It's time for cold sleepers to get the attention they deserve. More often than not, we're so focused on hot sleepers and how to abate their pesky night sweats that we forget about those who shiver instead of snooze. Well, not on my watch!
In the ever-present interest of sharing quality bedroom ideas with our loyal Livingetc audience, I'm here today to share the definitive buying guide for cold sleepers. We're talking everything from pillows to bedding to bedroom accessories and mattresses, my selection of which was informed by a two-person panel of sleep experts.
Overall, sleep expert Carlie Gasia, a certified sleep science coach at Sleepopolis, recommends cold sleepers invest in 'several options for warmth throughout the night,' she tells me. 'This provides a variety of choices to keep yourself warm as you sleep. Some nights you may need a heated blanket and others you may not need something as warm. Giving yourself options helps with a more customizable and comfortable sleeping experience.'
With Carlie's suggestions in mind (as well as some salient advice from Julia Siemen, an expert at Sleep Advisor), I've crafted below a 4-category collection for all my chilly nappers and frigid dreamers out there. Gone are the nights full of goosebumps and shivers; in their place, a quality, comfortable 8 hours.
Best bedding for cold sleepers
When selecting sheets, cold sleepers should look for 'less breathable fabrics like flannel or fleece,' Julia says. 'These sheets help cold sleepers trap heat and stay warm throughout the night.'
Price: $25
Not only are these chic sheets made of flannel, but they're also quite budget-friendly. AND they don't sacrifice quality for price — just check out the reviews. Moreover, though I don't have this specific set, I am the happy owner of a different Threshold sheet fabrication that I'd recommend to anyone.
Price: $199
That said, it's hard to beat Brooklinen, one of the best bedding brands. If luxury sheets are what you're after, this is certainly the place to start. These in particular and cozy but breathable, and a bit more cost-effective if purchased in this set of 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcases.
Price: $64.99
Was: $79
You might not have known before, but L.L. Bean makes great sheets ... and I'd trust they know a thing or two about keeping people warm. Switch from woven, hairy flannel to plush, fuzzy fleece with this navy set. I feel warmer just looking at it.
Best duvet covers/comforters for cold sleepers
Price: From $649
It's a splurge, no doubt, but what else would you expect for a comforter made to feel like a cloud? Filled with all-natural 100% long-strand mulberry silk that never shifts, this piece is 'soft, supple, plush,' luxurious, and body-contouring.
Price: From $265
Saatva is the best-reviewed sleep brand since 2010, so I have virtually zero qualms about recommending its heavyweight down comforter, the same as its all-year version but with a heavier fill of temperature-regulating lyocell and down alternative fiber.
Price: From $347.65
Brooklinen's down comforter is another best-seller — and it's conveniently available in three different weights: lightweight, all-season, and ultra-warm. Of course, we're interested in the ultra-warm.
Best Mattresses for Cold Sleepers
'If you are looking for a mattress that will keep you warmer, memory foam is typically a good option,' Julia tells me. 'Memory foam is more likely to retain heat than other materials which makes them a good choice for cold sleepers.'
Price: From $349
Of the Nectar consumers that suffer from back pain, 9 out of 10 said their mattress helped ease that pain at least some or a lot. I found this mattress by scrolling some reputable best-of lists online, so that, combined with the user endorsement, makes me feel good about recommending it.
Price: $1395
Was: $1595
If you look, the Saatva Loom & Leaf is probably on most best-of lists — and that's for a reason. It has excellent motion isolation for couples; two firmness options; and curve-hugging memory foam.
Price: From $199
Was: From $499
Siena's memory foam mattress was rated the best budget memory foam mattress by Tom's Guide — so I'm inclined to believe this too-good-to-true price. And if you trust the reviews (I do), that's even more supporting evidence.
Best Mattress Heating Pads for Cold Sleepers
While a mattress itself can help with staying warm throughout the night, Carlie says a mattress heating pad might be a better option. 'This a helpful way to stay warm when you need it but you also do not have to use the heating function at all times.'
Price: From $99
Made of comfy and cozy sherpa fabric, this mattress paid features 5 heat settings for ultimate customization and a 10-hour auto shut off for ease of mind.
Price: $59.99
Was: $99.99
A Walmart best-seller, this machine washable heated mattress pad offers four levels of heat to get you nice and toasty. It also comes with dual controllers, so you and your partner can customize your preferred warmth on either side of the bed.
Price: From $69.99
Now, this heated mattress paid is equipped with secure comfort technology, designed to virtually eliminate electromagnetic emissions. It also has 5 heat settings; a 10-hour auto shut-off; 2 separate temperature zones and controllers for couples; and proprietary 'extra hotspot sensing technology for extra safety.'
Best Accessories for Cold Sleepers
As for bedroom accessories for cold sleepers, 'I would recommend a heated blanket or a microfiber throw blanket,' Carlie tells me. 'A heated blanket is a great way to warm up quickly and stay warm throughout the night. If you only want a little extra warmth, use a microfiber throw blanket instead. This will add some warmth to your bed but will keep it lightweight and comfortable for a good night’s sleep.'
Similarly, 'weighted blankets can also be cozy and warm for cold sleepers,' Julia continues. 'Just be careful not to purchase a weighted blanket that is too heavy for your body weight.'
Price: $150
Was: $200
This lovely blanket is made from cozy micro-fleece and comes with plenty of additional safety settings, like an auto-off timer.
Price: From $249
Starting at 15lbs, these Bearaby weighted blankets are both chic and functional. While I like to keep my weighted blanket out of sight, I wouldn't mind displaying this one.
Price: $33.98
Was: $53.99
This affordable leopard print is made of soft and warm micro-fiber, so you can be warm ... but just warm enough.
What is your #1 tip for cold sleepers?
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Listen — I know there's a lot of competing advice out there. But if Julia could offer one piece of advice to all the cold sleepers, she suggests they 'layer their beds,' she told me. 'This gives them the option to remove and keep on layers when needed.'
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