Record Heatwaves Hit Australia: Is Your Mattress Making Sleep Worse?

Australia is once again facing a serious climate challenge. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, south-eastern Australia experienced its most severe heatwave since 2009, with temperatures climbing to near-record highs across multiple locations. On the 27th, the town of Renmark in South Australia recorded a scorching 49.6°C, while Walpeup and Hopetoun in north-western Victoria reached 48.9°C—the highest temperatures these areas have seen since records began in 1901. Alongside the intense heat comes a sharply increased risk of bushfires. The Country Fire Authority in Victoria reported an out-of-control blaze roughly 160 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, which destroyed three homes. Several other fires, sparked during an earlier heatwave in the month, remain active.

In the midst of these extreme conditions, everyday life—including sleep—is being affected. Many Australians are left wondering: How can I sleep comfortably when the nights stay so hot? One highly effective solution gaining attention is the cooling mattress.

Why Heatwaves Make Sleep Harder

Sleep is regulated by your body’s internal temperature. Normally, your core temperature drops slightly at night, signaling your body that it’s time to sleep. But when ambient temperatures remain high—especially above 26–28°C—this natural cooling process is hampered. As a result:

• You may fall asleep more slowly
• Experience more nighttime awakenings
• Wake up feeling unrefreshed and fatigued
• Sweat excessively, disrupting the sleep cycle

This is where a cooling mattress comes into play.

What Is a Cooling Mattress?

A cooling mattress is designed to facilitate heat dissipation and improve airflow, helping your body maintain an ideal sleep temperature even on hot nights. Unlike traditional mattresses that can trap heat—especially foam mattresses—a proper cooling mattress incorporates materials and technologies such as:

• Breathable foams and open-cell structures
• Gel-infused memory foam
• Phase-change materials (PCM)
• Hybrid coil systems that promote air circulation
• Cooling fabric covers (e.g., bamboo, Tencel, moisture-wicking blends)

These features work together to pull heat away from your body, decreasing night sweats and making sleep more comfortable during extreme weather.

Why Australians Should Consider a Cooling Mattress

With heatwaves becoming more intense and frequent, especially in regions like South Australia and Victoria, a cooling mattress is no longer just a comfort accessory—it’s a sleep health investment.

1. Hot Nights Are Becoming Normal

Extreme temperatures like 48–49°C are no longer anomalies. Even if the daytime heat subsides, warm nights can keep bedroom temperatures high, making restful sleep difficult without the right bedding foundation.

2. Traditional Mattresses Can Trap Heat

Memory foam mattresses are known for contouring comfort, but they can trap heat unless specially engineered for cooling. In extreme climates, this heat retention can worsen discomfort, especially for:

• Hot sleepers
• People with health conditions worsened by heat
• Those without effective air conditioning

3. Sleep Quality Impacts Overall Health

Poor sleep can affect mood, immune function, productivity, and long-term well-being. Investing in a cooling mattress that maintains a comfortable sleeping temperature can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer—especially during record-breaking heatwaves.

OneBed Essential 10: A Cooling Solution for Australian Summers

One product that combines comfort with practical cooling performance is the OneBed Essential 10, which is the best cooling mattress for hot sleepers. 

This mattress is designed with Australian sleepers in mind, delivering:

• Balanced support and comfort for all body types
• A surface that sleepers describe as cooler than standard foam
• Materials that work with room airflow to dissipate heat effectively
• A profile suitable for most beds and bedrooms

While no mattress can replace a well-ventilated bedroom or effective air conditioning during extreme heat, a cooling mattress like the OneBed Essential 10 can make a noticeable difference in how you feel at night.

Tips for Maximising Sleep Comfort During Heatwaves

Choosing a cooling mattress is a strong first step, but there are additional strategies to improve sleep quality:

✔ Keep Your Bedroom Cool

• Use fans or AC if available
• Close curtains or blinds during the hottest parts of the day
• Open windows at night if outside temperatures drop

✔ Invest in Breathable Bedding

Opt for bed sheets and pillowcases made from natural, moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or Tencel.

✔ Hydrate During the Day

Staying properly hydrated can help regulate your body temperature at night.

✔ Avoid Heavy Meals and Caffeine Before Bed

Digestion increases body heat. Eat light and avoid caffeine in the evening.

✔ Use Mattresses and Pillows Designed for Heat

Cooling gel layers, breathable fabrics, and hybrid designs all contribute to better airflow.

Comparing Cooling Mattress Options

If you’re thinking about investing in a cooling mattress, here’s a brief comparison of common types:

The OneBed Essential 10 falls between the Gel-Infused Memory Foam and Hybrid categories—offering enhanced airflow and a cooler sleep surface compared to traditional foam.

Conclusion: Sleep Well Even as Heatwaves Intensify

As Australia faces record-breaking temperatures and prolonged heatwaves, sleep comfort has become a critical part of daily life—not just a luxury. A cooling mattress is one of the most effective ways to tackle nighttime heat, helping your body maintain a comfortable temperature when the mercury stays uncomfortably high.

Whether you’re dealing with nights that feel like daytime or trying to reduce night sweats, choosing the right mattress—like the OneBed Essential 10—can have a big impact on your sleep quality and overall well-being.

Stay cool, sleep better, and don’t let the heat steal your rest.