Emilia Hitching
I'm naturally a hot sleeper. No matter the time of year, it's highly likely that I'll be sleeping with hardly any covers on my bed. I used to think there was little I could do about it beyond investing in a good fan, but then I discovered the power of cooling sheets.
From their moisture-wicking capabilities to their breathability and thermoregulation, cooling sheets make a world of difference to your sleep. After testing some of the best cooling bed sheets for Homes & Gardens, I've experienced firsthand how this small switch can make such a huge difference.
Best Amazon cooling sheets – 6 breathable sets, ranked and reviewed
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Queen, King, California King
Materials: Breescape's BlendTek™ Fabric: 69% Nylon, 20% Polyester, 11% Spandex
Colors: 5
OEKO-TEX certified: Yes
+ Silky soft
+ Enhanced airflow
- Run very large
These Breescape sheets were the first cooling sheets that I tested for myself, and they made me realize how much of a difference cooling sheets can actually make. They're made from Breescape's trademarked 'BlendTek' fabric, which is cooler than bamboo rayon, more breathable than cotton, and 1.5 times more moisture absorbent. They feel instantly cool – not cold – upon climbing into your bed, and they can ensure proper thermoregulation all night long.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Material: Microfiber
Colors: 40+
OEKO-TEX certified: Yes
+ Affordable
+ Deep pockets
- Quite thin
The best affordable bed sheets just got even cheaper. The Iconic Mellanni Microfiber Sheet Set is made from thermoregulating microfiber that's been double-brushed for softness. The 4-pc set is available in every size, and comes with a deep-pocket fitted sheet to accommodate thicker mattresses. Don't take my word for it: trust the 300,000 verified customers who gave the Mellanni Sheet Set a five-star review.
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
Material: 100% cotton
Colors: 9
OEKO-TEX certified: Yes
+ Suitable for all seasons
+ Highly affordable
- Limited sizes
This set comes tried and trusted for hot weather by our expert tester, Camryn Rabideau: 'I’ve tested dozens of bedding products throughout my career, so I was curious to see how the Martha Stewart 100% Cotton Sheet Set stands up against the best bed sheets. I was really impressed with the feel and weight of these sheets. They were soft and comfortable to sleep on, keeping me warm in the winter and cool through the summer.'
Sizes: Full, Queen, King, California King
Materials: 100% French linen
Colors: 10+
OEKO-TEX certified: Yes
+ Naturally thermoregulating
+ Safe for sensitive skin
- A little more expensive
Amazon is one of the best places to buy affordable bedding. If you're shopping for more expensive materials, like linen, Amazon is likely to stock linen sheets for less. Compared to a cheap cotton set, these linen sheets are slightly more expensive, but they're free from toxic chemicals and additives. They're ultra-breathable and safe for sensitive skin. And although linen sheets are susceptible to wrinkles, I think that just adds to their charm. These sheets are bound to look timeless in your cozy bedroom.
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Material: Rayon derived from bamboo
Colors: 20+
OEKO-TEX certified: Yes
+ Naturally thermoregulating
+ Affordable for bamboo
- Not entirely organic
I had the pleasure of sleeping on Bedsure's Gentlesoft sheet set, and let me tell you, these sheets changed my hot nights for the better. Not only are they silky-soft, but they're breathable and moisture-wicking, too. That's because these sheets are made from rayon derived from bamboo – a material choice that ensures cooling comfort while asleep. Aside from that, these sheets look so good on my bed. The fitted sheet fits perfectly around every corner, and the flat sheet elegantly drapes on top of the bed.
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Materials: Bamboo viscose
Colors: 6
OEKO-TEX certified: Yes
+ Silky smooth finish
+ Lightweight
- Not entirely organic
These are an investment for sure, but are both celebrity and Homes & Gardens approved. 'When Kris Jenner recommended the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set, I knew I had to try it for myself,' says Celebrity News Writer Sophie Edwards. 'At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, my partner literally gasped in disbelief at how soft they were after slipping into them. I truly can't emphasize enough how silky these sheets are. Even if you prefer crisper percale bedding, I think these sheets are a good choice because of their lightness and breathability.'
How to choose cooling sheets on Amazon
Since there are over 10,000 results for 'cooling bed sheets' on Amazon, you might not know what to look for, or even where to start. That's where I can help. Below, find a list of the top cooling materials, as well as what qualities make them ideal for cooling sheets.
- Cotton percale: a loose, lightweight weave (one-thread-over, one-thread-under), cotton percale feels crisp and cool on your skin. It is preferable to cotton sateen, which, though softer, tends to trap heat due to the one-over-three-under weave that is smoother but less breathable.
- Bamboo: naturally moisture-wicking and antimicrobial, bamboo is a great choice for anyone who suffers from night sweats. Eucalyptus has a similar look and feel.
- Linen: breathable and durable, the best linen sheets are woven from hollow flax fibers for optimal breathability. Try to embrace the natural wrinkles as part of linen's rustic charm.
- Microfiber: more breathable than polyester, and highly affordable – the basis for many of the best affordable bed sheets.
In terms of bedding materials to avoid, hot sleepers should steer clear of tight weaves, including sateen, and stuffy synthetic fibers. Polyester is the worst offender, known to trap heat and retain moisture, so you have to sleep in your own sweat.
Do Amazon cooling sheets actually work?
Not all cooling sheets are created equal. With thousands of options on Amazon, we understand it takes an expert eye to find a bona fide set. Since I've sampled several sheet sets that claim to be cooling but actually incorporate synthetic materials that trap heat and moisture, I can quickly spot materials that are not cooling by nature. At Homes & Gardens, we've tested the majority of the items on this list in person – and with hot sleepers – so we can vouch for the performance of these sheets.
Since everyone sleeps differently and has different sheet preferences, I recommend you read the customer reviews to assess suitability before you buy a cooling sheet set from Amazon. You can now use the Rufus function on Amazon to search the reviews for specific search terms. So if you are perimenopausal or have a health condition that causes poor thermoregulation, it is easy to find similar buyers who match your needs and see how they found the product.
Can you get good deals on cooling bedding on Amazon?
Amazon is a really good place to buy cooling bedding because it always has a great selection of deals. With Amazon Prime Day happening right now, there's no better time to score a good deal on a cooling sheet set.
What's more, cooling bedding can often be a bit of a desperation purchase after a bad night's sleep – meaning you likely want to buy something quickly and affordably. Amazon tends to deliver on both of these things, and with our expert guidance, you can get straight to the best options without spending too much time researching.
Once you've bought a set of the best cooling sheets, it's time to dress the rest of your bed. Layer the best cooling mattress protector between your bed and your body to safeguard against sweat, spills, and stains, or cover up with the best cooling comforter. With these cooling bed products, you're guaranteed to sleep cool and comfortably any time of year.
