When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.

But how exactly does graphite work in mattresses and do all thebest cooling mattressesneed it?

Let’s take a look…

What is graphite in mattresses?

Zoma Boost mattress

Graphite ribbons or powder can be woven into mattress foams or added as a separate layer.

Besides climate control, graphite is also used as a naturally derived fire barrier.

with an impressivesafety rating(alternative retardantfiberglasscomes with health risks.)

A woman laying on Saatva graphite mattress topper on thick white mattress in light bedrrom with big windows looking out to greenery, wooden bedside table and lamps

When in contact with fire, graphite expands and absorbs oxygen.

By removing the oxygen from the fire, graphite prevents burning.

How does graphite keep you cool?

A hand pressing into white surface of Nectar Classic memory foam mattress

When it senses heat, graphite absorbs this warmth before conducting it towards cooler areas of the mattress.

This balances temperature across your sleep surface to prevent overheating in certain areas.

Due to the density of the material, memory foam has a habit of holding onto heat.

A couple laying in Sleep Number ClimateCool smart bed

Latex foams are already breathable thanks to the natural ventilation properties of the material.

However, graphite infusions can be used to enhance the inherent cooling.

Here are five common cooling alternatives to graphite:

1.

The Nolah Natural 11 Mattress in a well-lit bedroom

Copper is also naturally antimicrobial, meaning it stops dust mites and allergens from harboring in your bed.

GlacioTex fabric is often used in mattress covers so the bed remains cool to touch.

We’ve found it to be an effective cooling fabric, albeit a littler slippery.

Bear Elite Hybrid mattress

Thebest hybrid mattressescontain individually encased coils.

Other naturally breathable mattress materials include wool and cotton.

These are used in thebest organic mattressesand have a looser weave, allowing for better air circulation.

The image shows the DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress on a grey bed foundation in a neutrally decorated bedroom

Celliant

Celliantis a thermo-reactive synthetic fiber that captures body heat and converts into infrared energy.

While most cooling materials trap and disperse heat into cold patches, Celliant does things a little differently.

It holds this heat and releases itbackto the body when you cool down.

Two women sit on the Nolah Natural 11 Mattress

By doing so, it helps you regulate your body temperature.

The infrared energy also promotes blood circulation, aiding muscle recovery.

Does every cooling mattress need graphite?

A woman laying awake at night with arms overhead

Graphite sits among a catalog of mattress cooling methods, offering a scientifically-backed cooling solution.

A woman sleeping comfortably and cooly on her side over the top of duvets

The Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper vs the Saatva Natural Latex Mattress Topper split screen

Navy and white Bear Elite Hybrid mattress in bedroom with wooden floor, black and beige rug, grey chair and black bedside tables

A split image featuring the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress on the left and the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid on the right, leading into the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid vs Nectar Classic showdown

The image shows a woman sitting up in bed and clutching her shoulder in pain

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress on a bed frame in a bedroom, a man and his young sun sitting on top of it, smiling. A Tom�s Guide price drop deals graphic (right)

A couple using the Scandinavian Sleep Method

Bed bugs

The Saatva Murphy Bed Mattress on a Murphy bed frame lying flat, in a bedroom

A woman with an afro sleeping on her side covered in grey duvet while she sweats in her sleep, thinking of a cooling mattress.

A woman with brown hair lies on her stomach on a grey colour Japanese floor mattress

A mattress we tested is dressed with neutral colour bed linens and pillows

Casper Wave Hybrid Snow review: woman lying on the mattress on her side, with her head on a pillow

Woman smiling while she sleeps with headphones in and her arms overhead

A person wearing rubber gloves uses a spray bottle and a clean cloth to clean the surface of the Emma Elite mattress.