Every question about cooling blankets answered honestly in one place.
Do cooling blankets actually work?
Yes, when they are made from the right material. Nylon with a Q-Max above 0.35 delivers real sustained cooling. Polyester cooling blankets work for 20-30 minutes then warm up like a regular blanket. The material is everything.
What is Q-Max?
Q-Max measures how quickly heat transfers from your skin to the fabric on contact. Above 0.35 is genuinely cooling. The Stillwell Cloud is 0.40.
What is the best cooling blanket material?
Nylon cooling fiber. It has the highest thermal conductivity of any common blanket fabric, maintains that performance all night, and wicks moisture effectively. Polyester, bamboo, and cotton all underperform nylon for hot sleepers.
How do I wash a cooling blanket?
Machine wash gentle cycle at 30 degrees Celsius or cold water. Mild detergent only. No bleach. No fabric softener. Air dry only. Never use a dryer as the heat permanently degrades the cooling fibers.
Can I use a cooling blanket in winter?
Yes. Most genuine hot sleepers run hot year-round. In a heated home a cooling blanket works in winter either alone or with a heavier blanket on top for warmth.
Will a cooling blanket feel cold?
No. It draws heat away from your skin rather than generating cold. The sensation is cool on contact, not cold. You will not shiver under it in normal sleeping conditions.
How long does a cooling blanket last?
3-5 years with proper care. The most important factor is never using a dryer. Heat destroys the cooling properties over repeated cycles.
Which cooling blanket should I buy?
For all-night cooling with night sweats or significant overheating: The Stillwell Cloud, 100% nylon, Q-Max 0.40. See The Cloud here.
For a budget option for warm summer nights: The Stillwell Cooling Blanket at $49. See The Cooling Blanket here.