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.
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress Review
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Ideal For:
- Hot sleepers, cold sleepers, and everyone in-between
- Sleep data lovers
- Side sleepers
- Shoppers with flexible budgets
Considerations:
- The sticker prices for these mattresses are significantly higher than average
- Pets can easily damage the water tubes in the cover – beware of claws
- The Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max are exceptionally soft, so people who weigh more than 130 pounds may sink in too deep
- Neither mattress is available in a twin or twin XL size
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
Get $150 off an Eight Sleep Mattress. Use Code: FOUNDATION150
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
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Mattress Coupon
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Sleeping Style and Body Weight
Eight Sleep Pod 3
Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers
Stomach Sleepers
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Max
Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers
Stomach Sleepers
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 |
Foam |
|
Construction |
Cover Material:The cover is made of a polyester-cotton blend. Thin tubes embedded beneath the fabric gives the cover a slightly bumpy texture. 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. Support Core:The Pod 3’s support core consists of high-density polyfoam. |
Eight Sleep Pod 3 Max
|
Firmness |
Medium Soft (4) |
|---|---|
|
Mattress Type |
Foam |
|
Construction |
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. Comfort Layer:The Pod 3 Max’s comfort system consists of three polyfoam layers. A fourth layer provides transitional support. Support Core:The support core contains high-density polyfoam. |
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
Sleep Foundation Special Offer
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An Interview With Eight Sleep
Trial, Shipping, and Warranty Policies
The Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max are exclusively sold through Eight Sleep’s website, so you can’t purchase these mattresses through third-party retailers or in any brick-and-mortar stores. Eight Sleep ships throughout the contiguous U.S., but not to Alaska, Hawaii, or international destinations.
The Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max are compressed, vacuum-sealed, and shipped in a box. The Hub and cover are shipped in a separate box, so the boxes may reach your residence on different dates. Shipping is free for all orders.
After unboxing the mattress, you’ll need to attach the cover and install the Hub. The Eight Sleep app includes full instructions for setting up the mattress. You’ll need to download the app to set the temperature settings and receive sleep-tracking data. The app is free to download.
Eight Sleep does not offer expedited shipping, White Glove delivery, or old mattress removal.
Each Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max comes with a 100-night sleep trial. This trial does not require a break-in period, so you may return the mattress at any point during the first 100 nights without incurring a penalty fee. Full refunds are issued for all mattresses returned within 100 nights. Eight Sleep also sends couriers to your residence to pick up the mattress and transport it for recycling or donation.
The Pod 3 and Pod 3 Max are backed by 10-year warranties. Separate 2-year warranties are included for The Hub and cover. Both warranties are non-prorated, meaning you won’t need to pay anything to have the mattresses repaired or replaced if defects are found during the first 10 years.
Covered defects include sagging or indentations in the mattress of 1 inch or deeper, physical flaws that cause the foams to deteriorate prematurely, and defects associated with the cover or The Hub.
Physical damage to the mattress — including pet-related damage — is not covered. We advise keeping pets off the mattress, as claws can easily damage the water tubes embedded in the cover.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
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Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.