Sleep Number is one of the leading manufacturers of airbed mattresses. All Sleep Number models are designed with two internal air chambers, one running lengthwise on each side of the mattress. Owners can adjust the firmness of the bed by increasing or decreasing the amount of air in each chamber using the built-in Firmness Control System.
Currently, the company offers a total of nine beds belonging to three exclusive collections.
The Classic series consists of two models, the c2 and c4. The c2 is constructed with a 2″ comfort layer of gel-infused polyfoam; its firmness range is ‘Medium Firm’ to ‘Firm,’ or a 6-7 on the 1-10 firmness scale. The c4 has a slightly thicker (3″) gel-infused polyfoam comfort layer. Its firmness range is ‘Medium’ to ‘Firm’ (5-7).
The Performance series includes three models: the p5, pSE, and p6. The p5 has a 4″ polyfoam comfort layer; its firmness settings range from ‘Medium Soft’ to ‘Firm’ (4-7). The pSE also has a 4″ polyfoam comfort layer, but its firmness range is slightly different – about ‘Medium’ to ‘Firm’ (5-7.5). Lastly, the p6 has a 5″ polyfoam comfort layer; this model’s firmness options range from ‘Medium Soft’ to ‘Medium Firm’ (4-6).
The Innovation series includes the i8, i10, and iLE models. The i8 and iLE both have 6″ comfort layers of polyfoam, and firmness ranges of ‘Medium Soft’ to ‘Medium Firm’ (4-6). The i10 has a 7″ comfort system with memory foam and polyfoam layers. Its firmness options range from ‘Soft’ to ‘Medium Firm’ (3-6).
As with many competing airbeds, adjustable firmness is one of the biggest advantages of Sleep Number mattresses. The brand’s wide product selection also ensures that most sleepers will be able to find a bed that offers settings suitable for their firmness preferences, body type, and sleep position.
Sleep Number mattresses also excel at motion isolation overall, and most produce less noise than airbed models from other manufacturers.
Prices vary significantly by Sleep Number collection. The Classic series consists of models with price-points that are much lower than that of the average airbed, and are more comparable to luxury memory foam or hybrid models.
The Performance series has airbeds that are on par with industry averages. Airbeds in the Innovation series have above-average price-points. Sleep Number backs each mattress with a 100-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.
Read on to learn more about how Sleep Number airbeds compare to the competition and rate in terms of construction, pricing, and performance. This guide also includes an overview of the brand’s shipping, return, and warranty policies, along with some similar brand recommendations.
Compare Mattresses
How Do Sleep Number Mattresses Compare to Other Beds?
As any consumer does with a product they’re considering, our mattress assessments naturally involve comparing them with other similar products. Be it composition, firmness, or price, we think it’s important to see how Sleep Number mattresses stack up to other beds.
Like many competing airbeds, Sleep Number mattresses offer adjustable firmness settings that provide a wider comfort range than most mattresses made from different materials (such as memory foam or latex). The built-in SleepIQ tracking technology is another benefit, particularly for sleepers who like to monitor their nightly routines.
The firmer Classic series models are most suitable for heavier back and stomach sleepers. The softer Innovation series airbeds are optimal for lighter side and back sleepers. The Performance series beds – offering the widest firmness range – are suitable for most sleepers regardless of their weight or preferred position.
However, Sleep Number mattresses are generally quite expensive and include a minimum of $199 in delivery fees on top of the product price. Other potential disadvantages include noise potential, excessively cool sleeping, and edge support that is fair at best.
Check out our selections below if you’d like to see a few comparable mattresses.
Specifies how long the product maintains structure, providing comfort and support before it begins to deteriorate. For reference, the average mattress lifespan is 6-8 years.
Sleep Number Classic Series mattresses tend to wear out faster than other airbed models, according to owners. Foam degradation and leaky air chambers are some of the chief complaints.
Durability
x
Specifies how long the product maintains structure, providing comfort and support before it begins to deteriorate. For reference, the average mattress lifespan is 6-8 years.
Sleep Number Classic Series mattresses tend to wear out faster than other airbed models, according to owners. Foam degradation and leaky air chambers are some of the chief complaints.
Motion Isolation
x
A measure of how effectively a mattress absorbs motion across its surface, preventing partner disturbance.
Sleep Number Classic Series mattresses absorb and minimize motion transfer to a significant extent.
Motion Isolation
x
A measure of how effectively a mattress absorbs motion across its surface, preventing partner disturbance.
Sleep Number Classic Series mattresses absorb and minimize motion transfer to a significant extent.
Off-gassing
x
Most new products emit chemical smells after being removed from packaging. Off-gassing odors are considered non-toxic, but can be quite unpleasant nonetheless.
The Classic series mattresses produce a minimal amount of off-gassing odor, which is typical for airbeds.
Off-gassing
x
Most new products emit chemical smells after being removed from packaging. Off-gassing odors are considered non-toxic, but can be quite unpleasant nonetheless.
The Classic series mattresses produce a minimal amount of off-gassing odor, which is typical for airbeds.
Pressure Relief
x
This refers to the degree to which a mattress molds to or cradles the contours of the body. This helps alleviate pressure point pain, especially on the hips and shoulders.
Firmness settings for the C2 and C4 airbeds range from 'Medium' to 'Firm,' offering ideal conforming for those who weigh at least 130 lbs.
Pressure Relief
x
This refers to the degree to which a mattress molds to or cradles the contours of the body. This helps alleviate pressure point pain, especially on the hips and shoulders.
Firmness settings for the C2 and C4 airbeds range from 'Medium' to 'Firm,' offering ideal conforming for those who weigh at least 130 lbs.
Temperature Neutrality
x
The temperature of a mattress throughout the night is affected by how much body heat is retained. Several factors affect temperature neutrality, including material composition, layer thickness, and dissipation of heat through airflow.
Sleep Number Classic airbeds sleep fairly cool, though it may feel too cool for some.
Temperature Neutrality
x
The temperature of a mattress throughout the night is affected by how much body heat is retained. Several factors affect temperature neutrality, including material composition, layer thickness, and dissipation of heat through airflow.
Sleep Number Classic airbeds sleep fairly cool, though it may feel too cool for some.
Edge Support
x
The degree to which the perimeter of the mattress supports body weight. In some cases, mattresses may sink when weight is applied. This sinkage, often called “roll-off”, affects how closely you might sleep to the edge of the bed.
Sleep Number Classic airbeds offer some edge support, giving them a slight advantage over memory foam and latex models, but sinkage where people sit has been reported.
Edge Support
x
The degree to which the perimeter of the mattress supports body weight. In some cases, mattresses may sink when weight is applied. This sinkage, often called “roll-off”, affects how closely you might sleep to the edge of the bed.
Sleep Number Classic airbeds offer some edge support, giving them a slight advantage over memory foam and latex models, but sinkage where people sit has been reported.
Noise
x
Certain mattresses – particularly those with coils – can be quite noisy when bearing weight. Others are nearly silent. Material composition is often the limiting factor for noise potential.
The C2 and C4 have a Firmness Control system that produces a fair amount of noise when air chamber levels are adjusted, but the mattress itself is fairly quiet.
Noise
x
Certain mattresses – particularly those with coils – can be quite noisy when bearing weight. Others are nearly silent. Material composition is often the limiting factor for noise potential.
The C2 and C4 have a Firmness Control system that produces a fair amount of noise when air chamber levels are adjusted, but the mattress itself is fairly quiet.
Sex
x
Mattresses that are bouncier and more responsive tend to be better for sex, as they’re easier to change positions on. In contrast, unresponsive mattresses can cause couples to have trouble switching positions.
Sleep Number Classic airbeds feature a small trench between the air chambers that runs down the middle of the mattress, creating an uneven surface that can negatively impact sex.
Sex
x
Mattresses that are bouncier and more responsive tend to be better for sex, as they’re easier to change positions on. In contrast, unresponsive mattresses can cause couples to have trouble switching positions.
Sleep Number Classic airbeds feature a small trench between the air chambers that runs down the middle of the mattress, creating an uneven surface that can negatively impact sex.
Durability
x
Specifies how long the product maintains structure, providing comfort and support before it begins to deteriorate. For reference, the average mattress lifespan is 6-8 years.
The expected lifespan of a Performance series mattress from Sleep Number is about seven to eight years, which is slightly below-average for airbed models. Foam degradation and/or leaky chambers are the two most common issues.
Durability
x
Specifies how long the product maintains structure, providing comfort and support before it begins to deteriorate. For reference, the average mattress lifespan is 6-8 years.
The expected lifespan of a Performance series mattress from Sleep Number is about seven to eight years, which is slightly below-average for airbed models. Foam degradation and/or leaky chambers are the two most common issues.
Motion Isolation
x
A measure of how effectively a mattress absorbs motion across its surface, preventing partner disturbance.
Motion isolation is a key strength of the p5, pSE, and p6 airbeds; the surfaces absorb and minimize movement to a significant extent.
Motion Isolation
x
A measure of how effectively a mattress absorbs motion across its surface, preventing partner disturbance.
Motion isolation is a key strength of the p5, pSE, and p6 airbeds; the surfaces absorb and minimize movement to a significant extent.
Off-gassing
x
Most new products emit chemical smells after being removed from packaging. Off-gassing odors are considered non-toxic, but can be quite unpleasant nonetheless.
The Performance series airbeds emit little to no off-gassing – typical for this mattress type.
Off-gassing
x
Most new products emit chemical smells after being removed from packaging. Off-gassing odors are considered non-toxic, but can be quite unpleasant nonetheless.
The Performance series airbeds emit little to no off-gassing – typical for this mattress type.
Pressure Relief
x
This refers to the degree to which a mattress molds to or cradles the contours of the body. This helps alleviate pressure point pain, especially on the hips and shoulders.
Mattresses in the Performance series offer firmness settings ranging from 'Medium Soft' to 'Firm'; this range accommodates most sleepers regardless of their body type of preferred position.
Pressure Relief
x
This refers to the degree to which a mattress molds to or cradles the contours of the body. This helps alleviate pressure point pain, especially on the hips and shoulders.
Mattresses in the Performance series offer firmness settings ranging from 'Medium Soft' to 'Firm'; this range accommodates most sleepers regardless of their body type of preferred position.
Temperature Neutrality
x
The temperature of a mattress throughout the night is affected by how much body heat is retained. Several factors affect temperature neutrality, including material composition, layer thickness, and dissipation of heat through airflow.
The p5, pSE, and p6 sleep fairly cool – too cool for some.
Temperature Neutrality
x
The temperature of a mattress throughout the night is affected by how much body heat is retained. Several factors affect temperature neutrality, including material composition, layer thickness, and dissipation of heat through airflow.
The p5, pSE, and p6 sleep fairly cool – too cool for some.
Edge Support
x
The degree to which the perimeter of the mattress supports body weight. In some cases, mattresses may sink when weight is applied. This sinkage, often called “roll-off”, affects how closely you might sleep to the edge of the bed.
The Performance series mattresses offer some edge support but sinkage typically occurs over time.
Edge Support
x
The degree to which the perimeter of the mattress supports body weight. In some cases, mattresses may sink when weight is applied. This sinkage, often called “roll-off”, affects how closely you might sleep to the edge of the bed.
The Performance series mattresses offer some edge support but sinkage typically occurs over time.
Noise
x
Certain mattresses – particularly those with coils – can be quite noisy when bearing weight. Others are nearly silent. Material composition is often the limiting factor for noise potential.
Each Performance series mattress has a Firmness Control system that can produce a fair amount of noise when adjusting air chamber levels but the mattresses itself are fairly quiet on their own.
Noise
x
Certain mattresses – particularly those with coils – can be quite noisy when bearing weight. Others are nearly silent. Material composition is often the limiting factor for noise potential.
Each Performance series mattress has a Firmness Control system that can produce a fair amount of noise when adjusting air chamber levels but the mattresses itself are fairly quiet on their own.
Sex
x
Mattresses that are bouncier and more responsive tend to be better for sex, as they’re easier to change positions on. In contrast, unresponsive mattresses can cause couples to have trouble switching positions.
Performance series airbeds are constructed with a trench between the chambers, which often causes the surface to feel uneven (and uncomfortable) during sex.
Sex
x
Mattresses that are bouncier and more responsive tend to be better for sex, as they’re easier to change positions on. In contrast, unresponsive mattresses can cause couples to have trouble switching positions.
Performance series airbeds are constructed with a trench between the chambers, which often causes the surface to feel uneven (and uncomfortable) during sex.
Durability
x
Specifies how long the product maintains structure, providing comfort and support before it begins to deteriorate. For reference, the average mattress lifespan is 6-8 years.
Mattresses in Sleep Number's Innovation series tend to wear out faster than competing airbeds, often due to foam degradation and/or leaky air chambers .
Durability
x
Specifies how long the product maintains structure, providing comfort and support before it begins to deteriorate. For reference, the average mattress lifespan is 6-8 years.
Mattresses in Sleep Number's Innovation series tend to wear out faster than competing airbeds, often due to foam degradation and/or leaky air chambers .
Motion Isolation
x
A measure of how effectively a mattress absorbs motion across its surface, preventing partner disturbance.
Sleep Number Innovation Series mattresses offer strong motion isolation, which can benefit couples who awaken easily due to movement.
Motion Isolation
x
A measure of how effectively a mattress absorbs motion across its surface, preventing partner disturbance.
Sleep Number Innovation Series mattresses offer strong motion isolation, which can benefit couples who awaken easily due to movement.
Off-gassing
x
Most new products emit chemical smells after being removed from packaging. Off-gassing odors are considered non-toxic, but can be quite unpleasant nonetheless.
Off-gassing is not a major issue with any of the Innovation series models.
Off-gassing
x
Most new products emit chemical smells after being removed from packaging. Off-gassing odors are considered non-toxic, but can be quite unpleasant nonetheless.
Off-gassing is not a major issue with any of the Innovation series models.
Pressure Relief
x
This refers to the degree to which a mattress molds to or cradles the contours of the body. This helps alleviate pressure point pain, especially on the hips and shoulders.
The Innovation series airbeds offer firmness settings ranging from 'Soft' to 'Medium Firm.' These settings are optimal for people who weigh 230 lbs. or less, particularly side sleepers.
Pressure Relief
x
This refers to the degree to which a mattress molds to or cradles the contours of the body. This helps alleviate pressure point pain, especially on the hips and shoulders.
The Innovation series airbeds offer firmness settings ranging from 'Soft' to 'Medium Firm.' These settings are optimal for people who weigh 230 lbs. or less, particularly side sleepers.
Temperature Neutrality
x
The temperature of a mattress throughout the night is affected by how much body heat is retained. Several factors affect temperature neutrality, including material composition, layer thickness, and dissipation of heat through airflow.
Like many other airbeds, the Innovation series models sleep fairly cool; this can benefit hot sleepers, but may feel excessively chilly to others.
Temperature Neutrality
x
The temperature of a mattress throughout the night is affected by how much body heat is retained. Several factors affect temperature neutrality, including material composition, layer thickness, and dissipation of heat through airflow.
Like many other airbeds, the Innovation series models sleep fairly cool; this can benefit hot sleepers, but may feel excessively chilly to others.
Edge Support
x
The degree to which the perimeter of the mattress supports body weight. In some cases, mattresses may sink when weight is applied. This sinkage, often called “roll-off”, affects how closely you might sleep to the edge of the bed.
Edge support is fair for Sleep Number's Innovation series models, and sinkage typically occurs after a few years of regular use.
Edge Support
x
The degree to which the perimeter of the mattress supports body weight. In some cases, mattresses may sink when weight is applied. This sinkage, often called “roll-off”, affects how closely you might sleep to the edge of the bed.
Edge support is fair for Sleep Number's Innovation series models, and sinkage typically occurs after a few years of regular use.
Noise
x
Certain mattresses – particularly those with coils – can be quite noisy when bearing weight. Others are nearly silent. Material composition is often the limiting factor for noise potential.
The Firmness Control system found in Innovation series airbeds can be somewhat noisy when adjusting air chamber levels, but the mattress itself is fairly quiet.
Noise
x
Certain mattresses – particularly those with coils – can be quite noisy when bearing weight. Others are nearly silent. Material composition is often the limiting factor for noise potential.
The Firmness Control system found in Innovation series airbeds can be somewhat noisy when adjusting air chamber levels, but the mattress itself is fairly quiet.
Sex
x
Mattresses that are bouncier and more responsive tend to be better for sex, as they’re easier to change positions on. In contrast, unresponsive mattresses can cause couples to have trouble switching positions.
The i8, iLE, and i10 each have a small trench between the air chambers that delineates the mattress; this can make the surface feel uneven and uncomfortable during sex.
Sex
x
Mattresses that are bouncier and more responsive tend to be better for sex, as they’re easier to change positions on. In contrast, unresponsive mattresses can cause couples to have trouble switching positions.
The i8, iLE, and i10 each have a small trench between the air chambers that delineates the mattress; this can make the surface feel uneven and uncomfortable during sex.
What Type of Sleeper is Best Suited to a Sleep Number Mattress?
Based on our customer feedback, Sleep mattresses have received the following grades among sleepers of different weights and preferred sleep positions.
Please note that these ratings are subjective, and that everyone has varying experiences on different mattresses. Sleeper comfort and spinal support are the most important factors when it comes to selecting a mattress.
For more information on sleeping positions please see our guides for side, back, stomach and combination sleepers.
Classic Series (c2, c4)
Performance Series (p5, pSE, p6)
Innovation Series (i8, iLE, i10)
Weight
Light
Average
Heavy
Sleep Position
Less than 130 LBS
130 LBS - 230 LBS
Greater than 230 LBS
Side
Back
Stomach
Weight
Light
Average
Heavy
Sleep Position
Less than 130 LBS
130 LBS - 230 LBS
Greater than 230 LBS
Side
Back
Stomach
Weight
Light
Average
Heavy
Sleep Position
Less than 130 LBS
130 LBS - 230 LBS
Greater than 230 LBS
Side
Back
Stomach
As you can see, Sleeper ratings for Sleep Number mattresses vary by collection. The Classic series has more limited firmness ranges that gravitate toward firmer settings; these beds are ideal for heavier individuals, including back and stomach sleepers.
The Innovation series airbeds have softer firmness ranges, making them suitable for lighter people – particularly side sleepers.
Performance series mattresses offer the widest firmness ranges; most sleepers should be able to find a suitable Performance series airbed regardless of their weight or sleep position.
Sleep Number Mattress Recommendations
We Recommend the Classic if...
You’d like to own a bed with adjustable firmness settings.
You prefer firmer sleep surfaces.
You enjoy tracking sleep data.
We Recommend the Performance if...
You’d like to own a bed with adjustable firmness settings.
You prefer moderately soft/firm sleep surfaces.
You enjoy tracking sleep data.
We Recommend the Innovation if...
You’d like to own a bed with adjustable firmness settings.
You prefer softer sleep surfaces.
You enjoy tracking sleep data.
We've given Sleep Number the Following Awards
After the data collection and testing we’ve done, here are the categories where Sleep Number mattresses stood out:
What You Need to Know About Sleep Number Mattresses
Sizing and Pricing
Below you’ll find current price ranges for the Sleep Number collections in each available size. Please note that Innovation series models are not sold in Twin sizes.
Twin$599 to $1,199 (Classic)$1,549 to $2,199 (Performance)
Twin XL
$699 to $1,299 (Classic)$1,699 to $2,299 (Performance)$2,649 to $4,399 (Innovation)
Full
$799 to $1,349 (Classic)$1,974 to $2,599 (Performance)$2,924 to $4,764 (Innovation)
Queen
$999 to $1,499 (Classic)$2,099 to $2,799 (Performance)$3,099 to $4,999 (Innovation)
King
$1,499 to $1,999 (Classic)$2,599 to $3,399 (Performance)$3,799 to $5,699 (Innovation)
Cal King
$1,499 to $1,999 (Classic)$2,599 to $3,399 (Performance)$3,799 to $5,699 (Innovation)
Construction and Firmness
All Sleep Number mattresses have a prescribed firmness range; owners add or remove air from the air chambers to adjust the feel within this range. The following table lists firmness range, thickness, and composition specs for each current Sleep Number model.
Sleep Number Collection
Mattress Name
Firmness Ranges
Thickness
Support Core Components
Comfort Layer Components
Cover Components
Classic
c2
6-7 (‘Medium Firm’ to ‘Firm’)
8″
Dual Air Chambers
2″ Gel-infused Polyfoam
Rayon and Polypropylene Blend
c4
5-7 (‘Medium’ to ‘Firm’)
9″
Dual Air Chambers
3″ Gel-infused Polyfoam
Polyester and Polypropylene Blend
Performance
p5
4-7 (‘Medium Soft’ to ‘Firm’)
10″
Dual Air Chambers
4″ Polyfoam
Rayon and Polypropylene Blend
pSE
5-7.5 (‘Medium’ to ‘Firm’)
10″
Dual Air Chambers
4″ Polyfoam
Rayon and Polypropylene Blend
p6
4-6 (‘Medium Soft’ to ‘Firm’)
11″
Dual Air Chambers
5″ Polyfoam
Polyester and Rayon Blend
Innovation
i8
4-6 (‘Medium Soft’ to ‘Medium Firm’
12″
Dual Air Chambers
6″ Polyfoam
Polyester and Polypropylene Blend
iLE
4-6 (‘Medium Soft’ to ‘Medium Firm’
12″
Dual Air Chambers
6″ Polyfoam
Polyester and Polypropylene Blend
i10
3-6 (‘Soft’ to ‘Medium Firm’)
13″
Dual Air Chambers
7″ Memory Foam and Polyfoam Layers
Polyester and Polypropylene Blend
Availability
Sleep Number mattresses are available on the Sleep Number website, and select models may also be sold on Amazon.com and through other third-party retailers. Sleep Number also operates brick-and-mortar stores across the United States. A store directory is available on the company’s website.
Sleep Number mattresses are shipped in one to six individual boxes, depending on the selected model. They are delivered without air in the chambers.
Where Do They Ship?
Sleep Number ships mattresses to all 50 states.
White Glove Delivery?
As part of its Comfort Service Home Delivery program, Sleep Number offers in-home setup and old mattress removal with airbed orders to all 50 states. This service is priced at $199 for customers in most areas. Those living in remote areas pay additional charges for home setup.
Full Shipping Details
The delivery policy for Sleep Number is as follows:
During in-home setup, customers must ensure their bed is assembled near an electrical outlet; otherwise the adjustable firmness function will not work.
Sleep Number offers free ground shipping through UPS, for some products, but the brand’s mattresses do not qualify for this type of delivery.
Old Mattress Removal
Old mattress removal is included with Sleep Number’s in-home setup service, which costs at least $199.
Trial Period and Warranty Details
Trial Period and Guarantee
Sleep Number offers a 100-night sleep trial for all current mattresses.
This sleep trial requires a 30-night break-in period; customers may not return their mattress for a refund until at least 30 nights have elapsed.
Sleep Number also offers exchanges as part of the sleep trial. In the event of an upgrade, customers must pay the difference between the original mattress and its replacement; if a downgrade occurs, customers receive a partial refund.
Sleep Number issues a full product refund for all mattress returns within 21 business days of the mattress being shipped back to the company, but customers are responsible for all associated shipping and transportation costs. Sleep Number must receive returned mattresses within 30 days of the request.
Warranty
Sleep Number offers a 25-year warranty for all mattresses in the Classic, Performance, and Innovation collections:
All warranties are partially prorated. The warranty is nonprorated for the first 2 years. From years 3 to 19, owners pay a prorated charge of 20% of the original product price for mattress replacements, plus 4% for each year of ownership. From years 20 to 25, owners pay a flat prorated charge of 96% of the original product price.
The warranty will not cover the following:
Defects that result from normal wear and tear, such as issues with the mattress cover or foam compression, bunching, or discoloration.
Damage that occurs due to tampering with the built-in Firmness Control System.
Any type of physical damage that occurs after the mattress has been manufactured/shipped.
This warranty is non-transferable. It is exclusively available to original owners who purchase their mattress from Sleep Number or an authorized retailer. Those who buy or acquire their mattress from the original owner or a non-authorized retailer do not receive warranty coverage.
Company Information
Customer Service
8 out of 10 owner experiences show that customers have had a positive experience with Sleep Number, irrespective of whether or not they liked their mattress.
BBB Rating
A+
Company History
Sleep Number has been in business since 1987.
Physical Stores
Sleep Number operates more than 450 brick-and-mortar stores across the United States. A full store directory is available online.
