When your bed feels uncomfortably hot, the culprit is usually the mattress, the bedsheets you are using or the comforter. But your mattress protector can also be one of the reasons you are getting too warm in bed. 

Some mattress protectors trap heat, leaving you hot, sweaty and struggling to sleep. In this post, we explain why your choice of mattress protector matters when it comes to sleeping cool plus the best types of mattress protectors for hot sleepers. 

Why Your Mattress Protector Is Making You Hot

Here’s the truth about waterproof mattress protectors: they are all made from plastic, at least the bottom waterproof lining. 

To achieve their waterproof protection, mattress protectors have to be lined with a plastic layer, usually made from polyurethane. The top is then made from a softer material like polyester, microfiber or cotton. 

So no matter which waterproof mattress protector you choose, you will lose some breathability because of the plastic layer. The alternative is an all-fabric mattress cover, but it will not be waterproof. 

That said, some waterproof mattress protectors are hotter than others. The difference is in the material that’s used on top. 

A waterproof mattress protector with a synthetic top layer (polyester or microfiber) will feel hot. That’s because synthetic materials are not very breathable and they trap more heat. 

Your mattress protector can also make you hot if you already have a ‘hot mattress’ like memory foam. Memory foam traps a lot of heat. If you then cover it with a waterproof mattress protector, your bed will get even hotter. 

The solution is to change your mattress to a cooler one (latex or innerspring), get a cooling mattress topper or get a highly breathable mattress cover without a plastic waterproof lining. 

The Best Mattress Protectors for Sleeping Cool  

Waterproof mattress protectors made with natural materials are the best for sleeping cool. They are especially beneficial for those who are naturally hot sleepers and anyone with hot flashes. 

Of course, the mattress protector will still have the plastic waterproof bottom, but it’s the material on top that matters. Cotton, Tencel, bamboo and wool provide the coolest sleeping experience. They also do a great job wicking or absorbing sweat from your skin, ensuring you sleep cool and dry. 

Read our mattress protector buying guide for more tips on how to pick the best waterproof mattress protector. 

Additional Tips to Sleep Cool

The mattress protector is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to keeping your bed cool. Even if you get a breathable mattress protector, you can still sleep hot if the rest of the bedding is not breathable.

So here are some tips to make sure your bed is cool, top to bottom.  

• For the duvet and duvet cover, pick natural breathable materials like cotton, wool, down, and linen. Also buy a lightweight summer or all-season comforter that won’t get too hot in warm weather.  
• Having breathable bed sheets like our Hercleon Jax sheets is also super important for staying cool at night. As with other bedding, natural bed sheets like cotton, silk, linen and bamboo are the coolest. 
• If your budget allows it, switch to a cooler mattress made from latex or innersprings. Alternatively, get a cooling latex or wool mattress pad or topper and place your mattress protector over it.