Our readers keep the lights on and the coffee maker working hard! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Waking up in a warm, damp patch of sheet is a miserable way to start the day. A cooling mattress cover sits between you and the mattress to pull heat away, block sweat, and often guard the bed against spills. The real question is which one actually delivers on its cool-to-the-touch promise without feeling like a plastic sheet.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
There are three main types to understand, and we have opened up nine of the most popular cooling mattress covers on the market to see which deserves a spot on your bed. Each one is broken down by the fabric, the waterproofing, and what real owners say about sleeping on it night after night.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Cooling Mattress Covers
A cooling mattress cover does two jobs at once: it protects the mattress and it manages your body heat. Before you buy, you need to decide which of those jobs matters more to you, because the best cover for a hot sleeper is not always the best one for a family with young kids.
Fabric and the cooling effect
The top layer is what touches your skin, and it decides how cool the bed feels. Bamboo viscose is soft and breathable, but its cooling power is gentle. A nylon-spandex knit gives an instant cool-to-the-touch feeling. The strongest option is a phase-change material (PCM), a fabric layer that absorbs heat when you are warm and releases it as you cool down. If you sleep hot, look for nylon or a named cooling technology like Arc-Chill.
Waterproofing versus breathability
A waterproof layer, usually a TPU membrane on the underside, stops sweat and spills from soaking into the mattress. The catch is that some waterproof barriers trap heat. The best designs use a breathable membrane that blocks liquid but still lets air move. If you only want cooling and do not need spill protection, a non-waterproof pad like the EASELAND is a fair trade for maximum airflow.
Deep pockets and fit
Modern mattresses are thick. A cover with a shallow pocket will pop off at the corners by morning. Check the pocket depth in inches — 18 inches fits most standard beds, while 21 inches handles extra-thick pillow-top and foam mattresses. A full elastic skirt and corner straps keep the cover smooth and silent all night.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Cooling Tech | Deep Pocket | Waterproof | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlushDeluxe Bamboo Protector★ Best Overall | Best Overall | Breathable Bamboo Viscose | 18 inches | Yes | Amazon |
| Elegear Arc-Chill 3.0 PadPremium Cooling | Premium Cooling | PCM + Arc-Chill 3.0 | 18 inches | No | Amazon |
| Luxe Linen Bamboo ProtectorDeep Pocket Value | Deep Pocket Value | Breathable Bamboo Viscose | 21 inches | Yes | Amazon |
| Parkdeny Bamboo Protector | Quality Build | Breathable Bamboo Viscose | 21 inches | Yes | Amazon |
| EASELAND Cooling Pad | Cool Touch Feel | Nylon-Spandex Knit | 21 inches | No | Amazon |
| Serta Power Chill Protector | Stain Guard | Cool-Hex Knit | 15 inches | Yes | Amazon |
| Unikome 5-Layer Pad | Comfort + Protection | Cool-Touch Nylon | 21 inches | Yes | Amazon |
| Slumberfy ArcticTex Protector | Hypoallergenic | ArcticTex Technology | 18 inches | Yes | Amazon |
| Bedgear Dri-Tec Protector | Premium Moisture Wicking | Dri-Tec Fabric | 18 inches | Yes | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. PlushDeluxe Bamboo Waterproof Mattress Protector
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 42,500+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
Nearly 43,000 owners make this the crowd favorite, and the reason is a familiar one: it protects the bed without feeling like a protective layer.
The top is 60% bamboo viscose, a plant-derived fabric that wicks moisture and lets heat escape instead of trapping it against you. It fits a King at 76×80 inches and stretches over mattresses up to 18 inches deep, so the corners stay tucked on thick pillow-top beds. It is completely silent — no crinkling when you turn over.
What wins people over is the combination of quality and fit. The waterproof layer handles spills, sweat, and the occasional pet accident, and owners find it washes well in cold water on a delicate cycle with a low-heat tumble dry. The honest trade-off is that a few sleepers find the cooling effect mild, and one buyer notes it lacks the plush cushion of a padded topper — it is a protector, not a comfort layer.
For the money, this is the safest bet for most households. It balances protection, silence, and a genuinely soft sleep surface, and the 4.6-star average across tens of thousands of owners is hard to argue with.
What owners praise
- Deep 18-inch pockets hold tight on thick mattresses
- No crinkle noise — genuinely silent to sleep on
- Waterproof layer blocks spills and sweat
- Machine washable and holds up to repeated cleaning
The trade-offs
- Cooling is gentle, not an icy chill
- No top cushioning if you want a plush feel
Reach for this if: you want one dependable cover that protects the mattress, sleeps cool, and fits deep beds without noise.
Look elsewhere if: you need serious heat-drawing power — this leans comfortable rather than icy.
2. Elegear Cooling Mattress Pad with Arc-Chill 3.0
This is the one for genuine hot sleepers, using a phase-change print layer that actively absorbs your body heat instead of just feeling cool to the touch.
Unlike the bamboo covers above, which breathe but do not actively cool, the Elegear pairs a 90% cooling nylon top with a PCM layer that pulls heat away when you are warm and releases it as you cool down. Owners describe a noticeably cooler, more rested night with fewer wake-ups — One buyer called the effect “life-changing” for hot flashes.. The fabric is cool to the touch the moment you lie down, thanks to the Arc-Chill 3.0 knit.
The 3D mesh TriSupport layer keeps air moving and adds a touch of cushioning, and the fully elastic edges hold tight on mattresses up to 18 inches deep. It is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, so it is gentle on sensitive skin. The real caveat is honesty about the effect: a few owners found the cooling faded after a few hours, and the brand advises sleeping directly on it without an extra sheet for best results. It is not waterproof, so this is a cooling pad, not a spill guard.
Best for hot sleepers: the PCM layer is the real deal for temperature regulation, and owners consistently report a cooler night.
Not for: anyone who needs waterproof protection or a cover that works under a thick sheet.
3. Luxe Linen Waterproof Mattress Protector
If your mattress is extra thick, this is the one — a 21-inch deep pocket that swallows deep foam and pillow-top beds whole.
The surface is 100% bamboo viscose fiber, soft and skin-friendly with good wicking, and it meets the Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX safety certification. Owners say the fit is perfect — one reviewer noted it stays securely in place without bunching or shifting during the night, and another was happy that the lightweight pad let fitted sheets go on easily again after a cushion topper made them too tight.
The backing is a premium TPU layer that blocks perspiration, bed wetting, and spills while staying breathable and noiseless. It is machine washable with a low tumble dry, no ironing needed. The catch is that a few owners picked up a faint swishing sound, so if you are hyper-sensitive to noise this may not be the one. But for depth and value, it is a strong mid-range pick.
Why it wins: the deepest pocket in this list at 21 inches plus a certified soft surface, and owners consistently call out the secure fit.
The fit note: a minority hear a slight swish, so test it early if you are noise-sensitive.
4. Parkdeny Waterproof Mattress Protector
Owners who have tried many protectors call this one of the best — the deep pockets grip the thickest mattresses with no difficult straps to wrestle.
The Parkdeny uses a soft viscose-from-bamboo 3D air fiber surface that circulates airflow and helps heat move away from the body. It fits a Queen with a 21-inch deep pocket, and the easy pull-on installation is a repeated point of praise. One owner summed it up: “Best waterproof protector found; deep pockets fit thickest mattresses; easy to put on; no difficult straps.”
There is an honest spec note to know: the cover is 60% polyester and 40% bamboo, not pure bamboo as the name might imply, and one careful buyer flagged that you should avoid hot water and high dryer heat to protect the TPU membrane. It washes well on gentle and cool, and the top stitching is solid. Cooling is comfortable but not extreme — think pleasant airflow rather than an icy surface.
Quality pick: the build and deep fit earn repeated praise from owners who have compared many brands.
Know this: it is a bamboo-blend, not pure bamboo, and the TPU backing needs cool-water washes to last.
5. EASELAND Cooling Mattress Pad
This one delivers that immediate cool-sheet sensation the moment you lie down, thanks to a premium nylon-spandex knitted top.
The fabric mix is 90% nylon and 10% spandex, which gives it a silky, stretchy feel and a genuinely cool touch. Owners describe it as “the cool side of the pillow” — One buyer found it eliminated night leg sweating entirely., even when used over a bottom sheet. The pad is designed to be slept on directly, no extra cover needed, and the smoky medium-dark blue color is a nice change from standard white.
The deep elastic skirt grips mattresses up to 21 inches and keeps sheets from slipping. It is not waterproof, so this is purely a cooling and comfort layer, and several owners note it is very thin — you get cooling, not cushioning. It washes well in cold water with no shrinkage, making it a solid budget-friendly cooling option for hot sleepers who do not need spill protection.
What wins people over
- Instant cool-to-touch feel from the nylon knit
- Soft, silky top you can sleep on directly
- Fits deep 21-inch mattresses and stays put
The trade-offs
- Not waterproof — no spill protection here
- Very thin, so do not expect plush padding
Pick this for: a cool, silky surface at a budget-friendly price if you can skip waterproofing.
skip it if: you need a protective layer or want any cushioning under you.
6. Serta Power Chill Mattress Protector
A recognizable name with a real trick up its sleeve — 3M Scotchgard treatment that lifts stains in the wash and keeps odors from building up.
The Serta uses Cool-Hex technology knit from nylon and spandex for a cool-to-the-touch feel, and the Scotchgard finish is the standout feature for households with kids or pets. One long-time buyer has used it for four years without overheating and says it blocked puppy accidents completely, with no plastic crunch. It has a 15-inch deep pocket that fits traditional and foam mattresses, secured by extra-wide elastics on all sides.
Here is the honest mixed note: the cooling effect is the most-discussed point, and it genuinely splits owners. Some say it keeps them cool all night, while others find the cool touch fades and heat builds up. It is a fitted-sheet style covering the top and sides, not a full encasement. For reliable waterproof protection with a comfortable surface, it is a strong mid-range pick — just do not expect a true chill.
Strong on protection: the Scotchgard finish and true waterproof barrier earn repeated praise from owners.
The honest caveat: cooling is mixed — cool to the touch, but some sleepers find heat builds up overnight.
7. Unikome 5-Layer Cooling Mattress Pad
A five-layer build that is designed to be both a cooling pad and a protector, with a 360° wrap and 1.6-inch extra-wide straps that keep it locked in place.
The top layer is 90% cooling nylon with 10% spandex, and The brand claims the cool-touch technology can reduce skin temperature by up to 5°F.. The five layers stack a breathable cooling microfiber top, a soft blended filling, a sturdy waterproof TPU layer, and a quiet knit base. Owners confirm the waterproofing works — One owner tested it with a generous pile of water and found the bottom stayed completely dry..
The deep pockets accommodate mattresses from 8 to 21 inches thick, and the thick elastic holds steady on an adjustable hospital bed, per one owner. It is machine washable on a gentle cycle. The honest notes are that the photos make it look thicker and fluffier than it actually is, and the cooling effect splits opinions — some find it great for hot sleepers while others say it sleeps warm. It is very comfortable, just not as dramatic as the marketing suggests.
Versatile build: genuine waterproofing plus real cushioning, and owners consistently praise the secure fit and softness.
Be realistic: not as thick as the photos, and cooling is hit-or-miss depending on how hot you sleep.
8. Slumberfy ArcticTex Mattress Protector
Built for allergy sufferers, this one uses a tightly woven breathable barrier to repel dust and allergens, with a Lifetime Warranty behind it.
The Slumberfy uses ArcticTex Cooling Technology to pull heat away from the body, and the tightly woven fabric is designed to stop dust and allergens from penetrating the barrier. Owners confirm the fit is a highlight — one noted it stayed tight on the mattress after a full week thanks to elastic all around. The deep pockets stretch to fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep.
On the cooling front, the reviews are genuinely mixed. Some owners find the difference noticeable — One owner with a split king felt a clear temperature drop side by side with another brand. — while others say the cooling fades as the bed warms up. The micro-coating under the top layer keeps it waterproof and completely silent. It is a premium-priced pick that earns its keep for allergy-focused households, but cooling purists should look at the Elegear instead.
Allergen shield: the tight weave and hypoallergenic design are the real selling points here, backed by a Lifetime Warranty.
The honest note: cooling works but fades as the bed warms — treat it as a sometimes-cool, always-protective layer.
9. Bedgear Dri-Tec Mattress Protector
The most premium pick here, built with a Dri-Tec performance fabric that pulls moisture away from your body for faster evaporation — ideal if you sweat at night.
The Bedgear uses its Dri-Tec moisture-wicking fabric to pull sweat off your skin and disperse it so it evaporates, keeping the sleep surface cool and dry. The airflow-friendly construction promotes ventilation while the waterproof barrier blocks spills, sweat, and stains. Long-term owners call it the only protector that completely blocked wine and urine stains while staying breathable with no heat retention..
The fully banded elastic stretches to fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep and holds steady on adjustable bases, which is a key advantage for anyone with an adjustable bed frame. It is machine washable cold and tumble-dry low. The honest caveat is the value: at this price point, owners are split on whether it is worth it, even as the quality and fit earn consistently high praise. One owner called it “soft not like plastic,” which is exactly what you want at this tier.
What justifies the price
- True moisture-wicking keeps you dry, not just cool
- Deep 18-inch pocket fits adjustable bases
- Quality and fit earn the strongest praise from owners
The honest caveat
- Value is the most-discussed trade-off — some owners find it expensive
Choose this for: heavy-night-sweat sleepers who want premium moisture management and adjustable-base compatibility.
Consider elsewhere: if you want strong cooling on a budget — the PlushDeluxe gives you most of the protection for less.
Understanding the Specs
Cooling Technology: PCM vs. Bamboo vs. Nylon
The cooling effect comes from the top fabric layer. A phase-change material (PCM) actively absorbs heat from your body and releases it as you cool down — this is the strongest cooling tech, found on the Elegear. A nylon-spandex knit gives an instant cool-to-the-touch feeling that fades as the bed warms, like the EASELAND. Bamboo viscose is the softest and most breathable, but its cooling is gentle, like the PlushDeluxe. Match the tech to how hot you actually sleep.
Pocket Depth and the Elastic Skirt
The pocket depth tells you how thick a mattress the cover will grip. A standard mattress is around 12 inches, so an 18-inch pocket gives good coverage, while a 21-inch pocket handles extra-thick pillow-top and deep foam beds. A fully elastic skirt, rather than just corner straps, is what keeps the cover from bunching or popping off when you turn over. Measure your mattress depth before buying so you do not end up with a cover that slips by morning.
FAQ
Will a cooling mattress cover fit my 18-inch thick mattress?
What is the difference between a cooling mattress pad and a cooling mattress protector?
Does waterproofing make a mattress cover hotter to sleep on?
How long does the cooling effect last on a cover?
Can I wash a cooling mattress cover in the machine?
Are these mattress covers noisy when I turn over?
Which is better for a hot sleeper: bamboo viscose or nylon?
Is there a difference between a mattress cover and a mattress topper?
Do I still need a fitted sheet on top of a cooling mattress cover?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the cooling mattress covers winner is the PlushDeluxe Bamboo Protector because it delivers the best mix of protection, silence, and softness at a fair price, backed by the largest base of happy owners in this list. If you want genuine heat-drawing power for hot flashes, grab the Elegear Arc-Chill 3.0. And for a deep-pocket value pick that handles thick mattresses, the Luxe Linen is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.