A bed cooling system will prevent you from waking up in a hot sweat—no matter how high temperatures soar.
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We Tested 3 of the Best Bed Cooling Systems for More Comfortable Sleep
Updated on Jan. 28, 2025
For hot sleepers, there’s no dread like uncomfortably warm nights. No matter how low you turn the air conditioner or strategically 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.
Derek Hales, Founder and CEO of NapLab, says, “Active cooling systems like Eight Sleep, Bet Jet and other similar systems are arguably the best way to get the highest performance cooling on your mattress.”
Instead of cooling the air around you, a bed cooling system 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. We tested some of the best bed cooling systems to find the best solution for your needs.
Best overall
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.
This cooling system will set you back $599, 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 3 Cooling Cover and Hub
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, then consider upgrading your existing mattress with the Eight Sleep Pod 3. 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 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 $4,699 for the latest Pod 4 Ultra. On top of that, you’ll have to pay another couple hundred bucks 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 budget
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
- Affordable
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.
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 a few weeks (at least) 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.”
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 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.
Lastly, we consulted sleep expert Derek Hales on what to look for when buying a bed cooling system.
How we found the best bed cooling systems
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 three best bed cooling systems.
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.
Additional reporting by Marisa Hillman
