The Best Press-On Nails, Rigorously Tested By Our Editors
The best press-on nails allow you to try different shapes, lengths and styles without requiring a ... More visit to the salon.
These are the best press-on nails according to our testing.
'The first thing you should look for is your preferred style and shape of nails,' says Tara Haye, a freelance nail artist based in NYC. 'Then focus on size, fit and a good adhesive like nail glue or sticky tabs.' Once you find a style you want to try, you can shape your press-ons just as your natural nail using nail clippers and a file. When choosing the right length, consider your lifestyle and daily activities, as you want to ensure your nails don't get in the way of everyday chores. Here are the best press-on nails, according to editor testing.
Olive & June
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Number of designs: 95+ | Reusable: Yes | Size options: 21 per hand | Adhesive: Glue
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Regardless of your skill level, Olive & June's press-on nails are an excellent option; they're easy to apply, long lasting and look incredibly natural. Each mani kit includes 21 sizes for each hand, the most extensive size range of any brand we have tested. Thanks to this, during my testing I found it easy to find the right fit for each nail, and the application process was smooth. (If you're new to press-on nails like I am, I suggest reading through the instruction manual before you begin.)
The Olive & June set lasted six days and looked natural and elegant.
The press-ons lasted for six days, and I didn't experience any chips or visible wear, which is consistent with the experience of another tester. At the six-day mark, I switched out these nails for a different set I was testing, but I think they would have lasted for at least two more days had I not removed them. Beyond the extensive size range and durability, I thought the final look was polished and elegant.
Amazon
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Number of designs: 90+ | Reusable: Yes | Size options: 15 per hand | Adhesive: Glue
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If you're looking for a specific color or design, Glamnetic offers over 90 options ranging from solid colors to shimmery, novelty looks. Beyond the designs, these press-ons stand out for their durability and thickness. Our testers agreed that the nails felt thicker than other brands', although applying them took a bit longer, as she had to hold them in place for longer to ensure they stuck properly. 'Once applied, the press-ons felt sturdy and durable, with a thick quality that gave me confidence they would last," says one testers. "They also looked like I got Gel-X done at the salon—I don't think anyone could tell they were press ons.'
The Glamnetic set felt strong and durable, and the nail thickness was impressive.
Both testers appreciated the durability of their Glamnetic set and noted that they didn't experience any chips or signs of wearing down, despite being quite active throughout the week. One tester had a single nail pop off, but that was the only incident during the week-long test. Like the Olive & June set, this includes the nails (15 sizes for each hand), buffer and nail file, prep pad, wooden cuticle pusher and nail glue.
Kiss
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Number of designs: 60+ | Reusable: No | Size options: 14 per hand | Adhesive: Glue
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Kiss press-on nails are affordable and chic if you want to try press-ons for the first time and don't want to spend much on a set. The nails have numbered indicators to match up to both hands, which is helpful for first-time users, and the glue was easy to work with and provided a strong hold. There are only 14 size options per hand, which is less than most other brands, but our testers were still able to find the right fit. 'Kiss does have a good amount of larger nails for folks with bigger hands like myself,' says one tester.
The Kiss nails have an affordable price, fun designs and felt sturdy after application.
Both testers were happy with the durability of this set, with the nails lasting for a whole week despite everyday tasks like doing the dishes, making the bed and cooking. 'I found these press-ons very comfortable and was really happy with them overall. I didn't feel them start to lift and budge until about a week into wearing them, which is pretty good for press-ons,' says our tester. One thing to note: Certain styles might look more natural than others, as one wearer noted that her nails looked like press-ons rather than a gel manicure done at the salon.
Chillhouse
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Number of designs: 37 | Reusable: Yes | Size options: 12 per hand | Adhesive: Glue
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Chillhouse nails are easy to apply (the whole process took about 15 to 20 minutes for both testers) and reapply as needed, making this a great choice if you are looking to reuse your press-ons. The box includes 24 nails (12 for each hand), a dual-sided buffer and file, wooden cuticle stick and gentle nail glue. If you have wider fingernails or just want more size options to find your best fit, it's worth noting that Chillhouse offers the fewest amount of sizes. However, these nails are comfortable, natural and easy to cut and file down.
Our testers liked the length and shape of the Chillhouse Chill Tips.
Our testers liked the length and shape of the press-ons, although one of the designs started to wear off by the sixth day. This set lasted exactly one week and felt durable right out of the box. We did have to use a bit more glue than the directions suggested to get them to affix properly.
At Forbes Vetted, we've researched and written dozens of nailcare stories, including those about the best nail polish brands, best fall nail colors and more.
We tested seven brands of press-on nails, and three didn't make our final list. Here's more on what we liked and didn't like about them.
PaintLab Press-On Nails, from $10: Our two testers had differing experiences with the longevity of these nails. One tester said her PaintLab nails held firm until she manually removed them on day nine (the design on the tips did show obvious signs of wear), while our other tester said her nails started falling off on day three.
Dashing Diva Magic Press Premium, $12: These pre-painted, pre-glued nails are great for last-minute manis and short-term wear, but our tester doesn't recommend them for long-term wear. The sticky backing has some bulk, which means they sit slightly off the nail, and she experienced some lifting at the cuticle.
Static Nails Reusable Pop-On Manicures, from $18: Unfortunately, the glue doesn't dry clear like other brands we tested, so it doesn't clean up well, is messy to use and leaves a chalky white finish everywhere. These nails also fell off after just four days.
While the nails' design, shape and length are largely up to personal preference, we focused on ease of use, fit and wear longevity when evaluating the best press-on nails. Our testers began by reading the instructions that came with each set and then applying the nails, noting how user-friendly the process was and how long it took them. They also indicated whether each kit had everything they needed and whether the press-ons needed to be filed down or reshaped.
Our testers began by reading the instructions and noting how user-friendly the application process ... More was.
As everyone's nails are different, each set should have a wide range of sizes. Our testers noted the number of nail sizes in each set and whether they had trouble finding a comfortable fit. Olive & June was the most size-inclusive brand, with an impressive 42 nails in each set.
Our testers put the press-ons through the rigors of daily life and evaluated how long each set lasted, whether the design faded and if there were chips or signs of visible wear. Through daily activities like cooking, cleaning, walking the dog and working out, our testers determined each set's longevity and durability.
Although fit and performance are two of the most crucial factors, there are other factors to consider. After consulting with our experts, here's what to look for when shopping for the best press-on nails.
Like salon manicures, you can choose a shape that best fits your needs and preferences. Common shapes include square, round, almond and oval. There's no right or wrong shape, so don't be afraid to experiment with different options and file the shape to your liking.
Press-on nails come in several different lengths, ranging from short to long. When choosing the right length, consider your lifestyle and daily activities. If you use your hands frequently—whether for cooking or typing on a computer—extra long nails might make those activities more difficult. Again, you can always cut your press-ons down with nail clippers and reshape the tips if you want to customize the length.
Press-on nails come in many styles, from solid colors to more elaborate designs with glitter. Some sets also have embellishments like rhinestones, metallic accents and raised 3D shapes that can provide an unexpected texture to your nails. Glamnetic in particular has a wide variety of designs to choose from.
After extensive testing, the Olive & June's The Instant Mani Press-On Nails were our pick for the best press-on nails. The brand is great for beginners and more advanced users alike, and each set comes with 21 sizes for each hand, making it easy to find the best fit. There are also many designs, ranging from solid colors to artful looks.
Press-on nails that come with a strong glue should last the longest. All the options highlighted in this guide come with an effective glue that keeps nails affixed for at least a week.
Press-on nails won't ruin your natural nails if correctly applied and removed. It's important to follow the removal instructions and not wreak unnecessary havoc on your nails. To keep your natural nails healthy, it's also a good idea to hydrate your hands and cuticles or use a nail strengthener. 'Practicing good habits like moisturizing regularly and maintaining a balanced nutritional diet also helps,' says Haye.
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Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
How To Find The Best Bath Towel 2025: An Expert-Backed Guide
What's the difference between Egyptian and Turkish cotton? Or a waffle or terry weave? As a home and kitchen writer at Forbes Vetted, I leveraged the expertise of our experienced editors, analyzed hands-on testing data, and enlisted textile experts to help you find the best bath towels for your needs—ones that are actually worth investing in. I also share the team's top recommendations, including the soft and crowd-pleasing Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel to the heavyweight Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towel. We compiled this shopping guide to help you find the best bath towels for your home. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: caroline mullen for forbes Below, find everything you need to know while bath towel shopping, including picks to consider from our roundup of the best bath towels of 2025. Before you dive into a bath towel's construction, narrow your focus to reputable brands, says Erika Smith, brand manager at online retailer Fine Linen and Bath. 'This can be a luxury towel brand like Abyss, Graccioza, Matouk, Sferra or Yves Delorme, or a mid-market retailer whose brand connotes quality, such as and Land's End,' she says. Private-label offerings from luxury stores, such as Marriott's Luxury Collection Bath Towel, are also most likely of good quality, according to Smith. Kim Peiffer For Forbes Matouk Milagro Bath Towel Material: Long-staple cotton | Construction: Z-twist | Size: 30 x 60 inches | Weight: 550 GSM | Colors: 23 | Certifications: Oeko-Tex The midweight Milagro Bath Towel by Matouk, one of Smith's recommended high-quality brands, is also our home editors' top luxury pick after rigorous testing. Not only did it prove to be the most absorbent towel (tying our best overall), it's also visually striking, according to our tester: 'I love to display this towel on my towel rack; it looks great draped over the rack with its rich color and detailed edges.' There's a reason why almost all eight winners in our best bath towel roundup are made of cotton: It's the gold standard material due to its fiber content. 'Cotton is hydrophilic, which means that it easily absorbs water,' says Sean Cormier, chair of the textile development and marketing department at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. But, not all cotton is the same: Cotton comes in different fiber lengths, known as 'staple." When bath towel shopping, Smith advises going for long- or extra-long-staple cottons. Egyptian cotton is widely regarded as the finest type of cotton, she says: 'It is grown under specific conditions of heat, sun, humidity and fertile soil, and usually harvested by hand to protect the staple.' Egyptian cotton bath towels come in either long or extra-long staple versions, making them among the softest, most attractive and most absorbent. Features: Grown in Egypt Durable Most absorbent Plush and luxurious feel Made with long- or extra-long staple cotton Material: Long-staple Egyptian cotton | Construction: Terry weave | Size: 30 x 58 inches | Weight: 700 GSM | Colors: 11 | Certifications: Oeko-Tex The Riley Spa Bath Towel features Egyptian cotton and has an ample weight of 700 GSM. It also has a terry weave, which is less quick-drying but more absorbent than other weaves like waffle. While it didn't make the final cut as a winner in our best list, those who prefer an ultra-lightweight, quick-drying towel should consider this pick. This cotton is grown in the Aegean region and consists of long-staple fibers. Similar to Egyptian cotton towels, Turkish cotton towels are known for their softness and absorbency, but tend to be slightly less absorbent—and slightly less durable—than Egyptian cotton. That said, Turkish cotton towels are known to be the quickest drying. Features: Grown in the Aegean region Absorbent (slightly less than Egyptian) Smooth and soft feel Quickest drying Made with long-staple cotton Material: 100% fine-combed, long-staple Turkish cotton | Construction: Terry | Size: 30 x 58 inches | Weight: 700 GSM | Colors: 25 | Certifications: Oeko-Tex This pick was named the best bath towel overall on our list. Offering just-right weightiness, absorbency and plushness, our tester reports that these uphold their quality over time. 'I almost feel like they got fluffier after being washed. I'm used to towels losing their plushness and becoming flatter after multiple washes,' she says. Pima Cotton Pima cotton (a.k.a. the brand name Supima) is another type of high-quality cotton, which is why it's typically used in luxury towels. In fact, according to Brian Delp, expert at home textile manufacturer Himatsingka, it's one of the few cotton types with a verifiable quality standard: 'For a cotton to be named Supima, it must be grown in the U.S. and also be an extra-long staple cotton.' Its long fibers translate to less linting, more durability and better color preservation, Delp adds. Features: Grown in the U.S. Soft feel Less shedding/linting Excellent color retention Made with extra-long-staple cotton anna perling for forbes Onsen Supima Waffle Bath Towel Material: Extra-long-staple American Supima cotton | Construction: Waffle | Size: 31 x 57 inches | Weight: 470 GSM | Colors: 12 | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Onsen's Waffle Bath Towels are made from 100% American-grown Supima cotton, which makes up less than 1% of cotton grown in the world, says Smith. 'I can dry off quickly with them or stay wrapped up in them for a while comfortably,' says one tester in her full review of the towel . Consider Towel Weight (GSM) Nailing down the right weight for your needs is also important for figuring out 'factors such as hand feel, personal preference and quick-dry features,' says Delp. The weight of towels (and other fabrics) is measured in grams per square meter, or GSM. Bath towels typically range between 300 and 900 GSM. Generally, the higher you go on that scale, the softer, heavier and more absorbent the towel gets. 300 to 400 GSM: The lightest weight class, these bath towels tend to be thin and quick-drying—making them great for situations like a poorly ventilated bathroom. While they tend to be lower-quality than bath towels in the 400 to 900+ GSM range, there are some exceptions, like the Abyss Pousada; though it's only 300 GSM, Smith recommends it for its textured basket weave that's made out of Egyptian Giza cotton. The lightest weight class, these bath towels tend to be thin and quick-drying—making them great for situations like a poorly ventilated bathroom. 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This weight range of towel will be quicker to dry, both hanging in the bath and in the dryer when you launder,' she says, citing the Matouk Milagro, which has a 550 GSM, as an example. 600 to 900+ GSM: Towels in this GSM category are what people think of when they think 'luxury': they're heavy, plush and highly absorbent; because of this, however, they tend to take longer to dry. Examples include the Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel, our top pick overall after testing, as well as two of Smith's picks: the Abyss Super Pile at 700 GSM and the Graccioza Egoist at 800 GSM. Kim Peiffer For Forbes Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels Material: Long-staple Turkish cotton | Construction: Z-twist | Size: 30 x 58 inches | Weight: 820 GSM | Colors: 18 | Certifications: Oeko-Tex Brooklinen's best-selling Super-Plush Bath Towel is our top heavyweight pick after testing—at 820 GSM, our tester found it extra fluffy, incredibly durable and that it got softer after each use. Pick Your Weave In addition to being a tactile choice, weave types impact absorbency. Here is a breakdown of the main types. Terry weave consists of raised cotton thread loops that are tightly woven on towel's surface. In general, high-GSM cotton bath towels with a terry weave are among the most absorbent, says Smith. Frontgate's Resort Collection Bath Towel falls under this category with its 700 GSM weight and terry, long-staple cotton weave—which helped it clinch the the top spot in our bath towel testing. consists of raised cotton thread loops that are tightly woven on towel's surface. In general, high-GSM cotton bath towels with a terry weave are among the most absorbent, says Smith. Frontgate's Resort Collection Bath Towel falls under this category with its 700 GSM weight and terry, long-staple cotton weave—which helped it clinch the the top spot in our bath towel testing. Waffle weave (a.k.a. honeycomb weave) is characterized by its square-shaped threads, which gives the towel a breathable, lightweight texture. Because they're not as plush as a terry, waffle-weave towels are easier to store. They're also slightly less absorbent than terry towels. We recommend the Onsen Supima Bath Towel if you prefer waffle weave. (a.k.a. honeycomb weave) is characterized by its square-shaped threads, which gives the towel a breathable, lightweight texture. Because they're not as plush as a terry, waffle-weave towels are easier to store. They're also slightly less absorbent than terry towels. We recommend the Onsen Supima Bath Towel if you prefer waffle weave. Zero-twist (Z-twist): Unlike terry towels, zero-twist towels are made with long-staple cotton fibers that are not twisted during the spinning process, making them the plushest and most absorbent of the three weaves (no twisting means greater surface area). 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He spent 18 years prior as a textile engineer; Brian Delp is president of sales and licensing at Himatsingka America, a home textiles manufacturer. He's also board vice president of the Home Fashions Product Associations Board (HFPA) and an adjunct instructor at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT); Erika Smith is brand manager at Fine Linen and Bath, an online retailer of luxury home linens. The brand specializes bedding, towels and table linen from European and American textile brands including Abyss & Habidecor, Matouk, Graccioza and Yves Delorme. What Is The Best Bath Towel Brand? Based on Forbes Vetted's testing, the best bath towel brands include Frontgate, Matouk and Brooklinen. The brands had some of our favorite towel styles after rigorous testing. How Often Should I Replace My Bath Towels? There's no hard-and-fast rule for how often to replace your bath towels; it all depends on their quality, how often you rotate them and whether you clean them properly. While bath towels have an average lifespan of one to two years, premium bath towels tend to last longer and stay more absorbent, says Smith. 'Store them in a cool, dry place and be sure to rotate your towels to ensure even wear. If you see a stray thread, snip it level with the towel's pile/loop to prevent pulling,' she notes. How Do I Make My Towels Soft Again? To restore your bath towels' softness, skip the fabric softener, advises Delp. 'Softener and other harsh chemicals can either attach to the fibers (reducing their absorbency) or break down the materials, thus reducing their durability,' he says. Instead, if your bath towel is stiff due to residue build-up, try occasionally adding white vinegar to your load; according to Delp, it helps break down residue like soap that tends to build up on the fabric. He also advises, 'Shake out your towels once they're fully dry to fluff out the loops; don't crush them and put them in a high-friction pile.'
Forbes
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Forbes
06-08-2025
- Forbes
Chilipad Review: So Cooling, I Turned Down The AC In Triple-Digit Heat
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(It would bother me if I had to keep them out in plain sight, but that may be a personal preference—I don't fully love being able to see them under the bed either, to be honest.) The Chilipad's dock slid snugly under my bed, keeping it out of immediate sight. bridget chapman for forbes The cooling system works by circulating distilled water through microtubes in the pad, and the water's temperature changes to keep you comfortable. You do need to buy the distilled water separately; I found it requires a refill every few weeks, so it's best to keep a jug nearby. With my husband and I using two docks every night, we probably replace the jug itself on a monthly basis. Rapid And Effective Cooling (Or Heating) Relief One lesson I've learned after moving many times over the years is no two thermostats seem to share the same temperature truth. What I mean by that is 66 degrees for one may feel like 70 degrees for another, and hot sleepers know how much each one of those degrees count in the middle of a sweltering night. Because of this, I first set my Chilipad to 64 degrees—and I froze. I found my sweet spot to be 68 to 70 degrees for most of the night with an automatic adjustment to 73 degrees come morning. Meanwhile, my husband likes his even cooler, at 65 degrees, so it takes some playing around with. Whatever your preferred temperature, this system was so effective at cooling my body that I ended up turning down our AC a few times in the middle of the night. I also tested its heating function, cranking it up to the full 115 degrees. The result was a soothing warmth, as if lying on a full-body heating pad or heated massage table. I think it could especially be relaxing and helpful for easing aches, pains or cramps. The second the system kicks on, it starts working, but it takes a few minutes to significantly change degrees. You can slightly feel the water when it initially fills the microtubes within the pad beneath you, and a cooling sensation forms as it drops in temperature, but it's very subtle in terms of the operational feel. I didn't notice the pad itself being there throughout the night and don't think it altered the feel or firmness of our mattress at all. The dock's display shows your bed's current temperature next to what it's working toward. bridget chapman for forbes I compare the sound the dock makes to a very gentle white noise. The brand refers to it as 'whisper-quiet,' a description I agree with. We also sleep with a white noise machine so it didn't impact us at all. Nevertheless, I think most people would be fine with it or would hardly notice it since I had to double-check whether it was still on or not some mornings—but if you need your room to be dead quiet while you sleep, it might be a dealbreaker depending on where you place the dock. Easy To Maintain With Water And Cleaner As mentioned above, you need distilled water to keep it running, but Sleepme suggests you also use the Chilipad cleaner on a monthly basis. Using the cleaner is really easy: You just pour it into the same area where the distilled water goes and you're done. However, you need to purchase the cleaner separately; you can buy it as a 3-, 6- or 12-pack (ranging from $24 to $96 before discounts). The brand also recommends doing a semiannual flush where you disconnect the pad, drain it, then wash it in a cold water on gentle cycle and dry with a medium-temperature setting. You add both the water and cleaner to this corner of the dock (after unlocking and removing the ... More lid). bridget chapman for forbes I always recommend using a mattress protector to keep your mattress safe from spills, dust mites and allergens, but I would especially recommend a waterproof one for extra security if using the Chilipad. (We haven't experienced any issues with leaking or condensation, but again, it never hurts to have one.) Optional AI-Powered Sleep Tracking You can also add a sleep tracker to the Chilipad Dock Pro, which is in the form of another thin but smaller pad that goes under the Chilipad cover where your chest lies. It uses AI to offer live temperature adjustments as well as daily analyses of your REM, deep sleep and light sleep stages. The non-wearable device also tracks your sleeping heart rate variability, resting heart rate, breathing patterns and more in an effort to help improve your sleep quality and knowledge. All the information is stored in the same app you use to operate the Chilipad. It does cost an additional $299 at full retail, though. We haven't tested this component yet and cannot speak to its precision (though no sleep tracker is 100% accurate). Final Thoughts The Chilipad Dock Pro Bed Cooling System has immensely transformed our sleep. Not only do we sleep deeper and better—and have nixed the 3 a.m. blanket-kicking routine—but my husband no longer feels like a human furnace sleeping next to me, and vice versa. It's easy to use, and I love that you can set daily, personalized schedules for each side of the bed. Though I do think there are a lot of mattresses and bedding products that are more 'cooling' than others, there's only so much they can do, since they don't use electronic tech to cool you down. Rather, their materials help regulate your temperature by being breathable, cool to the touch or a heat conductor. They definitely help in my experience and are adequate for many sleepers, but their capabilities are not extreme. The Chilipad, on the other hand, is an active bed system that can truly chill or toast you to your heart's content. There are also smart beds that contain this type of technology, like the Sleep Number ClimateCool, but these options are best if you're looking to commit to a more drastic (and expensive) sleep setup change. I appreciate that adding the Chilipad to your current mattress won't alter its feel or firmness. However, I know the Chilipad Dock Pro is a luxury purchase alone. It also may not be the right product for those looking to avoid having any dock(s) and hoses to store under or around their bed—or if you don't want the regular maintenance of adding distilled water and cleaner. In that case, a cooling blanket or cooling mattress topper may suffice. But for my hot-sleeping husband and me, the Chilipad is beyond worth it. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted sleep team consists of experienced editors and writers who've tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products to help others achieve the best sleep possible. Our extensive library of sleep content includes everything from the best cooling mattresses and the best cooling sheets to the best anti-snore devices and other shopping advice. Author of this article Bridget Chapman is the senior mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted. She's a certified sleep science coach who's tested hundreds of products. As a hot sleeper herself, she's tested many of our top picks for the best cooling mattresses and bedding products. Emmy Favilla, managing editor at Forbes Vetted, reviewed this article. She's worked in the media industry for over two decades, with the latter half of her career focused on product testing and research, covering everything from the best pillows to our favorite adjustable base. Is The Chilipad Worth It? We think the Chilipad is worth it if temperature is negatively impacting your sleep. It's an effective cooling (and heating) system that can adjust your bed's temperature from 55 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. It's also easy to use and maintain. What Is The Difference Between Chilipad And Ooler? The Ooler was a cooling system from Sleepme that was discontinued in December 2023 and replaced with the Chilipad Dock Pro. The brand says the Dock Pro offers twice the cooling capacity that the Ooler did, while being quieter and more comfortable. Does Chilipad Require A Subscription? No, Sleepme does not require a subscription or ongoing fee for its Chilipad bed cooling systems.
