How To Make Your Bed Cooler With Pillows, Blankets, & More

I can't even begin to tell you how many nights I've woken up drenched in sweat. (What can I say? I'm a hot sleeper.) Having tested everything from mattress toppers to pillowcases, I've done my due diligence on figuring out how to make your bed cooler. While making a breezier bed, it's important to use sheets and pillows that are lined with breathable, moisture-wicking material. And for even more cooling, electronic systems and fans that either hook onto your bed frame or sit beside your mattress are also helpful because they provide coolness directly above or underneath the blankets.

Some of the main materials to choose from while shopping for sheets and blankets that stay chilly include bamboo, eucalyptus, linen, and cotton. However, some sheets — such as the first pick on this list — are designed with specific cooling technology within the fabric to help regulate your body heat. Meanwhile, others are infused with jade, which makes them harder to heat up quickly (hence, a cooler surface). And if your mattress itself has a tendency to retain warmth (which is fairly common with memory foam), a cooling topper or pillow might be your best bet. Many are infused with temperature-regulating gel to help your body heat dissipate more quickly.

Blankets and cushions aside, ultra-hot sleepers might want to splurge for an electronic cooling system. Similar to air conditioning units, these systems are designed specifically for beds — and they pump cool air directly into your sheets to help you regulate your body temperature overnight.

It doesn't matter how hot you get at night — when it comes to making your bed cooler, switching out your old blankets, toppers, and sheets with breathable options will give your bed a fresh breath of air. Keep scrolling to check out my top picks.

Invest In Cooling Sheets

Breathable as well as moisture-wicking, the best cooling sheets will help distribute your body heat so that you sleep through the night with ease.

1. Writer’s Pick: The Sheets Made With High-Performance Fabric

Not only are these cooling sheets made with high-performance fabric to help distribute your body heat as you sleep, but they're also moisture-wicking microfiber in case you do begin to sweat. I've tried dozens of cooling bed sheets, and these are the only ones that seemed to get softer after every wash. They're also very thin, but I've never felt like they were at risk of ripping — and the 18-inch pocket means they'll even fit taller mattresses. Choose from about two dozen rich colors, including teal, crimson, eggplant, and more.

According to a fan: "So i ordered these after a coworker told me about them as we discussed how hot we get a night. OMG LIFE SAVING SHEETS. Get some right now. I have had nights where i have to put a towel down. THESE DON’T REQUIRE ALL THAT. Night sweats don’t ruin my sheets any more. So soft, great deep pockets. They don’t move much when you roll over.”

• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, split king, California king

2. These Crisp Sheets Made From 100% Cotton

Made from 100% organic cotton, these crisp percale sheets are breathable, lightweight, and cool, making them an excellent choice for hot sleepers. The cotton is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified to be free from harmful chemicals, and percale gets softer with each wash. The fitted sheet fits mattresses up to 14 inches deep and features head and foot labels to speed up the bed-making process. Choose from nine colors, including dark gray, pistachio green, and classic white.

According to a fan: “It isn't easy finding percale sheets these days, and especially percale sheets that are ethically made and don't cost a fortune. I took a chance on Sleep Mantra, and I will never go back. They are crisp and cool, everything a good percale sheet should be.”

• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

3. The Sheets Made With Breathable Bamboo

• Also available on Walmart, $95

Bamboo is more breathable and more absorbent than cotton, making these bamboo bed sheets perfect for hot sleepers. They're made from 100% viscose derived from high-grade bamboo, and the pockets are deep enough for mattresses up to 15-inches thick. They're moisture-wicking, and reviewers rave about how these sheets felt soft "like silk" against their skin. Bamboo is also thermoregulating, meaning that it'll keep you warm when you're cold and cool when you're hot. Plus, these come in over 15 colors.

According to a fan: “These sheets are hands down the most comfortable I've ever had. They are very soft and silky to the touch. Their thermoregulating properties are wonderful. In the three weeks I've owned them I've been able to experience really cold nights and nights warm enough to sleep with the windows open (thanks Midwest) and I can say that they adapt well to all climates.”

• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

4. The Sheets Made With Cool Eucalyptus Fibers

Unlike bamboo, eucalyptus is not thermoregulating. Instead, these eucalyptus sheets will work to keep you cool even if you aren't hot yet — so if you're an ultra-hot sleeper, these are the sheets for you. Moisture-wicking as well as hypoallergenic, they have a luxurious sateen weave that's incredibly soft. Plus, they also boast the deepest pocket on this list at 20 inches. The best part? The flat sheet in this set is an extra 4-inches longer than normal (per the manufacturer), making it harder to rip loose as you shift around to get comfortable and cool.

According to a fan: "Super soft and comfortable sheets. Wash very well. Great price point. Was searching for soft, breathable sheets everywhere for our new hybrid mattress that can have a tendency to sleep hot. These help keep the temperature cool and are super soft. They also fit deep mattresses and allow for making the bed with ease."

• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

5. These Breathable Linen Sheets

• Also available on Bedsure, $139

Not only are these linen sheets lightweight and breathable, but they’re also stone-washed for excellent durability and get softer and comfier with each wash. The moisture-wicking sheets will fit mattresses up to 15 inches deep. Plus, they’re OKEO-TEX-certified to be free from harmful chemicals. Choose from four gorgeous neutral colors: natural linen, gray, gray blue, and pure white.

According to a fan: “These sheets are that great! They are durable and soft, have survived endless washing at laundromat, aren’t super wrinkly, and are a fabulous mid-weight. They keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter.”

• Available sizes: twin, queen, king, California king

Sleep Under Cooling Blankets & Comforters

Whether they're made with heat-absorbing jade-infused fibers or breathable eucalyptus and bamboo, these cooling blankets will help keep your bed feeling breezy.

1. A Lightweight Blanket Made With Cooling Jade Fibers

Made with a blend of cotton and Japanese cold fibers — a proprietary blend of polyethylene and mica nylon with jade — this cooling blanket is designed to absorb body heat to help keep you cool all night long. It's lightweight enough that you could use it as a travel blanket, but you can even just leave it draped on your bed as a throw blanket for naps. Choose from six colors — gray, beige, blue, green, purple, and pink — along with three sizes.

According to a fan: "It’s really impressive just how cool this feels. Every time you touch it, it’s like it’s been in front of the A/C for a bit. It’s very soft and very lightweight.”

• Available sizes: 51 x 67 inches, 59 x 79 inches, 78 x 86 inches

2. Editors’ Pick: A Quality Comforter Made With 100% Eucalyptus Fibers

• Also available on Buffy, $239

I used to get so drenched in sweat every night that I started setting my alarm to take a 2 a.m. shower, but this hypoallergenic eucalyptus comforter changed all of that — and it’s a favorite among the Bustle editors, too. While it's not as fluffy as a standard all-season, it's still just as soft and possibly even smoother. And if you have any doubt that the eucalyptus fibers will keep you cool, trust me: Anytime I feel myself getting a little hot sitting on my couch, I just go and lay on this duvet for a few minutes. I can genuinely feel my body heat being dissipated away from me.

According to a fan: "What can I say, this comforter is the real deal! I've always struggled with comforters, my temp ranges from too hot when it's on, until I throw it off and then often become cold in the night. Not with the Breeze though, it has been absolutely perfect on the chilly & mid-temp nights, and it has held up perfectly in these recent hot nights as well, especially with a fan or light AC breeze."

• Available sizes: twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king

3. A Cheaper Bamboo Comforter That's Fluffy

Featuring a cooling bamboo cover and hollow microfiber fill, this lightweight comforter is available for under $100. The filling mimics the structure of down comforters to create an airy feel and help keep you cool. Plus, the comforter is thermoregulating, moisture-absorbing, and feels silky-smooth to the touch. Choose from classic white and gray.

According to a fan: “Great purchase— a total game changer! I’ve been a down comforter person for years, but they are too hot many months of the year here in So Cal [...] This fits our existing duvet cover and it’s lightweight, yet lofty. Feels like it breathes. I stay much cooler but it still looks like a down comforter and feels like I have one on, without the warmth.”

• Available sizes: twin, queen, oversize queen, king, California king, super king, super king plus

4. A Cooling Bamboo Blanket That Doubles As A Throw

If you're looking for a throw that'll keep you cool yet cozy, you can't go wrong with this breathable bamboo blanket. It's incredibly soft to the touch, and it's so lightweight that you can even use it in the summertime. And don't worry about your feet poking out the bottom — the extra-large size makes it great for everything from quick naps to deep slumber. Choose from gorgeous pastel shades like blue and purple, neutral shades of gray and white, and a couple of plaid prints.

According to a fan: "This thing is amazing, it really does keep you cool [...] Even on the hottest days I can have this on me without feeling warm. Some days it even feels like this gets me cooler [...] It's really nice, actually very large, and plenty soft.”

• Available sizes: 59 x 79 inches, 79 x 91 inches, 108 x 90 inches

Rest On Cooling Pillows & Mattress Toppers

You don't have to wake up with your face dampened with sweat; the best cushions and pillows are made with cooling gel fibers and fabrics to help regulate your temperature.

1. A Memory Foam Mattress Topper Infused With Cooling Gel

Toppers made from dense memory foam often absorb and hold your body heat — but this memory foam mattress topper is infused with cooling gel to help regulate body temperature. What’s more, the topper has a textured surface to help improve airflow and breathability. Choose from two thicknesses: 2 inches or 3 inches. Both options feature zoned support that’s comfortable for side, stomach, and back sleepers.

According to a fan: "From the first night I was impressed with how cool my body was. I slept really well. It actually cooled the core of my body so well that I can start sleeping under a comforter again! It supports my back and brings life back to my mattress.”

• Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, California king

2. A Soft, Adjustable Pillow With Gel-Infused Memory Foam

• Also available on Coop Home Goods, $96

This shredded memory foam pillow has more than 13,000 reviews and a 4.5-star overall rating, and it’s easy to see why. The pillow is filled with a blend of gel-infused memory foam and microfiber that supports your head and helps regulate body temperature. Plus, you can easily add or remove the CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam filling to adjust the pillow for your comfort. The pillow is also gusseted for edge-to-edge support, and it comes with a soft, breathable bamboo-polyester cover.

According to a fan: "Removing and adding foam is very easy. Suited for EVERY kind of sleeper. Keeps cool, is ultra plush but has great support.”

• Available sizes: queen, king

3. These Pillowcases Lined With Refreshing, Cooling Fibers

If you're worried about a pillowcase limiting the breathability of your pillow, don't — these cooling pillowcases are made from specialized fibers that absorb and dissipate body heat. They're double-sided so that you can always flip your pillow over for a freshly chilled surface, and the hidden zipper prevents your pillow from sliding out. Choose from six colors including gray, pink, blue, beige, and more.

According to a fan: “In short, these pillowcases truly do a great job keeping you cool at night. I don’t know how it works, but it does. Every time we go to bed, the pillows are super cool and they stay that way throughout the night. Good stuff!”

• Available sizes: standard, queen, king

Add A Cooling System To Your Bed

When cooling sheets, pillows, and mattress toppers aren't enough, these ventilation systems will blow cool air directly into your bed to help your body cool down.

1. This Fan That Wraps Around Your Bedpost

With flexible octopus legs you can bend and twist, you can easily attach this miniature fan to your bedpost or nightstand. The rechargeable battery lasts for up to 15 hours, and there are three speed settings to choose from. Unlike some other miniature fans, this one also runs at an ultra-quiet level, so light sleepers shouldn't have a problem falling asleep. Choose from four colors.

According to a fan: "This is a great fan, but strong enough to keep yourself cool. I fixed it on my bed because I was on the top bunk. Great quality, if it does break, I will buy it again."

2. This Machine That Pumps Cool Air Into Your Bed

• Also available on BedJet, $369

The BedJet pumps cooling air directly into your bed, and it's designed to work with queen- and king-sized mattresses. The smart controls let you program custom schedules so the temperature adjusts to your liking every hour. The best part? If you sleep hot but your partner is always cold, there's a slightly pricier second model that allows you to set two separate climate zones.

According to a fan: “I am thrilled with our new BedJet. I have not slept so comfortably in years. This magic machine has put an end to uncomfortable night sweats—it keeps me wonderfully cool.”