Review: Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra – Buy for a Great Sleep, $4,700

The introduction of Eight Sleep’s temperature-controlling mattress cover has been highlighted as a significant improvement in sleep quality for couples with differing temperature preferences. The author’s household experienced nightly conflicts over thermostat settings before testing an Eight Sleep cover, which allowed each partner to customize sleeping conditions independently.

Initially, the main drawback noted was the high cost of nearly $1,900 and an additional $19 monthly subscription fee. Two years later, this concern persists with Eight Sleep’s latest product, the Pod 4 Ultra. The starting price for a Queen-size mattress cover is just under $4,700, not including a $199 mandatory annual membership.

The new Pod 4 Ultra is notably thinner but does not come with accessories like colorful socks. Despite its steep price, the enhancement of sleep quality is a key selling point. The Pod 4 Ultra assists users in achieving ideal sleep conditions by utilizing tubing that circulates water from a control hub to warm or cool different sides of the bed. Additionally, it has embedded sleep-tracking sensors and features a haptic motor for a silent alarm. Moreover, an AI-powered Autopilot feature modifies the temperature during sleep to enhance restfulness. This cover’s compatibility with existing mattresses is a standout feature, sidestepping the need to purchase a complete smart bed system, which can cost up to $10,000.

The improvements in the Pod 4 Ultra include a quiet operation, increased cooling power, and refined features that enhance user comfort. An added benefit is a base that fits within the existing bed frame, allowing users to adjust the bed’s elevation and position. Sleep tracking now includes snoring detection, with automatic elevation adjustments to mitigate snoring if the base is purchased. Furthermore, touch controls have been introduced, helping users manage temperature settings and alarms without relying on a smartphone.

Despite the nostalgia for manual adjustments such as stacking pillows, the convenience of bed adjustment through the Pod 4 Ultra has been praised. However, there are certain pet safety concerns due to the mobility of the bed, although Eight Sleep reassures slow movement to avoid accidents.

The upgrade deemed most favorable is the new touch controls, which provide seamless interaction with the bed’s elevation and temperature settings. The hub, which operates the system, is quieter than previous iterations, although its size remains comparable.

Overall, although the technology within expensive bed systems seems excessive for a task as straightforward as sleep, the push for optimized wellness continues to drive innovations. There is hesitance regarding the high cost and subscription model, as they lock many features behind an annual fee. However, the improvement in sleep quality achieved with the Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra speaks to its impact, leaving users in a dilemma over the cost versus the value of a good night’s sleep.

To operate the Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra, users must connect it with a compatible smartphone, agreeing to applicable terms and conditions. The Eight Sleep app requires one mandatory agreement, and users may need to grant other app permissions. Additional agreements are needed if users import data from compatible fitness devices.

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