Finding the right mattress cooling system can completely transform your sleep experience, especially if you tend to get hot at night or live in a warm climate.
With a range of options available, from high-tech active systems to more affordable passive ones, it can be challenging to determine which system is best for you.
Here are the key considerations that can help you make an informed decision according to accredited sleep experts.
Compare mattress cooling systems
What do experts think?
It's one thing to take the advice of shopping experts. But what do accredited doctors think?
We spoke to Dr Jemma King, a Research Fellow at the University of Queensland School of Psychology with a PhD in Human Behaviour.
King is a specialist in the field of Behavioural and Organisational Psychology whose work focuses on the impact of stress and sleep on the mind and body.
Her verdict? Cooling mattresses can provide a real benefit.
"Cooling mattresses significantly improve the quality and duration of your sleep".
- Dr Jemma King.
"I bet if I told you there's a pill you can take that would increase your mental performance and health, enhance memory, help regulate weight, decrease your chances of getting sick, and even increase your lifespan—you'd definitely take it," King told Finder.
"No need for a pill; these are all benefits of quality sleep. As a sleep expert, I know it's the most effective life-enhancing behaviour you can engage in. There's not a system in the body that isn't negatively affected by lack of sleep."
"That's why I love cooling mattresses so much; they significantly improve the quality and duration of your sleep. This is especially true for anyone living in hot climates, peri- or menopausal women, and—here's a little-known secret—they decrease the severity of hangovers, which is good to know for those who occasionally wake up with a sore head!"
Which mattress cooling system should you buy?
Selecting the right mattress cooling system can significantly enhance your sleep quality by providing a comfortable and temperature-controlled environment. When choosing a cooling system, the main things to consider are temperature control, ease of use, noise level and maintenance requirements.
Additionally, some systems offer advanced features like dual-zone cooling, which allows different temperatures for each side of the bed and first-party app integration for personalised sleep tracking and adjustments.
Budget is another critical factor. Active cooling mattress systems can vary widely in price, so it's essential to set a budget that balances your desired features with affordability. Remember that while some high-end systems offer advanced capabilities, there are also budget-friendly options that provide effective cooling without breaking the bank.
Here are our top picks.
Best cooling mattress systems
- Best mattress cooling system overall: Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra
- Best value mattress cooling system : Circadian Sleep Pod
Finder's team of experts has conducted a market-wide analysis of every active mattress cooling system on the Australian market. For each model, we consider the design, noise levels, temperature performance, additional health features and overall value for money.
Read more detail on our methodology below.
Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra
Best mattress cooling system overallRRP: $6,099
Pros
- Dynamic cooling and heating
- Advanced sleep tracking
- Customizable settings
Cons
- Upfront investment
- Requires subscription
The Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra is a cutting-edge smart mattress cover designed to enhance your sleep quality through advanced cooling and heating technology. This system uses a water-based cooling mechanism to regulate the temperature of your mattress, ensuring a comfortable sleep environment throughout the night. The Pod 4 Ultra also features clinical-grade sensors that track your heart rate, breathing and sleep cycles, providing valuable insights into your sleep patterns. Most impressively of all, it automatically adjusts mattress elevation when it detects snoring.
We chose the Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra as our best overall pick because it offers a comprehensive solution for sleep optimization. Its combination of dynamic temperature control, advanced sleep tracking, and customisable settings makes it a top choice for those looking to invest in their sleep health. Despite its higher price point, the quality and functionality it provides justify the cost, making it a worthwhile investment for a better night's sleep.
Read our review of the Eight Sleep Pod 4
Edit deal$500 off Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra
Get the Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra for only $6,099. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Buy from Eight Sleep
$350 off Eight Sleep Pod 4
Take your sleep to the next level. Shop Eight Sleep Pod 4 now for only $3,999. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Buy from Eight Sleep
Circadian Sleep Pod
Pros
- Dual-zone temperature control
- Made from hypoallergenic materials
- EMF-free design
Cons
- Complicated setup
- There are quieter systems available
Buy now
Check at AmazonDespite its budget price tag, the Circadian Sleep Pod packs in most of the essentials including dual-zone temperature control, allowing couples to customize their sleep environment to their individual preferences. This advanced sleep technology ensures a constant, comfortable temperature throughout the night, promoting uninterrupted, restful sleep. The topper's hypoallergenic, washable materials and EMF-free design prioritise health and cleanliness, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a cleaner sleep surface.
We chose the Circadian Sleep Pod as the best value mattress cooling system because it strikes the best balance between price and user-friendly features. Its ability to maintain optimal temperatures for separate sleepers makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their sleep quality.
Runners up
Eight Sleep Pod 4
Pros
- Dynamic Temperature Control
- Advanced Sleep Tracking
- Smart Integration
Cons
- Upfront investment
- Subscription Requirement
Buy now
Buy at Eight SleepEight Sleep Pod 4 features dual temperature control, allowing each side of the bed to be adjusted independently, which is perfect for couples with different temperature preferences. Additionally, its smart sleep tracking capabilities provide valuable insights into sleep patterns, helping users optimise their sleep quality. The Pod 4 also includes a vibration and thermal alarm, gently waking users without disturbing their partner.
In contrast, the Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra takes these features to the next level by adding an adjustable base for custom positioning, snoring detection and mitigation, and enhanced cooling power. The Pod 4 Ultra also includes a control hub that integrates health-grade sensors to track heart rate and breathing, providing even more detailed sleep metrics.
While both models offer significant benefits for improving sleep quality, the Pod 4 Ultra provides additional customisation and comfort options for a slightly higher premium, which is why it was our #1 choice.
Read our full Eight Sleep Pod 4 review
Black Friday deal: $350 off Eight Sleep Pod 4
Edit deal$350 off Eight Sleep Pod 4
Take your sleep to the next level. Shop Eight Sleep Pod 4 now for only $3,999. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Buy from Eight Sleep
See the full list of Eight Sleep Black Friday deals.
BedJet 3 Climate Comfort Sleep System
Pros
- Effective cooling and heating
- Simple setup
- Compatible with existing bedding
Cons
- Requires some assembly
- Not as powerful as more expensive options
The BedJet 3 Climate Comfort Sleep System is a compact and efficient climate-control device designed to provide both cooling and heating for a comfortable sleep environment. It uses a rapid air-based system to regulate temperature, making it ideal for hot sleepers and those experiencing night sweats. The system is easy to set up and can be controlled via a remote or a smartphone app, offering personalised comfort throughout the night.
Despite its lower price point compared to high-end models, the BedJet 3 delivers effective temperature regulation and user-friendly features, making it accessible to a wider range of consumers without compromising on quality. Its compatibility with existing bedding also adds to its value, ensuring you don't need to invest in additional accessories.
Save on cooling mattresses with these deals and discounts:
See the full list of Eight Sleep Black Friday deals.
What to consider when choosing a mattress cooling system
Price
Active cooling systems can range from $300 to over $6,000 depending on the technology used and included features. If you're shopping on a tight budget, you might want to consider a passive cooling system such as mattress toppers and gel pads. These typically range in price from $50 to $200.
Active cooling
Active Cooling Systems use external power sources to cool the mattress. Examples include systems with fans that circulate air or water-cooled systems that pump water through tubes in the mattress cover.
Passive cooling
Options such as cooling gels or ventilated foams help dissipate heat without mechanical assistance.
Noise level
Active cooling systems typically use external fans and/or water pumps that may produce noise similar to a portable air conditioner or pedestal fan. If you're sensitive to sound, consider user reviews and the dBA level, which is the relative loudness of sounds as perceived by the human ear. This will typically be listed in the specifications table on the manufacturer's website.
Ease of installation
Passive systems are usually easy to set up by simply placing them on top of the mattress, while active systems might require more additional assistance from a second person.
Maintenance
Passive systems require minimal upkeep, similar to a mattress topper. Active systems usually involve a higher level of active maintenance, including cleaning and refilling the water tank.
Compatibility
Ensure the cooling system fits your mattress; some systems are designed for specific mattress sizes.
Effectiveness
Research the system's ability to maintain a cool sleeping surface throughout the night, especially for hot sleepers. For more information on which models are best, see the Finder Hot Product Awards.
Health Benefits
Look for hypoallergenic systems that are resistant to dust mites and can help regulate body temperature for better sleep quality. Premium models also provide automated mattress repositioning to mitigate snoring and improved circulation.
Additional things to consider
- Energy Efficiency. Some cooling systems are designed to be energy-efficient, helping reduce electricity consumption and lower utility bills. Look for models with energy-saving features or certifications.
- Adjustability. Many cooling systems offer adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to tailor the cooling level to your preference and seasonal changes.
- Durability. High-quality cooling systems are built to last, with robust materials and construction that ensure longevity and reliable performance over time.
- Warranty and Support. Consider the warranty and customer support provided by the manufacturer. Remember that you are covered by consumer protection laws in Australia should a fault arise with the product.
Methodology
How did we pick this list
market analysis
Products compared
Best products chosen
Why you can trust our picks
We know just how much difference mattress cooling systems can make to a good night's sleep, so we took the task of finding the best mattresses in Australia very seriously. So how did we choose the winners?
Our Mattress Cooling Systems Awards program recognises products that excel in functionality and value. The methodology employs a weighted scoring system to evaluate multiple product metrics, assigning separate awards for Best Mattress Cooling System and Best Value
Our Mattress Cooling Systems Awards program recognises products that excel in functionality and value. The methodology employs a weighted scoring system to evaluate multiple product metrics, assigning separate awards for Best Mattress Cooling System and Best Value Mattress Cooling System. Below are the details of the methodology:
Award Categories
- Best Mattress Cooling System: Awarded to the product with the highest score based solely on feature performance. This evaluates the product's capability and quality.
- Best Value Mattress Cooling System: Awarded to the product with the highest score based on a combination of cost and features. This assesses affordability alongside functionality.
Data Collection
We gathered data on the following metrics for each product:
- Minimum Temperature Setting
- Editorial Score (Finder's subjective assessment of overall product effectiveness based on available information)
- Vibration Alerts (binary: feature present or absent)
- Sleep Reports (binary: feature present or absent)
- Snoring Detection/Mitigation (scaled for detection and mitigation)
- Heart Rate Tracking (binary: feature present or absent)
- Noise Level (scaled)
- Programmable via Phone (binary: feature present or absent)
- Adjustable Height (binary: feature present or absent)
- Warranty Length
- Free Delivery Availability in Australia (binary: free or not)
- Paid Subscription for App (binary: required to unlock all features or not)
Weighting and Scoring
The following weightings were applied to each metric to determine product scores:
Metric | Weighting |
---|---|
Minimum Temperature Setting | 5% |
Editorial Score | 20% |
Vibration Alerts | 10% |
Sleep Reports | 10% |
Snoring Detection/Mitigation | 15% |
Heart Rate Tracking | 5% |
Noise Level | 10% |
Programmable via Phone | 5% |
Adjustable Height | 5% |
Warranty | 5% |
Delivery | 5% |
Paid Subscription for App | 5% |
- Scaled Metrics: For metrics like Minimum Temperature, Noise Level, and Price, scores were scaled starting at 10, deducting points incrementally for higher values (e.g., lower temperatures or quieter operation achieved higher scores).
- Binary Metrics: Features either met criteria (scoring 10 points) or did not (scoring 0 points).
- Editorial Score: This was manually assessed out of 10 based on the product's overall effectiveness compared to competitors. Input was sought from team members to ensure a balanced evaluation.
Calculation of Scores
- Best (Features) Score: A composite score derived by summing weighted scores for all metrics, focusing purely on features.
- Value Score: A weighted combination of cost in Australia (66.7%) and feature performance (33.3%) to identify the best product for those focused on value.
Selection of Winners
- The Best Mattress Cooling System award was given to the product with the highest Best (Features) Score.
- The Best Value Mattress Cooling System award was given to the product with the highest Value Score.
Limitations
While our methodology rigorously evaluates product features and value, subjective components like the Editorial Score rely on expert judgment and may introduce a degree of subjectivity. Additionally, scaled metrics such as noise and temperature were calculated using available data, which may vary based on external factors like testing environments.
This methodology ensures an objective and thorough evaluation of mattress cooling systems, providing consumers with trusted recommendations for both performance and value.
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