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Fabrics that don’t breathe tend to trap heat and moisture against the skin, leading to overheating, waking, kicking off the covers, and then getting cold and pulling them back up. This cycle can repeat multiple times throughout the night, leaving you feeling drained and unprepared to face the day. Cooling blankets can change all of that.
All of the cooling blankets on our list went through rigorous testing, both in overnight use and lounging on the couch. Each blanket was also washed and dried according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
These cooling blankets are made from select materials and utilize special technology to help keep users dry and comfortable. We selected models that work in the variety of situations when users need a blanket but still want to stay comfortably cool. They range from travel blankets that double as towels to comforters and a weighted cooling blanket or two. The best cooling blanket for you greatly depends on your personal preferences, comfort, and temperature preferences. Take a look at our list and tips to pick the right one for you.
- BEST OVERALL: Slumber Cloud Lightweight Comforter
- BEST BUDGET: Dangtop Cooling Blanket
- BEST ELECTRIC: BedJet 3 Climate Comfort Sleep System
- BEST WEIGHTED: Bearaby Tree Napper
- BEST WEIGHTED RUNNER-UP: Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket
- BEST COOLING COMFORTER: Buffy Breeze Comforter
- BEST LINEN: Brooklinen Linen Quilt
- BEST COOL TO THE TOUCH: Elegear Cooling Blanket
- BEST FOR TRAVEL: Rumpl Everywhere Towel
- BEST CUSTOM: ThatBlanket
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Cooling Blanket
A cooling blanket should keep the user from overheating and sweating. It should certainly be soft on the skin, but there are additional considerations as well, such as weight, material type, and how easy it is to clean.
Size and Weight
Cooling blankets come in all sizes, from cozy throws as small as 40 inches by 50 inches to standard bed-size blankets, including crib size, full size, queen, and up to California king. Weights vary widely and include featherlight blankets that weigh just a few ounces to cooling weighted blanket options that can weigh up to 20 pounds.
Weighted blankets derive their mass from tiny glass beads and are said to offer the sleeper the feeling of being held or hugged. However, they’re not suitable for pregnant women, children under 5 years old, or for anyone who cannot easily move under the weight of a 12- to 30-pound blanket.
For the most cooling effect, pair the blanket with cooling sheets, a cooling mattress pad, and a cooling pillow.
Type
Bed blankets, quilts, comforters, bedspreads, and coverlets can help keep users comfortably dry. Most cooling blankets fall into the “traditional” category, but other cooling blankets exist.
- Traditional: This type of cooling blanket features specific fabric types and special weaves that wick moisture away from the body so users don’t wake up in a pool of sweat. Moisture wicking and breathability are vital qualities in blankets that don’t promote sweating and heat accumulation. Some traditional cooling blankets may also be made of standard materials but in a thinner weave or make than usual.
- Air cooling: This revolutionary blanket type pairs with a small air conditioner that flows cool air between baffles in the blanket to keep users dry and sweat-free. Only a handful of air-cooling blankets are available.
- Outlast technology: Developed for NASA, Outlast—a form of temperature-regulating technology—features tiny microencapsulated beads, known as “Thermocules,” that absorb excess heat from the body when the user starts to overheat and then releases the heat when body temperature drops. Cooling blankets with Outlast technology can help menopausal women who suffer from periodic hot flashes.
Material/Fabric
Fabrics that breathe and wick away moisture are the most likely to help users sleep comfortably.
Lycra, a synthetic fiber that lends stretchiness to fabric, is a significant culprit in trapping sweat against the body. Avoid blankets that contain Lycra, and look for blankets made of the following materials.
- Cotton: The most popular of all fibers, cotton naturally wicks away sweat during sleep and encourages air circulation next to the user’s skin.
- Bamboo: One of the softest fibers around, bamboo wicks moisture away, encourages air circulation, and won’t cling to the skin like some fabrics do.
- Tencel: Also known as “lyocell,” Tencel is a brand name of a material created by a manufacturer of the same name. It features natural cellulosic fibers that offer breathability and softness against the skin.
- Polyester: The only synthetic fiber on the list, polyester wicks moisture away quickly and when combined with cotton has an even higher level of breathability and softness.
- Eucalyptus: A natural cellulose fiber, eucalyptus fibers are derived from the eucalyptus tree’s bark and processed to form a super-soft microfiber that feels heavenly against the skin and offers air circulation and wicking properties.
- Linen: Derived from the flax plant, linen is strong and dries quickly, making it a top choice for cooling fabrics. The downside to a linen blanket is that it tends to wrinkle easily, but it remains smoother when blended with other fibers.
Knit vs. Weave
In general, the looser the fabric weave, the less likely the blanket will be able to trap in heat and sweat.
- Knit: This refers to a fabric created by looping strands of yarn, and it makes a stretchy soft fabric that is cool on the skin as long as its fibers are among those listed above.
- Weave: Woven fabrics are produced on a loom with threads that overlap one another vertically and horizontally. These fabrics are cooler when they have a looser weave, such as a percale weave. Sateen weaves create a soft material but feature tighter weaves that are more likely to trap moisture and produce sweating.
Additional Features
Finding the best cooling blanket for your needs does depend on the material, size, and weight, but many manufacturers also integrate special additives that contribute to comfort and ease of use.
- Power source: An electric outlet is necessary for operating air-cooling blankets. The small AC unit sits under the bed, and an air hose runs from the unit to the blanket above to keep a steady stream of cool (not cold) air circulating in the fabric above the sleeper. Air-cooling blankets often come with a heated air feature as well.
- Wi-Fi capability: Electric cooling blankets can be controlled through Bluetooth connectivity for quick temperature changes or the ability to change the temperature on either side of the bed. Some options also include automatic turn-on to activate cooling before the user gets into bed.
- Ease of cleaning: Many cooling blankets can be laundered in cool water and tumbled dry on a low setting. Check the tag on the blanket for additional instructions, such as the need for dry cleaning or line drying.
Our Top Picks
A cooling blanket should be comfortable and help airflow and circulation. The following cooling blankets suit a range of preferences and are considered some of the best on the market today.
Best Overall
Slumber Cloud Lightweight Comforter
This Slumber Cloud comforter feels cool to the touch the second you pull it out of the packaging. It features Outlast technology: tiny microencapsulated beads called Thermocules, which offset temperature fluctuations during the night. It absorbs excess heat when your body temperature rises and then can release heat as your body cools down.
In action (aka testing), the Slumber Cloud performed very well, which is why it gets the top spot. One of our testers overheats very easily, even in winter. She tested the comforter with and without a duvet cover and either way, it did an excellent job of wicking moisture and was highly breathable. It has a nice weight and warmth, but it prevents users from waking up with a sticky, wet feeling.
It has a 300-thread-count cover with corner loops for a duvet cover. The materials are Oeko-Tex 100 Standard Certified, so you know it’s free of more than 400 potentially harmful chemicals.
The quilt boxing did well to keep the fill evenly dispersed during use and while washing. We washed and dried it in a standard home machine without any trouble. The only downside we found was that it came out very wrinkled after washing and drying. Of course, if you use a duvet cover, that’s a non-issue.
Product Specs
- Material: Thermocules beads and ClimaDry fiberfill
- Care: Machine washable on low; tumble dry low
- Size options: 3
Pros
- Lightweight construction with moisture-wicking materials
- Filling stays in place during use and after washing
- Regulates temperature well
Cons
- Wrinkles in the wash
- Expensive
Get the Slumber Cloud cooling blanket at Slumber Cloud.
Best Budget
Dangtop Cooling Blanket
The Dangtop blanket is lightweight and light on the wallet. The bamboo fabric is truly cool to the touch, something we noticed as soon as we pulled it out of the package. It also has a nice drape, falling over the body to provide a lightweight warmth. Our testers found it workable for both a bed blanket or couch lounging.
The Dangtop cooling blanket is soft and has an attractively textured weave. The weave enhances the overall breathability while providing a balance of warmth.
It’s machine or hand washable. We opted for machine washing, and it did well in our washing machine. However, the Dangtop has to be line-dried, which is a little tricky if you don’t have a clothesline. We draped it over a shower curtain rod, where it took a couple of hours to dry. That wasn’t the most convenient drying option, but it’s doable.
Product Specs
- Material: Bamboo fabric
- Care: Wash by hand or machine wash
- Size options: 3
Pros
- Soft texture and comfortable drape
- Comes in multiple colors
- Lightweight construction
Cons
- Must line dry
Get the Dangtop cooling blanket on Amazon.
Best Electric
BedJet 3 Climate Comfort Sleep System
For the ultimate in climate-controlled sleep, check out the BedJet 3. All we can say is, wow. Instead of relying on fabric or fill for cooling, the BedJet features a mini AC unit that tucks out of sight beneath the bed. You can control the air temperature from your smartphone (Wi-Fi is necessary) or a remote control. You need Wi-Fi to set up the remote control, too. After that, you can use the remote without the app.
A lightweight vacuum hose connects the BedJet to a specially ventilated Cloud Sheet (sold separately). You can also order the dual-zone Cloud Sheet so you and your partner can set different temperatures. However, you’ll also need a second BedJet unit, which is pricey. The Cloud Sheet has several openings through which you can install the BedJet hose. The sheet then encapsulates the air rather than the air blowing directly over the body or between the top sheet and duvet.
We tested the BedJet with and without the Cloud Sheet. While the Cloud Sheet is high quality and focuses the air well, we found the BedJet to be just as effective and easy to control using regular bed sheets.
The BedJet offers amazing temperature control, whether you’re cooling or heating. We tried it both ways. It offers enough adjustment that you can get comfortable, whether you sleep warm or cool.
Through the app, you can set bio timers that automatically adjust the temperature throughout the night. The controls also let you set the runtime. You can also adjust the temperature by degrees and adjust the fan speed. We were thoroughly impressed with the BedJet, as it gives remarkable control over your sleep environment. It can get a little loud when it’s on the highest fan speed, but other than that, it’s fantastic.
Product Specs
- Material: Mini AC unit and vacuum hose
- Care: Requires Wi-Fi and plug-in outlet
- Size options: 1
Pros
- Bluetooth capability
- Dual-action; heat and cold
- Versatile; temperature control for each side of the bed (with 2 units)
Cons
- Accompanying sheet sold separately
- Noisy on highest fan speed
- Expensive
Get the BedJet cooling blanket on Amazon or at BedJet.
Best Weighted
Bearaby Tree Napper
This chunky-knit weighted blanket looks like a cozy sweater, only on a grander scale. It’s made of moisture-wicking knitted Tencel (eucalyptus) that comes in three weights: 15, 20, and 25 pounds. It also comes in eight colors.
This blanket isn’t for lightweights. It’s heavy and easier to carry than similar weighted blankets because your fingers can slide in between the stitches. That space between the stitches enhances airflow. We could feel the air coming in, and it kept us cool and comfortable. It helps that the Tencel is cool to the touch. It had all the weight without the heat. Plus, the knit does a good job of evenly distributing weight so you feel the weight all over your body.
A couple of things worth noting: The Tree Napper is vegan and has the MADE IN GREEN by Oeko-Tex and Fairtrade International certifications. Both certifications assure the sustainability and traceability of the blanket’s materials.
On the downside, the blanket stretches under its own weight, which can be annoying when you’re trying to get it adjusted. Additionally, it has to lay flat to dry, which, considering its weight and size, wasn’t easy to do.
Product Specs
- Material: Tencel (eucalyptus)
- Care: Machine wash; lay flat to dry
- Size options: 3
Pros
- Knitted construction and fabric enhance moisture wicking and airflow
- Fabric is cool to the touch
- Evenly distributes weight
Cons
- Stretches under its own weight
- Must lay flat to dry
Get the Bearaby Tree Napper at Bearaby.
Best Weighted Runner-Up
Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket
This blanket gets the weighted runner-up designation because of its cool-to-the-touch cover and even weight distribution. If you like a traditional weighted blanket but the summer months have you sweating, this is the model for you. We tested the 20-pound model, and the weight distribution is amazing. The inner blanket is quilted and filled with glass beads that stay evenly distributed.
The polyester cover felt cool against our skin during testing, even after we’d laid under it for a while. It’s a little warmer than some of the other blankets we tested, but as far as a traditional weighted blanket goes, it lets your body breathe to prevent too much heat from getting trapped.
The removable cover was easy to wash and came out looking as good as it did when it went in. We also discovered that it has many (many) ties to keep the blanket from shifting in the cover, which was a huge plus.
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester, glass beads
- Care: Machine wash and dry cover; spot clean inner blanket
- Size options: 2
Pros
- Cool-to-the-touch cover
- Evenly distributed weight
- Washes well
Cons
- Slightly warmer than some other blankets tested
Get the Sleep Number cooling blanket at Sleep Number.
Best Cooling Comforter
Buffy Breeze Comforter
The Buffy Breeze Comforter is made of Tencel lyocell fiber that pulls moisture away from the body to help keep it cool. We noticed a difference with this comforter right away. It’s very cool to the touch, and it has a nice loft (height) for a cooling blanket.
It has corner loops to hold a duvet cover; we tested both with and without a cover. The Buffy performed equally well whether it had a cover or not. The filling stayed in place all night long, which helped regulate temperature across the entire body.
This comforter is made entirely of plant-based fibers, so it’s compostable and biodegradable. A 300-thread sateen weave cover gives it a smooth feel if you like sleeping without a duvet cover. Sateen can trap more heat than a percale weave, but the quality of the fabric counteracted that. It gives the comforter a soft, smooth surface.
However, the Buffy is dry clean only.
Product Specs
- Material: Tencel lyocell
- Care: Dry clean only
- Size options: 3
Pros
- Cool-to-the-touch fabric
- Wicks away moisture
- Filling stays evenly distributed
Cons
- Dry clean only
Get the Buffy cooling blanket on Amazon or at Buffy.
Best Linen
Brooklinen Linen Quilt
The stonewashed fabric of the Brooklinen Linen Quilt offers a luxuriously soft feel. Featuring 100 percent linen derived from Belgian and French flax, the blanket breathes and wicks away moisture to help you stay dry overnight. It also comes with cooling polyester fill for added air circulation.
This is truly a cooling blanket. The fabric and filling felt amazing and surprisingly light. It did a wonderful job of wicking away moisture when the temperatures rose at night, and it had the right amount of weight for comfort. We tested the queen-size quilt, and while it was a little big for use on the couch, we did it anyway. It’s an all-around comfortable cooling quilt that we’d gladly use daily.
Each blanket is individually washed and garment-dyed and features a subtle diamond stitching that adds an attractive texture to the surface. We machine washed it on the cool cycle and tumble dried it on low. The Brooklinen came out looking as good as new. Like all linen, it wrinkles easily, leaning more toward the shabby chic side of style.
Product Specs
- Material: Belgian and French flax linen and polyester fill
- Care: Machine washable
- Size options: 2
Pros
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking linen and filling
- Diamond stitching keeps filling in place
- Comes in multiple colors
- Washes well
Cons
- Expensive
Get the Brooklinen Linen Quilt at Brooklinen.
Best Cool to the Touch
Elegear Cooling Blanket
The Elegear Cooling Throw Blanket became a testing favorite because of its dual-sided design. One side features arc-chill cool fabric, and the other is made of 100 percent Egyptian cotton. The arc-chill fabric feels cool to the touch and stays that way throughout use. While there are other cool-to-the-touch blankets on our list, this one outperformed them all.
When we really wanted to cool down, we put the arc-chill fabric against our bodies. If we wanted a little warmth, we switched and put the Egyptian cotton side down. The drapey fabric strikes a good balance between weight and breathability, slightly hugging the body. It worked as a bed blanket at night and kept things cool while lounging on the couch. People who overheat will not be disappointed with this blanket.
The Elegear comes in four sizes and eight colors. It’s machine washable, but it does have to line dry.
Product Specs
- Material: Mica nylon, polyethylene, cotton
- Care: Machine wash, line dry
- Size options: 4
Pros
- Soft, cool-to-the-touch fabric
- Switch to the cotton side for a little warmth, if needed
- Smooth drape of the fabric helps blanket hug the body
Cons
- Line dry only
Get the Elegear cooling blanket on Amazon or at Elegear.
Best for Travel
Rumpl Everywhere Towel
Technically, the Rumpl is a towel, which means it’s towel-size and shaped. However, we would argue that it easily makes an excellent travel blanket. The polyester microsuede fabric drapes over the body for a lightweight touch of warmth. However, it’s absorbent (pulling away moisture) and quick drying. Essentially, it acts like a moisture-wicking personal blanket.
The fabric is thin but tough and machine washable and dryable. It came out looking good as new during testing. It easily packs down and weighs only 0.8 pound. And if you’re worried it’s a little too small, Rumpl also makes a mat size that’s larger and a little more blanket-like. The Rumpl also comes in fun, bright colors and patterns.
We love that this towel could easily function as a blanket while on a plane, train, or other public transportation. Plus, you can pack it to the beach, use it for outdoor yoga, or throw it around your shoulders around the campfire.
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester microsuede
- Care: Machine wash and dry
- Size options: 1
Pros
- Lightweight, drapey fabric
- Soft texture
- Bright, fun colors
- Packs down small
Cons
- Small for a blanket (which can be a pro when traveling)
Get the Rumpl cooling blanket at Rumpl.
Best Custom
ThatBlanket
The ThatBlanket gives you lightweight warmth with a smooth picture side and a soft fleece side. It’s slightly warmer than the other blankets on our list. However, if you’re looking for a custom blanket that will keep you from overheating, this one can do it.
The process is fairly simple. You order your blanket and send a high-res picture of your choosing; we chose a picture of a favorite family tractor. The results were bright, cheery, and high quality.
As far as cooling, the blanket is not exactly cool. It’s more accurate to call it lightweight. We would recommend it for cool summer nights because it’s light and soft rather than insulating. We only wish the large was a little bit bigger.
We machine washed and dried it according to the directions, and it came out just as bright and cheery as it went in.
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester
- Care: Machine wash and dry
- Size options: 2
Pros
- Custom design
- Soft, lightweight polar fleece
- High-quality fabric and inks
Cons
- On the small side
Get the ThatBlanket cooling blanket at ThatBlanket.
Our Verdict
The Slumber Cloud cooling blanket takes the top spot for the balance of quality, cooling, and price. It’s cool to the touch and wicks away moisture all night long. If you’re on a smaller budget, the Dangtop cooling blanket is a good option made of smooth bamboo that’s drapey and moisture wicking. The Dangtop can work as a bed blanket or be used while sitting on the couch.
How We Tested the Best Cooling Blankets
We spent at least 1 night (sometimes more) and several hours on the couch with each blanket. The room temperature hovered around 70 to 75 degrees throughout testing. Some features like moisture wicking were more obvious at night, when our testers tended to get overheated. We also noted how the blankets looked and felt.
We considered features like breathability, softness, and attractiveness. We wanted blankets that were functional and visually pleasing enough to use around the house.
We washed all the blankets except for the models that were dry clean only. All washing and drying were done according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The BedJet’s unique design required testing over several nights to learn how to set the timers and adjust functions. It was tested both with the Cloud Sheet and with a standard sheet. Comforters were tested with and without duvet covers as well.
FAQs
Q. How does a cooling blanket work?
Cooling blankets are usually made of fibers that wick away sweat and increase air circulation. Also, some blankets contain temperature-regulating technology to keep you cool. Others are simply lightweight. Their lack of insulation allows for maximum breathability and airflow.
Q. What is a cooling blanket used for?
A cooling blanket is for anyone who gets hot or sweaty while sleeping. Some people consistently get overheated, and these types of blankets can help.
Q. Is there a cooling blanket for hot flashes?
Any cooling blanket will help a person who suffers from hot flashes, but one with temperature-regulating technology may help the most.
Q. Is there a cooling blanket for night sweats?
Any of the blankets in the list of Top Picks is suitable for someone who experiences night sweats.
Q. Is there a cooling blanket for camping?
Camping during hot weather can make for miserable sleeping. Covering up with a cooling blanket or a cooling sheet will help you sleep better instead of lying on (or in) a sleeping bag.
Q. Can you wash a cooling blanket in a washing machine?
Most of the time, yes, but read the cleaning instructions on the tag to make sure the manufacturer doesn’t recommend a specific type of detergent or water temperature.
Q. How long does a cooling blanket last?
Like other blankets, a cooling blanket should last for many years.
