If you wake up bothered by the heat, your mattress or pillow is probably trapping warmth. The good news is that some things really do make a difference, and others will not change much.

Natural cotton layers

Cotton draws off moisture and lets more air through than foam alone. Mattresses like Almany and Pocket Cotton have a cotton layer on each side, which improves the feel on summer nights.

Pocket and connected springs

Mattresses with springs leave space for air between the layers, which is better than solid foam all the way through. Medical mattresses with solid foam run warmer, so if you sleep hot, choose a version with cotton.

Memory foam

Memory foam takes the shape of the body and traps more heat, especially the regular versions. If you like it but run hot, look for a cooling gel version.

Your pillow matters too

• Memory foam with cooling gel: the gel layer draws off heat and keeps the pillow cool for longer.
• Natural latex: it lets air through, so it does not run hot like regular memory foam.
• Fiber and microfiber: light and machine washable, so they are easy to keep fresh.

Simple things that help

• Use light cotton sheets.
• Air the room before bed and point the fan at the side, not at your face.
• Wash your pillow and cover regularly so sweat does not build up.

Browse the mattresses and pillows, or take the Mattress Quiz and choose sleeping hot as the thing that bothers you most.