Which Is The Best Cooling Mattress Protector For You?
Keeping your mattress safe against stains, spills and allergens is a priority to ensure its longevity, but the protectors used to achieve this may have side effects that can be problematic in their own right.
One such issue is that of heating – unfortunately, it plagues the majority of mattress covers available in the market these days, and for many people, it is a major hindrance in using a protector to secure their mattress.
That said, not securing your expensive mattress against threats can be quite a gamble, especially if you have pets or children around. The solution then, is to find covers that don’t raise the temperature of the bed, so you have no reservation about using them to secure your bed.
Here’s my guide to choosing the best cooling mattress protectors – I’ll cover the various aspects that go into getting the ‘Goldilocks’ standard for your bed, and I’ll augment the guide with select reviews so you have an idea of what to look for in the market.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Best cooling mattress protector Comparisons
- Why Do Mattress Protectors Make The Bed Hot?
- How Does A Cooling Mattress Protector Help?Do I Really Need To Get One?
- What Makes A Good Cooling Mattress Protector?
- Micron Size
- Moisture Wicking
- Materials
- 5-sided or 6-sided protector?
- Top Rated Cooling Mattress Protector Reviews
- Conclusion?
Best cooling mattress protector Comparisons
BRAND |
DETAILS |
OUR RATINGS |
|---|---|---|
Lulltra Bamboo Mattress Protector by Coop Home Goods |
Material: Bamboo/polyester top; plastic membrane Waterproof: Yes Allergen Proof: Yes Bed Bug Proof: No Warranty: 15 year warranty |
|
Malouf Sleep Tite Mattress Protector |
Material: Cotton terry top; plastic membrane Waterproof: Yes Allergen Proof: Yes Bed Bug Proof: No Warranty: 15 year warranty |
|
Malouf Sleep Tite Encase® Omniphase™ Mattress Protector |
Material: Tencel top;plastic membrane coupled with PCM Waterproof: Yes Allergen Proof: Yes Bed Bug Proof: Yes Warranty: 15 year warranty |
|
Protect-A-Bed Luxury Waterproof Mattress Protector |
Material: Tencel top; plastic membrane Waterproof: Yes Allergen Proof: Yes Bed Bug Proof: No Warranty: 10 year warranty |
|
Zen Bamboo Mattress Protector |
Material: Bamboo top; plastic membrane Waterproof: Yes Allergen Proof: Yes Bed Bug Proof: No Warranty: Lifetime / 30 day money back guarantee |
Why Do Mattress Protectors Make The Bed Hot?
Before we go about exploring ways to prevent it, let’s get clear on what actually causes the problem. In the case of mattress covers, the issue lies with the very material used to protect your bed against all the baddies – the plastic membrane.
This membrane is designed to block out larger particles (such as water molecules, dead skin, dust mites, pet dander and so on) while allowing air to freely pass through. In spite of this, you are still placing an inherently non-porous material over your mattress, and it won’t allow completely free passage of air.
The restriction on air flow prevents heat from being dissipated away from the surface of the bed, thereby causing a raise in temperature that can cause sweating and prevent sleep.
How Does A Cooling Mattress Protector Help?
A cooling mattress protector uses specialized mechanisms (discussed in detail later on) to assist in the transportation of heat away from the surface of the bed, so that the temperature can go down. It may do so through breathable fabric, or phase changing materials, which are intended to regulate temperature to a tolerable limit.
Do I Really Need To Get One?
In some cases, it may be that a cover causes you some inconvenience initially, but after a week or so, you get used to the slightly raised temperature and start sleeping comfortably as before. Getting a special cover to stay cool prematurely would be a waste of money in such an eventuality.
However, there are a couple of situations where it makes sense to go with a cooling product from the outset:
- You’re sleeping on a naturally warm mattress
- You live in a tropical region
- You suffer from a medical condition
If you already feel warm in bed when sleeping without a mattress protector (quite common with cheap memory foam mattresses), it is very likely that you’ll be sweating once you get a plastic protector. It would therefore be a smart choice to opt for a slightly pricier, but considerably cooler, product.
If you’re living in a hot and humid climate, there’s no question that a sheet of plastic spread over your bed will lead to considerable inconvenience. You should look for a protector that is both heat dissipative and moisture absorbent.
Women who are going through menopause may suffer from hot flashes during the night. A protector that impedes heat dissipation will ruin your sleep if you suffer from this condition, so a breathable cover is the only option if you want to sleep comfortably and keep your mattress safe against threats.
What Makes A Good Cooling Mattress Protector?
Micron Size
This refers to the size of the microscopic holes present in the waterproof membrane of the cover. The tinier these holes are, the better the protector is at keeping out moisture and allergens, but at the expense of poorer airflow and heat dissipation.
The strongest waterproofing and allergen proofing starts at 1 micron or under, but this is only recommended for those who are anticipating serious threats from fluid spills and/or acute allergen infestations. Those who just want protection against the occasional accident will be fine with a higher micron size e.g. approx. 5.
The higher micron size means better passage of air, so that the mattress doesn’t get too hot as you sleep in it. It is also worth noting that certain protectors don’t have any holes in them at all – while these offer absolute protection, you can guess that they lead to serious hikes in the temperature!
Moisture Wicking
Although not directly related to bringing down temperature, the ability of a protector to absorb your sweat can go a long way in making long nights more tolerable, particularly in a humid climate. Accumulated sweat can wake up you up in the middle of the night, feeling sticky and/or clammy, so a cover that absorbs moisture inside itself is necessary if you need an uninterrupted sleep.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to launder such a product more frequently to get rid of all the absorbed fluid, so it should be one that can sustain multiple washes (cheap protectors are notorious for getting their membranes broken when washed excessively).
Materials
- Cotton
- Bamboo
- Tencel
- Phase Change Materials
Organic cotton is breathable and reasonably absorbent, so it has some heat dissipating effect when used in a cover. Of course, it isn’t waterproof, so it is only good as a surface material, and needs to be backed up by a PU membrane to offer real protection.
Rayon derived from bamboo fiber is silky soft, temperature regulating, good at absorption, and inherently antibacterial. While not the most durable material on its own, bamboo fiber mixed with polyester is sufficiently breathable and comfortable, and a protector that uses it as a surface component can definitely be classified as ‘cooling’.
Tencel is a branded fabric that is derived from eucalyptus trees in a completely non-toxic manner, and has gained a reputation for its softness and absorbency. Not only does it absorb more moisture than absorb more moisture than cotton, it is also inherently breathable and antibacterial.
It is a high end material, so protectors made out of it will be considerably more expensive than those made from other substances.
PCMs are the advanced scientific solution for thermal management: they can both store and release heat as needed based on variation in the outside environment, which makes them good at temperature regulation.
In the context of mattress covers, this means that they can be pleasantly cool during the summers and reasonably warm during the winters.
5-sided or 6-sided protector?
A 5-sided or fitted sheet style protector will not cover the base of the mattress, so even though it protects against most threats, it won’t keep bedbugs out. A 6-sided or encasement style protector will offer more thorough protection, and will definitely secure your mattress against bedbugs.
However, since the encasement will envelop the entire mattress, it will make it difficult for heat to escape from your mattress and into the surroundings. A fitted sheet cover, on the other hand, will have no such issues, since the base of the mattress will be exposed.
In my opinion, if you’re not anticipating a bed bug infestation, a fitted sheet style protector is the better choice because of the improved air circulation it enables thanks to the uncovered base.
Top Rated Cooling Mattress Protector Reviews
Lulltra Bamboo Mattress Protector by Coop Home Goods
Key Points
-
- Material: Bamboo/polyester top; plastic membrane
- Waterproof: Yes
- Allergen Proof: Yes
- Bed Bug Proof: No
- Extra Features: OEKO-Tex Certified; does not use PVC, vinyl or phthalates; hypoallergenic; anti-bacterial
- Warranty: 15 year warranty / 30 day money
With a surface made out of bamboo-derived rayon and polyester, the cover exudes a luxurious, smooth and silent finish that belies its cheap price tag. The bamboo, of course, has more benefits than mere cosmetics: it is hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial – and most importantly – temperature regulating.
The underlying membrane, whilst being waterproof, has been designed to promote airflow. The product is OEKO-TEX certified, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with vinyl, phthalates or PVC. While user feedback regarding its performance (protection, cooling) has been overwhelmingly positive, there have been some complaints centered on durability.
The manufacturer recommends machine washing in cold water and tumble drying, so you shouldn’t stray from these instructions if you want the product to last. That said, it does come with a 30 day money back guarantee as well as a 15 year warranty, so you’re plenty covered in case you end up with a defective unit.
Pros
-
- Modest pricing.
- Bamboo rayon / polyester blend gives a luxuriously smooth and noiseless surface.
- OEKO-TEX certified.
- Bamboo provides decent cooling.
- 15 year warranty / 30 day money back guarantee.
Cons
-
- Not especially durable.
Recommended For
The Lulltra mattress protector is a simple, affordable solution for people who want to keep their mattress secure against common threats without appreciably raising the temperature.
Malouf Sleep Tite Mattress Protector
Key Points
-
- Material: Bamboo/polyester top; plastic membrane
- Waterproof: Yes
- Allergen Proof: Yes
- Bed Bug Proof: No
- Extra Features: OEKO-Tex Certified; does not use PVC, vinyl or phthalates; hypoallergenic; anti-bacterial
- Warranty: 15 year warranty / 30 day money
The cotton terry used for the surface layer besides being soft and unobtrusive, is inherently absorbent, so it wicks away the moisture that results from sweating. Not that you’ll have to be much concerned about it – the Sleep Tite H2Pro waterproofing technology is designed to allow for the passage of air whilst blocking out bigger particles.
The product is able to fit mattresses up to 22” and is completely free from harmful chemicals such as phthalates, vinyl and PVC, so it is also great for environmentally conscious consumers. User response has been laden with applause – directed towards core protection, heat dissipation and fitting.
There have been some issues with defective waterproofing, which could stem either from manufacturing defects or from not following the correct laundering directions. As far as the first cause is concerned, the lengthy 15 year warranty should secure you a replacement – but the second one can only be prevented through caution.
Pros
-
- Reasonable pricing.
- Cotton terry surface is soft, unobtrusive and absorbent.
- Can fit mattresses up to 22”.
- Free from harmful chemicals.
- Waterproof membrane is designed to promote airflow.
Cons
-
- Small chance of manufacturing defects.
- Won’t survive improper laundering.
Recommended For
With its cotton terry surface and proprietary Sleep Tite technology, this cover is intended for people who wish to preserve the underlying feel of their mattress whilst also enjoying reliable, cool protection.
Malouf Sleep Tite Encase® Omniphase™ Mattress Protector
Key Points
-
- Material: Tencel top;plastic membrane coupled with PCM
- Waterproof: Yes
- Allergen Proof: Yes
- Bed Bug Proof: Yes
- Extra Features: Hypoallergenic; anti-bacterial; Micro-Tite zipper; PCM active temperature regulation
- Warranty: 15 year warranty
It achieves its purpose through the use of Tencel, an organic eucalyptus derivative that is known for its comfortable feel, heat and moisture absorbency, and inherent antibacterial properties. This cover carries the same H2Pro membrane as the simple cover reviewed above, but it has been enhanced with a Phase Change Material system called Omniphase™ to actively enhance temperature regulation.
The product has an encasement style form factor to secure your bed against all kinds of threats; a special Micro-Tite zipper is incorporated to prevent bed bugs from slipping through the gaps left by larger zip-teeth.
The majority of users has been quite satisfied with the protection and cooling provided, with a few complaints about noisiness. That said, exorbitant price tag makes it unaffordable for mainstream consumers.
A 15 year warranty comes with the protector.
Pros
-
- All-round coverage against fluids, allergens, and bed bugs.
- Organic Tencel surface coupled with PCM ensures ample heat dissipation.
- Tencel is cool, comfortably, and anti-bacterial.
- 15 year warranty.
Cons
- Expensive.
- May create some noise.
Recommended For
The combination of a thermally absorbent surface with active PCM technology and a breathable membrane make this perhaps the best mattress protector for hot sleepers who want all-round protection for their beds.
Protect-A-Bed Luxury Waterproof Mattress Protector
Key Points
-
- Material: Tencel top; plastic membrane
- Waterproof: Yes
- Allergen Proof: Yes
- Bed Bug Proof: No
- Extra Features:Hypoallergenic; anti-bacterial
- Warranty: 10 years
Tencel, being a good heat dissipater, moisture absorbent, and anti-bacterial fabric, works really well in humid climates. It’s cool, supple feel goes a long way in mitigating the plastic sensation caused by the waterproof membrane present underneath it.
The cover uses a “Miracle Membrane” for blocking out fluids and allergens – it is thin and breathable, to further reduce the thermal footprint of the product.
Most consumers have found the cover to work as advertised – and particular praise has been directed towards the cooling and comfort, but, I have come across enough complaints with defective waterproofing to advise you to thoroughly test the product out before putting it on your expensive mattress.
The 10 year warranty should have you covered in case you end up with a defective unit.
Pros
-
- Organic Tencel surface yields comfort and cooling.
- Tencel is naturally good at absorbing heat and moisture, and repelling bacterial growth.
- Thin, breathable plastic membrane.
- 10 year warranty.
- Somewhat affordable.
Cons
- Still not the cheapest product out there.
- Scattered complaints about defective waterproofing.
Recommended For
This protector may be a good fit for people who want all the benefits of Tencel at a (relatively) balanced price point.
Zen Bamboo Mattress Protector
Key Points
-
- Material: Bamboo top; plastic membrane
- Waterproof: Yes
- Allergen Proof: Yes
- Bed Bug Proof: No
- Extra Features: OEKO-Tex Certified; hypoallergenic; anti-bacterial;Does not use PVC, phthalates and vinyl
- Warranty: Lifetime / 30 day money back guarantee
The primary feature responsible for enhancing its ability to transport heat is its bamboo surface. Bamboo is known for its breathability, so that it doesn’t impede the airflow necessary to dissipate heat. Being inherently anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic, it is also a good match for those who suffer from allergies.
The waterproofing on this protector seems to be highly reliable – I only came across a couple of complaints directed towards it among hundreds that praised its protective capabilities; quite impressive for such a low cost item. The product also enjoys almost unanimous approval for its cooling properties.
An OEKO-Tex certification means that you don’t have to worry about breathing in any phthalates, vinyl or PVC. A 30 day refund policy accompanying a lifetime warranty took me by surprise, again, because this is much more generous than what most pricey competitors offer.
Pros
-
- Affordable.
- Bamboo top provides sufficient cooling and comfort.
- Dependable waterproofing.
- Generous lifetime warranty and month long refund policy.
- OEKO-Tex certified.
Cons
-
- A couple of complaints about broken waterproofing / excessive heating.
Recommended For
This product is geared towards people who want a cool mattress protector that doesn’t break their wallet.
Conclusion
Almost all manufacturers tend to claim that their protectors will not raise the temperature of your bed, but it is only through careful sifting that you can find a product that can really be classified as a cooling mattress protector.
With that said, this guide will have equipped you with some understanding on what you need to look for to find the right cover: breathability, moisture absorbency, the right material and the right form factor. Besides this, always be sure to go through user feedback about any candidate mattress cover to see how it performs in the real world.
Based on this criteria, I will choose the Zen Bamboo cover as the best cooling mattress protector in the market – it may not have the high end comfort offered by a $100 product, but it nevertheless manages to provide reliable, environmentally safe protection in conjunction with superb cooling and absorbency at a truly accessible price point.
What makes it especially attractive is the lifetime warranty and 30 day money back guarantee that accompanies it. It is far more generous than what the other, pricier competitors have to offer, and indicates that manufacturer is confident in the capabilities of their product.
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