SleepPhones Wireless Bluetooth Sleep Headphones Review: Back & Stomach Sleepers Will Love These

There are many nights when I enjoy winding down by listening to music in bed. Most of the true wireless earphones I have worked just fine initially, but the hard material that houses the electronics eventually becomes uncomfortable when leaning on a pillow. That’s where the SleepPhones Wireless Bluetooth Sleep Headphones come in. SleepPhones were designed for bedtime music. But are they comfortable?

I’m no stranger to SleepPhones; I tried an earlier version some years ago as well as the company’s RunPhones. Both were decent but never found their way into daily use. I wondered how much better the new SleepPhones Wireless might be and if they might become part of my nightly routine.

The company has this to say about its newest offering:

The SleepPhones Wireless you love; now with a better battery. SleepPhones Wireless sleep headphones are traditional headphones made bed-friendly and cord-free. Ideal for sleep, travel, yoga and leisure time, our ultra-slim, patented soft and comfortable “headphones in a headband” make listening to audio a dream. Unplug and surround yourself in an ultimate sound experience – without disturbing, or being disturbed by, the person next to you.

SleepPhones, which were designed by a family doctor, are meant to offer a comfortable way to enjoy music, whether sleeping on your back, your stomach, or even your side. The SleepPhones are basically a special headband with small speakers and a Bluetooth module baked inside.

The headband on the original SleepPhones was made from nylon with just a bit of stretch. It was comfortable enough but, at times, got a bit warm. The new SleepPhones headband is made from a proprietary material they call “SheepCloud fabric.” I was sent both styles of headbands.

Their Breeze headband is thin and has just a bit of stretch. It is “ideal for running and exercising. Preferred by hot sleepers and those who live in warm climates.”

Their Fleece headband, which I have been using, is softer and warmer than the Breeze version. They recommend this headband for sleeping, relaxing, or meditating.

The headbands are available in a range of colors. The color you choose also determines the fabric used in the headband. For example, if you select SleepPhones in Midnight Black, Soft Gray, or Quiet Lavender, you will get a headband made from the fleece material. If, however, you choose a headband in Pitch Black, Graphite Gray, Wild Orchid, or Nighttide Navy, you will get a headband made from the Breeze material. Both of the headbands I was sent are made from the Breeze material.

Regardless of the material used in the construction of the headband, each SleepPhone headband is essentially a tube with a velcro opening at the back. This opening is used to insert the speakers and Bluetooth module and to recharge the module when the battery runs down.

The design is fairly ingenious. It lets the SleepPhones be a single, self-contained unit while also allowing you to swap one headband for another if you need a different size or need to switch from one style of the headband to the other.

Once the speakers and Bluetooth module are inserted into the headband, you will need to adjust the location of the speakers, so they are positioned to lay on top of each ear. There is enough cable between the Bluetooth module and the speakers to position the speakers properly regardless of how large or small your head is.

To turn on the SleepPhones, you simply press and hold the main button on the Bluetooth module. Pressing and holding the button will turn put it into pairing mode. From there, it is as simple as pairing the module as you would any Bluetooth headphones.

The company describes the benefits of the SleepPhones this way:

• Stream audio via Bluetooth wireless technology
• Fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up refreshed
• Get a good night’s sleep naturally, without medications
• Reduce ambient noise, conversations, traffic sounds, and snoring
• Relieve stress by listening to your favorite tunes, soothing meditation sounds, radio, sleep-enhancing rhythms, audiobooks, or any other preferred music
• No uncomfortable earbuds or bulky ear enclosures

I sleep with a cap on most nights, so switching to the SleepPhone’s headband was simple for me. I found it comfortable and helped keep my head almost as warm as a full cap.

Once the SleepPhones are turned on, you can stream whatever you want from the source device. For me, that means any number of “chill” stations on Apple Music. I was surprised by how good the audio sounded. It wasn’t on par with high-quality headphones, but it was certainly enjoyable enough. After using the SleepPhones for a few nights, however, I discovered what is, for me, the fatal flaw. I’ll explain in a moment.

Features: 

• Sound: Superior sound quality with eco-friendly, lead-free electronics
• Bluetooth: Easily pair/sync with Bluetooth® enabled devices and stream audio wirelessly within 15-30 feet (5-10 meters)
• Controls: Volume and play/pause controls built into the Bluetooth module
• Headphones: Removable speakers in a hypoallergenic, machine-washable fabric headband
• Bluetooth: 4.0 A2DP
• Wireless Range: 15-30 feet (5-10 meters)
• Rechargeable Battery: Full charge lasts up to 12 hours
• Charging Time: 2 hours via micro-USB cable (included)
• Free sleep sound online downloads and free iPhone app
• Two Headband Fabrics

I appreciate that SleepPhones lets you select from one of three different packaging options.

You can choose Eco Packaging and receive your SleepPhones in a resealable plastic bag. If you prefer, you can select Retail Packaging and have the SleepPhones delivered in a typical retail box. If, however, the SleepPhones are a gift, you can choose Gift Packaging and have the SleepPhones delivered in an attractive purple box secured with a stretchy silver bow-topped cord.

I like the SleepPhones. The new headband material is comfortable, and the speakers, while far from audiophile quality, do a decent job feeding audio to your ears. My issue with the SleepPhones is that, while the speakers are strikingly thin, they are still thick enough to make laying on them uncomfortable. So while I use the SleepPhones when I first get in bed and am lying on my back, they quickly become uncomfortable when I need to roll onto my side.

If you are a back or stomach sleeper and like to fall asleep to music, you will love the SleepPhones Wireless Bluetooth Sleep Headphones. If, however, you are a sidesleeper, you may or may not find them comfortable. Grab a pair and find out if they are the right sleep solution for you!

The SleepPhones Wireless Bluetooth Sleep Headphones retail for $99.95; they are available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample of the SleepPhones Bluetooth

What I Like: Comfortable headband that is available in two different fabrics; The speakers sound surprisingly decent; You can easily move Bluetooth module and speakers from one headband to another; Perfect for back and stomach sleepers

What Needs Improvement: SleepPhones Wireless may not be comfortable for side sleepers