The Best Cooling Mattress Protector of 2021 – Stay Cool At Night

When you’re in the market for a new mattress, buying a quality one doesn’t come cheap. Protecting your costly investment means investing in a mattress protector as well. Think of it as insurance for your mattress. You save yourself a ton of money in the grand scheme of things because the mattress’ longevity is extended.  

Now, you have all kinds of mattress protectors on the market, but why not consider a cooling mattress protector? After all, a cooling mattress protector can ensure your sleeping experience is a better one. 

All the best mattress protectors will have the most important features people tend to look for:

• Waterproof; protection against stains and spills
• Allergen-resistant; provides you with ample protection against allergens like dust mites, bacteria and others
• Comfortability; you should feel comfortable while sleeping

When you’re in the market for a decent cooling mattress protector, you start to narrow down the list of wants and desires out of it. 

A mattress protector is similar to cooling gel pillows in that they keep heat from becoming lodged between your pillow and head. A mattress protector with gel fibers soaks up heat quicker than other fabrics, but it’s not the only type of cooling material you can use. You also have the option of going with natural materials such as hypoallergenic cotton and eco-friendly bamboo.

As with all things you could buy, there are positives and negatives to a cooling mattress protector. It’s up to you which ones are more positive than negative. The key to remember is to find a cooling mattress protector that stays cool all during the night. 

The Best Cooling Mattress Protectors

Coop Home Goods Mattress Protector Review

The Coop Home Goods Mattress Protector is made of both polyester and bamboo-derived rayon, which gives it a smooth, lavish finish that contradicts the low price tag it’s sold at. However, bamboo is more than just for looks in any product it’s used in. It’s also antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and helps with temperature regulation.

This particular cooling mattress protector can be used on mattresses up to 18” deep and fits like a fitted sheet. The underlying membrane is waterproof but also breathable and promotes airflow. The difference between this waterproof protector and similar ones is that the Lulltra doesn’t crinkle each time you move. Rather, it remains completely silent and is super soft, much like sleeping on a cloud. It’s an OEKO-TEX certified product, which means there were no toxic byproducts used in its manufacturing.

Some users have complained that it’s not near as durable, but its protection and cooling features are above par. According to the manufacturer, the product can be washed in a washing machine using cold water and be thrown in the dryer on tumble dry low. To extend its lifespan, make sure you abide by these instructions.

The manufacturer does also provide a 100-nights’ sleep trial along with a five-year warranty in case you end up with a defective unit. What makes the Coop Home Goods Mattress Protector so worthwhile? It’s a cheap solution designed for people who want to ensure their mattress stays in great shape without sacrificing their comfort.

Malouf Sleep Tite Prime Mattress Protector Review

The Malouf Sleep Tite Prime Mattress Protector uses a cotton terry fabric for its surface layer, which ensures its softness and noiseless features. It’s also absorbent, so it eliminates moisture resulting from sweating. With its H2Pro waterproofing technology, air can pass freely through the cover while keeping out the bigger particles such as allergens, dust mites, bacteria, liquids, and more.

This cooling protector is designed to fit mattresses 22” inches in depth or less and contains no dangerous byproducts like PVC, phthalate, and vinyl. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly product, this may be the one for you.

There has been talk of defective waterproofing, but it’s not known if the defect is manufacturer-flawed or user-error (not washing it correctly). Still, the manufacturer does offer a 15-year warranty, and the replacement should be laundered per the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you want to protect your mattress from liquids and dangerous allergens while also keeping you cool at night, then you want to get the Malouf Sleep Tite Prime Mattress Protector for your bed.

Protect-A-Bed Luxury Waterproof Mattress Protector Review

Tencel is one of the best fabrics to use in hot, humid climates. After all, it can dissipate heat, absorb moisture, and protect against bacteria and other allergens. It’s got a cool, elastic feel that doesn’t give you the plastic sensation that a waterproof membrane often has.

Instead, the Protect-A-Bed Luxury Waterproof Mattress Protector uses a Miracle Membrane – a thin, breathable membrane – that can keep allergens and fluids out while also keeping it cool.

The majority of people who have used this product noted that it works as it claims, and love its cooling properties and overall comfort. However, there are multiple complaints of defective waterproofing; therefore, you should test it out before you put it on your mattress.

But all in all, if you want Tencel cover benefits at a great price, the Protect-A-Bed Luxury Waterproof Mattress Protector could be the one you are looking for.

Leggett & Platt Sleep Chill Crystal Gel Protector Review

There are two primary reasons this cooling mattress protector is better than others on the market. The Leggett & Platt Sleep Chill Crystal Gel Protector is infused with cooling gel, which isn’t cool when you touch it and doesn’t make you feel as if you’re in the Arctic. Instead, it’s got a ventilated design with crystal gel fibers that will soak up the heat much quicker than other models on the market. With better airflow, you stay cool and sweat-free all night long.

The protector’s top is made of both polyester and Coolfiber, with the back made of 100 percent polyurethane that will last longer than cotton and other natural fibers. Polyurethane is well-known for its ability to guard against stains and liquids, making it a must-have in protecting your mattress.

The Leggett & Platt Sleep Chill Crystal Gel Protector comes in eight sizes, including the rare full XL and split king. According to some reviewers, the cover tends to slip, which can be addressed using sheet suspenders. With a 10-year limited warranty, this may be the right product for you.

SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Protector Review

This reasonably-priced cooling protector is one of the best in a market where protectors can cost nearly $100. It’s made entirely out of cotton terry, which means it can naturally breathe and is also hypoallergenic and waterproof. Plus, it can easily whisk perspiration away.

If you suffer from allergies, the SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Protector can keep them at bay. While it may not last as long as polyurethane mattress covers, it is still very effective in keeping you cool and healthy as you sleep.

The SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Protector will fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep and has six sizes it can be purchased in. Best of all, the product is OEKO-TEX Certified, and it doesn’t change the feel of your mattress.

Zen Bamboo Premium Mattress Protector Review

The Zen Bamboo Premium Mattress Protector is made of 40 percent bamboo-derived rayon and 60 percent brushed microfiber. The main aspect behind this product is its ability to move heat away from its surface. Bamboo allows for plenty of airflow; it means that heat can dissipate more easily. Since bamboo is also hypoallergenic and antibacterial, people who suffer from allergies will benefit most from this cooling protector.

The protector’s waterproofing abilities are quite high, which is amazing as it doesn’t cost a lot of money. Since it’s OKEO-Tex-certified, you don’t need to be concerned about harmful byproducts such as PVC, phthalates, and vinyl. The manufacturer offers a 30-day money-back guarantee accompanying a lifetime warranty, which isn’t something you see with a lot of other models on the market.

If you want a high-quality cooling mattress protector that allows you to keep money in your wallet, then you need to consider the Zen Bamboo Premium Mattress Protector for your bed.

Why Do Beds Get So Hot With A Mattress Protector

The plastic membrane is the main reason in which your mattress gets hot. Why is that? This membrane is designed to keep the bacteria, pet dander, dead skin, water molecules and other things out of the bed but still let air flow through. However, if you’re using a non-porous material on your mattress, then air is not getting through entirely. 

This airflow restriction is keeping heat from escaping the bed, which leads to a rise in temperature that will hinder you from getting a good quality sleep and may even cause you to sweat during the night. 

How Can A Cooling Mattress Protector Ensure You A Better Night’s Sleep?

There are special mechanisms designed in a cooling mattress protector that enables it to remove eat from the bed’s surface, ensuring the temperature can drop so you can sleep comfortably. The feature is its breathable fabric (phase-changing materials), which can regulate the temperature to a bearable limit. 

Should You Use A Cooling Mattress Protector

You may not like the idea of using a mattress protector initially, but after a week or more of use, you’ll get used to it, including the warmth in temperature. Thus, getting a cooling mattress protector may seem like you’re just throwing money away. But, there are a few instances in which it’s better to purchase a cooling mattress protector right from the start:

Your Mattress Is Already Hot 

If your bed is already warm when you sleep on it without a mattress protector (something you’d see with a cheap foam mattress), then you’re liable to sweat if you add on a plastic protector. In this case, it would be in your best interest to buy a cooling mattress protector (spending the money upfront saves you grief down the road). 

You Live In A Hot Region Of The World (Tropics)

If you live in a region of the world that gets hot and humid, you are going to want a mattress protector that keeps you cool as you sleep. A regular mattress protector will only add to the heat, which is not going to make you feel comfortable as you sleep.

You Have A Medical Condition 

Menopausal women often suffer from hot flashes while they sleep. A cooling mattress protector can dissipate the excess heat so that you can rest comfortably all night long while also protecting it from excess sweat that can ruin the bed. 

What Features Make Up An Ideal Cooling Mattress Protector 

Micron Size 

This is in reference to the microscopic hole size, which is found in the waterproof cover membrane. The smaller the holes a protector has, the better it’s going to be in keeping allergens and moisture out. However, this also means less airflow and heat dissipation. 

The most powerful water and allergen proofing begins at one micron or less and is only recommended for people who suffer from serious allergies or at high risk for fluid-related accidents. People who want a protector for occasional accidents will do well with a micron size higher than this. 

The higher the micron size, the more air that can pass through, which ensures you don’t run hot while sleeping. Keep in mind that some protectors have no holes in them whatsoever, which means you protected from moisture but run the risk of getting too hot.

Moisture Wicking

While not tied directly to bringing temperatures down, a good protector will absorb sweat to ensure a better night’s sleep, especially in a hot, humid climate such as the topics.  Sweat buildup can wake you from a deep sleep because you start to feel sticky and clammy. A protector that will whisk moisture away is needed to ensure you get a good night’s rest. 

It’s important to understand that throwing it in the laundry often can get rid of the excess fluid, but will eventually lead to a breakdown in its protection. This especially true of the less expensive models because their membranes break when thrown in the washer too often. 

Materials 

When it comes to materials, you typically have four different choices:

• Cotton – This is a breathable material that can absorb a fair amount of liquid, and when used in as a cover, it can help dissipate heat. It’s not fully waterproof, which is why it should only be used as a surface material and needs a PU membrane to be used along with it. 

• Rayon – This material comes from bamboo fiber, which is extremely soft and helps with temperature regulation. It can also absorb moisture and has anti-bacterial properties. It’s not durable on its own, which is why rayon is often combined with polyester to ensure breathability and comfort. When a manufacturer uses the material for a protector, it can help to cool down your bed. 

• Tencel – This “branded” fabric is made from eucalyptus trees in an eco-friendly manner. It’s well-known for its soft and absorbent properties. It’s better than cotton in many ways, not just in absorbing more moisture but also the fact it’s antibacterial and breathable. However, Tencel material does cost more, which means any protectors comprised of it will cost more. 

• PCMs – These are the scientific answer for thermal management. They help to store and release heat based on the outside environment, ensuring there are great for regulating temperatures. When it comes to mattress protectors, they can keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Should You Go With A Five-Sided or Six-Sided Cooling Mattress Protector?

Now, when it comes to what kind of cooling mattress protector to get – a five-sided or six-sided one – you need to know the differences. A five-sided protector covers everything but the bottom of your mattress whereas a six-sided protector encases your mattress and will protect it from all kinds of allergens like bed bugs. 

Now, with a six-sided protector, heat is unable to escape as easily, which means your mattress will warm up. A fitted sheet-style of protector (five-sided) means the bottom of the mattress will have air flowing through. 

Which one is the better option?  Ask yourself this one question: Is there a cause for alarm with bed bugs? If not, then a fitted sheet (five-sided) style cooling mattress protector is the way to go. Otherwise, go with the six-sided encasement protector. 

How Can You Stay Cool While Sleeping?

Discussions have been ongoing about the benefits of staying cool while sleeping, but there are many of them out there. A cooler environment means you not only fall asleep faster, but you wake up feeling refreshed and rested, ready to face your day.
The reality is that temperature and humidity play a huge role in your sleep quality. However, there are plenty of things you can do to ensure that you get a better night’s sleep – one of which is getting a cooling mattress protector for your bed. What are some other things you can do to improve your sleep environment?

Maintain A 67-Degree Room 

Most people, when talking about keeping cool at night, mention the room temperature. While personal preferences will dictate what the ideal temperature is, 67 degrees Fahrenheit is noted as being the optimum sleeping temperature to stay comfortable while sleeping. 

It doesn’t matter what time of the year it may be; you should always have a steady room temperature, which can be done with the home thermostat. If your home is set up with a smart home system, you can set up so you see energy savings — higher temperature for the day with a lower temperature at night. With most thermostats in the home’s hallway, a separate thermometer for the bedroom will ensure a better read on the temperature. 

Maintain A 30 to 50-Percent Relative Humidity

The reality is that it’s not always the heat that can disturb your sleep, but the humidity. If the temperature is 70 degrees in your room, but the humidity level is 70 percent, it’s going to feel muggy and uncomfortable in your room. Why is that? 

Humidity keeps the body from being able to maintain its body temperature naturally because it must sweat.  With a 50 percent or less humidity level, you stay comfortable and the chances for mold and dust mites to proliferate are greatly reduced.  

Most home air conditioner work as a dehumidifier as well, which means if you don’t have one, you need to purchase a separate dehumidifier for the summer and a humidifier in the winter. Be sure to get a humidity gauge for your room to see how much humidity is in there.

Keep Fans Running 

Fans do a great job of keeping the air cool since it can circulate the air and evaporate sweat from the skin. This will help in keeping your body temperature regulated. If you have a ceiling fan, use it during the summer with a counterclockwise direction to give it the downward airflow. In the winter, you want to set it to move clockwise so the fan blades make the air go upward to redistribute warm air. 

Use Breathable Fabrics For Bedsheets

When it comes to bedsheets, you want fabrics that don’t touch the skin, as fabrics that do keep moisture trapped next to your body. Be sure to look for breathable material for your bedsheets.

Cooling Mattress Protector 

You may have bought the right kind of sheets for your bed, but the body heat you generate will need to go someplace. This is when a cooling mattress protector comes in handy. 

Cooling Pillow

In the winter, people tend to use a hat to keep their head warm (to lock in the heat generated by the body). It’s this idea that can be applied to your bedroom (more notably, your pillow) to keep it cool as you sleep.  A cooling pillow will help in regulating your temperature when and where it matters.

Use these tips to help you produce a more comfortable sleeping environment. 

What Should You Keep In Mind?

Nearly all mattress protector manufacturers will claim their product does not increase a bed’s temperature. However, you must do your research to find a product that has been deemed a cooling mattress protector. 

With this helpful guide, you have a better idea of what to look for in a cooling mattress protector – one that offers breathability and moisture-whisking features that use cooling fabric to keep you cool as you sleep. Always look at user feedback to help you decide which cooler mattress protector is best for you and your needs.