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Best Heated Mattress Pads
As winter approaches, it may be time to get your cold weather bedding out of storage. But if you want an alternative to heavy, bulky bedding, or you can’t seem to stay warm at night without turning up your thermostat, a heated mattress pad may be worth considering.
Electric heated mattress pads offer adjustable settings that warm your bed to help keep you cozy at night, while using only a fraction of the power when compared to central heating. Modern heated bed pads range from simple and effective systems to advanced options with both heating and cooling. We’ll walk you through our picks for the best heated mattress pads and what you need to know to pick the right one for your needs.
The Best Heated Mattress Pads
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Best Overall
The Company Store Quilted Heated Mattress Pad
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Best Value
Sharper Image Dual Heated Mattress Pad
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Best Luxury
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover
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Most Comfortable
Sleep Number Warming Layer
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Best for Couples
BedJet 3 Dual Zone Climate Comfort Sleep System
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Softest
Brookstone Navien Mate Digital Warming Mattress Pad
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In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall
The Company Store Quilted Heated Mattress Pad
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The Company Store’s Quilted Heated Mattress Pad delivers the goods with 10 temperature settings, generous pocket depth, and plush fiber fill quilted into the surface. Not only will the pad keep you warm, but it also greatly improves the comfort level of your sleep surface.
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Pros
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Substantial fiber quilted top offers extra cushioning
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Simple wire-heating system with 10 heat settings
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Deep pockets can accommodate most mattresses
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Cons
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Not sold in twin XL or California king sizes
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Relatively short trial period
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Price
$149
Cover Material
Cotton blend
Fill
Synthetic fill and electric heating wires
With quilted cotton and a synthetic fill, The Company Store Quilted Heated Mattress Pad offers soft, cushioning comfort. The pad is designed like a fitted sheet, with polyester sides and stretchy elastic that can accommodate mattresses up to 22 inches high.
The Quilted Heated Mattress Pad uses an electric wire-heated design to provide even heat across the surface of the pad. The pad is made with a 100% cotton top panel, and the quilted design holds the polyester fiberfill in place while offering additional loft and cushioning. This design will add noticeable plushness to your mattress.
Featuring 10 adjustable heat settings, the pad is equipped with a wired controller with a digital display. It also has a built-in 10-hour automatic shut off.
The Company Store Quilted Heated Mattress Pad is machine-washable. It comes in four standard sizes: twin, full, queen, and king. The queen and king sizes include two temperature controls so that partners sharing the same bed can individually control the heat setting on their side of the bed. This pad is protected by a 5-year limited warranty.
Best Value
Sharper Image Dual Heated Mattress Pad
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Designed for 10 temperature levels and dual-heating capabilities, this heated pad from Sharper Image is essential for co-sleepers with differing preferences. Automatic shutoff and unsafe heat reduction controls also make the pad safe to use.
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Pros
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Dual temperature control allows you and your partner to enjoy different settings
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Pad automatically shuts off after 10 hours and reduces unsafe heat levels
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Fully machine-washable for easy care
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Cons
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Channeled design may change how your sleep surface feels
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Not sold in twin or twin XL sizes
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Price
$200
Cover Material
100% polyester
Fill
Heating wires
The Dual Heated Mattress Pad from Sharper Image is a top-notch option for couples as well as those looking to add warmth without changing their mattress’ feel. This slim pad has a skirt-style design that fits similarly to a fitted sheet and radiates heat across its entire surface. It also has an affordable price-point considering its wide range of settings and versatility.
Dual controls allow partners to manage the temperature on their side of the bed independently from one another, making this model an excellent choice for couples with different preferences. Each controller has 10 heat settings, allowing you to fine-tune your sleep surface. The pad is electric and plugs directly into any AC outlet.
Though this pad should get some protection against wear and tear from your fitted sheet, it’s easy to launder and most users should find it quite durable. The 100% polyester fabric can be machine-washed and dried but it should not be dry cleaned. It also includes several safety features, such as an automatic 10-hour shut-off and a mode that prevents heating in unsafe conditions. Shoppers can purchase this pad in full, queen, and king dimensions.
Sharper Image accepts returns on unused items that are in their original packaging.
Best Luxury
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover
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The revolutionary Eight Sleep Pod Cover allows you to select from a wide range of cooling and heating levels, making the pad suitable for any time of the year. Integrated sensors also track your nighttime movements for daily sleep data reports.
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Pros
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Customizable for any temperature between 55 and 110 degrees
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Embedded sensors track key data points to help you sleep better
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Zips on and off to fully encase your mattress
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Cons
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Very expensive compared to the average mattress pad
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Internal tubes can easily be damaged beyond repair
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Price
$2,195
Cover Material
Polyester and cotton
Fill
Water tubes
While the Eight Sleep Pod 3 Cover’s might seem pretty expensive at first glance, rest assured that advanced heating and cooling technology backs up the steep sticker price. Designed for use with the Eight Sleep Pod Pro 3 but compatible with any mattress between 10 and 16 inches thick, the cover contains thin wires running from top to bottom. These wires connect to an external reservoir known as the “Hub,” which heats or cools water based on the temperature setting and funnels it through the cover. Using the Eight Sleep app, you can program the temperature on each side of the bed anywhere between 55 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition to superior temperature control, the Pod 3 Cover also features sensors that enable sleep tracking. You can monitor your breathing, resting heart rate, and other metrics through the app’s sleep data interface. Another nifty component is the temperature-based smart alarm, which wakes you up with a gradual thermal adjustment and gentle vibration.
The cover acts as a full encasement when in use, though it is not waterproof and should never be machine washed. Full, queen, king, and California king sizes are available. Ground shipping is free for all customers in the contiguous U.S. Each purchase includes a 30-night trial, and those who keep their Pod 3 Cover receive a 2-year warranty against various structural defects.
Most Comfortable
Sleep Number Warming Layer
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The Sleep Number Warming Layer is constructed with a plush microfleece shell for elevated comfort and insulation. You can choose from a wide range of heat settings, and the entire pad is machine-washable for quick and easy care.
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Pros
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Microfleece shell softens your sleep surface for added comfort
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Wires are exceptionally thin to help maintain a uniform feel
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Automatic shutoff after 10 hours of use
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Cons
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Not sold in twin, twin XL, or full sizes
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Pad takes up to 15 minutes to fully heat
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Price
$200
Cover Material
100% polyester
Fill
Heating wires
A high-quality heated mattress pad can be an expensive investment, but the Sleep Number Warming Layer is a notable exception. The pad offers 11 different settings, as well as automatic shutoff and a soft microfleece shell, but its sticker price falls well below most competing pads of this caliber.
Ultra-thin wires run through the pad to deliver heat from end to end without making the surface feel uneven. Sleep Number recommends giving the pad 10 to 15 minutes to warm up before using it. The corners are equipped with elastic bands, rather than stretch pockets, so the pad is compatible with virtually any mattress made today. You can launder the pad in your household machines for quick and easy care. Machine wash in cold water, then tumble dry on low heat and remove the pad as soon as the cycle is finished. If you use the pad overnight, it automatically shuts off after 10 hours of use.
Queen, king, and California king sizes are available. In addition to the relatively low price, Sleep Number ships the warming layer free of charge throughout the contiguous U.S. Your purchase includes a 100-night trial period allowing you to test out the pad, and a 1-year warranty against structural defects if you decide to keep it.
Best for Couples
BedJet 3 Dual Zone Climate Comfort Sleep System
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The BedJet uses active heating and cooling technology to help your sleep surface maintain a constant temperature anywhere from 66 to 104 degrees. Compact dimensions and quiet operation add to the convenience of this innovative device.
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Pros
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Wide range of temperature settings
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38-decibel noise output is exceptionally quiet compared to competing temperature control devices
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Dual-zone option for couples delivers a different heating or cooling level on each side of the bed
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Cons
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Expensive pricing will be a dealbreaker for many shoppers
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Not compatible with beds that rest lower than 6 inches from the floor
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Price
$1,269
Cover Material
100% cotton
Fill
100% cotton
If you and your sleep partner have been dissatisfied with traditional heated pads, the BedJet 3 might be worth considering. This cutting-edge device consists of an external unit placed beneath your bed, which draws in outside air and heats or cools it to any temperature between 66 and 104 degrees. A hose funnels the air beneath your sheet to keep you cozy or cool all night long.
If you and your partner differ in your temperature preferences, you can upgrade to the “dual-zone” sleep system with two BedJet units. The dual-zone option also includes a sheet with a divider down the middle to isolate airflow on each side of the bed. You can stay warm, your partner can keep cool, and neither of your temperature settings will interfere with the other person’s sleep.
Wireless remotes enable you to quickly and easily adjust temperature settings. The device has been rated for a volume of 38 decibels, making it quieter than most conventional bedroom fans and air conditioning units. Since the unit rests beneath your bed, you won’t need to worry about electrical components on your sleep surface. The BedJet 3 needs only 6 inches of under-bed clearance. If your bed frame rests low to your floor, we recommend measuring before making this purchase to ensure the external unit will fit.
The BedJet 3 Dual Zone is very expensive and cost will be a barrier to some shoppers, but if you need a certain temperature to sleep comfortably, this device may prove invaluable. Standard ground shipping is free for orders in the U.S. and Canada. A 60-night sleep trial allows you to test the BedJet 3 and decide if it’s right for you. The standard warranty covers various defects for 2 years, and you can purchase an extended warranty that runs for 4 years.
Softest
Brookstone Navien Mate Digital Warming Mattress Pad
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Brookstone’s Navien Mate Digital Warming Mattress Pad uses heated water to deliver precise temperature control. A smooth surface ensures the pad won’t affect the feel of your sleep surface, and the organic cotton cover has an invitingly soft hand-feel.
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Pros
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Heats using temperature-controlled water
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Dual controls ensure both sides of the bed are comfortable
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100% organic cotton cover is soft and breathable
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Cons
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Price-point is much higher than average
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Motor may produce some noise when the blanket is in use
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Price
$449
Cover Material
100% organic cotton
Fill
Tubing and warm water
The Navien Mate Digital Warming Mattress Pad from Brookstone uses temperature-controlled water to heat your sleep surface. Though it has a fairly high sticker price, sleepers who want a heated pad that’s designed for maximum comfort may want to consider Brookstone’s offering.
Rather than electric coils, the pad uses tubes filled with warmed water. To set the system up, pour water into the separate heating unit and connect the tubing to the pad. The unit uses a small motor to heat the water which is then circulated within the pad to create an evenly warmed surface. People who sleep with partners will enjoy the dual temperature controls, which increase in 1-degree increments.
The temperature can be adjusted precisely. After the water circulates through the tubing, it returns to the heating unit where the temperature is checked to ensure it’s correct. The cover is made from 100% organic cotton that’s thin enough it shouldn’t interfere with the feel of your mattress. You can purchase this pad in three different standard dimensions, and it includes a storage bag. Brookstone backs the Navien Mate Mattress Pad with a 2-year warranty.
What is a Heated Mattress Pad?
A mattress pad is a thin layer that you can place on top of your mattress to provide additional cushioning and protection. This bedding accessory can serve to make your sleep surface a bit softer and adds a protective barrier that will help prolong the life of your mattress. Mattress pads typically come with elastic straps or sewn-in elastic bands similar to a fitted sheet to hold the pad in place.
Heated mattress pads take the comfort of a traditional mattress pad one step further with the addition of an electric-powered heating element. This provides extra warmth for cold sleepers or those who live in frigid climates.
Mattress pads are not the same as mattress toppers or mattress covers. Pads and toppers can both be used to modify the comfort level of your current mattress. However, mattress toppers offer a much thicker, more substantial adjustment. While pads are typically made with cotton or polyester for gentle cushioning, mattress toppers are often made with materials like memory foam or latex.
While pads and toppers both help protect your mattress from wear and tear, it is not their primary function. Mattress encasements and protectors are designed specifically to keep your mattress clean from liquids, body oils, and other contaminants.
How to Choose a Heated Mattress Pad
Heated mattress pads come in several varieties, with a wide range of features and price-points available. We’ll break down the most important qualities to look for to help you find a heated mattress pad that’s right for you.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Heated Mattress Pad
Shopping for new bedding can be daunting, but the right sleep accessories may help improve your sleep quality. A mattress pad can be used to adjust your overall comfort, especially when it includes heating or cooling elements to adjust the temperature of the bed.
Many companies will tout their product as a universal solution that works for every sleeper. But each person has unique needs and preferences that should be considered when making a bedding purchase.
We’ll highlight the most essential features that will impact your heated bed pad’s performance.
- Heating: Heated mattress pads typically rely on one of two heating methods: wires or water. Wired heated mattress pads contain a network of electrical wires. The wires are typically thin enough that you shouldn’t feel them through the pad. More advanced heating pads use water to deliver heat to your mattress. These systems come with a separate control unit that heats up a reservoir of water and pumps it into tubes spaced throughout the mattress pad. These systems allow for greater control over the temperature of your bed. Both types of mattress pads often come equipped with a handheld controller. This allows you to adjust the heat level. Higher-end pads tend to have more adjustability with a larger number of heat settings.
- Cooling: Traditional wire-based mattress pads can only provide heat. However, electric water-heated mattress pads also have cooling capabilities, making these sleep systems much more versatile for year-round use.
- Price: Heated mattress pads are available in a wide range of price-points, from under $100 to over $1,000. More expensive models will often come with advanced features and higher-quality materials. However, even on the lower end of this price range, you can find reliable heated mattress pads that help keep you warm on cold nights. Reading customer reviews before you make a purchase can help you determine whether a specific model will be a good value for the price.
- Controls: Heated mattress pads typically come equipped with a handheld control that allows you to adjust the pad’s temperature. Controls are usually wired to the pad, but some pads come with wireless controllers or can be controlled by a smartphone app.Certain models also offer dual or split controls so you can adjust each side of the mattress individually. This feature is ideal for couples with different temperature preferences. A timer function is also helpful, so you can set your pad to automatically turn off after a certain number of hours.
- Quality Materials: The most common materials that you’ll find used in heated mattress pads are polyester and cotton. Cotton is a natural material that tends to be moisture-wicking and breathable, while polyester offers more affordability. Blends offer the benefits of both materials in a single fabric. The quality of materials used will impact the overall durability of the mattress pad, and determine how well it stands up to regular use and cleaning.
- Thickness: A pad’s thickness can impact the comfort of your mattress. The thicker the pad, the more likely it is to make your bed feel noticeably softer and provide extra cushioning for pressure points like the shoulders and hips. If your mattress is a bit too firm, a pad can provide some additional comfort. That said, most mattress pads are an inch or less in thickness and will not have a significant impact on the firmness of your mattress. If your primary concern is modifying the comfort of your current bed by making it softer or firmer, we recommend considering a mattress topper instead.
- Cleaning and Care: Bedding that requires special care such as dry cleaning or hand washing can take away from its practicality. A heated mattress pad is typically placed underneath your fitted sheet, which helps protect the pad and extend the amount of time between cleanings. To make cleaning and care easier, look for models that are machine-washable and dryer-safe. Regardless of the model you choose, make sure to always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to avoid damaging your pad.
- Noise: Most heated mattress pads are made with cotton or polyester, which are silent when bearing weight. Mattress pads that are designed to be waterproof can crinkle when you move around on top of them. If you’re a light sleeper who is sensitive to noise, you may want to avoid heated pads that have a waterproof layer.
Which Type of Heated Mattress Pad Should I Choose?
Heated mattress pads come in two main varieties. While both use electricity to generate heat and keep you warm, there are some important differences between the two styles.
Electric Wire-Heated Pads
Traditional heated mattress pads use a metal wire-based system. This type of heated mattress pad works by using the electricity to create heat, which is then transferred to the sleeper by a network of thin, flexible metal wires.
The heating wires are integrated directly into the fabric of the mattress pad. The thin design allows the wires to provide warmth without disturbing the comfort of your sleep surface. However, encasing metal wires in fabric raises some safety concerns and requires sleepers to carefully follow all manufacturer instructions.
Electric wire-heated pads typically come with a handheld control that allows you to adjust the heat level. They also tend to be more affordable.
Electric Water-Heated Sleep Systems
More advanced heated mattress pads feature a water-heated system. While this type of mattress pad also relies on electricity, the method for generating heat is quite different.
Electric water-heated sleep systems use electricity to heat (or cool) a small volume of water to the temperature of your choosing. The heated water is then pumped into a network of silicone tubes distributed throughout the interior surface of the pad.
Electric water-heated sleep systems typically come equipped with a controller for adjusting the warmth to your liking. This type of mattress pad is incredibly effective when it comes to keeping you warm, but it comes with a much higher price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heated Mattress Pads
Heated mattress pads are relatively safe, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Safety is a common concern for models made with electric heated wires since the use of metal-based heating poses the potential for a fire hazard or burns. However, modern heated mattress pads are designed to minimize these risks. Many heated mattress pads now come equipped with additional safety features, including automatic shut-off settings and protection from overheating.
That said, it’s important to only buy high-quality products from trustworthy brands. Look for heated mattress pads that are certified by an independent electrical safety organization, such as the UL certification.
While heated mattress pads are generally safe, they’re not appropriate in some circumstances. Don’t use your heated mattress pad on a waterbed, as they could cause a leak and pose a safety risk. Also avoid using your heated mattress pad with an adjustable bed frame or pull-out bed, as they may damage the heating wires in your pad.
You can use a heated mattress pad on a memory foam mattress, but it’s generally not recommended. Though this shouldn’t pose any safety risks, many manufacturers recommend against it due to the potential for damage to the memory foam. The heat will cause your memory foam mattress to soften, which could affect the feel of the bed and may make your mattress more susceptible to impressions over time.
Even though heated mattress pads contain electrical components, most are designed to be machine-washable. You simply need to remove any control units and power cords from the pad before cleaning it. However, you should always check the specific care instructions from your pad’s manufacturer before washing. Some heated mattress pads are spot clean only.
Mattress pads are thinner and made of fabric, while mattress toppers are thicker and typically made from materials that are commonly found in mattresses, like memory foam.
While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are notable differences. Mattress pads are typically 1 inch thick at most and are usually made from cotton, polyester, or rayon. In contrast, mattress toppers can be up to 3 or 4 inches thick and are usually made with more substantial materials such as memory foam, polyfoam, latex, or feathers.
Whether you should use a heated pad or blanket will largely depend on personal preference. Both heated mattress pads and heated blankets provide warmth, just from a different direction.
A heated mattress pad will heat you from below and provide the most heat for the parts of your body that are in direct contact with your mattress. A pad may also be more efficient at heating up the entire bed, with minimal heat loss. This can be beneficial for those who sleep extremely cold or for those who may need the heat to soothe aches, pains, or joint stiffness from arthritis.
However, heated blankets are more versatile. While you can only use your heated mattress pad on your bed, electric blankets are great for keeping you warm on the couch or in your favorite chair.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.