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Forbes
10 hours ago
- Health
- Forbes
The 5 Best Cooling Mattress Protectors To Keep Hot Sleepers Sweat-Free
If you're a hot sleeper, you might be hesitant to add another layer of bedding to your nighttime setup. Mattress protectors in particular have proven to not always be the most breathable, trapping body heat for a hot, sweaty night of sleep. The best cooling mattress protectors—like our top pick, the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Protector—are made from breathable materials with cooling properties, and safeguard your mattress against liquids and accidents. The best cooling mattress protectors help you stay cool and keep your mattress looking new. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer When shopping for a cooling mattress protector, materials are often the key factor. 'It's important to consider materials that are breathable and moisture-wicking,' says Andrew Colsky, behavioral sleep medicine clinician and founder of the National Sleep Center. 'You will want to avoid fabrics with a high thread count or materials like cotton which are not super breathable. The best tip is to avoid materials that trap heat.' Read on for our expert-backed picks for the best cooling mattress protectors. Materials: Polyester and polyethylene blend | Depth: 14 inches | Waterproof: No, but water-resistant Pros: Polyethylene fibers are cool to the touch Hypoallergenic Fits securely Cons: Might cause sheets to slide Brooklyn Bedding's Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector is made with high-tech PE (polyethylene) fibers that pull heat away from the body and has a smooth top-weave design that's soft, silky and cooling. Although the protector isn't fully waterproof, its quiet, water-resistant layer is still plenty capable of keeping liquids from reaching your mattress, and the hypoallergenic materials provide further defense against bacteria and dust mites. In the event of a spill or accident, the mattress protector is machine washable for easy care. Customers say the fitted sheet design helps the protector stay securely on the mattress but note the silkiness of the fabric can cause sheets to shift. Materials: Polyethylene, polyester | Depth: 18 inches | Waterproof: Yes Pros: Cooling polyethylene fibers Oeko-Tex certified Hypoallergenic Cons: Can bunch up on bed Some customers say it's not fully waterproof Like our top pick, the Slumberfly mattress protector is cool to the touch and made from a blend of polyethylene and polyester, but it comes with a more budget-friendly price tag. While there are doubts among some customers about the protector actually being waterproof, its micro-coated top layer does offer protection—although it's worth making sure any spills don't seep through to the mattress. A jacquard cover is tightly woven to keep out dust, bacteria and allergens, and it's hypoallergenic for those with allergy sensitivities. Several customers mention the protector bunching up beneath sheets and note that its cooling capabilities are average, but it's still a solid choice at $70 for a queen size. Materials: Polyester, polyethylene, metallic with polyurethane laminate | Depth: 18 inches | Waterproof: Yes Pros: Enhanced airflow prevents overheating Stays put even on adjustable beds Fully waterproof Cons: Most expensive pick on our list Keeping a mattress fully protected doesn't mean you have to sacrifice a cool night's sleep. If a water-resistant model isn't adequate for your needs, this mattress protector from Bedgear is entirely waterproof and instantly cooling, thanks to the brand's proprietary Ver-Tex technology which helps increase airflow to prevent the body from getting too hot. The protector is outfitted with Bedgear's 'Powerband," a strong elastic band that grips around the mattress for a smooth, snug fit that even works well with adjustable bases. While the protector's minimal profile helps it go largely unnoticed beneath bedding, some customers found that its cover caused fitted sheets to slide around. Materials: Polyester, nylon, spandex | Depth: Not listed | Waterproof: Yes Pros: Ribbed cover for improved airflow Antimicrobial and stain-protective cover Waterproof protection extends to the sides Cons: Requires more careful washing and drying Although technically a mattress pad, this model from Sleep Number offers the protection and advantages of a mattress protector, with a little extra cushioning. The cool cover of the pad features a ribbed texture that enhances airflow, allowing heat and humidity to escape while keeping moisture out, and in turn keeping night sweats at bay. In terms of protection, it's fully waterproof, and unlike most protectors, it also offers protection to the sides of the mattress rather than just the top. The waterproof fabric is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial to prevent odors from lingering. The pad is machine washable, but there are some caveats, including washing and drying separately in a large capacity washer and dryer, and frequently turning the pad during drying to prevent scorching. Materials: Organic cotton and polyurethane derived from cornstarch | Depth: 15 inches (standard pocket); 22 inches (deep pocket) | Waterproof: Yes Pros: Cons: Some customers say it makes a crinkling noise Kids are arguably the demographic most in need of a mattress protector and Avocado's offers ample protection using materials parents can feel good about. 'This mattress protector has saved more than one of my mattresses from kid disasters over the last couple of years,' says Rose Gordon Sala, deputy editor at Forbes Vetted and a mom to three kids. 'It's thicker but made with natural materials, so it's still breathable while remaining a solid barrier that has kept spills and accidents from reaching the mattress more than once.' A thin waterproof layer is made from polyurethane derived from cornstarch to protect against spills, bed-wetting and other mishaps. The waterproof barrier is sandwiched between two layers of GOTS-certified organic cotton, which wicks moisture and absorbs liquid before it reaches the mattress, while fine pores allow humidity to escape and keep kids who run hot cool throughout the night. Forbes Vetted's sleep editors and writers are committed to finding the best sleep and bedding products for all types of sleepers. To help hot sleepers improve their sleep, we've covered the best cooling pillows, mattresses, blankets and more. Lee Cutlip is the author of this story and an editorial assistant at Forbes Vetted. She has covered several topics for the sleep category, including mattress protectors and mattress pads . is the author of this story and an editorial assistant at Forbes Vetted. She has covered several topics for the sleep category, including and . This article was overseen and edited by senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman . A certified sleep science coach, she has tested and researched hundreds of sleep products. . A certified sleep science coach, she has tested and researched hundreds of sleep products. We spoke with Andrew Colsky, behavioral sleep medicine clinician and founder of the National Sleep Center. Colsky provided expert insight on choosing the best cooling mattress protectors. When choosing the best cooling mattress protectors, we sought out models from trusted, reputable brands our team is familiar with. We pored over consumer reviews, making sure to only include products with a 4-star rating or higher and taking note of any common complaints made by owners. We focused on several important factors including materials, pocket depth and whether a model was waterproof or at least water-resistant. We relied on the expertise provided by Colsky as well as our in-house experts to help inform our decisions. We included a variety of cooling mattress protectors to suit different needs, budgets and sleep preferences. When shopping for a cooling mattress protector, there are several factors to keep in mind. Materials Cooling mattress protectors are commonly made from materials like polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU) and polyester. These materials are breathable, have a cooling effect and wick away moisture. Colsky recommends avoiding cotton materials which he describes as 'heat traps," especially if you sweat at night. 'Cotton is known for being super soft and a popular choice, but it holds onto moisture and can make you feel hot at night, which can lead to sweating." Cooling Technology Most cooling mattress protectors rely on cooling materials (like polyethylene and polyurethane) rather than the technology used in cooling mattresses or toppers, like phase change materials (PCMs) or gel-infused foam. Fewer materials help the protector maintain a low profile and are less likely to interfere with the technology or capabilities of a cooling mattress or topper. Instead of focusing on cooling technology, look for protectors made from breathable, lightweight materials that allow you to still feel the benefits of a cooling mattress or other cooling bedding. Style Of Fit Mattress protectors typically come in two styles: fitted sheet and encasement. The fitted-sheet style provides five-sided protection, leaving the bottom of the mattress exposed, while an encasement protector fully encloses the mattress. All of the cooling protectors included on this list are fitted-sheet styles, simply because they're more common and easier to put on a bed, but if you want more protection against bed bugs, dust mites and allergies, consider an encasement-style protector. Do Cooling Mattress Protectors Actually Work? Cooling mattress protectors do work, as long as they're made from breathable materials. 'They will help regulate temperature well and are great at wicking away moisture, helping avoid night sweats and lead to cooler nights,' says Colsky. What Is The Best Cooling Mattress Protector? We named the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Mattress Protector the best cooling mattress protector because of its cooling fibers, soft-to-the-touch feel and water-resistant coating. What Is The Best Material For A Cooling Mattress Protector? The best materials for a cooling mattress protector are breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyethylene or polyurethane.
CNET
24-06-2025
- Climate
- CNET
6 Fabrics That Will Keep You Fashionably Cool in the Summer Heat
This summer is predicted to be hotter than normal, so you may want to stock up on cooling clothing for when you're outdoors, sleeping or if you don't have air conditioning. Cooling clothing often has properties like temperature regulation and is made from specific cooling fabrics to help you stay sweat-free even when the sun is beating down. These items can also be helpful if you're working out in the heat. How do cooling clothes work? Your body temperature going down is what gives you the sensation of feeling cool. For clothing to be effectively cooling, the fabric must have properties that work together with the body to help dissipate heat and promote airflow. Air permeability Ventilated, flowy and breathable clothing allows for more air to pass through, and helps prevent heat or perspiration from being trapped against the skin. Less breathable fabrics like polyester or wool, on the other hand, can keep body heat confined between your body and the material and make you feel even more sweaty. Moisture-wicking Perspiration can be annoying but it's our body's way of regulating temperature. Moisture-wicking fabrics quickly absorb your body's sweat and then help it evaporate away. The secret is in hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers. Hydrophilic fibers absorb sweat from the skin, evenly dispersing it across the fabric. Hydrophobic fibers keep out moisture and help fabric quickly dry. Temperature regulation Thermoregulation is how humans maintain their body temperature, and there are four different ways to transfer heat. If the fabric of your clothes is effective at any of these four methods, it can help keep you cooler. Thermal conductivity relates to the measure of how well materials transfer heat from one side to the other. Every material has a thermal conductivity, and the higher it is, the more cooling the material will be. relates to the measure of how well materials transfer heat from one side to the other. Every material has a thermal conductivity, and the higher it is, the more cooling the material will be. Thermal convection : Heat moves from the material with the highest temperature to the one with the lowest temp. This explains why you feel cooler when you put on silk or bamboo; your warm body heat transfers to the cooler fabric and this process helps you feel more cool. : Heat moves from the material with the highest temperature to the one with the lowest temp. This explains why you feel cooler when you put on silk or bamboo; your warm body heat transfers to the cooler fabric and this process helps you feel more cool. Radiation : Solar radiation is a major contributor to feeling hot, especially if you have to be outdoors during high temperatures. Clothing that protects you from the sun and harmful UV rays will help you stay cooler, and maintain healthier skin. : Solar radiation is a major contributor to feeling hot, especially if you have to be outdoors during high temperatures. Clothing that protects you from the sun and harmful UV rays will help you stay cooler, and maintain healthier skin. Evaporation: The best cooling clothing allows sweat to evaporate and quickly dry, keeping you feeling cooler in hot temperatures. Fabrics with poor evaporation abilities can remain damp, making you feel sticky. Cooling clothing recommendations Innovation in cooling clothes Everyone knows what it feels like to be muggy and hot in their clothes. As each summer seems to break the previous year's high-temperature record, researchers are exploring different ways to produce effective cooling clothing. Clothing and other garments can utilize non-electric cooling techniques such as ice, phase-change and radiation cooling. Early cooling clothing looked like actual ice vests that absorbed a person's body heat as ice melted, causing a physically cool feel. A lot of modern cooling clothing, like those from LifeLabs, has infrared heat-blocking abilities that offer protection from the sun's harmful rays. But experts are even working out the kinks on smart cooling clothing powered by electricity. As we continue to experience high temperatures, it's fair to expect more improvements and development to come from cooling garments. The best fabrics for cooling clothing Cotton Cotton is good for dry heat because it's lightweight and breathable. mikroman6/ Getty Images Cotton is a natural fiber that's breathable, lightweight and widely accessible. Air easily passes through cotton fabric, allowing you to feel breezy and cool. It's best for dry heat, since it's absorbent but not moisture-wicking. Bamboo Bamboo is a premium natural fiber that's good at wicking away moisture. It's also even more breathable than cotton because of the "micro gaps" within bamboo fabric that promotes increased airflow. Silk Silk is a good material for summer because it's flowy, breathable and a natural thermoregulator. HUIZENG HU/ Getty Images Silk is a thermoregulator that helps you keep a comfortable body temperature. It's ultra-lightweight, soft and tends to come in flowy silhouettes. Rayon Sourced from processed wood pulp, rayon is made up of thin fibers that make it feel light and breathable. It doesn't trap heat between the fabric and your body, allowing sweat to evaporate and heat to dissipate. Viscose A type of rayon, viscose is a soft and comfortable fabric that can also help keep you cool during summer. Dmitri Kalvan/ Getty Images Viscose is a type of rayon that's considered an artificial silk. As such, it's a smooth, highly absorbent and soft fabric that's great for cooling clothing. Linen Linen is derived from the flax plant and is a well-known fabric for summer because of its lightweight and breathable feel. It has a loose weave, allowing air to easily pass through. The worst fabrics for cooling clothing Polyester and nylon Polyester and nylon are made from petroleum, essentially making them a type of plastic. They retain heat and even bad odor, and they don't absorb moisture. This means your sweat sits on their surface, trapped between your skin and the fabric. Denim We all love our jeans, but they aren't the best clothes for hot weather. The material is heavy, not very breathable and can retain moisture. If you have to wear jeans, try a looser fit and a light wash to reflect the sun. Leather Made from thick cowhide, leather is a good insulator during the winter. It's also often dyed black, a color that absorbs heat. Unless you want to be real warm, avoid leather jackets in the summer.
WIRED
12-06-2025
- WIRED
The Best Merino Wool T-Shirts for Every Occasion
We are talking about $80 (or more) T-shirts here, so this is valid question. I think merino T-shirts are worth the investment. They offer considerable benefits over cotton and other natural fibers, as well as synthetics. Merino offers great temperature regulation, excellent moisture wicking, and they don't smell, which means you can wear them more and don't need as many of them. Three merino T-shirts in your wardrobe will last you as many days as 10 cotton shirts, so from a financial angle it's a wash. Here's a quick rundown of some of the benefits of merino wool: Odor-resistant: One of merino wool's superpowers is that it's naturally resistant to odors. This means you can wear a merino T-shirt multiple times before needing to wash it. How many times? I'd say that depends where you are and what you're doing, but usually three to seven times. Our top pick is, after all, called the 72-hour shirt, because that's how long you can wear it before it needs a wash. Thermoregulation: Merino wool can keep you warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather. Yes, there are limits to this—no T-shirt is going to keep you cool on a hot summer day in the tropics—but merino far outshines cotton and synthetics. Moisture wicking: This is an important one for anything you're wearing while hiking or at the gym. Merino wool is excellent at moving moisture away from your skin, through the fabric, where it can evaporate quickly. This is why it makes such a good base layer. Versatility: Merino wool shirts are great for travel, hiking, backpacking, and as everyday shirts for around town. They can also be used year-round, even in the cold, as part of a good layering system. Packable: Merino wool T-shirts tend to pack up smaller than cotton and many synthetics, meaning they take up less room in your bag when traveling. Combine this with the odor resistance above and your have the ultimate travel T-shirt. The one place cotton and nylon blend T-shirts might possibly have an edge is durability. Merino wool isn't really any less durable in my experience, but it can pill, which is where the wool fibers break and tangle together in tiny knots, forming little balls on your T-shirt. Some pilling isn't a big deal, but if a T-shirt pills a lot you know it's made of very made of short wool fibers, rather than longer continuous fibers. Unfortunately, most manufacturers don't advertise the length of their spun fibers, which is where our testing comes in. I hate pilling, and I have eliminated all the T-shirts that have pilled on me, except one, which I like anyway (the pilling is not that bad).
