Mattress Forum

I think it also depends on the type of wool toppers you are using as well.  Ideally it is in a stretchy material.  I think the St. Dormier is probably more flexible than the Natura I have.  I think the wool filled cotton topper is probably more flexible than the snugfleece kind. 

I also try to put them on loosely (when trying to reduce the firmness).   My topper has elastic bands that go over the corners.  When I use them, it seems firmer.  So, often I just lay it on and try to put the wool mattress pad and sheet on so that they are not too tight.  Othewise they pull tight and add firmness. 

I no longer seem to get too hot with my configuration, but you may be more sensitive than me.

ETA--Berkely Ergonomics who sell a nice all-natural sleep system, also sell a wool-cotton stretchy mattress cover/topper but it's over $200.  There's a local store that sells this brand and I went and checked out the mattresses..very pricey for what you get, but nice. Basically it's pocketed coils, a 3" latex pad (your choice of firmness), and a wool/cotton stretchy zip-on cover. That's it.  in a one-sided mattress, average price $1500. For $600 more you can get the adjustable slat platform. ANywho, I liked the mattresses ok, but since I'd just paid $1300 for a disastrous comfortaire just over a year ago, I wasn't in a position to spend another $1500+ for a new set so I passed. [I had also JUST bought the $700 S brand mattress set.] They make and sell the oxygen pillow (pricey as well) and the cover I mentioned above (which I think is close to what is on their beds, which I admit is the nicest bed covering I've yet seen..wool, cotton, and stretchy!)..but everything is mega bucks and I'm not rich. As well, nothing is returnable!  So you buy, you don't like, you're out.

sandman which wool toppers do you have please.

I did not sleep hot last night for the first time in ages BUT..I think it had a lot more to do with the fact that it was quite cool last night..the fan was in the window (as usual) and was blowing in fresh cool air. The room was in the low 60s. I was therefore able to sleep with an extra blanket and I really like the added weight..I sleep better but of course that usually adds to the hotness. But I didn't get hot under there nor did I have to move off any hot spots under my body. 

I had found a post in this forum from someone, I forget who, who said he discovered the answer to his hotness on latex was the room temperature. He said when the room was cool, he did not get hot sleeping, when the room was not cool, he did.  I am really beginning to think he has hit the nail on the head with that one. I don't have a/c and unless it's very cool out (like last night) it gets warm in my room (and of course, downright hot on hot days/nights). The fan only blows hot air around.  I tend to hate a/c (canned air) but I really think I need to get one especially if it means I can sleep at night. (Won't need it now that colder weather is upon us but in the spring/summer).   I don't like the idea of higher electric bills, etc.  But I wasn't hot last night and that in itself is a minor miracle...and I really do not think it was the mattelasse bed cover doing it. Still have to experiment w/ this.

Leo, do you have a/c in your room and/or, what temp. is your room generally at night? Do you find if it's very cool that you don't get hot spots?

My night wasn't perfect, my neck was uncomfortable all night (pillow issues!), I woke a lot I think almost in anticipation of being hot..and wasn't..!! ...but then started thinking too much, lol..you know the drilll..

This is the wool topper I bought at walmart.com.  I can't remember who makes it, but it seems okay.  They say 1.5", but I think more like 1".  They also have a 3" one is you are looking for something thicker and more of a breathable barrier.   I think you can return things if purchased on the walmart website, and they might have free shipping to a store near you.

I have not tried any others to really say how it compares.  I was also looking at the Gaiim (pretty good price and I think returnable) and Natura.  It is possible that the walmart one is a bit less flexible than the others, so it might affect the feel more.  Not totally sure though.
 

On top of that I use the washable wool filled Natura mattress pad.  It is pretty good, and I got a good price at the time from Select Comfort (I don't think they carry them anymore).  From what I read, I think it is stiffer than the St. Dormier one.  So, when I want to replace I think I will go with St. Dormier.

p.s.  what are you using now over the latex topper?  The wool topper would probably reduce the springy feel a bit, so maybe that is a plus for you.

They call it cotton (which is the cover), but most likely it is filled with polyester.  Check the tag if you can.  Polyester is not necessariy that bad, but I don't think it would work as well as wool.  

I noticed that Costco has added this wool filled protector.   But it also says waterproof, so it might have a layer that is not so breathable.   LL Bean also sells wool filled washable ones, and I think you can return to them. I don't think it has as much wool though.

The St. Dormier might not have enough wool by itself.  For me, just using the wool mattress pad is not enough for heat issues. So, I use the wool topper and the wool filled mattress pad.  However, if I was only using latex (and no memory foam), then maybe it would be.  So, best to add one thing at a time, hopefully returnable.  If you are getting a returnable wool topper, I would start with that and use with your current mattress pad to see if that works.  If you really want a new mattress pad, then maybe start with the St. Dormier and see if that solves the problem.  If not, try adding a returnable wool topper as well.

Yes, room temperature will make a big difference.  Also, Budgy in the past has said that a silk filled comforter adds weight but not as much heat (vs. say down, wool filled, or a heavy blanket).

I don't use any A/C but I live near the ocean.  So, normally not too hot in my room except a few nights during the year.  I prefer 70 degrees or less.