In a summary
Summer bedding essentials include plump, breathable pillows, a 2.5 to 4.5 tog duvet with a lightweight filling, natural and moisture wicking bed covers made from cotton, bamboo and linen, and the option of a mattress topper designed to improve airflow for memory foam or polyfoam mattresses.
Getting good sleep when the temperatures rise can be a challenge. Firstly, you’re battling the light outside, and the next, it’s so hot that it feels impossible to get comfortable. But don’t worry, there’s a solution for this. Today, we’re going to give you some tips and tricks for getting good sleep in the heat in our summer bedding guide- all whilst upholding that luxury hotel look we all know and love.
Why do we need to switch up our bedding when the seasons change?
As the seasons change, your needs do too. Thick, heavy materials are ideal during cooler temperatures, keeping you cosy so you can drift off to sleep with ease. On the other hand, as soon as the temperatures start to rise, we need to figure out how to cool down. Cool, breathable materials and temperature regulating technology is then needed to help you stay comfortable and reduce the likelihood of you overheating or experiencing night sweats.
What makes bedding suitable for summer?
Now we know why, it’s time to focus on how. Summer bedding is designed specifically to wick away moisture, enhance airflow and simply keep you cool. Here’s some key words to look out for when shopping for cooling bedding:
Breathability: Improved airflow, preventing you from overheating
Moisture-Wicking: Drawing sweat away from the body
Lightweight: Thinner construction to reduce heat retention
Temperature Regulating: Adjusts to your body temperature as you sleep
Natural Materials: Often naturally cooler and hypoallergenic
Summer Bedding Staples
Let’s look at what summer bedding items are best for bringing your temperature levels down, and your comfort levels up.
Cooling Pillows
First and foremost, where your head lies plays a key role in how cool you are as heat builds up around your neck and head as you sleep. You should opt for breathable pillow fillings, moisture-wicking covers, and to keep you even fresher, rotate or refresh your pillow covers more often during summer. The Premier Inn pillows are naturally hypoallergenic and come with two quilted cotton-polyester protectors, keeping you comfy and cool all night long.
Cooling Duvet
Next, we have the duvet. It’s time to put your thick tog duvet into storage and use a lower tog, designed for warm temperatures. We recommend a lightweight filling, breathable casing, and duvet covers cool to the touch. What’s great about the Premier Inn Luxury Duvet is that it’s designed for year-round comfort from two tog options (4.5 and 10.5), with a hypoallergenic filling of both microfibre and hollowfibre.
What tog is a summer duvet?
A summer duvet tog rating is between 2.5-4.5 to ensure airflow and comfort.
Choosing Lightweight Bedding Materials
Dressing your bed in the right thing is just as important as the bedding items themselves. Not only should we swap out the winter patterns, but the material can massively determine how well your body can regulate its temperature. As a guide, you should avoid synthetic and tightly woven materials which trap body heat and moisture, especially polyester, nylon and synthetic satin.
Best Materials for Summer Bedding Sets Natural Fibres
Cotton is crisp, breathable and offers a premium look that you’d find in a hotel.
Linen is excellent for airflow, breathability and wicking away moisture. It offers a more relaxed aesthetic.
Bamboo is naturally soft to the touch and cooling, ideal for sensitive skin.
Synthetic Blends You can also opt for a synthetic blend known, known for affordability and providing improved airflow and moisture control. Examples include microfibre, and a polyester and bamboo mix.
Are polyester bed sheets good for summer?
Polyester alone can trap heat and reduce airflow; therefore, they’re not usually recommended. However, polyester blends like microfibre are designed to keep you cooler and wick away moisture, so they’re always an option.
Does bamboo bedding keep you cool?
Absolutely. These fibres are naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, so heat and sweat is drawn away from the body to keep you fresh and comfortable.
Seasonal Bedding Change Tips
We’ve compiled some extra tips for creating a cooling haven to sleep in during the warmest months of the year.
1. Try a mattress topper
If your mattress retains heat, such as those made from memory foam or polyfoam, a mattress topper is a great way to add a cooling layer on top, improving airflow and helping your body naturally regulate its temperature. The Premier Inn Mattress 2.0 is configured with a Geltex® layer, horizontal layers of polyester for breathability, and a moisture wicking pillow top, perfect for hot sleepers.
2. Use mattress protectors & pillow protectors
Pillow protectors and mattress protectors are the unsung heroes for hot sleepers. They protect your mattress and pillows from sweat and high humidity levels, while also preventing heat build-up when made with breathable materials. The Premier Inn Luxury Mattress Protector may be waterproof, but it still acts as a breathable barrier – an essential in the heat.
3. Keep it simple & minimal
You should keep your bedding set-up simple and minimal, with fewer layers, lighter colours, and more of an emphasis on crisp materials, fluffy and breathable pillows, and a neatly draped lightweight duvet – because we still want that hotel look. Top tip: Fold your duvet at the end so the rest of your bed can breathe during the day.
How to cool down in bed
If you struggle with staying cool in bed, whether you’re naturally a hot sleeper or you’re amidst peak summer, there are some things you can do to help other than swapping out your bedding:
Incorporate a fan into the room, or improve airflow by opening windows
Keep windows, curtains and blinds closed during the day to block out heat
Wear loose, breathable sleepwear, or less clothing
Take a lukewarm (not cold) shower before you go to bed
Keep hydrated in the day and evening
Avoid heavy meals and alcohol close to bedtime
Place a cool, damp cloth on your pulse points
Wash bedding regularly to keep it fresh and breathable
Your summer bedding should encapsulate breathability and simplicity, making it inviting after a day in the sun. There’s no need to overhaul everything but choosing the right core pieces can be the difference between a quality, non-disrupted sleep, and you tossing and turning all night, finding it hard to cool down and get comfortable. If you found this article helpful, learn how to make a bed like a hotel.
