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Chilipad Review: Features, Benefits, and Sleep Optimization

Are you looking for a sleep assistance device?

Are your researching natural methods to help improve your sleep?

If so, chiliPAD is an option that’s helped others and could make a huge difference in your sleep.

It’s based on thermal intervention, but there are also other sleep tools, such as PEMF, you can contrast and compare.

Sleep is a necessity, and you need at least seven quality hours of it for your health and well-being.

Yet, over 50% of the world’s population is reporting that they’re sleep deprived. It’s a major problem.

The worldwide lack of quality sleep has led many to the same question: What’s the best sleep accessory to promote better sleep?

Let’s discuss the chiliPAD, a unique sleep accessory for climate-controlled sleep assistance.

It’s a very sound investment if you’ve isolated you sleep problems to temperature-related discomfort during the night.

We will also compare chiliPAD to another leading sleep accessory, called PEMF, that uses a different technology to address the many other issues that may be causing your poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep hours.

This review takes you through the user experience with chiliPAD.

We detail what it’s like to use it, how to use it, what it’s used for, pros and cons, technical specs, and FAQ.

We cover all the bases so that you can ensure all the due diligence questions are checked off and ultimately determine if the chiliPAD is the right device for your unique sleep issues.

Do keep in mind that a large part of answering the above questions isn’t just based understanding how a sleep accessory works.

Picking the most appropriate accessory is about analyzing yourself, or rather your specific issue with sleep, to determine the why behind the problem and what benefits you need from your device.

Sleep problems derive from an array of issues, including physical disturbances like pain, hormonal imbalances, anxiety and other mental health issues, and environment issues like temperature.

If your sleep issue is related to environmental discomforts in temperature regulation, then the chiliPad is a great place to start seeking solutions.

However, we also include a PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) therapy comparison to show the many ways it offers comprehensive sleep enhancement for the other causative issues.

While chiliPAD features several products in their lineup, including a ME model for single sleepers and a chiliBLANKET, this review will focus on the WE chiliPAD (Dual-Zone) that’s intended for two sleepers in the same bed.

Yes, we’ve tested the chiliPAD for ourselves to give you more than just a spec breakdown, and we will share all of our experiences and thoughts throughout the review.

 

What is ChiliPad?

Todd and Tara Youngblood invented chiliPAD back in 2007.

They, like many couples, had a sleep preference difference in temperature.

He liked it cooler, and she liked it hotter.

Tired of being tired, she put her science background to work for a solution.

As a product developer and nephew to inventor of the waterbed, Todd made the perfect business partner.

The duo developed Chili Technology based on thermodynamics.

The goal was to address the temperature-sensitive VLPO brain neurons, which are akin to sleep switches, with temperature-controlled sleep.

The result was a mattress topper to regulate bedding temperatures.

The chiliPAD features a unique configuration of silicone microtubes connecting to a central “Cube” hub that allows the user to set heating and cooling preferences.

The brand has been quite successful in a very short period of time.

The Chili brand website features over 2,000 individual reviews, with the majority being very praising to both the product, brand, customer service, and overall consumer experience.

We, too, found the brand to be legitimate and customer experience to be very pleasing.

 

ChiliPAD Feature Overview

Sizing

The chiliPAD comes in seven sizes, but you’ll want to be careful to select the size based on both your bed and whether you’ll have one or two sleepers.

The single, twin XL, full, and spilt Cali king are single-zone pads with a single Cube and single temperature-regulation.

For the WE mattress toppers for dual sleepers, you’ll need to select a queen, king, or Cali king size, which have dual-zone pads for two temperature-regulated surfaces.

 

Temperature Regulation

The chiliPAD regulates your mattresses’s surface temps via the microtubing within the pad.

This tubing network allows temperature-specific water to circulate.

Water temps range from a cool 55 degrees up to toasty 115 degrees.

Each sleeper can set their side to their own water temp preference using their own Cube.

 

Temperature Control

The water temperature for each side can be adjusted directly from the Cube or remotely.

You’ll need to sync the radio frequency remotes to the control unit before they can be used.

 

Maintenance

One of the features consumers love about this product is that it can be washed and dried at home if the size of your washer and drier are accommodating.

Do remember to use low-heat settings, though.

 

Sizing Options

As mentioned above, you have seven sizing options.

The ME single chiliPADs are most reasonably priced due to their single zone and smaller sizing.

Prices range from $499 to $699.

Do note that the split Cali king is a single zone product.

You have three options for dual zone, which feature two Cubes for two different temps.

These are called the WE line by chiliPAD.

The queen-sized WE version costs $999, and the two king options both cost $1,199.

Replacement pads are respectively priced at $379 and $399, and a replacement Cube is priced at $399.

 

How To Setup Your chiliPAD In Five Steps

The setup process was extremely easy and came with straightforward user instructions.

It took about 45 minutes from start to finish.

 

Step One: Placement

Decide if you want the microtubes at the head or foot of your bed.

This will be the spot you directly come into contact with the new temperature.

You’ll place the unfolded chiliPAD atop your mattress.

Use the attached straps to secure it to each mattress corner, and cover the pad with a fitted sheet.

You’ll need a flat surface for the Cube to sit water tank-side up.

Ensure that there’s at least two feet of space between the Cube and other objects and that the cord will reach an AC outlet.

We opted to place our bed on risers so that the Cube could sit on our hard floor underneath the bed.

 

Step Two: Connection

Connect the pad and Cube.

The external tube attachment will have a male end that connects to the Cube’s female end.

Make sure the blue release button faces up as you make the connection.

 

Step Three: Fill

Look for the opening at the top of the Cube to unscrew the cap.

You’ll notice a trace amount of water already in the tank, which indicates that the Cube has been tested for quality assurance.

Add distilled water to the capacity line and reattach the cap.

Turn the machine on and listen for the machine to beep.

Water will begin to disperse through the tubing.

The Cube’s “add water” light will come on.

Unscrew the lid and add more distilled water until the light goes off.

Secure the cap back into place.

In case you’re curious, you can use tap water for the fill, but distilled water will help prevent sediment from building up in the microtubes.

In total, you’ll need about 24 ounces ounces of water for each Cube.

 

Step Four: Set Temperature And Sync Remotes

On the Cube, you’ll notice a flame icon and snowflake icon next to the power button.

These are your manual temperature setting buttons, and they adjust in one-degree increments per push of the button. Set the desired temperatures.

The initial temp display indicates your user setting, not the actual temperature of the chiliPAD.

Your chiliPAD should come up or down to temperature within 15 to 20 minutes, at which time the Cube’s display number will blink three times.

You’ll also want to program your wireless remotes.

You’ll need four AAA batteries for WE chiliPADs.

Hold down the Cube’s power button until it beeps and blinks “888.”

Turn the remote on and then listen for the Cube to beep again and go back to displaying the temperature preset.

Repeat the process for the other Cube and remote, which should both be off as you program the first remote.

Turning your chiliPAD off is simple, too.

Don’t be alarmed by the fans running a few moments after you power the Cube off.

This is normal.

The manufacturer recommends unplugging the device if it won’t be in use over the next 24 hours.

 

Step Five: chiliPAD Maintenance

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for draining the device, which is about once per week to prevent sediment.

You’ll have a special draining tool that accompanies your device.

Be sure to put it in a secure place.

Use the cross-shaped end to drain the Cube.

The hollow end is to drain the mattress pad.

Don’t forget to follow the steps for both sides of WE pads.

 

Does The chiliPAD Work?

The first thing we did after setup of our WE chiliPAD was to set one side to the highest heat (115 degrees) and the other side to the lowest cool (55 degrees.)

After all, that’s one of the biggest consumer draws here – each sleep partner can have their own desired sleep temperature without negatively impacting their partner’s sleep temperature comfort.

The chiliPAD eventually reached the extreme of both temps.

The heated side felt like an electric blanket’s snuggly warmth.

Meanwhile, the cool side felt like leaning against a stainless steel chiller.

It took longer than the 15-20 minutes the manufacturer said it would take to come to temperature.

We timed it at 38 minutes to reach the desired temps on both sides.

In setting temperatures on either extreme, you will probably want to allow for a preset around 30 minutes prior to your desired bedtime if wanting a very high or low temp.

We feel like the cooler temperatures are the more popular settings.

After all, PubMed features dozens of studies showing the links between internal temperature declines and sleep onset and quality (1)

Likewise, studies at PubMed also document the negative effects of heat exposure on sleep (2).

Based on our experience with the scientific data concerning environmental temps and sleep, humans have different ideal sleep temperatures based on their own unique comfort measures and pathologies at play.

So, a precise temperature can’t be offered as to your own ideal sleep temperature.

What is clear is that thermal environment is a very significant factor in human sleep (3).

As such, we can say that sleep assistance devices like the chiliPAD can offer a convenient, measurable, and adaptable method to control your sleep environment’s temperature.

We suggest experimenting with the settings.

Go up or down a degree each night until you find the best sleep.

For us, that was 60 on the female sleep side and 74 on the male sleep side.

 

chiliPAD Feel And Performance

The material of the pad is a plush and soft poly-cotton blend, but you’ll cover it with a fitted sheet.

The manufacturer doesn’t recommend sleeping directly on the bare mattress pad.

The padding does offer a tiny amount of extra cushioning, which may be a pro for those preferring a softer mattress and negative for those preferring a firmer mattress.

You don’t feel the microtubing in the pad, but you may sense a slight tactile difference from the water.

You can also hear the water circulating and a whirling noise from the control unit.

If you like ambient white noise as you sleep, then this may be a positive.

Personally, we enjoyed the sound.

However, light sleepers that are impacted by slight noise and need total silence may want to consider this point before purchase.

 

Pros And Cons of chiliPAD

Pros

  • Easy setup
  • Diverse temperature range to accommodate two different settings on the same bed
  • Machine laundered at home with special care limited to drying on low heat
  • Manual and wireless controls
  • Added white noise effect that can eliminate need for noise machines
  • Available in WE configuration for dual sleepers or ME configuration for single sleepers
  • Potential to save money on centralized heating and cooling bills
  • Appropriate to use with medical conditions like pregnancy and menopause that can cause temperature fluctuations

Cons

  • Added white noise effect that may disturb sensitive sleepers
  • Weekly maintenance required to drain and refill the mat
  • High price point compared to similar devices

 

chiliPAD FAQ

Of course, there’s a lot to consider beyond standard specs and how to use device.

Let’s look at a few questions to help your consumer due diligence:

How much energy does the chiliPAD use?

On average, the manufacturer says the devices use about 80 watts. That’s about 18 cents per night of use.

Is there a user weight limit?

Yes, the chiliPAD can operate with up to 500 lbs in each pad zone.

What’s the temperature range for chiliPAD?

The device is capable of delivering temps between 55 and 115 degrees F. However, temperature delivery can be impacted by the user and user’s environment. Room temperature and weight, for examples, can influence the deliverable temperature range.

Does the chiliPAD have any consumer protections?

Yes, the brand features a 90-day sleep trial when purchased direct from the Chili Technology, free standard shipping anywhere in the U.S., made in the USA guarantee, and a prorated two-year warranty.

Is there an age requirement or limitation for chiliPAD use?

No. ChiliPAD markets their products to individuals and couple-sleepers of all ages, including children.

How thick is the chiliPAD?

It’s approximately three-fourths of an inch think, which makes it very unassuming.

Some users can feel it under the sheet, however.

It really depends upon your sleep sensitivity.

Where can I buy the chiliPAD?

Visit Chili Technology’s website to take advantage of the sleep trial and warranty, which is how we purchased our equipment. While chiliPADs are sold by third-party entities online and in stores, these purchases do not qualify for the warranty or sleep trial.

 

Cilipad Alternatives

Yes. PEMF is an exciting device that’s commonly used to help improve the quality of sleep, amount of time it takes to fall asleep, and the ability to stay asleep.

It’s backed heavily by scientific research, and brands offer models in all sizes, configurations, and pricing ranges.

 

What Is PEMF?

chiliPAD and similar devices use thermal energy to assist with sleep.

PEMF uses a very different and more diverse technology to assist with sleep.

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy uses an evenly applied electromagnetic field and frequency generator to energize and stimulate your body on a cellular level.

Imagine your cells as batteries.

With use, those cells slowly become drained and are subject to malfunction, age-related wear and tear, and disease.

Function can become lagging or even nonexistent.

PEMF introduces a natural energy source to stimulate natural cellular recovery and revitalization.

The science behind PEMF is extensive and dates back decades.

Unlike other EMF sources, such a microwaves, power lines, and so forth, PEMF doesn’t disrupt your biology and isn’t ionizing to cells.

Instead, PEMF enhances cellular function.

Most PEMF devices use low frequency specs similar to those that occur in nature, such as that we see from the earth itself.

Like the chiliPAD, PEMF devices aren’t classified as regulated medical devices.

You won’t need a doctors prescription to use or buy one.

Many chiropractors, wholistic therapies, and wellness centers offer PEMF as part of their services.

Of course, you can also buy a PEMF device for at-home use.

Today, many PEMF devices are combining other wellness therapies, such as far infrared and crystal therapies, to further enhance the benefits of using PEMF devices.

 

Benefits Of PEMF As A Sleep Enhancement

Our bodies are electric.

Your very heartbeat generates electromagnetic waves throughout the body’s blood vessels, which stimulate tissues on a cellular level.

The brain controls sleep, and it, too, is a bioelectric organ.

So, if your body is electric, then the most logical equipment to enhance its function would be electrical, too, right?

For sleep, PEMF uses a phenomenon known as brainwave entertainment to enhance the sleep process and regulate the circadian and ultradian rhythms via sleep wave patterns.

What does entertainment entail?

Physics tells us that molecules/ electrical activity resonate with stimuli, meaning your molecules and electrical activity react to the stimulus of PEMF frequencies by establishing a resonant pattern.

Think follow the leader.

Low frequencies mimic specific sleep states, and the brain is able to lock-in on the frequency and take a synergetic effect from it.

The electrical activity can be slowed down or sped up via the PEMF device’s frequencies, waveforms, and intensities to shift through sleep patterns and enhance sleep.

The result is better sleep onset and deeper, more restful sleep.

You have two types of sleep – REM AND NREM.

The latter accounts for about 80% of your sleep time and occurs when you first fall asleep.

During this time your brainwaves are at their lowest, which is around 1-4 Hz.

PEMF simulates the 1-4 Hz to help you stay asleep.

The PEMF device’s sleep programs can take you through all the natural sleep stages – from Delta-rhythm to low-Beta-rhythm.

Meanwhile, the therapeutic EMF is also enhancing your cellular oxygen metabolism to repair cells.

The gains range from better immune function and memory to hormone production that can further help you in your quest for natural, sound sleep.

Melatonin and Human Growth Hormone are crucial to your sleep quality and avoiding latency.

Both are released via the pineal gland. Interestingly enough, a vast amount of pathologies and injuries directly or indirectly have an effect on the pineal gland, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and quadriplegia.

We recently published research review of various research journals about effect of PEMF on MS and it has shown how helpful PEMF is across the board with MS symptoms, including sleep disturbances (6).

Of course, biological rhythm disruption isn’t the only reason sleep can be disrupted.

Pain, for example, can greatly influence the ability to sleep.

Pain conditions can be extremely difficult to treat, unpredictable, and have many variables.

The Journal of Pain Research offers one of many studies showing how PEMF can reduce pain (4).

Pain Research and Management investigated PEMF in response to pain and anxiety, finding it reduced both (5).

Less pain means better sleep.

As Medline explains in detail, sleep disruptions aren’t a one-size-fits all issue (7).

Due to nearly all pathologies and injuries originating or influencing the body from a cellular level and PEMF’s ability to directly enhance cellular function, it’s benefits are being studied in almost every disease and condition imaginable.

PEMF offers a noninvasive, medication-free solution to cellular disruptions causing sleep problems.

Aside from the diversity in addressing the many issues that can cause sleep disruption, PEMF is also beneficial in the following broad categories:

  • Energy production
  • Mental health improvement
  • General wellness
  • Anti-aging
  • Sports and athletic recovery
  • Tissue repair
  • Circulation improvement
  • Endorphin releases
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Increased lymphatic flow
  • Immune system engagement

 

How Is PEMF for Sleep Applied?

Similar to the chiliPAD’s mattress topper application, most PEMF devices can be purchased in mat form.

Some small mat applications are designed to go under pillows or be sat upon.

Other full-body mats can be placed directly on the bed or other flat rest surface.

Use the PEMF mats for power naps, or you can sleep on them throughout the night.

Many brands have preset sleep programs you can use, or you can opt for a PEMF brand that can be used to create your own tailored frequency and intensity settings.

 

Bottom Line On chiliPAD vs PEMF

The chiliPAD is excellent if your sleep issue stems from your environment influencing your inability to get a restful night of sleep.

Too hot, too cold… innumerable conditions can make your body more responsive to heat or cold.

The chiliPAD offers a way to mitigate those temperature changes by sleeping on a mattress pad that helps you offer your body a more appealing temp as you fall and stay asleep.

chiliPAD’s most appealing feature is that the WE sizes can be tailored to two sleepers in the same bed thanks to dual mats and Cubes.

However, the chiliPAD application is limited in its benefits.

PEMF, on the other hand, offers a diverse and comprehensive solution to sleep issues.

These devices address sleep issues from a cellular level via therapeutic EMF so that you can get a better night of sleep when your issue is beyond temperature discomfort, such as in the case of pain, circulation, chemical imbalances, brain wave errors, anxiety, and so forth.

Of course, you also get many more benefits than temperature adjustment alone.

Choosing between these two sleep assistance tools is largely based on why you need it and if you’d like your device to offer benefits beyond sleep enhancement.

If PEMF is appealing, then be sure to check our guides on various brands and their configurations.