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Best Cooling Sheets for Hot Sleepers: Our Expert-Tested Picks
Overheating in bed can negatively impact sleep quality, and sheets that aren’t breathable can compound this issue. Cooling sheets can be a quick fix to help you maintain a more comfortable temperature.
Our team has tested a wide range of bedding to decide which sheet sets provide the best and most consistent cooling. The testing team consists of people with different needs when it comes to sleeping hot or cold. In addition to cooling, we also took factors like material quality, durability, and ease of cleaning into account.
Cut to the Chase – What are the Best Sheets for Hot Sleepers?
Cooling sheets are typically made with breathable fabrics that excel at temperature control. Of all the sheets we’ve tested, we found the Luxome Luxury Sheet Set offered the best temperature neutrality, thanks to the cool, silky feel of the bamboo-derived fabric.
The Best Cooling Sheets
- Best Overall – Luxome Luxury Sheet Set
- Best Value – Silk & Snow Percale Sheets
- Most Comfortable – Hush Iced Cooling Sheet Set
- Best Temperature Regulating – Sweet Zzz Organic Bamboo Sheets
- Softest – Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets
- Best Airflow – Quince Bamboo Sheet Set
- Best Luxury – Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
- Best Designs – Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
- Best Moisture-Wicking – Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set
- Best All-Season – Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheets
- Best Hotel-Style – Nollapelli Signature Sheet Set
Jump to: Best Cooling Sheets | Full Reviews | How We Test | How to Shop
Sheets to Help You Sleep Cooler – Video
Watch the video below for some tips on how to create a cooler sleep environment.
To learn more about each of our best picks for cooling sheets, check out the detailed descriptions below. Further down, you’ll find our comprehensive buyer’s guide, which covers materials and weaves that offer the best cooling, price expectations for first-time buyers, and people who are the best candidates for cooling sheets.
Our Recommendations
Best Overall

Luxome Luxury Sheet Set
Use this link for the most current Luxome discounts
Material:
100% viscose from bambooWeave:
SateenPros
- Made from breathable viscose derived from bamboo
- Sateen-woven fabric has a silky-soft feel
- Pocket depth accommodates high-profile mattresses
Cons
- Sateen weave can lead to early pilling
- Customer is responsible for return shipping if sheets are not defective
Bottom Line – Our Testing Team Takeaway
“The Luxome Luxury Sheet Set has a super soft feel thanks to the sateen weave and bamboo-derived viscose construction. Our testers with sensitive skin experienced no irritation with this bedding.”
– Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing
Product Details
The Luxome Luxury Sheet Set offers a luxurious feel at an affordable price-point. Made from 100% bamboo-derived viscose, the sheets have a cool and silky-smooth hand feel, which is great if you value extra soft bedding.
How It Performed
Since bamboo-derived fabrics are moisture-wicking, these sheets are a strong choice if you live in a humid climate. The silky-soft sateen weave creates a lustrous look and a luxuriously soft feel that our testers with sensitive skin appreciated. We could easily move across the sheets without rubbing and irritation. The fitted sheet also has a larger-than-average pocket depth of 17 inches that could fit most mattresses in our testing lab, including those with thick pillow-tops.
What It’s Made of
Each item in the set is made from breathable viscose derived from bamboo in a smooth sateen weave. Seven sizes are available. All sets come with one flat sheet. The full, queen, king, and California king options include two pillowcases and one fitted sheet, and the split king features two fitted sheets. Twin and twin XL sets come with one pillowcase. The 10-color range features a variety of options, from neutrals to bold blues and greens. All items in the set are washable in your household machines. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, and line dry or tumble dry on low.
Luxome offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and a 30-day return trial. You can return a Luxury Sheet Set in “like new” condition for a full refund during this period.
Best Value

Silk & Snow Percale Sheets
Use this link for the most current Silk & Snow discounts
Price:
$125Material:
100% cottonWeave:
PercalePros
- Percale-woven cotton has a crisp feel that softens over time
- Three set options to suit different bedding needs
- Available in seven colors derived from organic dyes
Cons
- Crisp fabric may not appeal to sleepers who prefer sheets with a silkier feel
- Percale weave can make fabric more prone to wrinkling
Bottom Line – Our Testing Team Takeaway
“If you’re someone who constantly kicks the sheets off at night because of overheating, we recommend the Silk & Snow Percale Sheets. Our testers found the percale-woven cotton to be crisp, breathable, and ideal for warm nights.”
– Eric Suni, Staff Writer
Product Details
If you value crispness over clinginess with your bedding, then you’re an excellent candidate for percale-woven cotton sheets. The Silk & Snow Percale Sheets deliver everything we love about this weave, and the set is budget-friendly to boot.
How It Performed
Our team enjoyed the balanced feel of these sheets — crisper than cotton sateen but not as coarse as linen. The set should serve you well during hotter or more humid times of the year, when drapey sheets are less inviting. We’ve also found that cotton percale sheets hold up well over time with proper care and storage, and are less likely to pill than those made of sateen-woven cotton.
One potential drawback is the pocket depth. Many mattresses are covered in the range of 15 inches or less, but some luxury pillow-tops and other high-profile models need deeper pockets for a secure fit. We recommend measuring your mattress profile before buying this set.
What It’s Made of
The sheets and pillowcases in this collection are composed of 100% cotton. Percale is a tighter weave than sateen, so the fabric feels crisper and more breathable, and won’t drape as closely to the body. The set is available in six sizes that correspond with standard mattress dimensions. You can also choose from seven colors, each produced using organic dyes. All items are fully machine-washable for quick, easy care.
In addition to affordable pricing for the Sateen Sheets, Silk & Snow offers free ground shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. You’ll receive a 100-night trial period with your purchase, and an additional year of warranty coverage if you decide to keep the set.
Most Comfortable

Hush Iced Cooling Sheet Set
Use this link for the most current Hush discounts
Price:
$149Material:
Viscose derived from bambooWeave:
SateenPros
- Bamboo-derived viscose fabric is naturally breathable
- Material wicks moisture to promote dryness and cooling
- Elastic corner bands help prevent the fitted sheet from shifting
Cons
- Not available in California king size
- May be too drapey for sleepers who prefer bedding with a crisp feel
Bottom Line – Our Testing Team Takeaway
“The Hush Iced Cooling Sheet Set is a great option for hot sleepers who tend to drench their sheets with sweat during the night. The fabric feels cool to the touch and helps keep you dry.”
– Jackson Lindeke, Director of Product Experience
Product Details
Of all the cooling sheets we’ve tested, the Hush Iced Cooling Sheet Set stands out for its moisture-wicking properties. The breathable fabric is ideal for sleepers who not only run hot but also sweat a lot throughout the night.
How It Performed
The bamboo-derived sheets have a noticeably cool feel that impressed the hot sleepers on our team. The material naturally draws moisture from your body to help keep you dry, especially if you live in a humid climate. We found the sheets were soft and silky with a very lightweight feel, which further helps prevent overheating. The sheets are machine-washable on a cool, gentle cycle, and you can tumble dry them on low heat.
What It’s Made of
The Hush Iced Cooling Sheet Set is composed of 100% viscose derived from bamboo, a fabric that resists wrinkles and pilling. The sateen weave gives the sheets a drapey texture and appearance. The set is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, and king sizes, and you can choose from eight color options. Each set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases. Our testers liked the elastic corner bands on the fitted sheets, which helps keep the sheet in place for restless sleepers.
Hush offers free shipping and a 30-night sleep trial with the sheets. You’ll also receive a 1-year warranty if you keep the set after the trial ends.
Best Temperature Regulating

Sweet Zzz Organic Bamboo Sheets
Use this link for the most current Sweet Zzz discounts
Price:
$230Material:
100% GOTS-certified viscose from bamboo (400TC)Weave:
SateenPros
- Viscose from bamboo fabric is GOTS-certified organic
- Sateen weave has a smooth, silky feel
- 50-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty
Cons
- Potential for early pilling due to sateen weave
- Fitted sheet may not accommodate beds with unusually thick profiles
Bottom Line – Our Testing Team Takeaway
“Our testers with sensitive skin loved the close drape and soft feel of the Sweet Zzz Organic Bamboo Sheets’ sateen weave. These also look great on your bed if you’re a fan of sheets with a silky sheen.”
– Colin Simpson, Research Manager
Product Details
Most hotel-style sheets we test are exceptionally soft and breathable, and the Sweet Zzz Organic Bamboo Sheets are no exception. This affordable collection from Sweet Zzz is also one of the only bamboo-based options that’s certified as organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
How It Performed
The bamboo-derived fabric slept cool enough for our team’s hot sleepers, making it a great option if you live in a warm or humid climate. Meanwhile, the sateen weave gives each item an exceptionally soft and smooth feel that was ideal for testers with sensitive skin. If you prefer bedding that drapes closely to your body, you should also be satisfied with these sheets.
What It’s Made of
The set is made entirely from GOTS-certified organic viscose derived from bamboo in a sateen weave. Six sizes are available for this sheet set that match standard mattress sizes, including a split king size if you own an adjustable bed. You can also choose from six different neutral color schemes. The fitted sheet has a 14-inch pocket depth, making it compatible with all low- and medium-profile mattresses as well as select high-profile models. All components of the set can be washed and dried in household machines.
Thanks to an affordable price-point and stellar performance, the Organic Bamboo Sheets are considered a high-value investment. You’ll also receive a 50-night sleep trial with your order, as well as a lifetime warranty.
Softest

Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets
Use this link for the most current Brooklyn Bedding discounts
Price:
$199Material:
100% TencelWeave:
SateenPros
- Breathable Tencel construction helps regulate temperature
- Sateen weave has a silky smooth feel to help soothe sensitive skin
- Offered in a split king size for customers who own adjustable beds
Cons
- May not appeal to people who prefer crisp sheets
- People who own mattresses taller than 15 inches may need sheets with greater pocket depth
Bottom Line – Our Testing Team Takeaway
“Our testers enjoyed the naturally cooling Tencel lyocell fabric in the Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets. We recommend these sheets for sleepers who tend to overheat or sweat a lot at night.”
– Jackson Lindeke, Director of Product Experience
Product Details
Sheets made from eucalyptus-derived Tencel lyocell are touted for their exceptional breathability and moisture-wicking properties. The Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets enhance the material’s natural cooling with a lightweight feel that ensures comfort all night.
How It Performed
Our hot-sleeping testers thoroughly enjoyed these sheets thanks to the breathable and moisture-wicking construction. This makes them a great choice for hot sleepers, people who sweat at night, and those living in warm or humid climates. The smooth feel was another major highlight for our testers with sensitive skin. Our testing found we could easily glide across the sheets without harsh rubbing or irritation. The sateen weave also appeals to sleepers who enjoy bedding that drapes closely to the body.
What It’s Made of
The sheets are made from 100% Tencel lyocell in a silky-smooth sateen weave. You can choose between six standard sizes, as well as a split king size for adjustable bed owners that includes two fitted sheets. All other sizes come with a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and one to two pillowcases. Each fitted sheet can accommodate mattresses up to 15 inches thick. All items are fully machine-washable.
Three neutral color schemes are available, khaki, silver, and white, which should match most bedroom decor. Brooklyn Bedding ships free to all customers residing in the contiguous U.S. The Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Tencel Sheets come with a 30-night return period and a 1-year warranty against structural defects.
Best Airflow

Quince Bamboo Sheet Set
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Quince sheets
Price:
$90Material:
100% viscose from bambooWeave:
SateenPros
- Sateen weave produces silky softness
- Lightweight feel ideal for hot sleepers
- 365-day return period for all orders
Cons
- Not available in twin XL
- Sateen-woven sheets are prone to early pilling
Bottom Line – Our Testing Team Takeaway
“We recommend the Quince Bamboo Sheet Set for anyone who wants bedding that looks and feels luxurious but carries an affordable price-point. A sateen weave gives the sheets a lustrous look.”
– Lauren Fountain, Senior Editor
Product Details
The Quince Bamboo Sheet Set has a smooth feel and elegant drape, giving the sheets a luxurious appearance and texture. Like many of Quince’s bedding products, this set is reasonably priced compared to other sheets of similar quality.
How It Performed
The sheet set offers a silky-soft feel and lustrous sheen due to its sateen weave. The sheets are a good choice for people who sleep hot or live in warmer climates, as the fabric is lightweight and breathable. They’re also ideal for sleepers who enjoy sheets that drape closely to the body. The smoothness of the material makes it well suited for people with sensitive skin, since it produces less friction against your body during sleep.
What It’s Made of
The set is made with viscose derived from bamboo. The collection is available in three colors and twin, full, queen, king, and California king sizes. Each set includes one fitted and one flat sheet. Twin and full sizes come with one pillowcase, while the larger sizes include two. The fitted sheet has a 16-inch pocket depth and can accommodate taller beds.
Each item can be machine washed using cold water and a gentle cycle. Quince advises against using bleach and fabric softener. After tumble drying on low, the sheets should be promptly removed in order to prevent wrinkling. If you prefer a crisp look to your sheets, the sheets can be ironed on a low setting.
Quince offers free shipping within the U.S. The sheet set includes a 365-day return policy, which is longer than average for bedding. Customers are eligible for a full refund at any point during this period, even if the sheets have been used or washed.
Best Luxury

Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
Get 35% off sitewide with code: SLEEPFOUNDATION
Price:
$389Material:
100% viscose from bambooWeave:
SateenPros
- 100% viscose from bamboo
- Moisture-wicking fabric provides excellent temperature regulation
- Fits mattresses up to 20 inches tall
Cons
- Above-average price-point for sheets derived from bamboo
- Some sleepers may not enjoy the close drape
Bottom Line – Our Testing Team Takeaway
“We recommend the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set for anyone who enjoys slipping under luxuriously soft sheets at the end of a long day. This set is made with a bamboo-derived viscose fabric that feels cool and silky against your skin.”
– Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing
Product Details
The Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set is an excellent pick if you want a luxurious option. Though these sheets have the price-point, Cozy Earth uses high-quality materials that may be worth the cost if you want a premium product.
How It Performed
Our hot sleepers found this set excels at temperature regulation. Viscose from bamboo effectively draws heat away from your body and helps reduce humidity by wicking away moisture, making it a great choice if you tend to sweat at night or live in a humid climate. Our eco-conscious testers appreciated that Cozy Earth uses sustainably harvested bamboo and ensures fair manufacturing practices across its supply chain. The generous pocket depth also makes the set a suitable choice if you own a pillow-top mattress or use a mattress topper.
What It’s Made of
This set is made of 100% viscose from bamboo and feels silky and cool to the touch. The fabric’s sateen weave provides a subtle sheen and elegant drape. This fabric is also easy to launder at home. Cozy Earth recommends washing on a cold cycle and line drying when possible. The set is available in six sizes, each fitting mattresses up to 20 inches tall. You can choose between seven neutral color schemes.
You can opt to try the set for 30 days before your card is charged. Shoppers in the contiguous U.S. enjoy free shipping and a 100-night return window. The Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set is backed by a generous 10-year warranty.
Best Designs

Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
Use this link for the most current Brooklinen discounts
Price:
$189Material:
100% long-staple cottonWeave:
SateenPros
- Sateen weave offers a smooth, silky feel
- Durable and breathable long-staple cotton
- Wide variety of color and pattern options
Cons
- May feel too silky for sleepers who enjoy crisp bedding
- Some pattern options cost more
Bottom Line – Our Testing Team Takeaway
“The Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set is exceptionally soft and silky, and the material is cool to the touch. One of our field testers has slept on these sheets for over 2 years and he credits them with keeping him comfortable most nights, despite being a hot sleeper.”
– Lauren Fountain, Senior Editor
Product Details
The Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set has a 480 thread count and sateen weave, giving the sheets the silky quality you’d expect from luxury sheets. The soft material is ideal for sleepers who enjoy bedding with a buttery smooth feel.
How It Performed
We test our sheet sets on the same mattress for consistency, and we found the breathable and moisture-wicking fabric of these sheets kept our testers cool and dry. One thing our testers really appreciated was the “long” and “short” labels on the fitted sheet’s sides, which made it easier to place correctly on the first try. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 16 inches, so it should accommodate most beds on the market.
What It’s Made of
The set is constructed from long-staple cotton in a smooth sateen weave. Available sizes include twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. The set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases. You can select from a wide spectrum of color and pattern options, making the set a great option if you are a style-savvy shopper. The color line includes white, cream, steel, graphite, navy, smoke stripe, window pane, graphite and steel oxford stripe, and graphite grid. Brooklinen also has limited edition colors, which frequently include more vibrant hues and patterns.
You can wash these sheets on a cool or warm cycle. Brooklinen recommends line drying to maintain the colors, fibers, and elasticity, but machine drying on low heat and a low tumble cycle is also possible. Since the sheets are not treated with wrinkle-free chemicals, some wrinkling will occur, but it should decrease with additional washings. Hang-drying your sheets can also reduce wrinkling.
Brooklinen offers free shipping in the contiguous U.S. You can return the sheets any time within 365 days of delivery. If you decide to keep the sheet set, it is backed by a 1-year warranty.
Best Moisture-Wicking

Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set
Use this link for the most current Sijo discounts
Price:
$165Material:
100% Tencel lyocellWeave:
SateenPros
- Tencel fabric with a sateen weave produces an exceptionally soft and smooth feel
- Customers choose from seven colors and six sizes
- Affordable pricing and optional flat sheet for added savings
Cons
- Close drape may not appeal to sleepers who prefer sheets with a crisp feel
- Not all sizes qualify for free shipping
Bottom Line – Our Testing Team Takeaway
“Our hot sleepers were very satisfied with the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set. The Tencel fabric drapes closely and feels luxuriously smooth while staying naturally breathable. We’re confident these will feel comfortable throughout the year, regardless of temperature.”
– Colin Simpson, Research Manager
Product Details
Eucalyptus-derived Tencel is popular among our hot-sleeping testers due to its exceptional breathability and moisture-wicking properties, and the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set is no exception. Each item is composed of high-quality Tencel fabric that feels luxuriously soft and smooth.
How It Performs
The sheets drape closely to your body and provide insulation on chilly nights without retaining too much heat during warmer times of the year, so it’s a great choice if you are seeking sheets to use year-round. Thanks to the smooth fabric and the sateen weave, the sheets easily glided across our skin. This makes it a great choice for sleepers with skin that’s sensitive to harsh rubbing from coarser fabrics.
What It’s Made of
A silky sateen weave enhances the buttery-smooth Tencel fabric. Six sizes are available, all of which correspond with standard mattress dimensions. Twin and twin XL sizes include a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and single pillowcase, while larger sizes feature these elements and an additional pillowcase. The fitted sheet’s pocket depth makes the set compatible with any mattress up to 16 inches thick. Sijo also offers appealing options if you are trying to save a bit of extra money. Forgoing the flat sheet can reduce the cost of your purchase by as much as $70.
You can also choose from six different colors, ranging from neutrals to light pink and blue. This set is also easy to clean. Simply wash on a gentle cycle in cold water, then tumble dry on low heat. Promptly removing the items from your dryer can minimize some of the wrinkling that commonly occurs with Tencel bedding.
Sijo offers free shipping on all orders of $65 or more, a range that includes each size of the AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set. The company also permits returns and exchanges within 30 days of delivery, provided each item is in good condition.
Best All-Season

Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheets
Save 15% on your first Boll & Branch purchase
Price:
$279Material:
100% organic long-staple cottonWeave:
SateenPros
- 100% cotton design offers natural breathability
- Cotton has GOTS certification to ensure organic sourcing
- Sateen weave produces a silky quality
Cons
- May drape too closely to the body for some sleepers
- Above-average pricing for cotton sheets
Bottom Line – Our Testing Team Takeaway
“The Signature Hemmed Sheets from Boll & Branch earned high marks from testers prioritizing softness in their bedding. The fabric felt exceptionally smooth, and the generous pocket depth of the fitted sheet ensures a snug fit even for thicker beds.”
– Eric Suni, Staff Writer
Product Details
The Signature Hemmed Sheet Set from Boll & Branch is made from high-quality cotton that feels cool to the touch. Our testers enjoyed the exceptional softness of these sheets, which are designed to grow softer the more you wash them. The fitted sheets have a 17-inch pocket depth, which should accommodate almost all mattresses.
How It Performed
The cotton composition makes the sheets exceptionally breathable, while the long-staple fibers offer superior durability compared to short-staple cotton. The sheets have a silky feel that drapes closely to your body without trapping an excessive amount of heat. Our eco-conscious testers appreciated that the cotton is GOTS-certified organic.
What It’s Made of
Long-staple organic cotton in a sateen weave gives the sheets a soft and cool feel. The sheets are available in 10 neutral color options. Seven sizes are available, including a split king if you and your partner own an adjustable bed. Most sets come with one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. Note that the twin and twin XL sets include one pillowcase, and the split king size comes with two fitted sheets.
Boll & Branch offers free domestic U.S. shipping. Purchases include 30-night sleep trials, during which you can return the sheets for a full refund.
Best Hotel-Style

Nollapelli Signature Sheet Set
Get 20% off sitewide with code SF20
Price:
$317Material:
Tencel Lyocell, Nylon, and Cotton BlendWeave:
SateenPros
- Tencel, nylon, and cotton blend is both soft and durable
- Excellent breathability and temperature regulation
- Fully machine-washable for quick, easy care
Cons
- Not available in twin or twin XL sizes
- Only two color options available
Bottom Line – Our Testing Team Takeaway
“The Nollapelli Signature Sheet Set combines the smoothness of a sateen weave and the breathability of cotton. These sheets felt extremely comfortable and luxurious throughout testing — they remind us of bedding you’d find in top-tier hotels.”
– Tom Ryan, Head of Product Testing
Product Details
The Nollapelli Signature Sheet Set is a hotel-style option that’s great if you want soft and breathable bedding. The proprietary fabric used to construct the sheets is engineered to regulate moisture and body temperature during sleep. The result is a sheet that helped even our hot-sleeping testers stay cool throughout the night.
How It Performed
The sheets have a sateen weave that is exceptionally silky and smooth. Even our testers with sensitive skin felt comfortable, without harsh rubbing or irritation. The fitted sheets have a pocket depth of 16 inches and are compatible with mattresses up to 20 inches thick. This accommodated every mattress in our lab, including high-profile pillow-top models.
What It’s Made of
Every item in the set is composed of a Tencel lyocell, nylon, and cotton blend in a sateen weave. The sheet set comes in five sizes — full, queen, king, split king, and California king, and all sets include one flat sheet and two pillowcases. The split king includes two fitted sheets, whereas the smaller sizes come with one. Maintenance is simple for these machine-washable sheets. Nollapelli recommends washing on warm with like colors and tumble drying on low.
Nollapelli ships free to customers living in the contiguous U.S. The Signature Sheet Set comes with a 30-day return trial, during which you can test the sheets and return them for a full refund.
Why You Can Trust Us
Our team of experts at Sleep Foundation has tested hundreds of different bedding sets to determine our top picks for cooling sheets. Our team uses in-person testing as well as their extensive sleep product knowledge to provide you with high-quality options to consider.
How We Evaluated These Sheets
We analyze each set to find out how breathable it is, who will find it comfortable, and whether the fiber will stand up to heavy use. In our lab, testers personally try each set and decide whether it's suitable for hot sleepers. In order to choose the best cooling sheets on the market today, we relied heavily on ratings from hot sleepers on our team. We also regularly update our top picks to reflect new products that our experts think are noteworthy.
How to Choose Cooling Sheets
Cooling sheets may be a perfect match if you sleep hot, suffer from night sweats, or live in a warm climate. However, with so many cooling sheets on the market, picking the best option for you requires careful consideration. The following factors can affect a sheet set’s cooling, comfort, softness, value, and more.
What to Consider When Buying Cooling Sheets
The same criteria that you use to select a standard sheet set are also important to take into account when picking out cooling sheets. As you shop for sheets, be aware that marketing in luxury bedding can be misleading. While higher prices may be justified for premium products that use high-quality materials, some manufacturers artificially inflate the thread counts of their sheets to make them appear high-end. Carefully assessing a retailer’s product description and asking relevant questions can help you ensure you’re getting the best sheets for your money.
- Material
A sheet’s material composition affects virtually every factor that matters most to customers, including softness, breathability, appearance, and durability. Some materials, like linen, cotton, and lyocell (including Tencel), are more breathable and moisture-wicking than others, which makes them popular choices for cooling sheets. - Weave
The weave of the fabric further affects its feel, breathability, appearance, and more. Sateen and percale are usually the most common weaves used in cooling sheets because they allow cooling airflow. Sateen sheets generally have a slight luster and a heavier feel, while percale sheets tend to be crisp, lightweight, and matte. - Price
Like many types of sheets, cooling sheets run the gamut when it comes to price. Budget-friendly options can cost under $50, while luxury sets may run upwards of $500. The price-point depends largely on the type of materials. High-end sheets may seem daunting for some buyers, but they also tend to have a long lifespan that may make them a good investment. - Feel
The feel of sheets refers to the texture and temperature when you touch them. Sheets may be rough or soft depending on their materials and construction. Linen sheets frequently have a rougher, heavier feel, but they become more supple with age. Percale cotton sheets usually have a crisp feel, while sateen sheets have a buttery smooth feel. Lyocell sheets often feel cool and silky to the touch. - Thread Count
Thread count is simply how many vertical and horizontal threads are in 1 square inch of fabric. This can have implications for the quality, feel, and durability of a sheet set. Many customers see thread count as a mark of quality, but the reality is much more complicated than that. Some high-quality sheets do have high thread counts, but manufacturers of lower-quality sheets may inflate their thread counts by twisting individual yarns together. While this increases the thread count, it doesn’t necessarily improve the quality. Because of this, some sheets with lower thread counts may actually be higher quality than high thread count sheets. Thread count is important, but you should not look to it as the only mark of quality. - Design, Color, and Pattern
If you’re cultivating a certain style for your bedroom, the design, color, and pattern of the sheets may play a role in your purchasing decision. By and large, most sheet sets come in neutral colors. While you can also find some cooling sheet sets in patterns or vibrant hues, don’t expect to have a huge array of options. - Breathability
Breathability is important with any sheet set, but it’s especially critical if you’re shopping for cooling sheets. Breathable sheets allow cool air to permeate the fabric and warm air to escape. This air circulation helps you maintain a more consistent temperature throughout the night. - Durability
When you invest in a new sheet set, you probably hope it will last. Some sheets are built for durability, using high-quality materials that hold up well over time. In fact, many durable sheets become softer and more comfortable with additional washing. Less durable sheets may be more likely to pill or fray, jeopardizing their comfort and usability. - Ease of Care
Most experts recommend washing sheets weekly to maintain a fresh, clean sleep surface. Without proper washing, odors, stains, or microbial growth may occur. Sheets that are easy to launder may make regular washing less of a chore. Cooling sheets are often machine washable and dryable.
Which Type of Sheets Are Best for Cooling?

As we noted above, the type of material plays a major role in how sheets perform. Therefore, certain types of sheets are more commonly used for cooling than others. Below, we’ll go into some of the most common types of sheets in more detail.
“I generally recommend looking for breathable, natural fibers for bedding and cooling sheets, especially if you’re a hot sleeper. Regulating your core body temperature during the night can make a huge difference in your overall sleep quality, so breathable materials are optimal to promote cooler temperatures. Consider hypoallergenic materials like cotton, linen, silk, or bamboo, as synthetic fibers tend to be less breathable and trap more heat at night. This goes for bedding/sheets as well as your pajamas or sleepwear. It may also help to keep a frozen cool pack under your pillow and/or feet or invest in a cooling mattress topper.”
– Sarah Silverman, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and holistic sleep wellness consultant who treats patients in New York and Florida.
Bamboo: Bamboo can be used to produce several different types of fabric, including rayon, viscose, lyocell, and linen. Because it grows quickly, bamboo is often touted for its sustainability. Sheets made of bamboo tend to be cool-to-the-touch, soft, breathable, and durable.
Linen: Linen sheets are a popular choice in warm regions, but they can also be excellent in cooler climates. Traditionally made of flax fibers, linen has strong temperature-regulating properties. When the weather is hot, linen sheets will pull moisture away from your body and allow enough air circulation to cool you off. However, linen sheets also tend to be relatively heavy, providing a cozy feel when it’s cold out without the same risk of overheating as less breathable sheets. Linen has a rumpled look and tends to be extremely durable.
Egyptian Cotton: Egyptian cotton sheets are often synonymous with luxury. Traditional Egyptian cotton has extra-long staples, which means each fiber is exceptionally long. This produces a smooth, breathable fabric that resists pilling and fraying while becoming softer with each additional wash. Since it is breathable and moisture-wicking, many of our hot-sleeping testers rest comfortably on Egyptian cotton sheets.
Supima Cotton: Supima cotton is another type of extra-long staple cotton with similar benefits to Egyptian cotton, including breathability, moisture-wicking, durability, and a smooth feel. However, Supima cotton sheets are usually more affordable than Egyptian cotton.
Silk: Silk sheets have a luxuriously smooth texture and a notable sheen. The material is derived from the cocoons of certain insect larvae, making it a natural fiber. Like most other sheets made up of natural fibers, silk sheets may be a good option if you are concerned about overheating during the night. Silk tends to adjust to body temperatures to stay warm in winter and cool in summer, it absorbs moisture well, and it has a light, cool-to-the-touch feel. The material is also quite strong.
Tencel: Tencel is a branded type of lyocell and modal fibers typically made of sustainable wood. Sheets made of Tencel usually drape like silk and have a soft, smooth finish. The material is popular in cooling sheets thanks to its breathability, moisture absorption, and cool-to-the-touch feel.
Flannel: Flannel sheets are typically soft, thick, and constructed of cotton, wool, and/or synthetic fibers. Since flannel sheets are known for their warm, cozy feel, flannel is not common in cooling sheets. That being said, many flannel sheets are made of cotton or wool. Since these materials are breathable and moisture-wicking, you shouldn’t experience excessive heat buildup.
Microfiber: Microfiber is a synthetic material that is usually soft, lightweight, and somewhat lustrous. Sheets made of microfiber tend to be affordable and easy to care for, but they typically don’t allow as much airflow as those made of natural materials, which could lead to overheating.
What Weave is Best for Cooling Sheets?
The weave, which alludes to how the fabric is constructed, affects its texture, breathability, moisture-wicking, and more. Since each weave performs differently, some are better suited to cooling than others.
- Percale: Percale uses a simple one thread over, one thread under pattern that produces a crisp feel and a matte finish. Sheets that use percale fabric are often ideal for cooling because they are breathable, lightweight, and durable.
- Jersey: Jersey is a knit fabric that tends to be soft and stretchy, much like a t-shirt. While jersey sheets tend to be less durable, they can help you stay cool when the temperatures climb and warm when they drop.
- Sateen: Sateen fabric typically uses a four threads over, one thread under pattern with cotton, rayon, or lyocell fibers. Sheets with a sateen weave tend to have a smooth feel and a slight sheen. While this weave may be used in cooling sheets, it tends to be less breathable than percale.
- Satin: The satin weave usually has a one thread over, four threads under pattern with silk, polyester, or nylon fibers. Satin sheets are typically lightweight, smooth, cool-to-the-touch, and lustrous. Depending on the type of fiber used, satin sheets often stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
Who Should Buy Cooling Sheets?
Cooling sheets can be an ideal choice if you struggle with overheating during the night. Some people choose to use cooling sheets seasonally, putting them on the bed during summer months and trading them out for a cozier option in winter. While this is certainly an option, many cooling sheets are comfortable year-round. When paired with a blanket and/or comforter, they can keep you warm in winter without a high risk of overheating.
Anyone might enjoy cooling sheets, but they may be especially ideal for:
- Those who live in hot climates. If you live somewhere warm, cooling sheets may keep you more comfortable at night. They may also allow you to rely less on your air conditioning or fans.
- People who tend to sleep hot. If you sleep hot year-round, you may like the extra breathability and moisture-wicking of cooling sheets.
- Individuals prone to night sweats. Most cooling sheets are both breathable and absorbent, so they won’t leave you in a puddle of their own sweat.
- Couples with different sleep temperature preferences. Cooling sheets can be the perfect solution if you and your partner prefer different sleep temperatures. If one partner is too cold, they can simply use an extra blanket.
“Your partner’s body heat can contribute to restless nights, as each person has their own natural rhythm of temperature regulation. Having a bed partner that ‘sleeps hot’ can ultimately affect the other partner’s sleep quality.”
– Sarah Silverman, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and holistic sleep wellness consultant who treats patients in New York and Florida.
What is the Ideal Thread Count for Cooling Sheets?
Thread count is the tally of the number of threads per square inch of fabric. Higher thread count fabric is usually softer and highly durable, so it’s no surprise that shoppers often equate higher thread count with higher quality. However, that isn’t always the case.
You should be wary of thread counts over 600-800. Some manufacturers increase the thread count without necessarily improving the quality by using different construction techniques, like wrapping two threads around each other. While high thread count sheets are frequently high quality, you must shop carefully to ensure they know what they’re getting for your money.
The optimal thread count for sheets may also depend on the type of fabric.
For cotton sheets, 400-700 is often the ideal range. However, sheets with a thread count above around 300 are typically heavier, so they may not be as breathable as lower thread count options. If you are looking for cooling cotton sheets, you may find the best balance of breathability and softness from a 300 thread count sheet set.
Most sheet sets made of other materials will share a similar thread count range to cotton. While you can find higher thread count options, cooling Tencel and bamboo sheets are usually close to the 300 thread count mark.
Linen sheets deviate from this standard. Since they use thicker fibers, linen sheets tend to have much lower thread counts. Ideally, linen sheets should have a thread count between 80 and 120. Linen sheets may also be listed by weight instead of thread count, so you might look for a set between 175 and 190 grams per square meter (GSM).
Frequently Asked Questions
Return policies vary greatly between companies, so you should carefully review each company’s policies and procedures. Some companies do not accept returns for sheets or only allow returns of new, unused items. Others have more liberal policies that give you a chance to try the sheets and return them if they aren’t satisfied.
With multiple cooling products on the market, sheets are not your only options for staying cool and comfortable. Some mattresses and pillows are engineered specifically for cooling. Lightweight, breathable sleepwear can also make a big difference. Additionally, using a fan helps air circulate to reduce heat buildup.
Experts typically advise changing your sheets weekly. Sheets can accumulate dust mites, dead skin cells, pollen, and bacteria. If you have pets, eat in bed, sweat excessively, sleep naked, go to bed without showering, and/or suffer from allergies or acne, you may want to wash your sheets more frequently.
The lifespan of sheets depends on their materials, quality, and how well you follow their care instructions. On average, most sheets can be expected to last for around 3 years. However, some may last for less than a year while others could hold up well for over a decade. Following the care instructions provided by the manufacturer can help extend the usable life of your sheet set.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we'll help you find exactly what you're looking for.