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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I hadn't heard of the 'Outlast mattress pad' so I went to Costco to look it up.... While I was there I noticed they are having a sale on their fabulous Cuddle Bed mattress pad topper for only $39.99/shipped! I have this product and I can honestly say that this is one of the very best pads I have seen and that it does what it says its going to do. It's cotton covered and is about an inch thick in the middle. It was just enough thickness to soften up our latex mattress for my wife who is a side sleeper. You may have already tried this and I'm sure some people might not like it, but for $40 and Costco's guarantee, its a winner. I'm curious... what mattress config did you end up doing? This message was modified Oct 25, 2009 by BillB
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Re: update on wool/Outlast toppers
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BillB wrote: I hadn't heard of the 'Outlast mattress pad' so I went to Costco to look it up.... While I was there I noticed they are having a sale on their fabulous Cuddle Bed mattress pad topper for only $39.99/shipped! I have this product and I can honestly say that this is one of the very best pads I have seen and that it does what it says its going to do. It's cotton covered and is about an inch thick in the middle. It was just enough thickness to soften up our latex mattress for my wife who is a side sleeper. You may have already tried this and I'm sure some people might not like it, but for $40 and Costco's guarantee, its a winner.<p>I'm curious... what mattress config did you end up doing? Hi Bill I do have the Cuddlebed, and while i *love* the general feel of it, it just sleeps too hot for me (what is wrong with me??)! So, i've taken it off for a bit. But i do love it. My mattress configuration is: 3" LUX-HQ, 3" HD36-HQ, 1 1/2" HD36 eggcrate, 1 1/2" supersoft eggcrate, wool topper. It's ok, but not *great*. I do have a soft FBM topper that i take on and off...I find that when i put on a softer layer, i like it initially, but then i awaken in the night and--maybe stuff softens up while i'm lying there--it feels too soft and unsupportive. So, right now it feels a tad bit too firm, but i'm ok with that. I would LOVE to try an all-latex configuration, but i just don't have the money right now! The reason i began the DIY project was to reduce motion transfer. No, to *eliminate* it. But my neurotic self has realized that i can't eliminate it completely unless i sleep in a separate bed (though with this mattress it is much reduced). So, boyfriend is still in another room. ;) Not sure what i'll do next. I'm just amazed at how hot i sleep with the foam--all kinds of it. Never realized i was a hot sleeper! Hope your latex mattress is still comfortable, and that you're sleeping well! :) |
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... |