Sick Of Sweating At Night? I Found A Solution That's Cheaper Than A.C.
Don't let heat disrupt your sleep.
BigThink
mbg Deputy Commerce Editor
mbg Deputy Commerce Editor
Braelyn Wood is the Deputy Commerce Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism from Northwestern University, along with a certificate in marketing.
Image by Braelyn Wood / mbg creative July 31, 2025 We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links. Record-breaking heat is sweeping across the country, and it’s doing more than making us sweat. Research shows that high nighttime temperatures can negatively impact sleep quality. A 2022 study linked even small increases in overnight temperatures to shorter sleep duration, especially in women and older adults. And while the ideal sleep environment is around 65°F, many of us are trying to snooze in much warmer rooms That’s where the Chilipad Dock Pro by Sleepme comes into play. This water-powered sleep system keeps your bed at your desired temperature between 65°F to 115°F,—so you can fall asleep faster and snooze through the night despite the weather forecast. Chilipad Dock Pro From $1,124 While I'm testing the Chilipad to see how it performs in the heat of summer, we'll be updating this review in winter to determine the cooling bed system's value year-round. 
FYI
What is the Chilipad Dock Pro?
The Chilipad Dock Pro is a water-powered sleep system designed to actively cool or warm your bed throughout the night. Unlike passive cooling mattress pads that rely on breathable fabrics or gels, the Dock Pro uses thermal regulation to maintain a consistent sleep temperature, helping support the natural drop in core body temperature that research suggests is essential for restorative sleep.
At the center of the system is the Dock Pro control unit, a compact device that sits discreetly beside or under your bed. This unit circulates water through thin, flexible silicone tubing embedded inside the Chilipad mattress pad. The water is either cooled or heated to keep the connected pad at the optimal temperature between 55°F to 115°F (competitive with brands like Eight Sleep).
Image by Braelyn Wood / mbg creative
You can adjust the temperature and settings directly on the dock or use the brand's free Sleepme app. Here you can create programmable sleep schedules and review data from the brand's Sleep Tracker.
The setup is compatible with most mattress types and comes in a range of sizes—including half queen and half king options for couples with different preferences. With the dual-zone option, each sleeper can independently control their side of the bed using the Sleepme app, which also allows for programmable sleep schedules, smart temperature shifts, and real-time control via WiFi.
Importantly, there’s no required subscription to access these features. The Sleepme app is free to use, and all core temperature control functions are available without any ongoing fees—a notable distinction compared to other sleep tech systems that rely on paid platforms.
Other important callouts
Image by Braelyn Wood / mbg creative
Setting up the Chilipad Dock Pro
Setup for the Chilipad Dock Pro requires a few extras to get started: distilled water (a full gallon per control unit), a surge protector (recommended to protect your tech investment), and a waterproof mattress protector (because water-powered anything needs a safety net).
The instructions are super straightforward: connect the control unit to the mattress pad, fill it with water, power it on, and pair it with the app. I was up and running in under 5 minutes. The app walks you through everything from temperature settings to scheduling.
Image by Braelyn Wood / mbg creative
My experience with the Chilipad Dock Pro
I’ve been testing the Chilipad Dock Pro for 14 nights during peak summer heat, and these are the biggest shifts I’ve noticed:
I’m sleeping more soundly.
Before the Dock Pro, I was forced to either crank up my AC or wake up throughout the night. Now, I sleep through to my alarm with fewer disruptions and no middle-of-the-night sweating.
I can set custom sleep schedules.
Through the app, I programmed my bed to cool to 65°F at night and warm slightly before wake-up. This temperature curve mirrors natural circadian patterns, which studies show can support deeper, more efficient sleep.
I’ve cut back on A.C.
Since my bed stays cool, I’ve raised the thermostat to 72°F without sacrificing comfort. That means less energy use and eventually a lower utility bill.
The system is discreet.
The quiet control unit hides neatly out of sight, whether under your bed or in the nightstand. While there were some noises during the initial set-up—mostly from the machine intaking distilled water—I love that the operation is essentially silent. You just noticed a much cooler bed.
Image by Braelyn Wood / mbg creative
Chilipad Dock Pro basics:
What I'd change about the Chilipad Dock Pro
While the Chilipad Dock Pro has been a game-changer for my sleep, it’s not perfect. The mattress pad itself is thin and flexible, but you can still feel the internal tubing slightly through the bedding—especially if you skip a top sheet or use thinner linens.
The cooling pad is not uncomfortable per se, but it can be distracting at first. I found that layering with a top sheet helped smooth it out without affecting the cooling performance. A sleeker pad design or built-in padding could take the overall comfort to the next level.
Additionally, I do think understanding what's necessary for set-up is important. Sleepme recommends using a mattress protector in case of leaks—and a quick search on Reddit shows that some users dealt with leaking issues from both previous models of the Chilipad. (I'll be sure to provide a six month check-in to confirm my system is still in tip-top shape.)
Not to mention, there is some maintenance involved. You can only use distilled water in the system and must regularly at in system cleaner for the upkeep.
Finally, there's a reason Eight Sleep costs users more. Unlike its competitor, the Chilipad does not come with built-in sleep tracking; you have to purchase the thin mattress sleep tracker separately. As a result, some features—like AI-optimized cooling and heating routines—are only available to those who have invested in both products.
Chilipad vs Eight Sleep
| Type | Smart mattress cover + optional blanket/base | Water-cooled topper + control unit |
| Temp Range | ~55–110°F (dual-zone) | ~55–115°F (dual-zone) |
| Control | App + AI scheduling w/ vibration/thermal alarm | App + manual controls |
| Sleep Tracking | Built-in: HR + HRV + sleep stages | Optional add-on |
| Snore Support | Elevates head automatically (Ultra+ only) | Not available |
| Price (Queen) | $2649+ (Ultra bundles ~$5000) | $1149 (single) / $1899 (dual) |
| Subscription | Required ($180–288/yr) | Not required |
| Setup | ~60 min setup | ~15 min setup |
| Mattress | Fits 10–16″ mattresses | Fits 8–18″ mattresses |
| Feel on Bed | Sleek w/ integrated cover | Pad may shift or bunch |
| Trial & Warranty | 30-day trial & up to 5 years | 30-day trial & 1-year warranty |
Bottom line: Eight Sleep has built-in sleep tracking and integrates with wearables, but it's at least twice the price—and requires a subscription. The Chilipad Dock Pro is a one-time investment with no ongoing fees. If you want customizable cooling without another monthly charge, Chilipad wins.
Chilipad Dock Pro
From $1,124
The takeaway
If summer nights have turned your bed into a furnace, the Chilipad Dock Pro could be your smart solution. It’s smart, effective, and more sustainable than cranking the AC night after night. Plus, it gives you precise control over your sleep environment, which is one of the most powerful ways to improve rest After 14 nights, I noticed a measurable improvement in sleep quality—and that’s hard to ignore.
