The best cooling mattresses and bedding for summer
As the weather gets warmer, it becomes acutely aware how unprepared many British homes are for the higher temperatures.
Very few of us have air conditioning units, and often a fan will only go so far to keeping you cool.
Thankfully, there are other steps you can take to tackle the high night time temperature – in the form of your bed and bedding!
What are the best materials for cooling bed sheets?
When shopping for summer bedding, it’s best to have a good knowledge of the materials to look for in sheets and bedding before making a choice.
Cotton
Perhaps the most common choice for bed sheets, cotton is highly breathable and soft.
Sheets often use a one over, one under pattern which creates a crisp, matte finish with open space for air flow.
This is ideal for hot sleepers or during a heatwave because it allows the heat to escape.
Specifically, Egyptian cotton is a premium option for both durability and softness.
Bamboo viscose
Bamboo sheets are semi-synthetic but also naturally help to draw sweat away from the skin, as well as being quick drying.
These sheets feel silky and smooth while remaining cooler than traditional cotton.
Bamboo is particularly good in humidity and can maintain its cooling feeling even after repeated washing.
Linen
If you want something other than cotton or bamboo, linen is a good alternative.
It’s a natural fibre made from flax which is known for its breathability and lightweight feel.
The textured surface promotes airflow and moisture evaporation so it’s perfect for the warmer months.
Linen sheets do soften over time and are highly durable, although they can wrinkle more easily than the cotton or bamboo alternatives.
What are the best cooling bedding options?
So if you’re now thinking where the best place is to get cooling bedding in the material you desire – don’t panic, we’ve got you.
We’ve rounded up the best cooling bedding options on the market to help you decide and get sorted ready for the hot weather.
Bedsure cooling fitted sheet
Designed to create a cooler sleep surface from the mattress upwards, this is made using premium cooling fabric.
It used Q-Max 0.4 technology which delivers an immediate cooling sensation while breathable, moisture-wicking fibres help to regulate temperature overnight.
- Bedsure cooling fitted sheet, £28.99 from Amazon – buy here
Silentnight Summer Breeze Reversible Coverless 2.5 Tog Duvet
Specially designed for the summer months, this set is made from breathable fibres meaning your duvet won’t feel heavy or restrictive.
It also allows heat and humidity to escape, keeping you cool on those sweaty nights.
The set includes a duvet with a sewn on textured cover, meaning dressing and changing your bed has never been easier! Ideal for hot days when changing beds is the last thing you want to be doing.
The soft, seersucker textured cover is beautifully crafted from luxury, super soft, microfibre fabrics which feel light and delicate to touch.
For convenience, the duvet is also machine washable and fast drying, so keeping your bedding cool and fresh has never been easier.
- Silentnight Summer Breeze Reversible Coverless 2.5 Tog Duvet, from £22 from Jacamo – buy here
Marina duvet cover set
This duvet cover set is made from 100% cotton sateen for a soft, breathable feel.
It’s smooth, and cool against the skin.
This is a a great option for those looking for a lightweight fabric without compromising on quality. It’s also affordable, too.
- Marina duvet cover set, £53 from Fable Room – buy here
Belledorm bamboo cotton bedding
This 70% bamboo, 30% cotton sateen blend is OEKO-TEX certified as is guaranteed to help you sleep better this summer.
The bamboo viscose is naturally moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating, while the silky, lightweight drape is perfect for those suffering from night sweats.
The cotton in the sheets adds durability, in the way the bamboo alone can’t, and it’s the perfect option for a cool bedding set.
- Bamboo bed linen, from £16.80 from Belledorm – buy here
Cooling mattress for summer
It’s not just bedding you need to consider during the warmer months though.
Modern technology means mattresses themselves can have cooling properties, and with summers in the UK predicted to remain hot – investing in a cooling mattress could be an essential part of keeping cool.
Georgia Metcalfe, founder and creative director at French Bedroom explains: “Choose a mattress that is made from natural materials for the best results.
Latex is a dense natural alternative to foam thanks to its cooling qualities, due to the open-cell structure and heat dissipation abilities.
“Wool is also a superb mattress material, providing sublime softness whilst acting as another great material for heat regulation, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer by absorbing and wicking away moisture to keep the surface level of your mattress dry.”
We took a look at some of the cooling mattresses on the market and earmarked some of our favourites.
Paris Stay Cool Luxury Latex Mattress
Specifically developed to maintain a consistent, cool temperature, the Stay Cool mattress will help reduce the impact of night sweats, hot flushes and be ideal for temperature regulation.
This should lead to fewer sleep interruptions and a deeper, more restorative sleep.
The mattress uses layers of natural coir insulator, combined with supportive, breathable latex, alongside generous levels of deep cotton and soft, pure lambswool.
The durability of this mattress ensures you can enjoy the benefits for many years, too.
- Paris Stay Cool Luxury Latex Mattress, from £1, 395 from French Bedroom – buy here
Nectar Ultra Cool Hybrid Mattress
Ultra cooling and with breathable memory foam, this hybrid mattress is ideal for a hotter household.
It comes with a 365-night sleep trial so you can try it at home for a year before deciding whether you’ll keep it – it’s the perfect test!
The tempur pro luxe smart cool is also designed to offer premium comfort and support, as well as smart cool techology for a cooling sleep surface that will last as long as the mattress does.
The QuickRefresh cover unzips the whole way round and can be washed at up to 40°C, meaning it’s easy to keep the mattress fresh after those particularly hot nights.
- Nectar Ultra Cool Hybrid mattress, £1,419 from Furniture Village – buy here
Witham Mattress
For instant cooling and relief, the Witham mattress is the one for you.
The cushioned support and relief are provided through the Sleepeezee StayCool gel which relieves pressure across your body.
The ultra-soft bamboo cover will wick away moisture, with an antibacterial finish that prevents odours.
The 1,300 pocket springs (king size) will help to cushion your body for optimum comfort, while the pillows have a layer of cooling gel for added relief while you sleep.
- Witham mattress, from £1,099 from Feather & Black – buy here
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