Sleep Number is known for their adjustable mattresses that help you find the exact level of firmness you need for a restful night’s sleep. Their mattresses are actually air beds that hook up to a hose and pump, so you can inflate or deflate the bed to your exact comfort level.
Sleep Number gets its name because each user gets their own “Sleep Number” —a number between 1 and 100 that indicates how soft or hard you like your bed. The hope is once you find your perfect sleep number, you know exactly how your mattress should feel to enjoy deep sleep.
While Sleep Number is definitely innovative, the technical aspects of it — along with the fact it is indeed an air mattress (though intended for permanent use) — means it comes with a set of common complaints. This article will dive into some of the most frequent customer criticisms, then provide an alternative mattress that might address the issue. Here are the issues and beds we’re including:
- The Mattress Sagging: Our Recommended Alternative – Saatva
- Being Uncomfortable: Our Recommended Alternative – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Breakdowns and Malfunctions: Our Recommended Alternative – Bear Elite Hybrid
- Bad Customer Service: Our Recommended Alternative – Nolah Evolution
- Price: Our Recommended Alternative – DreamCloud Original
The Five Most Common Sleep Number Problems
These are the issues we frequently encountered when researching if Sleep Number is right for you. They all come from reviews written by customers who purchased a Sleep Number bed.
#1 – Trench Effect
The most prominent complaint throughout all Sleep Numbers reviews was talk about the “trench effect,” which is when the mattress sags in the middle and one or both people on the bed slide into it. Because most Sleep Number beds come with two air chambers (so each person can adjust their side to their liking), if one side is significantly more firm or soft than the other, the bed is uneven and is susceptible to sag in the middle.
What one reviewer said: “I have had it less than a year and towards the middle of the bed I get a dip. I keep rolling into the middle because the outside of my side is higher than the middle side. I’ve run it to 100 and let it sit, but as soon as I set it back down to comfortable BOOM back in the middle.”
We think a good alternative solution to this problem would be the Saatva. An innerspring mattress with two layers of coils, the Saatva has a ton of support to keep the bed from sagging.
Our Favorite Mattress That Won’t Sag – Saatva
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It's a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
We were skeptical of buying a mattress on line but it could not have gone any smoother. Anthony answered all of our questions during our many phone conversations. Delivery was prompt and went without a hitch. Best of all the mattress is so comfortable! I haven't had such a good night sleep in years. Highly recommend this.
Patty, Saatva customerSaatva Mattress
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It's a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
We were skeptical of buying a mattress on line but it could not have gone any smoother. Anthony answered all of our questions during our many phone conversations. Delivery was prompt and went without a hitch. Best of all the mattress is so comfortable! I haven't had such a good night sleep in years. Highly recommend this.
Patty, Saatva customer
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It's a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
We were skeptical of buying a mattress on line but it could not have gone any smoother. Anthony answered all of our questions during our many phone conversations. Delivery was prompt and went without a hitch. Best of all the mattress is so comfortable! I haven't had such a good night sleep in years. Highly recommend this.
Patty, Saatva customerRead more in our full Saatva mattress review, or click here for the best deal. You can also see our list of the best mattresses that won’t sag for other options.
#2 – Comfort
People have also complained about Sleep Number beds being uncomfortable. Some talk about the bed deflating too often and others say it simply feels like a glorified air mattress. Also, depending on the model you receive, some Sleep Numbers don’t come with a cushioned mattress pad, making the bed feel extra firm.
What one reviewer said: “Basically, you’re sleeping on a high-priced air mattress. Feels like camping.”
For anyone worried about comfort, we recommend the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid. Up top, there’s cushy memory foam for pressure relief at the shoulders, hips, and lumbar region. However, the coils at the bottom of the mattress ensure that there’s plenty of support for your spine to stay neutrally aligned. Even though it’s not an adjustable mattress, its winning combination of comfort and support should appeal to a wide range of folks.
Our Most Comfortable Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a hybrid mattress made out of a combination of memory foam and latex foam. The Signature offers a good amount of bounce that combination sleepers who move around in the middle of the night can enjoy.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
I bought this for my 92 year old father in law, after he tried mine that I purchased 7 years ago. He raves about it every day, he says he falls asleep faster, sleeps longer without waking up. He says it's so comfortable. He called me yesterday saying he can't thank me enough for setting him up with the mattress. He's really happy with it . Thank you!!
Roger S., Brooklyn Bedding customerBrooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a hybrid mattress made out of a combination of memory foam and latex foam. The Signature offers a good amount of bounce that combination sleepers who move around in the middle of the night can enjoy.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
I bought this for my 92 year old father in law, after he tried mine that I purchased 7 years ago. He raves about it every day, he says he falls asleep faster, sleeps longer without waking up. He says it's so comfortable. He called me yesterday saying he can't thank me enough for setting him up with the mattress. He's really happy with it . Thank you!!
Roger S., Brooklyn Bedding customer
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a hybrid mattress made out of a combination of memory foam and latex foam. The Signature offers a good amount of bounce that combination sleepers who move around in the middle of the night can enjoy.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
I bought this for my 92 year old father in law, after he tried mine that I purchased 7 years ago. He raves about it every day, he says he falls asleep faster, sleeps longer without waking up. He says it's so comfortable. He called me yesterday saying he can't thank me enough for setting him up with the mattress. He's really happy with it . Thank you!!
Roger S., Brooklyn Bedding customerRead more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature mattress review, or click here to get the best deal. You can also read about other options in our picks for the most comfortable mattress.
#3 – Breakdowns and Malfunctions
Because there’s a decent amount of setup and technology that comes with a Sleep Number — including a hose, pump, and remote to work the adjustable air chamber — the bed is naturally susceptible to breakdowns, especially air deflation. People also spoke about the mattress cover itself falling apart after a few years. While the site has a good support section with videos and content to help troubleshoot issues, many unhappy campers only spoke about how things would break down every few years.
What one reviewer said: “After a few years, the bed required $600+ in parts (new side and center foam, the mattress cover itself, stitching on the seams separated) and an air pump (the controller died, but you have to buy an ‘assembly’ that includes the pump and controllers)”.
If you’re looking for a mattress with lots of luxurious touches, but without the potential technical mishaps of Sleep Number, check out the Bear Elite Hybrid. As the luxury upgrade of the Bear Original, its bells and whistles include not one, but two layers of coils (one for general support and another for increased edge support), as well as an optional cover (available for a fee) made of both phase change material and Celliant. These materials are incredibly cooling and should help you keep a low temperature at night. Overall, the Elite Hybrid is supportive yet soft, coming in at a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale.
Our Favorite Durable Mattress – Bear Elite Hybrid
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear's “ultra-luxurious” model with a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. It comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Love it! I absolutely love this mattress and the adjustable frame. It’s helping my back issues so much. I highly recommend this mattress to anyone with back pain
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear's “ultra-luxurious” model with a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. It comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Love it! I absolutely love this mattress and the adjustable frame. It’s helping my back issues so much. I highly recommend this mattress to anyone with back pain
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear's “ultra-luxurious” model with a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. It comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Love it! I absolutely love this mattress and the adjustable frame. It’s helping my back issues so much. I highly recommend this mattress to anyone with back pain
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Click here for the best deal, or learn more in our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review. You can also see our best luxury mattresses page for more options.
#4 – Customer Service
Since Sleep Number is known for malfunctions, many reviewers also mentioned the lack of good customer service for when things did go awry. The first point, that came up a lot, was issues with their “100-night sleep trial.” Apparently, if you want to return your bed before the 100 nights is up, this guarantee only includes the mattress itself, not the bed frame or additional accessories (the website’s fine print verifies this).
What one reviewer said: “The bed sleeps fine, but I am so disappointed in product support by Sleep Number. I contacted my local store to see about a small replacement part, but they don’t carry parts. So, I contacted the main Customer Service department. All I needed was a small white female connector for a hose, and I was told that I had to purchase a new pump and hose system for $200 (under partial warranty). Absolutely ridiculous!”
If you’re looking for a mattress that offers comfort, support, and exceptional customer service, consider the Nolah Evolution. With a 120-night sleep trial period and a lifetime warranty, Nolah has you covered if something goes wrong.
Our Mattress with the Best Customer Service – Nolah Evolution
The Nolah Evolution provides good pressure relief and body contouring. It’s a great choice for side sleepers, and back sleepers who like a softer mattress will enjoy it too. The soft pillow top is a great touch for shoulder or hip pain as well.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. An amazing mattress! Constructed with luxuriously well made materials that are breathable and incredibly comfortable. After almost one year of sleeping on this mattress, my husband and I are still talking about how much we love it. We both are combo sleepers and feel it's the perfect balance between soft and firm. Plus, no more waking up with a sore back or tight neck. Would highly recommend!!
The Nolah Evolution provides good pressure relief and body contouring. It’s a great choice for side sleepers, and back sleepers who like a softer mattress will enjoy it too. The soft pillow top is a great touch for shoulder or hip pain as well.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. An amazing mattress! Constructed with luxuriously well made materials that are breathable and incredibly comfortable. After almost one year of sleeping on this mattress, my husband and I are still talking about how much we love it. We both are combo sleepers and feel it's the perfect balance between soft and firm. Plus, no more waking up with a sore back or tight neck. Would highly recommend!!
The Nolah Evolution provides good pressure relief and body contouring. It’s a great choice for side sleepers, and back sleepers who like a softer mattress will enjoy it too. The soft pillow top is a great touch for shoulder or hip pain as well.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. An amazing mattress! Constructed with luxuriously well made materials that are breathable and incredibly comfortable. After almost one year of sleeping on this mattress, my husband and I are still talking about how much we love it. We both are combo sleepers and feel it's the perfect balance between soft and firm. Plus, no more waking up with a sore back or tight neck. Would highly recommend!!
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
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
Click here for the best deal, or learn more in our full Nolah Evolution mattress review. You can also see our list of the best mattresses for the money for some good value options — many of which come with excellent customer service.
#5 – Price
Sleep Number prices are comparable to other foam or spring mattresses, with their queen coming in around $800 (depending on your model). This may seem pretty pricey, given that it’s an air bed. While it’s important to remember the adjustability and technological aspects of the bed probably hike up the price, it’s still at least 15 percent more expensive than the average permanent-use airbed.
It’s also important to remember that there are two sides to every story, and for every poor review, there was typically a great review of a Sleep Number product. Make sure to do thorough research before any big bedding purchase, and maybe find someone you know who owns a Sleep Number to get a personal opinion before getting your own.
That said, if you want to pay a similar price for a Sleep Number while getting something with a more permanent structure, you could opt for the DreamCloud Original mattress. Constructed with gel memory foam and breathable coils, this firmer hybrid mattress can usually be found for around or under $1,000 for a queen after discounts, especially around the holidays.
Our Favorite Value Mattress – DreamCloud Original Mattress
The DreamCloud Mattress is a luxury hybrid mattress made with layers of memory foam and pocketed coils. It offers a great combination of support and pressure relief that back sleepers will really enjoy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. I have purchased 5 different Dreamcloud mattresses over the years and never once disappointed. Always fast shipping. Fantastic pricing. But by far the best feature is the quality of the Dreamcloud mattress. Also very impressed with the free bedding (sheets) that came with my recent two purchases. Don’t change what you are doing/offering. It’s perfect in every way.
The DreamCloud Mattress is a luxury hybrid mattress made with layers of memory foam and pocketed coils. It offers a great combination of support and pressure relief that back sleepers will really enjoy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. I have purchased 5 different Dreamcloud mattresses over the years and never once disappointed. Always fast shipping. Fantastic pricing. But by far the best feature is the quality of the Dreamcloud mattress. Also very impressed with the free bedding (sheets) that came with my recent two purchases. Don’t change what you are doing/offering. It’s perfect in every way.
The DreamCloud Mattress is a luxury hybrid mattress made with layers of memory foam and pocketed coils. It offers a great combination of support and pressure relief that back sleepers will really enjoy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. I have purchased 5 different Dreamcloud mattresses over the years and never once disappointed. Always fast shipping. Fantastic pricing. But by far the best feature is the quality of the Dreamcloud mattress. Also very impressed with the free bedding (sheets) that came with my recent two purchases. Don’t change what you are doing/offering. It’s perfect in every way.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
Click here for the best deal, or learn more in our full DreamCloud Original mattress review. You can also check out even more economically viable options on our best cheap mattress page or our list of the best mattresses under $1,000.
If it’s time to move on from your Sleep Number, or you aren’t sure where to start your mattress search, take our mattress quiz to get a selection of mattresses that are right for your sleep preferences.
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