Quick verdict
In my original test, the Carbon Air was a soft foam pillow with an appealing cool-to-the-touch side and a ventilated feel. It felt a little too thin for my larger frame when side sleeping, although it worked for me on my back or stomach. The old $150 price and original purchase terms are historical, so check present-day options before buying.
Original video review
Here is my original look at the Carbon Air pillow and its construction.
What I found: feel, cooling and fit
The pillow used carbon-infused foam with small ventilation holes and phase-change material on one side. When I pressed it, I could feel air moving through the foam, and it recovered quickly. The phase-change side felt cool to the touch. In my experience, the pillow stayed comfortable without relying solely on the initial cool sensation; that observation is subjective, and results can vary with the room and bedding.
The pillow had a zippered TENCEL cover. I found its loft a little too low for side sleeping on my larger frame but comfortable enough for back or stomach sleeping. Another pillow underneath can add height, though the right loft depends on shoulder width, sleep position, and mattress firmness.
Original buying details: I reviewed the pillow at $150, with a five-year warranty and a 30-day trial as described at the time. Those historical terms should not be assumed to apply to current products or a third-party seller. My original review described one size; later page copy listed two sizes, so verify the dimensions of any older pillow before purchase.
Pros
- Soft, responsive feel in my test.
- Ventilated foam and a cool-to-the-touch side.
- Removable zippered cover.
Considerations
- Low loft was not ideal for my side-sleeping fit.
- Passive cooling is not adjustable heating or cooling.
- Old model availability, return terms, and condition can vary.
Original Carbon Air vs. today’s Eight Sleep options
| Product | What it is | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Air, original review | Passive foam pillow with a cool-to-the-touch side. | Historical model; this is the pillow Ben tested. |
| Current Eight Sleep Pillow | A separate pillow listed among Eight Sleep’s current accessories. | Eight Sleep lists it at $199 in the U.S.; confirm specifications and current pricing. |
| Pod Pillow Cover | Water-based heating and cooling cover placed over an existing pillow. | Requires a Pod and comes with its own Hub. Eight Sleep lists one cover at $999 in the U.S. with a 30-night trial; verify terms at checkout. |
The Pod Pillow Cover is an active system, not the Carbon Air pillow reviewed here. Eight Sleep says it works with all Pod generations and uses the Pod’s sensors for automatic adjustments; the pillow cover itself has no sensors. See the manufacturer’s product page and accessories listing for current details. Prices can change by region and configuration.
For the larger system, see our Eight Sleep Pod review.
Related video: Eight Sleep Pod
Frequently asked questions
Did the Carbon Air pillow track sleep or include an alarm?
The original Carbon Air was a passive foam pillow. The original test did not describe built-in sleep tracking, an alarm, or active temperature control.
Does the Pod Pillow Cover work by itself?
Eight Sleep says it requires a Pod on the bed and includes a separate Hub. It goes over an existing pillow; confirm compatibility and plan terms before purchasing.
Is the old Carbon Air a good fit for side sleepers?
Fit varies. Ben found it too thin for his larger frame on his side, but it worked for him on his back or stomach. Consider shoulder width and mattress softness when choosing pillow height.
Does it prevent neck pain?
A comfortable pillow can help you find a suitable position, but no pillow is guaranteed to prevent or treat pain. Persistent symptoms deserve advice from a qualified clinician.
Where can I try a pillow?
Contact the Yawnder showroom about current availability before visiting; the historic Carbon Air may not be on display.
Live pricing, current promotions, and full manufacturer warranty through our affiliate partner. Buying through this link supports Yawnder’s independent testing at no extra cost to you.
Shop Eight Sleep