Best Cooling System For Your Bed

8 Best Bed Cooling Systems 2023: Top Picks and Buying Guide

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Looking for an effective bed cooling system?

You’ve come to the right place.

Bed cooling systems come in three different types, from basic passive coolers like toppers to more advanced active coolers that use air or water flow to maintain a comfortable temperature.  Some cool the bed's surface only, and others surround your body with cool or warm air.

In this in-depth buying guide, we review and compare the best bed-cooling systems in the market.  I've tested most of these in my home, so I know which ones work.

If you are shopping for a cooler mattress instead, check out our best cooling mattress reviews.

What's In This Guide


A Cooler Bed Really Does Help You Sleep Better

Cooler Bed

According to the National Sleep Foundation, the ideal sleeping temperature is 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit.

If your bed is too warm, it makes it harder to fall asleep. You’ve probably experienced this before; it’s easier to close your eyes and drift off when you are feeling a bit cooler than usual.

It’s one reason it’s easy to fall asleep on a rainy night.

An overly warm bed also causes more wakefulness during the night and reduces the length of REM sleep, which is essential to brain function and overall health.

This is why, even though you were in bed for 6-8 hours, you wake up feeling groggy, tired, and moody.

A cooler bed not only helps you sleep quicker, but it also helps you stay asleep through the night. With better sleep quality, you’ll enjoy higher productivity, better mental health, and improved overall health.

A cool bed is especially important for people experiencing health symptoms that increase body temperatures such as night sweats, menopause, and hot flushes.

It can also help if you live in a hot climate, have a hot memory foam mattress, or your partner insists on turning up the thermostat at night.


Three Types of Bed Cooling Systems

electric cooling mattress pad

1. Passive Cooling Systems:  Mattress Toppers and Cooling Pads

A passive cooling system cools the bed by increasing ventilation (airflow) and heat dissipation. Others work by absorbing trapped heat from the mattress or your body and dissipating it away.

Cooling mattress toppers and pads are passive systems. They use special materials like cooling gel, ventilated foam, or bamboo, to keep the bed cool.

While they are effective for many sleepers, toppers and pads are limited in the amount of cooling they can provide.

If the bedroom is too warm – such as during summer –they won’t be very helpful since there’s nowhere for the heat to go.

They also have limited effect if you are a warm sleeper, have night sweats, or are experiencing hot flushes.

The topper may not be able to dissipate all the heat your body is giving off effectively.

The biggest advantage of passive cooling systems is that they are affordable. A gel foam topper costs a fraction of the price of a more advanced active cooling system.

If you only need a little cooling to sleep better, consider getting a passive cooling system. Read our buying guide to find a cool mattress topper that’s right for you.

2. Active Cooling Systems

Active cooling systems are more powerful than passive systems. Instead of just dissipating heat, they consume energy and actively cool you and your bed off.

Active cooling systems are much more effective and therefore the best choice for hot sleepers, folks experiencing hot flushes, people with night sweats, and anyone living in a hot climate.

There are three kinds of active cooling systems available today, each with its own pros and cons:

  1. Bed and pillow fans: These blow air under your sheet to circulate cool air around your body.  No active cooling or heating of the air is provided.  The main advantage is cost – these are really cheap.  The downside is there is no active cooling of the air first, so you won't experience much temperature change. These mostly rely on evaporation of sweat to cool your body, so they aren't that effective if your room is humid.
  2. Air-cooled systems: Air-cooled systems like our favorite, the BedJet, cool the air before pumping it into your bed.  Some also offer a warming option.  The main advantages include instant temperature relief and all-over body cooling.  The downside is that some units emit a white noise that some people don't like.
  3. Water-cooled systems: systems like EightSleep's Pod and Sleepme's Cube, OOLER and Dock Pro systems use cooled water instead of air to provide relief. Chilled water is pumped through small channels/tubes embedded in a pad that you place on top of your mattress. Some also offer the option of warming.  The main advantage is precise temperature control and silent operation. The main downside is they only cool the surface of your mattress, which means only one side of your body gets relief.

3. Smart Cooling Systems

The most advanced bed cooling systems incorporate extra features that go beyond basic cooling, such as smart alarm and personalized settings.

These include the BedJet V3, Sleepme's Dock Pro and OOLER, and The Pod mattress by Eight Sleep.

Here’s a quick comparison of BedJet V3 vs. Sleepme Dock Pro vs. The Pod. We discuss each system in more detail below.

Bedjet V3 Dock Pro Pod 3
Air-cooled system Water-cooled system Water-cooled system
Color screen wireless remote control/smartphone app Smartphone app Smartphone app
Smart home-compatible No smart home compatibility (yet) Smart home-compatible
Single & dual-zone options Single & dual-zone options Single & dual-zone options
Hour-by-hour personalized cooling + wake-up trigger Customizable sleep schedules + optional sleep tracking (with Sleepme+) Integrated sleep tracking + automatic temperature adjustment
Cooling and warming Cooling and warming Cooling and warming

Smart Bed Technology

Some bed cooling systems integrate smart technology either to make the system easier to control or provide added functionality.

One of the most common additions is integrated sleep tracking. Sensors track various metrics, such as breathing, sleep cycles, and heart rate. You can then view the data and sleep recommendations on an app.

The Pod 3 by Eight Sleep and Sleepme's Dock Pro both offer sleep tracking.

Another smart feature is smart home integration, which is available in The Pod and Bedjet V3. It allows you to integrate the system into your smart home and control temperature via a smartphone app or a smart assistant such as Alexa.


Best Bed Cooling Systems

  1. Best Air-Cooled System:  BedJet V3  [Save Up To 30% Now!]
  2. Best Water-Cooled System:   Sleepme Cube Sleep System
  3. Best Temperature Control:  Sleepme OOLER Sleep System
  4. Best Smart Bed-Cooling System:  The Pod by Eight Sleep
  5. Best For Hot Sleepers: Sleepme Dock Pro Sleep System
  6. Best Budget Water Cooling System:  Mattress Cooler “Classic”
  7. SleepNumberDualTemp v3
  8. Best Bed Fan:  bFan Cooling System
SystemTypeBest For...Temp. RangeControl
BedJet V3
BedJet V3
Air cooledBEST OVERALL (esp. for night sweats)66°F-104°FWireless remote control/smartphone app
Cube Sleep System
Chilipad Cube 3.0
Water cooledBest water cooling system55°F-115°FWireless remote control
OOLER Sleep System
Ooler Sleep System
Water cooledBest temperature control55°F-115°FSmartphone app via Bluetooth
The Pod by Eight Sleep
The Pod by Eight Sleep
Water cooledBest smart cooling system55°F-115°FSmartphone app/smart voice assistant
Sleepme Dock Pro
ChiliSleep Dock Pro
Water cooledBest for extra-hot sleepers55°F-115°FSmartphone app via WiFi
Mattress Cooler "Classic"
2020 Mattress Cooler "Classic" Chilled Water Sleep Cooling System (Now with a Spare "27x63" Cooling Pad)

Link goes to Amazon

Water cooledBest budget cooling systemN/AWireless remote control
SleepNumber Dual-Temp v3
SleepNumber Dual-Temp v3
Air cooledN/ARemote control
bFan Cooling System
bFan Cooling System
FanBest bed fanN/AWired remote control

1. Best Air-Cooled System:  BedJet V3

BedJet V3

BedJet V3 is the latest version of one of the most popular bed cooling systems. It’s now a bit smaller and comes with an outstanding remote control and soon-to-arrive smart home control features.

Like previous versions of BeJet, the V3 model blows temperature-controlled air into your bed to cool or warm you.

The use of air, rather than water, makes it an especially great choice for people with night sweats or hot flashes. Air dries sweat fast, leaving you cool and comfortable.

The base (fan) system, where the air is cooled or warmed, sits under or next to your bed. It’s smaller in BedJet V3, so it fits easily under most beds (at least 6” of clearance).

BedJet V3 comes with a sleek new wireless remote control complete with a color display screen. So you don’t have to come with your smartphone to the bedroom if you don’t want to or fiddle with an app in the middle of the night.

Here are the main settings and functions you can adjust with the remote control.

Temperature: You can adjust the temperature between 66°F and 104°F. The current and set temperatures are indicated on the remote control screen.

Modes: Select cool, heat, or turbo mode. Turbo mode increases fan speed to cool the bed faster. There’s also a dry mode that’s helpful if you experience night sweats.

Fan speed control: You can adjust the fan speed to make it quieter or increase cooling performance.

For couples with different comfort preferences, BedJet offers a dual-zone option that comes with the cloud sheet.

Sleeping Experience

With a dual-zone BedJet V3, you can each set how cool or warm your side of the bed is. Unlike previous versions of BedJet, both sides can now be adjusted from a single remote control.

You can also control all these functions from a smartphone app. You’ll need to connect BedJet to a 2.4 GHz WiFi network. But this is optional. You can still use BedJet V3 without WiFi or the app.

As of now, BedJet V3 doesn’t come with smart home compatibility, so you cannot use voice commands. But the company says it will be available in a firmware update in 2021.

One smart feature we love is biorhythm sleep technology, which was also available in the V2. Most bed climate control systems allow you to set one temperature for the entire night.

You may sleep feeling cool but wake up shivering at 2 am. Instead of constantly adjusting the temperature, BedJet V3 allows you to set personalized hour-by-hour temperature settings.

You can even set the system to wake you up automatically in the morning by gradually increasing the temperature — no more shrill alarm clocks.

Overall, BedJet V3 remains one of the best and smartest bed climate control systems in the market. The latest version is smarter and easier to control.

If you want the best overall instant cooling / heating system for your bed, we highly recommend BedJet.

Pros

  • Fast and efficient cooling (and warming).
  • Works quietly at low fan speeds.
  • Easy control using a remote control or smartphone app.
  • The best cooling solution for hot sleepers with night sweats.
  • Easy to set up.

Cons

  • A bit loud when the fan is turned up all the way.

Bottom Line

BedJet V3 is a great choice for anyone – both cold and hot sleepers – looking for a powerful bed climate control system.

It’s especially helpful for sleepers with night sweats and for couples who want a split-comfort option.


2. Best Water-Cooled System: Sleepme Cube Sleep System

Chillisleep Cube Sleep system

The Sleepme Cube System (formerly Chilisleep Cube) has also undergone an upgrade.

Compared with the prior version, the Sleepme Cube 2.0, the new version is more energy-efficient and cools faster.

You can also place it under a bed with 8 inches or more of clearance (previous models could not be set up under the bed).

The heart of the system is the small control unit that goes under your bed. It holds a 390-ml tank that you add distilled water to.

The control unit warms or cools the water depending on the temperature you have selected. The temperature range is 55-115°F.

The other part of the cooling system is a thin hydronic pad – the Chilipad Cool Mesh pad – that goes over your mattress. It has straps that hook under your mattress to keep it in place when you sleep.

Within the pad are small tubes that circulate cooled or warmed water. You can’t feel the tubes through the pad.

Because of water’s high thermal capacity, a water-cooled system like Sleepme Cube is more efficient than an air-cooled system. It can make the bed up to 15°F cooler than ambient temperature.

You get fast and effective cooling or warming regardless of room temperature.

Like BedJet, the Cube offers single and dual-zone temperature control.

A dual-zone system consists of one large pad with two distinct zones. Each zone is connected to the control unit and comes with its remote control.

This allows couples to control the temperature on their side of the bed.

If only one of you needs temperature control, you can order a single size for a Queen size bed or a Twin XL for a King size bed and use it on just one side of the bed. 

The Single and Twin XL sizes come with only one Cube control unit while the King and Queen sizes have two, one for each side of the bed.

The control unit does emit some fan noise, but it’s not intrusive and could even be soothing if white noise helps you sleep better.

The Sleepme Cube system doesn’t have a smartphone or smart home control but does come with a 3-button wireless remote control you can use to increase/decrease temperature and turn the cube on/off.

The control unit also has a touch-sensitive control panel with the same buttons as well as a display showing the current temperature and a low water indicator.

Pros

  • Cools fast and efficiently.
  • Wide temperature range.
  • Easy to set up.
  • Dual-zone option for couples.

Cons

  • No smartphone control.
  • Some fan noise – may bother some people.

Bottom Line

Sleepme's Cube sleep system is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and proven water cooling system for their bed.


3. Best Temperature Control:  Sleepme OOLER Sleep System

Ooler Bed Cooling System

OOLER Sleep System is similar to the lower-priced Cube, but offers more control options. 

So I won’t rehash the shared details.

OOLER has the same temperature range as the Cube, and it works the same way with a Cube pumping cooled or warm water through a hydronic pad (which is available in single and dual-zone options).

One minor difference between the two is that OOLER has a larger tank (900ml), so you don’t have to refill it as often. It also has a lower profile that fits easily under beds with a clearance of 6.25″ or higher.

Another difference is that the OOLER cooling system auto-cleans. It has an integrated UV light that sterilizes the system.

But the biggest difference between the two sibling cooling systems is how you control them. The Cube comes with a dedicated wireless remote control. OOLER works through a smartphone app.

You’ll need to connect your phone to the system via Bluetooth to access all the control settings and functions in the OOLER app.

There, you can control fan speed (silent, regular, or boost), set a sleep schedule (by an hour or day), and activate the warm wake up alarm.

Historically, the OOLER's app has been buggy. It has struggled to connect to the system, and setting a schedule is tedious. Many users prefer just using the physical buttons on the control unit.

Hopefully, Sleepme will fix the app soon. Otherwise, you have to reach down every time you want to adjust the temperature.

Pros

  • Cools fast and efficiently.
  • Silent warm awake alarm.
  • Easy to set up.
  • Large tank, meaning fewer refills.
  • Self-cleaning.

Cons

  • Buggy app.
  • Pricey.

Bottom Line

OOLER is a great choice if you are looking for a cooling water system with smartphone control.


4. Best Smart Bed-Cooling System:  The Pod by Eight Sleep

The Pod by Eight Sleep

The Pod is a complete mattress with a cooling system integrated. If you think it’s time to replace your old mattress, you might as well get one with a cooling system.

The basics of how the cooling system works are quite similar to OOLER and Cube.

A control unit pumps cool or warm water through the top part of the mattress, which Eight Sleep called the Active Grid.

The grid has small tubes within it to circulate the water and cool you down to your preferred temperature.

The temperature range is similar to ChiliPad’s and OOLER’s: 55°F-115°F.

Beyond the basics, The Pod is much smarter than the other cooling systems.

Let’s start with how you control it. There’s no remote control to fiddle with. Instead, you connect your smartphone to The Hub (that’s the control unit) via WiFi.

You then download the Eight Sleep app and control it from there.

On the app, you can set the temperature on each side of the bed individually. You can also activate the smart temperature mode.

The system will learn your sleep preferences and adjust the temperature automatically through the night to keep you comfortable.

The app also provides sleep tracking. Biometric sensors are integrated into the Active Grid, tracking your sleep time, sleep cycles, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and other metrics.

The app then generates sleep reports with recommendations to improve your sleep quality. You’ll also get a sleep fitness score, a rough indicator of sleep quality.

Changes in the sleep fitness score will tell you how well – or poorly – you’ve been sleeping.

To take full advantage of sleep tracking and reports, you’ll need to sign up for the 8+ Pro membership. It includes additional content to help you sleep better, coaching, and various tools.

Yeah, the Pod packs a lot more than just cooling and warming.

Did I mention it’s also smart home ready?

If you don’t want to use your smartphone in bed, just connect it to Alexa or Google Assistant and control temperature with your voice.

Even more conveniently, you can integrate The Pod into your smart nightly routine along with other smart devices (both Alexa and Google Assistant have routines). With a routine, The Pod automatically cools or warms the bed when the routine triggers.

It also includes a new feature called GentleRise™ Wake Up Technology. When it's time to get up, the bed will emit gentle vibrations and adjust temperature only on your side of the bed to wake you up gently.

Currently, the Pod mattress is available in three options: Pod 2, Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max.

Pod 2 is the base model. It has heating and cooling, sleep & health tracking, personalized insights and a silent alarm.

The Pod 3 contains more sensors and comes with an upgraded CPU for better and more accurate sleep/health tracking. It's also compatible with both 2.4 and 5 GHz WiFi.

In addition, the Pod 3 comes with an extra 1″ contouring foam topper for added pressure-point relief.

The Pod 3 Max has everything the Pod 2 has plus an improved MaxChill™ Layer that's infused with copper, silver and graphite to improve heat dissipation.

The Pod 3 Max is for the really hot sleepers. For most people, the Pod 2 and the Pod 3 are adequately cool.

By the way, you don't have to buy the Pod mattress to enjoy the heating and cooling as well as the other smart features.

You can just buy the Pod Cover, which contains all the fancy tech, and use it with your existing mattress.

Pros

  • Fast and efficient cooling.
  • Smart, warm awake alarm.
  • Advanced controls through smartphones and smart assistants.
  • Easy to use the app.
  • Sleep tracking.
  • Comfortable mattress.

Cons

  • Expensive.

Bottom Line

The Pod by Eight Sleep is a great choice if you are looking for a smart bed cooling system that you can control from your smartphone and is smart home compatible.

It’s also a good choice for anyone thinking about buying a new mattress. Instead of getting a traditional boring foam mattress, why not buy one with integrated water cooling, smart home control, and sleep tracking?


5. Best For Extra-hot Sleepers: Sleepme Dock Pro Sleep System

Sleepme DockPro System

The Dock Pro is the third bed cooling system from Sleepme. It’s much more powerful than the OOLER and Cube systems, and now comes with WiFi connectivity. 

Sleepme has added cooling power to the Dock Pro, which is why we recommend it for extra-hot sleepers. 

It has the same temperature range as the other systems – 55 to 115 degrees – but it can cool the bed much faster and maintain a lower temperature. 

Users of the Dock Pro say they can make the bed really cold to the point where you have to be careful how low you set the temperature. 

So no matter how hot you sleep, the Dock Pro is capable of keeping the heat away. 

The extra power is not the only reason the Dock Pro is great at cooling; it also comes with a new mattress pad. 

Instead of the Chilipad used with OOLER and Cube, the Dock Pro comes with an upgraded Chilipad Pro. 

The biggest change in the mattress pad is the removal of the tubes. The new pad is tubeless. Instead, it has a grid membrane that circulates cooled or heated water over the mattress pad. 

This has increased the cooling surface area of the pad by 5 times, making the Dock Pro more efficient at cooling you down. 

You also don't have to worry about feeling tubes under you as you sleep.  

The ChiliPad Pro is also easy to attach to the mattress thanks to the elastic skirt that fits any mattress between 8 and 18 inches thick. It works better at securing the mattress pad compared to the corner straps that are in the Chilipad. 

The Chilipad Pro is available in single and dual zone options. The dual zone version includes two Dock Pro control units for each side of the bed. 

The other big upgrade to the Dock Pro is WiFi connectivity. 

You can control temperature, set sleep schedules (different temperatures at various periods of the night) and activate the warm awake alarm from the free Sleepme app. 

The app still has some bugs, but we hope they will be sorted out soon. If you have an issue using the app, there are backup touch buttons on the Dock Pro control unit. 

When you buy the Dock Pro sleep system, you have the option to further upgrade your sleeping experience with the sleepme+ membership program.

For a monthly fee, Sleepme+ offers real time sleep tracking. It automatically adjusts the Dock Pro temperature based on your sleep data to keep you sleeping like a baby.

When you pay for the membership, you'll get a non-wearable sleep tracker that you place under the sheets.

The tracker even turns the Dock Pro on automatically when you get into bed and off when you wake up.

You'll also get daily sleep reports on the Sleepme app to help you track your health and sleep quality.

Pros

  • Powerful cooling performance. 
  • Smart app control with customizable sleep schedules.
  • Removable water reservoir – makes refilling and cleaning easy. 
  • Works almost silently – great for sensitive sleepers. 
  • Single and dual zone options. 

Cons 

  • Buggy app. 
  • Pricey. 
  • Sleep tracking is only available with a subscription.

Bottom Line

The Sleepme Dock Pro is a great choice if you sleep really hot or live in a place that gets very hot during summer. It’s currently one the most powerful bed cooling systems. 

It's also a great pick if you'd like a smart bed cooling system that tracks your sleep.

6. Best Budget Water Cooling System:  Mattress Cooler “Classic” 

2020 Mattress Cooler "Classic" Chilled Water Sleep Cooling System (Now with a Spare "27x63" Cooling Pad)

All the water cooling systems we have reviewed are a bit pricey.

If you are looking for something less expensive, we recommend the Mattress Cooler sleep cooling system.

It has all the components of a cooling water system: the main control unit, a pad with tubes inside, and remote control.

And to be honest, to save on price there are some sacrifices.

One is the size. This is a 27” by 63” cooling topper. It won’t cover the entire bed or even one side of the bed. It only covers a part of your body.

But that’s probably a good thing because the pad is not the most comfortable thing you can sleep on. Unlike other cooler pads that have soft covers around them, this one is all plastic.

With a fitted sheet on top, it’s not that bad. Having only a part of your body in contact with it also helps minimize the discomfort. Some customers have tried placing a 1″-2″ topper on it to reduce the discomfort and they say the cooling still comes through.

Despite all that, the cooling pad works well.

It’s just a cooling pad; it doesn’t warm the bed like the others. The control unit cools the water to between 7 and 12 degrees below ambient temperature.

It then pumps it through tubes in the pad. The water draws heat away from the mattress and your body.

If you sleep hot, have night sweats, are experiencing hot flushes, or live in a hot climate, the Mattress Cooler cooling system will help you sleep better and longer.

And the price is unbeatable.

Pros

  • Inexpensive.
  • Keeps you cool.
  • Easy to set up.
  • Adjustable fan speed and timer.

Cons

  • PVC pad is a bit uncomfortable.
  • No warming function.

Bottom Line

The Mattress Cooler “Classic” cooling system is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget bed cooling system.


7. SleepNumber DualTemp v3

SleepNumber DualTemp v3

SleepNumber’s DualTemp cooling system works based on the same air cooling concept as BedJet. It takes air from around the room, warms or cools it, and then pumps it into the bed.

Unlike BedJet, the DualTemp system comes complete with a pad to which a hose is attached.

The pad goes on top of the mattress. Flaps with Velcro strips attach to the underside of the mattress to keep it from shifting.

You can then place a fitted sheet over the pad.

The pads come in half sizes only. So couples have to buy two if they both want temperature control. Each pad has its control unit, hose, and remote control.

The DualTemp system has no thermostat control. You cannot select a specific temperature.

Instead, the remote allows you to select from three modes: cool, warm, and fan. Cool and warm modes have three levels each: low, medium, and high.

How much the pad cools, you depend on room temperature. The manufacturer says the system can achieve a temperature difference of up to 8°F from the ambient temperature.

It takes some time for the system to cool or warm. Switch it on about 20 minutes before you go to sleep to find your bed perfectly warm or cool.

The system shuts off automatically after 10 hours. You can also set it to shut off automatically after between 1 hour and 9 hours.

Overall, we are not big fans of Dual Temp.

For one, it’s expensive. A half-bed system costs twice as much as a full bed BedJet system.

Considering it lacks a thermostat and smart features like smartphone control or warm awake alarm, the price tag is too high.

There have also been complaints from users that the remote controls can be tedious to use. You try to increase or decrease the temperature of your side of the bed, but it controls your partner’s side.

Additionally, the placement of the hose is inconvenient. Unlike BedJet’s hose that goes at the foot of the bed, the DualTemp hose is smack in the middle.

So every time you get off the bed, you are likely to hit it.

Pros

  • Easy to set up.
  • Easy for couples to customize individual comfort.

Cons

  • Too expensive for what it provides.
  • No full bed size options.
  • No thermostat.
  • Inconvenient hose placement.
  • Buggy remote controls.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for an air cooling system, we recommend the BedJet instead. It’s less expensive, cools your body better (all over) and has more useful features.


8. Best Bed Fan:  bFan Cooling System

bFan Cooling System

The bFan slides under your comfort, just like the BedJet hose. The difference is that the bFan does not deliver temperature-controlled air.

It simply blows room temperature air between the top and bottom sheets.

It’s a great choice if you only need moderate cooling. If you are a very hot sleeper or live in a hot climate, a climate control system like BedJet or ChiliPad is a better choice.

But if you just need some mild cooling, the bFan works great.

It sits on a sturdy vented base with a hose rising above it. The top of the hose fits under your comfort to blow air directly into the bed.

The latest redesign of bFan delivers more air with less noise. The manufacturer says it now has higher static pressure, which allows air to push through the sheets and get into contact with your body for better cooling.

It also uses a brushless motor that is quieter.

You can adjust the hose height from 19” to 28” depending on your bed height. There's also a 28″-38″ option for taller beds.

The bFan comes with a wireless remote control with which you can adjust fan speed. Adjusting fan speed reduces/increases airflow and noise level.

You can also set an auto switch-off timer.

You can place the fan anywhere along your bed. The foot of your bed is the best position. It allows air to flow smoothly up to your body.

You can also position it along the side near your feet (if your feet get hot at night) or your head.

As you’d expect, bFan is cheaper than temperature-controlled systems. It’s a good choice if you find climate control systems pricey.

Pros

  • Affordable.
  • Strong airflow.
  • Relatively quiet on lower fan settings.
  • Easy to set up.
  • Adjustable height.

Cons

  • Limited cooling effect.
  • A bit noisy when on high.
  • Doesn’t warm.

Bottom Line

bFan is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable bed cooling system. It’s especially useful if you only need moderate cooling to help you sleep better.


Bed Cooling Systems Buying Guide

How To Select The Right Bed Cooling System

bed cooling system

Here’s what to consider when you are shopping for a bed cooling system.

Single Sleeper or a Couple?

If you sleep alone, your search will be easy and fast. Just find a system that meets your cooling needs and buy the right size for your bed.

For couples, you have to consider both your needs.

If you both prefer to sleep within the same close temperature range, just find a cooling system that is sized for your bed.

If you constantly fight over the thermostat at night because you have different temperature preferences, get a dual-zone cooling system.

A dual-zone system allows both of you to control your side of the bed.

Your HVAC System

Using your central AC to cool the bedroom is inefficient and wastes a lot of energy. That’s because it also cools other rooms that are not in use.

A portable or window AC in your bedroom is more efficient. But some people find that it can leave the air dry and uncomfortable.

A bed cooling system provides targeted cooling of your bed without affecting the rest of the room. It’s much more efficient and effective at cooling you down.

Features That Matter

bed air conditioner

Type of Cooling System

If you are looking for a cheap bed cooling system, get a bed fan. It’s also a good choice if you only need mild cooling.

If you want a system that cools you down and blows night sweat away, get an air-cooled system like the BedJet V3.  In our testing the BedJet significantly reduced summer night sweats that are so common here in New Orleans.

If you mainly get warm on your backside or sleep on your side, consider a water-cooled system like the OOLER and Cube. Water-cooled systems provide exceptionally even cooling and warming and are more precise in their temperature regulation. They are arguably the best solution for people who experience experience hot flashes.

If you want a cooling system that’s cheaper than an active cooling system, consider buying a cooling mattress topper made from gel foam, latex foam, or some other cooling material. Just don’t expect the same level of cooling as other types of bed coolers.

Temperature Range

Most advanced water and air cooling systems don’t just cool the bed; they can also warm it. Check the system’s temperature range to see how cool or warm it can make your bed.

The typical range for water cooling systems is 55°F-115°F. 

Air cooling systems usually produce a smaller thermal range.

Bed fans and low budget cooling systems (e.g., Mattress Cooler Classic) don’t have a temperature range. They only provide cooling.

Some high-end systems like the SleepNumber Dual-Temp v3 can also lack a precise temperature range, instead of providing adjustable heating and cooling levels.

Control

The best type of control is wireless remote control. It’s easy to use, doesn’t require any setup, and you don’t have to carry your phone with you to the bedroom.

But if you love smart tech, there are cooling systems you can control from your smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Some, like The Pod by Eight Sleep, also provide voice control through smart assistants.

Avoid systems that provide control only using the buttons on the control panel.  Nothing’s more inconvenient than trying to reach under the bed at night to adjust the temperature on the main unit.

Split Bed Option

mattress cooling system

If you have different temperature preferences from your partner, look for a cooling system that is available as a split option.

You can get a cooler just for your side of the bed or two separate ones for you and your partner.

Note: Many cooling systems are available only in a split configuration (dual-zone) from Queen size and larger.

Replenishables

If you get a cooling water system, you’ll need to add water regularly.

Air cooling systems don’t need water, but you will need to replace or wash the filters periodically.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Here’s what to look for when it comes to cleaning and maintaining bed cooling systems.

  • A removable and washable cooling pad cover.
  • Machine-washable pad. If the pad has no removable cover, the entire pad should be machine washable.
  • For water cooling systems, it should be easy to drain the water and clean the reservoir.

Some systems like OOLER have a self-cleaning system that makes maintenance easier.

Also, check if the system requires any special cleaning chemicals.

Energy Rating

Because you’ll likely be leaving the system on all night, it’s important to check how much energy it’s consuming.

A simple way to calculate electricity usage is to multiply the wattage of the system (check product description for the wattage) with the number of hours you leave it on at night.

Divide that by 1,000 to get the kWh. You can then multiply the kilowatt-hours with your utility’s per-kWh charges to find out how much the system costs to run.

Generally, bed cooling systems use very little electricity. That’s why they are far more efficient compared to central and room ACs.

Warranty & Repair

Finally, check the warranty terms and conditions.

Look up warranty coverage period (it’s usually 1-3 years), what defects it covers and whether it is prorated.

Also, check if the manufacturer offers a comfort or quality guarantee, allowing you to return the product within a certain period if you don’t like it.


Bed Cooling Systems: FAQ

Bed Cooling Systems: FAQ

How does a water cooling pad work?

A control unit cools the water and then circulates it within a tiny tubed embedded in the pad. The cool water absorbs heat from your body and the mattress.

Are bed cooling systems safe for kids?

As long as you select the right temperature (65-70 degrees is optimal), a bed cooling system is safe for most kids.

But it’s not a good idea to use it with an infant or baby below two years.

Check the manufacturer specifications for any age and health restrictions.

Where do I place a cooling pad?

Directly on top of the mattress. Then place a breathable fitted sheet on it.

If you are using a bed fan or air cooling system, place the hose under the comforter between the top and bottom sheets. The air should be in direct contact with your body.

Can a bed cooling system also be used for heating?

Most bed cooling systems are not just for cooling; they can also warm the bed. You either turn up the temperature to get warm or select a warming mode. 

A heating element in the control unit warms the water or air to the set temperature. The water or air is then distributed within the bed. 

Bed fans and cheaper cooling systems like the Mattress Cooler Classic only provide cooling. 

Is a bed cooling system better than AC?

A bed cooling system does not replace the AC. In fact, in most cases, you need to keep your AC on for the system to work properly. 

However, you can still save money on energy bills since you can set the AC a few degrees higher than usual. 

Using a bed cooling system along with AC is more effective and cheaper compared to using just the AC. 

Are bed cooling systems better than mattress cooling pads and toppers?

Bed cooling systems like BedJet and OOLER are active cooling systems. Bed toppers and pads are passive cooling systems. 

Active cooling systems are highly effective at cooling, and you can select exactly how cool you want to sleep. 

Passive cooling systems like toppers can help mild hot sleepers, but have limited benefits for those who get really hot and sweaty while in bed. 


Bottom Line

Ooler cooling system

Instead of leaving the windows open all night or cranking up the thermostat (and burning money), a bed cooling system provides a cheaper and more effective way to create the perfect sleep environment.

Hopefully, this guide helped you find the right bed cooling system for your needs.

Any questions? Leave me a comment below!

 

 


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