Best Cooling Sheets for Hot Sleepers in 2020

Does your bed feel like a sauna when you’re sleeping on it? No matter how you keep the room cool, do you still sweat non-stop, making it hard to get a good night’s sleep?

You may be suffering from night sweats. And you are what sleep experts call a hot sleeper. While excessive sweating may be embarrassing to admit, you may want to consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause. 

Also, you can make some lifestyle changes, starting with your bed linens. Start looking for the best cooling sheets for hot sleepers, ideas on how to let air circulate freely in your room, and all that jazz. If you have the budget, you may even want to replace your old mattress with a hot sleeper-friendly one.

But before you shop, squeeze some time to think about the effects of adding cooling sheets to your bed. This article is particularly interested in cooling sheets and has all the information you need to find the right fit.

8 Best Cooling Sheets for Hot Sleepers

1. Malouf Woven Tencel Sheet Set

Tencel is the newest naturally sourced fiber brand to hit the market. Using the Lyocell brand, the Malouf Woven Tencel Sheet Set is gentle to all skin types, including sensitive ones. This bio-based material is more effective than cotton in wicking moisture. You can slip under these buttery-soft sheets without worrying about cooling down during the summer.

Pairing this set with a breathable mattress can bring about optimal results. Based on the intention of its manufacturer, Tencel is an upgrade from cotton. It’s crafted through an environmentally responsible process. Eco-conscious consumers will probably be happy to hear that last bit.

However, this product has a higher price tag than some of the models you’ll find here. You won’t have to pay for shipping, as well as the return in case it doesn’t suit your needs. While it does not show any loose threads, a few users reported that it might wear fast. The company can replace defective sheets under the terms of its 5-year warranty. 

Why We Like It

• Uses natural and sustainable fabric.
• Soft and gentle to the skin.
• Offers cooling comfort.

2. Royal Tradition 100% Viscose from Bamboo

Competing in the bio-based fabric space is bamboo-based viscose, the material found in the Royal Tradition 100% Viscose from Bamboo sheets. The fiber has a 600 thread count (TC), which makes for a soft and silky feel. The bed linens feature a luxurious sheen akin to what you find in luxurious hotels.

This offering does not want to get left behind in terms of temperature regulation. It wicks sweat away from your body during the summer, but it also keeps you warm in the winter.  Expect good airflow throughout your slumber. It won’t matter what season it is, when using these sheets.

To make this set last, observe proper care and maintenance. Treat the pieces as delicates and machine-wash them on a cold cycle. You can air-dry or tumble-dry it on low heat. With five colors to choose from, finding the best match for your bedroom’s aesthetics is quite convenient.

Why We Like It

• Made of natural, eco-friendly material.
• Feels incredibly soft and silky.
• Has exceptional temperature regulation.

3. SHEEX Original Performance Sheet Set

Designed using Sleep-Fit Technology, the SHEEX Original Performance Sheet Set boasts of thermoregulating, quick-drying temperature control. Its priority is to ensure proper ventilation when placed on your mattress. It does not just let air circulate freely, though; it also keeps your temperature low as you hit the sack.

The sheets and pillowcases are lightweight. You’ll be reminded they exist when you feel the soft fabric against your body. They have enough sheen to give off that sophisticated vibe. However, they aren’t as shiny as the ones used in luxury hotels. It’s not disappointing at all since it performs well in the cooling department.

For its price, it is popular among buyers. It satisfies the requirements of people who sweat a lot. But it may not be ideal for combination sleepers, as the sheets tend to bunch. Double-check the dimensions before you click the Buy button.

Why We Like It

• Well-ventilated.
• Soft and lightweight.
• Expensive yet worth buying.

4. The Original PeachSkinSheets

One of the best cooling sheets that score high in temperature regulation, the Original PeachSkinSheets, makes a mark with its SMART fabric. This material can deliver three sought-after features: breathability, cooling, and thermal control. It neutralizes your body temperature so you’ll feel cozy and comfortable no matter what month it is.

Hot sleepers who want the finest finish may be drawn to the fabric’s 1,500 thread count. One of the advantages of a high TC is that the fabric can get softer after every wash. Dress up your sleeping space with this crisp and soft sheet set. On top of the durable design, this bedding is resistant to fading, pilling, and snagging. It’s antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, too.

Retailing at under $100, this product is worth considering. To sweeten the deal, the manufacturer throws in a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty. Its wide range of colors allows you to customize the bed to suit your style.

Why We Like It

• Provides excellent temperature control.
• Resistant to snagging, pilling, and fading.
• Retails at an affordable price.

5. HotelSheetsDirect Bamboo Sheet Set

Like the Royal Tradition Sheet Set, the HotelSheetsDirect Bamboo Set is made from 100% viscose derived from bamboo. Viscose is made of bamboo cellulose, which is then used to create rayon. This material has a completely botanical origin. And it gives the sheets its breathable and moisture-wicking properties.

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Eco-friendly sleepers will probably enjoy these accessories. It’s soft and smooth, yet we cannot say it’s shiny. To be accurate, we think it has a slight sheen. These pure bamboo sheets are hypoallergenic, so it also works for people with allergies and other fabric sensitivities.

For those who want the best cooling sheets below $50, this one fits the bill. This price comes with a measly 90-day warranty, which is also the window for you to return the item for any reason and get a full refund. It seems most buyers keep their purchase, though, based on the number of satisfied users it has racked up.

Why We Like It

• Made of naturally sourced material.
• Breathable and moisture-wicking.
• Budget-friendly option for hot sleepers.

6. Linen Home Cotton Percale Sheet Set

Cotton remains one of the most common and preferred materials for bed covers. The Linen Home Cotton Percale Sheet Set is made of pure cotton. Also sporting a percale weave, this long-staple cotton has a cool and crisp finish. It’s processed without dyes and harsh chemicals, as attested to by its Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification.

The material is also Sedex-certified. Aside from the high-quality, hypoallergenic material, the bedding boasts of a durable, low-shrinkage, anti-pilling design. It is lightweight and airy, which can help you achieve a refreshing, sweat-free sleep. It may feel starchy at first. But the sheets will get softer after each wash.

At under $50, this product is budget-friendly. It packs some value to ensure your money is not wasted. Its fitted sheet component can cover up to 18-inch-thick mattresses. The flat sheet is also long enough to cater to tall users. However, it may appear too thin or sheer for some people.

Why We Like It

• Certified safe for human use.
• Feels cool and crisp.
• Lightweight and airy.

7. AmazonBasics Lightweight Microfiber Sheet Set

We’re adding synthetic materials to the mix for those who are allergic to natural fabrics. The AmazonBasics Lightweight Microfiber Sheet Set is top of mind for its 100% polyester microfiber design. The sheet components are airy and lightweight, qualities that are ideal for hot sleepers.

This sleep accessory is less prone to shrinkage and wrinkles. While soft, the material is strong enough to endure daily wear and tear. It has a pocket depth of 14 inches. It can cover up to 16 inches, according to the manufacturer, but we recommend sticking to 14.

The e-commerce giant is behind the brand that makes this product so that you can benefit from Amazon’s well-established customer service here. The 4-pack offering costs around $50. 

This product carries certification from Oeko-Tex.

Why We Like It

• Uses 100%, good-quality polyester microfiber.
• Lightweight and airy to cool hot sleepers.
• More affordable than other models.

8. Cosy House Collection Premium Bamboo Sheet Set

Not that it can dethrone cotton anytime now, bamboo has enough good qualities to deserve attention from customers. When turned into high-quality rayon, it can absorb, wick, and evaporate moisture. The Cosy House Collection Premium Bamboo Sheet Set puts this to the test by encouraging hot sleepers to try it.

This product gives you a taste of bamboo benefits while maintaining an affordable price. The manufacturer achieves this balance by blending 40% bamboo rayon with 60% of microfiber. The result is a luscious set of sheets. However, it appears and feels matte, lacking the slightest sheen.

People who are prone to night sweats and allergies will probably appreciate the hypoallergenic fabric. Those who drift off on a high-profile bed won’t have any issues fitting the sheets with their pocket depth of 16 inches. A Queen-size set costs below $50. Also, your purchase is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Why We Like It

• Uses good-quality bamboo for superior cooling.
• Safe for people with sensitive skin.
• Cheap yet comes with a generous lifetime warranty.

Factors to Consider Before Buying Sheets 

To ensure you get the right fit, consider the following factors:

Materials

The products we just reviewed differ in terms of materials used. But all of them share one essential element: they all feature a cooling capability. These are the top materials that are friendly to sleepers who are prone to night sweats:

• Egyptian Cotton – A superior cotton variety, Egyptian cotton is the stuff used in many five-star hotel bed linens. It sports a long staple and a 200 or higher thread count. It’s durable but quite expensive and prone to wrinkles.

• Pima Cotton – Another high-quality cotton and a worthy alternative to Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton has a soft and lustrous feel. The plant source is grown in the United States. The resulting fabric is durable but also tends to crease.

• Supima – Like Pima cotton, Supima is a high-quality fabric derived from a States-grown cotton variety. 

• Tencel – As we described earlier, Tencel fibers are extracted from woods and plants. They are more breathable and moisture-wicking than cotton. But their end products may wear faster than premium-grade cotton.

• Bamboo – The fabrics derived from this plant are breathable, durable, and sustainable to grow. It is more eco-friendly than cotton.

• Polyester – This material is a traditional, synthetic fabric. But innovations have lent it effective in wicking moisture. It is used in making clothing and bedding. It’s drying, cooling, and free from creasing.

Thread Count

The finer the thread, the more of it can be woven within one square inch. This is why we often associate a higher thread count with softness. The collective feel of fine threads can create that effect. However, breathability may be compromised if the yarns are woven tightly. 

Considering breathability alone, the recommended range for natural materials is from 200 to 400-TC. Sometimes, microfiber even beats cotton in this regard because the former has fewer threads woven within one square inch.

If you want a soft yet breathable sheet set, find a TC that tells you the threads used are fine enough but not too tightly woven together.

Type of Weave

Percale and sateen are types of weave. They both provide warm and cooling sensation as required by the situation. 

You can tell it’s a percale sheet if it has a crisp and matte surface. It’s lightweight, soft, and breathable, making it ideal for summer and for those who sleep hot no matter the season. Percale cotton, for instance, is also known for its strong composition.

Meanwhile, a sateen sheet can be distinguished by its silky smooth and lustrous feel. It is more tightly woven, resulting in a thick and heavy product. Sateen is soft and shiny, with weaves that are also looser than percale. 

Sheet Color

You probably know this concept about clothes. But it also applies to bed covers. Here it goes: dark colors can absorb more light and heat while light colors reflect these. So the color of your sheets can affect how hot your sleeping space will be at night.

If your bed is exposed to direct sunlight, a dark-colored duvet or blanket will be sunbathing and retaining the heat throughout the day. In this case, you will be slipping under warm covers, which is not a good idea if you sleep hot in the first place.

Alternatively, you can reposition your bed or use light-colored sheets instead.

Bed Dimensions

Get the correct measurements of your bed to ensure the sheets will fit it snugly. Most bedding models come in standard sizes. So you can easily find fitted and flat sheets for your single, double, queen, or king mattress. 

But to be sure, get the length, width, and height of your mattress. Compare the dimensions with those of your preferred bedding. You need to know if the pocket depth of the fitted sheet can cover the profile of your mattress perfectly. The sheet should not be too small or baggy.

Top Reasons Why You Need Cooling Sheets

Night Sweats

Regular, excessive night sweating is a major source of discomfort. It can make you toss and turn in bed more often. Then, it can leave you feeling tired when you wake up in the morning. What’s causing you to soak your clothes and bedding may be internal – a condition or medication. Some of the culprits are as follows:

• Anxiety disorders
• HIV/AIDS
• Hyperthyroidism
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), among other sleep disorders
• Tuberculosis

Antidepressants and hormone therapy may also contribute to night sweats. Cooling sheets can provide relief, but you still need to see a doctor and fix the root cause.

Illness

Diseases like diabetes or tuberculosis can lead to excessive sweating at night. In such cases, your body warms up more than usual. Closing the loop seems tough since the extra moisture can disrupt your shut-eye, of which you need a lot to recover fast. The feeling of discomfort won’t leave you unless you get up and change. 

Then, it may be back to square one again.

Under more common causes, you may find fever and diarrhea among the options. These are easier to treat and manage. The uneasiness may only last for a few hours to days, instead of something more long-lasting. 

Menopause

Leading to or during menopause, women may experience heat rising from their chest to their face. The face may turn red at this point. This whole process is described as a hot flash. And if it happens in your sleep, it is also known as night sweats. Hot flashes can wake you up at night and make it hard and uncomfortable to return to slumber.

Hot flashes can occur for a short while or a decade. On average, they can last up to 7 years. Two out of 10 women don’t get hot flashes during menopause and perimenopause.

Summertime

Ah, the warm and bright summer months invite people to spend more time outside. Trips to the beach, on the road, up the mountains — people seem not to mind breaking into a sweat for these activities. 

Sleeping at night is a different matter. Humans’ quick hibernation requires an internal temperature drop. But how will that be possible when you’re still sweating at night? Sure, switching on the AC or fan can cool the room. But for those who have a condition, the sweating does not stop.

Conclusion

After hours of research, we finally concluded that Malouf has the best cooling sheets for hot sleepers. Its use of Tencel is unique and effective in wicking sweat. At the same time, the material is derived from sustainable sources and processed without harming the planet. It’s not just for hot sleepers but eco-conscious ones as well.

Not ready to try Tencel yet? Our top picks present a variety of materials, softness, and styles. Some of the models use bamboo, which is known to absorb moisture more efficiently than cotton. Others use polyester. Each of the options has its own sets of pros and cons. After carefully weighing them, choose the one with features that align with your preferences.

Above, we also outlined some of the important considerations to make while shopping for cooling sheets. Take your time in making a final choice. You’re buying for yourself, so make sure to get the best. These sheets can make or break your sleep. And you won’t want to take your sleep quality for granted.