Struggling with night sweats? Start with this icy cold mattress protector

Think you’ve tried cooling bedding? Think again. The Simba Performance Mattress Protector genuinely redefines what “cooling” feels like at night. I’ve tested my fair share of protectors, but this one stands apart from the moment you touch it. It’s not just breathable or moisture-wicking, it’s actually, almost startlingly cool.

If you’re browsing the best mattress protectors, hoping for something that actually tackles overheating, the Simba Performance Mattress Protector is the one from you. Available from Simba Sleep, it combines advanced cooling fibres with a premium finish, delivering a noticeably colder sleep surface from the very first night.

Over the years, I've tested over 30 different mattress protectors and this is one of very few that I would wholeheartedly hand over to someone struggling with night sweats. It's an easy, underrated way handle hot flushes as well as sleeping in the heat, short of investing in one of the expensive mattress toppers that runs cold water under you when you sleep. It’s a simple switch with a surprisingly dramatic impact.

Simba Performance Mattress Protector review

• RRP: From £99-149
• Sizes: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, Emperor, Euro Single, Euro Queen, Euro Double
• Depth: up to 40cm
• Material:  Cotton, polypropylene, recycled materials
• Machine washable: yes
• Guarantee: 1 years

Who would the Simba Performance Mattress Protector suit?

The Simba Performance Mattress Protector more expensive than your average protector, so what would make it a justifiable spend? Speaking from experience, the people who would get the most out of this are to hot sleepers, women experiencing night sweats (particularly during menopause), and anyone who finds themselves constantly kicking off the covers in the early hours. If you want an actively cooling layer, you'll be spending £3,000 on the Eight Sleep Topper, and whilst this isn't quite that layer of cooling, it's noticeably better than the competition.

As someone who has incredibly sensitive skin, I also benefitted from the anti-dust mite treatment (which doesn't have pesticides or chemicals). The treatment withstands washes, but ensures that anyone who suffers from allergies can enjoy deep sleep.

It's also worth noting that this is a protector that works harder than average. It's filled with 200gm cushioning, which feels luxuriously soft, adding some subtle, extra cushioning to your bed.

Unboxing the Simba Performance Mattress Protector

Many mattress protectors arrive in basic plastic packaging, but the Simba Performance Mattress Protector is carefully considered from the outset. It comes housed in a reusable fabric carrier (that's made from recycled fibres), which I’ve since repurposed for storing spare bedding under the bed. This is a small but meaningful sustainability win.

Inside, the protector was neatly rolled rather than tightly folded, so it went straight onto the bed without creases. There were no chemical smells either, something I always look out for, especially when brands talk about anti-dust mite treatments. It helps that Simba's doesn't use pesticides or harmful chemicals and, without a nasty smell, it shows that they've done something that is gentle, but still effective. From the start, the whole experience felt more premium than the average mattress protector.

How does the Simba Performance Mattress Protector fit on the bed?

The Simba Performance Mattress Protector is designed with a deep elasticated skirt to accommodate generously sized mattresses. Simba promises that even mattresses which are 40cm deep can comfortably house this topper, which is one of the deepest guarantees I've ever seen. Even with a topper and electric blanket layered underneath, I had no trouble stretching it securely over each corner.

There is a slightly more generous cut than some other protectors I’ve tested, but this actually made it easier to fit and didn’t create any visible bulk once the sheet was on. It still looked smooth and tidy, and, importantly, stayed in place overnight without shifting.

We'll get into what it was like to sleep on further down this article, but I could feel that the protector was plush as it fitted on. The 200gm fill actually felt different, as well as a lot softer, it was icy cold to touch. I had some other mattress protectors to hand and, even with a blindfold, we could all tell the Simba Performance Mattress Protector from its icy cold feel.

What is the Simba Performance Mattress Protector like to sleep on?

This is where the Simba Performance Mattress Protector really earns its reputation. From the moment you slip into bed, there’s an unmistakable cool-to-the-touch sensation, which I would go as far as comparing to resting your hand against a cold window. It’s initially surprising, but quickly becomes incredibly soothing.

Unlike many “cooling” protectors that feel neutral at best, this one actively works to dissipate heat. I could feel the difference not just when getting into bed, but throughout the night. Even when my body temperature rose, the surface continued to feel fresher and more regulated than standard protectors.

Our expert tester, Sally, who experiences chronic night sweats, was equally impressed: “I’ve not slept on anything like it,” she says, "when I saw the price, I was sceptical that it would be able to compete with some genuinely good alternatives that I've used, but the cooling capacity is in a different league." Sally notes that she still gets night sweats, but she finds "they are not nearly as extreme and I feel much more in control of my body temperature. My skin feels fresh in the morning and I don't feel wildly hot when I get my usual, hot, 3am wake up."

What surprised me most was how gentle it felt on sensitive skin. During a skin flare-up of irritation (that usually makes sleep impossible), the Simba Performance Mattress Protector actually helped soothe rather than aggravate my skin. That cooling effect, combined with soft, high-quality fibres, made a noticeable difference to my overall comfort, which is something I've never experienced before.

In terms of protection, it performs just as well. Although it’s not marketed as waterproof, I tested it with a 500ml spill and found that most of the liquid sat on the surface before absorbing. It gave me plenty of time to intervene, and I’d be confident that everyday spills or lighter night sweats wouldn’t reach the mattress underneath.

Cleaning the Simba Performance Mattress Protector

The Simba Performance Mattress Protector is as low-maintenance as it is high-performing. It’s fully machine washable and can be added to your regular laundry routine. Simba does recommend using cooler temperatures and a non-biological laundry liquid, which I would emphasise is worth following. I suspect it has something to do with protecting the anti dust-mite coating that they treat the protector with.

In testing, it washed beautifully, dried quickly, and retained both its shape and cooling feel. It’s a resilient, practical layer that doesn’t demand extra effort, which exactly what you want from something you rely on night after night.

Should you buy the Simba Performance Mattress Protector?

If overheating is disrupting your sleep, the Simba Performance Mattress Protector is one of the most effective solutions I’ve tested. It goes beyond standard cooling claims to deliver a genuinely cold-to-the-touch surface that helps regulate temperature throughout the night.

It’s a slightly more premium investment than some options, but the performance justifies the price, especially if you’re dealing with persistent night sweats or hot flushes. For me, it’s a standout choice if your priority is staying cool, comfortable, and well-rested.

How we test mattress protectors

At woman&home, every mattress protector goes through a rigorous testing process. We assess not only comfort and fit, but also how well it protects your mattress, testing against water, stains, and everyday spills.

We also consider breathability, noise levels, ease of cleaning, and how the protector performs over multiple nights of real-world use. Only products that deliver consistently across all of these areas earn our recommendation.

If you want to find out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test mattress protectors.