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BedJet vs CUBE: Which System is Better For Hot Sleepers?

By Oktay Ozadam

Bedjet vs Chili Technology Cooling Systems

Today we will see the top two competitors of the bed temperature-control industry go head to head: the BedJet versus the CUBE and Ooler Sleep Systems. These two product lines both promise to help you get better and more restful shut-eye by keeping your bed at a more comfortable temperature, but they achieve this goal in very different ways.

Which of these two products would be a better fit for your bedroom needs? Stick with us, and we'll find out!

The BedJet 3- New and Improved

You can find a more in-depth look at the improved features of the BedJet 3 in our previous article, but here is a quick review of its updates.

The BedJet is essentially a blowing fan unit that's designed to sit under or beside your bed. It pumps heated or cooled air underneath your covers via a small, bed-mounted tube.

The BedJet heats air by the same means as a standard electric heater, and its cooling effect is achieved simply by increasing airflow. While this is a very energy-efficient means of cooling, it relies entirely on the power of evaporation, which means it may not do an excellent job of keeping you cool in humid climates.

The BedJet 2 can cool as low as 72℉ depending on the ambient temperature, while the newly released BedJet 3 can drop temperatures as low as 66℉. Both models can heat your bed up to a toasty 104℉ in the wintertime.

In addition to better cooling power, the BedJet 3 also has a lower profile, sleeker design, and a color screen remote control that allows all its features to be delicately controlled without needing to use the smartphone app. This means you can have your phone off at night and not suck up the battery using Bluetooth.

Bedjet 2 vs Bedjet 3 Comparison
BedJet 2 BedJet 3
Cooling System Ventilation via blowing air Ventilation via blowing air
Temperature Range 72-104 degrees F (depending on ambient room temperature) 66-104 degrees F (depending on ambient room temperature)
Remote Control

Simple wireless remote

  • can only control 1 BedJet
  • can only control some features

Color screen remote

  • can control 2 BedJets
  • can control all features and adjust the temperature down to the degree
Bluetooth App Required The app is not required to use the product, but some features cannot be accessed without using the app No, all features can be controlled via the color screen remote
SmartHome Compatible No Yes (SmartHome features will be coming via firmware update in late 2019)
Design Bulky and looks like a fan or air conditioner Small and minimalist; looks like a simple white rectangle and fits with home decor
Size Needs 7 inches of clearance under the bed 30% smaller; only needs 6 inches of clearance under the bed

The CUBE and Ooler-The Power of Water

Before we compare the BedJet to the Sleepme products, let's see how the CUBE Sleep System and new Ooler Sleep System stack up against each other.

Unlike the BedJet, the CUBE Sleep System and Ooler Sleep System are water-based rather than air-based. The control unit circulates either heated or chilled water through the hydronic mattress pad, which either raises or lowers the temperature of the bed itself. Both the CUBE and the Ooler Sleep System can lower bed temperatures to 55 degrees or raise them to 110 degrees.

While the temperature controlling mechanisms work more or less the same way, the Ooler Sleep System comes with a whole suite of additional features. It has a lower profile, sleeker overall design, and built-in ambient noise control, which will make the Ooler Sleep System a less distracting part of your bedroom.

The CUBE Sleep System (previously known as Chilipad) required a tedious and involved cleaning process every three months, as well as the separate purchase of a cleaning product. Luckily the Ooler Sleep System leaves this outdated maintenance system in the dust with an automatic UV light cleansing system. I think this particular item is a massive improvement since it makes the Ooler Sleep System virtually maintenance free.

One downside of the Ooler Sleep System versus the CUBE Sleep System is that it requires a smartphone app to operate, which is bad news for those who don't own smartphones or who like to keep their phones off at night.

CUBE vs Ooler
CUBE Ooler
Cooling System Circulating cooled water Circulating cooled water
Temperature Range 55-110 degrees F 55-110 degrees F
Remote Control Simple wireless remote No remote control: controlled via Smartphone app
Control Unit
  • Auto dim display
  • Auto shutoff when water level is low
  • Blue light blocking lens and auto dim display
  • Low water indicator and auto shutoff
  • Lower profile
  • Auto cleans with UV light
  • Ambient noise control
Pad
  • Mattress Pad
  • Machine washable
  • 8-foot tubing
  • Polyester cotton top and bottom with polyester fill
  • Hydronic pad
  • Machine washable
  • 7-foot tubing
  • Stretchable top fabric
  • Polyester bottom with waterproof FIR coating
App No app
  • Smartphone App
  • Programmable sleep schedules
  • Low water notifications
  • Warm-awake feature
  • Automatic preheat/pre-cool feature

BedJet vs. The CUBE Sleep System - A Choice Between Features and Cooling Power

First off, we'll compare the new BedJet 3 to the original CUBE Sleep System.

At first glance, the BedJet 3 certainly seems more advanced. It comes with a color screen remote that allows exact adjustment of all features, including setting the temperature down to the degree, while the CUBE only has a relatively simple wireless remote.

The BedJet 3 will also soon be SmartHome compatible, following a firmware update by the end of 2019.

I find the BedJet 3 more aesthetically appealing. While the CUBE is no eyesore, it definitely still looks like an appliance. The BedJet 3, however, can easily fit under most beds and even if you have to place it next to the bed, it still won't look out of place.

The BedJet 3 also comes with biorhythm technology, which allows users to set the temperature for every hour of the night and program the BedJet to wake them up in the morning via a temperature cue.

However, despite all its disadvantages, the CUBE Sleep System may still have an ace up its sleeve. In terms of pure, functional cooling power, the CUBE always comes out on top. Due to its water-based nature, the CUBE's cooling power is not as dependent on ambient air temperature, so it can drop bed temperatures as low as 55℉ while the BedJet can only do 66℉ in the best case scenario.

Bedjet 3 vs CUBE Sleep System
BedJet 3 CUBE Sleep System
Cooling System

Ventilation via blowing air

Circulating cooled water

Temperature Range 66-104 degrees F (depending on ambient room temperature) 55-110 degrees F
Remote Control

Color screen remote

  • Access all features
  • Adjust temperature down to the degree
Simple wireless remote
Bluetooth App Required No No
SmartHome Compatible Yes (coming late 2019) No
Design Small, minimalist white rectangle; fits with most home decor Large, white cube; looks like a humidifier or air conditioner
Size Low profile, only needs 6 inches of clearance to fit under a bed Tall, may not fit under low beds
Maintenance Check the washable air filter every 3 months and clean occasionally Every 3 months empty unit, then fill with water and cleaner, run the unit for 6-8 hours, then empty unit
Additional Features
  • Biorhythm Technology: Set the temperature for every hour of the night
  • Temperature wake-up trigger
None

BedJet vs. The Ooler Sleep System-Who Comes Out on Top?

In terms of additional features, the Ooler Sleep System and BedJet 3 are much more evenly matched.

The Ooler Sleep System matches the BedJet 3's biorhythm control and temperature wake-up trigger with its own programmable sleep schedule and warm-awake feature.

Another added feature of the Ooler, the automatic pre-warm and pre-cool function, does a great job of compensating for one of the downsides of water-based systems. Air-based products like the BedJet can change the temperature within a minute or two, but the Ooler and CUBE can take 15 minutes or more to reach their desired temperature.

The Ooler also sidesteps the lengthy cleaning process needed to keep the CUBE clean by automatically cleansing itself with UV lightv. This makes the Ooler Sleep System nearly maintenance free, while the BedJet 3 still requires a quick rinse of the air filter every three months.

I find the look of the Ooler control box more appealing as well, almost to the point of being on par with the modern-looking BedJet 3. It also comes with ambient noise control, making it as quiet or quieter than the BedJet 3. Both products are only about as loud as a floor fan or desktop computer, so this isn't likely to make a huge difference unless you are an extremely light sleeper.

Bedjet 3 vs Ooler Sleep System
BedJet 3 Ooler
Cooling System Ventilation via blowing air Circulating cooled water
Temperature Range 66-104 degrees F (depending on ambient room temperature) 55-110 degrees F
Remote Control Color screen remote No remote control: controlled via Smartphone app
Bluetooth App Required No Yes
SmartHome Compatible Yes No
Design Small, minimalist white cube; fits with most home decor Small, white unit; still looks like an appliance but fits in better with home decor
Size Low profile, only needs 6 inches of clearance to fit under a bed Low profile, fits under most beds
Maintenance Check washable air filter every 3 months and wash occasionally Auto cleans via UV light
Additional Features
  • Biorhythm technology: set temperature for every hour of the night
  • Temperature wake-up trigger
  • Ambient white noise control
  • Programmable sleep schedule
  • Warm-awake
  • Automatic preheat/pre-cool

CUBE vs Sleep Number DualTemp Layer

Unlike the CUBE Cube—which provides single degree incremental heat changes between 55℉-100℉--the sleep number dual temp only offers three pre-determined settings of a low, medium, or high for both the heating and cooling settings to choose from. The Sleep Number DualTemp layer also uses a significant amount more of power—200 watts vs. the 80 watts per cube from the CUBE. Since it uses one-way airflow, it is less reliable when it comes to maintaining your desired temperature conditions.

Perfect Sleep Pad

The Perfect Sleep Pad is Canadian owned and most like the CUBE. Instead of a mattress cover, it is a pad that delivers temperature range from 46℉ to 118℉. While it uses water to adjust hotness, it differs in that it circulates water through soft coils rather than tubes. When the heating element is used, the pad turns into an electric blanket.

Product Cooling Tech Zone System Temp. Range
CUBE Sleep System Water-based Single/Dual 46℉ -118℉
Bedjet Air-based Single/Dual 72℉ -104℉
Sleep Number DualTemp Air-based Single/Dual 55-100
Perfect Sleep Pad Water-based Single/Dual 46-118

Your Purchase Options and Affordability

To know how much you can expect to pay for either system, you first have to know how you want to use them. If you only need a sleep system for yourself, or if you and your partner have the same bedtime temperature needs, then you only need to purchase one unit.

If you need dual temperature zones, then you may need to fork over more cash for two units. For the BedJet you'll also need to purchase at least one Cloud Sheet, which contains the heated or cooled air to only one side of the bed.

You can use the table below to determine what setup you need for your specific temperature requirements.

Bedjet and Sleepme - Buying Guide
Temperature Needs Ideal For… BedJet Solution Sleepme Solution
Entire bed heated and cooled to one temperature
  • Individuals
  • Couples with the same temperature needs
  • 1 BedJet with or without the Cloud Sheet
  • 1 control unit and pad sized for the bed
Only one side of the bed heated and cooled
  • Couples where only one member needs heating or cooling
  • 1 BedJet and at least 1 Cloud Sheet
  • 1 control unit and pad sized for half the bed
Both sides of the bed heated and cooled independently
  • Couples where both members have different temperature needs
  • 2 BedJets and at least 1 Cloud Sheet (more effective with 2 Cloud Sheets)
  • 2 control units and pad sized for the bed

Even when taking the purchase of the Cloud Sheets into consideration, the BedJet 2 is far and away the cheapest option for either an individual or a couple at only $339. The BedJet 3 is still cheaper than either Sleepme system for an individual and is only slightly more expensive than the original CUBE Sleep System for a couple.

If you're really looking for the budget option, BedJet sells certified refurbished BedJet 2's on their website for only $299. At the time of this writing, Sleepme (previously known as Chili Technology) does not offer refurbished models for either of its products.

Below you can see the pricing options for individuals and couples with each system.

Pricing Options for Singles and Couples
Product For One For Two
Bedjet 2

$339

$799 (queen, includes 1 Cloud Sheet)
Bedjet 3 $449 $1,029 (queen, includes 1 Cloud Sheet)
CUBE Sleep System $499 (half queen) $999 (queen)
Ooler Sleep System $699 (half queen) $1,399 (queen)

The Verdict

The reality is that either of these products would probably help you sleep better and more comfortably. Both brands offer scheduled temperature adjustments throughout the night and a temperature-cued wake up in their latest models, so you can get those features regardless of which side you choose. I would certainly be happy to use either product myself.

Since both products are high quality and effective, the BedJet products may be a better choice for those who are looking to save money. They are markedly less expensive, especially if you only need one unit or are willing to buy a refurbished unit.

On the other hand, if you live in a particularly hot and humid region the CUBE and Ooler Sleep Systems may be a better fit. The cooling power of air-based systems is severely hampered by high humidity levels, whereas water-based products will be mostly unaffected. The CUBE and Ooler can also both achieve overall lower temperatures, especially when the ambient temperature is high.

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