[AngelaJohnston]

Putting aside, that I'm not convinced that it is not a troll story, and/or just move, rather than banging on about cheapest rent in area, and/or complain and get them handled, if it is really them causing the issues.

Many laptops, blow out heat and heat up sections of a bed. So a person can notice sudden feelings of being blown with hot air, and/or the bottom of laptops can get "red hot" (not really, but sort of), so if someone moves it and suddenly sit on or touch that bit, on a bed, it can feel very hot, for a limited period of time.
They can also cause vibrations (internal fans, spinning hard disk drives, in older laptops, as newer ones tend to have SSDs, which are vibration free).
I think, putting ones ear near a mattress, can even 'magnify' such sounds/vibrations, perhaps making it seem like there is a whirring machine, nearby. Caused by a laptop, on that bed/mattress.
Also, beds/bedding tends to block the laptops air cooling vents, possibly over-heating it, filling it with dust and hence giving excessive wear and tear. So it is not the best way of treating laptops.

[EricHudson]

Of course, blackmail is a crime. And if you are being blackmailed, you should contact the police.

[GordonReid]

Hmm, personally, it seems to me that you should contact the police, tell them everything and they will check your house for the presence of various devices needed by a neighbor for surveillance. If they find something, then you can sue your neighbor. Perhaps he wanted to blackmail you and take advantage of it. If this turns out to be the case, then he will go to jail and you will get rid of the neighbor who is bothering you. I hope that these are just your guesses and everything will be much calmer than you think. But try checking all the lamps for microphones. At least in the movies, people do that.Good luck!

[Rogalik]

Dealing with neighbor harassment can be really frustrating, and it's important to address it properly.

[DanielStone]

It's essential to consider all angles, as you mentioned, but it's also crucial to take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where harassment extends to digital spaces, it's a good idea to check out some tips on how to handle it effectively. Websites like digitalforensics.com can provide valuable insights and guidance on dealing with online harassment and privacy concerns. Remember, it's all about staying informed and taking the right steps to protect yourself and your peace of mind.