When temperatures stay high overnight, a bedroom can feel almost impossible to cool. But while much heatwave advice focuses on windows, curtains and fans, there's another culprit worth checking: the bed itself.
From low-tog duvets to waterproof mattress protectors, some everyday bedding layers can trap warmth, reduce airflow and make sleep feel clammy. A few simple swaps can help your bed feel lighter, cooler and more comfortable without stripping your bedroom of its style.
1. Your duvet — even if it's a summer one
A low-tog duvet may sound heatwave-friendly, but it can still trap warm air around the body. In very hot weather, a duvet can feel too insulating, especially if it has synthetic filling.
Swap it for: a flat cotton or linen sheet, a muslin throw. If you might need more warmth, keep a very lightweight cotton quilt folded at the foot of the bed.
Pure Cotton Flat Sheet
2. A memory foam mattress topper
Memory foam can retain body heat, which is the last thing you want during a heatwave. If the bed feels hot from underneath, the topper may be part of the problem.
Swap it for: removing the topper for a few nights, or using a thinner, natural-fibre mattress layer if needed.
3. A waterproof mattress protector
Waterproof protectors are practical, but some can feel plasticky or less breathable, which may make the bed feel warmer and clammy.
Swap it for: a breathable cotton mattress protector, or remove any non-essential layers temporarily if appropriate.
Outlast Temperature Balance Quilted Mattress Protector
REM-Fit Tencel Cool Mattress Protector
Stay Cool Mattress Protector
4. Quilted pillow protectors
Heavy or synthetic pillow protectors can add warmth around the head and neck, which can make falling asleep harder. Try swapping out your top pillows for breathable, cooling ones or lightweight cotton/bamboo protectors to help heat escape more easily.
Swap it for: simple cotton pillowcases, linen pillowcases or lighter pillow protectors.
Silentnight Wellbeing Cool Touch Pillow
Hybrid™ Pillow
Mayfair Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow
5. Decorative throws and bedspreads
They make the bed look beautiful during the day, but throws, quilts and bedspreads can trap heat if left on at night. If the layered look is a must, try lightweight options such as muslin throws and linen sheets instead.
Swap it for: styling them at the foot of the bed during the day, then removing them completely before sleep.
6. Too many cushions
Cushions add softness and texture, but they also add bulk and warmth, especially on smaller beds or in rooms with poor airflow.
Swap it for: one or two lightweight cotton or linen cushions for daytime styling only.
7. Shared bedding
For couples, one shared duvet or blanket can create a warm, cocoon-like layer. It can also be uncomfortable if one person runs hotter than the other.
Swap it for: separate flat sheets or light covers, so each person can choose how much coverage they need.
Cooling summer essentials
Comfortably Cool 1 Tog Duvet
ChillPill 3-in-1 Fan, Mist & InstaChill System
DREO 7500 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
Emma Premium Pillow
Daisy Bendall is the Houses Editor at Country Living and House Beautiful, where she spends her days sourcing some of the most inspiring homes across the country. Prior to specialising in real homes, Daisy worked for Good Housekeeping, Red, Elle Decoration and Prima, styling shoots, covering the latest decorating trends and hunting down the best buys for your home.
