ChiliSleep ChiliPAD Cube Sleep System Review 2022 – A Worthy Sleep Investment?

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ChiliPAD Cube Sleep System Review

4.6
Shipping & Delivery 4.8
Unboxing & Setting-up 4.7
Performance & Temperature Regulation 4.5
Energy Efficiency 4.6
Maintenance & Warranty 4.7

Pros

  • Single and dual-zone pads make this great for partners with different sleeping needs, or just for your own
  • Machine-washable and super easy to clean and maintain
  • The remote control enables you to change between a wide range of temperature
  • Possible savings on your utility bill due to energy efficiency
  • Can be used year-round to keep cool or warm for enhancing sleep quality

Cons

  • May disrupt very light sleepers because of its humming sound
  • High price point makes this product less accessible for someone on a strict budget
  • Does not reach the lowest temperature setting when in a particularly hot and humid climate
  • Cube placement requires ample space which may be hard to accommodate in a smaller bedroom

The optimal temperature for sleeping lies between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, you can easily fall into a deep sleep, enabling your body and brain to recover from the day before and prepare for cognitive functioning the next day. Due to the small window of ideal sleep temperature and your body’s tendency to overheat, sleeping pad toppers have been helping people reach this optimal temperature in bed for many years.

Chilipad makes one of these mattress toppers, and they recently sent us one of their cooling and heating pads to give a try. According to our trial run, this Chilipad Cube Sleep System review will tell you what we learned – its features, functions, specifications, the pros, and cons, so you can decide if it is the right product for you.

Should You Consider Buying a Mattress Topper?

Overheating at night is a common problem that can lead to poor sleep quality. Adversely, being too cold while sleeping can also contribute to restlessness and inadequate slumber. If you fall into one of these categories, you may want to consider a sleeping pad with cooling and heating capabilities that can be placed on top of your existing mattress. Maintaining a proper temperature while you sleep should not be overlooked, as this will significantly contribute to better sleep.

We recommend trying a mattress pad or topper if you have a reasonably new mattress that doesn’t need replacing or if you can’t afford the cost of purchasing a new bed at this moment. A mattress pad is a great option that will transform your bed without the hassle of buying a new one entirely.

What is a Chilipad Sleep System? A Brief Overview

mattress pad and remote

The Chilipad is a mattress topper designed to enable custom temperature regulation on the surface of your bed. It has cooling and heating capabilities that can reach anywhere between 55 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 43 degrees Celsius.) The temperature control can be changed by 1-degree increments for the perfect feel that best suits your body temperature needs. The Chilipad is suitable and safe for children and adults alike.

The Chilipad mattress pad is thin and lies flat on top of your bed, below the sheets. It contains a series of medical-grade silicone micro-tubes that facilitate water flow and retention to achieve the desired hot or cool settings. Two larger tubes connect the mattress pad to the cube, which powers and controls the entire topper. The tubes also allow the transport of water between the two main components. The larger tubes have an additional casing, making them durable and flexible, so you don’t have to worry about damaging them.

The material used to make the mattress pad is a 150-thread count poly-cotton blend. This material is durable enough to last, soft to the touch, and enables airflow and breathability. The mattress topper has elastic straps on each corner so you can secure it to your mattress.

The Chilipad is available in multiple sizes: Twin (may be hard to find because it was discontinued after low demand), Twin XL, Full, Single, Queen, King, California King, and Split California King. Specific size charts are available when you purchase the product online. So, you can ensure you get the right size for your mattress. Likewise, you will not be overwhelmed with the options.

The larger choices – starting with Queen size – offer a dual-chambered system to provide the sleepers with individually customizable temperature control on either side of the bed. The dual design utilizes two separate cubes to facilitate the varying temperatures on either side. Therefore, both you and your partner do not have to compromise on the temperature setting.

Features & Benefits

1. Additional Product Specifications

top view of the cube

  • Cube dimensions: The Cube control unit is 9 ¼ inches wide, 7 ½ inches tall, and 9 ¼ inches long.
  • Cube weight: The Cube weighs approximately 9 pounds.
  • Energy usage: On average, the device uses 80 watts to function.
  • Power source: You must plug the Cube control unit into an AC outlet, and the remote control requires two AAA batteries to function.
  • Weight limit: The Chilipad has a 500-pound weight limit for each cooling and heating zone. However, Chilipad notes that the closer you get to the weight limit, the less temperature level will be experienced.
  • Cord length: The Cube’s power cord is 8 feet long.

2. Shipping and Delivery

Unlike many other online sleep product companies, this mattress pad offers international shipping to many countries. Depending on where you purchase, you may pay an additional fee. Although, this is to be expected when shipping most items internationally. Chilipad offers free shipping within the continental USA, and most orders ship in only a day or two. We tested the international shipping process and had our Chilipad sent to Southeast Asia. We are happy to report that the mattress pad arrived quickly and in excellent condition. It’s pretty impressive since it had to travel nearly halfway around the world to arrive at its final destination. Rush shipping is also available for an additional fee within the USA.

3. Performance and Temperature Regulation

Whether or not the Chilipad performs as it should will be the most crucial part of this Chilipad Cube Sleep System review. So let’s dive right in!

Temperature Setting

After sleeping on the Chilipad for a few nights, it is fair to say that it performs reasonably well when setting the temperature for a hot or cold sleeper. Also, it remains cool all night long. However, we tested the Chilipad in a sweltering and humid climate. It was unable to achieve the lowest temperature, even after being set for a considerable amount of time.

We set the pad to the lowest possible temperature of 13 degrees Celsius, but the lowest it achieved was only 17 degrees Celsius. All of the recommended ventilation practices have been followed, but the Chilipad just could not compete with the climate combined with personal body heat. Though 17 degrees Celsius or 63 degrees Fahrenheit is still pretty chilly overall, this may not be enough in a particularly hot and humid climate if you tend to be a hot sleeper like me. But it definitely helps.

When using the Chilipad in place of an air conditioning unit, you will only be cooled from below. The air in your room will remain warm, causing slight temperature fluctuation. This should be considered when determining if the pad will be cool enough to suit your needs. Unlike an air conditioning unit that lowers the temperature of the entire room, you will not experience any cooling effects in the room itself, only while you are in bed.

Use an Insulator

Using a sheet to cover your body, even in the hot climate, will help to keep you a bit cooler as well. The sheet acted as a barrier between the room temperature and the cool energy emitted from the Chilipad, keeping you cooler. We tested both with and without a sheet, which was definitely noticeable. The sheet also provided a more consistent temperature that did not fluctuate and inadvertently didn’t disrupt sleep. It is highly recommended to use something like a sheet for an insulator, even though it may feel counterintuitive for cooling purposes.

Note that the Chilipad sleep system cooled much faster when no one was lying on top. If someone is occupying the bed while the temperature is adjusting, it will take approximately three times longer, or 45 minutes to cool.

Auto Shut-Off Feature

The Chilipad also features an automatic shut-off function after 10 hours of continuous use. As mentioned above, we forgot to power down the Cube the first couple of days of using it. This feature became handy until we developed the habit of turning it off manually every time we got out of the bed.

Our Chilipad’s heating capabilities are yet to be tested. Still, it’s expected to reach the maximum temperature if you happen to be in a warmer climate. Adversely, similar results are anticipated on the opposite side of the temperature spectrum if the Chilipad is tested in a region experiencing extremely low temperatures. Other consumer reviews have confirmed this, and while the Chilipad does get pretty warm, it does not reach the projected highest temperature on the thermometer during the coldest of winter nights.

4. Noise Level

a sleeping lady with a cube on bedside

Does the Chilipad make noise when turned on?

As far as noise is concerned, there is no denying it – the Cube is a bit noisy, and the control unit produces a low hum, similar to a large fan. The Chilipad may even be a bit louder than some air conditioning systems. The sound it emits is a consistent white noise, which many people find soothing and helpful when falling asleep. If you prefer silence while you snooze, the Chilipad is not the best device for you and may cost you a good night’s sleep.

When the Cube control unit was first turned on, we immediately noticed the sound. But the longer it was left it running, the less we heard the noise as it blended well into the background. For some light sleepers, especially in the morning, the Chilipad doesn’t cause sleep disruption because of the consistent humming noise. For some, it might even be able to replace your white noise machine!

5. Energy Use and Practicality

Another essential part of this Chilipad review concerns whether or not the Chilipad sleep system is cost-efficient for energy usage. It is estimated that the average Chilipad costs 18 cents per night to operate. This may be a considerable amount of savings compared to using your air conditioning unit or system, especially if you have ample space to cool. One will definitely feel like the Chilipad will decrease energy usage if they live in a hot and humid climate. This, in turn, will reduce their bill and likewise, be more environment-friendly.

6. Affordability

single mattress topper

The Chilipad is not inexpensive and may be considered a significant investment in some households. It is a high-quality, high-performing product, and you will have to pay a premium for it. When considering the price – and whether or not the Chilipad is a good value – you should include the energy savings into your final decision. It may only save a small amount of energy each night, but the savings will add up quicker than you think. You should also consider the value of good sleep when considering the high price tag. For many, a great night of sleep is priceless.

However, we have good news! Use the coupon code chilipad25 when checking out to save 25% on the Chilipad sleep system! Just head over to the official store here.

7. Maintenance and Product Warranty

Another great perk of the Chilipad is that it is entirely machine-washable. Thus, you don’t have to take it to a laundromat for dry cleaning. To clean, simply remove the mattress pad, fold over, tie up the tubes to prevent excessive smashing inside the machine, and wash on the delicate cycle using cold water. Chilipad recommends using a front load washer for best results, but a top load washer would work as well.

Routine Cleaning

Chilipad also recommends treating the water with hydrogen peroxide monthly to maintain a sterile and hygienic circulation and tubing system. This will encourage a long-lasting lifespan for the product.

To perform this routine maintenance, start by turning the Cube on and setting the temperature to 75 degrees Fahrenheit or 24 degrees Celsius. Next, remove the cap from the water tank and add a capful of hydrogen peroxide to the water inside. Leave the lid off while the peroxide works its magic. You will be able to see bubbles forming on the surface of the water and peroxide mixture inside the Cube. Once the bubbles dissipate and are no longer visible on the surface, you will know the cleaning process is finished, and you can replace the cap.

A deep clean is recommended every three months as well. You will want to drain all of the water out of the Cube and mattress pad for the deep clean. Add new, fresh distilled water and set the Cube to the highest temperature setting. Like the monthly cleaning, add a capful of hydrogen peroxide and leave the cap off until you no longer see bubbles on the surface. Lastly, replace the cap and reset the Chilipad to the desired temperature. It’s best to observe this routine regularly to keep your pad in excellent condition.

Trial and Warranty Periods

The Chilipad offers a 90-day in-home sleep trial paired with a 2-year limited warranty with each of their products. According to the consumers’ review, its customer service honors its warranty. Moreover, they have had no issues with any defects or returning the product for a full refund. If you are hesitant to purchase the Chilipad, this could provide you with some additional comfort.

Aside from considering this review, you can try out the Chilipad yourself before you make the final decision and decide to keep it longer than the 90-day trial period. Double-check the in-home trial duration and warranty terms if you choose to purchase your Chilipad through a third-party vendor, as their policies may differ.

Unboxing and Setting-up

When the new Chilipad arrived, it was in a medium-sized box that weighs approximately 17 pounds. Even though its width made it slightly awkward at first, the box is easily moved.

Inside the new mattress topper’s packaging, a brief welcome note explains the pad’s specifications. There are easy-to-follow instructions for set-up, a remote control, a tube drain, the mattress pad itself, the cube that powers the topper, and warranty information.

To set up the new Chilipad, follow these 5 steps:

1. Place and Secure the Chilipad on Top of Your Mattress

Unfold your mattress pad and place it on top of the bed, underneath the fitted sheet. Use the elastic straps in each corner to secure the pad before replacing the fitted sheet. Feel free to position the microtubes at the head or foot of the bed, whichever you prefer most. Some have considered it best to position it at the foot of the bed. (A note on proper Cube positioning immediately follows this 5-step tutorial)

2. Connect the Cube

Plug your Cube into an AC outlet and position it so the water tank is on the top. Next, connect the external tube to the Cube’s connector with the blue release button facing up.

3. Add Water to the Cube

Unscrew the capped opening on the top of the Cube and fill it with distilled water. Once the Cube is full of water, you are ready to turn it on. Hit the power button and wait for a light beep, which signals that the tubes begin to fill. Begin adding more distilled water until the ‘add water’ light goes out and replace the cap. You may have to repeat this process three times before the ‘add water’ light goes out.

4. Choose Your Desired Temperature

You can control the temperature using manual buttons on the Cube itself or by using the remote. To sync the remote control with the Cube, simply hold down the Cube’s power button for 5 seconds until it beeps, and then turn on the remote. Set the temperature in one-degree increments until you find the desired effect.

The display will show the desired temperature, not always the current temperature. Allow about 15 minutes for the changes to occur, particularly when making a big adjustment. In some instances – like in extreme heat or cold – or when you choose to lie in the bed while it cools, you may need to wait for as long as 45 minutes for the pad to reach your desired and preset temperature.

5. Remember to Power Down Your Chilipad When It’s Not in Use

To save power and money, make sure you turn the Chilipad off every morning after use. Not only do you want to preserve the life of the mattress pad, but it changes the temperature so quickly, and there is no need to keep it running. We forgot for a few minutes the first morning, but it became pretty routine after a few nights.

A Note on Cube Positioning

cube at the foot of the bed

When deciding which end of the bed you want to position the connector tubes and the Cube, choose a spot that permits ample space around the Cube itself. The manufacturer recommends having at least 24 inches of space on each side to promote proper cooling and prevent overheating.

One of the Cube’s functions employs a fan to ventilate the system, and for this to work, it must be placed in a relatively open area. While it may seem ideal to tuck it away underneath your bed, we do not recommend this. Doing so could cause overheating and a lower level of functioning overall. In fact, where you position the Cube may be more important than the ambient room temperature, particularly when it comes to reaching the highest and lowest temperatures in the predicted range. Thus, it’s best to pay close attention to where you put it.

Whenever possible, it is recommended to be placed at the foot of the bed to allow proper ventilation. It has been tried and known to have worked very well.

Initial Reaction

Overall, we found the set-up process relatively easy and not very time-consuming. We noticed that it takes a considerable amount of water to get up and running initially. However, the same water can stay in the system – without a complete flush – for a very long time. Since this pad requires distilled water to operate and you can also easily obtain one at an inexpensive cost, it’s wise to strictly follow this instruction. Avoid other types of water, like tap water, because it can cause a buildup and corrosion, leading to poor functioning and a possible early breakdown of your mattress pad.

Upon inspection, the Chilipad Cube Sleep System was in excellent condition, appeared to be high quality, used durable stitching in the design, and the cover was very soft to the touch. If you lie down on top of the mattress, you will undoubtedly notice how well it disguises the feel of the cooling tubes within. You could barely feel them, and the overall sensation was comfortable and inviting. However, you could still feel traces of the cooling tubes. So, if you know you will not find this sensation comfortable, you may want to consider other cooling options for your personal bed.

When attaching the pad to the mattress, you will also note that the stretchable loops in each corner have ample space for a mattress with more than 12 inches of depth. Regardless of how thick your mattress is, you should have no issues attaching the Chilipad easily and quickly with the elastic straps provided.

Overall Experience and Final Thoughts

different temperatures

In conclusion, this Chilipad review will end with a quick recap of who we ultimately recommend this product for. Thus, you can finally decide if you want to give it a try or if maybe it is not the right fit for you.

The Chilipad might be the best choice if:

  • You’re a hot sleeper
  • You sleep with a partner that has different sleep needs than you
  • You are pregnant and sleeping hotter than normal, or you simply tend to overheat while you are asleep
  • You become extra cold and need additional heat in the winter

The Chilipad might not be the right option for you if:

  • You are one of those light sleepers and need total silence
  • You do not suffer from overheating or becoming too cold while you sleep
  • You find an additional mattress pad uncomfortable
  • You do not have enough space to accommodate the Cube

We Recommend the Chilipad Cube Sleep System

Overall, the Chilipad Cube Sleep System is highly advisable if you want to improve your sleep health in general. You can expect to get a better sleep quality in a more temperature-controlled bed. The Chilipad will definitely accomplish a consistent cooling or heating sensation for you night after night. It is kind of expensive, but it is hard to put a price on good sleep. Always remember that it is alright to splurge when it comes to buying yourself sleep products. After all, you spend about a third of your life in bed. It pays to have a comfortable sleeping condition so you would always wake up feeling refreshed. What is excellent sleep worth to you?

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Additional Resources

Emily Alexander
Emily Alexander

Emily Melynn Alexander was born on the east coast of the USA but has called Colorado home since 2000. She has a degree in English and Political Science from Metropolitan State University of Denver. She enjoys sleeping in locations all around the world.

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