Shopping for sheets to use with your memory foam mattress?
You’ve come to the right place.
You are probably wondering why you can’t just pick any sheets? Do memory foam mattresses need special sheets?
You can use any kind of sheets on a memory foam mattress. But you may want to stick to sheets that are highly breathable and cool.
That’s because memory foam mattresses tend to sleep warm or hot, and can mess with your sleep quality.
While cooling bed sheets may not be enough on their own to completely ward off the heat, they can help you sleep a lot cooler and with less sweat drenching your skin.
Which Are The Best Sheets for Memory Foam Mattresses?
The most important thing to consider when choosing sheets for a memory foam mattress is breathability.
Cheap sheets with poor breathability will trap heat, which makes the memory foam mattress even hotter.
Breathable sheets allow air to easily pass through the fabric, which lets excess body heat dissipate away from the mattress.
Breathable sheets are usually also good at moisture-wicking, which is helpful if you get night sweats or you sweat easily when you feel hot.
The fabric used to make the sheets determines how breathable and moisture-wicking they are.
Generally, natural fabrics like cotton are the best. But if you are on a budget, cheaper sheets with blended natural and synthetic fabrics sleep fairly cool.
Here are the best types of cooling sheets for memory foam mattresses.
- Cotton sheets
- Eucalyptus or Tencel sheets
- Bamboo sheets
- Silk sheets
- Linen sheets
The fabric is not the only thing to consider when choosing cooling sheets for a memory foam mattress. The type of weave and thread count matter too. We’ll address those in more detail later on in our buyer’s guide.
What’s In This Buying Guide?
In this in-depth buying guide, we recommend the best sheets for memory foam mattresses. We also tell you which features matter when shopping for memory foam mattress sheets.
If you’d like recommendations specifically for premium luxury sheets, see our reviews of the best luxury sheets. They all have excellent breathability.
Best Sheets for Memory Foam Beds
Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com
- Best Cotton Sheets: California Design Den
- Best Cotton Percale Sheets: Sleep Mantra
- Best Budget Cotton Sheets: Comfort Spaces
- Best Certified Organic Cotton Sheets: Nest Bedding
- Best Tencel Sheets: Sheets & Giggles
- Best Bamboo Sheets: Hotel Sheets Direct
- Best Linen Sheets: Simple & Opulence
- Best Silk Sheets: THXSILK
| Product | Award | Weave | Thread Count | Certified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
California Design Den | 100% cotton | Sateen Weave | 400 | OEKO-TEX Certified |
Sleep Mantra | 100% organic cotton | Percale Weave | 300 | GOTS certified organic |
Comfort Spaces | 100% cotton | Percale Weave | 144 | No certification |
Nest Bedding | 100% organic cotton | Sateen weave | 300 | GOTS certified organic |
Nest Bedding Organic Cotton Luxury Bed Sheets | 100% Eucalyptus lyocell | Sateen weave | 400 | OEKO-TEX, FKT, USDA Biobased |
Hotel Sheets Direct | 100% bamboo viscose | Sateen weave | 320 | OEKO-TEX certified |
Simple & Opulence  | 100% natural flax | n/a | n/a | OEKO-TEX certified |
THXSILK | 100% natural Mulberry silk | n/a | 19 Momme | OEKO-TEX certified |
1. Best Cotton Sheets: California Design Den 400 Thread Count 100% Cotton Sheet Set
Cotton sheets are the best for most memory foam mattress owners. They are cheaper than other cooling sheets, they feel soft, and they are great at both cooling and moisture wicking.
Our favorite cotton sheet set is this one by California Design Den. It features 100% cotton sheets and a pair of pillow cases.
Pros
- 100% cotton.
- Sleeps cool.
- Wicks away sweat.
- OEKO-TEX certification.
- Ultra-soft 4000 thread count sheets.
Cons
- Not as cool as percale cotton sheets.
Our Review
The California Design Den sheet set consists of a flat sheet, a fitted sheet with a 16” deep pocket, and two pillowcases.
Everything is made with 100% cotton that has OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, guaranteeing that the sheets are free of any harmful substances.
The sheets have a sateen weave, giving them a soft luxurious feel. The high 400 thread count also adds to their buttery softness.
The California Design Den sheets are easy to clean and dry. They are not as delicate as bamboo or silk sheets. They do get a bit wrinkled, but not enough to be an issue.
Overall, we think the California Design Den sheet set is a good value for money.
If you are looking for an affordable upgrade from microfiber or cotton blend sheets, we highly recommend the California Design Den 100% cotton sheet set.
Issues & Limitations
If you sleep extra-hot, you may want to try percale cotton sheets instead of the California Design Den sateen cotton sheets.
The sateen weave combined with the fairly high thread count make them a tad too warm for very hot and heat-sensitive sleepers. Percale sheets with a lower thread count will feel much cooler.
2. Best Cotton Percale Sheets: Sleep Mantra 100% Organic Cotton Bed Sheet Set
Looking for cotton sheets with extra cooling power? We recommend the Sleep Mantra organic cotton percale sheets.
The lightweight percale weave plus the lower 300 thread count makes the Sleep Mantra sheets more breathable than sateen cotton sheets.
Pros
- Extra breathable and cool.
- Best sheets for summer.
- Certified organic.
- Eco-friendly.
Cons
- They wrinkle easily.
Our Review
The Sleep Mantra sheet set includes the usual flat sheet, a fitted sheet that fits mattresses up to 16” deep, and two pillow cases.
The sheets and pillowcases are made with 100% organic cotton. It’s not just Sleep Mantra claiming they are organic; the sheets are actually certified organic by GOTS.
This makes the sheets healthier for you and better for the environment. Even the packaging the sheets come in is recyclable.
If this is your first time sleeping on percale sheets, it takes some time to get used to the crispy feel. They don't have the soft luxe feel of most cotton sheets. Instead, they are light and crispy.
But this is a good thing if you are a hot sleeper or live in a place that gets extra hot summers. The Sleep Mantra percale cotton sheets breathe much better than heavy sateen sheets, which helps you sleep cooler.
Issues & Limitations
The crispness of percale sheets makes them more vulnerable to wrinkling. To reduce how wrinkled they get, don't leave them too long in the washer or dryer.
Remove them as soon as the cycle is complete.
3. Best Budget Cotton Sheets: Comfort Spaces 100% Cotton Percale 4 Piece Sheet Set
Shopping for cotton sheets on a budget? The Comfort Spaces percale sheet set is one of the most affordable we’ve come across.
With a 144 thread count, we wouldn’t call the Comfort Spaces sheets luxurious. On the upside, they sleep really cool.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Percale weave is great for hot sleepers.
- 100% cotton.
- Available in a wide range of colors.
Cons
- Not as soft as most cotton sheets.
- No quality certification.
Our Review
The Comfort Spaces sheet set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet with a 14” pocket (that can fit mattresses up to 16” thick), and a couple of pillowcases.
The sheets are cheap considering they are 100% cotton. The reason for this is the low 144 thread count.
This gives the sheets a coarser feel compared to most cotton sheets. They are perfect if you want lightweight summer sheets.
The low thread count and the crispy percale weave makes the Comfort Spaces sheets extra-breathable.
The sheets are 100% cotton, though they carry no certification of any kind.
There are plenty of color options to pick from, including plain and patterned styles.
Issues & Limitations
If you prefer buttery soft sheets, don't get the Comfort Spaces percale sheets. They are coarse and crispy because of the low thread count.
Look for sheets with at least a 300 thread count.
4. Best Certified Organic Cotton Sheets: Nest Bedding Organic Cotton Luxury Bed Sheets
We recommend the Nest bedding organic cotton bed sheets if you prefer organic bedding. They are certified organic by GOTS.
Thanks to the 300 thread count and luxe sateen weave, they have a luxury soft feel.
Pros
- Soft and luxurious.
- Certified organic cotton.
- Made with fair trade cotton.
- Good cooling performance.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Limited color options.
Our Review
The Nest Bedding organic cotton sheets are luxury bed sheets, and the price tag reflects that.
They are incredibly soft and supple, thanks to the sateen weave and the 300 thread count. This does make them a bit warmer than percale sheets, but they should still feel cool for most sleepers.
The set includes the usual accessories: a top sheet, a fitted sheet with a 16” pocket and pillow cases. Everything is made with GOTS certified organic cotton.
In addition, they are made with Fair Trade certified cotton that has been sourced responsibly and sustainably.
Issues & Limitations
The main issue with the Nest Bedding organic cotton sheets is the price. They cost significantly more than other brands, even those that sell organic cotton sheets.
If you are on a budget, the Sleep Mantra organic cotton sheet set is a cheaper alternative, though it’s not as soft.
Another issue with the Nest Bedding organic cotton sheets is the lack of color options. You can only pick from four colors and none of them has a patterned style.
5. Best Tencel Sheets: Sheets & Giggles 100% Eucalyptus Lyocell Sheet Set
If you don't want to get cotton sheets, but still want something eco-friendly, Tencel sheets are the best alternative.
This Sheets & Giggles Tencel sheet set is made from 100% eucalyptus lyocell, making it healthy and eco-friendly. They are also some of the softest sheets you’ll ever sleep on.
Pros
- Super soft.
- Excellent cooling and moisture-wicking.
- Safe for you and the environment.
- Extra-long and deep sheets.
- Available in a wide range of colors.
Cons
- Pricey.
Our Review
The Sheets & Giggles eucalyptus lyocell sheets have the cool feel of percale cotton and the soft luxurious feel of sateen cotton.
They are made with 100% eucalyptus pulp; they are not a blend of polyester and eucalyptus like most Tencel sheets.
To guarantee their quality and eco-friendliness, the Sheets & Giggles sheets come with several certifications.
- USDA Certified Biobased – this label guarantees that a product is derived from plants.
- FKT-certified – the Tencel fabric is certified by FKT to be safe for the skin.
- MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX – this label guarantees that the sheets were manufactured in an eco-friendly facility.
Tencel sheets are naturally soft. What makes the Sheets & Giggles sheets even softer is the high 400 thread count.
The set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases.
The flat sheet is 4” longer than standard to ensure it stays tucked in. The fitted sheet has a deeper pocket than usual; it can fit mattresses up to 20” thick.
If you have an extra-tall pillowtop mattress or a mattress with a topper on it, the Sheets & Giggles set is perfect.
Issues & Limitations
If you are shopping for budget sheets, the Sheets & Giggles eucalyptus sheets may not be what you are looking for. They cost more than twice the price of a premium cotton sheet set.
6. Best Bamboo Sheets: Hotel Sheets Direct 100% Bamboo Sheets
Bamboo is another alternative to cotton if you are shopping for natural fiber sheets to go with your memory foam mattress.
These Hotel Sheets Direct bamboo sheets are super soft, sleep cool, and they are great at absorbing sweat.
Pros
- Soft & luxurious.
- Good for hot sleepers and night sweaters.
- 100% bamboo – no polyester.
- OEKO-TEX certified.
Cons
- Costs more than cotton sheets.
Our Review
Bamboo sheets sleep just as cool or even cooler than percale cotton sheets, but have the soft feel of sateen cotton sheets.
If you are looking for luxuriously soft bed sheets, the Hotel Sheets Direct bamboo sheets are a great choice, and cheaper than Tencel sheets.
The Hotel Sheets Direct sheets are made from 100% bamboo viscose. This does make them a bit pricey, but they do not contain any synthetic fibers like polyester.
They are also certified by OEKO-TEX, guaranteeing that they don't contain any harmful chemicals.
The Hotel Sheets Direct set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet for mattresses up to 15” thick, and two pillow cases.
The bamboo sheets have a sateen weave that, when combined with the 320 thread count, gives them an ultra soft feel.
You can choose from over a dozen color options, though there are only plain (non-pattern) styles available.
Issues & Limitations
While cheaper than Tencel sheets, the Hotel Sheets Direct bamboo sheets are still more expensive than most cotton sheets.
If you are on a budget, consider going with cotton or looking for cheaper bamboo blend sheets.
7. Best Linen Sheets: Simple & Opulence 100% Washed Linen Sheet Set
Linen sheets are the best choice if you want bed sheets that will last for years. Because of the longer and thicker natural fibers, they are made with, linen sheets outlast most other types of sheets.
Our favorite linen sheet set is this one by Simple & Opulence. It comes already stone washed, so it feels soft right out of the packaging.
Pros
- Made with 100% natural flax.
- Long lasting.
- Gets softer with every wash.
- Great for night sweats and hot sleepers.
Cons
- Pricey.
- A bit coarse at first.
Our Review
Linen sheets are some of the most eco-friendly. They are made from the flax plant.
Similar to cotton sheets, linen sheets have excellent breathability and moisture wicking. They are great for a memory foam mattress that sleeps hot.
The Simple & Opulence linen sheet set is made with French flax and comes with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification.
The set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet for mattresses up to 14” thick, and two pillow cases.
You can pick from several color options, including some with embroidery.
One of the best features of line sheets is their durability. With good care, you’ll be using these sheets for years.
Issues & Limitations
The main issue with linen sheets is their price. They cost significantly more than cotton sheets.
They also tend to feel a bit coarse at first. Stonewashed sheets like these ones by Simple & Opulence are softer, but not as soft as cotton.
It can take up to 2-3 years to get them as soft as cotton sheets.
The other issue is wrinkling. Linen sheets wrinkle easily, giving them a soft lived-in look that many people like. But if the creases bother you, you can iron the sheets.
8. Best Silk Sheets: THXSILK 100% Mulberry Silk Sheet Set
Shopping for luxury bed sheets for your memory foam mattress? Nothing is as luxurious as natural silk sheets.
The THXSILK silk sheet set is made with 100% Mulberry silk. They are softer and smoother than any other type of sheet.
Pros
- Luxurious silk sheets.
- Made with natural silk.
- Great for the skin, especially for people with acne or sensitivity.
- Good for your hair.
- Highly breathable.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Slippery.
Our Review
Silk sheets are some of the most expensive sheets you can buy. That’s because they take a lot of time and resources to make.
The THXSILK silk sheets and pillowcases are made with 100% Mulberry silk, the best and finest type of silk there is.
They are incredibly soft, smooth, and luxurious.
The natural structure of the silk sheets provide year-round temperature regulation, much like wool. They keep you cool when it is hot, and warm when it’s cold.
Silk is also great for your skin and hair because of how smooth it is. When the sheets and pillowcases rub against your skin, they create minimal friction.
This protects your hair from damage and is great if you have sensitive skin. The reduced friction also prevents inflammation if you have acne.
Another advantage of silk is that it doesn't absorb as much moisture as cotton and other fabrics. Your skin and hair stay moisturized through the night and any products you apply don't get absorbed by the sheets.
The THXSILK sheet set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet that can fit mattresses up to 16” thick, and two pillow shams.
The silk sheets have a 19 momme weight (it’s like thread count, but for silk). This is a lightweight type of silk weave.
If you want softer and more luxurious silk sheets, try these pricey 25 Momme silk sheets from Orose.
Issues & Limitations
Silk sheets are expensive. If you are on a budget, look for other types of sheets or get just a single silk sheet like this fitted one from LilySilk.
Silk sheets can be frustratingly slippery. This makes it a bit of work to make the bed. It also makes the duvet or comforter keep sliding off the bed.
Best Sheets for Memory Foam Mattresses: Buying Guide
Why Do Memory Foam Mattresses Feel Hot?
Memory foam has a dense structure that doesn't allow air to flow in and out of the mattress. So when the mattress absorbs your body heat, it holds onto it, which in turn makes you hotter.
The fact that memory foam gets softer and hugs you more when it gets warm doesn't help with the situation. As it contours closer to your body, it heats you up further.
Newer memory foam mattresses use more breathable foam that has an open cell structure. Many memory foam mattresses also incorporate cooling techniques like graphite and cooling gel.
However, many hot sleepers still find memory foam mattresses too warm.
If you really like the feel of your memory foam mattress (other than how hot it is) or you are not ready to buy a new mattress, getting cooling sheets will help you sleep more comfortably.
How To Choose The Best Sheets For Your Memory Foam Mattress
Here’s what to consider when shopping for sheets for your memory foam mattress.
1. Type of Sheets
Different types of sheets have varying properties when it comes to cooling, moisture wicking, feel, and longevity.
Here’s a rundown of various types of cooling sheets.
- Cotton sheets – These are the most affordable cooling sheets for memory foam mattresses. Cotton sheets have excellent cooling performance and moisture wicking.
- Bamboo sheets – Bamboo sheets are really soft and are highly breathable. They are a bit more expensive than cotton sheets.
- Eucalyptus sheets – Also called Tencel sheets, eucalyptus sheets are extra-soft and easily keep you cool and sweat-free.
- Linen sheets – These are made from the fibers of a flex plant. They are rough at first but get softer with each wash. They also have great cooling and moisture wicking capability.
- Silk sheets – The most luxurious and expensive sheets you can get. Silk sheets have a smooth and soft feel with excellent cooling performance. They are great for your skin and hair.
2. Natural or Blended
All the sheets we’ve reviewed in this guide are made with 100% natural products. That’s because natural fabrics provide the best cooling and moisture-wicking.
If you are on a budget, you can get a blended version of these sheets at a cheaper price. For example, cotton and polyester sheets or bamboo and microfiber sheets.
These don't provide the same level of cooling. But they can help if you only get mildly hot on your memory foam mattress.
3. Weave
If you are buying cotton, eucalyptus, or bamboo sheets, check the type of weave used.
The two most common types of weaves are sateen and percale.
Sateen sheets are heavier and softer. Get sheets with a sateen weave if you want a luxury feel.
On the downside, sateen weave sheets sleep a bit warm. We don't recommend them for very hot sleepers or those who sweat a lot.
Percale sheets are lighter and have a crispy feel. They don't have the luxury soft feel of sateen sheets, but they make up for it in breathability.
Percale sheets sleep cool, making them a great choice for extra-hot sleepers.
4. Thread Count
The best thread count (TC) for sheets is 200 to 400.
You can save money on a sub 200 TC sheet set, but the sheets will feel rough and thin. Only get low thread count sheets if you need maximum breathability.
Beyond 400, you are risking sheets that are too warm. A 400+ thread count makes for softer sheets, but they trap more heat.
200-400 is the best range. You get soft sheets that sleep cool.
Note: Thread count doesn't apply when it comes to linen and silk sheets. For linen, check the GSM or grams per square meter (150-170 GSM is ideal). For silk, check the Momme weight (19-25 Momme is ideal for silk sheets and pillowcases).
5. What’s Included in the Set?
Most sheet sets come with the same accessories: a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases.
Make sure this is what you’ll get in the set. If you want, you can also buy individual sheets.
When picking a sheet set, check the pocket depth of the fitted sheet. It should be deeper than your mattress.
This is especially important if you have a thick pillow top mattress or have a topper on your mattress.
Most fitted sheets can fit mattresses up to 14-16 inches tall.
Best Sheets for Memory Foam Mattresses: FAQs
Which are the best sheets for a memory foam mattress?
Highly breathable and moisture-wicking sheets are the best ones for a memory foam mattress. Examples include cotton, bamboo, Tencel, silk, and linen sheets.
Are microfiber sheets good for a memory foam mattress?
While microfiber sheets are less hot compared to traditional polyester sheets, they are still too warm for most hot sleepers.
If you sleep hot, just go with natural fiber sheets like cotton or Tencel. If you are on a budget, look for sheets with a blend of natural and synthetic fibers.
What’s the difference between sateen and percale sheets?
Sateen and percale are types of weaves used in sheets, particularly cotton sheets.
A sateen weave produces sheets that are soft and draping. While they are still breathable, they can feel a tad warm for some people.
A percale weave produces sheets that are lighter and crisp. They have really good breathability, making them the best for extra-hot sleepers.
What are other ways I can make my memory foam mattress cooler?
In addition to buying cooling sheets, make sure your duvet or comforter is lightweight and breathable.
You may also want to buy a cooling mattress topper or pad. It’ll create a cooling barrier between your body and the mattress.
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