Getting a good night’s sleep is one of life’s simplest joys — yet for many of us, it feels like an unattainable dream. Whether it’s battling a partner over the thermostat, tossing and turning to find the perfect temperature, the quest for quality sleep can seem never-ending. Enter the Eight Sleep Pod 4, a smart mattress cover that promises to revolutionise the way you sleep with its advanced features like AI-driven temperature control, dual-zone customisation, and comprehensive sleep tracking.
But with a hefty price tag starting at $3899 (usually $3949) for a double and a mandatory subscription fee, you might wonder: can it really live up to the hype? Is it worth the investment, or is it just another overpriced gadget?
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the Eight Sleep Pod 4’s features, ease of use, and real-world impact on sleep quality to help you decide if it’s the key to better rest or simply too good to be true.

What is the Eight Sleep Pod 4?
What it is: A smart mattress cover (the pod) and hub designed to regulate temperature, track sleep, and optimise sleep quality.
Key features:
- Dual temperature control for customised preferences
- AI-powered Autopilot that adjusts temperature based on sleep patterns and room conditions
- Built-in sleep tracking sensors
- Optional Pod 4 Ultra base with adjustable elevation
How does the Eight Sleep Pod 4 work?
The Eight Sleep comes in two boxes; one for the pod and one for the cover. The mattress cover connects to the pod through flexible and thin tubes. To use the Pod 4, you require a subscription to Autopilot – the Eight Sleep app. The subscription costs about $25 AUD and is required for the first 12 months of owning your pod. The key workings of the Pod 4 include:
Alarm feature: It has an alarm feature called Gentle Rise that vibrates in a section of the mattress topper and can increase the temperature up to 36°C to ensure you wake you up from your slumber.
Temperature control: One of the key features of the Eight Sleep is temperature control. Unlike a normal cooling mattress topper or heated blanket, the Eight Sleep allows for each side of the mattress to be customised exactly how you like it. (This feature has been a game changer throughout those humid summer nights. I set my side to be around 26°C, and sometimes lower, which gradually increases to 27°C and then 28°C for when you wake up.) Furthermore, as it monitors your sleep, the temperature can automatically adjust to ensure you are at the perfect temp all night long.
Sleep tracking and insights: Autopilot is incredibly easy to use and intuitive. It gives you great insights like: time slept, sleep quality (how long you were in REM, Light and Deep sleep), health metrics (heart rate, HRV, breath rate), snoring, routine tracking and sleep latency (i.e. how long it took you to sleep and wake up)

Results from our Eight Sleep Pod 4 road test
We slept on the Eight Sleep for four weeks and monitored our sleep quality daily, with the pod set up next to our bedside table. It was incredibly easy to set up and it would be possible with only one person. We loved the apps step by step guidance on setting up the system, and it made the whole process really easy. I also liked that there was minimal plastic used but there was definitely a lot of cardboard for your recycling bin.
In terms of comfortability, we found it to be enjoyable to sleep on – you don’t feel any tubing on anything hard on your back. In the first week, I was able to achieve a 100 per cent sleep score over a few days (despite the conditions of the silly season – alcohol, late nights and a hot and humid room). On the flip side, it also tracked my worst night of sleep, maybe ever, which in the long run is helpful for seeing how different sleeping conditions affect sleep.

Eight Sleep Pod 4 review verdict
Our rating: 8/10
Why we rated it 8/10:
You could say Eight Sleep Pod 4 is the Tesla of sleep. The technology is unlike any sleep device or wearables I’ve ever tested, and comparably the best on the market based on technology, engineering and comfort. The system not only tracks your sleep but allows you to optimise it. It has been a game changer for sleep quality and is worth the steep investment for someone who loves wellness, wearables and health optimisation.
We didn’t rate it a 10, however, given the upfront cost and subscription fees making it out of the question for many people.
Pros
- Effective temperature regulation for all seasons
- Sleep tracking without the need for wearables
- Dual-zone customisation for couples
- Unique features like vibration and temperature change alarms
Cons
- High initial cost and ongoing subscription fees
- Autopilot (app) is required for the first 12 months
- You may already be tracking some aspects of your sleep through wearables
Who it’s for
- Sleep-deprived individuals seeking advanced solutions
- Couples with different sleep temperature preferences
- Tech enthusiasts interested in AI-driven optimisation
Who might skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Sleep tracking and optimization is not important to you

How much does the Eight Sleep Pod 4 cost?
The Pod 4 (cover and hub) will set you back $4,299 AUD. However, you need a subscription (Autopilot) to run the Pod. The subscription costs $299 annually or you can opt for the Enhanced Subscription for $399 annually which includes extended warranty.
In total you will be paying around $4,598 for Pod 4 + Subscription on a queen sized cover. That’s more than most people pay for a good mattress – noting there is the option to also buy the Pod 4 Ultra base; however, that is not something we reviewed this time. What sets the Pod 4 apart from competing products is the engineering and technology of the system.
Is the Eight Sleep cover worth it?
The Eight Sleep Pod 4 has been nothing short of a game-changer in transforming my sleep quality over the past few weeks. And the data doesn’t lie.
As someone in their 30s, I’ve realised that a good night’s sleep is no longer a luxury; it’s an absolute necessity. Sleep impacts everything—motivation, focus, recovery, and overall energy levels. The Pod 4 has not only made me more conscious of the factors that contribute to high-quality rest but has also helped me achieve consistently impressive sleep fitness scores.
One of the standout features is its dynamic temperature control. It’s a level of personalisation that genuinely feels luxurious; no more fumbling with fans or air conditioners in the middle of the night—the Pod 4 handles it all seamlessly.
Another game-changer has been the actionable insights the system provides. After a chaotic festive season that threw my sleep schedule out the window, I’ve made it a priority to stick to a consistent 9:30 pm bedtime to align with my 5:30 am starts. The Pod 4 not only helps enforce this routine with gentle reminders but also ensures my bed is perfectly set for rest, adjusting temperatures to support my sleep schedule.
In short, the Eight Sleep Pod 4 doesn’t just promise better sleep—it delivers. If you’re ready to take your sleep to the next level, the Pod 4 might just be the investment your body (and mind) will thank you for.