The 5 Best Cooling Comforters, Tested by BHG

If you’ve ever woken up at 2:13 a.m. feeling like you accidentally enrolled in a “hot yoga, but make it bedding” class,
you’re not alone. Hot sleepers know the struggle: you want a comforter that feels cozy, not clingy; breathable, not
suffocating; and ideally, not capable of turning your bed into a personal humidity exhibit.

Cooling comforters exist for one reasonhelping your body stay comfortable while you sleep. Better Homes & Gardens (BHG)
put a lineup through real testing (not just “I touched it and it seemed nice” testing). They evaluated comforters and duvet
inserts for breathability, texture, durability, quality, and how they held up after shaking, tossing, turning, and washing.
The result: five standout picks that actually make hot nights feel less dramatic.

Quick Take: The 5 Best Cooling Comforters (BHG Top Picks)

How BHG Tested Cooling Comforters (and Why It Matters)

Cooling claims are easy to print on packaging and harder to prove at bedtime. BHG’s approach focused on the stuff that
actually changes your sleep: how the comforter feels against skin, whether it gets stifling after a few minutes, how much
the fill shifts when you move, and what happens after laundering.

What testing looked like in real life

• Construction check: Baffle box vs. sewn-through stitching, seam quality, loft height, and fill distribution.
• Heat test: Lying under it for several minutes and tracking comfort changes (warmth vs. overheating).
• Movement test: Tossing, turning, and checking noise (yes, some bedding crinkles like a snack wrapper).
• Fill-shift test: Shaking vertically and horizontally and seeing whether the fill migrates.
• Wash test: Cold cycle + low dry (when allowed), then re-checking loft, snags, and fill clumping.

That last partwash performanceis huge. A “cooling comforter” that becomes a lumpy quilted regret after one laundry day is
not a win. It’s a learning experience. (A very expensive one.)

The 5 Best Cooling Comforters, Tested by BHG (Full Reviews)

1) Best Overall: Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter

The Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter earned the top spot because it feels consistently cool across the surfacenot just in
one “lucky” corner. The shell uses a stretchy knit that reads more like performance fabric than traditional bedding, which
helps it feel slick, smooth, and immediately refreshing when you crawl in.

The surprise: it can still feel cozy without feeling heavy. If you like the comfort of a comforter but hate the sweaty
aftermath, this is the “middle path” between “sleeping under a cloud” and “sleeping under a heated marshmallow.”

• Who it’s perfect for: Hot sleepers who want that cool-to-the-touch sensation without going full “just a sheet.”
• Standout performance: Stayed cool even after several minutes under it during testing.
• Keep in mind: Some users (and testing) noticed the fill can bunch a bit after washinguse a gentle cycle, dry low, and fluff well.

2) Best Budget: IKEA Stjärnstarr Duvet

This pick is proof you don’t need to spend “boutique hotel lobby candle” money to sleep cooler. The IKEA Stjärnstarr is
thinner than most comforters, which is exactly why it works for hot sleepers: less bulk means fewer heat pockets. It also
leans on a lyocell/cotton shelltwo fibers frequently recommended for breathability and a cooler hand-feel.

The vibe is more “light duvet insert” than “puffy winter comforter,” so it’s especially good for warm climates, sleepers who
run hot, or anyone who prefers layering (sheet + thin duvet + maybe a throw for drama).

• Who it’s perfect for: Anyone building a cooler bed on a budget, and people who like lightweight layers.
• Standout performance: Held up well in wash testing without visible wear, pilling, or snags.
• Keep in mind: It’s thin and can shift around more while you sleep (less “anchored comforter,” more “friendly blanket”).

3) Best Splurge: Ettitude Bamboo Comforter

If your dream is “cool, silky, and fancy,” bamboo lyocell is a strong contender. BHG liked this comforter’s cool touch and
how it stayed breathable without feeling flimsy. It comes in different weights (often labeled summer vs. winter), which is
helpful if you want cooling but still need a little substance.

Bamboo lyocell tends to feel smooth and drapeyless crisp than percale, less clingy than some synthetics, and generally very
pleasant for sensitive sleepers who hate scratchy textures.

• Who it’s perfect for: Hot sleepers who want a luxury feel and don’t mind extra care.
• Standout performance: Fill stayed put through movement and felt comfortablenot too warm, not too cold.
• Keep in mind: Many bamboo comforters are labeled dry-clean only to preserve feel and structure (some people still wash carefully at home, but it’s a risk-reward situation).

4) Best All-Season: Riley Down Alternative Comforter

All-season is the sweet spot for people who don’t want to swap bedding like it’s a seasonal wardrobe. BHG found the Riley
Down Alternative Comforter lightweight with a medium fillenough to feel like a real comforter, not so much that it traps
heat.

The cotton percale shell is a big deal here. Percale is known for a crisp, breathable feel (think: classic hotel sheet
energy). It helps the comforter feel cooler to the touch, and it’s a frequent recommendation for hot sleepers across bedding
guides.

• Who it’s perfect for: Couples with mixed temperature preferences, or anyone who wants one comforter for most of the year.
• Standout performance: Fill stayed evenly distributed through shaking and washing; maintained loft well.
• Keep in mind: Percale wrinkles. If you want “perfectly smooth bed aesthetic,” you may need to embrace a little rumple or use a duvet cover.

5) Best Eucalyptus: Buffy Breeze Comforter

The Buffy Breeze is the pick for eucalyptus fans: eucalyptus lyocell shell plus eucalyptus fiber fill. This combination is
often chosen for breathability and moisture controltwo things that matter a lot if you’re waking up sweaty.

BHG testing noted the fill stayed impressively proportional even though the baffles are relatively large (which can be a
recipe for shifting in some comforters). It warmed up a bit at first (as most bedding does), but didn’t cross into “too hot”
territory after that initial minute.

• Who it’s perfect for: Hot sleepers who still want warmth and coziness (minus the furnace effect).
• Standout performance: Breathable warmthcomfortable without feeling stifling after several minutes.
• Keep in mind: Typically dry-clean only. A duvet cover is your best friend for keeping it fresh between cleanings.

Cooling Comforter Shopping Guide: What Actually Keeps You Cooler

1) Shell fabric matters more than most people think

The shell is what touches you, and it influences airflow. Breathable, moisture-friendly shells commonly include cotton
(especially percale), lyocell (often branded as Tencel), and rayon/viscose derived from bamboo. These materials show up again
and again in expert roundups because they tend to sleep cooler than heavier weaves and heat-trapping synthetics.

2) Fill can either helpor quietly sabotage your sleep

Down is breathable but insulating, so it can feel too warm if you want “maximum cooling.” Down-alternative microfiber fills
can be lighter and easier to wash, but the quality varies: some breathe well, others feel like a fluffy plastic bag with
better branding. Plant-based fills (like eucalyptus fiber) can strike a nice balance of loft and airflow.

3) Construction changes how heat and fill behave

Baffle box construction creates three-dimensional chambers that allow fill to loft more, which can mean more warmth (great
for cold sleepers, sometimes less great for hot sleepers). Sewn-through construction can limit fill shifting and reduce
loftoften helpful for keeping things lighter and less heat-trapping.

4) Maintenance is part of “cooling,” too

Oils, sweat, and detergent buildup can reduce breathability over time. If you want your comforter to stay cooling:

• Use a duvet cover if your comforter is dry-clean only (or if you just want easier laundry).
• Wash as directed; don’t overdo detergent (residue can reduce softness and airflow).
• Dry low and add dryer balls (or clean tennis balls) to help restore loft.
• Air it out in the morningfive minutes can help dump overnight humidity.

How to Choose the Right Pick for Your Sleep Style

If you want instant cool-to-the-touch relief

Start with the Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter. It’s the closest to that “ahhh” feeling when you first get
into bedespecially if your bedroom runs warm.

If you live in a hot climate or keep your thermostat modest

Go lightweight: the IKEA Stjärnstarr Duvet is thin enough to layer without feeling trapped.

If you want a luxury drape and a smooth feel

The Ettitude Bamboo Comforter is the splurge that feels cool and softjust be honest with yourself about
care requirements.

If you need a one-comforter solution most of the year

The Riley Down Alternative Comforter hits that balanced “not too hot, not too cold” zone with a crisp
cotton percale shell.

If you love eucalyptus bedding (or want breathable warmth)

The Buffy Breeze Comforter is a strong choice for comfort that doesn’t get swampy.

Real-World Experiences: What Cooling Comforters Feel Like Night After Night (Extra )

Cooling comforters can be weirdly emotional. You buy one thinking, “This will solve my problem,” and then your bedroom
decides to throw a surprise heat wave just to test your commitment. The good news is that the best cooling comforters tend
to show their value in small, repeatable momentsthe kind you notice at 1 a.m. when you’d rather be asleep than negotiating
with your bedding.

The first experience most hot sleepers report is the “initial contact” test. Some comforters feel neutral, some feel warm,
and a few feel genuinely cool to the touch. Those cool-touch fabrics (often performance knits or smooth lyocell shells)
create a quick comfort boost when you slide under them. It’s not magicyour body still produces heatbut it can make
falling asleep easier because you’re not starting the night already uncomfortable.

Next comes the “five-minute truth.” A comforter might feel cool at first and then become stifling once your body heat builds.
In lab-style testing and real bedrooms, the better options stay breathable as the minutes pass. You’ll notice it as a lack
of panic: you don’t fling the comforter off, you don’t stick one leg out like a cooling antenna, and you don’t wake up
feeling damp. Instead, you feel lightly coveredlike your bed is protecting you from the universe without trying to cook you.

Then there’s the movement factor. Hot sleepers often toss and turn because they’re temperature searching: roll left, too warm;
roll right, too warm; starfish position, slightly better. A comforter that traps heat can make movement worse because every
shift feels like re-entering a warm pocket. Comforters with stable fill distribution and breathable shells tend to feel more
consistent across the surface, so you don’t have to hunt for the “cool spot.” It sounds minor, but fewer micro-annoyances
can mean fewer wake-ups.

Moisture is the other big storyline. If you wake up sweaty, you’re not just hotyou’re humid. That’s why breathable fabrics
and moisture management matter so much. When a comforter handles moisture well, you feel drier through the night, and the bed
feels fresher in the morning. People often describe this as “less sticky” rather than “colder,” which is actually a better
goal: dry comfort beats icy discomfort every time.

Finally, there’s the long-game experience: washing and living with it. Some cooling comforters stay lovely after laundering;
others get clumpy, wrinkly, or slightly less impressive. This is where practical habits helpusing a duvet cover for delicate
inserts, drying low, fluffing thoroughly, and not overloading your washer. The best part? Once you dial in the system, a
cooling comforter stops being a “special purchase” and becomes just… your bed. Quiet, comfortable, and way less sweaty.
Which, frankly, is the kind of boring we should all aspire to at night.

Conclusion

Cooling comforters aren’t about sleeping in arctic conditionsthey’re about removing the bedtime obstacles that keep you up:
trapped heat, sticky humidity, and heavy fill that won’t let your body breathe. BHG’s testing highlights five picks that
perform where it counts: real contact with real sleepers, real movement, and real washing.

If you want one safe bet, the Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter is the crowd-pleaser. If budget matters, IKEA
keeps it light. If you want premium drape, Ettitude leans luxe. If you need all-season balance, Riley delivers. And if you
love eucalyptus, Buffy Breeze brings breathable comfort without the nighttime meltdown.