Why the Eight Sleep Pod 5 Is the Best Upgrade for Hot Sleepers in 2026
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Some sleep-improvement devices can feel obtrusive. Bringing tech into the bedroom doesn't always yield the intended benefit. When it comes to gauging what's worth investing in, I focus primarily on the usefulness of the data and how easy it is to integrate the device into a nightly routine.
Some users want to nerd out on details like breath rate and time spent sleeping on their left side versus the right, while others simply want to minimize disturbances for a better night’s rest. If there's one upgrade you consider this year, make it Eight Sleep Pod 5. I spent weeks reviewing it for the 2026 Men’s Journal Tech Awards. It's a one-two punch for hot sleepers and those who snore.
Why Eight Sleep Pod 5 Ultra Is the Best Smart Bed of 2026
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Last year, Eight Sleep’s Pod 4 impressed me with its precise temperature control and a sleep score detailed enough to track snoring down to the minute. The new Pod 5 builds on that foundation, raising both the bar and the price. The system still revolves around three core components: a water-filled cover that fits over your existing mattress; a powered base that adjusts your sleeping position; and a slim, compact hub that functions as a bedside heat pump. Set your preferred temperature anywhere between 55 and 110 degrees, and the hub circulates water through thin tubing in the cover, creating two independent climate zones for you and a partner.
What makes the Pod 5 feel like a meaningful upgrade is a small but genuinely useful addition: physical side buttons. These let you adjust the temperature up or down without grabbing your phone and blasting your eyes with screen light in the middle of the night. Eight Sleep also offers an optional water-cooled Pod Blanket ($1,049) and Air Pillow ($299) that use the same tubing system to wrap your body in finely tuned comfort.
In the background, the app quietly collects a deep reserve of data, tracking sleep stages, heart rate, and respiratory trends. Each morning, you get a “sleep fitness” score, while the Autopilot feature uses that data to automatically fine-tune your setup with the goal of maximizing REM sleep.
Eight Sleep Pod 5 Ultra Specs
- Dual-zone water cooling & heating: Adjustable from ~55°F to 110°F per side, with optional hydro-powered blanket for full-body thermal coverage.
- AI Autopilot sleep optimization: Automatically adjusts temperature and bed position based on sleep stages, heart rate, respiration, movement, and snoring.
- Motorized adjustable base: Zero-gravity elevation, automatic snore response (head lift), and customizable positioning.
- Integrated surround sound: Built-in speakers for sleep sounds and guided recovery content.
- App-based sleep tracking: Detailed biometric insights and sleep analytics (membership required for full features).
Why You Should Trust Me
My career is dedicated to reviewing and testing gear. I previously served as a gear editor for Men’s Journal and continue to vet products through a regimented vetting process.