The 8 Best Cooling Blankets for Hot Sleepers

Commerce Photo Composite — Real Simple / Sabrina Jiang

If you're a hot sleeper, blankets made from cooling materials can improve the quality of sleep you get—but with so many on the market, it can be hard to decide which one to buy. To find the best cooling blankets, we extensively researched the category and dug through testing feedback from hot sleepers on our team, evaluating them on effectiveness, comfort, and durability.

We also interviewed Deborah Young, a textiles expert with more than 25 years of experience in the industry, and learned that the most effective cooling materials are often made from either naturally breathable fabrics that absorb sweat, or manufactured fibers that keep you at a comfortable temperature throughout the night.

Our top pick is the Sleep Number True Temp Blanket, which stands out for its versatility, comfort, and hi-tech design.

Keep reading to learn more about the best cooling blankets for hot sleepers. And if you're in the market for more breathable bedding, check out our lists of the best cooling sheets, mattress toppers, and pillowcases.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall Cooling Blanket:

Sleep Number True Temp Blanket at Sleepnumber.com

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Best Budget Cooling Blanket:

Dangtop Cooling Blanket at Amazon

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Best Linen Cooling Blanket:

Brooklinen Linen Quilt at Brooklinen

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Best Bamboo Cooling Blanket:

Luxome Lightweight Blanket at Amazon

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Best Eucalyptus Cooling Blanket:

Buffy Breeze Comforter at Amazon

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Best Cooling Weighted Blanket:

Bearaby Tree Napper at Nordstrom

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Best Cooling Comforter:

Slumber Cloud Lightweight Comforter at Amazon

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Elegear Cooling Blanket at Amazon

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View On Sleepnumber.com

Who it's for: People who want a versatile cooling blanket that can be used anywhere.

Who it isn't for: People who want to avoid synthetic materials.

This Sleep Number blanket is made with 37.5 technology, a polyester material that's designed to attract and release heat and humidity. Whether you're too hot or too cold, it'll regulate your body temperature throughout the night. It's a good mid-weight, so it's suitable whether you're lounging on the couch or sleeping in bed. The True Temp cooling blanket is machine-washable (you don't have to worry about the cooling technology going away over time), but the brand recommends using cold water and avoiding dryer sheets and fabric softeners. Sleep Number allows returns and exchanges on bedding within 100 days, and the blanket itself comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Price at time of publish: $160

Product Details:

Material: Polyester technology, cotton, and polyester
Sizes: Queen and king
Return Window: 100 days
Care: Machine wash cold; tumble dry low

Dangtop Bamboo Cooling Blanket in light gray

Amazon

View On Amazon

Who it's for: People who want an affordable blanket that can be layered.

Who it isn't for: People who want a blanket that can be put in the dryer.

If you want to try a bamboo blanket but need something more affordable, then this one from Dangtop is a great choice. It's slightly textured but still feels super soft and breathable, and can easily be layered on your bed. When it comes to care, this blanket can be washed by hand or on a gentle cycle in the washer—but take note that the brand advises against putting it in the dryer, because it could shrink. It could take up to a full day to completely dry, which might be inconvenient if you don't have an outdoor space or a well-ventilated room to hang it in. It's available in three different sizes, but they don't quite match traditional blanket sizes. So if you have a queen bed, you should probably size up to the largest option (108 x 90 inches).

Price at time of publish: $30

Product Details:

Material: Bamboo
Sizes: 59 x 79 inches, 79 x 91 inches, and 108 x 90 inches
Return Window: 30 days
Care: Hand wash or machine wash gentle; air dry

View On Brooklinen View On Zola

Who it's for: People who want a light and airy blanket that's good for layering.

Who it isn't for: People who prefer brightly colored bedding or who don't want to spend a lot.

Made with Belgian and French flax, this lightweight quilt from Brooklinen is perfect for hot summer nights—but it's so comfortable that you'll probably want to use it year-round. The natural linen fabric is hydrophilic, which means it will take the moisture off your body and have a cooling effect, according to Young. The linen blanket is only available in three neutral colors, including white, cream, and charcoal, making it a good option for layering on your bed. Plus, all of the colors have a subtle diamond-shaped stitching.

It comes in two sizes, either full/queen or king/California king. It's also machine-washable with cold water, and it can be dried on a low setting. Just note that linen is a material that wrinkles easily, but you can use a steam iron on low as needed. We also appreciate Brooklinen's generous return policy: If you're not satisfied with your purchase, you have 365 days to exchange it or get a refund.

Price at time of publish: $279

Product Details:

Material: Linen with polyester fill
Sizes: Full/queen and king/California king
Return Window: 365 days
Care: Machine wash cold; tumble dry low

View On Amazon View On Luxome.com

Who it's for: People who want a cooling blanket that can replace a traditional comforter.

Who it isn't for: People who don't want to spend a lot.

Similar to linen, bamboo is a great choice for cooling bedding because of its natural ability to absorb moisture. Luxome's cooling blanket is made with 100 percent bamboo viscose, and the material is also Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX certified. And thanks to its sateen weave, the blanket feels silky smooth on your skin. It's incredibly lightweight and has a stylish quilted finish, so it can easily replace your comforter without any layering.

Even though it only comes in two sizes (either full/queen or king/California king), it's slightly oversized so there's enough fabric to hang off the edges of your bed (unlike some blankets that run a bit too small). Plus, the corners have loops so that you can add a duvet cover if you prefer.

Price at time of publish: $205

Product Details:

Material: Viscose from bamboo
Available Sizes: Full/queen and king/California king
Return Window: 30 days
Care: Machine wash cold; tumble dry low

View On Amazon View On Buffy View On Target

Who it's for: People who want a cooling comforter that comes with a free trial.

Who it isn't for: People who prefer machine-washable blankets or a blanket that doesn't double as a comforter.

Buffy's Breeze Comforter is made of 100 percent TENCEL derived from eucalyptus, which is a material that has a "wonderful cooling effect," according to Young. The comforter feels lightweight and breathable, so it's a great blanket for people who are always hot but still want a fluffy comforter. In addition to free shipping and returns, the cooling comforter comes with a seven-day free trial, so you can sleep with it in your own home before committing (or getting charged). The brand recommends getting the comforter dry cleaned, but you can extend the time in between each wash by using a machine-washable duvet cover (which can be added to your purchase). The blanket is only available in white, but you can easily find a colorful or patterned cover that better matches your style.

Price at time of publish: $279

Product Details:

Material: TENCEL lyocell
Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/California king
Return Window: 30 days
Care: Dry clean only

Pottery Barn

View On Nordstrom View On Pottery Barn View On Bearaby.com

Who it's for: People who want a stylish weighted blanket that won't make them overheat.

Who it isn't for: People looking for an everyday blanket.

This breathable weighted blanket from Bearaby is made with TENCEL, so it's a great choice for people who want the benefits of a weighted blanket without the hot and sweaty feel. Unlike other weighted blankets that are filled with glass beads, the Tree Napper is constructed of a heavy fabric designed to evenly distribute its weight, whether that's 15, 20, or 25 pounds. (The brand recommends choosing a size that's about 10 percent of your weight.) It's available in seven colors, and it doubles as a stylish throw that can be used outside the bedroom, too. "I was initially attracted to its chunky knit style, but I kept using it for its ability to help me fall (and stay) asleep without causing me to overheat at night," one tester says.

Price at time of publish: $249 for 15 lb.

Product Details:

Material: Tencel, organic cotton, and spandex
Sizes: 15 pounds (40 x 72 inches), 20 pounds (45 x 72 inches), and 25 pounds (48 x 72 inches)
Return Window: 30 days
Care: Machine wash cold separately, tumble dry low

Slumber Cloud

View On Amazon View On Slumber Cloud View On Zola

Who it's for: People who want a cooling comforter that can be used year-round.

Who it isn't for: People who need a cooling comforter for full or twin beds.

Slumber Cloud's Lightweight Comforter uses innovative technology to keep you cool. It's called Outlast Technology, and it was originally designed for NASA to use in space. Young says that the cooling technology uses "phase change materials" to regulate your body's temperature. That means the blanket's fabric will cool down your body when it's hot and warm it up when it's cold, which makes it ideal for year-round use. It can be put in the washer and dryer (just make sure you follow the care instructions on the tag), but the brand says you should expect it to shrink a bit for the first few washes. Slumber Cloud also makes a duvet cover that uses the same temperature-regulating technology for even more of a cooling effect.

Price at time of publish: $219

Product Details:

Material: Outlast fiberfill, cotton cover
Sizes: Twin XL, queen, and king
Return Window: 60 days
Care: Machine wash cold; dry on low heat

View On Amazon View On Elegear.shop

Who it's for: People who want a cooling throw blanket for the couch.

Who it isn't for: People who want a blanket with a heavier feel.

Elegear's cooling blanket is more of a throw blanket than a comforter, so it's best for keeping on the couch rather than using it inside of a duvet cover. It's made with the brand's Arc-Chill fabric (a combination of various cooling materials), and it's designed to absorb body heat to keep you cool all night long. The blanket has a silky texture on one side that feels super smooth—especially for this price point—while the opposite cotton side feels like a T-shirt. It's available in six colors, including striped options, and comes in four different sizes. The smaller versions are great for travel, while the bigger options are ideal for family movie nights on the couch. Just take note that this blanket can't go in the dryer, as doing so could damage its cooling properties.

Price at time of publish: $57

Product Details:

Material: Arc-Chill fabric (nylon and polyethylene blend) and cotton
Sizes: 51 x 67 inches, 59 x 79 inches, 79 x 86 inches, 90 x 108 inches
Return Window: 30 days
Care: Machine wash; air dry

Final Verdict

Overall, we recommend the Sleep Number True Temp Blanket. Versatile and effective, this blanket is made with materials that are specifically designed to regulate temperature, and it can be used as both a traditional blanket or as a comforter.

How to Shop for Cooling Blankets Like a Pro

Not all cooling blankets are created equal, according to textiles expert Deborah Young. When shopping for a cooling blanket, you should consider the materials or technologies it's made with, whether it's lightweight or heavy, and what kind of care it requires.

Type

Our list includes all types of blankets, including duvet inserts, comforters, weighted blankets, and more. Regular blankets are typically thin and a single layer of fabric, while comforters and duvets are complete with filling for a fluffier look and feel. Some hot sleepers prefer lightweight and thinner blankets—but if you're putting them inside duvet covers, keep in mind that they won't look as fluffy and full as typical comforters. A cooling weighted blanket is much heavier (often anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds) and has all the benefits of a traditional weighted blanket, but is made with cooling materials.

Natural Materials

Cooling blankets are typically made from plant-based materials. These natural materials have moisture-wicking capabilities that give them a cooling effect. Examples of these materials commonly found in bedding are linen, bamboo, cotton, and Tencel (which is made from wood pulp, typically from eucalyptus trees).

Temperature-Regulating Technologies

An alternative to naturally cooling materials, manufactured fibers are also good to watch out for. While synthetic materials like polyester are usually known for trapping heat, there are now many materials made with polyester that are infused with temperature-regulating technology. These materials can be very effective at cooling because they work instantly, according to Young. Look for blankets that use technologies like 37.5 and Outlast, which absorb heat to keep your body at a comfortable temperature.

Care

If you'd rather not go to the dry cleaners, we suggest looking for a blanket that's machine-washable. You can also find a comforter or quilt that's compatible with a duvet cover (meaning it has built-in loops or ties) or comes with its own breathable cover. Duvet covers are much easier to wash than an entire blanket, and using one means you won't have to wash the insert as often.

Questions You Might Ask

How does a cooling blanket work?

Cooling blankets made of cellulose fibers (like linen) are absorbent, so they wick away moisture to cool you down. Blankets with synthetic materials can absorb and release heat as needed, and they can work much faster. Some blankets are made with cool-to-the-touch fabrics for instant relief that's not as noticeable after a while on your skin, while others have a less obvious effect that constantly keeps your body at a comfortable temperature all night.

How and how often should you wash a cooling blanket?

Every product is different, so you should always check the care instructions for your specific blanket. Many machine-washable options recommend using cold water and either drying on low heat or air drying. You should wash your blanket a few times a year, but you can extend the time between washes by using a duvet cover you can wash regularly. For more tips, check out our guide on how to wash a comforter.

Should you choose a natural fiber or a lab-made fiber?

That depends on your preference! Some people just prefer to have bedding made of natural materials like cotton or linen, while others who want the latest and greatest in cooling products might lean toward lab-made fibers.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Amina Lake Abdelrahman, a commerce editor for Real Simple with four years of experience writing about home products. To come up with this list, she analyzed feedback from hot sleepers on our team who tested many of these blankets at home. She also interviewed textiles expert Deborah Young for insight on the most cooling materials and how they work.