From their television commercials to their brick-and-mortar stores, Sleep Number is well-known in the mattress world. The company offers five mattress lines, as well as kids’ and RV mattresses, and they’re generally considered a stand-out in the adjustable air bed category.
We took a close look at their technology, company reputation, and customer feedback to bring you this comprehensive Sleep Number review.
Sleep Number mattresses pros and cons
In a sense, Sleep Number mattresses are just like any other: the top section is the comfort layer, while the bottom section provides support.
But instead of using layers of supportive foam or an innerspring system, the bottom portion of a Sleep Number mattress features an adjustable air chamber. It can be inflated or deflated to your preferred level of firmness.
Unfortunately, Sleep Number doesn’t disclose what the comfort layer is made of. Reviewers describe it as cushiony but not necessarily plush. Some Sleep Number mattresses have thicker comfort layers.
Advantages of Sleep Number mattresses include:
Pros
- Adjustability. You choose your ideal level of firmness and the mattress will inflate or deflate while you sleep to maintain it. If you share your bed with a partner in a queen size or bigger, you control the sides separately.
- Smart features. All Sleep Number mattresses have sleep-tracking sensors. The company says this “SleepIQ Technology” senses heart and breathing rates and tracks your movements. They use this information to generate sleep reports, so you can track and hopefully improve the quality of your sleep. However, it’s important to note that these claims are often difficult to validate.
- Lightweight. The components of a Sleep Number mattress are lightweight and easy to move compared to a traditional mattress and box spring.
- Durable. A Sleep Number mattress may last longer than conventional mattresses because the support comes from an air chamber rather than materials that compress over time.
Any mattress will have drawbacks, and Sleep Number’s mattresses are no exception. Some potential disadvantages include:
Cons
- Design issues. Mattresses with two separate air chambers are more like two separate beds, with a foam insert in the middle. This can be uncomfortable for couples who like to sleep close together. Some customers complain of air leaking and pump malfunctions.
- Noise. Adjustments are accompanied by a low buzzing sound that may disrupt light sleepers.
- Potentially unnecessary extras. All Sleep Number beds have smart features included. However, you do have the option to turn these features off if you don’t want them.
- Price point. Prices start at $899 for a queen with no upgrades, but they increase significantly when you start adding features like bases. Plus, the delivery and setup service is an additional $199, and it is required on certain models.
Sleep Number mattress pricing
Sleep Number mattresses fall into the luxury mattress category. Website pricing for queen mattresses is $899–$4299, depending on the model. These prices don’t include optional upgrades, like regular or adjustable bases.
Sleep Number mattresses are generally comparable to other luxury mattresses. A queen-size Sleep Number 360 pSE Smart Bed with an adjustable base, under-bed lighting, and a foot-warming feature is $5,098 before tax and shipping. That’s the same price as a Tempur-Pedic mattress with similar options and upgrades.
Pricing guide
Prices in this review are based on queen-size mattresses without optional upgrades or features.
- $ = under $1,000
- $$ = $1,000–$2,500
- $$$ = over $2,500
Sleep Number mattresses
The four Sleep Number mattress lines have a few different options. The more expensive option in each line features extra inches in the comfort layer and higher overall mattress height. For this review, we looked at the less expensive option in each category.
All Sleep Number mattresses feature an air pump and a remote control to customize comfort by adding or releasing air. The firmness can be adjusted from 0 to 100 in increments of five.
There are optional upgrades, including a base that elevates the head and foot position on either side, a foot warming feature, and under-bed lighting.
Sleep Number 360 c2 Smart Bed (Classic Series)
- Price: $
- Type: Adjustable air bed
- Height: 8 inches
Mattresses in the Classic Series are billed as the comfortable, adjustable, affordable Sleep Number option. The c2 Smart Bed has a 2-inch, gel-infused comfort layer, which might feel thin if you’re used to a more generous pillow top. Like all Sleep Number mattresses, this one responds to your movements and automatically adjusts firmness.
Despite the slim comfort layer, over 8,000 reviews rank the c2 Smart Bed a 4.7 out of 5 stars. More than 6,000 of these reviews are 5 stars, with customers calling it a great investment. Other reviewers love having the freedom to adjust their settings for specific comfort.
Negative reviews describe general discomfort and aches and pains. However, customer service responds to these reviews and invites unhappy customers to contact the company directly for assistance.
Buy the Sleep Number 360 c2 Smart Bed online.
Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Bed (Performance Series)
- Price: $$
- Type: Adjustable air bed
- Height: 10 inches
Designed for pressure relief, the p5 Smart Bed has a 4-inch comfort layer that contours to your body. It has all the same adjustable features as other Sleep Number mattresses.
Close to 8,400 reviews give this mattress a 4.7 rating out of 5 stars. Again, over 6,000 of these reviews are 5 stars. Reviewers praise the mattress’s comfort and adjustability.
Unhappy customers describe the mattress as noisy and uncomfortable.
Buy the Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Bed online.
Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed (Innovation Series)
- Price: $$$
- Type: Adjustable air bed
- Height: 12 inches
Sleep Number says their Innovation Series provides contouring and temperature control. It has a 6-inch comfort layer and fabric that’s designed to absorb excess heat and keep you cool all night.
But the comfort comes at a price — this line is the most expensive of Sleep Number’s mattresses, and that’s before you start upgrading.
The i8 Smart Bed has a lot of reviews: more than 21,000, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. More than 17,000 reviews give it 5 stars. Many reviewers love the upgraded features, which add over $2,000 to the price tag.
Buy the Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed online.
Sleep Number 360 m7 Smart Bed (Memory Foam)
- Price: $$$
- Type: Memory foam and adjustable air
- Height: 11 inches
The m7 Smart Bed blends cooling memory foam with a 5-inch comfort layer and smart adjustability. This may be a good, albeit more expensive, option if you like the “hug” of traditional memory foam, and you’d also like to customize firmness.
Close to 3,000 reviews give this mattress a 4.7 rating, and the vast majority are 5 stars. Still, negative reviewers mention uneven support and difficulty sleeping.
Buy the Sleep Number 360 m7 Smart Bed online.
Where to buy a Sleep Number mattress
Sleep Number mattresses are available for purchase at any of the 604 Sleep Mattress stores in the United States. You can also buy them on the company’s website.
These mattresses cannot be purchased at third-party mattress or furniture stores.
How to choose a Sleep Number mattress
The main differences among the various Sleep Number models are the height, comfort layer thickness, and cooling features. When choosing a mattress, think about how plush you like your mattress to be and if you’re looking for upgrades.
Sleep Number offers a sleep quiz to help you narrow your options. Nine questions cover the following:
- who is using the mattress
- your preferred size
- your ideal price range
- your current quality of sleep
- your preferred firmness level
- if you sleep hot
- how much you toss and turn
- if you struggle with common sleep issues, like cold feet, trouble falling asleep, and snoring
- if you read or watch television in bed
Based on your answers, the company offers several mattress recommendations that might suit your needs.
Visiting a Sleep Number store and speaking directly to a salesperson can also help you decide which mattress might work. You’ll also have an opportunity to try out the bells and whistles in person.
If you decide to shop on the company website, Sleep Number offers a 100-night trial so you can test your mattress at home.
Sleep Number mattress delivery
Delivery and set up of most Sleep Number mattresses isn’t free, and additional fees may apply outside the company’s standard delivery area.
The company’s home delivery service costs $199 and is required on certain models. This service gives you the option of choosing a delivery date so your new mattress (and base, if you upgrade) can be fully assembled. Plus, they’ll remove your old mattress.
You may want to review Sleep Number’s delivery checklist before getting your new mattress delivered.
Shipping and delivery fees are non-refundable in the event that you’re unhappy with your mattress and decide to return it.
Sleep Number reputation
In general, Sleep Number has a positive reputation. The company is accredited with the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating.
Founded in 1987, the company’s mattresses are made in the United States, at manufacturing plants in South Carolina and Utah.
Sleep Number hasn’t been involved in any recent lawsuits related to consumer safety. However, in 2017, the company did recall the foot warming accessory on certain models due to concerns of overheating.
A note on Sleep Number health claims
All Sleep Number smart beds have built-in SleepIQ technology. The company claims that this technology can give you insight into your sleep using biometrics, like heart rate and breathing.
We know sleep tracking technology can be exciting for tech savvy sleepers, but some companies make claims that their technology can improve your sleep or overall health. These claims are often hard or impossible to validate.
We always recommend picking a mattress based on the mattress itself rather than any sleep tracking technology that comes with it. If you’re having trouble sleeping, talk with your doctor about potential solutions before making your big mattress purchase.
Sleep Number customer reviews
Because Sleep Number mattresses can only be purchased through their stores and website, the company has a lot of control over published reviews. That’s worth keeping in mind when you browse the thousands of positive reviews on their website.
On Trustpilot, a third-party review site, Sleep Number has an average rating of 1.9 out of 5 stars based on 30 reviews. The company hasn’t claimed its profile on this website, and reviewers don’t clarify which mattress they own.
Many of the 1-star reviews on Trustpilot relate to poor sleep and negative customer service experiences, while the 5-star reviews praise the comfort and quality of Sleep Number mattresses.
Sleep Number trial and warranty
Sleep Number offers a 100-night trial that begins the day your new mattress arrives. The company asks that you give yourself 30 nights to adjust to your new mattress.
If you’re not happy after 30 nights and before the 100-night trial ends, you can contact the company to arrange a return or exchange. This is a necessary step, as the company must authorize all returns. Some accessories, including bases, cannot be returned.
Shipping and delivery fees apply for any permitted returns. In some cases, the only available return shipping option may mean the product is picked up by Sleep Number at your cost. Returns cannot be processed in retail stores.
Sleep Number mattresses have a 15-year limited warranty against defects in material and workmanship under normal use. If you have a claim during the first warranty year, you do not have to pay for repairs, but you may be responsible for shipping fees.
Costs go up significantly after the first year. Through year 11, you’re responsible for paying 30 percent plus 5 percent for each year from the date of purchase if you have a claim. From year 11 to year 15, you’ll pay 85 percent of the costs if you have a claim.
Warranties vary for Sleep Number accessories.
Takeaway
Sleep Number is a well-known mattress company in the adjustable air mattress category. It may be ideal if you share your bed with a partner and you both have different comfort and firmness preferences.
Thousands of reviewers share glowing feedback about Sleep Number mattresses, but many of these customers opted for upgrades that vastly increase the cost of the mattress.
If you’re curious about what an adjustable air mattress feels like, Sleep Number has hundreds of stores across the United States.
The company also offers a 100-night sleep trial if you decide to buy online. But keep in mind that you’ll likely need to pay return shipping fees if you decide Sleep Number isn’t for you.
Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. See what she’s up to now at jessicatimmons.com.
