8 Best Cooling Blankets for Hot Sleepers
Updated: Apr. 05, 2024
Hot sleepers, rejoice. These cooling blankets will help you stay cool and comfortable in the heat of the night.
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For those who toss off even lightweight comforters in the middle of the night because of excessive sweating, a cooling blanket just may be the answer. You may want to pair it with cooling sheets and cooling pillows.
“Scientific studies show that we sleep better when it’s cooler,” says Dr. Smita Patel, DO, FAASM. “Instead of cooling down the entire house, though, a cooling blanket is more economically-friendly. Also, many people don’t like to sleep with the air conditioning on because it creates a dry, uncomfortable environment to breathe in. A cooling blanket, especially when paired with a cooling mattress and a cooling mattress pad, is a popular option all year round for hot sleepers and those experiencing night sweats. There are even cooling weighted blankets for those who like weighted blankets.”
According to Dr. Patel, cooling blankets work by absorbing the heat from the body while asleep, then releasing it rather than trapping it and turning the bed into a sauna. Fabrics like cotton, linen, bamboo and eucalyptus wick moisture away. Also, cooling blankets featuring special technology like Outlast®, originally designed for NASA, and 37.5®, enhance athletes’ performance by keeping their core at an ideal temperature and relative humidity of 37.5%.
Best overall cooling blanket
Sleep Number True Temp Blanket
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic for sensitive sleepers
- Machine-washable
- Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification ensures no harmful substances
- Perfect for all seasons
- 100-night sleep trial
Cons:
- Only available in two sizes
Sleep Number has always used technology to help people sleep better, and their popular True Temp Blanket is powered by 37.5®. This special technology adapts to help keep your temperature just right throughout the night. Its active-particle cooling system also attracts and removes moisture to resist heat and humidity buildup.
“For hot sleepers, that means no more sweating,” according to a five-star reviewer. Another five-star reviewer calls it “by far the most comfortable blanket we have ever owned,” and another happy customer says it “fixed my hot flashes.” Speaking of, these are other cooling products for hot sleepers to finally get some rest.
Best value
Bamboo Cooling Blanket
Pros:
- High quality for an affordable price
- Available in eight colors and patterns
- Machine-washable
- Four sizes
Cons:
- Some reviewers report initial shedding
This value-priced Dangtop cooling blanket has nearly 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon praising the fact that it actually works. “How can being wrapped in a blanket make you cooler?” asks reviewer Michael J. “This unbelievable piece of bedding is the answer that I’ve been looking for almost all of my life. When I sleep, I always need to use a blanket to get comfortable. Usually, at about 2:00 am I have to toss said blanket because of excessive sweating. Add two hours, and I have to reacquire the blanket once again. This cooling blanket streamlines the process as it dissipates all of the heat.” Made of 100% bamboo fabric, we love how it feels cool to the touch and has a high heat capacity to keep hot sleepers comfortable all night. If you’re on the fence about it, our review will have you convinced in no time!
Best bamboo
Cozy Earth Bamboo Blanket
Pros:
- Super soft and cooling bamboo fabric
- 100-night free trial
- Machine-washable
- Ten-year warranty
- Available in four sizes
- Free shipping and free returns
Cons:
- Pricey
Made from a 100% premium bamboo fabric shell, this bamboo blanket from Oprah’s favorite bedding company lets shoppers sleep two to three degrees cooler by sleeping with at least 50% less humidity. Five-star reviewer K.M. says, “The breathability does keep the temperature cooler, and I am sleeping better.” Another five-star reviewer, Alexandra M, says, “Best sleep ever—it’s comfortable and keeps me cool. I no longer wake up in the middle of the night hot.” Our editors are huge fans of Cozy Earth products, as seen in these reviews about their bamboo sheets and comforters.
Best linen
Brooklinen Linen Quilt
Pros:
- 100% linen, made from high-quality European Flax
- Stonewashed for irresistible softness
- Five color options
- Machine-washable
- 365-day return/exchange policy
Cons:
- A pricier blanket
- $9.95 return fee
Linen is a naturally cooling fabric, which is why it’s one of our favorite fabrics to turn to when we’re looking for a good night’s sleep. This linen quilt from Brooklinen, the company renowned for its linen bedding, is stonewashed so it’s especially soft, making it a fantastic addition to a linen closet. Five-star reviewer Summer B. raves, “I’m no longer sweating thanks to the linen quilt.” Paola E. also gives it five stars, agreeing it’s “actually cooling for hot sleepers.”
Best cotton
Pottery Barn SleepSmart Basketweave Blanket
Pros:
- Comfort personalized to each sleeper’s need for warmth
- Machine-washable
- Uses active volcanic minerals
- White glove service available to deliver directly to the bedroom
- 30-day return policy
Cons:
- Only available in one color
This pretty woven blanket is made of 80% cotton mixed with 20% of the innovative 37.5® performance yarns that keep you cool all night long. Its temperature-regulating technology moves heat away before sweat can form, minimizing swings in body temperature so you stay asleep longer. We’re fans of how soft and lightweight it is, and it pairs well with other bedding in Pottery Barn’s new SleepSmart line, which are considered some of the best bed sheets.
Best eucalyptus
Buffy Breeze Comforter
Pros:
- Plant-based fibers are biodegradable and compostable
- Eco-friendly
- Seven-night free sleep trial
- 50-night return policy
- Cruelty-free
- Sustainably harvested from eucalyptus trees
Cons:
- Only available in one color
This soft, temperature-regulating comforter is woven from and filled with Buffy’s signature eucalyptus fabric—sustainably-sourced lyocell—to keep hot sleepers cool and dry all night. Five-star reviewer Arianne S. writes that she bought it for her husband, who always sleeps hot: “He loves it, even more than I could have anticipated. It keeps him at the perfect temperature (cool), and it is so soft and so beautiful. I don’t even hate that he refuses to put a duvet cover on it.” Jessie B. says, “The light and comfortable comforter helps me sleep through the night without getting sweaty.” Sounds like your dream blanket? Make sure to also learn the right way to wash a weighted blanket while you’re here.
Best lightweight
Slumber Cloud Lightweight Comforter
Pros:
- 100% cotton outer cover for soft, lightweight breathable comfort
- Hypoallergenic
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified
- 60-night sleep trial
- Free shipping
- Financing available
Cons:
- Pricey
- Only available in white
Thanks to its patented, NASA-approved ClimaDry by Outlast® technology, this lightweight comforter provides a down-like feel while regulating heat and moisture during sleep. Verified buyer Jenna A, who struggles with night sweats and being a hot sleeper, gives it five stars, calling it “Awesome!” Stephen S. also gives it five stars, saying, “Fantastic and lightweight. Helps me keep cooler than other comforters I’ve tried.”
Best sustainable
Casper Down Alternative Duvet
Pros:
- 100% recycled polyester fill
- Free returns within 30 days
- Machine-washable
- One-year limited warranty
- Free, no-contact delivery
Cons:
- Free shipping excludes Alaska, Hawaii, Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut
This down-alternative duvet is perfect for those who want the feel of down comforters without the down. To keep you from sleeping too hot, the duvet’s shell is made from Tencel lyocell, a highly breathable and durable fiber made from sustainably sourced wood pulp.
Inspired by performance outerwear, the sewn-in chamber design hugs your body like your favorite puffy jacket. It also keeps the fill fluffy and in place, so you stay cozy all night. Good for the planet as well as for hot sleepers, it’s filled with recycled polyester from old water bottles, so it’s a win-win.
What to look for when buying the best cooling blanketsÂ
When buying the best cooling blankets, there are several factors to consider:
- Cooling technology: Look for blankets that incorporate specific cooling technologies, like Outlast® and 37.5®, that regulate body temperatures.
- Material: Opt for cooling blankets made from lightweight and breathable materials such as bamboo, cotton, eucalyptus or linen. These fabrics offer better airflow and moisture-wicking properties to stay cool and comfortable all night.
- Breathability: Ensure that the blanket allows for proper air circulation for optimal cooling while asleep. Look for blankets with an open-weave or mesh construction to promote airflow, preventing heat and moisture from trapping inside.
- Moisture-wicking properties: Blankets with moisture-wicking capabilities help absorb and evaporate sweat and moisture quickly. This feature enhances comfort by keeping the sleeper dry and preventing the buildup of heat.
- Size and weight: Consider the size and weight of the blanket based on personal preferences. Some people prefer lightweight blankets that provide a gentle, cooling effect, while others may prefer heavier blankets for a more substantial feel.
Why you should trust us
I am an award-winning travel, lifestyle and shopping writer for Reader’s Digest, as well as a few other notable publications. I’ve built product roundups before and understand how important it is to combine advice from experts with real customer experiences. To help with this shopping guide, I turned to Dr. Smita Patel the Founder and Medical Director of iNeuro Institute. Dr. Patel is a neurologist and sleep specialist. She understands what good sleep looks like and what can be added to your sleep routine to help you get there.
How we found the best cooling blankets
A good night’s sleep is just as important to our editors as it is for you. With particular emphasis on solutions for hot sleepers, we’ve tested bedding products of every variety: mattresses, mattress toppers, sheets, blankets, comforters, pillows and even bed cooling systems. We’ve ranked many of the best bedding brands you likely know (like Saatva, Sealy and Sleep Number) as well as newer brands you may not have heard of yet (like Eight Sleep, BedJet, Helix, Bear, Nectar and Avocado). In addition to in-depth research and reading countless customer reviews to find the best cooling blankets, we also consulted with industry experts for more insight into the science of sleep. From traditional spring mattresses to memory foam-only beds and everything in between, we’ve made it our mission to help you find the best bedding and blankets, no matter if you sleep hot or not.Â
FAQ
Do cooling blankets really work?
Yes, cooling blankets are effective in providing a cooler and more comfortable sleep experience for hot sleepers or people who live in warm climates. Cooling blankets feature materials and technologies that help regulate body temperature and dissipate heat.
Do you use a top sheet with a cooling blanket?
Using a top sheet with cooling blankets boils down to personal preference. However, to maximize the cooling properties of a cooling blanket, one may want to forgo the top sheet. This allows the sleeper to experience the full benefits of the cooling technology.
What is the best cooling blanket for hot climates?
The best cooling blanket for hot climates varies depending on user preference. Bamboo fabric features natural-breathable, moisture-wicking properties and the ability to regulate body temperature. Linen is a natural fabric that is also highly breathable and helps dissipate heat, making it a popular choice for hot weather. Other top choices for hot climates are cooling weighted blankets, microfiber cooling blankets and gel-infused versions.
Originally Published: March 20, 2024
