Sleep Number has been a popular mattress brand for decades. The company is best known for its adjustable air beds, which allow sleepers to customize their mattress’s firmness on any given night. The brand produces several lines that feature different materials and are tailored to different types of sleepers. While Sleep Number beds’ customizable features offer a lot of benefits, they also come at a cost. These mattresses may simply be too pricey for many people’s budgets.
If you’re interested in the benefits of a Sleep Number bed but not the cost, have no fear! There are many sound alternatives on the mattress market these days. It’s possible to find a bed that offers many of the same features as a Sleep Number mattress for a budget-friendlier price. That’s exactly what you’ll find in our roundup of the best Sleep Number alternatives, so read on!
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Sleep Number Alternative?
Our expert reviewers chose the Saatva Solaire as the best Sleep Number bed alternative for its high-quality materials, adjustable option, and customization in firmness options.
The Best Sleep Number Mattress Alternatives
- Nectar with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number P Series Alternative
- Saatva Solaire – Best Sleep Number C Series Alternative
- The Pod By Eight Sleep – Best Sleep Number I Series Alternative
- Leesa with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number M Series Alternative
Compare the Best Sleep Number Alternatives
|
|
|
|
|
| Nectar Mattress | Saatva Solaire Mattress | Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress | Leesa Original Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Foam | Other | Foam | Foam |
| Cooling | -- | ✓ | ✓ | -- |
| Sleep Position | Back & Side | Combination | Back & Stomach | Combination |
How We Chose Our Top Picks
The Mattress Clarity review team has tested over 150 mattresses. But, the Sleep Number mattresses are very unique, and they come at a higher price point. For this list, we chose mattresses that will still offer some of the adjustability or smart bed technology you find in the Sleep Number mattresses.
We have paired each mattress with its comparable Sleep Number series of mattresses. If you have your heart set on a particular Sleep Number bed, we may have a worthy alternative for you.
Nectar with Adjustable Base vs. Sleep Number P Series
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
The Nectar is one of the most popular memory foam mattresses around. True to form, it has the classic feel of memory foam: It slowly conforms to a sleeper’s body, relieving pressure and gradually allowing the sleeper to sink into the mattress. This creates a comfortable sleep surface for several types of sleepers, including light- and medium-weight side sleepers and light- and medium-weight back sleepers. Not surprisingly, the Nectar mattress is also a great match for anyone who enjoys the feel of memory foam.
Even though the Nectar offers quite a bit of pressure relief, it’s actually not the softest mattress around. We ranked this bed right around medium-firm. The balance of comfort and support on the Nectar makes it a good match for folks who are looking to relieve pain (particularly hip pain). In fact, we’ve ranked it as one of the best mattresses for arthritis.
Because of its attention to comfort, the Nectar is a fitting alternative to the Sleep Number P Series, which is designed to offer loads of pressure relief. The mattresses in this line come with Sleep Number’s standard adjustable firmness settings. But they differ from some other Sleep Number beds thanks to a contouring sleep surface and extra comfort layers to create enhanced pressure relief—much like the Nectar.
What the testers say: “The Nectar is one of my favorite memory foam mattresses on the market due to its comfortable slow-moving feel. And, paired with an adjustable base, it helps relieve almost all pressure on my joints and key areas.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Nectar
- One of the best mattresses for the money
- Helps relieve hip pain and other aches and pains
- Good for light- and medium-weight back and/or side sleepers
Cons of the Nectar
- Might make you feel a bit stuck
- Not built for heavy people
- Not the coolest-sleeping mattress
Read the full Nectar Adjustable Base review here.
Saatva Solaire vs. Sleep Number C Series
Saatva Solaire Mattress
Material
Other
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Solaire Mattress
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
Material
Other
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Solaire Mattress
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
Material
Other
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
The Saatva Solaire mattress is an air bed with adjustable firmness. Sleepers use a remote control to inflate or deflate the mattress, which allows them to tailor the bed’s firmness and comfort levels—for a total of 50 different firmness options. The bed comes in two versions: Standard and Upper-Flex. The Upper-Flex uses an adjustable base so sleepers can raise and lower the head and/or foot. This makes the mattress exceptionally customizable.
The Solaire is made by the Saatva brand, an online mattress retailer with a reputation for making very high-quality mattresses. The Solaire is no exception. It’s the Saatva brand’s most luxurious mattress, and it’s made with high-quality and durable materials. This high-end bed is a great match for people who want a mattress with adjustable firmness, lightweight and medium-weight sleepers, people who want a mattress that works on an adjustable base, and those who want an adjustable mattress for couples.
Why is the Saatva Solaire a sound alternative to the Sleep Number C Series? Like the Saatva Solaire, the beds in the Sleep Number C (or “Classic”) Series use adjustable air chambers that allow sleepers to customize the firmness of their sleep surface. They have thin comfort layers between the air chambers and the top of the mattress, so they don’t offer a tremendous amount of pressure relief and they’re fairly responsive. The same is true for the Solaire mattress: It’s a responsive bed that should prevent sleepers from feeling stuck.
What the testers say: “When I reviewed the Saatva Solaire, it was very easy to use. I adjusted the firmness of the mattress using the attached remote and got just the right amount of support and comfort for all three sleeping positions.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Saatva Solaire
- Luxury mattress model that should stand the test of time
- Upper-Flex model work with an adjustable base
- Each side’s firmness can be adjusted
Cons of the Saatva Solaire
- May not support heavy people
- Not the most breathable mattress
- Still a pricier mattress
Read the full Saatva Solaire mattress review.
The Pod by Eight Sleep vs. Sleep Number I Series
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty for foam + 2-year for tech
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress
The Eight Sleep Pod Pro is a high-tech mattress that is designed to keep sleepers at the right temperature during the night.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty for foam + 2-year for tech
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress
The Eight Sleep Pod Pro is a high-tech mattress that is designed to keep sleepers at the right temperature during the night.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty for foam + 2-year for tech
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
The Eight Sleep Pod Pro is a high-tech bed that’s all about temperature regulation. When we say “high-tech,” we mean it! This bed incorporates an actual computer and a water pump. Together with the Active Grid cover, these components maintain an ideal mattress temperature by either cooling or warming the bed. In our experience, the Pod Pro is one of the best cooling mattresses around.
While the technical specs of this mattress are very noteworthy, it’s also important to consider its fundamentals. The Eight Sleep Pod Pro is an all-foam, bed-in-a-box mattress. It offers a medium-firm sleep surface that combines some pressure relief with support. Even though it’s an all-foam mattress, it’s fairly responsive, so it’s easy to move around on this bed. The Active Grid creates a slightly gel-like feel that’s distinct from more conventional mattress topper materials such as foam or tufted cotton.
Why did we pit the Eight Sleep Pod Pro against the Sleep Number I Series? Much like the Pod Pro, the beds in the Sleep Number I (or “Innovation”) Series are designed with temperature regulation in mind. They incorporate materials that are meant to absorb excess heat (so the sleeper doesn’t overheat) and then release some of that heat back to the sleeper if the mattress gets too cold. The Innovation Series is Sleep Numbers’ most luxurious line. In addition to temperature regulation, the beds also feature adjustable air chambers and enhanced pressure relief.
What the testers say: “When I lay down on the Eight Sleep Pod Pro, I was impressed by its advanced cooling design. I’m a hot sleeper, and the mattress was able to actually make me feel cold when I slept.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Eight Sleep
- Built-in computer and water pump regulate mattress temperature
- Each side’s temperature is adjustable
- Boasts a built-in sleep tracker
Cons of the Eight Sleep
- Not supportive for heavy people
- Costs close to the price of a Sleep Number
- No firmness adjustment
Read the full Eight Sleep Pod Pro mattress review.
Leesa with Adjustable Base vs. Sleep Number M Line
Leesa Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Leesa Original Mattress
Made with responsive foam, the Leesa Original mattress works well for side sleepers and hot sleepers.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Leesa Original Mattress
Made with responsive foam, the Leesa Original mattress works well for side sleepers and hot sleepers.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
The Leesa is a comfortable and very popular all-foam mattress. It offers an excellent balance of comfort and support, which makes it a versatile mattress that could suit several types of sleepers. Even though the Leesa is all-foam, it does a good job of sleeping cool. We found this mattress to be ideal for back sleepers, side sleepers, and hot sleepers who want an all-foam mattress that won’t make them overheat. It’s also worth noting that the Leesa can be used with an adjustable base, which makes this a fairly customizable mattress.
How does the Leesa achieve its versatile feel? For starters, it uses a proprietary LSA200 foam in its top comfort layer. This material is simultaneously soft, bouncy, breathable, and responsive. Beneath the LSA200 foam, there’s a layer of slower-moving memory foam that offers more body contouring. These comfort layers help create a balanced foam feel that is both soft and responsive, so sleepers enjoy pressure relief without feeling stuck in the mattress. For this reason, we’ve ranked the Leesa as one of the best soft mattresses.
We’ve suggested the Leesa as an alternative to the Sleep Number M line because of the similarities between these two beds. The “M” in this Sleep Number line stands for “Memory Foam.” Not surprisingly, the beds in this line are all made with memory foam layers that offer body contouring and pressure relief—much like the Leesa. The beds in this lineup are also equipped with cooling design features so the foam doesn’t cause sleepers to overheat. Again, this also holds true for the Leesa. And when you pair the Leesa with an adjustable base, it offers some of the same customization options as the M line.
What the testers say: “I enjoyed sleeping on the Leesa mattress, especially when I was on my back. It offered just the balance of comfort and support I needed. And, it worked well with an adjustable base for when I wanted to sit up to read or watch TV.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Leesa
- Has a balanced foam feel that is soft and responsive
- Can be paired with an adjustable base
- Great for side sleepers, back sleepers, and hot sleepers
Cons of the Leesa
- Too soft for stomach sleepers
- Not for fans of firm mattresses
- Doesn’t offer a memory foam feel
Compare the Sleep Number vs. Leesa mattress here.
What Is a Smart Bed?
A smart bed is not unlike a smartwatch or a smartphone: It’s a useful product that is technologically equipped to gather and share data (often through the use of sensors) and to enhance the user’s experience in a variety of ways. Smart bed functionalities range from tracking your sleep patterns to customizing the bed’s firmness, changing the position of the mattress, adjusting the bed’s temperature, offering a built-in alarm or TV, or syncing with a smartphone app or smart home devices.
Smart beds can be useful to a variety of sleepers. For instance, people who are struggling to obtain quality sleep might benefit from using a smart bed to track their sleep habits so they can adjust those patterns for the better. People with mobility issues might appreciate a smart bed that easily changes positions. People who are managing pain might want a smart bed that allows them to customize its firmness depending on how they’re feeling each night. And some people just like smart beds because they’re fun and innovative!
6 Things to Consider When Buying a Smart Bed
Before purchasing any smart bed, it’s important to consider several factors.
Firmness
Many smart beds allow you to customize their firmness so you can tailor the bed’s firmness to your chosen sleep position and other preferences on a nightly basis. If customization is important to you, be sure to look for a smart bed that enables you to adjust its firmness level.
Sleep Tracking
Do you want a bed that will monitor your sleep habits so you can track the quantity and quality of your sleep on a nightly basis? This can be useful if you tend to struggle with getting high-quality sleep, as you’ll be able to identify patterns and troubleshoot accordingly. On the other hand, some people find the idea of a bed that monitors their sleep to be stressful or invasive. There’s no right choice here; it comes down to what best suits your needs and feelings.
RELATED: Guide to Sleep Trackers & Apps
Cooling
Overheating at night is a quick way to ruin your chances at quality sleep. For this reason, it’s a good idea to consider whether the smart bed in question offers cooling components. Common cooling design features include gel or graphite infusions in foam layers, ventilated foams, and cooling cover materials such as Tencel, Celliant, and/or Phase Change Material.
Connecting to Devices
Some smart beds connect to a range of smart devices, including smartphones, smart alarms, smart TVs, and/or smart lighting systems. If you want a bed to connect to an app on your phone or integrate with your smart home devices, make sure the smart bed you’re considering is compatible with your existing tech.
Budget
No matter what kind of mattress you’re shopping for, it’s always important to consider your budget. Define your budget before you start shopping so you don’t have to go through the heartbreak of falling in love with a bed only to discover that it’s far too expensive. Establishing budgetary constraints will also enable you to narrow down your options so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
Trial Periods
Purchasing a bed online can feel daunting, because you never know for certain whether a bed will suit your needs until you’ve had a chance to test it out in person. That’s where trial periods come in! Trial periods, or “sleep trials,” allow you to test a mattress in the comfort of your own home for a certain period of time. In most cases, brands will offer free refunds if you decide to return the mattress before the end of the trial period. Of course, every brand is different, so it’s important to research trial period policies before you buy.
Adjustable Bases vs. Smart Beds
As we noted above, smart beds appeal to many people because they offer customizations and extra functions beyond a standard mattress. But buying a smart bed isn’t the only way to make your sleep setup more customizable. You might also consider an adjustable base, which lets you lift the head and/or foot of the mattress to elevate certain parts of your body and tailor the support to your activities and preferences. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of adjustable bases.
3 Pros of Adjustable Bases
- They’re budget-friendly. Adjustable bases generally cost less than high-tech smart mattresses. So you can obtain some of the functionality of a smart bed without having to pay full price.
- They offer unique features. Many adjustable bases come with thoughtful design features such as extra outlets for your phone or even massage capabilities. These touches can make spending time in bed much more pleasant.
- They’re useful for many health conditions. For instance, elevating your head can help minimize snoring and acid reflux, while minimizing your legs might be useful after an injury.
3 Cons of Adjustable Bases
- They’re more technologically limited. Many smart beds have built-in features that allow you to do so much more than adjust their position. These extra features could include the ability to adjust the bed’s temperature, firmness level, and feel. An adjustable base won’t necessarily allow for this level of customization.
- Some people don’t like the aesthetic. Many people do not like the way adjustable bases look from a design perspective, and they prefer the look of a more traditional bed frame.
- Their set-up can be cumbersome. Setting up an adjustable base often takes a good deal of time and effort, which is a turn-off for some folks. It’s also worth keeping this in mind if you have mobility issues.
Summary
| Best Sleep Number Alternative | Sleep Number Bed |
| Nectar with Adjustable Base | Sleep Number P Series |
| Saatva Solaire | Sleep Number C Series |
| The Pod By Eight Sleep | Sleep Number I Series |
| Leesa with Adjustable Base | Sleep Number M Series |
If you think a Sleep Number bed is the best option for you, we recommend checking out some of our Sleep Number coupons to save a bit of money!
FAQs
What is comparable to a Sleep Number bed?
Sleep Number offers several mattress lines, and they’re each designed a bit differently. So the best alternatives to Sleep Number vary depending on the line in question. For instance, the Saatva Solaire is a good alternative to the Sleep Number C Series, the Eight Sleep Pod Pro is comparable to the Sleep Number I Series, the Leesa with an adjustable base is similar to the Sleep Number M Line, and the Nectar mattress with an adjustable base is comparable to the Sleep Number P Series.
Is Sleep Number really worth it?
Sleep Number has been a popular mattress brand for longer than many brands have been in existence. The company offers quality mattresses with a wide range of materials and customizable features. Whether these beds are worth the price really comes down to personal preference. In general, these beds will really appeal to couples who want to personalize both sides of the bed, people with health conditions that require them to sit up or adjust the bed’s firmness on a regular basis, and people who are looking for a long-term investment.
What are the problems with Sleep Number beds?
No mattress is perfect. As with any mattress brand, Sleep Number receives its share of complaints. For instance, some people simply don’t feel comfortable on Sleep Number mattresses. Another common complaint is that there might be some slight sagging between the air chambers, which could mean the mattress doesn’t offer even support and could also make it harder for couples to cuddle near the center of the bed. Finally, some people aren’t satisfied with the terms of Sleep Number’s warranty. It’s definitely worth familiarizing yourself with that warranty before making a purchase.
