07-05-2025
12 best cooling blankets of 2025
It seems counterintuitive that a blanket could be the answer to a cooler, more comfortable sleep, but cooling blankets were designed for that very purpose, which is why they're such a great option for hot sleepers and anyone dealing with hot flashes.
According to Tandy Avery, the vice president of product development at Luxome, cooling blankets rely on moisture-wicking, natural or cooling technology materials to control your body temperature so you can sleep better at night. 'The goal of a cooling blanket is to draw excess heat away from your skin instead of trapping it like a traditional blanket would,' she said. In other words, a cooler, drier you equals less interrupted sleep. What's more, cooling blankets can be used year-round.
To help you shop for a cooling blanket, I consulted three textile experts and a bedding expert to get their tips on what to look for in one. I also tapped CNN Underscored's team of editors for their favorite cooling blankets and scoured the internet to find additional options that meet the experts' criteria.
Best cooling blankets
Ailemei Cooling Throw
Amazon
According to our experts, cooling blankets should be lightweight and breathable, and this double-sided cooling throw from Amazon checks both of those boxes. It's made from a silky rayon and Mica nylon blend that has a Q-Max score — a measure of how cool a material feels — over 0.441, meaning it will feel noticeably cooler than materials like cotton, silk and bamboo.
$30 $17 at Amazon
$70 $38 at Sears
Ice Blankets The Ice Blanket
Ice Blankets
Unlike most of the blankets on this list, the Ice Blanket utilizes a cooling technology known as phase-change materials (PCMs) to keep you cool. According to Gopinath, PCMs are microcapsules that absorb and dissipate heat, thanks to a chemical change in the capsules. In addition to being moisture-wicking, this blanket has a wrinkle-resistant nylon and spandex outer shell. Plus, it's hypoallergenic, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin.
$170 $109 at Ice Blankets
YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket
Amazon
This Amazon find does double duty as a weighted blanket. It's made from moisture-wicking rayon derived from bamboo so you can kiss sweat-drenched nights goodbye, and it's machine-washable for easy cleaning. The best part? The blanket comes in several colors, including this bubblegum pink, to coordinate with the rest of your bedding.
From $60 at Amazon
Vesta Washable Premium Silk Cooling Blanket
Vesta
Looking for a lightweight blanket that feels smooth against the skin? This one from Vesta has a silky, moisture-wicking outer shell that's crafted from eucalyptus Tencel lyocell and bamboo fibers. Its premium silk filling helps regulate your body temperature to keep you comfortable while you sleep. Though the blanket can be machine-washed, the brand recommends spot treating the blanket or handwashing it.
$275 From $220 at Vesta
Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket
Gravity Cooling
This breathable and moisture-wicking weighted blanket from Gravity is made with premium lyocell from eucalyptus. It comes in three weights — 15, 20 and 35 pounds — and is Oeko-Tex certified, meaning it's been tested for harmful substances. Though the cover of this blanket is machine-washable, the inner blanket should be hand-washed to extend its longevity.
$175 at Amazon
$250 at Gravity Blankets
Editor Favorite Buffy Cloud Comforter
Amazon
'Great for LA 'winters,' this comforter is lightweight enough to stay cozy and cool during warmer nights,' CNN Underscored testing and updates writer Michelle Rae Uy said. Hypoallergenic and machine-washable, the top-rated Buffy Cloud Comforter has a sateen weave lyocell shell and a BPA-free, recycled PET fill that's made from resin and polyester. Plus, it comes in 11 colors on Buffy's site, perfect for those looking to make a statement in their bedroom.
$150 From $120 at Buffy
From $125 at Amazon
How to choose a cooling blanket
Pay attention to the material
Cooling blankets are typically made from breathable natural materials, including linen, cotton and silk, or moisture-wicking materials like nylon, according to textile expert Frej Lewenhaupt, co-founder and chief product officer of Steamery. Gopinath also explained that fully synthetic materials, such as nylon and polyester, and semisynthetic materials, such as Tencel and rayon, tend to be less breathable than natural ones but have superior sweat-wicking capabilities.
Lewenhaupt recommends opting for blankets made from a blend of naturally cooling materials. He also suggests looking for cooling blankets with a breathable weave — looser weave or mesh patterns — since they allow for better airflow. Avery also suggests choosing blankets derived from natural materials, especially ones that have moisture-wicking capabilities, such as bamboo viscose, a semisynthetic material made from bamboo pulp.
Opt for a lightweight blanket with fill that won't hold heat
Factors like weight and fill should also be considered when shopping for a cooling blanket. Avery says a lightweight blanket that allows air to circulate and heat to dissipate is key, as well as blankets with a fill that won't trap heat.
Consider any cooling technology
Certain cooling blankets incorporate cooling technology, such as PCMs, to keep you from overheating. 'Blankets that utilize PCMs will absorb heat, but once the material is fully activated, they need to release the heat, and the cooling effect will only last for a limited amount of time,' Avery said. 'Cooling blankets that utilize 37.5(R) Technology benefit from the continuous effect of this technology, as it moves moisture vapor away from your body before it turns into sweat, allowing you to stay in your comfort zone.'
Think about the care
Before adding a cooling blanket to your shopping cart, Avery noted that you should consider the level of care required since certain cooling blankets may require special attention. 'If you're someone who sweats a lot, you'll likely prefer to wash it regularly,' Avery said. While some blankets, like the YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket, can be machine-washed, others are better off being hand-washed or spot-treated.
FAQs
The following FAQs have been answered by textile experts Tandy Avery, Preeti Gopinath and Frej Lewenhaupt.
How do cooling blankets work?
According to Avery, some cooling blankets use breathable natural fabrics to help keep you cool, while others incorporate cooling technology or rely on moisture-wicking materials. With moisture-wicking materials, the cooling effect results from sweat being pulled from your body and pushed into the air, Gopinath explained. How can you wash a cooling blanket?
Lewenhaupt recommends checking the care label before washing your cooling blanket, since some can be too heavy for a washer. If your cooling blanket can be machine-washed, he recommends using a mild detergent and washing it on a gentle cycle, in addition to drying the blanket on a low heat setting.
'For heavier blankets with filling, keep an eye on them in the dryer, as the material can clump together,' he said. 'If needed, occasionally shake it out to spread the filling.' He recommends using dryer balls to maintain the fluffiness of the blanket.
'To refresh your cooling blanket without a washing machine, hang it outside to air out, use fabric spray for a fresh scent or steam to kill surface bacteria and remove wrinkles,' he said. 'It's always a good idea to spot treat if you have a stain rather than washing the whole textile to save time and energy.'
Meet our experts
For this article, we consulted the following textile and bedding experts to gain their professional insights.
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item.
Associate editor Rachel Dennis interviewed several experts for this article on cooling blankets. She also tapped CNN Underscored's team of editors for their top cooling blanket picks.
