After 2020, I knew I needed to start focusing more on my health.

I've never been unhealthy, I like to think, but this year has been the laziest of my entire life, and things needed to change. The first step was my fitness.

Halfway through the year, I noticed I didn't have as much stamina as I used to. Before the stay at home order, I would cycle a lot, so I decided to get an at-home exercise bike. Not just that, I decided to get the Peloton. After some research and reading many reviews it was the obvious choice.

I struggled to get into the groove of exercising from home so I looked up some tips, and I discovered how vital sleep was when it comes to exercise and performance. I've been struggling to get a full night's sleep this entire year.

I remembered reading about a smart mattress by a company called Eight Sleep that was listed with the Peloton as one of the "best tech inventions of the year" so I decided to look into it.

The Pod Pro by Eight Sleep is a cooling mattress that incorporates cutting edge technology to give you the most comfortable and effective sleep. One issue I had with my sleep was feeling too warm. When I read that the Pod Pro allows you to control the temperature of either side of the mattress separately, I was even more interested.

The Pod Pro creates a microclimate anywhere between 55 to 110℉. You just set the mattress to whatever temperature suits you best, and the intelligent Pod sensors will adjust to your ideal temperature whenever you need it. My partner and I are always fighting over the AC at night, so it didn't take much convincing.

Our Pod Pro was delivered and we couldn't wait to put it to the test. It was super quick and easy to set up, and the cooling feature was just the beginning. Eight Sleep also has its own app that connects to your mattress where you can track all your sleep metrics.

The Active Grid tracks your vitals such as heart rate, breathing, sleep cycles, and HRV, but also environmental factors like humidity and temperature. All this biometric data is fed into an algorithm so that the Pod continually calibrates exactly what your body needs to stay asleep all night.

First night in the Pod Pro and I couldn't believe how comfortable it was. Not just temperature-wise, but the mattress itself molded perfectly to my back. Turns out, it's a 5-layer premium foam mattress that provides the ideal comfort and support.

It has Comfort Blend™ technology that integrates with the Active Grid water-cooling system for enhanced comfort and pressure-point relief. I fell asleep super quickly that night and actually stayed asleep. My partner was the exact same. We didn't think this was actually possible for us, it had been so long since we had an undisturbed sleep.

We both woke up super refreshed, the first night in a long time we didn't have to fight over the AC remote. Not to mention, this mattress is much quieter than the AC, and even uses up less energy so it saves us money on bills.

A cool thing about the Pod Pro by Eight Sleep is that you don't need a loud alarm anymore. The mattress can wake you up naturally by gradually reducing the temperature. This wasn't something I thought would work but it really does and it's a much nicer way to wake up. We even have it connected to our smart coffee machine so our coffee is already being made when we wake up!

After a few weeks on the Pod Pro by Eight Sleep, I noticed something; I had much more energy and was able to burn more calories on the Peloton. Looking at my sleep metrics on the EightSleep app, it all made sense. Sleep is really important for fitness and health, and the better sleep I get the more energetic and fit I am.

If you're starting to exercise more then you need to start off by getting better sleep. I'd highly recommend the Pod Pro by Eight Sleep for the best night sleep ever. Check it out, you won't regret it.

Readers will exclusively get $300 off the Pod and 20% off accessories for a limited time

My main focus for 2021 is to get my health in check.

If last year taught me anything it was that I need to stay in tune with my body. And do what I can to keep myself in the best shape I possibly can.

The main issue I wanted to tackle was my sleep. I can't remember the last time I didn't struggle to get to sleep and not wake up countless times throughout the night.

I bought the Oura ring thinking it would be a quick fix for my sleep but it only highlighted that I was a terrible sleeper. Tell me something I don't know. At least it was guiding me in the right direction. So, if I wanted to better my Oura score and improve my overall health I needed to improve my sleep.

First, I eliminated coffee after 4pm, going to bed earlier and earlier, and cracking a window for better airflow. I even adjusted my diet and upped my exercise. But Oura kept reminding me my sleep hadn't improved. It was still just awful. And with my hectic schedule, my body was feeling the effects.

The only thing I hadn't tried changing to a cooling mattress. I read loads about thermoregulation and how it can be key to getting the best night's sleep. The Pod Pro by Eight Sleep hands downs has the best reviews for a cooling mattress so I started there.

At first glance, I was super impressed, the Pod Pro has everything you'll ever want from a cooling mattress - and more.

The Pod Pro creates a microclimate between 55 to 110℉. Simply set the mattress to whatever temperature suits you best and the intelligent Pod sensors will adjust to your ideal temperature whenever you need it. Plus, the Pod has dual cooling zones so one side can be 55℉ while the other is 110℉!

The Active Grid tracks your vitals such as heart rate, breathing, sleep cycles, and HRV, but also environmental factors like humidity and temperature. All this biometric data is fed into an algorithm so that the Pod continually calibrates exactly what your body needs to stay asleep each night. The app even includes mediation features.

And unlike other temperature-regulated, smart mattresses, the Pod Pro's Active Grid uses a water-cooling system to effectively help you fall asleep and - most importantly - stay asleep.

My main issue was waking up during the night, therefore missing the critical deep sleep stage each night. Perhaps the Pod could come to my rescue.

After reading about how their 12-Inch, 5-layer premium foam mattress provides the ideal support and how the Comfort Blend™ technology integrates with the Active Grid for enhanced comfort and pressure-point relief, I'd made up my mind. The Pod Prohad to be my next mattress.

Once it arrived it was quick to set up and I was ready for my first night of satisfying sleep. I set my optimal temperature on the Pod Pro app along with the time I wanted to wake up and off to bed I went.

Opening my eyes without the dreaded buzzing of my alarm was blissful. The GentleRise Wake Up Technology worked an absolute treat. And as I made my way downstairs I felt fully rested for the first time in a long time.

One month into sleeping on my Pod Pro and it has delivered everything it promises and more. I fall asleep the minute my head hits the pillow, and I'm blissfully asleep until it's time to wake up - no more interruptions!

And the proof is not only in how I feel but in my Oura score, it just keeps getting more customized and accurate. My sleep is almost near perfect!

screenshot of oura app stats

And my body is really feeling the benefits of consistent high-quality sleep Thanks to my Eight Sleep Pod Pro.

If your 2021 health goal is to sleep through the night, every night, then I - and the other 30,000 Pod Pro lovers out there - highly recommend this next-generation mattress.

The Winter Sale Starts Tomorrow: Get $250 Off The Pod, or $100 Off The Pod Cover and 20% Off Accessories!

Lately, the collaboration between fitness and technology has reinvented the way we think of our health. We no longer just get on a scale, or go for a run - we want to see the stats. Thankfully, fitness trackers are more accessible than ever and not just for pro athletes.

Our editors have been using the WHOOP Strap 3.0 for a while and they love tracking all their health and activity. It's motivating to see the numbers day to day and work towards improvement. However, the sleep score just hasn't been budging and as a result progress in activity and recovery has stalled too.

We did the research and no matter how early you go to bed that doesn't guarantee true quality sleep, a fundamental building block of your day. You're still tossing and turning throughout the night whether it's due to the room temperature, your body running hot, or general mattress discomfort.

We found a way to cut through all the noise and tackle all sleep issues at once: Eight Sleep's Pod Promattress. This is the Tesla of mattresses, taking your sleep to the next level.

It incorporates cutting edge technology to give you the most comfortable and effective rest. Never worry about overheating at night again thanks to its smart cooling system which you can control from the app and set either side of the bed, between 55 and 110 degrees. Now you can sleep soundly and without having to get up and adjust room temp.

Don't think that cooling means noisy, the Pod Pro runs as quiet as a computer fan. On top of that, it won't increase your energy bills (it's actually cheaper than keeping the A/C or Heater on all night!). Plus, you only need to refill the mattress' cooling Hub with water every 2-3 months so it's not a daily chore.

The smart mattress itself is designed for maximum comfort. They use 5 layers of premium foam to create the perfect balance of firmness and contouring, so you get support in all the right places. What's especially great for hot-sleepers is that the mattress comes in an amazing breathable cover.

Before making a mattress investment you want to know if it really works and thanks to Eight Sleep's research we do. They found that after 2 months people toss and turn 25% less, and after just 1 month see a 17% increase in periods of deep sleep, and fall asleep 15% faster. All of this information is gathered from sensors in the mattress that upload directly to the Eight Sleep app.

The app also tracks Heart Rate Variability, Respiratory Rate, Resting Heart Rate, and Sleep Time so you can get the data on your sleep straight from the source giving you a goodnight's rest. As you see your sleep improve with Eight Sleep its positive effect crosses over to your WHOOP Strap.

Staying fit involves taking care of yourself 24/7 and with the Pod Pro, you can guarantee just that. Boost your WHOOP scores with Eight Sleep and make sure you have the energy to get through your full, active day. A great night of rest will help improve recovery so that each day you can push the envelope with performance and reach your fitness goals.

Taking sleep to the next level is possible when you invest in the right mattress and the Pod Pro is available for as low as $78 a month and comes with a 100-night trial so you see if it works for you without ever stepping foot in a store.

Sleep and fitness go hand and hand so getting an Eight Sleep mattress was a game-changer for our WHOOP users. We recommend the Pod Pro to anyone looking for quality sleep but especially all the fitness and WHOOP fans out there — this is a must-have for your fitness journey.

The Winter Sale Starts Tomorrow: Get $250 Off The Pod, or $100 Off The Pod Cover and 20% Off Accessories!

If there was ever a year to buy a practical gadget for your home, 2020's the one.

Yep, it's been a crazy year. For a lot of reasons. Offices closed and travel was canceled, but the tech innovation never stopped. Our editors have done the research on some of the best recent inventions in the tech world, and have narrowed it down to our 5 favorites that will enhance your at-home experiences.

If you'd like to find out what piece of technology is the best investment at the moment, and how to upgrade where you sleep, how you make coffee, and how you drink water, keep reading...

1. CleanPod UVC Sterilizer ($90)

CleanPod UVC Sterilizer

This handheld device sterilizes and kills germs on nearly anything with its UV light. From groceries to luggage, you can sanitize anything with it quickly. Not everything is soap or GermX-friendly, so this is a valuable tool to have at your disposal this year. Plus, it's better for the environment than chemical cleaning products.

2. The Pod Pro by Eight Sleep (From $2545)

The Pod Pro by Eight Sleep

Update: Get $500 Off the Pod Pro During Eight's Black Friday Sale

This mattress is on another level. With its dual heating capabilities, you can control the temperature on each side of the bed separately using their app. You can set temperatures between 55-110°F, so you and your partner can both be at your perfect sleep temperatures and it costs less than running your AC or heat all night. Plus their GentleRise Technology wakes you naturally up by cooling your body down gradually, instead of using a loud sudden alarm.

The mattress itself is comfy and great for your back. The five layers of premium foam create amazing contouring support and relief on the right pressure points. Plus you can monitor your sleep fitness on the app, which can be integrated with your GoogleHome or Alexa.

3. Mr. Coffee 10-Cup Smart Optimal Brew Coffeemaker Wemo Enabled ($69.99)

Mr. Coffee 10-Cup Smart Optimal Brew Coffeemaker Wemo Enabled

Another one for the tech geeks, this is a machine for the smart-home era. The Optimal Brew makes premium coffee, and supports a fully customizable 7-day programmable schedule. The coolest part is it can be integrated with apps like the Eight Sleep app, or the Belkin WeMo-connected intelligent device platform, so you can have your coffee brewing before you even get out of bed. This device is also easy to handle and clean.

4. Hypervolt Plus Cordless Vibration Massager ($349.93)

Hypervolt Plus Cordless Vibration Massager

Has anyone been seeing these cordless massagers all over social media lately? Us too. The Hypervolt Plus comes with five interchangeable heads so it's comfortable to use on any muscle. 2020 is the year where we bring outside luxury inside our home, and these massage guns are like having a private masseur on hand, which could be great after a home workout, or a long WFH day.

5. Larq Movement Water Bottle ($98)

Larq water bottle

As much as 2020 is the year to bring luxury home, it's definitely the year of cleanliness, and this self-cleaning water bottle is an impressive representation of that. Like the CleanPod UVC Sterilizer, the Larq bottle uses internal UVC lights to sanitize itself. These bottles are great to bring on long hikes, but mostly, they're great for peace of mind.

These inventions remind us that even in 2020, humans can't help but grow, adapt, and invent. It's been a tough year, and no one knows what lies ahead, but no matter what that is, these gadgets will make it better.

Our favorite pick of the bunch is definitely the Pod Pro by Eight Sleep. We're spending more time on a mattress than ever before, so why not get one that has amazing features like the Pod Pro? Out of any new tech invention we've researched, it's by far the best investment.

Black Friday Sale: Get $500 Off The Pods + $200 Off Pod Pro Cover + 20% Off Accessories with Purchase of The Pod or Pod Pro Cover.

Nothing beats a solid eight hours, but these days, that can be hard to achieve. Our editors have been searching for the best cooling mattress in hope of getting the quality rest we desperately need. We finally narrowed it down to two options based on key criteria: comfort, smart features, and cooling abilities.

Running hot at night is a huge obstacle to getting a good night's rest and finding a mattress that doesn't retain heat and can cool you down is so important. Spending to get the comfort you need seems like an easy choice, but mattresses aren't an everyday expense so pricing is still a major factor.

We kept coming across two mattresses: Eight Sleep's Pod Pro and Sleep Number's m7 Smart Bed. Thanks to 100-night trials, we decided to try both to see which was best.

Here's what we found out.

Key Similarities

  • Both have 100-night trials so you can test them from the comfort of your home.
  • Both are premium high-quality mattresses with similar price points.
  • Both have apps to track sleep.

Key Differences

  • The Pod Pro allows you to control the temperature which ranges from 55F to 110F while the m7 Smart Bed has cooling memory foam which doesn't cool down below body temperature.
  • The Pod Pro has dual-zone cooling and heating, meaning you can set different temperatures on either side of the bed. Whereas with the m7 Smart Bed you can't set temperature since it's just one piece of gel across the bed.
  • The Pod Pro has GentleRise Wake-Up Technology.
  • The m7 Smart Bed has adjustable firmness on each side of the bed.

Eight Sleep

The Pod Pro mattress knocked it out of the park for us.

The stand-out feature is its dual-zone cooling and heating capabilities. This allows you to set your side of the bed to a cool 55F while your partner can stay warm at 70F (and could go up to 110F if they wanted). Finally, there's no more need to blast the AC or fight over the covers.

We also love the comfort provided by the five layers of premium foam. The top layer, called the Comfort Blend, combines with the other four others to create amazing contouring support. The relief on all the right pressure points is heavenly.

GentleRise Technology is a bonus that we love. By setting a time in the Eight Sleep app, the mattress then uses vibrations at chest level to give you the best wake-up. It also gradually cools or warms the bed minutes before waking you up.

The Eight Sleep app also monitors sleep fitness via sensors in the mattress that track Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Resting Heart Rate, Sleep Stages, and Sleep Time. This gives both sleepers individual metrics for their side of the bed. You can know your sleep fitness in a whole new way with Eight Sleep.

The Pod Pro hit all of our mattress goals and more. Plus, you can finance a queen size for $84 a month and still keep your original bed frame.

Eight Sleep Pod Pro
Innovative Cooling Technology
"The World's Most Advanced Mattress"
Shop the Pod

Sleep Number

We were really excited to try the m7 Smart Bed. Like all Sleep Numbers, it can control the firmness of either side of the bed. While it was nice customizing the firmness, it didn't exactly go as planned.

When two people prefer relatively different levels of firmness, the middle of the mattress begins to sag and leaves one person rolling into it. It also feels like two completely different mattresses side by side and puts a damper on intimacy. We found the Pod Pro's firmness to be a happy medium and keeps all bedfellows on the same level.

We were most interested in the mattress' cooling abilities. The memory foam absorbs body heat, but you couldn't feel much of a difference. We preferred cooling the mattress precisely on the Pod Pro as opposed to the m7 because it's significantly cooler and drops in temperature.

Similar to the Pod Pro, the m7 Smart Bed gives sleep insights on their app by assigning a Sleep IQ score. While this was helpful, Eight Sleep's app won us over with its fresher look and the way they broke down the information.

The m7 Smart Bed in queen size is available to finance at $130 a month, but the bases are a significant extra cost. They do provide additional comforts such as raising the back for reading and tv-watching positions. At $2,000 the FlexFit Base did not seem worth it to us and it would've brought the total to $175 a month - we would rather sit up on our own and save some money.

Final Notes

At the end of the day, Eight Sleep's Pod Pro mattress outdid Sleep Number's m7 Smart Bed for us. The m7 Smart Bed claims to be a cooling mattress but it just absorbs body heat while the Pod Pro actually cools down to as low as 55F. There isn't an aspect of the Pod Pro that didn't elevate the experience and is definitely worth the cost. Finally, our editors can get a good night's sleep thanks to the Pod Pro and its dual cooling capabilities.

Get $100 Off + 20% Off Sleep Essentials When You Upgrade to the Pod Pro Today

When someone decides to make a change to their routine, the last thing they consider is how they sleep. Maybe they're worried about their diet or how often they exercise, but never how their sleep can affect them. My problem exactly, especially once I started working from home. My entire circadian rhythm was off. Come 11pm, a rush of cortisol would hit me and any chance of shut-eye before 2am pretty much went out the window.

I tried a few of those melatonin gummies, but I unfortunately did not see any results. After some research, I realized that it wasn't my body preventing me from getting sleep, it was my mattress. It was just too hot. I set up fans all over my room, but didn't notice any change. So I decided to take charge of my well-being - not by joining a gym or adopting a new diet, but by buying a new mattress.

Over the next two weeks, I asked my friends where they bought their mattresses and what they look for when purchasing one. I received a slew of suggestions, each advocating for a different brand or feature. One person mentioned that I should buy a mattress with cooling technology, while another recommended that I purchase one that could track my sleep cycle. I even tried out my friend's cooling mattress, but was ultimately unimpressed.

It seemed like there wasn't a single mattress out there that combined all of these features--especially one that actually cooled you overnight. I was ready to give up until a friend told me that she just purchased a mattress from a brand called Eight Sleep. She raved about them - calling it, "the perfect mattress."

Eight Sleep's Pod Pro is unlike anything I've ever slept on. Between its unbelievable comfort and cutting-edge features like GentleRise and cooling technology, the Pod Pro is designed to help you understand your sleep. Here are six reasons why the Pod Pro is the best-valued smart mattress on the market.

Climate control

The Pod Pro uses an Active Grid (the thermoregulating layer of the bed) with Comfort Blend to allow water to flow from its source to the thin contouring layer. The Active Grid cover also includes sensors that track your biometrics and an integrated layer of foam for extra comfort. Water is stored in a Hub, a small but sleek canister that fits next to your nightstand.

I never knew that a climate controlled bed existed, and turns out that Eight Sleep Active Grid is one-of-a-kind. I'm the type of sleeper who vigorously moves around, sleeps with an army of fans around their bed, and often sleeps without any blankets. EightSleep's climate control is the first time I found a mattress that allowed me to sleep comfortably!

Sleep better - with or without a partner

With the Pod Pro's temperature regulation controls, say goodbye to blanket hogging. The Pod Pro is divided into two zones to adjust the temperature based on individual schedules and preferences. Users can choose between 55 and 110F on each side of the bed and temperature can easily be adjusted using the Eight Sleep app.

Speaking from experience, I slept by myself and still fell in love with Pod Pro's temperature regulation controls. Sometimes I find myself too hot and too cold on the same night. It can be a never-ending process of getting up, adjusting the air conditioner, changing clothes and rolling back into bed. Thanks to the Pod Pro, all I have to do is roll on to the other side of the bed and I'm golden!

GentleRise technology

Have you ever suffered from hitting snooze on your alarm only to wake an hour later than you planned?

Waking up is always a pain. It's startling, uncomfortable, and not very conducive to a peaceful and rejuvenating sleep. However, with Eight Sleep's proprietary GentleRise technology, you are woken up by gentle vibrations at the chest level while the mattress gradually cools or warms to your preference. This was one of my favorite features since it really helped me start my day off on the right note.

Next-level comfort

Meet the next evolution of memory foam. The Pod Pro utilizes five layers of CertiPUR-US-certified foam to create a medium-level of firmness and contouring support. The 12" premium foam mattress is encased in a breathable cover and features an additional layer of foam in its Active Grid which works with the other layers to deliver a personalized microclimate to each side of the mattress.

Monitor your health

The Pod Pro is the first mattress with built-in HRV (heart rate variable) monitoring and includes other biometrics such as Resting Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, Sleep Stages, and Sleep Time. HRV variations are used to help you track your health and anticipate fatigue and illness. As an added bonus, the Pod's free app lets you access personal health and sleep reports. I never realized how much fun tracking your sleep could be. It's so gratifying being able to see your progress as your sleep habits improve.

We spend nearly half of the day on our mattress, so why are we so cavalier towards quality and comfort? Maybe because we're often focused on wellness during the day--a time when we can actively control what we do. But that's the point. We can't control how we sleep. We move, shimmy, and rustle throughout the night only to wake up in a heap of sweat and discomfort.

Do yourself a favor and upgrade your mattress to the award-winning Pod Pro.

Update: The Winter Sale Starts Tomorrow: Get $250 Off The Pod, or $100 Off The Pod Cover and 20% Off Accessories!