Skip to Content

Sleep Number Bed Alternatives for Hot Sleepers

Sleep Number Bed Alternatives for Hot Sleepers
Latest posts by Sleep Solutions HQ Team (see all)

When it comes to customizable sleep for two, Sleep Number has been trusted for years, and for good reason! You can adjust the firmness, angle, and, with their Climate Cool line, the temperature of your side of the bed.

But some hot sleepers are looking for something a little different, whether that be an alternative mattress, a cooling system to add to their current mattress, or just something cheaper in general.

Whatever your reason is, you came to the right place. I searched the internet to find the best Sleep Number alternatives for hot sleepers looking for a cooler night’s sleep.

At a Glance

How I Picked the Best Sleep Number Alternatives for Hot Sleepers

  • Price: The Sleep Number ClimateCool Smart Bed starts at $5,499 for a queen, which is… yeah, not cheap. But hey, some people want to make the investment. I chose options for every budget, so you’ll find effective cooling solutions from under $100 to over $10,000.
  • Breathable Materials: The mattresses on this list had to be made from breathable, cooling materials. Materials like memory foam tend to trap heat close to the body, while hybrids with coils offer better heat distribution. For non-mattress options, I looked for breathable covers made from natural fibers like cotton and cooling gels.
  • System: The Sleep Number is a mattress with a built-in airflow cooling system. I wanted to find options with comparable systems, but also wanted to keep in mind that there are other cooling options that are just as, if not more, effective. I listed some mattresses with active airflow cooling systems as well as mattresses made from naturally cooling materials, water cooling systems to add to a mattress, and passive cooling mattress toppers.
  • Effectiveness: I wanted systems that actually work. All of these alternatives have hundreds to thousands of positive reviews from real-life users who vouch for their effectiveness.
  • Customization: One of Sleep Number’s big claims to fame is the ability to customize your sleep experience, and I wanted this list to offer similar benefits. Most of these solutions offer customizable temperature settings, with some offering firmness customization and dual-sided options for couples with different sleep needs.

Best Overall: Airpedic 700

Airpedic 700

Coming in first place overall, the Airpedic 700 is probably the closest in comparison to the Sleep Number Climate Cool, but at a fraction of the cost.

This memory foam mattress is 12” tall, with layers of gel-infused cooling layers and customizable 6-chamber multi-zoned support. It has a super breathable bamboo cover, and the cooling gel foam layer allows for temperature regulation, perfect for the sweatiest of sleepers.

It has a plush feel, making it perfect for side sleepers, though the air pressure is customizable, so firmness can be adjusted. 

While it does have cooling properties, it doesn’t have the fully customizable temperature settings that the Sleep Number option has, so you may be settling a little bit. Still, apples to apples, this cooling bed allows you much of the same adjustment options as the Sleep Number for a fraction of the price at just $3,949 for a Queen compared to Sleep Number’s $5,499 starting price for a Queen.

Best Cooling System: Eight Sleep Pod 5 Core

Next up, we have the best bed cooling system, the Eight Sleep Pod 5 Core. I see this mentioned in every thread for hot sleepers on every forum I check, so I know it has to be the real deal.

This is for the hot sleepers who want next-level, advanced-tech, optimized sleep. It’s actually a cover or “pod” that you put on your existing mattress. The cover contains tubes that run from head to toe to circulate water (don’t worry, the system is leak-proof!). You can control the temperature of the water via a sleek hub that sits beside your bed for cooling or warming on each side of the bed, making it great for couples.

The Pod goes further than cooling or heating, with sensors and access to an app that tracks important sleep and health data. You can use the app to set a temperature and vibration alarm, so your mattress gently but effectively wakes you up.

For an even more immersive experience, you can upgrade to the Pod 5 Ultra, which comes with the Cover and Hub in addition to the Base, which adjusts up or down for zero gravity sleep, snoring and acid reflux reduction, and surround sound. They also have a blanket that connects to your app, so your bed and blanket are the same cooling or warming temperature.

The downside is the price, coming in at $3,049 for the cover and hub and $5,049 for the Ultra with the base included (still less than the Sleep Number, but you don’t get a mattress). You have to subscribe to the app for full functionality, which starts at $17/month.

Best Passive Cooling Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling

brooklyn bedding

If you’re not in it for the firmness adjustment and just want a dang good mattress that will cool you down, go with the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling.

This luxury mattress comes in three different levels of firmness (soft, medium, firm) for customizable support, with the option to add a pillowtop for extra fluffiness and pressure point relief. 

The cooling offered by this mattress is comprehensive. First, you have open cell technology throughout the hybrid foam and coil design of the mattress. The top foam layer is infused with cooling fibers that draw heat away from the body and slowly release it to regulate temperature throughout the night. There’s also a Glaciotex cooling cover, making the mattress cool to the touch.

The mattress itself offers great support for all sleepers, regardless of their preferred position, thanks to the different levels of firmness you have to choose from. Of course, the obvious downside here is that it’s not adjustable and doesn’t offer active cooling or heating. The price starts at $2,265 for a Queen.

Best Splurge: TEMPUR-ActiveBreeze® Smart Bed

tempur-pedic site

If money isn’t a concern, the TEMPUR-ActiveBreeze® Smart Bed is going to be the best Sleep Number alternative for you. 

This truly luxurious mattress features a TEMPUR-Ergo® ProSmart® Air Base that uses special fans to circulate cool or warm air from the base and through the mattress, allowing you to control your bed’s temperature up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler or warmer, depending on your preference. The multi-layer design also comes with multiple ventilation and air-distribution layers, all encased in a machine-washable cool-touch cover.

Beyond the advanced cooling tech, this TEMPURpedic mattress has adjustable lumbar support and head and foot lifts for a fully customizable sleep experience. You can use their exclusive relaxation plans with sounds and massage patterns for a truly restful experience and even use AI-powered sleep coaching to improve your sleep.

Of course, all of this comes with a premium price tag. You’re looking at $10,298 for a Queen, which is just not possible for most people.

Best Budget Cooling System:  BedJet 3 Climate Comfort Sleep System

bedjet site

If you like the sound of the Eight Sleep Pod but aren’t ready to make the financial commitment just yet, try the BedJet 3 Climate Comfort Sleep System.

This budget bed cooling system uses air to rapidly cool or heat your bed. It’s essentially a big fan that sits under your bed and connects to a hose that you insert into your sheets. It works with any bed, any size, all for the same price.

One of the advantages of the air temperature control system is that it offers the added benefit of sweat drying, which is one of the top concerns when you’re a sweaty, hot sleeper or someone who suffers from hot flashes. 

The 3, their newest version, features some impressive tech for the price (just under $700). It regulates temperature between 66 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit and has a color screen remote control, so you don’t have to mess with the unit or an app (though one is available, it isn’t required for use).

While the standard model only lets you cool the whole mattress at once, you have the option to upgrade to a dual-zone bundle, which comes with two mini BedJets and a dual-zone cloud sheet with pockets designed to distribute air evenly.

Best Cooling Mattress Topper: LINENSPA Memory Foam Mattress Topper Gel Infused Memory Foam

Sleep Number Bed Alternatives

If you find yourself scoffing at the “budget” pick on this list and you’re on an even tighter budget, try something much more affordable like the LINENSPA Memory Foam Mattress Topper Gel Infused Memory Foam. I found this one on Amazon, and it sells for well under $100.

This memory foam mattress topper is ventilated and infused with cooling gel to distribute heat. The breathable open-cell memory foam infused with cooling gel beads dissipates heat to provide all-night cooling. You have the option to pick from a 2, 3, or 4-inch thickness, and a classic or swirl gel (though I couldn’t find out exactly what the difference is between the two from my research).

Reviewers say it does a decent job of cooling and a great job of providing additional support and comfort, with many enjoying the pressure relief it provides. I did see some mixed reviews about how effective and useful it is for folks with back pain, so this may not be the best topper for everyone.

Still, as the only option under $100, it’s a good introduction to what a cooling mattress solution could do for hot sleepers out there.

Choosing A Sleep Number Alternative

While the Sleep Number Climate Control is a great solution for hot sleepers looking for all-around customizable comfort, it’s on the pricier side and not right for everyone. That said, the best alternative for you depends on your needs and budget.

For the closest alternative, try the Airpedic 700. If you want to try a cooling system on your existing bed, the Pod from Eight Sleep is the best in the business, though the BedJet 3 is a good introductory option for smaller budgets. 

If you can splurge, the TEMPUR-ActiveBreeze is the most luxurious alternative on this list. But if you just need a cheap solution to improve your sleep temperature and comfort, the Linenspa cooling gel topper is available for under $100 and can ship fast.

You might also be interested in:

Best Bedding Bundles You Can Buy for 2025

Best Sheets for Night Sweats

The Best Linen Bedding Brands, as Ranked by a Linen-Obsessed Human