skip to main content

Home Decorating

Not really decor, but I need help choosing new mattress

9 years ago

Our pillowtop is about 15 yrs old, I told DH for our 25th anniversary this fall I wanted a new one but I'm ready to go shopping this week. I don't know how I'm going to get through the summer. I'm in perimenopause and even with AC set at 71 and ceiling fan going I wake up in the middle of the night so hot I can't sleep, even if I was comfy when I went to bed. Last night was so bad I laid down and then went right to DD's room and her antique bed, b/c even with her in it, it was cooler than mine (and DH wasn't even upstairs yet!). I think the pillowtop is holding my body heat in, even with high thread count cotton sheets. And DD has a waterproof mattress pad (with cotton cover)!

I really need sleep - spent 4 nights at fancy hotel in Boston with my mom and DD, king bed, I would start the night there (DD in the middle) but then move to saggy plastic roll-away cot they brought in for DD (that she refused to sleep in). At least that was cool (to begin with) - right by window and AC. But 2 hours of sleep followed by 4 hours in the cot does not add up to 6 hours. Not that I'm sleeping any better at home. Though last night slept with DD 11 til 6:30! I usually wake up about 5:30 (sunrise).

So is there a good cool mattress that I can put flannel sheets on in the winter and still be comfy? I've heard about "cooling gel" mattresses, don't know who sells them and price range/support (I'm a side/tummy sleeper, DH is mostly a back sleeper). Tried searching for a "cooling mattress topper" like a memory foam topper but reviews are mixed, they're $180 and we need a new mattress anyway.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

2ajsmama
Original Author
9 years ago
Changed my mind - until I'm in menopause, it's best I stay with the old mattress. Does anybody have any recommendations for fairly inexpensive cooling mattress pads or sheets, preferably waterproof?

This post was edited by ajsmama on Mon, Jul 7, 14 at 2:37
camlan
9 years ago
I'd try a store with a good return policy--some will take back a used mattress pad, some won't. Then try a few until you find one you like.

The comfort of the memory foam mattress pads is very subjective--some like them firmer, some like them softer. You really need to sleep on one to see if you like it.
Related Discussions
New home in central New Jersey- need help decorating
Q
Comments (45)
I read an article on this site not long ago (can't remember where now) that I thought gave some good advice. Buy a couple of high quality pieces. Really nice sofa and chair for example in a neutral color. Then accessorize and add color with less expensive pillows and smaller more original pieces from flea markets as others have suggested or even second hand stores. If you spend some time browsing photos on Houzz and start an idea book you will soon see the similarities in what you like or don't like. Even colors you gravitate towards. So you could get some nice pieces and ideas from Ethan Allen but don't buy everything from them. Fill in with less expensive and unique pieces. It will keep the room from looking like a showroom. Also once you pick fabrics or pillows you like paint stores (at least my local SW) is great about helping pick out paint colors. I think you could very well pull a room together based on an inspiration photo and help from furniture and paint stores. I am no whiz at decorating but I have learned a lot from reading these forums. Good luck and have some fun with it :)
...See More
Need help choosing family room table lamp, decor, window treatments
Q
Comments (5)
My style is difficult to describe so I've included photos that inspire me.
...See More
I need help choosing new rugs for challenging shaped kitchen.
Q
Comments (13)
Agree on the oddity of rugs in a kitchen. I was told ages ago a rug at outside doors really keeps the dirt tracked in, down. We are shoeless inside but still there are always THOSE TIMES. I also have a highly cushioned mat in front of my sink. I stand there for long periods of time certain times of the year and find it very helpful on my knees and hips.
...See More
Diversion decorating - help me choose new slipcover fabric for sofa
Q
Comments (10)
I'll have to check and see if Sunbrella is an option with Lee. I'm not sure I have the energy to do COM in a pandemic. Altho, maybe the shop I'm ordering from could find it for me. The cats have scratched it to shreds. They were pretty good for the first year or two and then suddenly discovered it. I've been told if I have lots of tall scratching posts, they will leave the sofa alone. They save their vomiting for the rugs. Why cats can't vomit on a hard surface is beyond me. sheeisback, we keep the black cover on the cushions, otherwise I think it would be stained awfully. My SIL had a set of white leather furniture and the seats were stained dramatically blue from their jeans. Lauren has some good advice but it basically comes down to some fabrics might be okay, but the only sure thing is poly and while cats might not scratch it, their hair will stick to it like glue. Her words sure did ring true, though. This was my favourite part: Those chairs couldn’t have been more appealing to my Peaches if they were covered in catnip and drenched in tuna water. It is good to know others think the light linen is timeless. I noticed in the article linked, she had light linen in an older pic and it didn't look dated. Kswl, so I'm not the only one? That is some comfort. My DH had one aunt who somehow managed to keep up with the times well into her 80s. My teenage daughters would have happily worn her outfits. But she's definitely the exception.
...See More
2ajsmama
Original Author
9 years ago
I don't really want a memory foam pad, but they are widely available so I was comparing what I was looking for with that. I did see 1 cooling pad on Amazon but a lot of people didn't like it, said it only lasted 15-30 minutes, didn't hold up in the wash, and not worth the $170-180.
2ajsmama
Original Author
9 years ago
Anybody have any recommendations for cooling mattress pads or bedding? I slept with DD again last night, just can't sleep on that pillowtop with DH! I'm going to ask my dr about HRT!
nutherokie_gw
9 years ago
I know it sounds counterintuitive, but have you considered a wool fleece mattress pad? I remember reading that many people find the fleece to have a cooling effect because it wicks moisture and allows some air circulation.

I haven't used one, but they look nice. Rather pricy, though.
User
9 years ago
Wow, it's great to see you here again ajsmama! It's been such a long time. How is your home coming along?

I'm sorry I can't help you with a mattress pad, but I find having a floor fan aimed right at me helps. I don't get actual "night sweats", but I do get very warm.
funnygirl
9 years ago
We have a Sleep Number bed with a cooling gel memory foam type topper I purchased at Costco. No complaints and, of course, anything can be returned to Costco. However, you'll never ever get it back in the box it came in and they are heavy. IOW, it would be a pain to return.
User
9 years ago
We just looked at new mattresses today. Memory foam. They all have the cooling pad now. It's amazing how cool they feel. Granted I have no clue how well they help when on them for a whole night.
The cost for just the topper from Temporpedic is about $900 if you buy it separate. It seems iComfort by Serta, is very comparable in comfort. We tried many different mattresses and IF we wind up buying it'll be the iComfort on an Omaha Mattress frame to save six hundred dollars.
I want to check out the Omaha Mattress store first though. I'll let you know what we find out.
rgps
9 years ago
We have bought 3 nova form gel form toppers from Costco for 3 different beds. One is for our home in the desert where we are stingy with the AC, one is on our bed at 8,000 feet where it's rarely over 50 degrees at night and one is in our camper van. When it's really cold in the van the mattress is a rock when you get in but quickly softens up as our bodies warm it. There is no AC in the van when we sleep. In all of these situations we have been really happy with this topper. Never too hot and I am "of the age" when I would be. We've had them all for 3 years. Love them.

Related Stories

DECLUTTERING Downsizing Help: Choosing What Furniture to Leave Behind

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

What to take, what to buy, how to make your favorite furniture fit ... get some answers from a homeowner who scaled way down

HEALTHY HOME Natural Beds: How to Shop for a Greener Mattress

By Laura Gaskill

Before bouncing from store to store, start here to find the right chemical-free mattress for you

BEDROOMS The Right Mattress: The Secret to a Great Night’s Sleep

By Sophie Baylis

We spend a third of our lives asleep, so investing in a quality mattress is essential. Check out this expert advice to help you choose yours

BEDROOMS How to Choose the Perfect Bedsheets

By Lisa Frederick

Don't lose any shut-eye over scratchy or ill-fitting sheets; our mini guide to materials, thread count and fit will help you sleep tight

FURNITURE Smart Shopper: How to Choose a Sofa Bed

Comfort and convenience — today's sleep sofas offer both. Here's what to consider to get the right sleeper for you

FURNITURE How to Choose the Right Sofa Cushion

By Mike Dietrich

Shopping for a sofa? Here’s what to know about the basic cushion options — and the all-important test you must do for yourself

DECORATING GUIDES How to Choose an Awesome Area Rug No Matter What Your Space

By Apartment 46 for the Home

High use, a low door, kids and pets running amok — whatever your area endures, this insight will help you find the right rug for it

DECORATING GUIDES Lose It: How to Get Rid of a Mattress

By Vanessa Brunner

Updating your bedroom? Here's how to donate, reuse or recycle that mattress — and keep it out of the landfill

DECORATING GUIDES Choose the Right Doorknob for the Job

By Samantha Schoech

Your home's entire style may just turn on the right doorknob. These examples can help you select wisely

COLOR How to Choose a Paint Color

By Erin Carlyle

Designers offer tips for examining your closet, memories and daily life to find the right paint colors for your home

Sponsored

More Discussions

Powder room by the kitchen

249

the right color area rug to go with a warm grey couch

1

outdoor cover for PB sea grass chairs

3

Help with bedding to match!

4

What do I put on walls or mantle to help this space?

3