Everett, Wash.
Published: Thursday, July 24, 2008

The home front: The Bedfan

 What: As summer nights start to heat up your bedroom -- in a bad way, that is -- the Bedfan personal cooling system offers a means of relief. By mounting the device at the foot of your bed, with the tip of the fan jutting out just an inch or so above the mattress, the fan can circulate cool air over your body. Added bonus: The process forces out the heat you usually generate from laying under far too many covers in August.

Advantages:
The manufacturers of the Bedfan say the device is ideal for anyone who suffers from night sweats or menopause. They also claim it can cut down on energy use, as it allows homeowners to set their thermostat at a higher temperature, eventually spending less money on air conditioning. The Bedfan comes with a remote, so you can turn it on without getting out of bed. And it comes with a satisfaction guarantee -- if you're unhappy with the fan for any reason, you can get your money back.

Limitations:
The device touts its ability to remove the heat trapped under the blankets, but couldn't you also remove that heat by simply sleeping with fewer sheets? Also, for anyone living near the water, Puget Sound and its various bays generally drop the nighttime temperature pretty quickly on their own, making the fan seem a bit unnecessary.

Where:
www.Amazon.com

Learn more:
Extensive information is also at www.bedfan.com

Cost:
$79.95 at www.Amazon.com

Text by Andy Rathbun

Product information and photos provided by Tompkins Research
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA