Are Smart Mattresses Worth It? (2025)

Nowadays, it seems like there’s a nifty tech gadget for everything. There are even ones claiming to help people sleep.

One such tool? A smart mattress. But is a smart mattress really worth the hype? Ahead, we’ll explore everything you need to know if you’re considering getting a smart mattress.

What is a smart mattress?

A smart mattress is a mattress that uses built-in technology to help monitor and improve your sleep, explains Shelby Harris, PsyD, director of sleep health at Sleepopolis. It tracks things like your movement, heart rate, or breathing while you’re sleeping.

“Smart mattresses typically come with sensors to monitor your sleep and biometrics, such as movement and heart rate,” says Harris. “They may also feature adjustable settings for temperature and firmness and connect with apps to give you sleep reports.”

Smart mattresses aren’t usually a specific mattress type, adds Harris. Instead, they can come in all types—”memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, you name it,” she says. “What sets them apart isn’t the material but the technology they include.”

A smart mattress is a mattress that uses built-in technology to help monitor and improve your sleep. It tracks things like your movement, heart rate, or breathing while you’re sleeping.

How do smart mattresses work?

“Smart mattresses typically use sensors built into the bed to gather data on your sleep habits—like how much you move, your heart rate, or how long you’re in each sleep stage,” says Harris. “Some can adjust settings like firmness or temperature in real time, based on that data, to help you sleep better.”

The benefits of smart mattresses

So, what is the main benefit of getting a smart mattress? These mattresses offer a more personalized sleep experience with features like temperature control and sleep tracking, “so you can tailor the bed to your needs and get insights to improve your habits,” notes Harris.

The drawbacks of smart mattresses

There are a few negatives to consider, however. First and foremost is the high cost.

“The biggest downside is often the price—they can be much more expensive than regular mattresses,” Harris points out. “Also, the technology might feel unnecessary to some people—and if something breaks, repairs can be complicated or costly. Plus, there are valid concerns about privacy since they collect personal data.”

Then there’s the fact that people can become overly focused on sleep. There’s actually a name for it—it’s called orthosomnia, a condition in which people become too obsessed with tracking sleep—and it can be detrimental.

“People can definitely get overly focused on sleep, and it can actually backfire,” says Harris. “Constantly worrying about how much or how well you’re sleeping can lead to anxiety, which disrupts sleep even more. A better approach is to focus on creating good habits and letting sleep happen naturally without overthinking it.”

Smart mattresses vs. traditional mattresses

There are some ways in which smart mattresses and traditional mattresses differ. “Smart mattresses go beyond comfort with tech features like sleep tracking and adjustability, while traditional mattresses rely on physical factors like the materials and the firmness,” explains Harris.

But at the end of the day, keep in mind that you can get a perfectly good night’s sleep on a traditional mattress, without all the fancy tech added to your sleep routine.

“Plenty of people sleep perfectly well on a traditional mattress without any bells and whistles,” notes Harris. “What matters most is that your mattress supports your body and feels comfortable to you. A good sleep environment and consistent routines also go a long way.”

How to choose the best smart mattress for you

If the idea of a smart mattress appeals to you, Harris says you’ll first want to think through what’s most important for your sleep. Is it firmness? Material? Budget?

Then, you can consider which tech features may actually improve your rest. “Make sure the added features are ones you’ll genuinely use, not just cool extras,” Harris warns.

FAQs

What does a smart mattress do?

A smart mattress has sensors that can monitor your sleep and biometrics, which include movement, heart rate, and breathing. These mattresses may also feature adjustable settings for temperature and firmness and may connect with apps to give you sleep reports, adds Harris.

What are the cons of a smart bed?

If you’re keeping a budget in mind, you should know that smart mattresses can get pricey in a hurry—and they tend to be more expensive than traditional mattresses. Additionally, Harris says the tech might feel overly unnecessary—and if something breaks, repairs can be complicated or costly. Then there are concerns about privacy since these beds collect personal data. Lastly, you may become overly focused on sleep, causing anxiety that can disrupt your rest.

How do you use a smart bed?

You’ll need to be at least somewhat tech-minded to own a smart bed. You’ll need to plug it in, download an accompanying app, pair the bed with your device, and calibrate the bed according to your unique preferences. Nightly, you’ll need to get accustomed to using its myriad functions in order to maximize its purpose.

How long do smart beds last?

“Typically, they last about eight to 10 years, similar to traditional mattresses,” says Harris. “However, the tech might need updates or maintenance sooner. Taking care of the mattress and following the manufacturer’s instructions can help it last longer.”

Find the perfect mattress for you at Saatva

Saatva has a wide range of mattresses to suit every sleep preference. If you’re looking for a personalized sleep experience, check out our

Solaire

Our luxurious customizable mattress with 50 precise firmness options

adjustable firmness mattress. It contains individual air chambers to customize the firmness on each side of the bed via wireless remotes.

It can be paired with our

Adjustable Base Plus

Our deluxe adjustable base with even more customized comfort options

for even more customization. For example, if you choose a split king Solaire, you and your partner will be able to raise your head and feet separately thanks to the adjustable base.