Air Conditioner for Your Bed? The 5 Best Bed Cooling Systems That Saved Our Team of Hot Sleepers

 Best overall 

 BedJet 3 Climate Comfort Sleep System 

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$569 at Amazon

Shop on The Sleep Doctor

$498 at HSN

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 cooler 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.

This cooling system will set you back $699, but it is frequently on sale. 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 splurge 

 Eight Sleep Pod Cooling Cover and Hub 

Shop on Eight Sleep

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 membership 

•  Expensive 

If you don't want to purchase a new cooling mattress , consider upgrading your existing mattress with the Eight Sleep Pod . The smart pod cover zips onto any mattress—including the editor-loved Eight Sleep mattress —and can be set anywhere from 55 to 110 degrees. 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 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 cooling mattress pad actually guarantees a noticeable temperature change. "On the coolest settings, the Pod Cover gets so chilly it almost feels damp. Like I said, my partner loved this because it kept him 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 is surprisingly thin and comfortable for the impressive technology it holds. She describes it as "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."

Since our testing, the brand has upgraded technology and the Pod 3 Cover we tested is no longer available. The brand currently offers fourth and fifth generation models. The Pod 5 and Pod 5 Ultra boast the latest technology which includes back pressure relief, snoring mitigation and surround-sound.

Just be aware that this mattress cover is an investment. A queen size Eight Sleep Pod Cover will set you back $2,649 for the Pod 4 or $5,000 for the latest Pod 5 Ultra. On top of the cover itself, you'll have to pay another couple hundred bucks per year for Autopilot, which is required for the first 12 months. Annual subscriptions run $199 to $399 depending on the plan you choose. It's pricey, but never having to deal with night sweats again? You can't put a price on that.

 Best for Tracking Sleep Health 

 Chilipad Dock Pro Bundle 

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Pros:

•  Cools and heats on demand 

•  Comes with a sleep tracker 

•  Easy to use app 

•  Optional AI temperature automations 

•  Allows for custom sleep programs 

•  No subscription needed 

Cons:

•  Two units and trackers required to cover a whole bed 

•  System cleaner required every few months 

For those seeking a full sleep health overhaul, the Chilipad Dock Pro bundle is our top recommendation. It works much like the other bed cooling systems, utilizing a mattress cover with water-filled flexible tubing to raise or lower bed temperature. Much like the Eight Sleep Pod, the Dock Pro provides personalized data tracking thanks to the included sleep tracker. However, unlike the Eight Sleep Pod, these insights are free to use—no subscription required!

Setup is simple, according to tester Emily Way. "When I first unpacked the Chilipad Dock Pro bundle, I was initially a little intimidated by all the connectors and gizmos," she muses. "However, running it for the first time is surprisingly easy. Just connect both ends of the hose to the mattress pad and dock, tuck the mattress cover over the mattress and make the bed," she says. "The cover has elastic bands that help it hug the mattress with minimal shifting. From there, turn on the dock and add water until the 'low water' icon disappears. You also get a little packet of system cleaner to start you off."

While you can pick up a Dock Pro sans sleep tracker, we recommend snagging both for the best results. The sleep tracker connects to the app, which allows users to take control of their sleep health with useful insights. Users can also use the app to set the bed temperature, which runs from 55 to 115 degrees. Additionally, users can set AI automations that intuitively adjust the bed temperature throughout the night based on the user's current sleep stage. There's also the option to set temperature schedules for specific days of the week.

Data-driven metrics, including a breakdown of the time spent in each sleep stage, heart rate, respiratory rate and a nightly movement counter, help tailor your bedtime routine to get the best possible rest. The app even includes a library of meditations, white noise and other relaxing sounds that promote better sleep. And, in the winter, you can also set it to heat instead of cool for that "just from the dryer" feeling.

The bundle—which includes the tracker, dock and mattress cover—retails for $1,500 to $1,700 for a single side, depending on the size of the bed. While pricey (especially for those that require a second dock for a second sleeper), the lack of subscription model means that you only have to pay a single flat fee for all the features.

Way notes that she's an extremely hot sleeper who sweats through sheets even in the wintertime. Using the Chilipad has been a total life-changer for her. She also reports that the mattress cover makes the mattress a bit firmer, though she hasn't noticed any interruptions to her sleep because of it. "I am not exaggerating when I say that I used to wash my sheets every night," she says. "Since using the Chilipad, I've had zero instances of the night sweats. Zero!"

Long-term update

We checked in with Way to see how her Chilipad has held up. Since she didn't anticipate needing it during the winter months, she opted to stow it away. "It still works after about eight months in storage," Way says. "I set it up on my husband's side of the bed and everything still runs smoothly!" The only thing to consider is storage. According to Way, the system is bulky and packing it away is quite a feat. "Not only do you have to store the pad (which is already quite difficult), but you also have to find space to store the unit itself," she says. "And the unit is pretty sizable." Going forward, Way plans to leave the pad on her bed all year long.

Speaking of the future, Chilipad has released a new model: Chilipad 2.0. We are currently testing it out so be sure to check back for our full review !

 best smart 

 Orion Sleep System 

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Pros:

•  Automatically adjusts temperatures to enhance sleep 

•  Sleep test allows for personalized temperature settings 

•  Extremely quiet 

•  Automatically turns on and off 

•  Easy to use app 

•  Fits well on top of the mattress 

•  Aesthetically pleasing dock 

•  No subscription required 

Cons:

•  Sleep data provided in the app is vague 

•  Dock is large 

•  Expensive 

If you're seeking comfort as well as insights about your overall health, look no further than the Orion Sleep System . Like some of the other bed cooling systems on our list, it features a mattress cover with water-filled flexible tubing to raise or lower bed temperature. Much like the Eight Sleep Pod and Chilipad, the Orion provides personalized data tracking and insights via the app. There is no subscription required, though there is an optional subscription that allows you to track your sleep stages, heart rate and more each night and receive personalized recommendations to help improve your sleep.

According to tester Marisa Hillman, setup couldn't be easier. "It only took me about five minutes to set up," she says. "All I had to do was connect the tubes from the mattress to the dock. Once it was connected, I filled the dock with a gallon of distilled water, put the cover on the bed and it was ready to go." Marisa notes that the Orion mattress cover fits just like a mattress pad. "It's not bulky and doesn't shift during the night," she adds. As an added bonus, Marisa points out that the dock isn't too bad to look at. "It's very large and stands upright. There's no way to hide it," she says. "Luckily, it's not an eyesore. With the wooden top it looks like a small bedside table."

Before ordering an Orion, you have the option to order a sleep disruption test. This test collects data regarding your core temperature and sleep disruptions via a smart patch worn on the skin for one night. It then uses that data to directly personalize your side of the bed. After completing your sleep test, Orion will schedule a complimentary consultation with one of their sleep advisors to walk through your results. Marisa and her husband both took a sleep test though she questions the overall accuracy. "According to my test, my temperature spiked to 101 degrees Fahrenheit," she says. "That means I essentially had a fever during the night and I don't think that's correct." Additionally, Marisa found the consultation to be redundant. "The young man I spoke to was very nice but essentially just read my results to me," she explains. "I had already read my report and found it easy enough to understand. I didn't have to spend thirty minutes talking through them."

Since Marisa and her husband both took a sleep test, her Orion arrived pre-programmed based on those test results. "Given how hot I supposedly ran, I expected my side of the bed to be ice cold," says Marisa. "Instead, it was very subtle and I fell asleep easily. The Orion adjusts throughout the night to keep your body temperature regulated." Both she and her husband decided to adjust the settings through the app until they were both sleeping comfortably through the night. "We haven't had to adjust it too much," she says. "As our sleep habits change, the Orion automatically adjusts according to our updated metrics. It really is a smart system!"

The Orion Sleep System retails for $2,295 to $2,595 and covers the entire bed. It is pricey, but frequently goes on sale. An Orion Intelligence subscription costs $20 per month of $250 per year. You'll receive a free 30-day trial of Orion Intelligence. After that, the subscription is completely optional. Marisa tested the subscription and though she found it interesting, it's not something she would renew. "I found the information to be interesting but pretty vague," she says. "Until very recently, the app showed me data for things like heart rate, breath rate and HRV but didn't actually explain what any of it meant. Now, there are helpful explanations but nothing to tell me whether or not I'm within a normal range. But given the fact that they've already made some improvements in the time since I've started testing the Orion, I'm confident they will continue to improve."

Marisa also notes that her sleep insights are not always accurate. "I've had a few instances where I wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble falling back to sleep. But the next morning, my app tells me I slept through the night," she explains. "There are definitely some issues that have to be worked out but for the most part it works really well. I'm excited to test the heating functionality as the fall and winter months roll in."

 best air-based 

 Perfectly Snug Mattress Topper 

Shop on Perfectly Snug

Pros:

•  Dual-zone 

•  Heating and cooling for year-round comfort 

•  Sensors automatically respond to your body's temperature throughout the night 

•  Set-it-and-forget-it scheduling in the app 

•  Comfortable medium-firm feel 

•  Cover is machine washable 

•  FSA/HSA eligible 

Cons:

•  Rudimentary app is finicky to use 

•  Fans may be too loud for sensitive sleepers 

•  Very pricey 

If you're looking for an air-based cooling system, you'll want to consider the Perfectly Snug Smart Mattress Topper . Deputy shopping editor Katie Bandurski ordered a queen-sized dual-zone smart mattress topper and was impressed by how simple it was to set up. "Right away, I was impressed with just how simple this 'smart' topper was," Katie raves. "Some products come with endless gizmos and gadgets, but the Perfectly Snug was very straightforward."

According to Katie, all you have to do is simply unroll it on top of your mattress, mesh side up, and connect the power plugs. Once it's plugged in, switch the "on switch" on each side of the topper. From there, you'll need to download the Perfectly Snug app in the App Store. "I noticed it had a very low rating, and I understand why," says Katie. "It works just fine, but this app is very basic. For the price of the product, I expected a better experience." In spite of the rudimentary app, connecting each side of the topper to Wi-Fi was simple.

On her first night with the Perfectly Snug topper, Katie set both sides of the topper to the max cool setting. "Our Cape Cod gets pretty toasty upstairs in the summer, so I was hoping the Perfectly Snug could help cool me down without the annoying whir of my fan," she says. And while it did keep her cool, she found that the fans in the topper were about as loud as her bedside oscillating fan. In other words, it's not as quiet as she hoped it would be. "If you're someone who needs a little white noise to nod off, this will not be an issue. But since I like to sleep in absolute silence, this was an issue for me," she admits.

In spite of the whirring fans, there's a lot to love about this topper. One of the best features is the ability to adjust your preferred temperature throughout the night. In short, you can preheat your bed to be warmer or cooler, then adjust the temperature to suit your needs. The built-in Smart Sensors also keep track of your body temperature throughout the night, adjusting the bed as you sleep to help you avoid waking up too hot or too cold. This is especially helpful for those going through menopause or dealing with constant fluctuations.

Another great feature is the ability to choose a dual-zone topper. "I think the best part of this bed is that each side can fully control its temperature preferences. If one person sleeps hot and the other sleeps cold, this could be an absolute game-changer," Katie raves. "My husband and I don't really have this problem, but this is definitely a great option for couples."

And finally, this topper is very low maintenance. While water-based systems require regular flushing or cleaning, the Perfectly Snug topper has a removable cover that you can toss in the wash whenever you think a refresh is in order.

Something to keep in mind before buying this smart topper is the height. Katie, who sleeps on a Helix Midnight Elite mattress , found the added height cumbersome. "The topper did add about two extra inches to the height of my bed, which stretched my deep-pocket sheets to the absolute limit," she explains. "And you add in my platform sleigh bed, and the whole setup gets a little too high for my 5' 4" self — but that is a very specific-to-me problem."

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Products on our radar

In order to help you determine how to cool your mattress effectively, our team tested the bed air conditioners detailed above. While we haven't thoroughly tested every air conditioner for beds (yet!) we're always on the hunt for exciting new products. Here are a few that are on our radar:

• bFan Bedfan : Rather than wrangle a topper or pad on your mattress, this slim fan sits on the end of your bed. Once in place, it uses a brushless motor to circulate air beneath your sheets. At just over $200, this budget-friendly pick looks promising!

What to look for when buying a bed cooling system

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.

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 a 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?

Sleep expert Derek Hales provides a few additional shopping tips if you're considering a bed cooling system. "If you're buying a new mattress at the same time as a new active cooling system, I would recommend trying the mattress for at least a few weeks before you use the mattress with the new system," Derek says. "You may find the mattress alone is good enough to create the level of cooling you need. In addition, you'll get a good baseline for what the mattress should feel like without the system, which can help you diagnose any comfort or support issues."

Derek also recommends considering your sheets, comforter, duvet and other bedding. "Bedding makes a big impact on cooling," he says. "Together, a high-performance mattress, high-performance sheets and high-performance active cooling system can bring truly incredible levels of cooling performance."

2026 Industry Trends

Sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus, also known as The Sleep Doctor, has seen a significant increase in the amount of people relying on cooling systems to improve their sleep. Most notably, women. "For some people, an entire cooling system can be beneficial," he says. "I've seen a focus on females and have been working with quite a few menopausal women who complain of hot flashes, which is one of the reasons why I got interested in this area."

Dr. Breus also notes that users are especially interested in personalizing their experience. "I have noticed more of a clinical approach with brands like Orion. They have a 'Sleep Test' that helps you understand how much the product will actually help you and then you can use the collected data to directly personalize your side of the bed," he explains. "I've also seen some great science from Eight Sleep."

Does Dr. Breus use a cooling system? You bet. "I love mine and miss it when I travel," he says. "Most people I speak to love the product as well. I think each cooling system has its attributes."

How we found the best bed cooling systems and cooling mattress pads

We started with the research and reporting basics to ensure that we only recommended the buys that were worth your time and investment.

Once we found a selection of products to suit a 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 several weeks 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 five best bed cooling systems.

Additional testing in 2025

We revisited this piece in 2025 to update our experience with the Chilipad Dock Pro bundle . The Chilipad—under the brand Sleep.me—is a well-known bed cooling system that boasts mostly rave reviews online. Naturally, we had to check and see if it lives up to the hype.

During this additional testing, we also re-evaluated our previous picks and moved the Anni Star Water Cooling System (previously our "best budget" option) from our list as it's no longer available for purchase.

Additional testing in 2026

In 2026, we tested two sleep systems that had been on our radar. We tested the expert-recommended Orion Sleep System in order to determine whether or not a personalized system is an effective and worthwhile investment. Additionally, we tested the Perfectly Snug Smart Mattress Topper .

FAQ

How does a bed cooling system work?

Bed cooling systems use either water or air to cool and heat your mattress and bedding. Air 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.

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, Shannon Ullman, Mary Henn, Katie Bandurski and Marisa Hillman, 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.

Lastly, we consulted sleep expert Derek Hales and Dr. Michael J. Breus on what to look for when buying a bed cooling system.

Experts

• Derek Hales, Founder and CEO of NapLab

• Dr. Michael J. Breus, PhD, Founder of The Sleep Doctor

Additional reporting by Marisa Hillman .