Transform your sleep with Eight Sleep's innovative technology. Experience personalized temperature control, detailed sleep tracking, and smart features like Autopilot. Improve sleep quality and wake refreshed with gentle alarms. Discover why Eight Sleep is revolutionizing bedtime routines.

Eight Sleep: Comprehensive Review

Eight Sleep: Introductory

Eight Sleep, founded in 2014 in San Francisco, has rapidly emerged as a leader in sleep technology. The company was established by Matteo Franceschetti, Massimo Andreasi Bassi, Andrea Ballarini, and Alexandra Zatarain, who envisioned transforming how people sleep by leveraging advanced technology. Eight Sleep’s mission is to fuel human potential through optimal sleep, harnessing technology to create personalized sleep experiences.

Origins and Founding Team

Matteo Franceschetti, with a background in law and entrepreneurship, serves as the CEO of Eight Sleep. Massimo Andreasi Bassi, an expert in hardware development, leads as the Chief Technology Officer. Andrea Ballarini, a seasoned entrepreneur, brings strategic insights, and Alexandra Zatarain, with her expertise in marketing and public relations, is the Chief Marketing Officer. Together, they have combined their diverse skill sets to address a fundamental aspect of human health and wellness—sleep.

Funding and Financial Growth

The company initially financed its projects through a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2015. This early support validated their concept and demonstrated a market demand for innovative sleep solutions. Building on this momentum, Eight Sleep has raised multiple rounds of venture capital:

Series B (2018): This round helped Eight Sleep expand its product line and enhance its technology. The infusion of capital was crucial for scaling operations and advancing research and development.

Series C (2021): Led by Valor Equity Partners, with participation from SoftBank and Founders Fund, this round enabled Eight Sleep to further its mission. The funding has been instrumental in accelerating growth and expanding the company’s market reach.

Product Line and Innovations

Eight Sleep offers a range of products designed to improve sleep quality through temperature regulation, sleep tracking, and personalized settings. Their flagship product, the 'Pod', has gone through several iterations, with the latest being the 'Pod 3'.

1. The Pod 3 Cover:

Temperature Control: The cover features heating and cooling technology that allows users to regulate their bed’s temperature. This function is crucial for maintaining an optimal sleep environment.

Sleep Tracking: Integrated sensors provide detailed sleep metrics, including sleep stages, heart rate variability (HRV), and respiratory rate.

Autopilot Mode: This feature uses data from the app to automatically adjust temperature settings based on sleep stages, local weather, and personal preferences.

2. The App:

User Interface: The app is intuitive and easy to navigate, breaking down complex sleep data into understandable insights.

Additional Features: Users can access meditations, breathing exercises, sleep sounds, and wellness routines to enhance their overall sleep experience.

Customization: The app allows for daily or weekly scheduling, enabling users to set and forget their sleep preferences.

Benefits of Eight Sleep Products

Eight Sleep’s products offer several benefits that distinguish them from traditional sleep solutions:

Enhanced Sleep Quality: By maintaining an optimal sleep environment, users experience improved sleep quality and overall well-being.

Data-Driven Insights: The detailed metrics provided by the sleep tracking feature help users understand their sleep patterns and make informed decisions to improve their sleep.

Convenience and Ease of Use: The seamless setup process and user-friendly app make it easy for anyone to integrate Eight Sleep products into their nightly routine.

Customer Feedback and Market Reception

Customers have reported significant improvements in their sleep quality since using Eight Sleep products. The Pod’s ability to regulate temperature has been particularly praised, with users noting that they wake up feeling more refreshed and energized. However, some have pointed out the high cost and subscription model as potential drawbacks. Despite these concerns, the overall reception has been positive, with many considering the investment worthwhile for the benefits gained.

Challenges and Future Directions

While Eight Sleep has made significant strides in sleep technology, challenges remain. The high cost of the products may limit accessibility for some consumers. Additionally, the reliance on a subscription model for full functionality could be seen as a barrier. To address these challenges, Eight Sleep may explore more affordable product options and flexible pricing models.

Looking ahead, Eight Sleep aims to continue innovating and expanding its product line. Potential areas for growth include integrating more advanced health monitoring features and exploring partnerships with healthcare providers to offer comprehensive sleep solutions.

Conclusion

Eight Sleep has revolutionized the sleep industry by combining cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of human sleep needs. Through their innovative products and commitment to enhancing sleep quality, they have set a new standard in sleep technology. As the company continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to its mission of improving human potential through better sleep.

Eight Sleep: Why and How

With celebrity endorsements from Elon Musk and Danny Green generating plenty of biohacking buzz, you may have heard of Eight Sleep’s Pod 3 Cover. This mattress cover can heat or cool your bed to enhance your sleep. You can adjust the temperature through the Eight Sleep app or let the autopilot mode handle it automatically, and the Pod 3 also provides in-depth, accurate sleep tracking.

To unlock the full capabilities of this system, including autopilot and sleep tracking, you need an expensive subscription starting at $15 per month, on top of the high initial cost starting at $2,045. The UK Super King cover I tested costs £2,495 (around $3,175), which is far more than I could justify spending on a gadget like this (the US equivalent is a Queen, roughly $2,145).

High prices and billionaire endorsements are off-putting for me, so I approached the Eight Sleep Pod 3 with a healthy dose of skepticism. It turns out rich people do have nice things. After using the Pod 3 for nearly a month, I’m a grudging convert. It is very expensive, and I don’t need another subscription in my life. Not to mention, there are some quirks I’m not keen on. But my wife and I have been sleeping better, outweighing everything else.

Make Your Bed

The Eight Sleep Pod 3 is a thick mattress cover with a network of rubber tubing inside and a soft, plush black material on top. It fits snugly on your mattress, but I’d recommend getting some help to fit it properly. There’s a sticker to ensure correct orientation with the connectors at the top. The brushed fleece top is soft and comfortable, and it doesn’t feel as though it’s filled with tubes and sensors.

A device that resembles a desktop PC with a big "8" on the front connects to the cover via a double tube. I placed mine next to my bedside cabinet. This unit is the brains of the operation, with a quad-core CPU inside, and it pumps chilled or heated water through the mattress cover.

Setting up the app and Wi-Fi took just five minutes; the app guides you through every step. When setting it up for the first time, you need to fill the Pod 3 with water. A cylinder slides out of the top with a clear fill line. You have to do this a couple of times, and it takes around 90 minutes after each fill to pump the water into the system and calibrate, so don’t start the installation right before bedtime.

The cover has two distinct sides, allowing your partner to configure different settings, which is ideal if one of you runs cold and the other warm. It was easy to invite my wife from the app so we could both control the Pod 3 from our phones. It took about four hours to prime the system, but most of that time was spent waiting.

Logging Some Z’s

On my first night with the Pod 3 Cover, I slept like a log. My sleep score was 100. Actually, 100. I fell asleep in less than five minutes and got seven hours and 55 minutes of blissful slumber. I woke up refreshed and ready to tackle the day. This is rare for me, as I usually take up to an hour to fall asleep and frequently wake up during the night. However, this auspicious start was not to last.

Getting a good night's rest can significantly impact your daily routine, but traditional sleep trackers often require you to wear a gadget throughout the night, which can be uncomfortable. That’s where the new Eight Sleep Pod 3 system comes in. In addition to tracking your sleep stats, this techie mattress cover features heating and cooling technology to regulate your body temperature, promising to improve your sleep quality.

Full disclosure: The system is pricey, with a Queen-size cover costing $2,145, along with an annual subscription starting at $180 per year. However, for an overall upgrade to your sleep setup, especially beneficial for those who share a bed, it might be worth the investment.

For March, Sienna Livermore, Deputy Editor for Enthusiast and Wellness, and I have been testing out the Eight Sleep Pod 3. Below, I’m sharing our thoughts and everything you need to know about how this sleep system can elevate your nighttime routine.

Setup

Overall, the system was easy to set up and use. It took about two and a half hours for the Pod 3 to be fully functional, including stripping and remaking the bed. You’ll need to remove any mattress toppers or pads before starting—having a clean slate ensures you can get the most out of the sleep system.

The mattress cover has stickers to help you line up the corners, making the process seamless; getting the cover on took only about 10 minutes. Once you’ve connected the Pod itself, you'll need to refill the smaller-than-expected water tank twice. This part took up most of the setup time but was mostly hands-off. The app lets you know when to refill the Pod, so you can go about other activities while it finishes.

Setup was honestly a breeze, which added to the product’s value (if you’re going to spend over $2k, it better be easy). The app explains each step clearly, leaving little to question. Plus, being able to walk away and go about your day while it’s doing its thing was a huge pro for us. If you’re using the system for two people, the person who starts the setup process can send an invite to their sleep partner, giving you both control over the cover.

Sleeping

While both Sienna and I felt our respective mattress pads and toppers were more comfortable than the Eight Sleep cover, it’s still a cozy setup. The cover doesn’t have any noticeable cushioning or memory foam properties, but as long as you like your mattress, you’ll enjoy a comfortable night in bed. I was nervous it would feel like a water bed, but was pleasantly surprised when it didn't. In fact, I never noticed the water circulating throughout the cover and only felt the temperatures adjust (which happens relatively quickly) in real-time when getting ready to sleep.

Throughout my testing period, I've found that I've slept better and woken up more peacefully since using Eight Sleep. I don’t wake up much throughout the night (though I never have), and the temperature adjustments aren’t causing me to wake up, either. I've learned that I prefer waking up in a colder bed rather than a warmer one and have adjusted my Autopilot settings accordingly (we’ll break down that feature in a bit).

Sienna noted that while each side of her bed had different sleep preferences set, she never felt the temperatures from the other side leaking over or disrupting her schedule. However, she did mention that the temperature changes occasionally caused her to wake up a bit before her alarm.

On that note, the cover also features an alarm that gently vibrates the mattress to wake you up. The vibrations are gentle and calming, providing a nice alternative to the blaring sounds my iPhone tends to produce.

Depending on how loud your neighborhood is, you might hear the pod circulating water throughout the night. I live in a city with a steady stream of outside noise and usually fall asleep to rain sounds, so I only noticed it a bit while getting ready for bed and in the morning. Sienna, who lives in a quieter area, noted that the Pod sounds were noticeable but not a deal breaker.

Autopilot

The Eight Sleep system is completely customizable—you can set daily or weekly schedules, and the system will automatically start running your routine. For example, I set my bedtime for 10:30 PM and my wake-up time for 6 AM. At 10:30, the Pod 3 will start cooling my bed to my desired temperature without me having to do anything. Throughout the night, the system adjusts the temperature based on the optimal level for your sleep cycle.

The app uses local weather, sleep stages, your health, bedroom conditions, and a few other metrics to determine the ideal temperature for you. As someone who runs warm, I tried the suggested settings for a few nights and then adjusted to cooler temperatures to sleep more comfortably. When you change the temperature ranges (which are on a scale of -10 to +10), the app indicates whether the setting is optimal for waking up or falling asleep, helping you understand what works for you and what doesn’t.

Autopilot is included with the subscription, which starts at $180 per year. It makes using the sleep system much easier, and if you have a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule, it's nice to have everything run automatically. You can also easily toggle your sleep schedule on or off if you're going to be away.

App Use

**The Eight Sleep app is incredibly intuitive and easy to navigate. It leaves little up to question and breaks down information in an easy-to-understand way. The app also offers helpful content, including meditations, breathing exercises, sleep sounds, and wellness movement routines to help you wind down before bed or warm up in the morning.

If you're sleeping with a partner, you'll each choose your preferred side of the bed to control. You can also control the other person's side and mark if one person is "away" to keep Autopilot from running on their side.

The app is a major selling point, in my opinion. If it were complicated or difficult to understand, I'd say the sleep system wasn't worth the cost. But since the app continues to impress me with its simple, easy, and intelligent function, it's another reason to invest in Eight Sleep.

Sleep Tracking

**During testing, the system showed similar, if not identical, stats to my Apple Watch. You can access your sleep stages, heart rate variability (HRV), breath rate, and heart rate. With continued use, it establishes your normal range for each metric, and you'll get an overall sleep fitness score (0-100) to determine how well you rested.

Eight Sleep was founded in 2014 in San Francisco by Matteo Franceschetti, Massimo Andreasi Bassi, Andrea Ballarini, and Alexandra Zatarain.

The company financed their initial projects through a crowdfunding campaign in 2015. Since 2016, they have raised multiple rounds of venture capital, including a Series B fundraising round in 2018 and a Series C round in 2021, led by Valor Equity Partners with participation from SoftBank and Founders Fund.

Eight Sleep was founded in 2014 in San Francisco by Matteo Franceschetti, Massimo Andreasi Bassi, Andrea Ballarini, and Alexandra Zatarain.

The company financed their initial projects through a crowdfunding campaign in 2015. Since 2016, they have raised multiple rounds of venture capital, including a Series B fundraising round in 2018 and a Series C round in 2021, led by Valor Equity Partners with participation from SoftBank and Founders Fund. 0 0 0.

FAQs on Eight Sleep

1. What is Eight Sleep?

Eight Sleep is a sleep technology company that creates advanced sleep products designed to improve sleep quality through temperature regulation, sleep tracking, and personalized settings. Their flagship product is the Pod, a smart mattress cover that can heat or cool the bed and track various sleep metrics.

2. Who founded Eight Sleep?

Eight Sleep was founded in 2014 by Matteo Franceschetti, Massimo Andreasi Bassi, Andrea Ballarini, and Alexandra Zatarain in San Francisco.

3. How does the Eight Sleep Pod work?

The Eight Sleep Pod works by using a network of rubber tubing within the mattress cover to circulate water for heating or cooling. The system is controlled through the Eight Sleep app, which allows users to set their desired temperature and track their sleep data.

4. What features does the Eight Sleep Pod offer?

Temperature Control: Adjustable heating and cooling for each side of the bed.

Sleep Tracking: Monitors sleep stages, heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate, and overall sleep quality.

Autopilot Mode: Automatically adjusts temperature based on sleep stages, local weather, and user preferences.

Smart Alarm: Wakes users with gentle vibrations.

5. How much does the Eight Sleep Pod cost?

The price of the Eight Sleep Pod varies by size and model. The Pod 3, for example, starts at $2,145 for a Queen-size cover. There is also a subscription fee starting at $180 per year for additional features like Autopilot and detailed sleep tracking.

6. Is the Eight Sleep Pod easy to set up?

Yes, the setup process is straightforward. It typically takes about two and a half hours to fully set up the Pod, including stripping and remaking the bed. The app provides clear step-by-step instructions, and the process involves fitting the cover, connecting the Pod, and filling the water tank.

7. What is the Autopilot feature?

Autopilot is a feature included with the subscription that automatically adjusts the bed’s temperature based on various factors such as local weather, sleep stages, and user preferences. This helps maintain an optimal sleep environment without manual adjustments.

8. How does the Eight Sleep app enhance the user experience?

The Eight Sleep app is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. It provides detailed sleep data, allows for easy customization of temperature settings, and offers additional resources such as meditations, breathing exercises, sleep sounds, and wellness routines.

9. Can two people use the Eight Sleep Pod simultaneously?

Yes, the Eight Sleep Pod is designed for dual use. Each side of the bed can be controlled independently, allowing partners to set their own temperature preferences. The app also allows users to invite their sleep partner to share control over the system.

10. What kind of data does the Eight Sleep system track?

The system tracks various sleep metrics, including sleep stages, heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate, and overall sleep quality. Users receive a sleep fitness score (0-100) to gauge how well they rested.

11. How does the smart alarm feature work?

The smart alarm feature wakes users with gentle vibrations instead of loud noises. This provides a more peaceful and less jarring wake-up experience.

12. Are there any potential drawbacks to the Eight Sleep Pod?

Some users may find the initial cost and the subscription fee to be high. Additionally, those in very quiet environments might notice the sound of water circulating through the system, although this is generally not a deal breaker for most users.

13. Does the Eight Sleep Pod have any noticeable impact on the mattress's comfort?

The Pod cover itself does not have significant cushioning or memory foam properties, so the comfort level largely depends on the underlying mattress. Users generally find the Pod comfortable and do not notice the water circulating through the cover.

14. What are some of the benefits of using Eight Sleep products?

Improved Sleep Quality: Optimal temperature regulation leads to better sleep quality.

Detailed Sleep Insights: Comprehensive sleep tracking helps users understand and improve their sleep patterns.

Convenience: Easy setup and automated features make it user-friendly.

Customizable Experience: Each user can tailor the settings to their individual preferences.

15. How has Eight Sleep been funded and supported?

Eight Sleep initially funded its projects through a crowdfunding campaign in 2015. Since then, the company has raised multiple rounds of venture capital, including Series B and Series C rounds, with significant investments from Valor Equity Partners, SoftBank, and Founders Fund.

16. What is the future direction for Eight Sleep?

Eight Sleep aims to continue innovating in sleep technology, potentially integrating more advanced health monitoring features and exploring partnerships with healthcare providers to offer comprehensive sleep solutions.

17. Where can I purchase Eight Sleep products?

Eight Sleep products are available for purchase directly from the company’s website and through select online retailers.

18. What kind of warranty and customer support does Eight Sleep offer?

Eight Sleep provides a warranty for their products, covering manufacturing defects. Detailed warranty terms and customer support information are available on their website, offering assistance for setup, troubleshooting, and general inquiries.

19. Is the Eight Sleep Pod compatible with all mattresses?

The Pod cover is designed to fit most standard mattresses. However, it's essential to check the specific dimensions and compatibility requirements on the Eight Sleep website to ensure a proper fit.

20. Can the Eight Sleep system be used without a subscription?

Yes, the system can be used without a subscription, but some advanced features like Autopilot and detailed sleep tracking will not be available. The subscription enhances the overall experience by providing more personalized and automated functionalities.

These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of Eight Sleep, its products, features, and the benefits it offers, helping users make informed decisions about investing in their sleep technology. Eight Sleep, being its headquartered in San Francisco, California, is a pioneering company in the United States specializing in advanced sleep technology. Founded in 2014, Eight Sleep has garnered attention for its innovative products that aim to enhance sleep quality through state-of-the-art features such as personalized temperature regulation and comprehensive sleep tracking. With a commitment to improving the sleep experience, Eight Sleep continues to lead the way in redefining how Americans approach their nightly rest, offering solutions designed to optimize health and well-being through better sleep management 0 0 0.