Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress Review

OVERVIEW

Eight Sleep specializes in mattresses with smart technology. The Eight Sleep Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max are the company’s newest models. Both are all-foam mattresses with adaptive comfort layers and high-density support systems. The Pod 3 is considered medium, or a 5 on our 10-point firmness scale. The thicker Pod 3 Max is medium soft (4).

Each mattress contains a layer of sensors known as the “Active Grid” to track sleep patterns, heart rate, breathing, and other sleep data. The bed also includes a separate cover containing a network of tubes that connects to “The Hub,” an external water container. Using the Eight Sleep app, you can set the temperature of the water anywhere between 55 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows you to directly control the temperature of your bed’s surface, according to your personal preferences and the time of year.

We’ve personally tested the Eight Sleep Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max. In our opinion, the sleep-tracking and temperature-regulating technologies of these mattresses are unparalleled — no other mattress we’ve tested offers this level of customization. The sheer amount of temperature control makes the bed an excellent choice for anyone who sleeps hot at night. That said, we encountered some issues with the Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max in terms of overall support that make it a tougher choice the more you weigh. Here we’ll take a deep dive into our findings and discuss all the important things you should consider about the mattresses.

Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress vs. Pod Pro Cover Comparison

In the video below, we explore the Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress as well as the Pod Pro Cover. We compare the two products and weigh in on which might be a better fit for you.

Mattress Performance

4/5 (Both)

Motion isolation is a key strength of both mattresses. Each bed provides a solid amount of give when you lay on it that makes you feel a bit like you’re resting in your own little pocket of the bed. Thanks to the adaptive foam comfort layers, our tests show they absorb movement well and reduce a significant amount of transfer. If you share your bed with a partner, you probably won’t wake up due to their movements during the night — and vice versa.

All-foam mattresses generally isolate motion better than other mattress types. Since they respond slowly to movement and don’t have much bounce, these mattresses tend to be the best options for people who sleep with a partner and often wake up when the other person changes sleep positions or gets up during the night.

4/5 (Both)

Pressure relief was another highlight during our hands-on tests of the Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max. Each of our testers wore body sensors designed to track pressure buildup. Testers weighing more than 230 pounds sank too far and felt pressure in their torsos and hips, but our testers who weigh less than 230 pounds felt little — if any — pressure in these areas.

The mattresses feature foam layers that adapt to your body, cradling areas where pressure tends to build such as the shoulders, lower back, and hips. Keep in mind both mattresses are fairly soft, so you may sink a bit too deeply into the mattress and experience pressure as a result.

5/5 (Both)

In terms of temperature control, you won’t find another mainstream mattress that performs at the same level as the Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max. These mattresses offer active cooling with a range of 55 to 110 degrees, allowing you to sleep comfortably any time of year — even on exceptionally hot or chilly nights. Thanks to the bed’s cover, we didn’t experience any of the heat retention that we usually find on all-foam mattresses.

Many mattresses provide passive cooling, meaning they contain materials that promote airflow and dissipate heat. The customizable settings of the Pod 3 and Pod 3 max sets these mattresses apart from other cooling mattresses. If temperature control is a priority for you, we cannot recommend this mattress highly enough.

Pod 3: 3/5, Max: 2/5

The Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max are on the softer side. Although both mattresses contain high-density foam support cores, there is some deep sinkage when you sleep near the edges or get in and out of bed. This can be especially problematic if you share your mattress with a partner — both of you may feel confined to the middle, rather than being able to enjoy the entire sleep surface.

Edge support may not be a dealbreaker if you normally sleep alone or you weigh less than 130 pounds. However, most of our testers struggled a bit to get on and off the mattress without feeling stuck as the perimeter sank beneath their weight.

Pod 3: 3/5, Max: 2/5

We test mattresses for ease of movement by sliding from edge to edge, feeling for areas where the surface sinks to an excessive degree. The Pod 3 was somewhat difficult to move across, particularly for our testers weighing more than 230 pounds, while the Pod 3 Max sank too much for most of us. You’ll likely feel “stuck” when attempting to move across either mattress, but especially with the Pod 3 Max.

According to our testing team, mattresses with the lowest scores for ease of movement either have all-foam designs or softer feels. The Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max check both boxes. If you weigh 130 pounds or more, you may have a hard time moving across these mattresses.

3/5 (Both)

Our ratings for sex are based on other performance areas that typically matter during intimate activities, such as edge support, ease of movement, and temperature control. The customizable temperature settings of the Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max are definitely a strong point when it comes to sex. You and your partner can optimize the sleep surface based on your preferences, and easily change them as needed.

However, edge support and ease of movement might be an issue for sex. You may feel confined to the middle of the mattress, and deep sinkage can hinder your movements. If you expect these issues to negatively impact your sexual activity, we recommend purchasing the Pod cover and using it on a firmer, more responsive mattress.

2/5 (Both)

As with other all-foam mattresses we’ve tested, the Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max emit a noticeable odor that may linger for days. This off-gassing is due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the foam layers. VOCs are considered relatively not harmful, but their smell is unpleasant for some. Many of our testers likened the odor of these mattresses to that of plastic.

Off-gassing smells eventually dissipate, so this is only an issue for a few days most. However, sleeping on the mattress may be unpleasant while the odors are still present. If you think the smells may bother you, we recommend airing out the Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max in a well-ventilated room for a while before sleeping on your mattress for the first time.

Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress Coupon

Sleeping Style and Body Weight

Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress

Eight Sleep Pod 3 Max Mattress

Side Sleepers:
Among our testers, the Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max earned their highest ratings from side sleepers. People who sleep on their side typically prefer softer mattresses that conform to the body and cushion the shoulders and hips — two major areas of pressure buildup for those who use this position. The Pod 3’s medium (5) feel made it comfortable for our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Our testers in the same weight range also responded well to the Pod Max 3, with those weighing less than 130 pounds preferring this model over the Pod 3.

Our side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds sank pretty far in on both mattresses. Side sleepers in this weight group usually need a medium firm (6) or firm (7-8) mattress to provide an even surface for their bodies. We recommend a mattress rated 6 or higher on the firmness scale for side sleepers over 230 pounds. You can purchase the Pod cover if you want to enjoy the customizable temperature settings without too much sink.

Back Sleepers: 
Our tests have shown back sleepers tend to feel most comfortable on mattresses that push back against the weight of their torsos and hips. This helps ensure a flat surface for the entire body. Back sleepers on our team weighing up to 230 pounds gave positive ratings to the Pod 3. Some testers noted light sinkage beneath the midsection, but good overall support won them over. Our back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds preferred the softer feel of the Pod 3 Max, but those between 130 to 230 felt roughly the same about both mattresses.

Back sleepers weighing more than 230 noted some sinkage on the Pod 3, and significant sinkage on the Pod 3 Max. Some even remarked they could feel the bed frame through the foam layers. While we can’t quite recommend the Pod 3 or Pod 3 Max for back sleepers over 230 pounds, buying the cover to use on a different mattress might be worth it if you’re a back sleeper who falls in this weight group and you want precise control over your bed’s temperature.

Stomach Sleepers:
Feedback from our stomach sleepers about the Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max was mixed. Those weighing less than 130 pounds enjoyed both mattresses, giving pretty high ratings to each. Stomach sleepers generally need a flat surface that won’t sink too much beneath their weight and cause strain in the neck or lower back. Our testers in this weight group were able to lie face-down on the Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max without experiencing excessive sinkage.

Most of our stomach-sleeping testers weighing 130 pounds or more experienced at least some sinkage lying in this position. For many of us, the lack of support created discomfort and made getting off the mattress difficult. If you sleep on your stomach and weigh at least 130 pounds, the Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max are probably too soft and not sufficiently supportive for you. The good news is that you can order the temperature-regulating cover separately and use it on your existing mattress.

Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress Review Breakdown

The Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max are all-foam mattresses. Both begin with top “Active Grid” layers, which consist of foam with biometric sensors to track your sleep metrics. The Pod 3 contains two adaptive polyfoam comfort layers, followed by denser foam in the transitional and support layers. The Pod 3 Max contains an extra foam comfort layer to reinforce the softer feel, but both mattresses share the same 12-inch profile.

In terms of core construction, the Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max are similar to many all-foam mattresses sold today. Sleep-tracking and temperature-regulating technologies set them apart from the competition. The Active Grid’s sensors cover both sides of the mattress. Along with nighttime movements and sleep positions, these sensors track heart rate, breathing patterns, and how much time you spend awake and asleep. You can access your personal data using the Eight Sleep app, which is compatible with iOS and Android phones and smart devices. The app is free to download.

Another key component of both mattresses is “The Hub,” an external reservoir that plugs into the tubes embedded in the cover. Water is heated or cooled based on your temperature settings, then funneled into the cover to create the desired effect. You can use the app to program a specific temperature for each side of the bed, which is a great option for couples. The cover can also function as a vibrating alarm, which may be appealing if you’re averse to loud beeps or ringtones waking you up in the morning.

With all the technology included in the bed, we did have a bit of trouble setting everything up at first. Thankfully, Eight Sleep’s customer support was very helpful and accessible, so we didn’t struggle for too long. If you’re not very technologically inclined, you’ll probably want to have a friend or family member help you set everything up. Once the bed is put together and you’re connected, using the app to adjust temperature and other settings is fairly intuitive.

Note that the bed’s cover is removable and also sold separately. If the Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max sound too soft for you, you can always purchase the cover and use it on a firmer mattress. That way you can enjoy all the temperature controlling and technological benefits with a different mattress feel. If you go this route, make sure the Pod Cover you get will fit the thickness of the mattress you want to put it on — some of the older covers only work for beds around 10 or 11 inches thick, whereas newer models can fit on beds from 10-16 inches thick.

Eight Sleep Pod 3

Firmness Medium (5)	Mattress Type All-Foam
Cover Material: The cover is made of a polyester-cotton blend. Thin tubes embedded beneath the fabric gives the cover a slightly bumpy texture.	Support Core: The Pod 3’s support core consists of high-density polyfoam.
Comfort Layer: Beneath the Active Grid layer, the Pod 3 contains two comfort layers of adaptive polyfoam. Slightly denser polyfoam forms the transitional layer, acting as a buffer between the softer foams and the support core.

Eight Sleep Pod 3 Max

Firmness Medium Soft (4)	Mattress Type All-Foam
Cover Material: The Pod 3 Max’s cover is identical to the Pod 3’s, and is composed of a polyester-cotton blend. You’ll notice a slightly bumpy texture from the water tubes.	Support Core: The support core contains high-density polyfoam.
Comfort Layer: The Pod 3 Max’s comfort system consists of three polyfoam layers. A fourth layer provides transitional support.

Mattress Prices and Sizing

The Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max are significantly more expensive than the average all-foam mattress. This is primarily due to the sleep-tracking and temperature-controlling technologies of these mattresses, which far surpass the capabilities of most competing models. The cover alone costs more than $2,000 in most sizes. You cannot purchase the mattress without the cover.

Below, we’ve listed available sizes for the Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max along with their corresponding dimensions, heights, and price-points. Please note that the mattress is not available in a twin or twin XL size.

Eight Sleep Pod 3

Eight Sleep Pod 3 Max

An Interview With Eight Sleep

Trial, Shipping, and Warranty Policies

---