7 Best Cooling Bed Sheets for Better Sleep, Tested and Reviewed
Updated: Jul. 14, 2024
Our team of shopping editors tested the best cooling bed sheets to help you drift off to dreamland without overheating.
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Hot sleepers know all too well how hard it is to get comfortable at night. No matter how cool the bedroom is, one minute, the covers are on, and the next minute, they’re lying on the floor. Even if you’ve already put away the weighted blankets and heated blankets you used in the winter and switched over to cooling mattress pads and cooling pillows, a set of the best cooling bed sheets will help you sleep more soundly.
These little miracle workers are better than other sheets because they usually consist of moisture-wicking and breathable fabric or microfibers, which means they won’t trap body heat. So we researched the best cooling bed sheets in a variety of prices, colors and materials and put them to the test on our own mattresses to see if they’re worthy of gracing your own bed. These top picks aren’t just useful for sweaty summers; they help with body temperature regulation throughout the year, too, (even if you don’t also have a cooling blanket).
Best overall cooling bed sheets
Boll & Branch Percale Hemmed Sheet Set
Pros:
- Special cooling weave that increases airflow and enhances natural cooling properties
- Made with organic cotton that's free from pesticides, GMOs and toxins
- Elastic banding along the entire fitted sheet
- Luxurious packaging
- Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex
Cons:
- Not pre-shrunk, so it may take a few wash cycles to get that perfect fit
Not only does Boll & Branch offer our favorite flannel sheets, but they also excel in producing some of the best cooling bed sheets. Crafted from 100% organic cotton, Boll & Branch’s Percale Hemmed sheet set offers a luxurious sleeping experience, according to senior shopping editor Katie Bandurski.
“I first came across Boll & Branch on Instagram, and I think this is one of those viral brands that’s worth the hype,” says Bandurski. “Climbing into bed with these sheets on was so luxurious. It was like a hotel bed, but 10 times better because you don’t have skin-crawling thoughts about what these sheets have seen after 1000 other guests have slept on ‘em.”
Their unique cooling weave enhances airflow, maximizes natural cooling properties and provides a smooth, structured feel reminiscent of a crisp button-down shirt. Bandurski points out that these sheets felt nice and chilled against her skin, and kept her comfortable as temperatures fluctuated throughout the spring. She even found that she was tossing and turning less. “Usually I wake up in a bundle of sheets and blankets that I’ve thrown on or off throughout the night, and so far these have remained in place,” she says. “I’m really impressed by their ability to regulate body temp—even now when I don’t need the cooling factor as much as I will in summer.”
Available in eight neutral colors and two subtle patterns, they’re designed to fit mattresses up to 17 inches deep, though you can expect them to shrink a bit in the wash. Bandurski, who normally has to muscle her sheets onto her extra-deep mattress, was impressed by how well these Boll & Branch sheets fit. “These, even though they aren’t advertised as deep pocket, fit perfectly,” she says. “They also don’t bunch or ride up at all, even on a deep mattress. They stay nicely tucked in place.”
Starting at $229, these sheets are definitely a luxury item, but Bandurski, who typically spends $50 or less on sheets, insists that these sheets are worth the splurge. “These are my ‘go-to’ sheets now,” she says. “I would rather have one super-quality set than a drawer full of cheaper, less-quality sets.”
And if you’re in search of the perfect gift for couples, these sheets, which arrive in an elegant gift box adorned with a satin bow, are a lovely choice.
Best value cooling bed sheets
Mellanni Brushed Microfiber Bed Sheet Set
Pros:
- Very wallet-friendly
- Moisture-wicking and breathable
- Available in 40+ colors and patterns
- Comes in extra-deep pocket option
- Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex
Cons:
- Very thin
These Mellanni sheets are an Amazon cult favorite—and for good reason. Not only do they have more than 252,000 five-star ratings, but they come in an astounding 40-plus colors and patterns and they cost just $54 for a king-sized set. We knew we had to see if these budget-friendly sheets were really worth the hype. The verdict? According to our tester, Caroline Stanko, these sheets are definitely worth adding to your cart.
Made with lightweight microfiber, they’re soft and silky, and will wick away any moisture to prevent overheating. “I did like how light the sheets felt, especially when it was warm out,” says Stanko. “They didn’t stick to my limbs, nor did it feel like they trapped any heat.” However, she notes that they are incredibly thin, which is likely what makes them so lightweight and breathable. She cautions against wearing jewelry to bed as it could easily snag and rip the sheets.
Best bamboo cooling bed sheets
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
Pros:
- Made from silky-soft bamboo-based viscose fabric
- Temperature-regulating material
- Machine washable
- 10-year warranty
- 100-night sleep trial
Cons:
- Pricey, but Cozy Earth frequently runs sales
Anyone who says money doesn’t buy happiness has never slept on Cozy Earth bed sheets. Made from 100% bamboo-based viscose fabric, these sheets are as silky and soft as they come. And while they’re not cool to the touch like some of the other best cooling bed sheets, they’re breathable and temperature-regulating especially if you’re used to sleeping on cotton or polyester sheets.
Our senior shopping editor, Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, and her husband put these sheets to the test, and they did not disappoint. “You know that incredible feeling when you’ve just showered and you slide into a bed with freshly washed sheets? Amplify that with the cooling properties and it’s pretty unreal,” she says.
Fitzpatrick, who knew ahead of time that these sheets were supposed to be cooling, opted not to share that detail with her husband. Instead, she simply let him spend a night on them before asking what he thought. “After our first night trying them out, I asked them what he thought and he said that they were ‘chilly.’ When I told him that they’re cooling sheets, he said, ‘oh, then they’re great!'”
The set, which includes a flat and fitted sheet plus two pillowcases, comes in six sizes and 14 calming colors, does exactly what it’s advertised to do, says Fitzpatrick. And if that’s not enough to convince you, it’s worth pointing out that these sheets have over 7,100 ratings and have earned an average of 4.9 out of five stars on the brand’s website. That’s a near-perfect score and pretty impressive if you ask us.
These sheets may not come cheap, but they’re an excellent long-term investment. “The price tag on this sheet set can be a little shocking, but the Cozy Earth bamboo sheets have the quality and comfort that you’d expect in a higher-priced option,” explains Fitzpatrick. “Plus, the brand offers a 100-night sleep trial to decide if they’re right for you. But take it from me, you’ll notice a difference as soon as you tuck yourself in.”
Best fitting cooling bed sheets
Sleep Number True Temp Sheet Set
Pros:
- Built-in SmartFit elastic band
- Uses 37.5 Technology to move heat and humidity away
- Fits any mattress up to 15 inches deep
- Reasonably priced
- Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex
Cons:
- Not available in twin or twin XL
Tired of having to readjust the sheets every morning? Then drop everything and order a set of Sleep Number’s True Temp sheets right now. Not only do these sheets have 37.5 Technology, which allows them to continuously adapt and maintain your ideal temperature, but they also feature a built-in SmartFit elastic band.
The elastic band secures each of the fitted sheet’s four corners, ensuring that they stay put no matter how much the sleeper tosses and turns. These sheets were created to fit the brand’s famed adjustable high-tech beds, but they’ll fit all of the best mattresses up to 15 inches. And once you’ve got them securely on your bed, get ready for sweat-free sleep.
Though not cool to the touch like some other cooling sheets, the Sleep Number sheets kept senior shopping editor, Caroline Lubinsky, cool all night long. “These sheets are heat dispersing so they aren’t cool to the touch, but they don’t retain heat big time,” she explains. With that in mind, Lubinsky points out that these sheets are the ideal compromise for couples who want different things out of their bedding. Pair this set with the Sleep Number True Temp blanket and you have a match made in summer-ready heaven.
Most soft cooling bed sheets
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Breeze Cooling Sheet Set
Pros:
- Made with a super-soft Tencel Lyocell blend material
- Cool-to-the-touch fabric
- Stay-tight bands for a snug, secure fit
- Four color options
- Free two-day shipping
Cons:
- Non-returnable
Think of a favorite, broken-in T-shirt—it’s decades old, but it’s so soft and comfy. Well, these Tempur-Breeze bed sheets give you that same lived-in feel. They feature a super-soft Tencel Lyocell blend fabric that’s cool to the touch. With these best cooling bed sheets, you’ll say goodbye to overheating at night once and for all. Take it from Lubinsky, who says, “I think I’m genuinely obsessed with how wonderful this set feels. There is a huge difference between my normal sheets and this Breeze cooling set.”
Made of tencel, cooling nylon and elastane Lubinsky describes these moisture-wicking sheets as a combo of dry-fit material and silk that feels like soft, silky butter. She also finds them to be quite durable, sharing that after multiple wash cycles, they don’t pill and seem to be resistant to puncture marks from her dog’s toenails, which is music to the ears of anyone who shares a bed with their four-legged friend.
The only thing you may want to keep in mind is that these sheets are a rather hefty investment. And if you don’t love them (though we suspect you will), you’re stuck with them, as they can’t be returned. “The $379 price tag for the king sheets HURTS my cheap soul,” says Lubinsky.” However, these are very effective sheets and do exactly what they say they’ll do. If you have the money to spend, I’d definitely recommend them.”
Best cooling bed sheets for pet owners
Rest Duvet Evercool+ Cooling Starter Sheet Set
Pros:
- Pet hair resistant
- Anti-pilling and anti-snagging fabric
- Antimicrobial
- Cool-to-the-touch fabric
- Long and short side labels
Cons:
- Limited color choices
Sharing a bed with a four-legged friend? Then these cooling performance sheets from Rest Duvet are an excellent choice. They’re pet hair-resistant and feature non-toxic, antimicrobial technology woven into the fabric to keep the sheets fresh and odor-free. And since snuggling up with Fido can make things extra toasty, you’ll be glad to know that these sheets are moisture-wicking and cool to the touch, and designed to help maintain a comfortably regulated temperature throughout the night.
Editorial coordinator, Sydney Manning, who’s a hot sleeper and typically goes to bed with an ice pack on her forehead, declared these sheets a total game changer. “It is quite impressive how well the cooling technology really works in these,” she says. “When I initially took them out of the package, they were cool to the touch—I was shocked! And every time since, when I touch them, they are always so cold.”
Manning also noted that these sheets held up well in the wash and came out good as new. In other words, they didn’t lose any of their cooling abilities. “I haven’t kept a window open or used an ice pack to cool down once since I’ve been testing these sheets,” she adds. When asked if there was anything about these sheets that she would change, Manning only wishes they were offered in more colors. Otherwise, she notes that these sheets truly work well and do what they say they’ll do and really, you can’t ask for more than that.
Best eucalyptus cooling bed sheets
Buffy Breeze Sheet Set
Pros:
- Made of lyocell, an environmentally responsible material
- Soft and buttery
- Over 30 color choices
- Very durable feel
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Not as breathable as some other sheets
- Color may fade with washing
If you’ve spent any time poking around online for the best eucalyptus sheets, chances are you’ve come across the Buffy Breeze sheet set. Made of lyocell, an environmentally responsible fabric made from eucalyptus tree pulp, these sheets promise to be lightweight, cooling, durable and resistant to pilling, fading and tears, which is what excited our content director of affiliate, Nicole Doster.
Doster, a Floridian who is used to dealing with muggy, high temperatures, describes these sheets as cooler than standard cotton, jersey or flannel sheets. “Compared to linen or cotton, these sheets feel very durable—like the fabric won’t catch or fray on the occasional scratch from jewelry or when my dog inevitably starts digging at the bed,” she explains. Given their durability, it’s no surprise that they held up well in the wash. However, Doster did find that they lost a bit of their lustre. “Interestingly, when the sheets arrived the fabric was super shiny. After a few washes, the sheets’ sheen started to fade and the color was less dramatic,” she explains. That being said, she added that they remained soft and she actually preferred the muted aesthetic.
When it comes to breathability, Doster found this set slightly less breathable than her trusty linen sheets. “I would say that they are a bit heavier than super-light and airy linen sheets,” she says. In spite of that, she’s confident that those who are seeking semi-lightweight and buttery soft sheets made from sustainable materials will love this set.
What to look for when buying the best cooling bed sheets
A wide range of individuals can greatly benefit from the use of cooling bedding. Those who naturally tend to run hot—or women experiencing menopause, pregnant or postpartum women facing hormonal fluctuations that result in sleeping hot and people with medical conditions that contribute to excessive warmth—all stand to experience improved sleep quality with the help of the best cooling bed sheets. Here are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you’re getting the right set:
- Price: While sweat-free sleep is priceless, be sure to choose a sheet set that fits your budget. The sheets on our list range in price from $51 to $389 for a queen-sized set. Create a budget and then compare prices before making your final selection.
- Fabric: Cooling sheets come in a variety of materials, including cotton, microfiber, bamboo and Tencel Lyocell, which is made from eucalyptus tree pulp. Get familiar with the differences between them so you can choose the right kind, like cool, crisp cotton, silky bamboo or buttery-soft Tencel Lyocell.
- Breathability: If you’re a hot sleeper, having a set of light and airy sheets is key to a good night’s sleep. Breathable sheets, which are typically those made from cotton, bamboo, and Tencel Lyocell, allow for better airflow through the fabric which causes moisture to evaporate quickly, leaving you cool and dry while you sleep.
- Oeko-Tex certification: Standard Oeko-Tex 100-certified products are tested against a list of over 1,000 substances that are harmful to your health as well as the environment. If your sheets have Oeko-Tex certification, you can rest assured that your sheets are free from harmful substances.
Why you should trust us
Everyone needs good, restful sleep—our editors included! When it comes to staying cool and comfortable at night, we pay particular attention to testing mattresses, mattress toppers, sheets, blankets, comforters, pillows, bed cooling systems and more. We’ve tested the bedding brands you know (like Saatva, Sealy and Sleep Number), as well as newer brands making waves in the sleep scene (like Eight Sleep, BedJet, Helix, Bear, Nectar and Avocado). In addition to our tests, we also regularly consult with sleep experts to help us keep on top of the latest developments in bedding and to learn more about the science of sleep.
How we found the best cooling bed sheets
FAQ
What bedding material is best for hot sleepers?
Hot sleepers should look for sheets with breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that won’t trap body heat. The sheets on this list consist of a variety of materials that meet these criteria, including bamboo, Tencel Lyocell, cotton and microfiber.
Do cooling bed sheets really work?
Yes. They won’t cool the body down the way a bed cooling system will, but they help regulate body temperature.
How much do cooling bed sheets cost?
The best cooling bed sheets vary in price. The options on this list range from just $51 to $389 for a queen-sized set. For a pair of luxury sheets for less, be sure to check out the best bedding sales.
Originally Published: May 23, 2023
