Why My $5,000 Smart Bed Is Driving Me Crazy (And How It Almost Ruined My Marriage)

This is Optimizer, a weekly newsletter from The Verge senior reviewer Victoria Song. Each Friday, it dissects the latest gadgets and products that claim to revolutionize your life. Opt in for Optimizer here.

I take my sleep seriously—seriously enough to spend months testing products before committing to a purchase. So when I finally bought the Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra, a ludicrously expensive smart bed, I expected big results.

The Pod 4 Ultra promised to transform my bedroom into a sleep sanctuary. It delivered—on some fronts. My spouse’s side stayed cool while mine stayed toasty, a feature so effective that even my aloof cats began curling up on my side at night. The bed also dramatically reduced my spouse’s snoring, which, in turn, improved my marriage.

So what went wrong? Why did a $5,000 investment nearly ruin my sleep—and my relationship?

The Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra: A Smart Bed with a Loud Problem

From the moment I unboxed the Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra, I was impressed by its sleek design and advanced features. The bed’s active cooling and heating system was a game-changer, ensuring optimal temperatures for both me and my spouse. The snore detection and reduction technology also worked as advertised, silencing disruptive noises and letting us both sleep more soundly.

But there was a catch—literally. The Pod 4 Ultra is loud. Not just a minor hum, but a constant, intrusive noise that made it impossible to ignore. The bed’s pump and fan system emitted a low, mechanical drone that filled the room, disrupting my sleep and waking me up multiple times a night.

I tried adjusting the settings, but the noise persisted. I even reached out to Eight Sleep’s customer support, only to be told that the sound was “normal” and that there was nothing they could do. Frustrated, I began to question whether the bed’s benefits were worth the constant disruption.

How a $5,000 Bed Almost Ended My Marriage

The Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra’s noise issue wasn’t just an annoyance—it became a point of contention in my household. My spouse, who had initially been thrilled with the bed’s cooling and snore-reducing features, grew increasingly frustrated with the constant hum. Arguments about the bed’s noise levels became a nightly occurrence, straining our relationship.

I tried to rationalize the situation. After all, the bed had improved my sleep in other ways. But the noise was undeniable, and it was taking a toll on both of us. I began to wonder: Was the Pod 4 Ultra worth the cost, both financially and emotionally?

Would I Recommend the Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra?

Despite its flaws, the Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra isn’t without its merits. Its temperature regulation and snore reduction features are genuinely impressive, and it’s clear that Eight Sleep has put significant effort into designing a product that caters to couples with different sleep preferences. However, the bed’s noise issue is a major drawback that cannot be overlooked.

If you’re considering the Pod 4 Ultra, I’d strongly recommend testing it in person first. Listen to the pump and fan system in action to ensure you can tolerate the noise. If you’re sensitive to sound or share a bed with a light sleeper, this bed may not be the right fit for you.

As for me? I’m still deciding whether to keep the Pod 4 Ultra or return it. One thing’s for sure: This $5,000 smart bed has taught me that sometimes, the most advanced technology comes with unexpected—and unwanted—side effects.