Home LivingWellnessSleepEight Sleep Pod 4 review: tapping into the future of sleep techEight Sleep’s latest Pod introduces a clever new feature to control the temperature without your phoneWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Eight Sleep)T3 VerdictThe most advanced piece of sleep technology just got even better. The new Pod 4 has a more comfortable cover, with the addition of touch-sensitive tap pads for comfort control and quieter operation. The only way to make it even better is to add the new Ultra base. All this tech comes at a cost, but it’s money well spent.Reasons to buy+Quieter operation+Tap pads are handy+More comfortable coverReasons to avoid-Subscription needed for Autopilot-Ultra base with limited availability in UK-Not the cheapestWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Home LivingWellnessSleepEight Sleep Pod 4 review: tapping into the future of sleep techEight Sleep’s latest Pod introduces a clever new feature to control the temperature without your phoneWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Eight Sleep)T3 VerdictThe most advanced piece of sleep technology just got even better. The new Pod 4 has a more comfortable cover, with the addition of touch-sensitive tap pads for comfort control and quieter operation. The only way to make it even better is to add the new Ultra base. All this tech comes at a cost, but it’s money well spent.Reasons to buy+Quieter operation+Tap pads are handy+More comfortable coverReasons to avoid-Subscription needed for Autopilot-Ultra base with limited availability in UK-Not the cheapestWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Eight Sleep’s latest Pod introduces a clever new feature to control the temperature without your phone
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Eight Sleep)T3 VerdictThe most advanced piece of sleep technology just got even better. The new Pod 4 has a more comfortable cover, with the addition of touch-sensitive tap pads for comfort control and quieter operation. The only way to make it even better is to add the new Ultra base. All this tech comes at a cost, but it’s money well spent.Reasons to buy+Quieter operation+Tap pads are handy+More comfortable coverReasons to avoid-Subscription needed for Autopilot-Ultra base with limited availability in UK-Not the cheapest
(Image credit: Eight Sleep)
(Image credit: Eight Sleep)
T3 VerdictThe most advanced piece of sleep technology just got even better. The new Pod 4 has a more comfortable cover, with the addition of touch-sensitive tap pads for comfort control and quieter operation. The only way to make it even better is to add the new Ultra base. All this tech comes at a cost, but it’s money well spent.Reasons to buy+Quieter operation+Tap pads are handy+More comfortable coverReasons to avoid-Subscription needed for Autopilot-Ultra base with limited availability in UK-Not the cheapest
T3 VerdictThe most advanced piece of sleep technology just got even better. The new Pod 4 has a more comfortable cover, with the addition of touch-sensitive tap pads for comfort control and quieter operation. The only way to make it even better is to add the new Ultra base. All this tech comes at a cost, but it’s money well spent.
T3 Verdict
The most advanced piece of sleep technology just got even better. The new Pod 4 has a more comfortable cover, with the addition of touch-sensitive tap pads for comfort control and quieter operation. The only way to make it even better is to add the new Ultra base. All this tech comes at a cost, but it’s money well spent.
Reasons to buy+Quieter operation+Tap pads are handy+More comfortable coverReasons to avoid-Subscription needed for Autopilot-Ultra base with limited availability in UK-Not the cheapest
Reasons to buy+Quieter operation+Tap pads are handy+More comfortable cover
Quieter operation
Tap pads are handy
More comfortable cover
Reasons to avoid-Subscription needed for Autopilot-Ultra base with limited availability in UK-Not the cheapest
Subscription needed for Autopilot
Ultra base with limited availability in UK
Not the cheapest
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Jump to category:Price and availabilityAbout Eight SleepFeaturesInstallationEight Sleep appIn useVerdictAlso consider
Jump to category:Price and availabilityAbout Eight SleepFeaturesInstallationEight Sleep appIn useVerdictAlso consider
The latest model, theEight Sleep Pod 4, was released early this year. It offers a few significant improvements over the previous model, but the biggest one is how it can be controlled. Small sensor packs on each side of the mattress cover allow you to tap to increase or decrease the temperature or stop the haptic alarm.
There’s also a new Pod 4 Ultra model, which comes with an adjustable base to raise the mattress into different positions and helps reduce snoring. I’ve been testing the standard Pod 4 model though which fits over any mattress. Having tested two of the three previous Eight Sleep Pods (including thePod 3andPod Pro) I can confidently say this is the best yet.
(Image credit: Eight Sleep)
(Image credit: Eight Sleep)
How much is the Eight Sleep Pod 4?
The Eight Sleep Pod 4 system starts from £2598 / $2598 for a UK double or Full, £2698 / $2798 for a UK King / US Queen, £2898 / $2998 for a Super King / US King and £3098 / $2998 for an Emperor (200cmx200cm) / Cali King bed.
You can also buy the Pod 4 Ultra model, which includes a new adjustable base. This base can be elevated for reading, relaxing and sleeping. It can even automatically adjust your position to help reduce snoring. This model starts from £4,198 for the UK super king or $4798 for the US Queen, with an additional leg kit for £89 / $99 and a 5-layer mattress for $1899 (not available in the UK).
There are two subscription options: the standard is included in the initial cost for the first year and is £17 / $17 per month (£199 /$199 per year) thereafter, and the Enhanced costs and extra £100 for the first year and then £25 / $25 per month (£299 / $299 per year) thereafter. After the first 12 months, you can continue to use the Pod without the subscription, but you will lose access to the full sleep reports and automatic temperature adjustments.
Today’s best Eight Sleep dealsEight Sleep Pod 4$2,449ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra$4,049ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Mattress$2,295$2,045ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress$3,095$2,945ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress$2,795$2,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress$3,695$3,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 2 Pro Mattress$2,695$2,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep The Pod Thermo Cover$1,995ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Mattress Cover$1,645ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Eight Sleep dealsEight Sleep Pod 4$2,449ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra$4,049ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Mattress$2,295$2,045ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress$3,095$2,945ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress$2,795$2,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress$3,695$3,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 2 Pro Mattress$2,695$2,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep The Pod Thermo Cover$1,995ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Mattress Cover$1,645ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Eight Sleep dealsEight Sleep Pod 4$2,449ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra$4,049ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Mattress$2,295$2,045ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress$3,095$2,945ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress$2,795$2,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress$3,695$3,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 2 Pro Mattress$2,695$2,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep The Pod Thermo Cover$1,995ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Mattress Cover$1,645ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Eight Sleep deals
Eight Sleep Pod 4$2,449ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra$4,049ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Mattress$2,295$2,045ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress$3,095$2,945ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress$2,795$2,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress$3,695$3,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 2 Pro Mattress$2,695$2,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep The Pod Thermo Cover$1,995ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Mattress Cover$1,645ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 4$2,449ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 4$2,449ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 4
Eight Sleep Pod 4
$2,449View
$2,449
$2,449
See all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra$4,049ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra$4,049ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra
Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra
$4,049View
$4,049
$4,049
See all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Mattress$2,295$2,045ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Mattress$2,295$2,045ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Mattress
Eight Sleep Pod Mattress
$2,295$2,045View
$2,295$2,045
$2,045
See all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress$3,095$2,945ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress$3,095$2,945ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress
$3,095$2,945View
$3,095$2,945
$2,945
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Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress$2,795$2,545ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress$2,795$2,545ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress
$2,795$2,545View
$2,795$2,545
$2,545
See all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress$3,695$3,545ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress$3,695$3,545ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress
$3,695$3,545View
$3,695$3,545
$3,545
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Eight Sleep Pod 2 Pro Mattress$2,695$2,545ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 2 Pro Mattress$2,695$2,545ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 2 Pro Mattress
Eight Sleep Pod 2 Pro Mattress
$2,695$2,545View
$2,695$2,545
$2,545
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Eight Sleep The Pod Thermo Cover$1,995ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep The Pod Thermo Cover$1,995ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep The Pod Thermo Cover
Eight Sleep The Pod Thermo Cover
$1,995View
$1,995
$1,995
See all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Mattress Cover$1,645ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Mattress Cover$1,645ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Mattress Cover
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Mattress Cover
$1,645View
$1,645
$1,645
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
What is the Eight Sleep system?
For those unaccustomed to the Eight Sleep system, it takes a little bit of explaining. The idea is that the system heats and cools your mattress to the perfect temperature for you to get the ultimate night’s sleep. Not only does it set this temperature for when you get into bed, but it also adjusts the temperature throughout the night to keep you asleep and then adjusts again to help you wake up naturally.
The way it does this is the clever bit, as Eight Sleep uses water that is either cooled or heated in the Pod. This is pumped over the mattress cover in tiny tubes warming or cooling your body. Each side of the bed can be controlled separately so that if you share a bed with a partner, you can have differing temperatures.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
New features in the Eight Sleep Pod 4
The Pod 4 is quite a big step up from thePod 3. Both the cover and the pod itself have been completely redesigned. The previous cover used a combination of straps to secure it to your mattress. The Pod 4 cover, however, just sits on the mattress like a fitted sheet and feels just as secure.
The surface of the cover feels even smoother, so you can’t feel the tubes and sensors beneath the surface, and it feels even more comfortable to lie on. There are new sensors inside the cover, too. These provide more accurate heart rate, HRV, respiratory rate and sleep stage detection. This can not only give you better data on how you sleep but also work more effectively to keep you asleep for longer.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Installing the Eight Sleep Pod 4
Installing the Eight Sleep Pod 4 for the first time is really easy. First, you install the Eight Sleep app and sign in. Once you’re subscribed, the app will talk you through the process with handy videos to guide you through each part of the setup. You need to use distilled water to fill the chamber – ideally from a water filter jug – and you’ll need a couple of litres to fill the system. Whereas previously the system suggested adding a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide, it now features a removable filter that can be replaced for free as part of your Autopilot subscription.
Once the Pod is set up, you stretch the cover over your existing mattress and then put your sheets back on the bed. This goes on really easily and I was surprised how well it stays in place without the strap of the Pod three or the zip of the old Pod Pro.
The system then starts the priming process which can take about 90 minutes to finish. However, you can start to explore all the other features in this time. The app asks you to lay on the bed and turn, so it can get used to how you lay on the various sensors. It also shows you how to use the new tap sensors on the side of the bed to turn the temperature up or down and dismiss the haptic alarm.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The Eight Sleep app
Your Eight Sleep app is very much the hub of the system. This is where you set your temperatures and alarms and where you come to get your sleep data. The main dashboard screen gives you an overview of your system, with the current state, your upcoming schedule, your most decent sleep score and heart rate variation over the past seven days.
The main temperature screen lets you manually control the temperature settings on your Eight Sleep system. During the set-up, you can also allow your partner to access the system to allow them to control their side separately, or you can switch between the left and right sides of the bed at the top of the screen. The app also now lets you manage multiple Eight Sleep devices if needed.
Underneath the manual control, you’ll find your temperature settings for the different stages of the night. One setting for when you get into bed, a second for early in the night, then for late in the night and a final temperature for waking. You can easily adjust each of these values, which go between +10 and -10 to suit how you like to sleep. However, the Autopilot system (which comes as part of the subscription) will make smaller changes through the night to keep you asleep.
The routine tab allows you to set your bedtime and waking time so that the Eight Sleep Pod can preheat (or cool) the bed for you in advance. Setting the wake-up time will not only allow it to heat the bed to a waking temperature, but it can also deploy a vibration alarm to wake you gently.
The final tab is for the sleep report. This first presents you with an overall sleep fitness score out of 100, so you can quickly compare your night’s sleep with previous nights – or with your partner’s. It then breaks this down into a little more detail, with sleep quality, routine and time slept.
Scrolling down allows you to get even more granular, looking at your different sleep stages, including the amount of REM sleep and deep sleep you got, as well as health metrics such as heart rate HRV and breath rate. It now even detects how much you snore, letting you know how long you snored for each night. There’s further info on your sleep routine, sleep latency (time to fall asleep and get up), and your time slept compared to previous nights.
(Image credit: Eight Sleep)
(Image credit: Eight Sleep)
Using the Pod 4
In the cooler weather though, is when I enjoy the Eight Sleep’s temperature control the most. There’s nothing like getting into a toasty warm bed. I like to sleep cold though, so I then drop my temperature right down for the early part of the night to get some deep sleep. Before warming up a little for the REM sleep in the early hours and then bringing me back up to temperature before my alarm goes off.
Compared to the Pod 3, I found both the heating and cooling more effective, especially when used with the Autopilot system. One of my favourite parts of the Autopilot control is that it also takes into account the ambient temperature of the room, so it can increase or decrease your initial temperature before you get into bed. Certainly a welcome addition on a chilly night.
I also found the updated vibration alarm much more usable than previous versions. You now have much greater control over the strength of the vibration, along with the option to have it come on gradually, which is much more relaxing.
(Image credit: Eight Sleep)
(Image credit: Eight Sleep)
Should I buy the Eight Sleep Pod 4?
The changes over the previous model at first felt subtle but the addition of the tap sensors on the side is extremely handy, and the whole Pod runs much quieter than before. Plus, I found the cover more comfortable and the heating and cooling even more effective.
It’s difficult to ignore the price of this unit, as spending nearly three grand on a mattress topper can seem a little excessive. However, there really is no tech quite like the Pod 4 on the market, so if you want the very best sleep, it’s worth every penny.
Today’s best Eight Sleep dealsEight Sleep Pod 4$2,449ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra$4,049ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Mattress$2,295$2,045ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress$3,095$2,945ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress$2,795$2,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress$3,695$3,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 2 Pro Mattress$2,695$2,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep The Pod Thermo Cover$1,995ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Mattress Cover$1,645ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Eight Sleep dealsEight Sleep Pod 4$2,449ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra$4,049ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Mattress$2,295$2,045ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress$3,095$2,945ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress$2,795$2,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress$3,695$3,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 2 Pro Mattress$2,695$2,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep The Pod Thermo Cover$1,995ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Mattress Cover$1,645ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Eight Sleep dealsEight Sleep Pod 4$2,449ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra$4,049ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Mattress$2,295$2,045ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress$3,095$2,945ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress$2,795$2,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress$3,695$3,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 2 Pro Mattress$2,695$2,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep The Pod Thermo Cover$1,995ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Mattress Cover$1,645ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Eight Sleep deals
Eight Sleep Pod 4$2,449ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra$4,049ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Mattress$2,295$2,045ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress$3,095$2,945ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress$2,795$2,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress$3,695$3,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod 2 Pro Mattress$2,695$2,545ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep The Pod Thermo Cover$1,995ViewSee all pricesEight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Mattress Cover$1,645ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 4$2,449ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 4$2,449ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 4
Eight Sleep Pod 4
$2,449View
$2,449
$2,449
See all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra$4,049ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra$4,049ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra
Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra
$4,049View
$4,049
$4,049
See all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Mattress$2,295$2,045ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Mattress$2,295$2,045ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Mattress
Eight Sleep Pod Mattress
$2,295$2,045View
$2,295$2,045
$2,045
See all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress$3,095$2,945ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress$3,095$2,945ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress
$3,095$2,945View
$3,095$2,945
$2,945
See all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress$2,795$2,545ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress$2,795$2,545ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress
$2,795$2,545View
$2,795$2,545
$2,545
See all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress$3,695$3,545ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress$3,695$3,545ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress
$3,695$3,545View
$3,695$3,545
$3,545
See all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 2 Pro Mattress$2,695$2,545ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 2 Pro Mattress$2,695$2,545ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod 2 Pro Mattress
Eight Sleep Pod 2 Pro Mattress
$2,695$2,545View
$2,695$2,545
$2,545
See all prices
Eight Sleep The Pod Thermo Cover$1,995ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep The Pod Thermo Cover$1,995ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep The Pod Thermo Cover
Eight Sleep The Pod Thermo Cover
$1,995View
$1,995
$1,995
See all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Mattress Cover$1,645ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Mattress Cover$1,645ViewSee all prices
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Mattress Cover
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Smart Mattress Cover
$1,645View
$1,645
$1,645
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
(Image credit: Eight Sleep)
(Image credit: Eight Sleep)
Also consider
If you really want to ultimate model, the Pod 4 Ultra provides you with an electric base, that can raise your head and feet to provide a relaxing position and also move you enough to stop snoring. Unfortunately, right now, UK models are limited to the larger Super King and Emperor mattress sizes, but in the US there are Queen, King and Cali King options.
If you want to save some cash, the Pod 3 model is still an incredible choice, with great heating and cooling options. If you subscribe to the Autopilot, you still get the automatic temperature adjustments on the Pod 3, as well as the snore detection.
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