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The bed-in-a-box industry has made it easier than ever to conveniently shop for a mattress. But in a saturated market, many companies use buzzwords and gimmicks to try to separate their products from the rest.
One of the newest trends in mattresses is the inclusion of copper. Mattress companies that use copper in their beds claim that it’s an answer to a triple threat:
- It’s able to cool.
- It fights germs.
- It improves recovery.
But do these claims hold up?
Below, we take a closer look at these claims about copper mattresses to see whether they’re worth the hype.
Copper has high thermal conductivity. This means that in addition to heating up quickly, it loses heat just as fast. Copper may also pull heat away from your body.
Given that, there may be some truth to copper mattresses feeling cooler than regular mattresses.
However, there aren’t any scientific studies that look specifically at the cooling properties of mattresses containing copper, and more research is needed in this area.
A self-cleaning bed? We’re not quite in Star Trek territory yet, but there’s some evidence that supports the claim that copper mattresses have antibacterial properties.
One
It’s not an open-and-shut case, though. A recent
Keep in mind that the currently available studies on the antimicrobial effects of copper have been done only in hospital settings. They don’t look at any specific mattresses on the market.
Another common claim related to copper mattresses is that they promote muscle recovery. But there just isn’t any research to back this up.
A good night’s sleep might help you recover post-workout, but no studies specifically look at the effects of copper mattresses on muscle recovery.
If you’re in the market for a new mattress, the best thing you can do is buy one that fits your sleep needs and preferences. If it happens to have copper in it? Great!
We don’t suggest opting for a copper mattress if you’re searching for a mattress that can provide antimicrobial effects or workout recovery help. There’s just not enough research to say whether these claims hold water.
While there’s probably some truth to copper mattresses having cooling effects, there’s no research to confirm this claim. Is copper better than other cooling materials, like gel foam? Probably not.
While you can have an entire top layer of gel foam on a mattress, it’s harder to infuse the same levels of copper into a mattress without drastically changing its feel. Many copper mattresses also have a gel top layer, so it’s tough to say for sure which material is doing all the work.
That said, if you’re still curious about copper mattresses, we rounded up a few options you may want to try.
There aren’t too many copper-infused mattress options on the market. But even with a limited set of choices, we made sure to look at:
- Company policies. We prioritize mattress companies with solid customer-facing policies, like no-hassle shipping and returns, in-home trials, and fair warranties.
- Company reputation and transparency. Brands featured below all have a decent reputation, transparent business practices and positive customer reviews. Plus, their mattresses meet federal flammability requirements.
- Quality. We chose models with materials certifications, like CertiPUR-US. The mattresses are solid picks, regardless of their so-called copper-specific properties.
Pricing guide
Prices are based on a queen-size mattress:
- $ = under $1,100
- $$ = over $1,100
Bear Pro Mattress
- Price: $
- Type: All foam
- Height: 12 inches
The Bear Pro is an all-foam mattress with layers of gel memory foam and copper-infused foam. Bear claims that both materials will help sleepers stay cool.
Additionally, the cover is made of Celliant material, which is considered a
The medium-firm feel may work for multiple sleep positions. Foams are CertiPUR-US certified, and mattresses are made in the United States. The Pro Mattress comes with a 10-year limited warranty, and you can try it out for 100 nights.
Customers have many good things to say about the Bear Pro. Some say it even helped with arthritis and lower back pain.
While most people say it’s comfortable, some reviewers point out that it doesn’t actively cool the body while sleeping — in fact, they said it sleeps warmer than other mattresses they’ve tried.
Layla Mattress
- Price: $–$$
- Type: Memory foam or hybrid
- Height: 10–13 inches
The Layla mattress is available in two options, memory foam and hybrid. In addition to gel foam, the memory foam layer on both models also contains copper.
The hybrid mattress is pricier than the memory foam version. It’s also flippable — with a soft and firm side.
Mattresses come with a lifetime warranty. You can try one out for 120 nights and get your money back if you’re not happy.
People seem to like both Layla mattresses, but there are mixed reviews regarding their cooling performance.
Some reviewers say the mattresses regulate temperature well, while others complain they sleep hotter than expected. Reviewers agree that the memory foam model isn’t as good as the hybrid in terms of cooling abilities.
Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid Performance Copper II Mattress
- Price: $$
- Type: Hybrid
- Height: 13.5 inches
Sealy’s hybrid mattress has a medium-firm feel. Some reviewers say it’s a good option for side sleepers looking for pressure relief.
Delivery and mattress setup are free. Sealy offers a 120-night trial and a 10-year limited warranty on this copper-infused model.
Reviews are generally positive, with only a few people who say their mattresses had quality control issues. One customer notes that the mattress produces a lingering off-gassing odor.
Most people seem to have no problems with comfort, but few mention anything about the mattress’s temperature-regulating abilities.
All the claims these companies make about copper make these mattresses seem like the ideal option for hot sleepers.
Unfortunately, there’s just not enough evidence to say whether copper is superior to other cooling materials. The research on copper’s healing and germ-fighting effects is also lacking.
If you find a copper-infused mattress that works for your body and preferences, that’s awesome! But we don’t suggest buying a copper mattress based on the marketing claims alone.
Steph Coelho is a freelance writer with chronic migraine who has a particular interest in health and wellness. When she’s not click-clacking away on her keyboard, she’s probably nose-deep in a good book.