft due to its high fibre density, with fibres that grow in longer, thinner layers than traditional wool.

What is merino wool good for?

Merino wool is excellent for bedding and clothing due to its luxurious softness, odour resistance, longevity, and easy maintenance.

Why is Merino wool ideal for luxury bedding?

Luxury wool bedding has thermophysiological benefits including superior moisture control and temperature regulation, as well as antimicrobial properties that make it uniquely suited for a fresh, dry sleeping experience. It excels in terms of breathability, making it ideal for a range of ambient temperatures, sleep preferences, and seasons.

The origin of Merino wool

Highly prized Merino wool originated in Spain and found favour under Moorish rule in the Middle Ages. This breed was introduced to Australia and New Zealand in the 1800s. By the 1850s, New Zealand Merino wool had become one of our main agricultural industries.

Sourcing Merino wool from New Zealand’s South Island

Dreamwool’s Merino wool is sourced directly from select high-country farms. We have four central South Island growers who produce Merino for us in Tekapo, Hakataramea and Kurow.

The process of making Merino wool

Merino wool production begins with annual sheep shearing, where wool is carefully removed from the sheep, examined, and quality checked. It is then sorted and cleaned before the fibres are separated in a process called carding. From there it is needled into a batt form with graduated density for greater comfort and finished into final Merino products.

Sustainable practices in Merino wool production

Sustainable wool products offer a range of benefits for our local environment including renewability and biodegradability. Merino sheep are bred on land not suitable for agriculture and can be sheared for many seasons, making them a sustainable and renewable resource. Products made from Merino are durable and long-lasting, meaning that they will not need to be replaced often. Merino wool is also bio-degradable at the end of its lifecycle, unlike synthetic fibres which can contain toxins and microplastics.

Key characteristics of Merino wool fibers

Merino wool is supremely soft and luxurious due to its high fibre density, which also makes it especially strong and durable. Merino wool fibres are moisture- and odour-resistant, temperature-regulating, naturally elastic, and highly breathable.

Fine and soft texture

Merino wool has a naturally crimped texture and a very fine fibre diameter, yielding a high fibre density. This results in a soft and elastic texture ideal for clothing and bedding applications.

Natural temperature regulation and breathability

Due to the harsh climates experienced by Merino sheep, their wool naturally regulates temperature, moving the dial in comfort and delivering unparalleled microclimate control. These sheep have evolved to produce wool that keeps them warm during icy winters and cool during scorching summers.

Durability and resilience in luxury mattresses

Manufacturing quality is the number one factor that affects mattress durability and resilience. This includes the quality and quantity of all of the bed’s components, including its natural materials, latex, and spring system. Merino wool is naturally stain-resistant and long-lasting, making it an excellent choice for durability and resilience.

Why Merino wool is perfect for Dreamwool mattresses

Merino wool provides luxurious comfort with unparalleled microclimate control for a truly restful night’s sleep. By using thick, plush layers of Merino, Dreamwool mattresses effortlessly maintain your ideal sleep temperature and draw humidity away quickly, ensuring a dry, breathable bed environment throughout the night. It is also naturally hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and breathable, making it a healthier luxury option compared to synthetic alternatives. The outcome is a mattress that enhances the natural attributes of its materials, offering optimum comfort and well-being.

Caring for Merino wool latex mattresses

Rotating your mattress quarterly will help it maintain its shape and provide you with comfort and support for longer. The best way to clean a Merino wool latex mattress is to avoid using too much liquid and treat it like you would any other natural fibre. Dreamwool mattresses also feature a zip-off woollen overlay that can be hung in direct sunlight to eradicate dust mites.