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Confusingly, many of thebest smart bedsout there aren’t actually beds.
Instead they are mattress covers or bed bases packing high-tech features.
What is a smart mattress cover?
A smart mattress cover is a high-tech layer that wraps around your mattress like a fitted sheet.
Eight Sleep are the leading in smart mattress production, and are favorited by high performing individuals likeElon Musk.
We rate theEight Sleep Pod 4as the best smart bed system of the year.
What is a smart bed base?
Whereas a smart mattress cover sits on top of your mattress, a smart bed base supports it.
A smart bed base is a high-tech, adjustable bed frame with sensors to help you sleep better.
But if you want sleep health data, you’ll have to pay a bit more.
All the more reason to be keeping an eye on theTempur-pedic Black Friday mattress sale.
That said, smart bed bases are cheaper than smart mattress covers.
Plus there’s a monthly subscription fee to access sleep tracking via Eight Sleep’s app.
Sensors are woven into the fabric of the cover to track sleep quality and monitor breathing and temperature.
The Tempur-Ergo Smart Base offers the option of adding lumbar support (of up to six inches).
This feature would benefit anyone suffering with back pain through the night.
Meanwhile, smart bed bases don’t tend to feature specific cooling features unless paired with aspecialised cooling mattress.
However, the design of smart bed bases mean the mattress on top shouldn’t hold on to heat.
They are usually slim designs and should allow airflow from underneath the mattress.
Smart bed systems use these metrics to adjust through the night.
With similar offerings, smart mattress covers and smart bed bases are on par in terms of sleep tracking.
Smart mattress cover vs smart bed: How to choose
1.
Consider your budget
Smart sleep systems are for big budgets.
But smart bed bases are generally the cheaper option when compared with smart mattress covers.
Factor in your existing mattress
Neither smart mattress covers or smart bed bases come with a complete mattress.
You either have to purchase a mattress separately or use your existing mattress.
Therefore, it is essential to consider the compatibility of the mattress you are going to use.
While both covers and bases are usually compatible with most mattresses, there are some caveats.
So be sure to thoroughly check manufactures' specific requirements before purchasing.
Smart mattress cover vs smart bed base: Which should you buy?
If you want a bed base that matches your decor, opt for a smart mattress cover instead.
This means you might keep your mobile away from your bed to boost sleep quality even further.
The 3 top smart mattress cover and bases to shop today
1.
The Pod 4 Ultra is down to $4,599 in a queen size (was $4,599).
It is good value without discount with a queen at $999 MSRP, plus free white glove delivery.
