update on wool/Outlast toppers
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hi there, Sorry for the delay in updating; i was trying to see what worked. Keep in mind that i seem to be insanely sensitive to whatever i'm trying right now, and i'm probably a little nutty from all the mattress stuff, too! So, the wool topper seems to be ok--though a little warm--if i keep the layers rather firm, and don't 'sink in' too much. I've also noticed that my skin gets a little prickly and a little itchy--barely noticeable, but certainly there--from the wool topper. Not sure what that's about. But it's ok for now, and i think i'll keep it. I tried the Outlast mattress pad for all of 10 minutes. It was COLD! Probably a good thing, but honestly, i couldn't take it. I felt like i was catching a chill, lying there on it! I think after testing out so much stuff, being uncomfortable and changing stuff around so much, i just couldn't take the Outlast pad. Maybe it warms up during the night some, and maybe it's good in the summer...I read stuff from people saying it was actually a little too cold, sometimes!...But i just wasn't in the mood to lie there, cold! This is probably good news for those of you not too sensitive to cold, and who want a cooler sleep. It definitely had a 'cold/cool' feel from the start. Hope that helps...I'll post about my current configuration more, soon... :) |
Re: update on wool/Outlast toppers
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The slight itchiness could be caused by the wool in the topper. I use to find wool suits somewhat itchy. The itchiness might diminish over time. Anyway, I tried the outlast mattress pad from Costco as well. When first laying on it I found it cool, which I like. However, I found that after laying in the same position for a while the heat seemed to build up. I think it can absorb a certain amount of heat, but after it is "full", it ends up radiating it back to you. When I moved, it seemed cool in another spot, but that defeats the purpose of being able to sleep comfortably in the same position. It got hot enough that I switched back to my old mattress pad at 2am to see what the difference would. That heated up as well, which is probably normal. So, I can't say the Outlast is worth it. I may try one more time, but I will probably return. The fill in the outlast (and most other mattress pads) is polyester. It might be better to go with just natural components like wool and cotton. So, I think I am going to try a 100% cotton pad to see how that is. My flobed mattress cover already has some wool in it, so the might be some temperature moderation that I am already getting. Natura makes mattres pads with a wool fill. One is organic wool and cotton (hand washable but not machine dryable) and they have a washable wool fill that is not organic. I might try one of those as well. |
Re: update on wool/Outlast toppers
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I gave the Outlast mattress pad one more try. To really test it, I switched out my convoluted latex top layer for 2" of Sensus memory foam. It was a warm enought night to keep a window open. I woke up after a couple hours feeling pretty hot. It bothered me enough that I switched back to the latex top layer and my old mattress cover (basic cotton with polyester fill). I did not get that hot feeling for the rest of the night. I felt warm, but comfortable. So, the conclusion for me is that the Outlast may absorb heat for a while, but eventually it still gets hot (or possibly hotter?) like a generic mattress pad. Also, latex for me does sleep cooler than standard memory foam. |
Re: update on wool/Outlast toppers
| Interesting! Good to know. I really thought it would sleep cooler (or too cool!) but perhaps it acts like the rest, in the end... |