5 Best Sleep Number Mattress Alternatives
Last Updated: April, 2024
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Sleep Number is among the most popular companies when it comes to customization and comfort. They're well-known for manufacturing smart mattresses that allow sleepers to improve their sleep quality by allowing them to tailor their sleep surface to their unique preferences. However, the high-tech features and hefty price tags of their mattresses may not work well for most sleepers’ needs and budget.
If you're interested in the personalization and restorative sleep that Sleep Number mattresses offer but without the hefty investment, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll explore the best Sleep Number Mattress alternatives that stand toe-to-toe with this smart bed's offerings, delivering the luxury of adjustable firmness and comfort at a budget-friendlier price.
PlushBeds is running a flash sale on their mattresses, active April 30, 2024!
Overall Thoughts:
Unlike other Sleep Number mattresses, which are pretty expensive, the Sleep Number 360 c4 model comes with the quality, innovation, and comfort that make Sleep Number mattresses stand out, but without the hefty price tag. Compared to its sister model, the Sleep Number c2, the C4 has an added comfort layer that offers body contouring. Plus, it's a bit thicker and features unique technological integrations that make it compatible with SleepIQ technology.
This 10-inch mattress is made of a breathable polypropylene/polyester knit blend with 1 or 2 air chambers based on the size of your mattress. Sleep Number’s DualAir adjustability allows sleepers to adjust firmness, comfort, and support of their side of the bed to their Sleep Number setting. All you need to do is deflate or inflate the mattress to find the perfect feel for your body type and sleep position. The bed's 1.5-inch comfort layer boasts 3 zones of comfort designed to offer excellent pressure relief around sensitive body parts. Its top layer has soft fiberfill material that is sewn into the mattress and can be zipped on or off. For an additional cost, you can add Sleep Number's FlexFit Adjustable Base, which allows you to raise and adjust the foot and head of your mattress. This smart bed comes in 10 mattress sizes that range from Twin to Flextop California King. You can purchase the queen-size model for $1,599.
Why Is the PlushBeds Hybrid Luxury Mattress the Best Alternative for the Sleep Number 360 C4 Smart Mattress?
Unlike the C4 Smart Mattress, the PlushBeds Hybrid Luxury Mattress is a 12-inch bed that combines cotton, wool, and latex layers with a pocketed coil support system. This mattress is more eco-friendly than the C4 smart bed, which features synthetic materials and relies on electricity to function.The Luxury Bliss from PlushBeds is made of natural and organic materials certified by various environmental organizations. Other reasons these mattresses could be better Sleep Number alternatives include:
Ease of Movement
When we tested the PlushBeds Hybrid Luxury Mattress, we loved how it facilitated movement on top of the surface. Since latex provides minimal conforming, it won't inhibit movement like plusher memory foam beds would. In both the medium and firm versions, the coil support system adds some bounce to the surface, making it easier to change sleeping position and get in and out of the mattress. We recommend the PlushBeds Hybrid Latex Mattress to combination sleepers and active couples.
Superior Lower Back Support
Another advantage of the PlushBeds Hybrid Luxury Mattress is that it is specially designed to deliver superior body support and comfort, thanks to the fabric-encased coils. These coils also offer uncompromising edge-to-edge support, which minimizes motion transfer and results in more supportive sleep for years. If you want to give your bed additional customization, you can add the PlushBeds Luxury Adjustable Base, whose numerous angles give sleepers a sense of customization that is closer to Sleep Number. You can purchase the PlushBeds Hybrid Luxury Mattress for $1,499.50 for the queen-size model. Each purchase comes with a lifetime warranty and a 100-night sleep trial period.
Amerisleep AS5 - Sleep Number 360 psE Smart Mattress
Amerisleep is running a flash sale on their mattresses, active April 30, 2024!
Overall Thoughts:
Like other Sleep Number beds, the psE model is a smart mattress that allows sleepers to adjust their bed's temperature and mattress firmness level according to their unique needs. The mattress also boasts biometric sensors that track your sleep quality and give you insights on how you can improve your sleep.
We liked how its pressure-relieving layers cushioned our bodies and helped us sleep cool and comfortable. Plus, you can connect your mattress to other smart devices to create a smart sleeping environment. If you want an innovative and customizable bed that can adapt to your preferences, you'll never go wrong with this Sleep Number bed. It's currently going for $2,999 for the queen-size model.
What Makes the Amerisleep AS5 Stand Out?
While the Amerisleep AS5 is not a smart mattress, it boasts numerous features that make it an ideal Sleep Number bed alternative. As the softest and most expensive bed in the Amerisleep mattress line, the AS5 comes with multiple plush and absorbing layers over 12 inches thick. When combined, these layers create a sleep surface that's soft yet responsive, ideal for side and combination sleepers.
Excellent Pressure Relief and Cooling
We were really impressed by how Amerisleep's Bio-Pur comfort layer contoured to our bodies and relieved painful pressure points. Plus, it bounces back fast, so we didn't feel stuck when moving around at night. In addition to offering excellent pressure relief, this material features an open-cell design to allow more air to circulate throughout the mattress. According to the manufacturers, the Refresh Cover should sleep 7 degrees cooler at night. This cover also converts heat into far infrared energy, which speeds up muscle recovery and helps improve sleep quality.
Supportive Memory Foam Mattress Layers
We felt well supported while back and side sleeping on the AS5. While this is a soft mattress, its Active Flex foam layer adds extra support to the surface, which kept us from sinking too far into the bed. However, my hips bowed into the bed and pulled my spine out of alignment when I switched to my stomach. That said, if you're a stomach sleeper, you may want to opt for a firmer model, such as the Amerisleep AS1. You can purchase the AS5 for $2,199 for the queen-size mattress. Each purchase is backed by a 20-year warranty and a risk-free 100-night trial.
Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress + Molecule Adjustable Bed Frame - Sleep Number iLE Limited Edition
Molecule is running a flash sale on their mattresses, active April 30, 2024!
Overall Thoughts:
The Sleep Number iLE Limited Edition has many similar sleep tracking features and materials to its sister 1-8 and 1-10 versions. This 14-inch mattress is specially designed to offer excellent pressure relief, body support, and temperature regulation for a personalized sleeping experience. Depending on the size of your adjustable mattress, it will come with either one or two air chambers that allow you to adjust the support and mattress firmness level of your side of the mattress to your Sleep Number bed setting.
Above these chambers lies a 3-inch Exclusive Comfort Layer Foam that features a breathable airflow design and up to 5 different zones to contour to the body and offer support where you need it the most. At the top, you'll find a duvet-style pillowtop that has a 3-inch layer of hypersoft quilting foam. This mattress also comes with the Sleep Number Sleep IQ Technology to help track your sleep quality and offer valuable insights for better sleep.
Why Is the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress the Best Sleep Number Bed Alternative?
If you're searching for a more responsive and breathable mattress, we recommend the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress. While both the Sleep Number iLE Limited Edition and the Molecule 2 AirTEC are designed to offer comfort and support for different sleeper types, the Molecule 2 AirTEC Mattress combines the antimicrobial fighting properties of MOLECULEshield with their proprietary Air-Engineered technology for a clean, cool, and comfortable sleep. This mattress also pairs nicely with Molecule's Adjustable Bed Frame, allowing you to up its customizability.
Excellent Motion Isolation
Like other foam mattresses, the Molecule AirTEC Mattress does an exceptional task at isolating motion. Motion isolation is usually vital for those who share their beds with their kids or partners. If you fall into this category, you won't have to worry about being disturbed by your partner's movements during sleep.
Pressure-relieving and Responsive AirTEC Foam
AirTEC is Molecule's latest innovation when it comes to sleep material technology. Unlike traditional memory foam, this unique foam offers the responsiveness and bounciness of latex but with maximum airflow and the highest level of durability. This layer contours perfectly to the body, which helps relieve pressure around heavier body parts, such as the head, shoulders, and hips. What's more, the mattress' RecoveryFLO layer has up to 5 targeted and self-adjusting zones to offer additional pressure relief around different parts of the body. The Molecule 2 AirTEC boasts a lower price tag than the Sleep Number iLE Limited Edition. You only need around $1,299 to purchase the queen model, while the Sleep Number iLE Limited Edition costs about $5,500 for the same size. Each mattress has a limited lifetime warranty and a 100-night risk-free sleep trial period.
Nolah is running a flash sale on their mattresses, active April 30, 2024!
The Sleep Number 360 i8 includes virtually everything you need in a smart bed. Its Responsive Air Technology allows the mattress to sense your movements at night and automatically adjust the comfort, support, and firmness level of your bed. You'll also love the bed's snore-support feature, specially designed to assist with snoring. If you start snoring, the bed can detect and smoothly raise you to facilitate a quieter and comfortable sleep. That said, if you value the latest sleep tech and want a smart mattress that can deliver a personalized sleep experience, this i8 Mattress from Sleep Number can be a worthwhile investment.
Why Choose the Nolah Signature 12" as the Sleep Number Mattress Alternative?
If you're looking for a bed similar to the i8 smart beds but with a pocket-friendly price tag and comparable features, the Nolah Signature 12" is your holy grail. While not as adjustable as the Sleep Number i8, this mattress still delivers medium-firm support suitable to a wide range of sleepers. This hybrid mattress perfectly balances soft body cushioning and excellent support for zoned comfort, ideal for side sleepers. Plus, its temperature-neutral foam works hand in hand with the breathable organic cotton cover to keep hot sleepers cool at night.
Responsiveness and Pressure-relieving Design
When we tested the Nolah Signature 12 Mattress, we liked how AirFoam’s microscopic air bubbles evenly distributed our weight for maximum pressure relief. According to the manufacturers, a perforated band in the layer of zoned AirFoam elevates flexibility around the shoulders, making it easier for sleepers to change positions. The mattress also boasts AirFoam Flex technology that adds responsiveness to the surface for ease of movement and motion isolation.
Boosted Air Circulation
Much like the Sleep Number i8 Mattress, the Nolah Signature 12 Mattress has numerous cooling features that make it one of the best picks for hot sleepers. For starters, Nolah claims that their AirFoam layer dissipates heat 20% faster than traditional memory foam. This material is also CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it contains no toxic, heat-trapping chemicals. The plush, moisture-wicking organic cotton cover is highly breathable to help your mattress sleep cool. This mattress comes at $1,399 for the queen mattress. You'll also receive a lifetime warranty and a 120-night mattress trial.
Zoma is running a flash sale on their mattresses, active April 30, 2024!
The C2 Smart Mattress allows you to experience Sleep Number's customizable comfort and breathability at a great value. Unlike other Sleep Number mattresses, which have a Comfort Foam layer, the C2 bed comes with a plush fiberfill material sewn into a thin layer above the air chambers. This makes it a firm mattress that will give heavier sleepers the support and comfort they need. However, if you prefer a more plush sleep surface, you may want to consider investing in a separate mattress pad that can add some cushioning to the surface.
Why Opt for the Zoma Hybrid Instead?
While the Sleep Number 360 C2 Smart Mattress allows for customizable firmness, the Zoma Hybrid boasts a hybrid design that offers the perfect balance of cushioning and support, best suited to side sleepers, especially those weighing 130 and 230 pounds. The entire mattress is encased in a breathable AirCloth cover that wicks away excess heat and moisture for a cool night's sleep. Eco-conscious sleepers will be glad that the Zoma Hybrid is manufactured in the USA with eco-friendly processes. It contains CertiPUR-US foam, making it a smarter Sleep Number alternative for you and the environment.
Sturdy Edge Support
Hybrid beds usually offer sturdy edges, and the Zoma Hybrid is no exception. Its firm polyfoam layer wraps around the coil system to stabilize the edge. When we slept near the perimeter, we didn't sink in more than ideal, which enabled us to use the entire surface area of the mattress without the fear of rolling off.
Excellent Cooling
While the Sleep Number has mattresses with multiple cooling features, the Zoma Hybrid boasts a gel-infused memory foam layer that helps prevent heat retention for a cooler and more comfortable sleep experience. Its polyester-spandex cover is also designed to enhance the bed's breathability. In addition to offering whole-body contouring, stability, and edge support, the pocketed coil system promotes maximum airflow throughout the mattress, which further helps keep the surface cool and sweat-free. As a Sleep Number mattress, the C2 Mattress is customizable, while the Zoma Hybrid isn't. However, you can pair it with the brand's adjustable bed frame and get many different height options, not to mention other bells and whistles like the massage function and under-bed LED lighting. This hybrid is currently going for $1,050 for the queen bed. Each purchase comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial period.
How to Choose the Right Mattress for Your Needs
When looking for a new mattress, it's always wise to consider several vital factors before you make a purchase decision. Some of the essential elements to keep in mind include:
Mattress Type
If you're shopping for a new mattress for the first time, you might have already noticed that the number of quality options can be dizzying. A perfect way of getting your bearings is by first thinking about mattress types. Virtually every mattress in the market today can be classified as one of five types - innerspring, foam, latex, hybrid, or adjustable airbed. Keep in mind that each of these types comes with its own set of merits and demerits and caters to different sleep preferences. Memory foam mattresses, for instance, tend to offer above-average motion isolation and pressure relief, making them a solid pick for side sleepers and co-sleepers. By knowing the basics about these mattresses, you'll have a solid foundation that will give you the upper hand as you continue with your hunt for the best mattress.
Body Weight
Your body weight can greatly influence the firmness level you'll need for optimal spinal support and comfort. For example, lightweight sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds don't usually sink as far into the surface. So, a softer mattress will give them the contouring they need for pressure-relieving comfort.
Preferred Sleeping Position
Your preferred sleeping positions can also determine the mattress type and the firmness level that will offer the best support for spinal alignment. For instance, if you're a stomach or back sleeper, you may be better off with a firmer mattress as additional support often feels more comfortable and supportive in these positions. Side sleepers, on the other hand, might need a softer mattress that can cushion their sharp pressure points and ensure their neck and head are in perfect alignment.
Trial Period and Return Policies
You also want to know your brand's policies before making a purchase decision. Here, we recommend going for companies with risk-free sleep trial periods and clearly stated return policies. This will allow you to test your bed in the comfort of your home and return it if you're unsatisfied with its performance.
Budget
Sometimes, the best mattress for your needs isn't what's perfect for your preferences, but what's the best alternative within your budget range. It's always wise to consider buying a quality bed as it's an investment in your sleep quality and overall well-being. Remember, a mattress may be pocket-friendly, but it may experience premature sagging, putting you back on the drawing board. Another model may be more expensive, but it may have long-lasting materials that deliver restorative sleep for years to come.
Choosing the Best Foundation for Your Mattress
Just like shopping for a new mattress, there are some key considerations you have to keep in mind before settling for a specific mattress foundation. They include:
Type of Mattress
It's worth noting that different types of mattresses need different levels of support. For instance, if you're using an all-foam mattress, you don't want to put it on a box spring as you risk damaging the support and consistency of the foam material, drastically minimizing your mattress’ lifespan. Instead, all-foam models work well with solid foundations, such as platform beds and adjustable bed frames.
Material and Build
You also want to look for a bed frame that can comfortably support your weight and mattress. Generally, bed frames come in either metal or wooden models, with some being partially upholstered and others completely upholstered. Wooden slats are common options, as they're long-lasting and low-maintenance. While metal foundations are also durable and easy to maintain, they can be pretty hard to touch up during repairs.
Height and Size
Most mattress foundations sit between 16 inches and 24 inches, so the perfect pick for you will depend on your height and needs. Keep in mind that if your bed frame is higher off the ground, it will make it a bit challenging to get in and out of bed. We recommend opting for a model that allows you to sit around the perimeter of the mattress comfortably with your legs flat on the surface.
Closing Thoughts
That does it for our roundup of the best Sleep Number alternatives. While the Sleep Number brand has established a high benchmark with its customizable features and hefty price tag, the above alternatives offer similar personalization without breaking the bank or compromising overall quality. You can rest assured of finding a bed that feels just right for your body type, sleep position, and budget.