Somnox 2 Review

Somnox 2

Price:

$599

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How Does the Somnox 2 Work?

The Somnox 2’s singular purpose is to help you relax and fall asleep quickly. The device can achieve this through three means.

Breathing Simulation 

Through physical contact with your body, the Somnox 2 measures your breathing rate with built-in accelerometer and gyroscope sensors, which are designed to measure movement. Once these metrics have been recorded, the device’s internal air chamber emits undulations meant to mimic human inhalations and exhalations. These “breaths” are intended to come at a slower rate than your own. The intention here is to eventually guide your breathing to a slower rate. This can help alleviate pre-sleep anxiety and reduce your sleep latency, which is the time it takes to fall asleep.   

Calming sounds 

The Somnox 2 is also equipped to play audio through a built-in speaker. The Somnox app comes with a library of white and pink noise, ambient sounds, and spoken-word programs — all courtesy of manglemoose, a Dutch sound engineering firm. You can also add your own music and sounds to the app. The playback is crisp, and you can manually adjust the volume on a control panel at the base of the device.

Soothing Contact 

The Somnox 2’s small, ergonomic shape makes the device ideal for snuggling. A thin layer of memory foam beneath the cover gives the Somnox 2 a soft, squishy feel. Our team found the device pleasing to the touch and comfortable in any sleep position. These tactile qualities may not necessarily promote faster sleep to the same extent as guided breathing or soothing music, but they do facilitate a pleasant experience.

Components and Options

The Somnox 2 unit’s ergonomic shape is best described as “bean-like.” A layer of memory foam pads the unit, giving it a plush feel. The speaker is located near the top. Accelerometer and gyroscope sensors are located in the wider base, and the underside of the base is where the “breathing” undulations are produced.

You’ll find the control panel at the bottom of the unit. This panel features the power button, manual volume controls, a charging port, and a battery indicator consisting of three LED lights. A soft fabric sleeve encases the entire unit. The sleeve is removable and machine-washable, and your order also comes with an extra sleeve sealed in plastic. Unpackaging the spare sleeve voids your sleep trial, so we recommend keeping its packaging intact until after the return period ends.

Your order also includes a charging station complete with an adapter, plug, and USB cable. You’ll also receive an owner’s manual with instructions for setting up the device. If you misplace the manual, you can find an online version on the Somnox website.

Setting Up and Using the Somnox 2

After unboxing the Somnox 2, you’ll need to charge the device for at least one day before using it for the first time. The battery indicator on the control panel will let you know when the charge is complete. After the initial charge, full charging time is about 5 hours, and this powers the device for several days. You cannot use the device while it’s charging.

The Somnox companion app is free to download and available through all major app marketplaces. After creating an account, you’ll use the app to customize the device’s breathing rate and intensity. Keep in mind the Somnox 2 may not mimic your breathing patterns very closely at first. The sensors allow the device to essentially “learn” your breathing patterns over time. You can also use the app to choose audio programs and add audio files of your own.

The Somnox 2 automatically shuts off when the breathing program ends, so you won’t need to worry about wasting battery power during the night. The default program duration is 60 minutes, but you can program the breathing to last up to two hours per session. If you wake up in the middle of the night, you can power the device back on, and the breathing program will start again.

I found the Somnox 2 was very easy to set up, given its advanced technology and features. The app is also straightforward and user friendly. Reviewers on Google Play and the Apple Store appear to agree, as ratings for the app are relatively high on both platforms. 

Pricing Information

The Somnox 2 is quite expensive. That said, the sticker price is somewhat justified by the device’s high-tech design. Another perk for Somnox 2 buyers is that a subscription is not required — just a one-time payment for the device itself. The device may prove to be a solid long-term investment if you struggle to fall asleep quickly. 

The audio playback is another nice touch if you enjoy listening to music or sounds as you fall asleep. However, one thing to note is that the Somnox 2 does not have a headphone jack. If you share your bed with a partner who needs a quiet sleep environment, you may not be able to take full advantage of the device’s audio programs.

I recommend using a sleep tracker to monitor how long it takes you to fall asleep prior to purchasing the Somnox 2, then continue tracking this data beginning on your first night with the device. Your purchase comes with a 30-night trial. If you notice substantial changes to your sleep latency after the Somnox 2 arrives, then it might be worth the money. If your sleep latency data doesn’t change much, you should consider returning the device for a refund before the trial ends.

Somnox 2 Performance

My two weeks with the Somnox 2 amounted to an interesting experience. I was a bit apprehensive about sharing my bed with a “breathing” robot. The undulations are very similar to human breathing. If you’re like me, you may find this quality a bit jarring at first. However, I was completely accustomed to the device’s presence by the time I fell asleep on the second night. 

In terms of functionality, the accelerometer and gyroscope sensors appeared to work effectively. Over the two weeks I spent with the Somnox 2, I noticed subtle changes in the device’s breathing cadence as it learned how I breathe and adapted to these patterns. 

As to whether the Somnox 2 actually helped me fall asleep more easily, this is a more complicated question. The short answer is yes, but not consistently. I nodded off quickly some nights, and needed more time on others, so it’s difficult to say whether this was due to the device or other factors in my day-to-day life. Since I only tested the Somnox 2 for two weeks, it was also tricky to gauge the device’s long-term usefulness. It may not have the same calming effect after you’ve slept with it for months or years on end.

Audio playback is a standout strength of the Somnox 2. The sound was crisp despite the memory foam padding, I didn’t find the playback muffled or distant. I also liked the ability to manually adjust the volume on the device, rather than needing to open the app and stare at a screen to do so. Adding my own music to the sound library was another perk. The only quibble I had about the device’s audio was the lack of a headphone jack.

I recommend testing out the Somnox 2. It may or may not be the game-changer you need for falling asleep more quickly, but after two to three weeks, you should have a general idea as to how effectively it shortens your sleep latency.

Bottom Line

The Somnox 2 is not the first smart device designed to help you sleep through guided breathing and relaxing music, but its method of doing so is starkly different from most other app-based sleep products on the market today. You may find the device highly effective at helping you fall asleep. Or, if you’re like me, effectiveness may vary from night to night.

The steep sticker price will be a barrier for some shoppers, but Somnox’s 30-night trial period should provide ample opportunity to test the device and decide if it’s worth the cost. Keep in mind the Somnox 2 has a learning curve when it comes to recording your breathing patterns, so you may need a few nights with the device before it adapts to you.

Still have questions?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.