We Tested the 7 Best Bed Cooling Systems for More Comfortable Sleep
Updated: Jul. 14, 2024
A bed cooling system will prevent you from waking up in a hot sweat—no matter how high temperatures soar.
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For hot sleepers, there’s no dread like uncomfortably warm nights. No matter how low you turn the air conditioner or how strategically you place your cooling fan, you can still find yourself tossing and turning, overheating from your blankets and sheets. Fortunately, there’s a science-backed solution: a bed cooling system.
Instead of cooling the air around you, a bed cooler chills the air and fabrics in your bed. That means you get cooling that cuts straight to the source—and nips hot sleep in the bud. Many people can benefit from a bed cooling system, from those who require one for medical reasons, such as menopause, or who are taking certain medications that cause them to run hot to those who simply prefer chilled bedding. Think of cold sheets as a similar luxury to warm towels. We tested some of the best bed cooling systems to find the best solution for every type of sleeper. To enhance its benefits, use it with cooling sheets and a cooling comforter.
Best overall bed cooling system
BedJet 3 Climate Comfort Sleep System
Pros:
- Works with all mattresses and bed setups
- Controlled via remote or phone app
- Each side of the bed can be controlled separately
- Features a dry-air option for humid conditions
- Both cool and warm air settings
Cons:
- Somewhat pricey
- If you have a low bed frame, the box may not easily fit under the bed
The BedJet 3 air-based bed cooling system is a total game changer for anyone who has trouble falling and staying asleep at night due to fluctuating body temperatures. This compact system circulates cool or warm air through the tubes of a mattress pad, is incredibly easy to set up and is easily controlled with a remote or an app on your phone. It even has a dry-air option for humid conditions.
This bed cooling system works with all mattresses and bed frames and is relatively inexpensive compared to other bed cooling products. What’s more, you can control the temperature to a specific degree and set each side of the bed to a different temperature. It also has a heat mode to achieve that just-out-of-the-dryer feeling for your sheets in winter.
“Finding a product that keeps me cool even on scorching summer nights is a downright miracle,” writes our tester, Stephanie Hope, in her BedJet 3 review. “The BedJet 3 efficiently cools me down, providing exceptional airflow throughout the bed, which has significantly improved my sleep. I wake up feeling refreshed and energized—without any pesky night sweats.”
Hope, who lives in an older home with no central air, tested this cooling system for three hot summer weeks and was an instant fan. Not only did it keep her cool, but she was impressed by the unit’s sleek, compact design. Her only complaint was that she was not able to slide it underneath her low bed frame. “I’d have to lift the frame to slide it under. However, it doesn’t bother me to have it sitting neatly next to my side of the bed,” she writes.
Depending on where you purchase, this cooling system will set you back between $429 and $489. It might seem a bit steep, but we’re confident that once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever slept without it—and so is BedJet. The company offers free returns for 60 days. If you try this system and are not 100% satisfied, you can return it for a full refund.
Best cooling blanket
Sleep Number True Temp Blanket
Pros:
- Active particles move heat away from the body
- Suitable for all seasons
- Hypoallergenic
- Machine washable
- Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification
Cons:
- Only available in two sizes
Sleep Number uses technology to help people sleep better. Its popular True Temp Blanket is powered by the brand’s 37.5 technology, which adapts to help maintain your ideal body temperature throughout the night. Its active-particle cooling system also attracts and removes moisture to resist heat and humidity buildup. Not only that, but it lasts the life of your blanket, meaning it won’t wash or wear out over time.
Shopping Editor Emily Way points out that the True Temp Blanket isn’t a cooling blanket, but rather what the brand refers to as “temperature-balancing bedding.” It works by actively relocating heat and humidity and continuously adapts to help keep your temperature just right throughout the night. Unlike some other cooling sheets or blankets, the True Temp Blanket doesn’t stay cool to the touch. So if you’re looking for something that will actively cool you down while you sleep, this may not be the blanket for you. “The True Temp Blanket isn’t a cut-and-dry cooling sleep product,” writes Way in her detailed review. “Those who are expecting to feel like they’re sleeping in a polar vortex will be disappointed. However, those seeking a multi-season blanket that looks pretty, lasts years and feels expensive will love snuggling up underneath. It may not offer cooling properties, but the active particles do an outstanding job of keeping the night sweats (or shivers) at bay.”
Another thing to consider is the overall aesthetic of this blanket. Way was impressed by its durable construction and luxe feel, though she notes that it’s made with a sleek, shiny material which she likens to a sleeping bag. She also points out that it makes some noise during movement. But despite this blanket’s unique look and gentle swishing sounds, Way shares that it feels cozy and expensive.
Best budget cooling blanket
Elegear Revolutionary Cooling Blanket
Pros:
- Affordable
- Cooling on one side and cotton on the other
- Available in eight colors and four sizes
- Machine washable and dryer-friendly
- Has 18,500+ five-star Amazon ratings
Cons:
- Not the most attractive bed blanket
If you’re absolutely sick to death of sweating at night, stop what you’re doing and add this affordable cooling blanket from Elegear to your Amazon cart. It’s racked up over 18,500 five-star ratings on Amazon, so we put it to the test to see how well it really performs.
Way, a hot sleeper who struggles to get comfortable during the warmer months, admits that she was skeptical when she ordered this blanket for her bed. A budget-friendly blanket that promises to absorb body heat and reduce skin temperatures by four to nine degrees? That sounded too good to be true. Much to her surprise, Way quickly realized that this blanket was her ticket to a cooler, dryer sleep. “I was skeptical, but it worked better than both the cooling blanket and sheets I used previously in tandem,” she says. “I love that it’s so inexpensive, too—there’s no need to shell out thousands on a special mattress or bed cooling system.”
This blanket is made with “arc-chill 3.0 fabric”, a polyethylene/nylon blend that Way likens to swimsuit material on one side and super-soft, lightweight cotton on the other. According to Way, both sides perform very well with cooling, though she found the cotton side to be more comfortable against her skin at night. The blanket comes in four sizes and weighs under 3 pounds, meaning it can provide cooling to one or more people or be brought on vacations or camping trips. Way recommends sizing up if you prefer a little overhang or if you’re sharing a bed.
Way was also pleased by how well this blanket held up in the washing machine. “There’s no specific special care instructions, and it can be both washed and dried in the machine. It didn’t shrink or otherwise affect the performance,” Way explains. And while Way points out that this isn’t the most attractive blanket on the market, it’s well-made and serves its purpose. “I’ve tried a number of cooling blankets and sheets over the years, and this one is the clear winner in regards to actual performance,” she says.
Best water-cooled bed cooling system
Anni Star Water Cooling System
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Mattress pad is 100% cotton
- Cools quickly and stays cold all night
- Tie closure to secure it in place
- Controlled via remote
Cons:
- Cooling system looks cheap
- Can overflow
This water-based bed cooling system looks like a cooling fan, but it’s actually a machine that circulates cool water from a connection tube to the mattress. According to our tester, Shannon Ullman, this bed cooling system is ideal for hot sleepers, people living in homes without air conditioning, or those who want to save money by not turning on their central air. In fact, Ullman, who used this bed cooling system in tandem with her central air conditioner, claims that this system may even work a little too well!
“By the first night, it was pretty obvious that it worked. There are multiple settings, but I kept it on the lowest (and comparatively, least cool.) It felt nice and cool as I went to sleep, but in the middle of the night, I woke up because I was too cold. The second night I tried it, I woke up in the middle of the night again to put on a sweatshirt. All of the nights after, I went to bed dressed somewhat warmly, hoping not to wake up shivering,” she shares.
The Anni Star sleep system is designed for one person and is compatible with any mattress. Ullman notes that it was relatively easy to set up and fit on her bedside table. It features a series of fan and pump settings that you control from the machine itself. However, Ullman points out that in spite of its premium packaging, the unit itself isn’t the most luxurious. However, she found the cotton mattress pad to be thick and soft, making the $200 price tag seem a bit more justified.
Ullman also recommends following the manufacturer’s suggestion of placing a dishpan under the cooling system to catch any overflow. “I’m glad I did because during the second time filling it, it overflowed. Once you learn how to use it, overflowing shouldn’t be a problem, but just be careful if you have books or electronics next to your machine,” she cautions.
Once you get the hang of setting up, filling up and finding your ideal temperature setting, this bed cooling system will have you saying goodbye to night sweats even on the warmest of evenings.
Best cooling mattress cover
Eight Sleep Pod Cooling Cover
Pros:
- Can set different temperatures for each phase of the night
- Has a vibrational alarm clock
- Comes in four sizes
- Each side of the bed can be controlled separately
- Offers a 30-day free trial
Cons:
- Data tracking requires Autopilot membership
- Expensive
If you don’t want to purchase a new cooling mattress, then consider upgrading your existing mattress with the Eight Sleep cooling mattress cover. The smart pod cover zips onto any mattress—including the editor-loved Eight Sleep mattress—easily and can be set anywhere from 55 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. It allows you to schedule different temperatures for each phase of the night and even set an alarm clock that wakes you with gentle vibrations and a gradual temperature change. “If you have a hard time getting comfortable in the middle of the night because you’re a hot sleeper or you’re perpetually freezing, then a cooling and heating system like the Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover is for you,” writes shopping editor, Mary Henn, in her comprehensive review.
So, how is this mattress cover different from other cooling bedding? In addition to its smart technology, this mattress pad actually guarantees a noticeable temperature change. “On the coolest settings, the Pod 3 Cover gets so chilly it almost feels damp. Like I said, my partner loved this because it kept them from waking up sweaty,” writes Henn. “However, I was surprised to find how much I liked the heat settings. After a long bath on a semi-chilly night, jumping into a warm bed is literally the best feeling that exists. The bed doesn’t feel hot to the touch when the cover is in heat mode, either. In fact, I barely notice the heat with my hand pressed to the cover. It’s when I’m lying down that my body notices the cozy temperature adjustment—and it’s dreamy.”
While you catch those zzz’s, the mattress cooler tracks your sleep quality, as well as health metrics, such as respiratory rate, resting heart rate and heart rate variability. “It also notifies you about any changes that occur to your sleep routine, delivers personalized insights and gives you recommendations and adjustments to improve your sleep routine,” adds Henn.
According to Henn, the mattress cover itself was surprisingly thin and comfortable for the impressive technology it holds, calling it “virtually undetectable” over her mattress protector. “I expected to feel the tubing and coils underneath my sheets, but I didn’t,” she explains. “My mattress felt slightly firmer with the cover on it, but the water distribution provided an extra layer of cushion that felt like a thin foam topper.”
Just be aware that this mattress cover is an investment. A queen size will set you back $2,295 for the Pod 3 and $3,899 for the latest Pod 4 Ultra. On top of that, you’ll have to pay another $180 or $288 per year for Autopilot, which is required for the first 12 months. It’s pricey, but never having to deal with night sweats again? You can’t put a price on that.
Best cooling mattress pad
Slumber Cloud Performance Mattress Pad
Pros:
- Temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking fabric
- Fits under a fitted sheet
- Comes in seven sizes
- Adds plushness to your bed
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified technology
Cons:
- Not waterproof
While this one is similar to a mattress cover, the Slumber Cloud Performance mattress pad is even less maintenance. The ultra-lightweight fabric has National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-approved temperature-regulating capabilities for the coolest bed lining ever. In case you do break a sweat (unlikely!) the fabric is also moisture-wicking.
The first thing deputy editor, Anne Fritz, noticed about this mattress pad was how plush and comfortable it was on her foam mattress. “It does add plushness,” she says. “My mattress isn’t very deep, so it hung off the sides a bit, but it was still easy to make my bed with my regular sheets. It’s super comfy!”
Secure this mattress pad underneath your fitted sheet for a foundation that doesn’t budge. It fits any mattress under 20 inches and cleans easily in the washing machine. It’s worth noting that this mattress pad isn’t waterproof, though it is designed to stop moisture from developing in the first place rather than simply wicking it away. Still, you may want to consider adding a mattress protector underneath for peace of mind.
While the brand doesn’t specify how many degrees cooler you’ll feel, it does explain that the materials will react to each sleeper’s temperature throughout the night to keep both you and your partner comfortable.
Best bed cooling system on Amazon
Dangtop Bamboo Cooling Blanket
Pros:
- Two-day Prime shipping
- Affordable
- Cool to the touch
- Available in nine colors and four sizes
- Machine washable
Cons:
- The fabric pills easily if something snags on it
Given the sheer volume of products on Amazon, narrowing down your selection can be overwhelming—but we’ve got you covered. This Dangtop cooling blanket costs under $50 for a queen size and has over 14,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, so we tested it to see whether or not it actually works. Made of 100% bamboo fabric, it feels cool to the touch and promises to keep you cool and sweat-free all night long.
“I’ve slept with the Dangtop cooling blanket for about three weeks now—with weekly washes in between—and found that aside from a bit of pilling, the blanket is a must-have,” writes our tester, Andrea Carrillo, who is no stranger to waking up at night in a hot sweat, in her Dantop cooling blanket review. “Overall, I’m sleeping much better since I added the Dangtop cooling blanket to my bedspread. I know it’ll come in handy for the hot summers, saving me from cranky mornings.”
Carrillo describes this blanket as smooth and cool to the touch with a delicate, gauze-like feel. However, she cautions that the lightweight fabric is rather delicate and points out that items, like jewelry, can easily snag on it. Despite the blanket’s delicate nature and bit of pilling, Carrillo insists that this is one of the most useful items on Amazon.
What to look for when buying a bed cooling system
Before adding a bed cooling system to your cart, consider these factors:
- Temperature: How much is the system designed to lower your skin temperature?
- Noise level: Will you be able to sleep if the system makes a low humming noise?
- Temperature control: Is the system controlled via remote? Is there an option to change settings through an app?
- Size: Is the system meant for one person, or can your partner enjoy it, too?
- Dual zones: If the system is meant for two people, can each of you control your own side independently?
Why you should trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we know that some like it hot, but not when it comes to sleep. Quality sleep makes a world of difference, so finding bed cooling systems that truly do their job is that much more important. We spent countless hours researching the best bed cooling systems on the market, taking into consideration a variety of features, price points and real user reviews. Then we enlisted the help of our own editors and testers—Stephanie Hope, Emily Way, Shannon Ullman, Anne Fritz, Daria Smith, Andrea Carrillo and Mary Henn, all of whom have years of experience in the commerce space—to assess the effectiveness of these systems. They provided unbiased feedback on each product’s cooling abilities, aesthetics and quality, and whether or not they’re worth your hard-earned money.
How we found the best bed cooling systems
We started with the research and reporting basics—from cooling blanket options to pads and covers—to ensure that we only recommended the buys that are worth your time and investment. Once we found a selection of products to suit a wide range of sleepers and budgets, we combed through user reviews to see if these bed cooling systems stand up to the test and whether they’re a smart value or worthy of a splurge. From there, we asked our editors and testers to try the products for themselves. They spent over 1,464 hours testing these products in their own homes in order to determine whether or not they actually work. After carefully reviewing their detailed notes and feedback, we narrowed our selection down to the eight best bed cooling systems.
FAQ
How does a bed cooling system work?
There are two types of bed cooling systems: passive and active. Passive systems provide a layer of cooling material and are typically seen in the form of cooling mattress pads, cooling blankets and cooling pillows for sleeping. Active systems use either water or air to cool your mattress and bedding. Air cooling systems are quite simple. They create airflow that cools or warms your bedding.
Water cooling systems are somewhat more complex. Channels of water run through a pad that sits atop your mattress. This water cools the bedding and is cycled to an external device, where it is re-cooled before channeling back into the pad.
What are the benefits of using a bed cooling system?
Bed cooling systems can improve sleep quality and duration. Some may actively cool you down while others help regulate your body temperature or wick away sweat.
Do cooling systems actually work?
Bed cooling systems can be very effective at helping you sleep more comfortably on hot nights. Combining cooling methods, such as cooling mattresses, blankets and water- or air-based cooling systems, can help particularly warm sleepers avoid night sweats and temperature-related sleep disturbances.
Additional reporting by Marisa Hillman.
Originally Published: May 16, 2024
