update on wool/Outlast toppers
Oct 24, 2009 4:46 PM
Joined: Nov 4, 2008
Points: 223
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
Reply #4 Oct 26, 2009 12:03 PM
Joined: Oct 15, 2009
Points: 966
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
Reply #5 Oct 26, 2009 2:05 PM
Joined: Nov 4, 2008
Points: 223
Interesting! Good to know. I really thought it would sleep cooler (or too cool!) but perhaps it acts like the rest, in the end...