It’s one thing when both of you are hot sleepers or cold sleepers. What works for one person to make them more comfortable in bed also works for the other whether it’s getting cooler bedding or adding a heavier comforter. 

But if one of you is a sauna while the other is a human freezer, it’s not easy to find a common ground. Cooling the bed leaves the cold sleeper even colder, while adding warmth is torture to the already hot sleeper. What to do?

Well, you could sleep separately, but that’s the nuclear option. Before we get there, there are a few things you can try. 

1. Get Breathable Bedding

Breathable bedding helps you sleep cooler but it doesn’t make you uncomfortably cold. So switching to more breathable bed sheets like the Hercleon Jax Sheets, duvet cover or comforter can help the hot sleeper get cooler without causing any discomfort to the cold sleeper. 

The best breathable bedding is made from natural or semi-synthetic materials such as cotton, silk, wool, linen, bamboo and Tencel. 

In addition to allowing excess heat to escape away from the bed, these types of bedding absorb or wick away sweat. This further helps in cooling and prevents you from getting clammy while in bed especially if you get night sweats. 

2. Use Separate Comforters

Instead of trying to find one comforter that feels comfortable to both of you, it is easier to use separate twin size comforters or blankets. That way, the cold sleeper can get as thick a comforter as they want and the hot sleeper can use a light one. 

It limits cuddling once you sleep, but it’s a small price to pay for better quality sleep.  

3. Change Your Mattress 

If you are sleeping on a memory foam mattress, it’s making the hot sleeper sleep worse. Memory foam traps heat and gets warmer as the night progresses. While the cold sleeper might enjoy the warm and cozy feel of a memory foam mattress, it’s terrible for hot sleepers. 

Switching to a cooler mattress like latex or hybrid helps the hot sleeper feel cooler without compromising the comfort of the cold sleeper. If the cold-sleeping partner starts feeling chilly at night, consider getting a heavier duvet or you can use individual comforters. 

4. Get a Mattress Pad/Topper

Changing your mattress is a big expense. If you don't have the budget for it right now or you really like how your current mattress feels, you can get a mattress pad or topper instead. 

You can each customize your half of the bed with one or two twin size toppers. So instead of throwing out the hot memory foam mattress, the hot sleeper can get a cooling latex or wool mattress topper for their side of the bed. 

If your current mattress feels a bit too chilly for the cold sleeper, you can get a twin size memory foam topper just for their side of the bed. 

Good to know: Mattress toppers and pads are also excellent for adjusting the feel of the mattress. If you like your mattress a bit softer, look for a plush mattress pad or soft topper. If you prefer more firm support, get a firm topper for your side of the bed.  

5. Use a Dual Bed Cooling System 

For couples that sleep extra-hot and extra-cold, a bed cooling/warming system is the best choice. There are two types: air-driven systems like BedJet and water-driven systems like SleepMe ChiliPad.

These systems use air or water to chill or warm your bed. You only need to select your preferred temperature. 

We recommend a dual system that allows separate temperature control for each half of the bed. That way, the cold sleeper can keep their side of the bed toasty while the hot sleeper can cool their half. 

6. Turn on a Fan or AC 

Another option is to cool the room using a fan or AC. 

A fan is the cheapest choice but it provides the least cooling. Position it to blow air over the hot sleeper. You can then use a heavier comforter to ensure the cold sleeper stays comfortable. 

If you are using AC, whether central AC, a window unit or a portable AC, set the temperature to between 60 and 67 degrees. Pair it with a cozy comforter for the cold sleeper and you should both be comfortable.