Latest news with #Chilipad
San Francisco Chronicle
12-07-2025
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
Beat the heat with these cooling gadgets and wearables
You can only sit in front of the fridge with the door open for so long. As heat waves blast the world like a blow dryer on high, folks are reaching for anything that promises a little personal chill: portable mini fans, cooling neck wraps, high-tech vests and all kinds of heat-beating headwear. Of course, cooling gear helps most when paired with basic and safe strategies against the heat: most importantly hydration, shade and rest. Stay out of extreme heat when possible, and know the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Yet these wearable wonders and breezy gadgets can offer some relief. They might look quirky, but when the AC struggles and the sidewalk feels like a stovetop, they can start to seem like must-haves. When you're at home Indoors, stay comfy with cool-feel sheets (like those with a silky finish or lightweight fibers), bed fans (where a nozzle inserted into the bed linens pumps a flow of air around you), or a cooling pillow or chill pad, which are filled with a gel that can stay cool for hours. Sleep-product brands include Serta, Sealy, Casper, Pluto and Threshold. The chill pads can work for your own bed and the pets' bed too. There are chillable full-size mattresses (Chilipad, 8Sleep and BedJet get good reviews from The Spruce) and smaller, simple pads (CoolCare and Sharper Image, among others). Outdoor wearables Clare Epstein, an employee safety expert with Vector Solutions in Tampa, Florida, works to reduce heat stress for at-risk employees in industries like construction, aviation and agriculture. She recommends wearables like cooling scarves and evaporative cooling vests. 'By soaking the fabric in cold water at the beginning of the day, the vest slowly cools, and keeps the wearer cool," she says. Clothes made of 'phase change materials,' or PCMs, contain gel capsules or pads that can help moderate body temperatures. advertises a vest that stays under 60 degrees for a few hours, and AlphaCool offers a neck tube that performs similarly. Another feature of the tube, which is made of a polymer material, is that it doesn't get overly chilled, so it's safe for kids to use. Also for kids, there's a line of plush toys from Warmies that includes little critters of the farmyard, ocean, forest and safari that can be popped in the freezer before a trip to the park or playground. Wearable items that incorporate small fans or thermoelectric coolers are also good, Epstein says. And there are vests with tubed reservoirs you can fill with water or electrolytes so you can sip as you go. 'These encourage people to take more water breaks, and stay hydrated,' says Epstein. The wearables range is extensive. Along with cooling buffs, headbands, wristbands, socks and scarves, there are cooling brimmed hats and ball caps. Brands include Mission, Ergodyne, and Sunday Afternoon. If you'd prefer a refreshing breeze, USB-chargeable handheld or wearable fans might do the job. Chill advice Lynn Campbell, co-founder of 10Adventures travel company in Calgary, Alberta, takes a lot of strenuous hiking and cycling trips with her husband, Richard. They've developed some easy hacks for hot days. 'We'll wake up early, so we're done by 10 or 11 a.m., or if we're out on the trails, split the day in two, so we rest by water or in the shade over the hottest part' of the day, she says. Wear light colors and thin, breathable fabrics. And bring an umbrella. 'This is a game-changer,' Campbell says. 'Now we always pack ultralight, compact ones; they're incredible.' Also, pour cool water on your head and back. 'We freeze a few bottles of water so we can pour ice water on us to cool down,' Campbell says. "Putting the bottles under the armpits, in the groin, or on the back of the neck can effectively cool a person down.' And Annita Katee, a contributing writer for Apartment Therapy, has another way to prep your bed on hot nights: 'Pop your sheets into the freezer at least two hours before bedtime, then pull them out right before you hit the sack,' she wrote in a recent post. She folds hers into a zipped plastic bag, flattens it, then sets it on a freezer shelf between ice packs. 'The result? A delightfully cool bed that feels like a refreshing oasis against the heat.' ___
Winnipeg Free Press
12-07-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Beat the heat with these cooling gadgets and wearables
You can only sit in front of the fridge with the door open for so long. As heat waves blast the world like a blow dryer on high, folks are reaching for anything that promises a little personal chill: portable mini fans, cooling neck wraps, high-tech vests and all kinds of heat-beating headwear. Of course, cooling gear helps most when paired with basic and safe strategies against the heat: most importantly hydration, shade and rest. Stay out of extreme heat when possible, and know the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Yet these wearable wonders and breezy gadgets can offer some relief. They might look quirky, but when the AC struggles and the sidewalk feels like a stovetop, they can start to seem like must-haves. When you're at home Indoors, stay comfy with cool-feel sheets (like those with a silky finish or lightweight fibers), bed fans (where a nozzle inserted into the bed linens pumps a flow of air around you), or a cooling pillow or chill pad, which are filled with a gel that can stay cool for hours. Sleep-product brands include Serta, Sealy, Casper, Pluto and Threshold. The chill pads can work for your own bed and the pets' bed too. There are chillable full-size mattresses (Chilipad, 8Sleep and BedJet get good reviews from The Spruce) and smaller, simple pads (CoolCare and Sharper Image, among others). Outdoor wearables Clare Epstein, an employee safety expert with Vector Solutions in Tampa, Florida, works to reduce heat stress for at-risk employees in industries like construction, aviation and agriculture. She recommends wearables like cooling scarves and evaporative cooling vests. 'By soaking the fabric in cold water at the beginning of the day, the vest slowly cools, and keeps the wearer cool,' she says. Clothes made of 'phase change materials,' or PCMs, contain gel capsules or pads that can help moderate body temperatures. advertises a vest that stays under 60 degrees for a few hours, and AlphaCool offers a neck tube that performs similarly. Another feature of the tube, which is made of a polymer material, is that it doesn't get overly chilled, so it's safe for kids to use. Also for kids, there's a line of plush toys from Warmies that includes little critters of the farmyard, ocean, forest and safari that can be popped in the freezer before a trip to the park or playground. Wearable items that incorporate small fans or thermoelectric coolers are also good, Epstein says. And there are vests with tubed reservoirs you can fill with water or electrolytes so you can sip as you go. 'These encourage people to take more water breaks, and stay hydrated,' says Epstein. The wearables range is extensive. Along with cooling buffs, headbands, wristbands, socks and scarves, there are cooling brimmed hats and ball caps. Brands include Mission, Ergodyne, and Sunday Afternoon. If you'd prefer a refreshing breeze, USB-chargeable handheld or wearable fans might do the job. Chill advice Lynn Campbell, co-founder of 10Adventures travel company in Calgary, Alberta, takes a lot of strenuous hiking and cycling trips with her husband, Richard. They've developed some easy hacks for hot days. 'We'll wake up early, so we're done by 10 or 11 a.m., or if we're out on the trails, split the day in two, so we rest by water or in the shade over the hottest part' of the day, she says. Wear light colors and thin, breathable fabrics. And bring an umbrella. 'This is a game-changer,' Campbell says. 'Now we always pack ultralight, compact ones; they're incredible.' Also, pour cool water on your head and back. 'We freeze a few bottles of water so we can pour ice water on us to cool down,' Campbell says. 'Putting the bottles under the armpits, in the groin, or on the back of the neck can effectively cool a person down.' And Annita Katee, a contributing writer for Apartment Therapy, has another way to prep your bed on hot nights: Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. 'Pop your sheets into the freezer at least two hours before bedtime, then pull them out right before you hit the sack,' she wrote in a recent post. She folds hers into a zipped plastic bag, flattens it, then sets it on a freezer shelf between ice packs. 'The result? A delightfully cool bed that feels like a refreshing oasis against the heat.' ___ New York-based writer Kim Cook covers design and decor topics regularly for The AP. Follow her on Instagram at @kimcookhome. For more AP Lifestyles stories, go to
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Beat the heat with these cooling gadgets and wearables
You can only sit in front of the fridge with the door open for so long. As heat waves blast the world like a blow dryer on high, folks are reaching for anything that promises a little personal chill: portable mini fans, cooling neck wraps, high-tech vests and all kinds of heat-beating headwear. Of course, cooling gear helps most when paired with basic and safe strategies against the heat: most importantly hydration, shade and rest. Stay out of extreme heat when possible, and know the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Yet these wearable wonders and breezy gadgets can offer some relief. They might look quirky, but when the AC struggles and the sidewalk feels like a stovetop, they can start to seem like must-haves. When you're at home Indoors, stay comfy with cool-feel sheets (like those with a silky finish or lightweight fibers), bed fans (where a nozzle inserted into the bed linens pumps a flow of air around you), or a cooling pillow or chill pad, which are filled with a gel that can stay cool for hours. Sleep-product brands include Serta, Sealy, Casper, Pluto and Threshold. The chill pads can work for your own bed and the pets' bed too. There are chillable full-size mattresses (Chilipad, 8Sleep and BedJet get good reviews from The Spruce) and smaller, simple pads (CoolCare and Sharper Image, among others). Outdoor wearables Clare Epstein, an employee safety expert with Vector Solutions in Tampa, Florida, works to reduce heat stress for at-risk employees in industries like construction, aviation and agriculture. She recommends wearables like cooling scarves and evaporative cooling vests. 'By soaking the fabric in cold water at the beginning of the day, the vest slowly cools, and keeps the wearer cool," she says. Clothes made of 'phase change materials,' or PCMs, contain gel capsules or pads that can help moderate body temperatures. advertises a vest that stays under 60 degrees for a few hours, and AlphaCool offers a neck tube that performs similarly. Another feature of the tube, which is made of a polymer material, is that it doesn't get overly chilled, so it's safe for kids to use. Also for kids, there's a line of plush toys from Warmies that includes little critters of the farmyard, ocean, forest and safari that can be popped in the freezer before a trip to the park or playground. Wearable items that incorporate small fans or thermoelectric coolers are also good, Epstein says. And there are vests with tubed reservoirs you can fill with water or electrolytes so you can sip as you go. 'These encourage people to take more water breaks, and stay hydrated,' says Epstein. The wearables range is extensive. Along with cooling buffs, headbands, wristbands, socks and scarves, there are cooling brimmed hats and ball caps. Brands include Mission, Ergodyne, and Sunday Afternoon. If you'd prefer a refreshing breeze, USB-chargeable handheld or wearable fans might do the job. Chill advice Lynn Campbell, co-founder of 10Adventures travel company in Calgary, Alberta, takes a lot of strenuous hiking and cycling trips with her husband, Richard. They've developed some easy hacks for hot days. 'We'll wake up early, so we're done by 10 or 11 a.m., or if we're out on the trails, split the day in two, so we rest by water or in the shade over the hottest part' of the day, she says. Wear light colors and thin, breathable fabrics. And bring an umbrella. 'This is a game-changer,' Campbell says. 'Now we always pack ultralight, compact ones; they're incredible.' Also, pour cool water on your head and back. 'We freeze a few bottles of water so we can pour ice water on us to cool down,' Campbell says. "Putting the bottles under the armpits, in the groin, or on the back of the neck can effectively cool a person down.' And Annita Katee, a contributing writer for Apartment Therapy, has another way to prep your bed on hot nights: 'Pop your sheets into the freezer at least two hours before bedtime, then pull them out right before you hit the sack,' she wrote in a recent post. She folds hers into a zipped plastic bag, flattens it, then sets it on a freezer shelf between ice packs. 'The result? A delightfully cool bed that feels like a refreshing oasis against the heat.' ___ New York-based writer Kim Cook covers design and decor topics regularly for The AP. Follow her on Instagram at @kimcookhome. For more AP Lifestyles stories, go to
Tom's Guide
12-06-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
What is the Chilipad and how does it differ from a heating and cooling mattress?
Struggling to get to sleep, and stay asleep, because you're too hot? Not only does your body temperature need to drop to regulate the hormones that will help you sleep, but research has shown that heat at night keeps people awake and reduces deep and REM sleep. It's a issue for many — 57% of Americans said they sometimes struggle to sleep due to being too hot — that's only likely to get worse over the warmer months. One option is shopping a top-rated cooling mattress but, if you're looking for a high tech cooling upgrade for your existing mattress, consider the Chilipad Dock Pro bed cooling system at Sleepme It's a mattress pad that is cooled (or heated) by water that flows through it via a control unit, with a smartphone app that allows you to fine tune the climate of your bed. Here, we explore more about the tech, how it works and whether the Chilipad Dock Pro is the right cooling option for you. The Sleepme Chilipad Dock Pro is a hydronic system (that means it uses water as the means of heating and cooling) comprising a EMF-free smart mattress pad, bedside control unit and Sleepme app. In an upgrade from the Chilipad Cube, the Dock Pro uses a membrane (rather than tubing) to circulate temperature controlled water through the mattress pad — which fits over your existing mattress and under your fitted sheet — to cool or warm your sleep surface, and therefore your body, through the night. The pad is designed to absorb heat, and as this warms the circulating water, it returns to the control unit to be cooled again (where the heat being released into the air to stop your bedroom getting too cool). The mattress pad itself has no electrical connections or wires, which means no electromagnetic fields (EMFs) surrounding it, reducing potentially harmful radiation in your sleep space. Additionally, "Airplane mode reduces EMFs from the Dock Pro control unit," according to Sleepme. You can control the temperature of your bed and schedule temperature adjustments through the Sleepme App, or keep your sleep space phone-free by using buttons on the control unit. View the Chilipad at SleepmeThe Chilipad Dock Pro system comes in two different models — the 'me' model covers half the bed, the 'we' model covers both sides direct from Sleepme. With 15% off now, prices start from $1,019.15 for a 'me' half queen and rise to $2,124.15 for a 'we' Cal king. You'll also get a 30-day sleep trial, free shipping and a 1-year warranty. The Chilipad Dock Pro is available in a 'Me' size mattress pad with a hydrolayer membrane that covers half the bed and a 'We' size that covers the whole bed, with sizes from Queen to Cal King. Depending on which size you choose, the Dock Pro can cool one or both sides of the bed to temperatures as low as 55°F and as high as 115°F, offering a temperature solution no matter the time of year. This dual temperature control is a key selling point for the Chilipad. Even with the 'we' option, which covers the full bed, you can adjust the temperature of each side independently, meaning you and your partner needn't bicker over your nighttime temperature preferences. You can control the temperature, schedule changes during the night and set your pad to wake you by gently warming as an alternative to an alarm, all with the free Sleepme app. Or, for an extra fee ($299 $249), you can add Chilipad's non-wearable sleep tracker which uses AI to identify when you'd benefit from a temperature adjustment during the night. In turn, the mattress pad will heat or cool to keep you at an optimal temperature for the best quality sleep (goodbye sweaty tossing and turning). Like the Eight Sleep Pod 4, this sleep tracker will also produce a nightly sleep score and report, offering detailed analysis of your sleep metrics including time spent in each essential sleep stage, heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV). The best mattress toppers for hot sleepers rely on cooling materials like gel-infused foam, copper and breathable fabrics to dissipate heat. While these offer good temperature regulation, they don't actively cool or heat your bed. They simply help wick away excess heat and moisture for a cooler, comfier night's sleep. However, the Chilipad offers that active climate control, meaning it makes temperature adjustments based on your real-time metrics in order to increase deep and REM sleep — if you upgrade with the sleep tracker that is. Otherwise, temperature adjustments are in your hands, though you can schedule them through the night. It essentially does what the best smart beds of the year do in terms of climate control, but at a slightly lower price and minus subscription fees. For reference, a queen size Chilipad 'We' with the sleep tracking upgrade for both sides of the bed is currently a total of $2,367.15 (was $2,797) compared to a queen Eight Sleep Pod 4 at $2,649, which offers dual-sided sleep tracking and temperature regulation, but the subscription fees are a minimum of $199 a year on top. You can also opt for the Chilipad Dock Pro Bundle, which for a queen-sized 'We' includes everything you'd get if you bought the queen 'We' on it's own, plus two sleep trackers, 12 months of system cleaner and an extended protection plan. This is currently $2,528.00 (was $3,238). Specializing in active, dual climate control, the 4.1/5 star-rated (from over 400 reviews) Chilipad Dock Pro could benefit many sleepers, from couples with different temperature needs in bed to people sleeping poorly due to menopause. Many reviewers raved about its cooling abilities, claiming it had eliminated their nightsweats. The Chilipad is a more affordable option offering similar water heating and cooling features to an Eight Sleep Pod for almost $300 less for a queen, and without any additional subscription fees. As a tight-fitting mattress cover, the Eight Sleep Pod feels more like a part of your mattress, whereas the Chilipad is a topper. Chilipad claim that the Dock Pro only takes 20 minutes to install, compared to up to an hour for the Eight Sleep Pod. As it's compatible with any mattresses between 8 and 18 inches, you needn't splash on a new mattress either. And, unlike the Eight Sleep Pod, it's machine washable and dryable, making easy work of your mattress cleaning. Finally, Chilipad say their water-based cooling system is, in general, more energy-efficient than air conditioning units, which is good news for both your wallet and the environment. While the cover is washable, the Chilipad Dock Pro does require regular maintenance too, like water filter refills, which you wouldn't have to do with a standard cooling mattress or mattress topper. While the majority of reviews on the Chilipad site are positive, those who had gave negative feedback noted issues connecting the Dock Pro with their WiFi (and maintaining that connection), and some said that they found it too noisy. While white noise can be helpful for some sleepers, it could keep light sleepers who dislike the noise awake at night. Some customers reported leaking issues with the Chilipad, though the reviewers generally noted the brand had provided replacements or refunds. Anyone keen on decluttering their sleep space should also consider that you must make sure you have bedroom space for the control unit(s). We'd particularly recommend the Chilipad Dock Pro by Sleepme to hot sleepers struggling to beat the heat at night, but who don't want to change their current mattress. With personalized, customizable and automatic (if you upgrade) climate control, it will help you regulate your body temperature at night. However, you must have the $1,000+ budget for this tech-enhanced sleep set, so we recommend you try more affordable methods first to ensure it is a worthy investment for you. Cheaper approaches to cooling your sleep space include keeping your blinds closed through the day, keeping windows open and sleeping with breathable nightwear and bedding.
Buzz Feed
27-05-2025
- Business
- Buzz Feed
18 Adult Purchases That Were Worth Every Penny
Adulthood often comes with needing to be financially responsible, but sometimes, making those big purchases really pays off. Recently, BuzzFeed Community members shared the adult splurges they made and would buy again in a heartbeat, and you might want to jot some of these down: "Business class airfare on flights that are nine hours or longer. My old bones just can't sit that long in economy anymore." —Anonymous "A mill composter was and is worth every penny. Our waste has gone from eight garbage bags to three, and my garden looks great." "I love my Roomba. He does a much better job than I do of sweeping or vacuuming. Plus, having one helps me keep things off the floor so that our Roomba, named Bananas, doesn't 'eat them,' as my kids say. We say things like, 'We don't want Bananas to eat your cards or Legos, just dirt.'" —toomanykidsnotenoughtime "Pet insurance for all of our dogs. Things come up out of nowhere with well-cared-for dogs, like injuries, skin issues, stomach issues, and even euthanasia. Having pet insurance gives me the best peace of mind that I will get generously reimbursed after treatment." "AirPod Pros changed my life with the quality of their noise cancellation. I get so overwhelmed by crowds because of the noise, but now, I never have to worry about it. It's honestly incredible. They were $250, but I use them daily and have never regretted the purchase." —misaamaneyagami"I splurged on some noise-cancelling over-the-ear headphones, and it's made my life so much easier. I even felt comfortable during a phone call the other day with them on."—certified_drapetomaniac "I bought a Chilipad for my bed. I run hot anyway, but perimenopause made it a thousand times worse. I went from waking up all night and marinating in my own sweat to cool and comfortable, uninterrupted sleep. I tried every cooling sheet, breathable jammies, and lightweight comforter, but nothing worked as well as the Chilipad. It was a life-changing investment for sure." "A decent, small espresso machine and coffee bean grinder were a lot of money for me, but they were so worth it." —gurkanserdig "As a doctor, I think the best thing a relatively healthy middle-aged American adult can do is 'buy' a concierge primary care doctor. They're what American doctors were 30 years ago. It's worth their weight in gold." "An air fryer. I hate cooking, and eating out is too expensive. I use it daily." —Anonymous "I splurged on a new TV in January. My 16-year-old first-generation plasma finally gave out, so I took $800 and went to Walmart when they had a President's Day sale. I got a 55-inch 4K TV, and I gasped at the difference. My roommate and I are still amazed by the definition. I told her it feels like the uncanny valley, or like we are flies on the wall watching the actors in person. I will never go back to anything else." "Hiring a twice-a-month cleaning service has changed my life! I will never go back!" —queenvofthenile "I gave myself a full facelift as a 60th birthday gift. A couple of obnoxious weeks of recovery later, I feel like a new person. It was 100% worth every penny." "A Dyson hair dryer. Yes, $500 for a hair dryer is expensive, but when you are a person who doesn't really have the option to air dry (yay for frizzy hair), reducing the time it takes me to dry my hair from 15 minutes to five is worth every penny. And if you consider time to be money, then the hair dryer has paid for itself by saving me 30–40 minutes a week. I bought it four years ago, and it still works great." —Anonymous "In-home euthanasia. I spent $850 to have my cat put to rest at home, on his favorite spot on the couch. He had a very large tumor on his leg, and moving him was so difficult and painful. I refused to let his last moments be spent in his two least favorite places: the crate and the vet. I'd do it again a thousand times; I've never regretted it." "A convertible. It's so much fun, and it's an absolute lifesaver when my brain starts feeling itchy. A sunrise drive with the top down and a huge cup of coffee makes the world feel right again." —kestrel "A riding lawn mower. I have a big yard and arthritis in both knees, and I used to dread mowing so much. I got a $5K electric riding mower on sale for $3K at the end of last year's season, and it has changed my life! Mowing takes so much less time now, and I do a better job overall because I have more energy for edging, weed-whacking, etc. I also don't dread the task like I used to, so I'm much less cranky, hot, and sweaty when I'm done. Zero regrets." "Quality pots and pans are a must. I'm replacing my 40-year-old set as we speak. Boy, did I get my money's worth from them!" —oldeagle46 Lastly: "I bought an electric vehicle. I don't pay for pricey gas, and the electricity where I live is all hydro and way cheaper. Also, I can find dedicated parking spaces and use HOV lanes! Plus, the driving experience is like no other." I need to look into a Chilipad just because I hate being hot, TBH. What's a pricey adult purchase you made that you ended up not regretting at all? Let us know in the comments, or you can anonymously submit your story using the form below!
