Research has shown that night sweats - otherwise known as hot sleep - can affect anywhere from 10% to 41% of people, and it's not always due to hot weather. Hormone changes, diet and other medical conditions can all influence how hot our bodies run when wrapped up in bed.
Since Simba has launched a breathable, summer-ready bedlinen collection, we thought we'd put it to the test. Vicky and Kirstie pitted two options against each other - Soft Muslin and Egyptian Cotton - to find out which actually delivered on comfort, cooling and everyday practicality.
Our verdict at a glance:
- If you wake up hot: Egyptian cotton
- If you trap heat easily but hate fussy bedding: Soft muslin
- If summer nights disrupt your sleep: Egyptian cotton
- If you want low-effort comfort year-round: Soft muslin
Shop the Simba summer bedding collection
How do they feel?
Soft Muslin
Kirstie: Made in Portugal from 100% sustainably sourced cotton, this bedding feels buttery soft and luxurious with a relaxed, crinkled texture that feels gorgeous against my skin.
Despite its softness, the duvet cover and throw have a pleasing weight to them – a clear indication of their high quality. The wooden buttons on the duvet cover and pillowcases are also a lovely attention to detail.
Egyptian cotton
Vicky: Made from 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton in a 300-thread-count weave, the smooth sateen finish helped the cover to slide easily over my double duvet, while the fitted sheet hugged my mattress perfectly with just the right amount of stretch and the elasticated corners holding it comfortably in place.
The pillowcases, sheet and duvet cover all look and feel high quality, with a subtle sheen and silky softness that I’d expect to find in a luxury hotel. And when I lie down and close my eyes, I could easily be in one – for a fraction of the cost of a five-star room.
Our verdict
Each offers a different tactile experience. Soft Muslin stands out for its relaxed softness, while Egyptian cotton offers a smooth hotel-like finish.
How did the fabric perform for hot sleepers?
Soft Muslin
Kirstie: A loose structured weave makes this linen airy and naturally breathable, allowing heat to escape, which is a big plus for me as I tend to overheat. Warmer nights give me the chance to test its breathability, and it works like a dream – no overheating and no night waking for truly restorative nights’ sleep.
The relaxed texture of the Soft Muslin collection also means no ironing needed – ever! A big bonus for a reluctant ironer like me!
Egyptian cotton
Vicky: Designed with sleep quality in mind, the bedding feels cool to the touch when I get into bed and remains comfortable throughout the night, as Egyptian cotton naturally regulates temperature and a 300-thread count allows for optimal airflow and breathability.
It’s ideal for the summer months, in particular, when the weather is warmer, or for those who tend to overheat, and I wake up feeling refreshed after an undisturbed night’s sleep.
Our verdict
Both fabrics are comfortable, but they solve different sleep problems. Soft muslin helps prevent heat build-up through breathability and airflow, while Egyptian cotton delivers an immediate cool-to-the-touch feel that hot sleepers will notice the moment they get into bed.
How do they wash?
Soft Muslin
Kirstie: I wash the set at 40ºC, as per the instructions, and line dry as it’s a sunny day (though you can tumble on low if the weather is inclement) and the duvet cover, pillowcases and throw dry super soft and ready to put straight back on my bed.
Egyptian cotton
Vicky: After washing following the temperature instructions, the pillowcases, sheet and duvet cover come out of the machine feeling as soft as when they went in, and once dry I waste no time putting them back on my bed. I’m looking forward to another night of hotel luxury in my own home.
Our verdict
Soft Muslin is the most forgiving, requiring little maintenance. Egyptian cotton requires a little extra care, but nothing out of the ordinary. Both held their quality after washes, with no loss in softness.
Which Simba bedlinen is best for hot sleepers?
Choose Soft Muslin if:
- You overheat gradually during the night rather than immediately
- You want breathable bedding that never feels heavy
- You value no-iron, low-maintenance sheets
- You want airy comfort without that "crisp" hotel feel
- You want a more premium breathability at £179 for the bedding set
Choose Egyptian Cotton if:
- You feel hot as soon as you get into bed
- You wake up due to heat or night sweats
- You prefer a cool, smooth surface against your skin
- You want that "fresh hotel sheet" sensation in the summer
- You want a more affordable option at £129 for the bedding set
Buying a new mattress is often seen as a way to combat overheating, but it's certainly expensive and risks disrupting your sleep further if the mattress doesn't suit your sleeping style.
If you can't afford to change your mattress and you feel too hot, bedlinen is a budget-friendly alternative to getting a good night's sleep.
