Laptop fans are great, but I find they OFTEN fail after only a few weeks. They are generally cheaply made and simply don't last. My solution to this has been manifold. Depending on the ambient temperature of the room, I use different methods. 

When it's hot (Los Angeles 10-11 months per year), I use a small, portable, clip-on fan (available with usb, battery, or AC) placed strategically under the laptop. I elevate the laptop with a bed tray I've modified by removing every-other slat. I will post a pic of my modified tray when I can.


[![portable fan][1]][4] [![bed tray][2]][2]

When it's cool, I use foam wedges under the laptop, on top of the tray, without the fan.


[![plastic foam wedges][3]][3]


  [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/9V2UBm.jpg
  [4]: https://i.sstatic.net/9V2UB.jpg
  [2]: https://i.sstatic.net/b25dw.jpg
  [3]: https://i.sstatic.net/R3GPf.jpg