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I'm a sleep writer – these are the best cooling mattress protectors

When it comes to the science of sleep, don't sweat it. I've spent hours researching the best cooling mattress protectors

A blue bedroom with blue wallpaper and accents
(Image credit: Future)
Best Cooling Mattress Protectors 2024: Jump Menu

A man putting a mattress protector on a mattress

(Image credit: Alamy)

1. The quick list ↴
2. Best overall: Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Protector
3. Best value: Siena Mattress Protector
4. Best for sensitive skin: Helix GlacioTex Protector
5. Best for bigger beds: Leesa Ultra Cool Mattress Protector
6. Best budget: Bear GlacioTex Mattress Protector
7. Best basic: Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Mattress Protector
8. FAQs

Sunny days and stuffy nights can turn your sleep sanctuary into a sauna. If, like me, you're struggling to sleep in the heat, the problem might just be your mattress. Most mattresses are made from materials like memory foam, which absorb and radiate heat to keep you sweating all night long. 

But you don't have to spend thousands of dollars on one of the best mattresses to rest easy. Nor do you have to drop a couple hundred on the best cooling bed sheets

A cooling mattress protector can solve the problem for a fraction of the price. Though usually just for tackling allergies and keeping your bed hygienic, some mattress protectors have cooling qualities. A high-quality cooling mattress protector is essential for anyone who wants to reap the benefits of sleeping in a cold bedroom without compromising on comfort. 

As H&G's resident sleep writer, I've spent hours researching the top retailers to find you the very best cooling mattress protectors. Full disclosure: I haven't tested them yet, but these lightweight layers won't just keep you cool. They'll protect against stains, spills, dust, and dirt mites, too.

The quick list

Best Cooling Mattress Protectors 2024

You can trust Homes & Gardens. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, helping you choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Best Overall

Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Protector against a pale background.

(Image credit: Slumber Cloud)

1. Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Protector

The best cooling mattress protector around

Specifications

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal-King
Materials: HDPE/polyester blend
Depth: 20"
Waterproof: Yes
Hypoallergenic: No

Reasons to buy

+
Proactive temperature regulation
+
Made for multiple sleepers
+
Moisture-wicking

Reasons to avoid

-
May not suit all sleepers
Buy it if

You share a bed: You can create warmer and cooler sides of the bed.

You're a light sleeper: this mattress protector is made from soft and silent fabric that shouldn't rustle under your sheets.

✅ You prioritise easy wash and case: the Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Protector is easy to care for - just put it in your home washing machine on a cool or warm wash.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You suffer from allergies: the Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Protector is not hypoallergenic.

❌ You're on a budget: this is one of the more expensive cooling mattress protectors on the market.

❌ You have a thin mattress: at full stretch, this protector can accommodate a mattress up to 20 inches thick. If yours is much thinner, then prepare to tuck.

The bottom line

🔎 Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Protector will suit the needs of most sleepers. 

Slumber Cloud uses NASA-engineered temperature regulation technology to help you sleep soundly. This mattress protector is made from Outlast Xelerate fabric, which absorbs and stores your body heat as you sleep, releasing it only as you start to cool down. No two people sleep the same, which is why perhaps the best feature is that this mattress protector adjusts to each sleeper’s ideal temperature. It’s perfect if you share with a partner who prefers to sleep on the warmer side. This Core Mattress Protector won’t just keep you cool. The moisture-wicking fibers banish sweat, while the soft and silent fabric promotes restful sleep. Just one note of caution – some customers have noted a strong smell after machine washing their mattress protector.

Best Value

Siena Mattress Protector against a white background.

(Image credit: Siena)

2. Siena Mattress Protector

A solution to sleepless nights that won't break the bank

Specifications

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Materials: Includes cotton
Depth: 22"
Waterproof: Yes
Hypoallergenic: No

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Breathable
+
Includes organic materials

Reasons to avoid

-
May not suit all sleepers
Buy it if

✅ You're on a budget: this is one of the most affordable cooling mattress protectors on the market, offering high quality at a low cost.

✅ You're prone to spills: the stain-resistant top layer can withstand all sorts of everyday dirt. 


✅ You like a softer mattress: organic cotton quilting offers memory foam softness without the heat retention.

Don't buy it if:

You suffer from allergies: the Siena Mattress Protector is not hypoallergenic. Peruse the rest of our picks to find a model that's more suitable for you.

❌ You have a thin mattress: at full stretch, this protector can accommodate a mattress up to 22 inches thick. If yours is much thinner, then prepare to tuck.

❌ You like a harder mattress: unlike most, this mattress protector is plush enough to alter the feel of your base mattress.

The bottom line

🔎 The Siena Mattress Protector the best balance of quality versus cost.

This budget-friendly mattress protector offers luxury for less. The soft quilted top layer is highly breathable, releasing heat as you sleep to keep you comfortable all night long. It’s also stain-resistant. Whether you like to enjoy breakfast in bed, to cuddle up with your little ones, or if you’re simply prone to spills, the Siena Mattress Protector helps you rest easy. The stretchy cover promises a snug fit that won’t move when you move, but it’s still easy to get on and off. This is a solution to sleepless nights that won’t break the bank. 

Best For Sensitive Skin

Helix GlacioTex Mattress Protector against a white background.

(Image credit: Helix)

3. Helix GlacioTex Mattress Protector

This high-quality hypoallergenic model will help you sleep easy

Specifications

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Materials : 50/50 polyester and polyethylene
Depth: 15"
Waterproof: Yes
Hypoallergenic: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Hypoallergenic
+
Machine washable
+
Snug fit

Reasons to avoid

-
Less budget-friendly
-
Unsuited to thicker mattresses
-
Less environmentally friendly
Buy it if

✅ You suffer from allergies: this is the best hypoallergenic cooling mattress protector around. 

You prioritise easy wash and care: just pop it in your home washing machine on a cool or warm wash. You can treat small spills with cold water and mild detergent.  

✅ You like a snug fit: the skirted design gives this mattress protector the feel of a fitted sheet.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a budget: this is one of the more expensive cooling mattress protectors on the market. 

You have a thicker mattress: this mattress protector can only accommodate mattresses up to 15 inches thick. 

❌ You're shopping for organic materials: the Helix GlacioTex is made from a 50/50 polyester and polyethylene blend. 

The bottom line

🔎 The Helix GlacioTex™ Mattress Protector of all the cooling mattress protectors I've ranked, this is most suitable for sleepers with sensitive skin. 

This is one of the more expensive cooling mattress protectors on the market, but you get what you pay for. The Helix GlacioTex is made from fibers with high thermal conductivity, so heat is pulled away and stays away. Sleepers with sensitive skin will be pleased to hear that this model is hypoallergenic, protecting against bacteria and dust mites as well as rising temperatures. Like all mattress protectors, the Helix GlacioTex is designed to get dirty, but it’s easy to clean. Small spills can be easily spot cleaned with cold water and mild detergent – just avoid bleach. For a deep clean, pop your mattress protector in the washing machine on a cool or warm cycle and tumble dry on low. With proper care, your Helix GlacioTex can protect you for thousands of nights on end. 

Best For Bigger Beds

Leesa Ultra Cool Mattress Protector against a white background.

(Image credit: Leesa)

4. Leesa Ultra Cool Mattress Protector

This mattress protector comes in six different sizes to suit every sleeper

Specifications

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Material: 50/50 polyester and polyethylene
Depth: 14"
Waterproof: Yes
Hypoallergenic: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Water-resistant
+
Hypoallergenic
+
Suitable for all mattresses sizes

Reasons to avoid

-
Less budget-friendly
-
Less environmentally friendly
-
Unsuited to thicker mattresses
Buy it if

✅ You like to drink your morning coffee in bed: this cooling mattress protector is also waterproof, so any liquid spills shouldn't seep through to your base mattress.

You suffer from allergies: the Leesa Ultra Cool Mattress Protector has hypoallergenic properties, soothing you while you sleep.

✅ Your bed is particularly large or small: Leesa makes this mattress protector in six sizes, so it's suitable for compact twins and California Kings alike.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a budget: this is one of the more expensive cooling mattress protectors on the market. 

You have a thicker mattress: This mattress protector can only accommodate mattresses up to 14 inches thick.

❌ You're shopping for organic materials: the Leesa Ultra Cool Mattress Protector is made from a 50/50 polyester and polyethylene blend.

The bottom line

🔎 The Leesa Ultra Cool Mattress Protector is soft enough to soothe you to sleep, no matter the size of your bed. But if your mattress is on the thicker side, you might want to look elsewhere.

There’s something for every sleeper at Leesa, where mattress protectors are sized for twin beds all the way through to California King. Their polyester and polyethylene blend fabric is hypoallergenic and cool to the touch, soothing even the most sensitive sleepers. It’s also easy to get on and off, and water resistant to boot. This Ultra Cool Protector can only promise to fit mattresses up to 14 inches deep. If yours is any thicker, this might not be the best pick for you.

Best Budget

Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector against a white background.

(Image credit: Brooklyn Bedding)

5. Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Mattress Protector

This mattress topper offers that luxury feel for less

Specifications

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Materials: Polyethylene
Depth: Unlisted
Waterproof: Water-resistant
Hypoallergenic: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Hypoallergenic
+
Snug fit 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not fully waterproof
-
Less environmentally friendly
Buy it if

✅ You're on a budget: this is one of the more affordable cooling mattress protectors on the market. 

✅ You suffer from allergies: the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector has hypoallergenic properties, soothing you while you sleep. 

✅ You like a snug fit: the smart-design elastic gives this mattress protector the feel of a fitted sheet.

Don't buy it if

Your mattress is particularly thick or thin: Brooklyn Bedding don't list the maximum depth of their mattress protectors clearly on their site.

You're prone to spills: this protector is not fully waterproof, but only water-resistant. 

❌ You're shopping for organic materials: the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector is made from a polyethylene blend. 

The bottom line

🔎 The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector will do the job well for less, but there's a few drawbacks to consider.

This is one of the most affordable mattress protectors on the market. But, as the name suggests, the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Mattress Protector doesn’t scrimp on style. The breathable fabric is silky smooth, while smart-design elastic creates a snug and streamlined fit. High-tech polyethylene fibers work all night to regulate your temperature. Here is a mattress protector that’s hypoallergenic and comfortable, too. Aside from a few reports of slipperiness under the sheets, it seems that Brooklyn Bedding have delivered a quality product for a lower cost. 

Best Basic

Bear GlacioTex Mattress Protector against a white background.

(Image credit: Bear)

6. Bear GlacioTex Mattress Protector

This cooling mattress protector checks all the main boxes

Specifications

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Materials: 50/50 blend of polyester and polyethylene
Depth: Unlisted
Waterproof: Yes
Hypoallergenic: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Hypoallergenic
+
Waterproof

Reasons to avoid

-
Less budget-friendly
-
Less environmentally friendly
Buy it if


You already own a Bear mattress: this cooling mattress protector has been specially designed to work with Bear mattresses. 

You suffer from allergies: the Bear GlacioTex Mattress Protector has hypoallergenic properties.

You're prone to spills: this cooling mattress protector is also waterproof, so any liquid spills shouldn't seep through to your base mattress.

Don't buy it if

You wouldn't buy a Bear mattress: the Bear cooling mattress protector's primary selling point is its compatibility with their in-house technology. 

You're on a budget: this is one of the more expensive cooling mattress protectors on the market. 

❌ You're shopping for organic materials: the Bear GlacioTex Mattress Protector is made from a 50/50 polyester and polyethylene blend.

The bottom line

🔎 The Bear GlacioTex Mattress Protector does the job, but you can get better models for less.

The Bear GlacioTex Mattress Protector checks all the main boxes. Made from a 50/50 polyester and polyethylene blend, its high thermal conductivity keeps you cool at night, while its hypoallergenic properties soothe your skin. If you already own a Bear mattress, this protector would be a perfect pick for you. The GlacioTex is fully compatible with Celliant technology: a blend of natural minerals, found in all Bear mattresses, which Bear claims to promote restful sleep. One point to consider: a few customer reviews have reported slipperiness under the sheets. It's also quite expensive for a basic model, so it might be worth looking elsewhere for a premium product that's worth its salt.

Cooling Mattress Protector FAQs

Is a cooling mattress protector necessary?

If you tend to sleep hot, a cooling mattress protector is an ideal solution. An uncovered mattress retains the most heat, and it’s vulnerable to spills, stains, dirt, and dust mites, too. The right cooling mattress protector can combat every one of these, all while keeping you cool. 

What are the best bedding materials to keep cool?

There is some debate as to which bedding material is best. What’s clear, though, is that the most breathable materials are the natural ones, such as organic cotton and bamboo. Adding the best silk pillowcase will also help to keep you cool.

When you’re looking for a cooling mattress protector, steer clear of waterproof materials like vinyl/PVC, phthalates, and PFCs. These are designed to retain heat and will make you sleep hotter.

Final thoughts

A longer-term solution to better sleep is to invest in one of the best cooling mattresses. A mattress protector should only be a temporary solution. If your mattress has seen better days, and you have the budget to upgrade, a new model could be the key to a good night’s sleep. 

Emilia Hitching
Sleep Editor

Emilia is our resident sleep writer. She spends her days tracking down the lowest prices on the best bedding and spends her nights testing it out from the comfort of her own home – it's a dream job. Her quest to learn how to sleep better has taken her all around the world, from mattress factories in Arizona to sleep retreats in Scandinavia. Before she joined Homes & Gardens, Emilia studied English at the University of Oxford. She also worked on the other side of the aisle, writing press releases for regional newspapers and crafting copy for Sky.