Our round-up of the best sheets for hot sleepers
Everyone loves the fresh feeling of flipping over a pillow to the cold side. But imagine if the cold side was on both sides! This is possible when you have a cooling sheet set made to wick moisture and release trapped heat.
Sleep experts recommend that your bedroom should be like a cave - dark, quiet, and cool. In fact, the ideal temperature to sleep is around 65 degrees. When we sleep our body temperatures drop and make us want to bundle up under the covers but hot sleepers are prone to restless nights from overheating due to too high bedroom temperature or the wrong type of bedding.
How do you choose the best cooling sheets? We’ve compiled a list of the best value cooling sheets for hot sleepers and what to consider while purchasing, like fabric and weave type, thread count, and other cooling technology to keep you chill all night long.
What are cooling sheets?
Cooling sheets sets are made of natural fabrics like linen, cotton, or synthetic fibers like microfibers. These fabrics create a healthy sleep temperature, especially during the warmer months. Cooling sheets work by using breathable fabrics that ventilate, absorbent fabrics that trap sweat, and moisture wicking fabrics that draw the sweat from your skin and release it to the outside of the sheets evaporating into the air.
Who needs cooling sheets?
Those who tend to run hot while sleeping and have night sweats or have sensitive skin will benefit from cooling sheets because the breathable fabric will help keep your body temperature down for a restful night’s sleep. High internal temperatures can be the result of medical illness, humid climate, or using a memory foam mattress that traps heat. The benefits of keeping cool while sleeping includes 24-hour temperature regulation, weight management, and stress reduction. Using sheets for hot sleepers is a great way to stay cool during the night.
Best cooling sheet fabrics
There are a wide variety of fabrics to choose from when purchasing a cooling sheet set. Check out which fabric is best for you from natural fibers to synthetics fabrics. Many cooling sheets are made from blends of fabrics but most cooling sheets can be made with just one. When looking for the best cooling sheets make sure that they are made from absorbent and moisture wicking fabrics.
Linen Sheets
While linen makes lightweight and breathable sheets, it's not the softest fabric out there. Linen sheets start very stiff but soften up with each wash. If you want your sheet set to feel smooth as ice from the start, linen sheets aren't the best choice. Also, linen sheets aren’t wrinkle resistant so it's best to avoid them if you don't want to break out your iron. Linen sheets, like the Brooklinen Linen Core Sheet set, are more of an acquired taste since they are a bit rough and require a lot of care when washing. Not to mention this core sheet set comes in at a very high price.
Microfiber Sheets
Microfiber sheets keep you cool by wicking moisture throughout the night. They are made from fine synthetic polyester fibers that feel even softer than cotton. These polyester sheets also have a soft feel as they don’t change their smoothness after washing like natural fibers. They are highly durable and wrinkle resistant, making these sheets super smooth without ironing. Microfiber is one of the best cooling sheet set fabrics because it is very cool to the touch and moisture wicking.
Cotton Sheets
Cotton sheets are the most thought of sheets when you want a naturally breathable fabric. 100% cotton sheet sets usually have a looser weave that allows air to flow through and are naturally moisture wicking. The fabric's natural texture gives you a cool feeling against your skin all year round.
Not all kinds of cotton are the same though. There are several types of cooling cotton sheets on the market like egyptian cotton, pima cotton, supima cotton, and cotton blends.
Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian cotton sheet sets are suitable for cooling or warming depending on the thread count and style of weaving. They are also known for their durability and longevity compared to other types of sheets. Egyptian cotton sheets may be known as some of the best cotton sheets, but finding genuine material is difficult.
Pima Cotton
Pima cotton has a cooling smooth finish because it has been combed by hand with extremely fine-spun yarn. This option can be far more expensive than other sheet types due to the meticulous processing.
Supima Cotton
What is Supima cotton? Supima is a trademarked name and the largest and finest cotton grown in the world. It's grown exclusively in America and is known as long staple cotton because it takes up to three years for each plant to grow. However, it is quite expensive.
Cotton Blend
Cotton blend sheets – often called CVC or chief value cotton – are made when manufacturers weave cotton and polyester together for a 60/40 blend (but 51% must be cotton minimum). This process makes durable and less expensive sheets. The downside is that cotton blend fabrics don’t make the best cooling sheets because they aren't very breathable.
Long staple cotton vs Short staple cotton
Staple length is crucial when choosing cooling sheets. As staple length increases, the sheets will feel more silky and cool to the touch.
Short staple cotton
This type of cotton is used to make a lot of fabrics we use for everyday things like clothes and other items. It's strong and low maintenance but doesn’t have that luxurious crisp feeling.
Long staple cotton
Long staple cotton is made with longer fibers making the weave more smooth. This type of cotton is used for sheets, towels, and other quality products. Long staple cotton products become softer overtime because they have less fiber ends woven into the fabric.
Extra long staple cotton
Extra long staple cotton is the softest of all, with the longest fibers available making the weave silky soft.
Bamboo Sheets
Bamboo cooling sheets are becoming very popular for cooling sheets because they are lightweight and durable. This natural material can absorb sweat but not as effectively as synthetic materials. Bamboo cooling sheets aren’t as moisture-wicking as microfiber sheets. Bamboo sheets come in different weaves including percale sheets, sateen sheets, and twill.
While bamboo sheets are considered sustainable because the plant grows so rapidly, sometimes the manufacturing process to make the best bamboo sheets includes the use of harsh chemicals – make sure to check if yours are processed with eco-friendly chemicals if you buy. Also, coming in at a high price, bamboo sheets are not the most accessible choice.
Eucalyptus Sheets
Eucalyptus make cool and moisture wicking sheets. They are just as strong and durable as the tree they come from. Like other wood-based fabrics, the Buffy eucalyptus sheet set needs a lot of chemical processing to have a soft touch. The Buffy eucalyptus sheet fabric must be blended with synthetic fibers to be usable. While the Buffy eucalyptus sheets feel cool, they aren’t the most sustainable processing method because of the resources required to make them.
What fabrics should hot sleepers avoid?
Wool Flannel Sheets
Flannel sheets made from wool are a recipe for disaster for hot sleepers. The fabric is brushed on one side to create a nap that feels soft but tends to trap more heat than other sheets. It's best to break out this warm set of sheets in the winter.
Silk Sheets
Silk is a natural fiber that is very tightly woven. The tight weave makes silk sheets less than ideal for hot sleepers because the fabric doesn't allow air to move through it easily. Silk sheet sets might seem soft but it will leave your bed feeling damp if you have night sweats. Those who sleep hot shouldn’t choose these less breathable sheets. The same goes with satin sheets, which are a blend designed to mimic silk.
Jersey Sheets
Jersey feels like sleeping on a t-shirt. Sure, they are soft but since they are knitted, they aren't very breathable. These sheets are stretchy and clingy causing them to stay close to your skin and reduce ventilation. Jersey isn’t ideal for hot sleepers looking for cooling sheets.
Ideal Thread Count For Cooling Sheets
We’ve found that the Goldilocks approach is the best when looking at thread count for cooling sheets; not too high, not too low. Those who sleep hot should look out for thread count when buying cooling sheets.
High thread count sheets, too high
High thread count sheet sets get their fame from the high number of threads per square inch found in the fabric. This tight weave doesn't allow air and moisture to pass through making it too warm for hot sleepers looking for cooling sheets.
Low thread count sheets, too low
On the other end, we have low thread count sheet sets which don't feel so great to sleep on. They aren't as soft and are considerably less durable. Although they are much cheaper, they won't last the test of time.
Medium thread count sheets, just right
Medium thread count is your best bet for cooling sheet sets because the gaps in the yarn allow for ventilation. Choose cooling sheets with a thread count between 200-400 to stay cool all through the night.
Best Weave For Your Cooling Sheet Set:
When choosing a cooling sheet set, it’s important to consider the weave of the sheet. The two most best weaves for cooling sheets are percale and sateen.
Percale Weave Sheets
Percale sheets are more cooling than sateen sheets. Percale sheets are made up of vertical and horizontal thread grids which make them breathable. A percale sheet set feels crisp and has great ventilation.
Sateen Weave Sheets
Sateen cooling sheets, on the other hand, keep you drier. These bed sheets are woven with a 3:1 or 4:1 filling to warp yarn ratio, with relatively long floating threads. This gives the silky sheets a smooth feel that stays close to the body and absorbs more sweat. The best sateen cooling sheets will keep you cool in-between seasons.
Crisp percale sheets often cost less than sateen sheets, so if you're looking for the coolest sheets, go for a percale wave. The best percale sheets will help maintain a lower body temperature.
Natural vs. Synthetic fibers:
How hot do you get at night? This is an important question to know if natural or synthetic sheets will be right for you.
Natural Cooling Sheets
For light to moderate sweating, you can count on natural fibers to keep you cool at a good price. They are breathable and offer ventilation to cool down the body. Although, natural fibers, like cotton sheets, aren't the best for absorption and can easily get wet from sweat.
When looking at natural fiber sheets, you have to consider the chemical processing. If having more natural processing is important to you, choose organic cooling sheets for your bed. The best organic cooling sheets will be certified organic and made sustainably but will also come with a higher price tag.
Synthetic Cooling Sheets
For those hot sleepers who wake up sweating like they’ve run a marathon, synthetic fibers will be better for you. These fibers include polyester, microfiber, or high-tech performance blends. Synthetic cooling sheet sets offer much more absorption capabilities than natural fibers and are the best cooling sheets set fabric choice for those with sensitive skin.
Ideal Ply for Cooling Sheets
What is ply, and what does it matter?Ply refers to the thickness or weight of the flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillow cases in a set. Generally speaking, sheets with a higher ply number are thicker and sturdier than sheets with a lower ply level. A sheet's ply can also affect its coolness: sheets of a heavier weight feel warmer because they're made from thicker cotton yarn. For hot sleepers, it's important to consider the ply of your sheets.
Single-ply vs. Two-ply
Unlike toilet paper, multi-ply doesn’t necessarily mean more comfort when it comes to sheets. A single-ply sheet set has one thread in the weave rather than two threads combined. As a general rule, single-ply is less opaque and therefore more transparent...making them look a bit cheaper at times. Double-ply is thicker, making them look luxurious, but they are less breathable than single-ply sheets.
Our recommendations for the coolest sheet set:
At Mellanni, we have several options for high-quality bedding options:
Mellanni Hotel Luxury 1800 Bed Sheet Set
Our extremely popular microfiber sheets are cool to the touch, wrinkle-free, and breathable. These sheet sets come in different colors so you can choose what best matches your home decor or season.
Advantages of these high-quality microfiber sheet sets:
Silky-Soft
We set out to create some of the most comfortable and luxurious hotel sheets you can find on the market, and we're convinced that these fit the bill. The ultra-softness of these sheets means you'll sleep better and wake up each morning feeling refreshed and full of energy.
Extra-Durable
More durable than cotton, these sheet sets are great for your bedrooms, guest rooms, kids' room, RV, vacation home, and more. They can last through multiple washes without losing their shape or feel. Fitted with deep pockets these sheets are made to fit any bed.
Easy Care
Fade, stain, shrink and wrinkle resistant, these sheets aren't only durable – they're easy to take care of. Simply machine wash in cold and then dry them for a quick cycle on tumble dry low.
Highest Quality
Made of the highest quality microfiber and workmanship so you know they are built to last. Hot sleepers love the fresh feeling night after night.
Lots of Color Options
A fabulous selection of colors will make your bedroom look like it belongs in a magazine. From classic white to modern purple sheets, there’s a color for every taste.
Fit for a King, Queen, and more.
Available sizes: twin xl full queen king
Our Luxury 4pc Bed Sheets Set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet and two pillowcases (1 pillowcase for Twin/ Twin XL sizes). Plus, these quality sheets have deep pockets with elastic all around, not just the corners, and fit mattresses up to 16 or 21 inches, depending on the size chosen.
Mellanni Organic Cotton
With natural moisture wicking capabilities, these cotton sheets are the best bed sheets for hot sleepers looking for relief from the heat. Here are some of the reasons you should invest in a set:
GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifies that Mellanni’s 400 Thread Count Sheet Set is made with 100% organic cotton and has been rigorously inspected to ensure our fibers are non-toxic and free from harmful synthetic chemicals before they even touch your skin. This makes them ideal for all skin types, including people with sensitive skin.
Authentic Top-Quality
No pilling, shrinkage, or fading. Our sheets are manufactured with top-quality Combed Long-Staple Organic Cotton fibers that are easy to care for and allow help sheets get softer with each wash. Its quality structure is long-lasting with durable tear strength, colorfastness, and luxurious cooling touch.
Luxury Sateen Weave
Provides an ultra-soft feel with breathable and cooling comfort. Discover the perfect combination of softness and a hint of crispness for the ultimate sleeping experience year-round. Mellanni’s organic cotton sheets with sateen weave hold a beautiful subtle sheen and have an authentic silky smooth feel.
True Fit
The all-around elastic on Mellanni’s fitted sheet makes sure your sheets stay in place all night long. The deep pockets make for the perfect fit for Queen mattresses from 9 inches to 16 inches deep. Mellanni’s 4 Piece Set includes one flat sheet (90 inches x 102 inches), one deep pocket fitted sheet (60 inches x 80 inches x 15 inches), and two pillowcases (20 inches x 30 inches).
Tips for staying cool
Besides getting a set of the best cooling sheets and bedding materials, here are some tips for hot sleepers to get a great night of sleep and keep cool especially during the hot summer months:
Keep it dark
Make sure the room you sleep in stays cool by keeping the blinds closed during the day so that the sun doesn't warm up the room.
Get a fan
Fans help circulate air in the room and keep the air feeling fresh so that you’ll want to snuggle inside of the covers.
Check your P.J.s
It’s recommended that hot sleepers sleep in the nude. If that’s not your style, use loose pajamas made with natural fibers that won't stick close to your body.
Take a shower
Help your body lower its temperature by taking a cool or warm shower before bed. The cooler air outside the shower will cool you down and get you ready for bed.
Summary
We hope our guide to the coolest sheets was helpful. Whether you prefer the naturally cooling cotton of our Mellanni Organic Cotton sheets, or the super-soft feel of our Mellanni Hotel Luxury 1800 Bed Sheet Set, we're confident you'll find exactly what you're looking for.
With a wide variety of colors, sizes, and styles to choose from, Mellanni has the perfect cooling sheets for you. Our sheets are also backed by a lifetime warranty, so you can buy with confidence knowing that we stand behind our products 100%.
