Somnox Sleep Robot Review (2026): Original Test + Somnox 2 Update
2026 update: the current product is Somnox 2. Our hands-on experience below is from the first-generation Somnox. Somnox 2 is smaller and lighter, adds improved sensors, USB-C charging and Bluetooth audio streaming, and currently comes with a 30-night trial. The original Somnox was designed as a breathing and relaxation aid; we do not treat it as a medical treatment or a guaranteed way to fall asleep faster. The original Somnox is a relaxation device that encourages users to follow a slower breathing rhythm while holding it. My hands-on observations do not establish that it treats insomnia, replaces medication or reliably shortens time to fall asleep. The device is designed to be hugged so that you sleep in the fetal position which helps with breathing and proper neck alignment. The Somnox mimics a slow breathing pattern for you to follow so that you naturally slow your breathing and fall asleep faster.
Overview of the Somnox Sleep Robot
The Somnox is made in the Netherlands and is backed by sound science and research. You can read their white paper here. It was invented by 4 students at the Robotics Institute at Delft University of Technology. Since its invention, it has gone through multiple design iterations with added features such as white noise and an upgraded app.
Here’s a video of how it all works.
Ordering the Somnox
You can order the Somnox directly through their website. It should arrive in a few weeks and comes in a box like the one below.
With this box you simply slide it out sideways and you will find your robot.
The robot itself isn’t terribly big an is very easy to setup.
The first step is to cover it with the provided machine washable cover. I would advise washing the cover first before attaching. Once the cover is on, you can plug it in to charge. Mine came with some charge but its best to fully charge it before use. Once it is fully charged you can then sync it to the free app provided on Google Play or iTunes.
How Much Does the Somnox Cost?
The $599 price and 2-year warranty described here belong to the first-generation product at the time of our original review. The current product is Somnox 2; Somnox currently advertises a 30-night trial, and shoppers should verify live price and warranty terms before buying. Yes, that’s a lot of money for a little robot but if you take prescription sleeping pills or supplements, this may be a great long term alternative that may actually save you money down the road.
My Somnox Findings
Once your Somnox is set up, you can give it a name and it even comes with its own birth certificate. Since you will be spending a lot of time with your robot, it helps to personalize it.
I already use a white noise machine in my bedroom so using the white noise through the robot wasn’t necessary. My first night using the Somnox I decided not to take my typical sleep supplement which includes melatonin. I wanted to see if the Somnox would be able to at least work as good as an over the counter supplement.
I decided to try inputting my initial breathing rate then my target breathing rate the first night. It worked well and helped my drift off to sleep but I recommend using the adaptive breathing function which will automatically sync with your breath rate and gradually slow it down. At first, it can be hard to not focus on your breathing but eventually, I didn’t even think about it and made it a routine.
It takes about 45 minutes for the Somnox to put you to sleep and then after that it will turn off. No need to hold it throughout the night if you don’t want to. Falling asleep is usually not that hard for me but I often wake up around 3 am to use the bathroom and when I get back into bed, that’s when I start having thoughts that eventually ramp up and prevent me from falling back asleep. This is where I get the most value from Somnox. To restart robot, you just push the power button again and it will help control your breathing and get you back to sleep.
It common knowledge that by slowing our breathing in stressful situations we become more relaxed, less worried. The genius of Somnox is that it trains your body to do this whether you remember to or not. The Somnox Robot app also has a napping and relaxing mode that are designed to train you for controlled breathing along with calming music. It can even be used to help with meditation.
My Somnox Recommendation
The thought of taking a robot to bed with me every night sounded strange at first but after experiencing the benefits, I really understand why it’s such a novel invention. Given all the stressors and stimuli in modern life, it’s a lot to ask for our bodies to just turn it all of when we switch off the bedroom lights. Somnox is a way to bring our breathing and our bodies into a relaxed rhythm and help block out the world so that we can get our best sleep, naturally.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Somnox Sleep Robot Review
Is the Somnox Sleep Robot worth the investment?
The $599 figure belongs to the first-generation Somnox we reviewed. The current product is Somnox 2. We would evaluate it as a breathing and relaxation aid rather than comparing its cost with prescription medication or treating it as a medical alternative. The review mentions a 30-night trial and a two-year warranty for the later Somnox product. Verify the current seller's exact trial eligibility, warranty coverage and refund conditions before ordering.
Who is the Somnox Sleep Robot best for?
The Somnox Sleep Robot is best for individuals who struggle with falling asleep naturally and prefer to avoid traditional sleep aids like prescription medicines or over-the-counter supplements. Its natural rhythmic breathing guidance is designed to help users relax and drift off more easily. The author's personal experience, based on testing from our San Diego area, suggests it helps with nighttime awakenings too.
How does the Somnox Sleep Robot help you sleep?
The Somnox Sleep Robot helps you sleep by mimicking a slow, rhythmic breathing pattern, encouraging you to synchronize your breath to its calming cadence. This process facilitates relaxation and faster sleep onset. Its adaptive breathing mode automatically adjusts to your natural breathing and gradually slows it down, making it easier to unwind.
What are the downsides of the Somnox Sleep Robot?
One potential downside of the Somnox Sleep Robot is its upfront cost of $599, which may be a significant investment for some consumers. While designed to be intuitive, some users, like the reviewer, might initially find it challenging to focus on syncing their breath. Additionally, it takes about 45 minutes of use to help someone drift off, which might not be instant enough for all users.
Is the Somnox Sleep Robot good for people who wake up in the middle of the night?
Yes, the Somnox Sleep Robot can be particularly beneficial for individuals who wake up in the middle of the night and struggle to fall back asleep. The author's personal testing, conducted in their San Diego home, noted that a simple push of the power button allowed the robot to resume guiding their breathing, helping them to relax and return to sleep. Its adaptive breathing feature is helpful in these situations.
Where can I try the Somnox Sleep Robot in person?
To purchase or learn more, you would need to visit their official website to place an order. While Yawnder has a San Diego showroom, the Somnox is not listed as an in-store product for hands-on testing there.
Want to test this in person? Visit our Encinitas showroom or call 858-232-5760.