The Best Material for a Comforter to Keep You Cool

If you constantly toss and turn at night, sweating under a heavy comforter, you’re not alone. Overheating during sleep is a common issue—often caused by the wrong bedding materials. Choosing the right cooling comforter can significantly enhance your sleep quality. But not all materials are created equal. In this guide, we’ll explore the science behind cooling comforters, key features to look for, and the best materials to keep you cool all night long.

Why Your Comforter May Be Making You Hot
Before diving into specific materials, it’s important to understand what causes night-time overheating:

Poor breathability: Thick, tightly-woven or synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture.

Lack of moisture-wicking: Materials that don’t absorb or disperse sweat can make you feel clammy.

Heavy insulation: High-fill comforters designed for winter will overheat in summer or for naturally hot sleepers.

Synthetic fibers: Often trap heat and limit airflow.

Key Features of Cooling Comforters
The best cooling comforters share several characteristics:

Best Comforter Materials for Keeping Cool
1. Bamboo Rayon or Viscose
Why it’s great:

Extremely breathable and moisture-wicking

Naturally temperature regulating

Hypoallergenic and antibacterial

Soft and silky feel

Pros:

Keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter

Sustainable and eco-friendly (when sourced responsibly)

Cons:

Can be pricey

Durability varies by weave and brand

Best for: Hot sleepers, humid climates, and eco-conscious buyers

2. Tencel (Lyocell)
What is it: A fiber made from sustainably sourced eucalyptus wood pulp.

Why it’s great:

Superior moisture-wicking properties

Naturally cool to the touch

Environmentally friendly manufacturing

Resistant to odor and bacteria buildup

Pros:

Ultra-soft, luxurious drape

Less wrinkling than cotton

Cons:

Higher price point

Can be delicate in the wash

Best for: Sleepers who want a luxurious feel without the heat

3. Cotton (Especially Percale Weave)
Why it’s great:

Classic and breathable

Percale weave (a one-over, one-under weave) promotes airflow

Absorbs sweat effectively

Pros:

Widely available and affordable

Gets softer with washes

Cons:

Can retain more moisture than bamboo or Tencel

Might wrinkle more easily

Best for: Everyday use and people who prefer all-natural, crisp bedding

4. Linen
Why it’s great:

Highly breathable and moisture-wicking

Loosely woven for excellent airflow

Naturally anti-bacterial

Pros:

Incredibly durable

Gets softer over time

Cons:

Rougher texture initially

Can be expensive

Prone to wrinkling

Best for: Extremely hot climates or people who want the most breathable material available

5. Eucalyptus-Fiber Blends
What is it: Often marketed as "Eucalyptus bedding," it’s usually Tencel or another lyocell-based material.

Why it’s great:

Environmentally friendly and moisture-wicking

Cooler than cotton and more sustainable

Pros:

Gentle on sensitive skin

Often blended with organic cotton or bamboo for better strength

Cons:

Availability can be limited to boutique brands

May be costly

Best for: Eco-conscious shoppers wanting advanced cooling without sacrificing comfort

6. Silk (Mulberry Silk or Silk Fill)
Why it’s great:

Naturally temperature regulating

Breathable and luxurious

Hypoallergenic

Pros:

Keeps you cool in the summer, warm in the winter

Luxurious feel and appearance

Cons:

Very delicate

Expensive

Requires dry cleaning or gentle care

Best for: Luxury buyers or people with allergies/sensitive skin