Eight Sleep Pod 4 Review: Is the Eight Sleep Pod 4 worth it?
Review
- Dynamic cooling and heating
- Advanced sleep tracking
- Customizable settings
- The price can be prohibitive for some
- Requires a subscription
For years, I struggled with subpar sleep. Between raising my twins when they were newborns, work pressures and the occasional bout of late-night caffeine consumption, my sleep routine had completely crumbled.
When I came across the Eight Sleep Pod 4 - a high-tech mattress cover promising to revolutionise rest through temperature regulation and sleep tracking - I was intrigued.
A year later, I've put it through its paces and am here to answer the pressing question: Is the Eight Sleep Pod 4 worth the investment?
The promise of Eight Sleep: Why I tried it
Sleep experts agree that regulating your sleep environment's temperature can drastically improve rest. Studies suggest that the ideal temperature for sleep is between 18°C and 20°C, which helps with sleep onset and quality. The Eight Sleep Pod 4 doesn't just keep your bed cool; it actively adjusts temperatures throughout the night to match your body's needs.
The appeal for me was twofold. Firstly, it offered dual-zone temperature settings, allowing my wife and I to customise our individual sides of the bed. Secondly, it promised improved mornings with a vibration alarm that wakes you gently without jarring sounds. For someone managing moderate sleep apnoea, this sounded like a game-changer.
For context, I originally used an early-generation model Pod Cover before upgrading to the Pod 4. I assume I was one of the first to have an Eight Sleep in Australia as I bought one in the US and brought it over to Australia before it could be purchased here. This review will be focusing primarily on the Pod 4 but I will also be touching on its predecessor and how the two versions differ.
Eight Sleep Pod 4: How it Works
The Eight Sleep Pod 4 is a high-tech mattress cover designed to enhance your sleep quality by regulating temperature and tracking sleep metrics.
Here's a detailed explanation of how it works:
Temperature Control: The Pod 4 uses a water-based cooling and heating system. The mattress cover is made from a soft, breathable material that zips onto your existing mattress. It connects to a control hub that pumps water through the cover, allowing it to cool or heat to your desired temperature. The temperature range is impressive, from 13°C to 43°C. This system ensures that you can sleep comfortably, whether you're a hot or cold sleeper.
Smart Sleep Tracking: The Pod 4 is equipped with over a dozen sensors that monitor various biometric data, such as heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate, and sleep stages. These sensors are embedded in the cover and the control hub, providing a comprehensive overview of your sleep patterns. The data collected is sent to the Eight Sleep app, where it is analysed to give you personalised insights into your sleep quality.
Autopilot: One of the standout features of the Pod 4 is its Autopilot app. This feature uses complex algorithms to automatically adjust the temperature throughout the night based on your sleep data and environmental factors. For example, if the app detects that you're entering a deep sleep stage, it might lower the temperature slightly to keep you comfortable. The goal is to optimise your sleep environment dynamically, ensuring you get the best possible rest.
Dual Temperature Control: If you share your bed with a partner, the Pod 4 has you covered. The temperature control is split down the middle, allowing each side of the bed to be adjusted independently. This means you and your partner can set your preferred temperatures without disturbing each other.
Unboxing and setup
Straight out of the box, the Pod 4 felt premium. The design updates over its predecessor were immediately noticeable.
The cover was sleeker and installation was simpler, no longer requiring the help of a second person to strap it onto the bed. (The older model definitely required a minimum of 2 people.) Instead, it slipped on in minutes - perfect for anyone who's wrestled with complicated mattress tech before.
Caption: This is my sleep setup at the Finder office that I used for live streaming my sleep hacking experiment.
Once set up, it felt like I'd added a cushioned, temperature-controlled layer to my bed. The cooling system kicked in within minutes, and I was ready to experience its much-touted benefits.
Temperature regulation: The star feature
Let's get straight to the point: the Pod 4's cooling system is impressive. Through a network of water-filled tubes connected to a central hub, the system adjusts your bed's temperature anywhere from 12°C to 43°C.
I experimented with various settings, ultimately settling on 18°C as my optimal temperature and cooler temps on hot days.
Unlike blasting an air conditioner all night, the Pod 4 targets the mattress surface, saving energy and eliminating that arid, irritating air that can lead to dry eye.
The system automatically adjusts through the night, helping regulate body temperature as it naturally fluctuates during sleep cycles.
For me, the difference was immediate. Gone were the nights of sticking a leg out from under the blanket to cool down - something I didn't realise so many people do until I no longer had to.
Sleep tracking and smart features
The Pod 4 doesn't just regulate temperature; it tracks your sleep patterns with surprising accuracy. The AI-driven Autopilot app uses this data to make real-time temperature adjustments, aiming to maximise restfulness.
While the first year of Autopilot is included, continuing the feature costs $17 a month, which may put some people off.
Caption: In the images above you can see the sleep journey I've been on. September was rough! but once I really knuckled down and focused on my sleep hacks I was clocking 100-point sleep scores.
The system integrates with health platforms like Apple Health, providing a dashboard for tracking sleep quality alongside other metrics. This feature was invaluable during my experiment, offering insights into how temperature regulation improved my sleep.
Daily use and comfort
Comfort was another area where the Pod 4 stood out. Earlier models had a somewhat plasticky feel, but the Pod 4's cover is a cushioned upgrade. It adds a layer of luxury to your mattress without feeling obtrusive.
Caption: This is a snap of me pretending to be asleep but demonstrating my sleep setup. I wear a CPAP mask, eye mask and ear plugs. It's quite a sight!
The vibrating alarm was another standout feature, especially for couples. It wakes you gently, without the disruptive sounds of a traditional alarm. There's even a touch-to-snooze function - a small but thoughtful addition.
If you struggle to resist the lure of the snooze button, you can choose to add gradual heat to your mattress until it's literally too uncomfortable to stay in bed.
Energy efficiency and value
At $4,349, the Pod 4 is undoubtedly a luxury item. However, I found it more energy-efficient than cooling my entire home with air conditioning. Using an energy meter, I calculated that running the Pod 4 costs far less than cooling an entire floor, making it a potentially cost-effective solution over the lifetime of the product.
If you're someone who already invests in your sleep - be it through premium mattresses or high-tech sleep gadgets - the Pod 4 offers an excellent return on investment. It's an easy, passive way to improve your rest, which can positively impact every aspect of your life.
Customer Experience: Room for improvement?
No product is perfect, and the Pod 4 is no exception. Occasionally you may face an issue that needs technical support. Eight Sleep's customer service has always been exemplary (Hi Joe! 👋).
It's worth noting that maintenance has also improved. Earlier models required distilled water and hydrogen peroxide, but the Pod 4 is much more straightforward to manage as an in-built filter cartridge.
Comparing the Pod 4 to the Pod 4 Ultra
For those looking to take their sleep setup even further, Eight Sleep also offers the Pod 4 Ultra, which includes an adjustable base. This allows you to elevate parts of the bed, ideal for addressing issues like snoring.
At $4,700, the Ultra is even more of an investment, but it provides additional customisation options that might appeal to some users, especially for those that snore and have sleep apnoea.
Who Is This For?
The Eight Sleep Pod 4 is best suited to people who:
- Struggle with temperature regulation during sleep.
- Are tech-savvy and appreciate features like detailed sleep tracking.
- Want an energy-efficient alternative to all-night air conditioning.
- Are willing to invest in high-quality, innovative sleep solutions.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Yes, if sleep is a priority in your life. The Eight Sleep Pod 4 delivers on its promise of better sleep through temperature control and smart features. It's an investment, but for those who value rest as a foundation for good health and productivity, it's an investment that pays dividends.
While the subscription fees and upfront cost might deter some, the Pod 4 offers a level of customisation and comfort that's unmatched by simpler solutions. If you're ready to take your sleep seriously, this could be the upgrade you've been dreaming of.
Specifications
Dimensions
$500 off Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra
Pricing and availability
Prices range from $6,099 for a AU Queen to $6,299 for a AU King size.
Images: Jeremy Cabral / Eight Sleep
