I researched the best Oura Ring for the past few days because I want a comfortable and accurate device for tracking my sleep. I read reviews on the New York Times, Consumer Reports, and different tech blogs, and many of them consider the Oura Ring 4 one of the most reliable sleep trackers right now. They are mainly highlighting these two options:
Oura Ring 4 - Gold - Size 8
https://www.amazon.com/Oura-Ring-Tracking-Wearable-Fitness/dp/B0D9WVKXLK/?th=1
Oura Ring 4 - Silver - Size 9
http://amazon.com/Oura-Ring-Tracking-Wearable-Fitness/dp/B0D9WWB3WX/?th=1
However, I am still confused about which one would be more suitable for me. Both have the same technology, but the size and style are different, and I am not sure which one will feel more comfortable while sleeping.I want accurate details about my sleep stages, heart rate, temperature changes, breathing rate, and overall sleep quality. But before buying, I want to understand how accurate the Oura Ring really is in daily use. Some reviews say it’s extremely accurate, while others say that results can vary depending on the person.
Since my main goal is to fix my sleep routine and wake up more refreshed, I would like to hear from people who actually use it. Is the Oura Ring 4 truly better than older versions, and out of the Gold Size 8 and Silver Size 9, which one feels better to wear overnight?Any guidance or personal experience will be appreciated.thanks in advance
I’ve been wearing the oura ring for several years.
I have never heard anything about the color relevant. It’s simply a fashion choice. I’d be curious to see what you read about that topic?
The older vs new model should also be as accurate. The accuracy is all about the fit. The looser it is, the less accurate. But they told me inaccuracy simply means collecting data or not, not showing the incorrect numbers.
In my experience, it does not need to be as snug as they say because I wear mine loosely. At most, every blue moon it won’t collect data for a short period if my hand was in a certain position while sleeping… but it’s no big deal and it’s a rare occurrence.
If you happen to have an AM EX platinum, do know there is a large perk when buying it off the oura website.
The older vs new model. Because of the AM EX perk (I’m a sucker for a good deal :), I recently ordered the new one but I returned it because the sizing is different than the older version and it just doesn’t fit me as well… too tight or too loose. I just happen to like my ring to be as loose as possible without being able to flick it off if I shake my hand.
The older version with the flat section has little sensors that protrude inside the ring. That makes the same sized ring fit snugger in that version vs the same sized ring in the latest model. I’ll switch to the new model in ceramic once my old version breaks and I have no other option.
The best thing to do is order it on Oura and they send you the free sizing kit. Those are not perfect, but then you can play with sizes and fingers and figure out which ring you want to try. Keep in mind that your fingers will swell slightly while you sleep.
I’ve also heard Oura is the best sleep tracker. It’s my understanding that it is probably not nearly as accurate as what they would do in a lab, but your trends will be accurate.
There are freak occurrences when it’s very wrong, but it’s rare… it might have my sleep off for a couple of hours, but this might only happen once every few months. I’ve compared it to my eight sleep a handful of times and they seem to give me similar results.
It’s helped my sleep tremendously. It showed me what even one glass of wine does to my sleep, so as a result, I rarely drink anymore. Same if you eat late, but that is something I don’t enjoy doing anyway.
It’s been neat to see that over the past couple of years, my scary low HRV has doubled… now I’m just normal low
When you try the sizing kit, wear it overnight. Your fingers expand and what might seem fine during the day might get too tight overnight.
My understanding is that it is very accurate for total sleep and measures like heart rate, etc. However, it is less accurate for marking the sleep stages.
Have been wearing an Oura 2 for a couple of years. Bought it used off eBay. It still holds a charge for a couple of days at least. There is no monthly fee with the old Oura 2 so I intend to keep using it as long as possible. I also wear a fitbit2 to bed so I compare every morning. The fitbit is not as consistent at collecting data. As far as sleep architecture: the Oura usually, but not always, reports more minutes of slow wave sleep. Usually, but not always.
I am most concerned about SWS, since it declines with age and I wish my numbers were higher. My sleep scores are usually good to optimum because Oura tends to rate you highly if your sleep schedule is consistent. But it doesn’t seem to factor in very heavily that your sleep architecture isn’t great.
Currently my SWS is around 30 minutes, but varies. Often higher on nights after the days that I swim and use the hot water spa. REM sleep numbers seem OK. I do use hemp/cannabis gummies and also melatonin but no meds.
My Oura ring fits snugly. I bought a sizing kit before making the eBay purchase. I usually take it off in the mornings – have to use cold water and tug a bit but not excessively. All in all I am pretty happy with it.