My Honest Take on Sheex Alternatives for Cooler Sleep
By Ben Trapskin, Founder of Yawnder — Updated November 2025
Why I Started Testing Cooling Sheets
After years of reviewing mattresses, I realized sheets are often the overlooked layer that can make or break sleep quality. I’ve slept on Sheex and at least a dozen of its competitors over the past few years, testing how each performs through warm nights, sweaty naps, and regular washes. Here’s what stood out — and what didn’t.
Best Sheex Alternatives (Tested Personally)
Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set — Best Overall
I’ve used these sheets for years. The first thing I notice every time I switch back is how crisp they feel — like sliding into a boutique hotel bed. Breathability is excellent, and they’ve held up after dozens of washes with minimal pilling. They do wrinkle, but I’ll take wrinkles over trapped heat any day.
Material: 100% Cotton Percale | Price: $169–$189
Ideal for: Hot sleepers who want that classic, cool cotton feel.
Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set — Best Value
These surprised me. They’re lighter and silkier than most eucalyptus sheets, and noticeably cooler than sateen cotton. I used them through a San Diego heat wave, and they wicked away moisture better than expected. The smoothness feels closer to silk than cotton, without that slippery feel.
Material: Eucalyptus Lyocell | Price: $135–$165
Ideal for: Anyone who sleeps warm and wants eco-friendly comfort on a budget.
Bed Threads 100% French Flax Linen — Best Linen Option
Linen isn’t for everyone, but it’s grown on me. I used Bed Threads through the summer, and their flax weave kept air flowing even on muggy nights. They feel a little coarse at first but soften beautifully over time. The texture makes them feel naturally luxurious.
Material: French Flax Linen | Price: $260–$320
Ideal for: Hot climates and people who love a lived-in texture.
Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set — Best Luxury Feel
I was skeptical about the price until I slept on them. These organic cotton sheets have a heavier drape than Brooklinen but stay breathable. They feel refined — smoother and denser, almost like upscale sateen without the cling. They’ve held up incredibly well, even after a year of weekly washes.
Material: Organic Cotton | Price: $229–$279
Ideal for: Sleepers who want luxury softness without losing cooling performance.
Mellanni Microfiber Sheet Set — Best Budget Pick
I’ve used Mellanni sets for guest rooms and quick swaps. They dry fast and feel soft right out of the box. They won’t outperform high-end percale for airflow, but for the price, they’re hard to beat. Great backup option when you need extras.
Material: Microfiber | Price: $25–$45
Ideal for: Budget-conscious shoppers or spare beds.
Cooling and Comfort Comparison
| Brand | Material | Cooling Score (1–10) | Softness | Price (Queen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklinen | Cotton Percale | 9 | Medium Crisp | $179 |
| Sijo | Eucalyptus Lyocell | 8.5 | Silky Smooth | $149 |
| Boll & Branch | Organic Cotton | 8 | Soft Luxe | $249 |
| Bed Threads | French Flax Linen | 9.5 | Textured Cool | $299 |
| Mellanni | Microfiber | 6.5 | Soft | $35 |
My Takeaways After Long-Term Testing
Each of these sets has a place. Brooklinen remains my default for everyday use — crisp, clean, and balanced. Sijo is my go-to during humid spells. Boll & Branch wins for a five-star feel, while Bed Threads linen feels unbeatable when I want something breezy and natural. Mellanni is my “laundry day” fallback.
FAQ
Are Sheex worth it?
They’re great if you love athletic-knit fabric, but I personally prefer cotton percale or linen for a more breathable and natural feel.
Which material stays coolest?
Linen still wins for airflow, followed closely by percale. Bamboo and eucalyptus are close seconds if you want a softer texture.
Do thread counts matter?
Not as much as marketing suggests. Stick between 250–350 for cotton percale. For linen or bamboo, weave and fiber quality matter more.
