The best smart mattress UK options
Many of the best smart mattresses are currently only available in the USA, but there are a few slowly creeping into the UK market.
Eight Sleep’s The Pod
The Pod by Eight Sleep is the ultimate in modern sleep technology - and, conveniently, it recently launched in the UK market.
- Main features: The Eight Sleep's Pod seamlessly tracks sleep using ballistocardiography [1] (a non-invasive technique that doesn’t rely on wearables). The tracker can measure heart rate, breathing, and body movements for up to two people sharing a bed. In addition to body metrics, it also has sensors that can monitor your bedroom environment, including ambient light levels, temperature, humidity, and noise levels. One of the most distinctive features of Eight Sleep is that you can set different temperatures for the two halves of the bed.
- T&Cs: Free shipping and returns, 30-night trial, and 5-year guarantee
It's worth noting that the US Eight Sleep stores also sell an actual mattress and other accessories, while the UK store currently only sells the Pod cover.
Opera SleepSmart Beds
The Opera SleepSmart beds first launched in the UK and blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
- Main features: Opera SleepSmart beds UK boast a variety of built-in smart features, including memory programming for personalised comfort settings, under-bed lighting for convenience, and smart device pairing capabilities. Each bed is also equipped with adjustable settings for the back, legs, and head, and includes a soothing massage feature with different intensity levels.
- T&Cs: Free next-day delivery or premium delivery and setup service, and 10-day trial
You can build and customise your Opera Bed online, as various bases and mattress options are available.
Popular US smart beds to keep an eye on
With the USA at the forefront of smart bed innovation, it's worth keeping an eye on some of the top US smart beds even though they're not yet available in the United Kingdom.
Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed
The Sleep Number [2] Bed is at the forefront of sleep innovation.
- Main features: This smart bed is renowned for its ResponsiveAir technology, which automatically adjusts the firmness on each side of the bed as you sleep. It also includes sleep tracking capabilities, measuring heart rate, breathing, and movement, while simultaneously monitoring room conditions like temperature and noise levels. A standout feature is the bed’s ability to adjust temperatures for each side separately, ensuring personalised comfort.
The Sleep Number smart beds are designed to be used with the SleepIQ tracker.
Please note, though, that Sleep Number beds are only available in the USA, and Sleep Number UK is not yet available.
ReST Bed with Purple Grid
The ReST Bed [3] with Purple Grid incorporates the very best of the Purple Mattress into a smart bed.
- Main features: This bed features a smart gel grid and automatic real-time firmness adjustments across five body zones to maximise support and comfort. It tracks sleep quality using sensors that monitor sleep patterns, body movements, and even environmental conditions such as ambient temperature and humidity. It also allows for temperature control on each side of the bed.
Emma Sleep has recently launched the Emma Elite mattress in the UK, which also features gel grid technology, but this is not a smart mattress.
What is a smart mattress?
A smart mattress incorporates advanced technology to enhance the quality of your sleep.
Unlike traditional mattresses, smart mattresses are equipped with sensors and other technologies that monitor sleep patterns, body movements, and environmental conditions.
Like health trackers, they also measure various individual parameters such as heart rate, respiratory rate, sleep cycles, and overall sleep quality, offering insights that help users improve their sleep hygiene.
The most commonly available features of smart mattresses (and smart beds) include:
- Sleep tracking
- Automatic adjustment of firmness levels in the mattress
- Temperature regulation
- Adjustable bed bases
- Anti-snoring features
- Smart home integration
Smart sleeping solutions typically connect to an app or a home automation system, allowing users to track their sleep data and make adjustments for optimal comfort.
How do smart mattresses work?
Smart mattresses utilise a range of technologies to monitor and respond to the needs of the user.
They typically include sensors that track body movements, breathing patterns, and heart rate while sleeping. This data is then processed to analyse sleep quality, including duration and depth of sleep phases.
Many smart mattresses also integrate environmental sensors that assess room temperature, humidity levels, and light levels, all of which can impact sleep quality. The collected data is often accessible via a smartphone app, providing users with actionable insights and recommendations to improve their sleep.
Additionally, features like temperature control and firmness adjustment are managed through these apps, allowing users to customise their sleep environment based on personal preference and nightly feedback.
What are the benefits of using a smart mattress?
Smart mattresses offer a variety of benefits that can significantly enhance the quality of sleep and overall health.
- Enhanced sleep quality: Smart mattresses are designed to improve your sleep quality by adjusting to your body's needs. They use sensors to monitor sleep patterns and can automatically adjust the firmness, elevation, or temperature to promote deeper sleep.
- Customised comfort: Many smart mattresses allow for customised settings for different sides of the bed, catering to couples with different comfort preferences. This means each person can choose their ideal sleeping conditions, whether it involves temperature control, firmness, or even elevation, leading to a more restful night's sleep for both.
- Sleep tracking and health monitoring: Smart mattresses typically come with built-in sleep tracking capabilities that monitor vital health metrics such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and overall sleep cycles. This data can be invaluable for understanding your sleep habits and making necessary adjustments to improve sleep quality and duration. It can also alert users to potential health issues, such as sleep apnoea.
- Integration with smart home systems: Many smart mattresses can be integrated with other smart home devices through platforms like IFTTT [4], Alexa, or Google Home. This integration can enhance your sleep environment further by adjusting room temperature, dimming lights, or even playing soothing sounds as you fall asleep.
- Therapeutic benefits: Certain smart mattresses offer therapeutic features like massage, which can help relax muscles and improve circulation. Additionally, adjustable bases can help alleviate health issues like acid reflux, snoring, and back pain by allowing the user to change their sleeping position effectively.
- Convenience and ease of use: With features like remote adjustments via an app or voice commands, smart mattresses offer unparalleled convenience. Adjusting settings such as temperature or firmness can be done without ever leaving the bed, making it easier for individuals with mobility issues or those who simply value convenience.
- Data insights and sleep coaching: Some smart mattresses offer detailed analytics and coaching based on the sleep data they collect. This can include personalised tips on improving sleep hygiene, which can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with insomnia or irregular sleep patterns.
For those who struggle with sleep issues, a smart mattress can offer significant benefits by providing detailed insights into sleep health and enabling environment optimisation for better sleep.
What are the drawbacks of using a smart mattress?
Smart mattresses and smart beds may come with innovative features designed to enhance sleep quality, but there are also several drawbacks or disadvantages to consider.
- High cost: One of the most significant barriers to purchasing smart mattresses is their cost. These mattresses are generally much more expensive than traditional mattresses due to the advanced technology they incorporate. The high price can be prohibitive for many consumers, making these technologies less accessible to a broader audience.
- Complexity and maintenance: Smart mattresses involve sophisticated technology that may require regular updates and maintenance. Users might face difficulties with software updates, connectivity issues with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and potential mechanical failures in components like motors or air pumps used in adjustable models. These issues can complicate the use of the bed and may require professional servicing, which could be costly and inconvenient.
- Dependency on technology: Smart beds often rely on electricity and connectivity to function correctly. In the event of a power outage or internet disruption, some features such as sleep tracking, temperature adjustment, or automated adjustments may not be available, potentially disrupting your sleep.
- Privacy concerns: Since smart mattresses track personal data about your sleep patterns, there is a potential risk related to data privacy. Users must trust manufacturers to handle sensitive health data responsibly. There's always a risk that personal data could be mishandled, misused, or exposed during data breaches.
- Health hazards: Some users may be concerned about the long-term health effects of continuous exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by smart beds. While the level of EMF from these devices is generally low, the cumulative effect over time or the impact on individuals who are particularly sensitive to EMF is not well understood.
- Comfort and personal preference: Despite their advanced features, some users might find smart mattresses less comfortable than traditional ones. The sensors and mechanisms embedded within the mattress could potentially be felt, and some may prefer the simplicity and comfort of a traditional mattress. Additionally, the firmness and support offered by smart mattresses might not suit everyone’s needs, which can be subjective and vary widely from person to person.
- Limited lifespan of technology: Technology evolves rapidly, and a smart mattress bought today might become obsolete in a few years as new advancements emerge. This can make such a high investment less appealing if the mattress technology cannot be easily upgraded.
These disadvantages highlight the importance of weighing the benefits against the potential downsides based on individual needs, preferences, and circumstances before investing in a smart mattress or smart bed.
How much does a smart bed cost?
Smart sleeping solutions are incredibly expensive.
Even something simple, like the Eight Sleep Pod Cover, will set you back a few thousand quid.
But if you can afford it, smart mattresses can make an incredible difference to the quality and comfort of your sleep.
Luckily, for everyone else, you can choose "how smart" you want your sleep technology to be - perhaps it's simply about moving over to a tracking app or an electric adjustable bed frame before investing in a full smart mattress or smart bed base.
You can also get incredibly high-value mattresses that offer you the very best sleep without necessarily needing to opt for smart technology.
We've included some of our favourites below.
Luxurious non-smart mattresses:
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![Simba Hybrid Luxe]()
![Simba Hybrid Luxe]()
Simba![Simba]()
Hybrid LuxePrice from £ 1,199The Simba Hybrid Luxe is Simba's most advanced mattress with 11 premium layers.The Simba Hybrid Luxe is Simba's most advanced mattress with 11 premium layers.Price from £ 1,199 -
![emma elite mattress]()
![emma elite mattress]()
Emma![Emma]()
ElitePrice from £ 1,389The Elite is Emma Sleep's most luxurious and breathable mattress to date."Get 5% off with our exclusive 'SLEEPHEROUK5' discount code."The Elite is Emma Sleep's most luxurious and breathable mattress to date."Get 5% off with our exclusive 'SLEEPHEROUK5' discount code."Price from £ 1,389 -
![DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress]()
![DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress]()
DreamCloud![DreamCloud]()
Luxury HybridPrice from £ 499The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress is a 5-layered premium mattress.The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress is a 5-layered premium mattress.Price from £ 499
Are smart mattresses worth it?
If you struggle with sleep and have the finances available, getting a smart mattress may just be what you need.
Smart beds are also particularly beneficial for couples with vastly different temperature requirements.
But, many people will find that they can get a great night's sleep on a traditional mattress, and more expensive products or smarter technology may not always be the answer.
Whether or not a smart mattress will be worth it for you will depend both on the severity of your sleep disturbances and the depth of your pocket.
Frequently asked questions
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What do smart mattresses do?
Smart mattresses incorporate technology to monitor and enhance your sleep.
They often come with sensors that can track sleep patterns, body movements, heart rate, and breathing.
This data helps to analyse sleep quality and make adjustments for a better night's sleep.
Additionally, many smart mattresses can adjust their firmness, temperature, and even incline based on real-time feedback to improve comfort and support throughout the night.
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Do smart mattresses require a subscription service?
Whether smart mattresses require a subscription service depends on the brand and model.
Some smart mattresses come with optional subscription services that offer enhanced features such as detailed sleep analysis, personalised sleep coaching, and integrations with other health monitoring tools.
These services can provide ongoing support and insights to improve your sleep quality.
However, most smart mattresses provide basic functionality without a subscription, including sleep tracking and temperature control, which do not incur ongoing costs.
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Do smart beds require regular maintenance services or upgrades?
Smart beds do require some level of maintenance and occasional upgrades to ensure optimal performance.
The technology integrated within these beds, such as sensors, motors, and software systems, may need regular firmware updates to enhance features and fix bugs.
Additionally, mechanical components like motors and frames may need to be checked to ensure they are functioning correctly, which can prevent issues down the line.
While not all smart beds require a high level of technical maintenance, staying updated with the manufacturer's recommendations can help maintain their functionality and longevity.
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How long does a smart bed last?
The lifespan of a smart bed can vary depending on the quality of construction and technology used.
Typically, high-quality smart beds are designed to last about 8 to 10 years, which aligns with the average lifespan of traditional high-end mattresses.
However, the electronic and mechanical components in smart beds may require maintenance or replacement over time, which can affect longevity.
Regular updates and proper care can help extend the life of a smart bed's technological features.
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What's the difference between smart mattresses and smart beds?
Technically, smart mattresses and smart beds are two different things.
- The term "smart mattress" refers to a mattress that's been enhanced with sensors to monitor sleeping patterns. Some smart mattresses also come with air chambers that allow you to adjust the firmness levels for different parts of the mattress. You can place a smart mattress on any bed base.
- The term "smart bed" or "smart bed frame" generally refers to a bed base that comes with smart features, such as adjustable sections, LED lighting, and more.
However, the terms "smart mattresses" and "smart beds" are often used interchangeably to refer to any smart sleeping solution.
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What is the difference between a smart bed and a normal bed?
The main difference between a smart bed and a normal bed lies in the integration of technology.
Smart beds are high-tech mattresses that feature built-in technologies that can track sleep patterns, adjust firmness, manage temperature, and even interact with other smart devices in the home for an optimised sleeping environment.
In contrast, normal beds lack these technological enhancements and primarily focus on basic comfort without the ability to monitor or adjust to the sleeper's needs dynamically.
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References
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