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Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress review: Cosy comfort but disappointing cooling
1:31 pm | December 3, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Mattresses Sleep | Comments: Off

Leesa Oasis Chill mattress review: Two-minute review

I slept on a queen sized Chill mattress for three weeks, testing it in all areas of comfort and performance, to see how it compares to the rest of today's best mattresses. I also enlisted the help of a panel of others to get a more rounded overview for this review. 

This mattress comes in two firmness options, cushion-firm and plush. I tested the cushion-firm option and found it very comfortable. Despite the fact that you don’t really sink into the mattress, there is something cozy about the top layer which hugs the body on all sides. As someone who can sleep in all sleep positions, I did find that sleeping on my back or stomach was the most comfortable on this mattress. The Oasis Chill Hybrid is reinforced in the center to provide support in the hips and lower back area which makes for a great sleep experience and removes any pain or pressure you may have. 

Getting in and out of bed is a breeze and there was never any concern of slipping off in my sleep. The motion isolation capabilities are also top-notch, making it a good choice for those with fidgety partners. 

This hybrid mattress was designed with plenty of cooling properties, however, I found the breathability of the mattress to be lacking. Despite having a hybrid design, cooling cover, and memory foam with cooling properties, I consistently felt warm at night (during October of all times). 

With the ability to try the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress under a 100-night trial, it’s well worth seeing if the mattress suits your body or not. Returning is free, though if you decide to keep it, a 10-year warranty is added to the mix. 

Leesa Oasis Chill mattress review: Design

  • 13.5-inch hybrid mattress with 6 layers of foam and springs
  • Cover and foam layers designed to promote cooling
  • Option to add an Ultra Cool Mattress Protector 

This hybrid mattress has six layers comprised of coils and foams and is 13.5 inches tall. It's designed specifically with cooling in mind, and is available in two different firmness feels.

On the bottom is a base foam layer that provides long-term support for the mattress. Above this layer is the individually wrapped coil system, reinforced along all the edges of the mattress for edge support. There are also multiple rows of reinforced coils in the center of the mattress, designed to support your hips and keep your spine in line, to prevent back pain. 

Leesa Oasis Chill hybrid

(Image credit: Leesa)

The next three layers are foam layers. Above the coils is an adaptable foam layer which helps the mattress spring back after your body weight is removed. From there you have a memory foam layer infused with copper which is supposed to create an antibacterial sleeping environment and disperse heat, thereby making the mattress cooler. The last foam layer is a quilt foam infused with gel that assists with the mattress’ breathability. 

All the foams in this mattress are CertiPUR-US certified. This is important because it means that while the mattress isn’t organic, it has low VOCs and is free of the most harmful chemicals. 

Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress

(Image credit: Future)

Last but not least, there's the super soft cover. This includes cooling fibers that Leesa says will disperse heat to leave your body at 88 degrees Fahrenheit – which according to them is the ideal temperature for sleep. The cover is not removable, however, there are handles that make it easier to move.

From my experience testing mattresses, I feel as if the materials are top quality and put together well for long-term use. 

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Leesa Oasis Chill review: Price & value for money

  • Officially a premium model, usually discounted into upper mid-range 
  • Decent value for a hybrid
  • Sits in the middle of Leesa's range in terms of price

The Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid has a MSRP that is in the premium price bracket category, but regular sales take it down into the upper mid-range. . From the materials to the feel, I’d say that the price matches the value. Among Leesa mattresses, it’s not the cheapest option, but it’s also not the most expensive either (see how it compares a pricer option in TechRadar's Leesa Sapira mattress review). 

Here’s the current pricing for the chill Hybrid, along with the prices you can expect to pay: 

  • Twin size: MSRP $1,259 (usually sold at $1,049)
  • Full size: MSRP $1,559 (usually sold at $1,299)
  • Queen size: MSRP $1,679 (usually sold at $1,399)
  • King size: MSRP $2,039 (usually sold at $1,699)

Generally, today's best hybrid mattresses cost more than all-foam models, and this Leesa is pretty well priced within its category. I wasn't especially impressed with the cooling here (as I'll get on to later), but if you go down the specialist route, the best cooling mattresses also tend to sit in the premium price bracket.

You'll usually get two free pillows bundled in with your mattress, which is nice, but otherwise the extras are pretty standard – free delivery, 100 night trial, 10 year warranty. 

Like many bed brands, Leesa has regular sales. However, if you're looking for a particularly strong discount, your best bet is around a national holiday – the Labor Day mattress sales in September, Presidents' Day mattress sales in February, Memorial Day mattress sales in May, 4th of July mattress sales, and of course the Black Friday mattress deals at the end of November.

Leesa Oasis Chill mattress review: Comfort & support

  • Choose between cushion-firm (reviewed) or plush feels
  • Cushion-firm has a supportive but huggable feel
  • Most comfortable sleeping on back and stomach positions

I ordered the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid in the cushion-firm comfort level. Leesa doesn’t provide a firmness rating, but I can say that a 15lb weight sunk about half an inch when placed in the center. In my opinion, it’s a 6 out of 10 on a firmness scale.

When laying on the mattress, my body, which is 5’5” and weighs 175 lbs, does not sink in too much. It’s a supportive surface that isn’t hard by any means. I’d describe it as cloud-like, with an almost buoyant feel. The sleep surface is quite responsive and springs back immediately when pressure is removed. It doesn’t contour, but rather seems to hug the body instead. 

Sleeping in the back and stomach positions feels most comfortable on the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress. My hips and lower back feel completely supported, and the mattress seemed to relieve some pressure points in my hips. It’s not uncommon for me to want to sleep on my side too, however, that sleep position was not as comfortable. I felt like my hips and shoulders needed to dip in further into the mattress so that my spine could be aligned in the side sleeping position. Unfortunately, this did not happen. Perhaps a larger or smaller body would find the side sleeping position more comfortable on this mattress. 

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Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress with reviewer lying on it

(Image credit: Future)
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Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress with reviewer lying on it

(Image credit: Future)
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Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress with reviewer lying on it

(Image credit: Future)

I had a friend sleep on this Leesa mattress who was smaller than me in height and weight. They found that sleeping on their back and side felt most comfortable. On a scale of 1-10, they rated it as a 5.5 in terms of a firmness level. 

Leesa Oasis Chill mattress review: Performance

  • Temperature regulation could be better
  • Exceptional edge support along the sides
  • Solid motion isolation capabilities

While comfort is important to consider when buying a mattress, I also made sure to assess the temperature regulation, edge support, and motion isolation, through an assortment of tests and personal sleep experiences. With all of this information, I can provide more insight into the overall value of the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress, and who it might suit best. 

Temperature regulation

As a hybrid mattress, the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid is inherently more breathable than, say, an all-foam mattress. However, as someone who doesn’t run hot at night, I was surprised by how warm I got sleeping on this mattress – especially given that it's specifically designed for cooling, with a copper-infused memory foam layer meant to absorb excess body heat and a quilt top cover with special fibers meant to keep your body at exactly the right temperature.

Close up of cover on Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress

(Image credit: Future)

I tested this mattress in October when nights were between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. I even used a fan and slept under lightweight sheets and a comforter, but despite that, there were quite a few nights where I woke up sticky with sweat and had to throw the comforter to the side. I have tested over a dozen [edit if required] mattresses, and I generally don't have this issue. 

This mattress may not be a good choice for couples – who create more body heat – or those who run hot at night. Perhaps, adding the cooling mattress cover protector to your order will help. 

  • Temperature regulation score: 3.5 out of 5

Motion isolation

Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress absorbs movements, and is important for light sleepers and couples who don't want to be disturbed by their partner's movements. To test the motion isolation on the Leesa Chill, I placed a wine glass in the center of the mattress and dropped a 15lb weight from a distance of 4, 10, and 25 inches away. The wine glass remained steady when the dumbbell was dropped at 25 inches away, but swayed a bit at 10 inches, and toppled over at four inches. These results are pretty common for most mattresses. 

Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress with reviewer sitting on it

(Image credit: Future)

I combined this test with real-world experience by having someone else in bed. I didn’t feel the other person get in and out of bed, but I did feel them change sleep positions. If I was in a deep sleep, I probably wouldn’t notice them moving at all. Ultimately, I’d say this mattress has solid motion isolation capabilities and is a good choice for couples, unless one of them is a particularly light sleeper. (For the most complete motion isolation, look for an all-foam mattress – most of today's best memory foam mattresses absorb movements extremely well).

  • Motion isolation score: 4 out of 5

Edge support

Though it may seem trivial, you want your mattress to have good edge support so you don’t slip off in the middle of the night and can more easily get in and out of bed. The Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid has great edge support along the entire perimeter. This was expected as the two outer rows of coils around the whole mattress are comprised of higher gauge springs, which means they’re more reinforced.

Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress with weight resting on edge

(Image credit: Future)

I never felt like I was going to slide or slip off when I slept near the side of the bed or even when I sat on the sides or the foot of the bed. The additional support became even more apparent when I placed a 15lb dumbbell on the edge. It didn’t roll off and only sank half an inch. 

  • Edge support score: 5 out of 5

Leesa Oasis Chill mattress review: Customer service

  • Mattress delivered vacuum-packed, rolled and boxed
  • Free delivery with set up and removal service option
  • 100-night trial with free return after 30 days

Customers will be happy to hear that the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid is delivered rolled and vacuum-packed in a box to your door – for free. Keep in mind that the mattress is assembled upon ordering, so it takes five to nine business days to be assembled before it’s shipped – if you're in a particular rush, there are beds with far shorter delivery times.

There is an option to add an in-home set up and old mattress removal service, but it’s a little different than you’d expect. Leesa delivers the mattress to you in a box and then their partner has up to seven business days to set up and remove the mattress in your home. 

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Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress in its box

(Image credit: Future)
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Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress in its box

(Image credit: Future)
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Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress out of its box, but still in plastic wrapping

(Image credit: Future)
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Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress out of its box, but still in plastic wrapping

(Image credit: Future)

I was able to move the mattress on my own into my room and remove the packaging with ease. There were no off-gassing smells and the mattress seemed to inflate immediately. Leesa notes that it could take up to an hour for the mattress to fully inflate and days for it to fully firm up. 

Leesa offers a 100-night trial, which is pretty standard (again, some brands are more generous here, with some offering up to a full year's trial). You just have to sleep on the mattress for 30 days before you go through a free return process. The 10-year limited warranty offered is also standard, which means they’ll replace or repair the mattress if there is a defect in the craftsmanship and/or materials. 

One of the most notable aspects of Leesa is that it donates one mattress for every 10 sold to a child or family in need. 

  • Customer service score: 4 out of 5

Leesa Oasis Chill mattress review: Specs

Leesa Oasis Chill mattress review: Other reviews

  • A new mattress with very few reviews as of October 2023 
  • Buy direct from Leesa for best pricing
  • Also available at MattressLux.com, Better Mattress, and other resale sites 

At the time of writing (October 2023), the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid is still fairly new to the market so there are only two reviews of the mattress online. For some reason, you can’t see these two reviews on the website, but I was able to see one of them via Google. The reviewer pointed out that this mattress’ reported cooling properties did not work well, and they found themselves sweaty and uncomfortable at night. 

If you’d like to look at the reviews on your own as they come in, you might find them on Leesa, Google, or other sites where they sell the mattress like MattressLux.com and Better Mattress. 

Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid mattress set up in reviewer's bedroom

(Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the Leesa Oasis Chill mattress?

Buy it if...

✅ You like to sleep on your back and stomach: The hybrid design offers incredible hip and back support that keeps your spine in line.

✅ You suffer from joint and back pain: Sleep on this hybrid mattress that has a reinforced center and you’ll quickly find your joint and back pain disappearing. At least the cushion-firm version helped alleviate hip and lower back pain I’d been dealing with for months.

✅ You have a fidgety partner: Enjoy a seamless night of sleep with the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid. Through our testing, we determined that you likely won’t feel your partner move or get in and out of bed at night. 

Don't buy it if...

❌ You have a tendency to get hot at night: Despite a design that is meant to promote cooling, the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid isn’t as breathable as I hoped – I found myself getting hot at night during the testing period. Head to TechRadar's cooling mattress guide for alternatives at a range of price points.

❌ You prefer to sleep on your side: Due to the center coils of the mattress being reinforced, the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid doesn’t offer enough give in the hip area for side sleepers. Something like the Helix Midnight mattress would be a better choice for most side-sleepers.

❌ You have a smaller budget: As an upper-premium mattress, the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid is fairly expensive. If you're on a tighter budget, check out the Cocoon Chill mattress, which is more affordable and comes with a phase-change cover that our testers found regulated temperature very effectively.

How I tested the Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid

I tested a queen-sized, cushion-firm Leesa Oasis Chill Hybrid in my Dallas, Texas, home for 3 weeks. The testing period was during October when night temperatures ranged from 60-75 degrees. The bed was made with a light comforter and microfiber sheets. I had a friend sleep on the mattress one night. I also ran standardized tests to determine the mattress’ softness, edge support, and motion isolation. 

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed: November 2023
Peloton Row review: Perhaps the best connected rowing machine around
8:26 pm | December 1, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Peloton Row: Two minute review

Peloton Row

(Image credit: Danielle Abraham)

The Peloton Row is a beautifully designed and easy to use rowing machine that delivers a full body workout in the comfort in your own home. First released in December 2022, it’s the latest fitness equipment in Peloton’s high-end line up that includes the Bike, Bike+, and Tread, the latter of which made it onto our best treadmills list. Peloton is known for creating reliable, long-lasting products and pairing them with fun, motivating virtual class content, but all that greatness comes at a high price tag. 

To make the most of the Peloton Row, you’ll need to be ready to shell out another $44/month for an All-Access Membership, in addition to the almost $3,000 up front. From there, you’ll get access to all of its classes, from yoga and meditation to cycling, running, strength training – and yes, rowing. Compared to other fitness memberships, like iFit from Nordic Track or a Hydrow membership, it’s honestly right on par, and in my opinion Peloton’s offerings a slightly superior. For people who love the livestreamed classes, it offers a ton of value, but its rival’s equipment costs significantly less. 

Peloton offers Row and Row Bootcamp classes that range from five to 60 minutes, making it easy to fit a class into your daily schedule. The regular rowing classes include more basic music based classes as well as HIIT, endurance, Tabata, and interval options, while the Bootcamp classes mix rowing with strength training.  You can even check the schedule and take live classes, though I find the times often cater to those on EST.  Peloton is great with community building, using leaderboards to compete against others in your class, creating hashtags for more niche groups, letting you high five others in your class, and follow friends. The instructors are also all top-tier, fun, and motivating.  There are a few scenic rows available for those looking to explore some waterways around the world, but there are still a limited amount available at the time of writing. 

The build of the Row is equally as impressive as the classes. It’s definitely bulky and heavy like most other rowing machines, but Peloton makes it easy for you to store it upright, saving space when it’s not in use.  You also don’t have to lift a finger during setup as a the delivering drivers do that, and then coach you through getting connected and calibrating the machine. All its components are durable and sturdy, and after over a month of almost daily use, work just as good as when I first got it. The large, 23.8-inch touchscreen immerses you in classes and is extremely responsive, bright, and easy to use. 

I’ve found this machine especially caters those new to rowing. Beyond being easy to use, there’s a standout feature called Form Assist, which uses sensors to track your movement in real time and offer feedback to correct your form. It’s helped me significantly improve my stroke, and you’ll even get a handy performance score at the end of each class. There are also Form and Drills classes that beginners will appreciate. But even veteran rowers will love everything that the Peloton Row offers. 

Peleton Row review: Specifications

Peloton Row: Price and availability

Peloton Row

(Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
  • $2,995 US plus a $44 per month All-Access Membership
  • Not yet in UK or Australia
  • Significantly more expensive than its rivals

The Peloton Row is only available direct from Peloton for $2,995. That’s after a recent price drop from $3,195. It’s currently only available in the United States, though there are plans to release the machine in the UK and Australia, similar to the Peloton Tread and Bike.

With the most basic Peloton Row package, you get everything you need, including setup, the 23.8-inch display, and a mount to store the machine upright. However, you’ll need to shell out another $44 per month for an All-Access Membership to access classes for the Row and all of Peloton’s other classes, from strength training and cycling to yoga and meditation. 

Peloton offers a few other Row packages with additional accessories like mats, weights, and a water bottle. Given these bundles range in cost from almost $100 to just under $400 more, save yourself some money and pick these up elsewhere. 

Don’t get me wrong the almost $3,000 price tag is hard to digest. But given the Peloton Row’s simple delivery and setup,  impeccable design, exclusive features like Form Assist, and access to endless classes with motivational teachers, I can see the value. There are some much cheaper alternatives, like the Hydrow and Nordic Track RW900 Rowing, but they still don’t touch what Peloton has.    

  •  Value score: 4/5 

Peloton Row: Design

Peloton Row

(Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
  • Simple setup 
  • Functional design with wheels and handle for easier moving/storage
  • Large, responsive full HD touchscreen

To say setting up the Peloton Row was simple would be an understatement, as you literally have to do nothing except let the delivery people into your home and show them where you’d like the machine. They do all the rest, including carting away all the boxes, ensuring you’re connected to the Peloton platform over WiFi, and answering any questions. All in all, it took about 15 minutes for them to set it up and another 10 to make sure you were ready to take your first class. Talk about convenience. 

It’s a good thing the machine is set up for you because it’s big, about eight feet longtwo feet wide, and weighing almost 160 pounds. Peloton also recommends you leave two feet of clearance on all sides, which I’d also recommend to avoid running into things during your row. But if you plan on taking Row Bootcamp classes, you’ll need even more room. Therefore, those tight on space should stay away from this machine and rowing machines in general, as they all have bigger footprints. It just barely fits my spare room. 

If you want to move the machine around, Peloton attempts to make the process as simple as possible by placing two wheels at the heavier end of the machine, and the back end is a loop shape, making it more functional for easier lifting. I’ve tried moving the Row around, and it’s heavy but manageable to do alone thanks to the wheels. 

To save space in your room,  there’s the option to store the Row upright (as long as your ceilings are over eight feet high).  However, you need to install a wall anchor, which involves screwing the anchor into place. I couldn’t test this since I rent and can’t put holes in my wall. I still put the machine upright, and it wasn’t difficult; the display’s arm folds down, and you use the back loop and a handle on the rail to lift it. Peloton says you should be comfortable lifting 40 pounds to do this. If you choose to store upright, only do so using the anchor. instructors even mention this in many of the classes. 

When it’s time to get rowing, there’s a large 23.8-inch full HD touchscreen that’s both bright and perfectly responsive. Colors are vivid and lifelike, while the 1080p resolution ensures decently crisp visuals. The display can fold down slightly and tilt to the sides up to 45°, which is handy for different viewing angles, especially when taking the Bootcamp classes.

At the top of the display, there’s a large speaker that’s clear and gets plenty loud, along with two rear subwoofers. You get an easy-to-reach volume button on the side, though you can also adjust the volume on the screen, and there’s a power button around the back. A seemingly useless camera with a privacy cover is included, which at the time of writing this review, only takes pictures for your profile. 

Peloton Row

(Image credit: Danielle Abraham)

Moving on to the rail of the Peloton Row, it’s made of anodized and powder-coated aluminum that feels exceptionally sturdy. On top of that rail sits a lightly padded seat that slides along the length of the rail. At the base, there’s a footrest made of sturdy plastic with a movable shoe sizer. It’s simple to adjust the size options from one to seven and fits a women’s size five to a men's size 13.5. To secure your feet is a woven strap with velcro, and after a month of use, everything holds up great and performs the same as the day I got the machine.

Beyond the footrest, just under the display, is a molded plastic and TPE handle that’s easy to reach and grip with a simple docking knob. But be prepared to get a few calluses as you adjust to daily rowing. The Row uses electromagnetic resistance rather than water or air, making for a super quiet, but powerful rowing. 

Unlike adjusting the resistance of an exercise bike, the Row uses a Drag Factor, which gets increasingly difficult as you pull the handle faster. You can change the Drag Factor between Light (100), Medium (115), and Heavy (130). Though it’s possible to go out of this range, Peloton recommends staying within those limits.

There’s not much else to the machine other than a little hub to put your water bottle, phone, and other smaller accessories. Overall, the Peloton Row is functional and well-designed, making it a joy to use.

  • Design score: 5/5

Peloton Row: Performance

Peloton Row

(Image credit: Danielle Abraham)
  • Form Assist feature to perfect your stroke 
  • Motivating instructors and great community-building
  • Worked flawlessly throughout testing

I’ve been rowing on the Peloton Row for over a month almost daily to see how it stacks up to regular use and experience all it has to offer. Beyond rowing,  the Peloton All-Access Membership gives you access to a massive volume of live and recorded classes, including cycling, running, strength, and meditation. You can watch all those classes on the Row’s screen, but for this review, I focused only on the rowing classes: rowing and row bootcamp. 

Before your first row, you calibrate the machine to you. The Peloton instructors guide you through the process. It only takes about five minutes, and you’ll learn about and take all the different positions for a proper row stroke. From there, the machine should be calibrated to your stroke, letting you use the almost life-changing Form Assist feature. 

Form Assist is available in every class you take, appearing on your screen and following your stroke in real-time using sensors, not a camera. A gray human-figure icon moves with you, and when the feature detects improper form, it’ll highlight the area in red, telling you what the error is and how to correct it.  It was distracting at first because the icon was constantly red, as I was relatively new to rowing and had no idea how to do a proper stroke. But at least it told me I was doing something wrong. Otherwise, I don’t think I would’ve known I had improper form, potentially injuring myself. It’s possible to minimize the Form Assist feature on the screen if you just want to focus on the instructor. 

At the end of your classes, you’ll get a Form Assist score, which gives you an overall form rating percentage and a form breakdown percentage for each part of the stroke. I was lucky to break 50% during my first few classes, but now I’m closer to 90%. You’ll also get awards when your form is above 80%, a nice little incentive. Form Assist puts the Row a notch above all the other rowing machines on the market. 

Beyond Form Assist, there are Form and Drills classes available to help you with your stroke. Anyone new to rowing should take these classes, as the instructors do an excellent job of breaking down each part of the stroke. I had no idea rowing involved more leg work than arms until I took these classes. I’ll still take Form and Drills classes from time to time to help improve my form. As your stroke improves, you’ll also want to recalibrate the machine, which is just as simple as the first time you do it. Peloton even offers programs to help your Row performance. At the time of writing, there are only two Row programs available, but clearly, if you’re new to rowing, this is the perfect machine to learn on. 

Speaking classes, there are few to choose from, with the most common being a basic rowing class that often focuses on music themes like Classic Rock, 90s Hip Hop, etc. Each instructor chooses their playlist, and it’s always fun to hear the songs. You can even connect your Spotify or Apple Music account to save the songs, but I experienced some hiccups during connection.

Some other rowing class options include endurance, Tabata, interval, and HIIT. Each provides a slightly different experience. The classes last from 10-30 minutes, and I found them easy to fit into my daily schedule. Peloton also just added Extra 5 classes, which are handy five-minute classes to push yourself a little further after finishing a longer class. I love the short class structure; it makes me work harder since I know the pain will be over soon.

Peloton Row

(Image credit: Danielle Abraham)

During all the classes, the instructors give you a pace and stroke rate target to hit for a certain amount of time. Before or during a class, you set your pace levels from 1-10.  Within each level are easy, moderate, challenging, and max targets you’ll want to hit based on minutes to go 500 meters. So, at level two, a max pace should be between 2:40-2:20.  Pace timings will be different for everyone, and it took me a good week to figure out how to increase my timing. It mostly involves your drive at the beginning of your stroke, not how fast you row. Stroke rate is how many times you complete a full stroke per minute. 

Peloton is big on cultivating a community, so during class, there’s a leaderboard that ranks you based on output, another metric that’s basically the power behind each stroke. As you take a class, you can compete against other users, attempting to pass them on the leaderboard. It’s extremely motivating, and even more intense during live classes, as the instructors see your output and occasionally call you out, providing an in-person class vibe. Users also create hashtags for more specific groups within Peloton, and you can even virtually high-five people during class. 

The instructors are all fun and motivating. Though similar to running on a treadmill or indoor cycling, I find rowing a bit repetitive and boring day after day, no matter who is teaching the class. Row Bootcamp classes add a little variety to your workout by combining rowing with mat strength training workouts to build up muscles to improve your stroke, using the machine’s rotating screen. These classes last a little longer, between 30 to 60 minutes. I’ve taken a few and enjoy them overall. However, I have limited space where my Row machine is set up, making them slightly more challenging to complete.  

Pretty much all of the classes you take were “live” at one point, and you’ll even see the date and time of the class on it. Of course, you can take actual live classes, and Peloton provides an easy-to-use calendar to find them. My only issue is many of the live classes cater more to those on the East Coast of the US versus the West, as they’re filmed in the New York studio. That means there are a lot of excessively early classes or ones in the middle of the day that don’t work as well for those like me on the West Coast. It’s really a hit or miss, depending on the day of the week. Coming out late last year,  the Peloton Row is still relatively new, so I assume as more people get the Row, demand will increase, and we’ll see more live classes. 

Beyond typical classes, there are self-led scenic rows that let you row in different locations from Greece to  South Carolina, putting you in the driver's seat of the boat traversing different waterways. It’ll pick up pace as you do. However,  there are still only a limited amount of scenic rows. There are even a few scenic row classes with instructors rowing an actual boat on the water that you follow along with, but these are also limited. 

Peloton is beta-testing an option to watch Netflix as you row, which is ideal for those who get bored of the repetitive exercise. One final rowing option is “Just Rowing.” It’s exactly what it sounds like, and the only thing you’ll have access to if you don’t pay for the $44 per month All-Access Membership. So, if you buy the machine, be prepared to shell out extra dough because even though the Row is great, the classes make it. 

For those that have the Row in a communal space, there’s Bluetooth connectivity to connect wireless headphones.  It’s super simple to set up and works flawlessly. I had no problem connecting my AirPods, so the only sound others hear is the machine going through the motions and your heavy breathing, and the machine is whisper quiet, hitting only dB.  I also connected my Bose SoundLink Mini II speaker with no issue blasting the volume during class, giving you even more of an in-person experience. The built-in speakers can get loud, but the sound gets distorted at super high volumes.  

To get even more health data when using the rowing machine,  it’s possible to connect a heart rate monitor or smartwatch to see and save your heart rate data as you work out. I attempted to use this feature, but unfortunately, my older FitBit Sense is not compatible. 

As for the actual machine’s performance, I have no complaints. All the components work just as great as the day it came. The seat still glides with ease, and the footrest feels secure with every stroke. I have gotten a few small callouses on my hands from gripping the handle, but instructors warned me about this, so it wasn’t a surprise. The Full HD touchscreen attracts tons of fingerprints, but it’s perfectly responsive, working just like a giant tablet. 

Maintaining the Peloton Row is as simple as can be. It mainly involves ensuring the area underneath is clear and occasionally checking for damage, especially near the power cord, handle strap, and foot straps. Beyond that, you’ll want to wipe down the machine monthly with a damp cloth and mild household cleaner, or possibly more if multiple people are using it. I can attest that things get sweaty, so keeping up with this is essential. And as they say at the end of pretty much every class, “If you’re storing the Peloton Row upright, be sure you’re using the wall anchor.” 

  • Performance score: 4.5/5

Peloton Row: Scorecard

Peloton Row: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we tested

For over a month, I have used the Peloton Row almost daily. My usual workout routine consists of pilates five days a week and walking or hiking every day. It wasn’t difficult to incorporate rowing into this routine, as many of the workouts are short, making for an easy way to add an extra dose of cardio. 

I tried out every type of row class available including HIIT, endurance, and tabata. There are also Row Bootcamp classes that are a bit more involved, and I took several of those. Finally, I took a few live classes to see what the experience was like. 

First reviewed: November 2023

Layla Essential mattress review: A good quality, budget-friendly option… but only for certain sleepers
12:49 pm | November 12, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Mattresses Sleep | Comments: Off

Layla Essential mattress: Two-minute review

The Layla Essential mattress slashes the price and cuts a few corners compared to the brand's standard all-foam model. I slept on a queen size for three weeks to see how this wallet-friendly offering compares to the rest of today's best mattresses, and was reasonably impressed.

The slimline nine-inch tall, all-foam mattress has a straightforward design that includes memory foam, support foam, and a zip-off, washable cover. While it's unlikely to please everyone, the Layla Essential mattress could be a terrific purchase of exceptional value for a specific cohort of customers. Specifically, solo sleepers of light to average weight who prefer back sleeping are most likely to enjoy the Layla Essential to the fullest. Combination sleepers (back and side sleeping) on a budget may also find that this mattress suits their needs. The medium sleep feel means stomach sleepers and people of heavier weights risk misalignment and discomfort, and would be better with something firmer and more supportive. 

I found there was an above-average amount of motion transfer here. Co-sleepers – especially if one partner rouses easily and the other fidgets throughout the night – should opt for a mattress that absorbs motion better. Edge support was similarly below-par, which may prove to be a problem for co-sleepers who want to be able to comfortably enjoy the full sleeping surface, or anyone with mobility issues who needs a sturdy surface to push off against when getting up in the morning. 

I'm concerned that the lack of edge support may also point to dwindling durability over time. Note:  I didn't have the same experience in my Layla Hybrid mattress review – the edge support and motion isolation was great there, which suggests these performance niggles are a concession you're making for that lower price point rather than an issue with Layla's mattresses in general.)

However, I was more impressed with the temperature regulation. I didn't have any issues with overheating on the Essential, which is particularly notable because not all of today's best cheap mattresses excel in this area. Keep reading for more extensive details in my full Layla Hybrid mattress review.

Layla Essential mattress review: Design & materials

  • On the thin side at nine inches tall
  • All-foam design, with memory foam and base foam
  • Zippable, washable cover

The Layla Essential is a nine inch tall, all-foam mattress. That's on the slightly shorter side – TechRadar recommends a minimum of 10 inches for most adults. The design comprises two different types of foam, zipped up in a washable cover (98 per cent polyester and 2 per cent lycra). The first layer, made of 'Open Cell+' Memory Foam, is two inches thick.

Layla says that this specific type of memory foam is designed to promote airflow, breathability, and temperature regulation. According to the brand's product page and its own tests, Open Cell+ Memory Foam boasts three times the cooling power of conventional memory foam – the latter of which can have a habit of clinging on to the sleeper's body heat. However, the proof of this is in the sleeping, and you'll find my personal experience of temperature regulation under the 'Performance' section of this review.

Digram showing layers inside the Layla Essential mattress

(Image credit: Layla)

Foam density is an indicator of quality and longevity, and at 2.5 pounds, the memory foam here is under what we'd usually expect for a good quality mattress foam. However, very few brands actually share the density of the foams used in their mattresses, making it difficult to directly compare budget-friendly models based on this spec (in short, it might be that most cheaper mattresses use foams of a similar or lower density). The base layer consists of seven inches of polyurethane foam to bolster support and durability.

Person unzipping the Layla Essential mattress cover

(Image credit: Layla)

The two foams are CertiPUR-US certified. This means that they've passed rigorous tests that meet standards for the protection of human health and the environment.

A cover in Layla's signature hexagonal print finishes the whole thing off. This cover can be zipped off for easy cleaning.

  • Design score: 4 out of 5

Layla Essential mattress review: Price & value for money

  • Budget to lower mid-range, depending on where and when you buy
  • Cheapest option from Layla
  • Sold via Amazon or direct from Layla

Layla carries three mattresses, and the Essential is the cheapest of the bunch by a considerable margin. The standard Memory Foam mattress is about twice the price of the Essential. Meanwhile, the Hybrid is about triple the price of the most cost-efficient option. 

It's sold directly from the brand – although it can be difficult to find on the Layla website – as well as via Amazon. Depending on where and when you buy, in the wider market, the mattress is on the higher end of the budget bracket or the lower end of low-mid range. Promotional sales prices are fairly common, so you can anticipate saving at least $100 if you buy at the right time. The Layla Essential mattress is priced as follows:

  • Twin size: MSRP $549 (usually sold at $349-449)
  • Twin XL size: MSRP $599 (usually sold at $399-499)
  • Full size: MSRP $649 (usually sold at $449-549)
  • Queen size: MSRP $699 (usually sold at $499-599)
  • King size: MSRP $799 (usually sold at $599-699)
  • Cal king: MSRP $799 (usually sold at $599-699)

At the time of writing (late October 2023), the promotional deal for the Layla Essential sounded almost too good to pass up, saving you $200 off the MSRP. Earlier in the month, each mattress was only $100 off the MSRP. For added value, Layla offers free shipping to your doorstep to 48 states. It'll also throw in two free pillows to the mix.

While it's common for mattress sales to happen all year round, Layla's discounts fluctuate depending on when you buy. Traditionally, the cheapest prices appear in the Black Friday mattress deals, but other good times to buy include the Labor Day mattress sales in September, the Presidents' Day mattress sales in February and the Memorial Day mattress sales in May. 

How good value this mattress is will depend on when you buy. Sitting at the top of the TechRadar best cheap mattress guide are the Siena memory foam mattress and the  Allswell (read TechRadar's Allswell mattress review). Both are typically a bit cheaper than the Layla Essential and similar quality. The Layla Essential does, however, compare favorably to most of today's best Amazon mattresses

  • Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Layla Essential mattress review: Comfort & support

  • Layla calls it medium firm' but I found it medium (6 out of 10)
  • Most comfortable in back sleeping position
  • Heavier bodies may sink and misalign

As a lightweight sleeper, I found that the sleeping surface of the Layla Essential mattress gently hugged my body without fully sinking in across all positions. Since the top memory foam layer is only two inches thick, this wasn't too surprising.

I tested the mattress across all sleeping positions, and found it most comfortable for back sleeping. I felt that my full weight was supported without any pressure mounting up. Side sleeping, which I'm naturally prone to, wasn't exactly uncomfortable, but it didn't feel optimal either. In the long run, I think my hips would have tensed up more than they typically do. (For more options here, head to TechRadar's best mattress for side sleepers roundup.)

Layla Essential mattress

(Image credit: Future)

Stomach sleeping was in a similar middle ground. In general, most people who prefer stomach sleeping should choose a firmer mattress (eight or more out of 10) for optimal alignment – especially medium to heavier bodies.

According to the brand, the Layla Essential provides "just enough hug to support your body at critical pressure". It also deems it to be medium-firm. To objectively assess support, I placed a 55-pound kettlebell in the middle of the mattress, to mimic the sinkage from a person's body weight and center of gravity. I measured just shy of 3.25 inches of sinkage. Firmer mattresses with more robust support won't sink quite as much. Based on previous mattresses I've reviewed – as well as this kettlebell test – I believe a medium rating (6 out of 10) is more accurate.

All things considered, the Layla Essential mattress performs best for back sleeping and is most suitable for lightweight and medium-weight sleepers who prefer this position. Most stomach sleepers and heavier bodies should likely seek out firmer, more supportive alternatives.

Layla Essential mattress review: Performance

  • Decent temperature regulation for an all-foam design
  • Some motion transfer – not the best for couples or light sleepers
  • Noticeable sinkage when sitting along the edges

As well as assessing this mattress' comfort and support, I also tested for a range of other key performance criteria. Specifically: motion isolation, edge support and cooling. Here's how I got on.

Temperature regulation

A good night's sleep can be wrecked by overheating – whether that's primarily caused by a mattress, your body's own chemistry, or a mix of both. Although memory foam mattresses aren't inherently ideal to regulate temperature (they conform closely to the body and create opportunities to trap, rather than disperse, airflow), the Layla Essential takes care to address this.

Hand resting on the Layla Essential mattress cover

(Image credit: Future)

I run hot at night intermittently, part of which can be exacerbated by a lack of breathability in a mattress. During this review, I was glad to find that I didn't experience night sweats. (This was even more impressive given I did my testing at the height of summer in Los Angeles.) This is most likely attributed to the 2-inch top layer of Open Cell+ Memory Foam, which is designed to encourage airflow through the mattress. However, it's not very cool to the touch and simply won't provide the same breathability as a mattress that isn't all-foam. If you tend to run hot at night, I recommend considering a hybrid mattress (which tends to be more breathable as the springs create space for air to circulate) or shelling out on one of the best cooling mattresses.

  • Temperature regulation score: 4 out of 5

Motion isolation

I'm a solo sleeper, so motion isolation isn't my primary concern in a mattress. Regardless, I did another kettlebell test to see how light sleepers with a fidgety partner would fare with varying degrees of movement on the surface of the Layla Essential. I placed a wine glass in the center of the mattress, dropping a 10-pound kettlebell at 4, 10, and 25 inches away from it. The glass fell almost every time at 4 inches away, wobbled a moderate amount from 10 inches away, and moved only a small amount from 25 inches away.

These tests indicate that the Layla Essential doesn't excel at motion isolation, which could be a red flag for co-sleepers who rouse easily. Moreover, when the weight dropped, it made a notable slamming sound. This may be another deterrent for partnered sleepers, though perhaps not a solid pass for solo sleepers.

  • Motion isolation score: 3 out of 5

Edge support

Some mattresses have reinforced edges along the top/bottom and/or sides of the mattress. This helps to maximize the safe and usable sleeping / sitting surface area of the mattress. It also prevents early sagging, thus bolstering the mattress' durability and longevity. The Layla Essential doesn't reinforce its perimeter.

Layla Essential mattress

(Image credit: Future)

To assess the edge support objectively, I put the 55-pound kettlebell at the bottom and side of the mattress. The sinkage clocked in at approximately 3.5 inches. Since the sinkage was slightly less at the center of the mattress (about 3.25 inches), that's an indication of less-than-great edge support.

I never felt in danger of rolling off the mattress when lying down, but the lack of edge support was also pretty notable while sitting on the side of bed. This could be a dealbreaker for co-sleepers who require a bigger surface area. People who regularly sit on the bed's edge may also find that it's not as supportive as they'd like it to be, and that it may sag more rapidly than alternatives with robust edge support.

  • Edge support score: 3.5 out of 5

Layla Essential mattress review: Customer service

  • Mattress delivered vacuum-packed, rolled and boxed
  • Free doorstep shipping via Fedex Home Delivery to 48 states
  • No issues with off-gassing

Free shipping is always a perk, which Layla provides across all its mattress models. You're not able to choose a delivery window, but you can track shipping details and time estimates via FedEx.

The Layla Essential is delivered to your doorstep, vacuum-packed in two layers of plastic and rolled in a box. As a solo unboxer, I found the mattress to be super easy to roll and maneuver onto my bed frame. That's probably thanks to its slim profile, and it came as a welcome surprise. The mattress hissed only a mild amount once I unwrapped the first layer of plastic, and ceased by the time I cut open the thicker layer of plastic. As it began to expand, I could only notice a very light off-gassing odor when I sniffed it up close. However, I didn't detect an odor that night. (The brand says you can sleep on it directly after unboxing, but it'll expand completely within 24 hours. It felt fine to sleep on that night.) Again, both foams are CertiPUR-US certified, so a lack of safety wasn't a concern on the off-gassing front.

Image 1 of 3

Layla Essential mattress in its delivery box

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 3

Layla Essential mattress vacuum-packed and rolled in plastic

(Image credit: Future)
Image 3 of 3

Layla Essential mattress

(Image credit: Future)

This mattress comes with a 10-year warranty and 120-night trial. Some brands offer longer trials and warranties, but this is decent for the price of the mattress. If you decide to buy via Amazon, make sure you read the small print on this – there are sometimes extra hoops to jump through to ensure your trial and warranty are honored. (And figuring out how to return a mattress to Amazon isn't always straightforward, either.)

  • Customer service score: 4 out of 5

Layla Essential mattress review: Specs

Layla Essential mattress review: Other reviews

  • Average 4.5 stars on brand website and Amazon
  • Happy customers cited great value for cost
  • Less satisfied customers noted poor edge support

The Layla Essential has only 12 reviews with an average of 4.5 stars on the brand's official product page November 2023). Amazon has a bit more to go on, with 68 reviews with an average of 4.5 stars. While this isn't a very sizable pool to run with, positive reviews across both sites commonly noted the value of the purchase… so long as it aligned with their preferences for firmness (neither too firm nor too soft) and sleeping positions. In addition, some commenters appreciated the early or on-time delivery. Others, like me, were pleased with the unboxing experience.

Less enthusiastic customers were unhappy with the firmess, whether they deemed it too firm or too soft for what they expected (firmness levels are highly subjective, so this type of criticism should be taken with a grain of salt – almost all mattress review sections are peppered with people complaining their purchase it too firm or too soft). Some experienced next-day pain and/or continuing pressure build-up across different sleeping positions. In addition, some customers called out the disappointing edge support – feeling as though they might roll off or that the mattress wouldn't hold up for as long as it should.

Layla Essential mattress

(Image credit: Layla)

Should you buy the Layla Essential mattress?

Buy it if...

✅ You're on a budget: The most appealing thing about the Layla Essential is probably its price. Depending on when and where you buy it, this mattress sits in the lower mid-range or budget brackets, and offers good value for that price. It's also the cheapest Layla by some way.

✅ You're a back sleeper: During my review, I found this mattress comfiest for back sleeping. I'd specifically recommend it to light- to average-weight back sleepers, who should get on with this level of support. 

✅ You sometimes sleep warm: All-foam mattresses, and especially budget-friendly ones, can run hot. I didn't have that issue with the Layla Essential, which stayed neutral throughout my testing period. 

Don't buy it if...

❌ You can afford to spend a bit more: While the Layla offers good value for its affordable price, if you can stretch to spend a bit more, the Nectar is TechRadar's #1 rated memory foam mattress, and comes with a full year's trial and forever warranty. Read more in our Nectar memory foam mattress review.  

❌ You sleep on your stomach or weigh above average: The medium sleep feel and relatively shallow profile of the Layla Essential means it probably won't be supportive enough for anyone of heavier body weight, or stomach sleepers. A good, firmer, budget-friendly option is the Siena memory foam mattress, or if you're of very heavy body weight, head to TechRadar's roundup of the best mattresses for bigger bodies, and invest in a specialist option. 

❌ You share a bed: I found the Layla Essential didn't isolate movements as effectively as many mattresses I've tested, which could be an issue for those who share a bed, especially if you're a light sleeper. If you can afford it, try one of Layla's pricier models – I was impressed with the motion isolation in my Layla Hybrid review

Layla Essential mattress review: Also consider

Nectar mattress
If you're okay with shelling out an extra hundred dollars or so (at evergreen sale price), check out Nectar's Memory Foam Mattress. With 5 layers of foam and 12-inch thickness at 6.5 out of 10 for firmness, it'll please a wider variety of sleepers, especially those who lie on their side – while optimizing comfort and support. Read more in our Nectar Mattress review.View Deal

Layla Memory Foam mattress
Intrigued by the Layla brand but want to upgrade to a cooler, more co-sleeper friendly model? Their standard Memory Foam mattress offers 10.5 inches of height plus the unique option to flip the mattress for different levels of firmness (4 out of 10 on the soft side, 7 out of 10 on the firm side). You'll also get additional cooling, pressure relief, and motion transfer thanks to copper gel foam, which are sure to please a wider range of sleepers.

How I tested the Layla Essential mattress

I slept on the Layla Essential mattress for three weeks in August in Los Angeles, where nights were cool enough as far as peak summer goes, averaging around mid-60s Fahrenheit. (I usually slept with a ceiling fan on and next to a partially open window, but did not sleep with the air conditioning on overnight.) During testing, I used bamboo sheets and a duvet, often sleeping on top of both and using a throw blanket instead. In addition to reviewing this mattress based on my own body type, needs, and preferences, I did several weighted tests to objectively assess features including softness, motion isolation, and edge support.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed: November 2023
Suunto Wing review: Bone conduction headphone tech with added toughness
8:00 pm | November 11, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Suunto Wing: One minute review

Wing is Finnish brand Suunto’s first foray into the best bone conduction headphones market, and while it may be dominated by Shokz (formerly AfterShokz), there is clearly room for more players here. 

Suunto is best known for making some of the best running watches, including the Suunto 9 Peak Pro, and it brings with it a wealth of outdoor experience which really shows in Wing. It’s well-designed in that it feels tough and built to withstand whatever you can throw at it.

The addition of a carry-case that doubles up as a charger is brilliant, as it extends battery life to more than 20 hours, which is perfect for ultra-endurance athletes or off-grid enthusiasts. It’s unusual to find in connected bone conduction headsets, and it’s nice to see tech common in the best workout earbuds make its way here. 

Plus, the decision to place customizable LED safety lights at the flanks is proof that Suunto really understands its audience. These are people trail-running in the wilderness or forging new pathways at the weekends.

The biggest issue facing bone conduction technology is the sound quality and anyone making the leap from respected in-ear or over-ear headphones will likely be disappointed. But the additional spatial awareness afforded by open-ear headphones designed for outdoor sports unfortunately comes with a little audio quality compromise and it is the same story here. 

Suunto Wing: Specifications

Suunto Wing: Price and availability

Suunto Wing bone conduction headphones

(Image credit: Future)
  • $199 in the US
  • £169 in the UK
  • AUS $319 in Australia

Suunto Wing is, quite predictably, available to buy from the brand’s own website, where it retails at $199 / £169 / AUS $319.

Suunto also sells via online retailers, such as Amazon, although stock has been a little patchy at time of writing. Failing that, it is also available via some outdoors and sports retailers, such as BikeInn, but prices are standardized across the board, so it’s currently tricky to find a bargain.

The only variable available to the customer is color, with Suunto Wing coming in either a stealthy all-black offering or a slightly more noticeable black and red. Both pack the same price tag: more than the Shokz OpenRun Pro, its nearest competitor. 

  • Value score: 3/5

Suunto WIng: Design

  • Lightweight, tough titanium alloy structure
  • Three-button controls
  • Bold design, attractive red colorway

Most bone conduction headphones look largely the same: the general theme sees two buds that sit just in front of the ear, conjoined by some sort of metallic band that is covered in a softer material so it doesn’t rub on the back of the neck.

To that extent, the design of the Suunto Wing is nothing revolutionary, but it feels altogether more premium as soon as you lift it out of the equally bougie box. The Suunto branding is bold and the color choice looks good, particularly with the red highlights on the model that I tested.

Suunto opts for a titanium alloy structure, covered in soft silicone, for its band, which proves both lightweight and tough. The buds that conduct sound to the inner ear via a series of vibrations are also covered in soft silicone and feel comfortable against the skin.

Control is taken care of by a trio of buttons that, although small, are easy to locate once familiar with the system. The main multi-function button on the right-hand earbud takes care of most functionality, as it is possible to answer calls, play music, and skip tracks with a combination of clicks.

Arguably coolest of all are the three red LEDs that sit on either side of Wing, which can be turned on or off (or cycled through the various flashing modes) by long-holding the volume down button, or through the Suunto smartphone app when the headphones are paired. For some reason, it reminded me of The Predator’s laser-targeting vision.

Finally, and perhaps what sets Suunto apart from rivals, is the unique charging dock that not only stores the headphones neatly when not in use, but also adds additional battery power every time the Wing is mounted. It’s a slick piece of design that features its own red LED lights that reveal the charge level of both the dock and the headphones. 

  • Design score: 4/5

Suunto Wing: Features

Suunto Wing bone conduction headphones

(Image credit: Future)
  • 20Hz bone conductive technology
  • IP67 water resistance rating
  • Three hours of audio on 10-minute charge

The technology that powers Suunto Wing is housed within the two buds at the end of the band. These then sit on the jawbone of the wearer and send frequencies in the range of 20Hz~20kHz through the bone structure and into the inner ear.

This leaves the ear canal open to natural sounds from the environment, making bone conduction technology a lot safer to use when you need your wits about you - i.e. trail running or even cycling on a busy road.

Built tough, the Wing has been IP67 rated for water, dust and muck resistance, meaning they can be submerged in water up to a maximum depth of 10m for around 30 minutes. Granted, they aren’t fully waterproof and as such, aren’t sold as a device to lap the local pool in, but can handle most other situations. Suunto has also implemented a microphone into the design, which allows the wearer to make and receive hands-free calls. 

There is also head movement control that gives the option to answer or reject incoming calls and skip tracks with various head movements, like nodding or shaking your noggin. This is fully controllable through Suunto’s smartphone app and you can easily turn the feature off if you don’t like it. 

Again, the power bank that comes with the Suunto Wing is fairly novel, as it adds a further 20 hours of music playtime to an already impressive battery life and delivers three hours of audio via a quick 10-minute charge. It’s small enough, unobtrusive and designed to fend off the worst of the elements, so can be shoved in a backpack or bundled into some bike luggage and taken along for the adventure.

  • Features score: 4/5

Suunto Wing: Performance

Suunto Wing bone conduction headphones

(Image credit: Future)
  • Better audio than Shokz
  • Tangible vibration
  • Fends off rain

If you test Suunto Wing back-to-back with its closest rival, which in this case is arguably the Shokz OpenRun Pro in terms of price and features, Suunto’s offering comes out on top of the audio quality battle.

Bass is handled better and the overall experience isn’t as tinny. But let’s be real, the sound quality is still pretty bad. I found that I had to pump music up to high volumes to hear it over the general noise of traffic or the rush of trees flowing past on a gravel ride.

The brain is clever, and it tunes into the bone conduction technology after a few minutes, doing its best to block out ambient noise until it is required, but I still couldn’t get into my favourite musical tracks and playlists.

Instead, I opted to binge podcasts and audiobooks as a preferred distraction when out on a boring run or long hike. The sonic spectrum of a podcast is more limited than, say, a Slipknot track, so I found it much easier to tune into. With music, I found my brain tuned out after a while and often stopped listening altogether, with music becoming a sort of faint backing track.

Another issue that blights bone conduction technology is increased tangible vibration at higher volume. In other words, you can physically feel the headphones shake if you turn things up too loud, which can be off-putting.

In terms of fit, I found them comfortable and secure. The design is such that they don’t bounce or rub around the back of the neck when jogging, trail running or participating in other energetic tasks. They are also tough, and will withstand a fair amount of rolling around the bottom of a gym bag without worrying about providing an additional carry case.

With regards to water-proofing, I didn’t want to test these in a pool, seeing as they are not really marketed as waterproof headphones, but the IP67 rating states it can happily undergo “short periods of immersion”. I can say they will happily fend off a deluge when you are out running. In fact, I can’t remember a run I’ve been on in the last month that hasn’t been damp and dismal.

  • Performance score: 5/5

Suunto Wing: Scorecard

Suunto Wing: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

Siena Memory Foam Mattress review: Sleep tight on a tight budget
3:51 pm | November 8, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Mattresses Sleep | Comments: Off

Siena mattress review: Two-minute review

The Siena Memory Foam Mattress made quite the entrance in March 2022 with a markdown from its already-low MSRP. It's remained on sale ever since, and sits solidly in budget mattress territory – but based on my hands-on experience, I believe the Siena is not only the best cheap mattresses on the market right now, but also holds its own against some of the best mattresses with heftier price tags.

During August 2022, I slept on a twin Siena mattress and had a diverse group of five testers nap on it, as well. My full review is below, complete with all of the details. But if you're pressed for time, here's the abridged version...

Siena memory foam mattress on a twin platform bed frame

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

The 10-inch Siena features three foam layers, capped with a polyester top cover and a shift-resistant bottom cover. This diverges from the single- and dual-layer construction typically found among budget memory foam mattresses. Since my initial review, the Siena has had a minor redesign: the base layer is shorter, the comfort layer has increased in height, and the top memory foam layer is half an inch smaller. Plus, the top polyester cover no longer has polyethylene fibers to aid with moisture-wicking. The core materials, however, remain the same.

Despite these modifications, I think the Siena will maintain its overall level of performance, and may even have a more balanced feel. My fellow testers and I found the Siena decidedly firm, collectively rating it a 9 out of 10 on the firmness scale. (Siena's self-assessment is a 6.5, or medium-firm.) Thus, the Siena will likely resonate with front and back sleepers who want the support of a firm mattress with minimal give sag. Dedicated side sleepers might grapple with its unyielding surface, and those with joint pain might yearn for deeper pressure relief.

Surprisingly, the Siena was a welcome reprieve from one of the hottest summers on record. Its cooling prowess exceeded expectations and should be suitable for most sleepers; although those who excessively overheat may need something more specialized. Meanwhile, the Siena's excellent motion isolation makes it a sound choice for couples, and I can personally vouch for its stable edges as someone who relied on them for support during recovery from a back injury.

In terms of value, the Siena is a gem. It comes with a 180-night trial – that's half a year to try it out at home, a rarity for mattresses in this price bracket. (It's backed by a 10-year warranty, too). I doubt prices will get much lower during November's Black Friday mattress deals, but the Siena is already competitively priced year-round, so there's really no need to wait for the right time to buy.

Siena mattress review: Materials & design

  • A 10-inch mattress with three foam layers
  • Minor change in design since its release in 2022
  • Polyester cover isn't removable

The Siena has undergone a minor facelift since I originally tested it in September 2022. Originally, the Siena featured a 5.5-inch polyfoam base layer (for stability), two inches of rippled transitional foam (for cushioning and improved airflow), and a 2.5-inch layer of gel-infused memory foam (for cooling and contouring).

Today, the Siena's base polyfoam layer and support foam layer each measure four inches, while the top gel-infused memory foam layer is now two inches. These tweaks may give the Siena a more balanced bed feel than I experienced a year ago.

The top cover is still made of soft polyester, though the polyethylene weave (for moisture-wicking) appears to be missing now. (The shift-resistant bottom cover is also polyester.) The cover isn't removable so you'll certainly want to invest in one of the best mattress protectors to shield it from spills and stains.

Design changes aside, the Siena still boasts one of the most complex builds I've seen from a cheap memory foam mattress. With a total of five layers, it's similar in build to its mid-range sibling, the Nectar. (For the lowdown on that, read our Nectar Mattress review.) 

  • Design score: 4 out of 5

Siena mattress review: Price & value for money

Since it entered the market in March 2022, the Siena has never sold at its suggested retail price. At launch, it was already $200 off. That discount eventually increased to $300, bringing the price of a queen to a mere $399.

Siena's early Black Friday mattress deals advertise a hefty 50% off all beds, but this is somewhat deceptive as the brand has quietly bumped up list prices in the process. Take a closer look and you'll find these are just Siena's standard sale prices.

Regardless, the Siena is quite a steal for a five-layer memory foam mattress. That value becomes even sweeter with the inclusion of a 180-night trial period – generous for a budget bed. There's also a 10-year warranty, which is comfortably within the industry average. While the Siena doesn’t come bundled with freebies, shoppers do have the chance to add a bedding bundle at a bargain price of $99 (a $499 value).

  • Value for money score: 5 out of 5

Siena mattress review: Comfort & support

  • Officially rated medium-firm but many find it much firmer
  • Excellent support for front and back sleeping
  • Lack of 'hug' may deter side sleepers and those with back pain 

In August 2022, I spent a whole month sleeping on a twin Siena mattress. I'm a 5ft 4, 140lb side/front sleeper with a nagging lower back injury. However, I couldn't be the only one to try it out so I asked five other adults to sleep on the Siena to help me gauge its performance across a spectrum of body types and sleep needs.

Siena rates its memory foam mattress at a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale (medium-firm). My panel and I felt much differently as we unanimously determined it was a much firmer bed. Collectively, we rated it a 9 out of 10 on the firmness scale. Of course, with the recent tweaks in Siena’s foam layer structure, there's a possibility it now skews softer, but if the most recent customer reviews are to be believed, plenty of sleepers still find it decidedly firm.

The side and back sleepers among us said the Siena struck a nice balance of comfort and support, providing just enough give along our joints and lower backs. As someone who occasionally sleeps on their stomach, I found the Siena kept me well-aligned.

However, as a dominant side sleeper, I needed a week to properly break in the Siena. It was initially too rigid along my hips and shoulders (the best mattresses for side sleepers tend to be a bit softer). I eventually settled into it and (fortunately) didn't have any pain. That wasn't the case for one of the back sleepers in my group. At 5ft7in and 210lbs, he found the Siena too unyielding, and he ultimately developed a lower backache after a few moments of resting on it.

Siena memory foam mattress with a 50lb kettlebell in the middle to test pressure relief

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

To objectively test the Siena's pressure relief, I placed a 50lb kettlebell in the middle of the mattress. The weight sank roughly an inch into the surface, which immediately snapped back to form once I removed the weight. That matches what we human testers experienced.

So who will like the Siena? It seems to be a match for back and stomach sleepers who prefer firmer support. Side sleepers might also enjoy it if they don't like anything too plush but overall I’m hesitant to recommend it exclusively for side sleeping – nor would I consider it an ideal mattress for back pain since there's not much pressure relief.

Again, the latest design changes could theoretically offer a more nuanced feel, but recent customer feedback suggests that many still find the Siena firmer than anticipated.

Siena mattress review: Performance

  • Sleeps cooler than expected
  • Edges are stable all around
  • Minimal motion transfer

During my month with the Siena mattress, I performed a series of tests to evaluate its temperature regulation, motion isolation, and edge support – all according to TechRadar's mattress methodology. Here are the results...

 Temperature regulation

I slept on the Siena in August, which was the perfect chance for me to test the efficacy of its cooling materials. It includes a layer of rippled comfort foam to improve airflow and a gel-infused memory foam to help dissipate heat.

Despite my tendency to occasionally overheat, I didn't wake up sweaty once with the Siena. Whether I dressed the mattress in 100% cotton sheets or a cotton-polyester blend, I remained comfortably cool beneath my mid-weight polyester comforter.

Siena memory foam mattress with tester's hand on top cover

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

The Siena’s firmness potentially helps with its temperature control. Memory foam mattresses are prone to trapping heat with their enveloping sink. Instead, my fellow testers and I felt like we were slightly hovering right above the surface of the Siena, mitigating the potential for overheating.

The Siena mattress will keep most sleepers at a comfortable temperature. However, chronically hot sleepers should consider a specialized cooling mattress crafted with innovative materials designed to ward off night sweats and hot flashes.

(Note: The original Siena included polyethylene fibers woven into the cover for moisture-wicking. Although this appears to have been phased out, I doubt its absence will dramatically compromise the Siena’s temperature regulation.)

  • Temperature regulation score: 4 out of 5

Motion isolation

To test the motion isolation on my twin Siena mattress, I conducted a series of drop tests using a 10-pound weight and an empty wine glass. I positioned the weight 25 inches from the wine glass and dropped it from three distinct heights: four inches (to simulate tossing and turning(, eight inches (to simulate someone climbing in or out of bed(, and 12 inches (to simulate the impact of jumping in or out of bed).

The wine glass remained virtually motionless throughout each drop, and the weight had a slight bounce before coming to rest on the surface. This suggests that the Siena mattress has superb motion isolation, making it a great choice for anyone sharing a bed with a restless partner or an enthusiastic pet.

  • Motion isolation score: 4.5 out of 5

Edge support

At the time of testing, I was recovering from another flare-up of my back injury, which meant I had to sit on the side of the bed before standing up. Luckily, the Siena has superb edge support, which made my morning wake-ups much less painful. The rest of my review panel said they felt secure when seated on the corner or along the side. Minimal compression made it easy to push up.

Siena memory foam mattress with a 50lb weight on the edge

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

For an objective look, I placed a 50lb weight along the perimeter. It compressed about an inch, the same measurement I recorded when testing the pressure relief in the center of the bed. The edges shouldn't dip lower than the middle, so the Siena aces this portion of the test.

Conclusion: if you intend to use every inch of your sleep surface, you'll be well-supported by the Siena – whether you sleep in a twin (like I do) or something larger.

  • Edge support score:  5 out of 5

Should you buy the Siena mattress

Buy it if…

✅ You're a back or front sprawler: With its firm feel and stable edges, the Siena is inviting for front and back sleepers who like to stretch out comfortably.

✅ You share a bed with an active partner: The Siena's top-notch motion isolation bodes well if you want to sleep uninterrupted amidst your partner's flopping.

✅ You're on a strict budget: At $399 for a queen, the Siena is one of the most affordable mattresses out there. The six-month trial is a nice bonus, too.

Don't buy it if…

❌ You're a dedicated side sleeper: Side sleepers who want a mattress that molds to their body may find the Siena too stiff. Our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers can point you in a cushier direction.

❌ You crave a traditional memory foam feel: Those in pursuit of a body-hugging foam mattress will find the Siena lacking. Consider its mid-priced sibling, the Nectar mattress, for a more typical memory foam experience.

❌ You deal with severe overheating: While the Siena slept surprisingly cool for me, it may not suffice for chronically hot sleepers. For an all-foam bed tailored for cooler slumber, check out our Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress review.

How I tested the Siena mattress

I slept on a twin Siena Memory Foam Mattress for four weeks in August 2022. During that time, I was running my central air as we were in the midst of some dreadfully hot weather. I dressed the mattress in either 100% cotton or cotton/polyester bed sheets, with a mid-weight polyester comforter on top.

I'm a 5-foot-4 side/stomach sleeper who at the time weighed 140lbs and was struggling with yet another flare-up of my lower back pain. To supplement my experience, I had five other adults nap on the Siena for at least 15 minutes in their usual positions and sit along the edge. Testers ranged in size from 5-foot-4 and 126lbs to 6-foot and 215lbs. 

To objectively gauge the Siena's performance, I conducted a series of standardized tests. I used a 50lb weight to evaluate pressure relief and edge support, and a 10lb weight plus an empty wine glass to observe the motion isolation.

Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress review: sustainable slumber at a fantastic value
10:54 am | November 5, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Mattresses Sleep | Tags: | Comments: Off

Awara mattress review: Two-minute review

The Awara Natural Hybrid mattress is something of an anomaly among latex beds due to its affordable price. Most of today's best organic mattresses are expensive, but the Awara consistently sits in the mid-range price bracket – a queen size goes for less than $950 during regular sales. But does this affordable natural mattress have a glaring compromise in quality? Quite the contrary – it's an impressively durable bed.

In January 2022, I slept on a twin Awara mattress and assembled a panel of five diverse testers to help me assess its features. Our collective verdict? The Awara ranks among the best mattresses for those who favor a firmer sleeping surface with gentle pressure relief. My full review is below but if the Internet has spoilt your attention span, here's the two-minute version...

Awara mattress on a twin platform bed

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

The Awara is a mattress in a box constructed of 8-inch springs, two inches of Rainforest Alliance-certified Dunlop latex, and a blend of organic cotton and New Zealand wool on top. Setup is seamless – and four side handles make moving the mattress a much less taxing task. The Awara boasts a number of highly-regarded third-party environmental and safety certifications to add to its eco-friendly cred. 

When I first lay on the Awara, I was shocked by its firmer surface, but its latex comfort layer immediately molded to the shape of my body for ample support and just enough pressure relief – no matter if I rested on my side, stomach, or back. Everyone in my testing panel found it comfortable but side sleepers who crave more cushioning, as well as sleepers under 130lbs, may find it too unyielding (the best mattresses for side sleepers tend to be on the softer side, with plenty of contouring). 

Good news if you're prone to overheating at night (like me): the Awara is one well-ventilated mattress. It's not a specialty cooling mattress, but latex, cotton, and wool are some of the most breathable materials on the planet. The individually wrapped coils help keep the air flowing, too. 

Edge support is excellent so you can sprawl out or sit on the sides or corners without fear of falling off the bed. However, Awara's one area of weakness is motion isolation. The buoyant latex and springy coils make for a bouncy, responsive bed. Couples will be more inclined to feel each other's movements, which could lead to frequent and unpleasant nightly wakeups. On the other hand, solo sleepers who switch positions during the night will love it.

The amenities are impressive. Awara includes a one-year sleep trial plus a forever warranty with purchase. Returns are also free, and the brand will help you donate it to charity or responsibly dispose it. Among current Black Friday mattress deals, Awara's is already one of the best out there, yielding historical price lows after up to $765 off. Given the effects of inflation over the last several years, this is a rare thing to witness now.

Awara mattress review: Materials & design

  • A 10-inch hybrid mattress with three layers
  • Uses Rainforest Alliance-certified Dunlop latex
  • Includes four side handles for easy moving

There are three primary layers that make up the Awara Natural Hybrid mattress: a sturdy base of 8-inch individually wrapped coils, a 2-inch comfort layer of Rainforest Alliance-certified Dunlop latex, and a soft cover that's a blend of organic cotton and New Zealand wool. Combined, these layers offer a responsive and breathable sleep surface, with gentle contouring to ease your joints. Latex is often used in organic mattresses as a natural alternative to synthetic foams (see how the two compare in our memory foam versus latex mattress explainer). Bonus: latex is hypoallergenic so it's also great for sleepers with asthma or airborne allergies.

Setup is simple – just remove it from the box, unroll it on your bedframe, and remove the plastic (a process made easier thanks to the included credit card-sized cutter). Everything is structurally kept in place via a shift-resistant bottom cover. Four reinforced side handles will make the mattress much easier to move, which will be useful if you move house often.

Awara's commitment to producing an eco-friendly bed is highlighted by its array of environmental certifications, which include the aforementioned Rainforest Alliance, Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, UL GREENGUARD Gold, and the Forest Stewardship Council. These standards ensure that the Awara's materials are sustainably sourced, low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and free from toxic chemicals. The Awara is also a fiberglass-free mattress; it uses a chemical-free flame retardant.

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Awara mattress review: Price & value for money

  • Never sold at MSRP, sits in the mid-range price bracket
  • One of the cheapest and best value natural mattresses around
  • Full year's trial and forever warranty are very generous

Like many bed brands, Awara runs a perpetual discount; you'll never have to pay full MSRP. Based on the regular discounted price, the Awara Natural Hybrid sits in the mid-range price bracket, with a queen size costing around $999. That makes it one of the cheapest natural mattresses around, and excellent value for money.

Deals on the Awara don't tend to fluctuate as regularly as they do with other sleep brands, but if it is going to unveil an especially good price, it'll be for the Black Friday mattress deals in November. 

Awara is the natural mattress brand within the Resident Home umbrella, which also includes mattress heavyweights Nectar and DreamCloud. As such, you'll get basically the same, ultra-generous package of extras, including a full year's trial period and forever warranty. All of Resident's brands shine when it comes to value for money.

Awara mattress review: Comfort & support

  • A firm (8 out of 10) mattress with subtle contouring
  • Offers ample support and comfort for most sleepers
  • Side sleepers and petite individuals may want a plusher bed

In addition to myself – a 5-foot-4, 140lb side/stomach sleeper with back pain – I also asked five other adults to sleep on the Awara mattress. We have diverse body types and sleep preferences, which afforded me a broader look at how well this organic hybrid mattress performs.

Awara calls its mattress 'luxury firm,' or a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale – but my group collectively rated it an 8 out of 10.  While some of us initially found it a bit too unyielding, we appreciated how quickly the Dunlop latex subtly contoured our bodies, offering just enough pressure relief without significant sinkage. 

Mattress tester lying on her side on the Awara mattress

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

My lone back-sleeping participant said he felt like he was floating on top of the mattress yet adequately supported. Meanwhile, the side sleepers in my panel (myself included) were comfortable on the Awara – despite its firmer-than-average surface, all of us felt just enough give along our shoulders and hips. Even the pregnant side sleeper in my group liked how the Awara gently cradled her belly.

As the only combi sleeper among all the testers, shifting from my side to my stomach was effortless thanks to the responsiveness of the Awara's Dunlop latex and springs. Plus, when resting on my front I didn't feel my pelvis dip below the rest of my body, helping me avoid my nagging lower back pain.

Pressure relief test using a 50lb weight on the Awara mattress

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

To further test the Awara's pressure relief, I placed a 50lb weight at the center of the mattress. This created a minimal dip (about an inch), and the bed quickly returned to form once I removed the weight. This assessment aligns with the minimal sinkage we human testers experienced.

While everyone in my testing group found the Awara's comfort to their liking, side sleepers who prefer a plusher feel and smaller-framed people who weigh under 130lbs might think it's too firm. For them, a memory foam mattress (or a memory foam hybrid) may be a better fit. 

  • Comfort score: 4.5 out of 5

Awara mattress review: Performance

  • Excellent temperature regulation – good for hot sleepers
  • Too much motion transfer so not ideal for couples
  • Edges are sturdy for sitting and sprawling

I slept on a twin Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress for one month, during which I tested it in all key areas of performance according to TechRadar's mattress methodology. Here's how it fared...

 Temperature regulation

I slept on the Awara mattress in the wintertime, so the real test here was to see how well it could regulate my body temperature upon cranking the heat and layering the fabrics. (I'm also prone to overheating at night, regardless of the season.)

Between latex's natural ability to draw away heat and the airflow created by the layer of coils, I didn't break a sweat once and remained perfectly cozy, even on the coldest nights. The organic cotton and New Zealand wool cover was not only lusciously soft, but it did a stellar job of wicking away moisture, too.

The Awara may not be a proper cooling mattress, but given the breathability of its materials, I think it's a sound choice for sleepers who don't want night sweats or hot flashes to keep them up at night. 

  • Temperature regulation score: 4 out of 5

Motion isolation

The Awara is a remarkably bouncy, responsive mattress. This appeals to me as a solo sleeper who switches positions at night. However, anyone who shares a bed with their partner, kids, and/or pets will feel less enthused. 

To gauge the Awara's motion isolation on my twin-size bed, I conducted a drop test using an empty wine glass and a 10lb weight. Mimicking the actions of a restless partner or a lively pet, I simulated three common bed disturbances: tossing and turning, getting in and out of bed, and jumping on the bed. I dropped the weight from 4, 8, and 12 inches above the bed to represent each scenario, respectively, and measured the effect roughly 25 inches away from the wine glass.

Awara mattress drop test for motion isolation with a 10lb weight and empty wine glass

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

The wine glass didn't topple too much but I did notice the surface dip slightly beneath the glass. More telling was the weight itself, which bounced several times before settling into the mattress. Given the natural buoyancy of latex, these results didn't surprise me.

Thus, the Awara isn't the best choice if you don't want to be disturbed by your partner's movements – whether they fidget a lot in their sleep or operate on a different schedule than you do. For an organic mattress with superb motion transfer properties, read TechRadar's Avocado Green mattress review.

  • Motion isolation score: 3 out of 5

Edge support

Sturdy edges are essential for any mattress, regardless of size. Whether you tend to roll towards the edges in your sleep or sit on the side prior to getting up out of bed, you don't want to feel as if you'll topple overboard. 

Unfortunately, some brands skimp on edge support, especially for solo sleeper beds. However, this isn't the case with the Awara. My testers and I experienced solid support whether we sat on the corners or the sides. Although the mattress did obviously compress under our weight, we never felt unstable or at risk of sliding off.

I also placed a 50lb weight along the middle perimeter, measuring about an inch of sinkage – the same amount I observed when I placed the weight at the dead center of the mattress. Ideally, the edges shouldn't dip lower than the middle, so the Awara gets a passing grade in this area.

The Awara ranks among the best mattresses I've tested for robust edge support. It's proof that stable edges are possible for even the smallest of beds.

  • Edge support score: 4.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Awara mattress

Buy it if…

✅ You're a fan of firm beds: The Awara's firm surface will appeal to to front and back sleepers – and even side sleepers who eschew overly plush beds will find it comfortably supportive.

✅ You use every inch of your mattress: The Awara's sturdy sides and corners will sufficiently accommodate those who like to sprawl out or need a stable edge to sit on. If you're prone to rolling toward the edge in your sleep, don't worry about falling overboard.

✅ You care about saving the planet (and your money): Organic mattresses often command a higher cost but the Awara's mid-range price makes eco-friendly sleep much more accessible. Add in a year-long sleep trial and a lifetime warranty and you have an tremendous value.

Don't buy it if…

❌ You share a bed: The Awara's bouncy, responsive surface is great for solo sleepers who toss and turn at night – but this could be bothersome for couples or anyone who shares a bed with a lively pet.

❌ You like the sink-in sensation of memory foam: Sleepers seeking the deep embrace of memory foam won't find it here. The Awara's latex comfort layer imparts a firmer touch with limited contouring. TechRadar's best memory foam mattress guide provides a range of alternatives at different price points, but in the #1 spot you'll find the Nectar memory foam mattress

❌ You weigh under 130lbs: Firmness is a matter of personal preference but if you're a smaller-framed individual who weighs under 130lbs, the Awara's firmness and limited give might be too rigid for your liking. Our organic mattress guide has models in a range of firmness profiles, including some that fall into the 'plush' category, like the WinkBeds EcoCloud hybrid

A tired tabby sleeps at the foot of the Awara mattress

(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

How I tested the Awara mattress

I slept on a twin Awara Natural Hybrid mattress for four weeks in January 2022. Since I tested this mattress during the winter, I cranked my central heating system while layering my pajamas. I dressed the mattress in either 100% cotton or cotton/polyester bed sheets, with a mid-weight polyester comforter on top.

In addition to myself – a 5-foot04, 140lb side/stomach sleeper – I asked five other adults to nap on the Awara mattress for at least 15 minutes in their preferred positions. These testers ranged in size from 5-foot-4 and 126lbs to 6-foot and 215lbs – and one participant was even seven months pregnant at the time.

To supplement my real world experience, I also conducted several standardized tests to objectively gauge the Awara's performance. I used a 50lb weight to evaluate pressure relief and edge support, and a 10lb weight plus an empty wine glass to observe the motion isolation.

Garmin Forerunner 965 review: That AMOLED screen brings it all together –watch out Apple
6:00 pm | October 29, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Garmin Forerunner 965: One minute review

This is the watch that takes one of the best Apple watch features and adds it to Garmin – that stunning AMOLED display. Yet, this manages to offer at least five days more battery life than almost any of the other competition with the same display.

To be clear, this model comes as a screen upgrade following the release of the very similar Forerunner 955, nine months before. So while the upgrades from that to this aren't huge, it's worth noting that the model was a near-perfect jump forward anyway. Add this screen and it's a real heavy hitter. Garmin also released the Forerunner 265 alongside this model, also packing an AMOLED screen but at a lower price point.

For anyone who wants one of the best multisport watches you can buy, the 965 is – as you can see from the star rating – where it's at. As such the price is representative of what you get, meaning it's high.

For what you get this justifies that cost, as this review will clarify. In short, it's got astonishing battery performance, a beautiful display, super accurate location and heart rate tracking plus lots of other smart metrics including new running dynamics without the need for an extra sensor. This is one of the best Garmin watches, so is this the ultimate sports watch?

Garmin Forerunner 965: Specifications

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Garmin Forerunner 965: Price and Availability

  • £600 in the UK 
  • $600 in the US
  • AU$999 in Australia

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is definitely one of the more expensive options from the company but that's because it comes packing all the best features rolled into one wonder device. As such you're looking at a price of US$600 / £600 / AU$999.

Of course these are the at-launch prices, so you can expect these to drop as new models come out. It's also worth taking sales into consideration as you can often find deals on even the best Garmin models during these times.

That said, you may find that the Garmin Forerunner 955, which is nearly identical aside from that screen upgrade, can be had at a cheaper price. And if you go for the 955 Solar you'll get a bit more out of your battery performance too.

  •  Value score: 4/5 

Garmin Forerunner 965: Design and screen

Garmin Forerunner 965

(Image credit: Future)
  • 1.4-inch AMOLED display
  • Titanium bezel
  • Comfy silicone strap, 22mm QuickFit compatible

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is all about that superb 1.4-inch AMOLED display which looks superb. It's not only rich with colors and crisp definition between light and dark, but it also has a fantastic 454 x 454-pixel resolution, plus it's super bright. 

All that equates to a screen you can read in any light or situation – including underwater – with lots of data at a glance. You can also activate the always-on display and since this is super low energy consuming that won't even affect battery life much.

Plus it's all coated in a Gorilla Glass DX outer layer which should mean it stays scratch-free too. In our months of using this, including throwing it in bags, there's not a mark on it.

Upgraded from the previous generation is the bezel too, which is now made of lightweight and hardy titanium. This is the metal they put in your body if you have an operation – as it's so nonreactive and won't be affected by moisture – meaning this should stay in perfect condition longer than you're alive.

The strap comes in three options Amp Yellow/Black, Black/Powder Grey, or Whitestone/Powder Grey. In all cases, there is a double clasp, malleable and comfy silicone strap and it can be swapped out as it uses the Garmin 22mm QuickFit system. 

Since everything is waterproof to 50 meters it's also super simple to give it a clean by washing under the tap or in the shower – which in reviewing for months was found to keep it looking as good as new.

  • Design score: 5/5

Garmin Forerunner 965: Features

Garmin Forerunner 965

(Image credit: Future)
  • Offline maps
  • Heart Rate Variability
  • Contactless payments

The Garmin Forerunner 965 crams in nearly all the best features developed over the years, making this a powerhouse of a sports watch. That means it'll track most sports, with over 30 including triathlon and multisport-specific tracking with one-touch transitions. But it does all this with lots and lots of data.

Of course, you have the ever-impressive accuracy of the Garmin when it comes to multi-GNSS GPS but this also packs in heart rate monitoring which offers Heart Rate Variability, VO2 Max, stress tracking, sleep tracking, all-day HR tracking, and more. 

All that means lots of data to work with, not only while training, but also to help advise when you need to rest and even make suggestions on workouts to hit goals. This includes last year's Training Readiness score, recovery times, workload readouts, race predictions (a nifty running feature that uses your training to predict what time you'll get during a marathon, half-marathon, 10k etc), and more. 

That's a whole list of features and it can seem overwhelming, but the watch and Garmin Connect app do feed it to you in a way that is helpful. You can then decide to add more data or strip it back as needed to suit your workout style and goals.

You also have some great day-to-day functionality with contactless pay, onboard Spotify music, offline maps, find my phone, flashlight screen feature, sleep tracking, step tracking and plenty more to be found in the IQ App Store. This isn't comparable to Apple or Android app stores, so don't expect full smartwatch functionality. But it's enough to keep you focused while also being alerted when needed.

Everything can be organized well, and that means moving icons about on your watch or using folders, but also in data screens when training. Everything can be made bespoke, even the clock face, to suit what data you need to see. Plus you've now got more data options than ever, but more on that in the next section.

  • Features score: 5/5

Garmin Forerunner 965: Performance

Garmin Forerunner 965

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  • Accurate heart rate data
  • Superb running metrics
  • Useful VO2 data

The Garmin Forerunner 965 sounds fantastic when you look at the specs but did that actually translate into real-world performance experience? The short answer is yes. As you can expect from Garmin, the GPS accuracy was fantastic as was acquisition – in fact, this would find satellites and be ready to go in just a few seconds. This was tested all over the country, and in one rural area, it found GPS and was ready to go in just two seconds. 

The only issue noticed was at the start of the Great North Run annual race, where my data was different to others running right next to me, but that could be down to their older watches versus this more accurate one.

Heart rate tracking was as impressive. When tested against a dedicated chest strap (Wahoo Tickr) it was found to keep up accurately, although, of course, there was a little more lag in sudden HR changes, since this is on your wrist not right by your heart. Even while swimming this offered excellent heart rate tracking which could actually be used thanks to that easy-to-glance-at display.

So a very accurate GPS and a reliable HR monitor all make for lots of data that can then be used with Garmin algorithms to work out more useful metrics. As such this watch offers Heart Rate Variability, so you can see how your actual cardiovascular fitness is changing as you train. There's a VO2 Max measurement to assess how well you can perform under strain. 

Plus, you have acute load measured to assess the impact on your muscles as you work. All that means the watch will let you know when to rest, and what training you need (cardio versus weights, for example) so you get to where you need.

Battery life is also worth a mention as this offers a massive 23 days on standby, 31 hours in GPS mode, and 10.5 hours with GPS and music playing. All that translates to a charge very rarely, even if you train a lot. So you won't need to take a charger if going away for a race weekend, for example. Plus it charges ridiculously fast, up to a percentage a minute.

This could go on for thousands of words, such is the depth of this watch. But just to mention this model adds in running dynamics without the need for an extra sensor. So you can now check your vertical oscillation, cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and more to improve running in a really effective way. Sleep tracking worked relatively well although its accuracy wasn't always spot on, but enough so as to help track if you're recovered and ready to workout again.

You also get smartphone notifications for WhatsApp, calls, messages, emails, calendar, Ring doorbell, and plenty more to make it a smartwatch of sorts, only kept to a minimum so you're not too distracted from its primary use as a training tool.

  • Performance score: 5/5

Garmin Forerunner 965: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Garmin Forerunner 965: How we tested

We wore the Garmin Forerunner 965 on one wrist, connected to an Android device, for months. This came on half marathons, long bike rides, swims, surfs, walks, yoga classes, weights sessions, paddle boarding and more.

The contactless payment features and wireless offline Spotify were both used plenty as was sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring in cold water baths, notifications from the phone and more.

In short this was lived with 24/7 for months to truly test how you would use the watch, and all its features.

Garmin Forerunner 965: Also consider

First reviewed: October 2023

DreamFoam Essential mattress review: A budget-friendly mattress to fit anywhere
11:55 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Mattresses Sleep | Comments: Off

DreamFoam Essential mattress: Two-minute review

The DreamFoam Essential mattress, from parent company Brooklyn Bedding, is a basic, all-foam bed-in-a-box with some important distinctions. Formerly known as the Brooklyn Bedding Chill mattress, it doesn't trap heat like many foam mattresses do. 

What really sets this mattress apart is the wide variety of sizes from which to choose. The thickness you choose determines the firmness for the DreamFoam mattress. There are five different options, ranging from six to 14 inches, which translates to a range from 'firm' to 'medium-soft'. Most notably, there are 22 different mattress sizes available, many of which are especially for RV or boat spaces.

Brooklyn Bedding DreamFoam Essential mattress

(Image credit: Future)

My husband and I slept on the 10-inch thick, queen-sized mattress for three weeks. In my testing, I found the DreamFoam's motion isolation to be good, which is important for couples. Despite having different sleep preferences – I'm a side sleeper that prefers a softer mattress, he's a stomach sleeper that prefers a firmer mattress – we both found it to be comfortable. The 10-inch mattress falls in the middle of the range, and the company refers to it as 'medium-firm'. It is better suited for stomach and back sleepers than side sleepers, since it lacks the contouring of a softer mattress. If you depend on firm edges to sit comfortably on the edge of your bed, you may want to look elsewhere.

This isn't the most luxurious or exciting mattress around, but it is functional and very affordable. While it doesn't make the cut for TechRadar's overall best mattress guide, it does feature amongst its best cheap mattress picks – and is especially useful if you're shopping for an awkward space. Read on for my full Brooklyn Bedding DreamFoam Essential mattress review.

DreamFoam mattress review: Materials & design

  • All-foam mattress – two or three layers, depending on thickness
  • Simple but effective design
  • Huge range of sizes and several thickness options

One of the most notable things about the DreamFoam Essential mattress is that it comes in 22 different sizes, each of which can be purchased in one of five different thicknesses. Depth options range from six to 14 inches, with the sleep feel getting softer the thicker the mattress is. A number of Brooklyn Bedding's mattresses are available in a wide range of sizes, but this one might have the most options of them all. 

Brooklyn Bedding DreamFoam Essential mattress, press photo

(Image credit: Brooklyn Bedding)

The design is simple but effective. The DreamFoam mattress isn't removable for cleaning, although it is designed to be stain-resistant. Each mattress has at least two layers of foam: the thicker bottom foam layer is a high-density foam for firm support, while the top layer is Gel Swirl Memory Foam, which is designed to be responsive to your movement. 

This top layer of foam is infused with cooling gel, and also described as 'open-cell', to encourage airflow and heat dissipation. (In reality, pretty much all mattress foam is open-cell, but I was impressed with the temperature regulation here nevertheless – I'll get into that more in the Performance section of this review.) The 6-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch models all have these two layers, and the layers get thicker as the mattress gets thicker.

The two thickest models, the 12-inch and 14-inch mattresses, have a third transitional foam layer in between the two mentioned above. This middle layer is a high-density foam designed for better contouring to your body. 

Close up of stitching coming loose on Brooklyn Bedding DreamFoam Essential mattress

(Image credit: Future)

Brooklyn Bedding recommends rotating the mattress every six to eight months, but it's not flippable. There are no handles to help with maneuvering. This isn't the most luxurious or complex mattress design around, but it offers decent quality for the affordable price tag (although there was a bit of loose stitching on our review model).

  • Design score: 3.5 out of 5

DreamFoam Essential review: Price & value for money

  • Budget or lower mid-range mattress, depending on thickness
  • Good value for the quality; respected brand name
  • Always discounted – expect 25% off or occasionally more

Like many mattresses, the DreamFoam Essential is never sold at full price. Expect 20% off MSRP, which takes this mattress into budget (for the 6 and 8 inch models) or lower mid-range brackets (for 10 inches or thicker). 

Here's the official pricing for the main sizes, alongside the prices you can expect to actually pay. I'll use the 10 inch model here. 

  • Twin: MSRP $449 (usually sold at $336.80)
  • Full: MSRP $574 (usually sold at $430.50)
  • Queen: MSRP $699 (usually sold at $524.30)
  • King: MSRP $899 (usually sold at $674.30)
  • Cal king: MSRP $899 (usually sold at $674.30)

If you're not in a rush to buy, you might be able to snag a bigger discount around national holidays. The Black Friday mattress deals in late November traditionally bring with them the lower prices of the year, but parent company Brooklyn Bedding typically bumps up its deals to 30% off for events like the Presidents' Day mattress sales and the Memorial Day mattress sales.

In terms of value for money, it's pretty good but not amazing. The most affordable options in TechRadar's best memory foam mattress guide are cheaper, but you are getting the reassurance and expertise of a well-known and respected sleep brand here (DreamFoam is an offshoot of Brooklyn Bedding). If you're considering the 12 inch version or thicker, there are similarly-priced alternatives that offer more for your money – for example, the DreamCloud mattress (no relation) has a more complex and luxurious feeling design, along with a much longer trial and warranty.

  • Value for money score: 4 out of 5

DreamFoam Essential review: Comfort & support

  • Firmness depends on thickness; 10" review model around 7/10
  • 10 inch version comfortable for any sleep position
  • Not a lot of body contouring

The DreamFoam Essential mattress comes in five different thicknesses, and each one has a different firmness profile. I tested the 10-inch model, which is the middle of the five. It's rated as 'medium-firm' by the company, rating it 6 out of 10 in terms of firmness. I think it's slightly firmer; more like a 7 out of 10. The following section of this review is based just on the 10-inch version; the thinner and thicker versions will feel different.

I found the DreamFoam Essential mattress to be the type of mattress where I lie on top rather than sinking in. I didn’t find that it contours to my body very much. The sleep surface is quite responsive, and springs back quickly when you remove pressure. While the mattress is made of two different foam layers of different densities, I couldn’t sense that while sleeping on it.

Brooklyn Bedding DreamFoam Essential mattress with weight resting on it, to show sinkage

(Image credit: Future)

To get a more objective record of firmness, I placed a 15-pound weight in the middle of the mattress and measured how far it sank in. The weight sank to a depth of two inches, which lines up with the medium-firm rating that Brooklyn Bedding gives the 10-inch model. I agree with the company’s medium-firm rating; it feels that way to me subjectively as well.

Mattress firmness preference is a matter of taste. But as a general rule, the best mattresses for side sleepers tend to be a little softer, with more pronounced contouring, to prevent pressure from building up around the hips and shoulders. Back and stomach sleepers generally get the support they need with a firmer mattress. Additionally, larger bodies will want the added support of a firmer mattress while lighter-weight bodies will be more comfortable on softer mattresses.

My husband and I both have lighter-weight bodies, but he is primarily a stomach sleeper while I’m primarily a side sleeper. We do both occasionally sleep on our backs as well. I found the mattress to be comfortable, even on my side, with just enough contouring for a good night’s sleep. My husband found it to be even more comfortable, since he prefers to sleep on his stomach.

While I think anyone could sleep comfortably on the medium-firm 10-inch version, it will feel most comfortable for stomach and back sleepers. It’s designed to support up to 950 lbs, so should be suitable for bigger bodies, too.

Brooklyn DreamFoam mattress review: Performance

  • Decent temperature regulation
  • Good edge support for sleeping; less for sitting
  • Minimal motion transfer

Foam mattresses can trap heat, rendering the sleeper uncomfortably hot. Both my husband and I tend to sleep hot, so we are especially sensitive to any mattress or bedding that might raise our sleeping temperature. Thankfully, we didn’t find this to be an issue with the DreamFoam Essential – I'd judge it to be temperature neutral, neither warming me up nor cooling me down as I slept. (If you really struggle with overheating at night, you might be better off investing in one of the best cooling mattresses, however.) For context, I tested this mattress during a midwestern spring, with the average temperature being about 68 degrees Farhenheit. 

Brooklyn Bedding DreamFoam Essential mattress with reviewer's hand resting on it

(Image credit: Future)

Motion isolation is an important factor for couples, especially if one or more of the partners tends to toss and turn. I’m very sensitive to my partner’s motion while I’m trying to sleep, and I found that the DreamFoam Essential offered pretty good motion isolation. I ran some tests to measure this more objectively, dropping the 15-pound onto the mattress near a wine glass to see if it would fall over. First, I dropped the weight 10 inches away from the wine glass; it jiggled but didn’t fall over. Second, I dropped it 25 inches from the glass; this time it barely moved at all. This confirms that the mattress will work well for people whose partners move around a lot at night.

Brooklyn Bedding DreamFoam Essential mattress with wine glass, tape measure and weight resting on it

(Image credit: Future)

Finally, I tested the mattress' edge support. This matters for a couple of reasons. First of all, you want to be able to sleep on your mattress right up to the edge, so you can make use of the whole mattress. Second, you want to be able to sit on the edge of the mattress and push up to standing. For sleeping purposes, I found the edge support to be quite good; I never felt in danger of rolling off. However, when I sat on the edge of the mattress, I sank in quite a bit. It wasn’t the best surface for pushing off from. 

I also tested all of the edges with the 15-pound weight, noting 1.5-inch sinkage all around. As a rule of thumb, you want for less sinkage around the edges than in the middle. The middle of this mattress had two inches of sinkage, so, overall, edge support isn't bad.

  • Performance score: 4 out of 5

DreamFoam Essential mattress review: Specs

Should I buy the DreamFoam Essential mattress?

Buy it if...

✅ You're shopping for an awkward space: The DreamFoam Essential comes in nearly two dozen different sizes, including ones especially for RVs and bunk beds. A few of this brand's mattresses come in some unusual sizes (the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has 14 size options, for example), but this might be the widest range of them all. 

✅ You're on a budget: If you don't have tons of cash to splash and/or you just need something good quality and comfortable, this is a great pick. While this isn’t a high-end, lush mattress, both my partner and I were perfectly happy sleeping on it during our review period. 

✅ You need a guest room mattress: With a range of different firmness options and a high maximum weight limit, this is a mattress that can suit lots of different people, regardless of sleep position or body size. The price point is perfect for a spare room, too.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You want a luxurious mattress: The DreamFoam Essential, while perfectly fine, is more of a basic mattress-in-a-box model. If you want something a little fancier, check out the DreamCloud mattress. This hybrid sits in the lower mid-range price bracket (so depending on thickness may be cheaper than the DreamFoam) and is our top pick for affordable luxury. 

❌ You need a mattress with sturdy edges: While the edge support on the DreamFoam is okay, it's not exceptional. If you need something you can comfortably push up off to get up in the morning, look elsewhere. 

❌ You aren't shopping for an awkward space: If you don't need one of those weird sizes, be aware that there are plenty of budget-friendly all-foam mattresses to choose from. The DreamFoam might still win out in the end, but it's well worth taking a look at the TechRadar roundup of the best memory foam mattresses to make sure you're not missing out on something that would suit you better.

How I tested the Brooklyn Bedding DreamFoam Essential mattress

I tested the 10-inch thick, Queen-sized DreamFoam Essential Mattress. My husband and I slept on it for three weeks in the spring. We have central heating and air-conditioning,  so it was never too hot or too cold. The average temperature was 68 degrees Fahrenheit. We both tend to sleep hot, so we used minimal bedding: just a bottom sheet, a top sheet, and a light blanket.

In addition to my subjective feelings about the comfort of this mattress, and soliciting my husband’s opinions, I ran standardized tests to assess the softness, edge support, and motion isolation of this mattress. 

Read more about how we test

First reviewed July 2023

Saatva Latex Pillow Review: a luxurious yet supportive pillow that’s worth the investment
6:24 pm | October 28, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Mattresses Sleep | Comments: Off

Saatva Latex Pillow: Two-minute review

Saatva Latex Pillow includes both shredded latex and down-alternative for cushioning. As such, you're getting the best of both worlds: the allergy-friendly fluffiness of synthetic stuffing, and the comfortable bounciness of latex. 

This is the brand behind TechRadar's #1 best mattress (read about it in its Saatva Classic mattress review), so I had high expectations for this pillow, and I wasn't disappointed. The Saatva Latex pillow is one of the very best pillows I've slept on. It provides a luxurious sleeping experience, with the blend of different fills creating the feeling of sleeping in a 5-star hotel bed.

Although you can't adjust the fill level as is possible with some pillows, there are two loft options, making it suitable for a wide range of sleepers. Most of the pillow is machine-washable, and I didn't have any issues with it trapping heat, either.

With prices starting at $165, this sits at the top end of pillows in general, but the build quality is excellent. If you can afford it, it might well be worth it. Read on for my full Saatva Latex pillow review.

Saatva Latex pillow on reviewer's bed

(Image credit: Future)

Saatva Latex Pillow review: Specs

Saatva Latex Pillow review: Price & value for money

  • Premium pricing – costs from $165, and rarely discounted
  • High quality
  • Comes with a 45-night trial and year's warranty

The Saatva Latex pillow sits firmly in the premium price bracket. In fact, it would be in the premium bracket even at half price. Although Saatva mattress deals and sales are common, they never really include accessories like pillows. Here's the pricing for the two sizes:

  • Queen size: $165
  • King size: $185

None of Saatva's products are especially cheap, nor is that the brand's general approach – instead, it focuses on high-end materials, strong build quality and excellent customer service, all of which help justify those higher prices.

When the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow is on sale, it’s less than half the cost of the Saatva Latex Pillow. But keep in mind that the latter also includes down-alternative fill, so it’s almost like getting two pillows for the cost of one, here. Although, of course, only person can sleep on it at a time.

Saatva makes four different types of pillows. In addition to the Sattva Latex Pillow, the company also makes a Saatva down-alternative Pillow that starts at $115 for a standard/queen. In addition, there’s a Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow that starts at $165 for a standard/queen, and Saatva Cloud Memory Foam Pillow starts at $135 for a standard/queen.

Saatva Latex pillow in original packaging

(Image credit: Future)

Saatva Latex Pillow review: Design & materials

  • Shredded natural latex core provides support
  • Fill layer of alternative down fibers is breathable 
  • Cover and down microdenier fiber pillow are machine washable

The Saatva Latex Pillow has three main design components, all of which work perfectly together. The main core is made from shredded natural latex, to support the head and relieve pressure. This is wrapped in a fill layer containing down-alternative fibers. Finally, there's the organic cotton cover, with gusseted sides that look smart and help the pillow maintain its shape. 

This isn't one of those pillows where you can remove filling until it's the perfect height and firmness for you. However, it is available in two different lofts, making it suitable for a wide range of sleepers. The standard loft – which is about 4 inches to 5 inches high – is recommended for stomach and back sleepers. The high loft pillow is 6 inches to 7 inches high, and is recommended for side and combination sleepers.

Saatva Latex pillow, unzipped, to show inner chambers

(Image credit: Future)

In TechRadar's Saatva Down Alternative pillow review, the reviewer found the loft too high for most people, so it's great to see that this option has two heights to suit different people.

My review pair of Saatva Latex Pillows arrived in one branded box, with the pillows enclosed in a strong plastic bag with two carrying handles. Since the pillows weren’t shrink-wrapped, I didn’t have to wait for them to expand, so I was able to put the pillows on my bed and start the testing process immediately. (And since they were not shrink wrapped, I didn’t experience any off-gassing smells.)

  • Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Saatva Latex Pillow review: Care & allergies

Most of the Saatva Latex pillow is machine-washable – both the outer cotton cover and microdenier fiber layer can both be tossed in the washing machine to launder. Synthetic down-alternative generally better at not aggravating allergies when compared to actual down.

Although the shredded latex core isn't machine washable, it is hypoallergenic, and dust mite- and mildew-resistant. This natural latex does not contain allergy-producing proteins, and it doesn’t come into contact with your skin, so it should also be safe for people (like me) who have latex allergies.

Saatva Latex pillow in reviewer's bedroom

(Image credit: Future)

Saatva Latex pillow review: Comfort & support

  • Can suit back, side, or stomach sleepers, depending on the loft 
  • Squishy yet supportive
  • Doesn't need re-fluffing

The Saatva Latex Pillow provided a comfortable level of firmness and support, while also being ridiculously comfortable. My preference is always a thick and squishy/spongy pillow that’s plush yet supportive, and this pillow checks all of the boxes.

If you want a pillow that you can bash into shape and fold over, this isn't it – the Saatva Latex pillows can't be folded over, and are full enough that they don't need to be refluffed.

Saatva Latex pillow, unzipped, to show inner chambers

(Image credit: Future)

Since the pillow is available in two lofts, it's a good option for back, stomach, and side sleepers. I’m a combination sleeper, alternating between my stomach and side. For my review I slept on the high loft pillow option, and it was the perfect hight for these positions. On my back, it was slightly high – not enough to be uncomfortable, but enough to notice the difference. However, had I been a stomach sleeper, I would have requested the standard loft pillow instead.

I actually enjoyed the pillows so much that after my two weeks of testing, I started using them to lounge on my sofa on the weekends – but I would always take them back to the bedroom at night. 

  • Comfort and support score: 5 out of 5

Saatva Latex Pillow review: Temperature regulation

I did not find the Saatva Latex Pillow to be 'cool to the touch', but neither are the vast majority of temperature-regulating pillows that I test. However, the pillows did provide a relatively cool sleeping experience. 

This is due to three factors. First, the pillow’s natural latex core is breathable. Also, the fill later of alternative down fibers is also breathable. In addition, the organic cotton cover is moisture-wicking. With all of these components working in harmony, the result was a temperature-relating experience that kept me comfortably cool during the night.

  • Temperature regulation score: 4.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Saatva Latex pillow?

But keep in mind that the Saatva Latex Pillow combines latex with down-alternative, so it’s almost like getting two pillows for the cost of one. So, I would definitely recommend trying it. 

Buy it if...

✅ You want the best of the best: This pillow is an investment, but the quality and comfort makes this pillow worth it. As someone who loves down pillows/alternative down pillows and also loves latex pillows, this is the best of best worlds. It's comparable to asking me to choose between chocolate and peanut butter versus letting me combine chocolate and peanut butter. Why choose one when you can have both? 

✅ You want to be able to pick your loft: The ability to choose a higher or lower loft means you can choose the best option for your build and sleep style – it can be suitable for almost anyone, including side, back, and stomach sleepers.

✅ You suffer from allergies: Both the cover and the down-alternative fill section are machine-washable, which is a win for those who struggle with allergies. The latex, though not washable, is hypoallergenic, dust mite- and mildew-resistant.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You want to be able to adjust your loft/firmness precisely: Although it's available in two loft options, once you've made your choice, you're locked in. Other options let you remove and re-add fill as desired. 

❌ You're on a budget: This is a premium pillow, and while I don't think it's overpriced, there are plenty of excellent pillows around for much less – the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow, listed below in the Alternatives section, is half the price.

❌ You want a super-squishy pillow: The Saatva Latex pillow is full and soft, but you can't bash it into shape or fold it over. 

Saatva Latex pillow review: Also consider

Casper Down pillow
The Casper Down Pillow is a pure down pillow with a supportive 5-chamber design and is actually a pillow within a pillow that includes duck down and feathers. It’s fluffy and feels like sleeping on a cloud. And for those who sleep hot, it is always cool to the touch. It works well with back, stomach, and side sleepers – but some people may find it too soft.  And at the time of publication, the pillow is at least $30 less expensive than the Saatva Latex Pillow, and can be tossed into the washing machine. Read more in our Casper Down pillow review.

How I tested the Saatva Latex pillow

For over two weeks, I slept on a pair of the Saatva Latex Pillows to see how they fared in performance, testing for setup, comfort, support, and temperature regulation. I also slept in side, back, and stomach positions to see if the performance was the same.

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed: October 2023
Garmin Venu 3 review: A perfect balance of smartwatch and health tracker
7:10 pm | October 16, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Garmin Venu 3: One minute review

The Garmin Venu 3 is the third in a trilogy of watches which – unlike most movie trilogies – as the third is actually the best of the bunch. In fact, this is one of the best Garmin watches outright. 

Like the rest of the Venu series, this is a pretty balanced blend of smartwatch and health tracker. Primarily, that means the Garmin Venu 3 looks great with a rich and colorful AMOLED screen, that gives some of the best Apple watches a run for their money. Unlike Apple Watches, which can only go a scant 18 or 36 hours without a recharge, this watch can last for up to two weeks.

What you don't get here is some of the more premium running features like the Training Readiness score, or Race Predictor, like you would get on the Garmin Forerunner 265 for example. But you do get advanced sleep tracking and suggestions, an evening report, unique wheelchair user-specific training metrics, and more health insights.

This watch also features a speaker and microphone meaning you can take calls from a connected phone, right there on your wrist. It also means the meditation training is more immersive with audio guidance, music, and more.

So while this is on the expensive side for a Garmin watch without premium training features, this does manage to offer lots of smartwatch-style capabilities – like GPS tracking, offline Spotify, and contactless pay – while also focusing on lifestyle tracking, all day and all night.

Garmin Venu 3: Specifications

Garmin Venu 3: Price and Availability

Garmin Venu 3

(Image credit: Future)
  • £450 in the UK 
  • $450 in the US
  • AU$749 in Australia

The Garmin Venu 3 is a relatively high price compared to other Garmin watches and contemporaries like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, but it costs only slightly more than an Apple Watch and does a bit of everything (and it does it very well) while looking premium to boot. So you're looking at a price of US$450 / £450 / AU$749, slightly higher than most smartwatches, but still quite representative of what you're getting at this stage. 

Of course, these are the launch prices, so you can expect these to drop over time. You can often find great deals on Garmins, and we're betting the Garmin Venu 3 is no exception. Check out our Black Friday Garmin deals page for more information.

  •  Value score: 4/5 

Garmin Venu 3: Design and screen

Garmin Venu 3

(Image credit: Future)
  • 1.4-inch AMOLED display
  • Stainless steel bezel
  • Comfy silicone strap, 22mm QuickFit compatible

The Garmin Venu 3 is undeniably an attractive smartwatch that can be used as a fitness tracker and as a fashionable day-to-day wearable. The silicone strap is comfy, waterproof, and minimal in its design. That stainless steel bezel also gives it a premium finish, which other curved-screen wearables like Apple Watches and the Google Pixel Watch 2 are missing. 

But it's only when that screen lights up you really see the quality. This watch boasts a gorgeous 1.4-inch AMOLED display with a high 454 x 454 pixel resolution. This super-bright and colorful screen makes all your metrics show up clearly and attractively, no matter the lighting conditions. 

The Venu 3 works well with a touchscreen that not only makes menu scrolling easy but features lovely graphical transitions that create an intuitive way to explore the menus. It's all encased in Corning Gorilla Glass 3 to make sure it stays scratch-free – which was the case throughout our frankly harsh testing. 50-meter waterproofing does set your mind at ease: you can use it anywhere, including underwater, and it's dustproof to boot.

You also have three buttons to help menu interactions which are utilized well. For example, if you want to discard a workout you hit the red cross on the screen but then have to confirm using one of the buttons.

The Venu 3 comes in two sizes: 41mm (known as the Venu 3S) and the larger 45mm, just known as the Venu 3. Colorways for the Venu 3 include white, black, or black with a leather strap. Go for the Venu 3S and there are even more choices including soft gold, rose pink, sage gray, and others.

  • Design score: 5/5

Garmin Venu 3: Features

Garmin Venu 3

(Image credit: Future)
  • Pre-loaded guided meditation content
  • Wheelchair user specific tracking
  • Smarter sleep tracking

The Garmin Venu 3 is packed full of health, lifestyle, and fitness tracking features while offering some genuinely useful smartwatch apps from the Connect IQ store. One standout feature was the fact this AMOLED screen is taken advantage of when linked to the Ring doorbell app, showing a screenshot of who's there when you get an alert on your wrist. 

The return of Venu 2's speaker and microphone means you can get audio alerts and even take calls natively on the watch. It's not quite well refined enough to let you talk back using the Ring app, for example, but it's no surprise the mainly third-party apps aren't going to be as good as on other platforms – Garmin has never pushed too hard in that area, largely because it focuses on fitness training, and it's done that well here.

You can expect a plethora of tracking and training options including all-day heart rate tracking, deep sleep tracking with guidance, stress scores, HRV measurements, respiration tracking, and plenty more. All that equates to a clear overall picture of your health. As we've come to expect from a good Garmin watch, you can also track nearly any exercise you can think of too, including swimming and golf. Garmin has a dedicated Garmin Golf app available on your phone, which you can sync to the Venu 3. Garmin consistently makes some of its best golf watches around, and it's nice to see some of those features available here, such as downloadable courses and shot analysis.

The meditation content is worth mentioning as this is specifically tailored to this watch, offering audio and visual guidance without the need to connect headphones. That means guided meditations that track your respiration rate and heart rate so you can see the effects directly.

The wheelchair user-specific tracking is a fantastic option that lets you setup in that mode, right from the outset. This will then be able to track pushes as well as offer a selection of wheelchair-specific sports tracking.

You also have a selection of useful features day-to-day like contactless payments, Bluetooth headphone connectivity, offline Spotify playlists, and a handy flashlight mode that you genuinely do use when pottering about in the dark.

  • Features score: 5/5

Garmin Venu 3: Performance

Garmin Venu 3

(Image credit: Future)
  • Accurate heart rate data
  • Superb sleep support
  • Still Garmin setup issues

The Garmin Venu 3, like most Garmins these days, performed very well in practice. That means it had near faultless GPS acquisition, was fast, and offered accurate measurements. It also meant heart rate data was accurate when compared with a chest strap test.

How all that data is used is what makes the Venu 3 special. Sleep tracking, for example, is far more advanced here than in many of the more sports-specific Garmin watches. This watch not only offers you a Morning Report of how you've slept and recovered, but also an Evening Report, helping you consider ways to make that night's sleep the best it can be. All that equates to checking in more with your habits and adjusting accordingly – part of what makes this watch supportive of change. This even has nap detection for the first time, allowing you to pop this on to get a power nap where your recommended sleep duration that night is taken into account.

It was a surprise to find the speaker and mic weren't just a fad but proved genuinely useful. There was enough clarity to follow guided meditations, take phone calls, and even appreciate music. The microphone worked well too; if you think this feature might be appealing, perhaps as a busy parent in the kitchen who still needs to be connected while hearing what's going on in the room, this is a top solution.

So why bother going for a sports-specific watch over this? Well, you'll find the Venu 3 can track a lot of sports – over 30 – but it might not do so in quite as much depth as some sports-specific wearables. Running, for example, tracks speed, pace, HR and even has maps, but you won't get more complex metrics from running dynamics like ground contact time or race predictors, which are available for the best running watches.

This would be a five-star section, but phone connection and setup was a nightmare. Having reviewed Garmins for over a decade, using various Android phones, this has always been an issue. A recent Forerunner 965 review was so faultless in the setup that it seemed Garmin had fixed it, then this Venu 3 connection was plagued with issues involving restarting the phone, the watch, the app, factory resets, and more. It might not be an issue on your phone but it's an unfixed Garmin trend, and cannot go unmarked.

  • Performance score: 4/5

Garmin Venu 3: Scorecard

Garmin Venu 3: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Garmin Venu 3: How we tested

We wore the Garmin Venu 3 on one wrist, connected to an Android device, for months. This came on runs, bike rides, swims, walks, yoga classes, weights sessions, paddle boarding and more.

The contactless payment features and wireless offline Spotify were both used as was sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring in cold water baths, notifications from the phone and more.

In short this was lived with 24/7 to truly test how you would use the watch, and all its features.

Garmin Venu 3: Also consider

First reviewed: October 2023

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