The 7 Best Sleep Number Alternatives: Picked by Sleep Science Coaches

Sleep Number’s c4 is an adjustable mattress, and its foam comfort layer contours to your body for greater pressure relief. After testing hundreds of mattresses, our product experts and certified sleep science coaches landed on the Helix Sunset Luxe as the best alternative for Sleep Number c4. The Sunset Luxe scored a whopping 4.7 in pressure relief for back sleepers. Our testers also found it to be soft yet buoyant, giving it a score 4 out of 5 for responsiveness.

Since the amount of pressure relief felt on a mattress is largely dependent on the sleeper’s weight and preferred sleeping position, we have three mattress experts from three different weight categories — lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight — test the mattress on their side and back to provide detailed evaluations about the pressure they are feeling. We also have them use a specialized mat that provides color-coded thermal images of the amount of pressure being felt in different areas of the body. 

My colleague, Riley Otis, served as the lightweight tester, and I represented the average weight. She and I both gave the Sunset Luxe a perfect score for back pressure relief. Riley said, “This bed feels fantastic on my back. It has a nice balance of cushioning and stability, and I like that I can tell how the coils are supporting the softer top layer to provide an enjoyable overall experience.” 

Although I think that this is an excellent budget-friendly alternative to the Sleep Number c4 mattress, it’s not ideal for all types of sleepers. Before you add it to your cart, you should know that larger-bodied side sleepers won’t experience the same kind of pressure relief as those who sleep on their backs. My colleague, Caine Wilkes, was our tester over 230 pounds, and he said, “I think this bed is too soft for me to be on my side. The longer I lie here, the more I sink. I can feel my shoulder dipping into the mattress, and that is causing some pressure buildup.”

Ready to try out the Helix Sunset Luxe? Click here to get the best deal on the mattress and here for the best deal on the base. You can also learn more in our full Helix Sunset Luxe mattress review and Helix Adjustable Base review.

On the Sleep Number pSE, you can adjust each side of the mattress to be a different level of firmness, which is designed for couples with different preferences. While the Bear Star Hybrid isn’t adjustable on its own, it is available in a split king size, which allows couples to choose different firmness levels. However, don’t worry if you decide not to go the split king route because this bed has a medium-firm feel that suits most sleep positions and body types.

That versatility is a huge reason why we chose it as a more budget-friendly alternative to the pSE. However, the Bear Star Hybrid doesn’t rest on its easy-on-the-wallet laurels. Our testing process revealed that this mattress is incredibly responsive, has top-notch edge support, and will keep you cool, earning 5, 4.6, and 4 stars in these categories, respectively.  

Certified sleep science coach Kenny Timper tested the mattress’s responsiveness and thinks it will be a solid choice for combination sleepers. Since these sleepers change positions throughout the night, they need a mattress that makes it easy to do that. Kenny said, “It felt super-easy to roll around and switch between different sleeping positions. I had no trouble whatsoever on this mattress.”

Kenny also evaluated how well the Star’s edges provide support and found that you should feel very secure around the perimeter of this mattress. Strong edge support is especially important when getting in and out of bed, and for couples who prefer to use the entire bed surface. “I found it very easy to get in and out of bed,” he said. “I didn’t have to use my hands for assistance, and I think that this would be a great mattress for anyone with mobility issues, including some older sleepers.”

However, we don’t think this is a top pick for lightweight sleepers. When we tested the bed’s pressure relief, our lightweight tester Asha Birjah said she felt a lot of pressure on her back and side. When Asha was on her side, she didn’t feel that her spine was aligned, and when she turned to her back, she said,“ I don’t feel as if my lower back is supported unless I am lying on it a certain way. I keep feeling like I have to readjust. My body just does not feel equally supported.”

Ready to try out the Bear Star Hybrid? Click here to get the best deal on the mattress and here for the best deal on the base. You can also learn more in our full Bear Star Hybrid mattress review.

With the iLE Limited Edition, Sleep Number created a mattress that treats sleepers to soft foam and several cooling features. The Nolah Evolution shares many of the iLE traits. It combines Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam, designed to be a more breathable alternative to memory foam, with innerspring coils that help air move freely. The Evolution’s construction and materials make it a soft, yet supportive cooling mattress that works well for hot sleepers.  

Of course, being a Sleep Number bed, the iLe is highly customizable. While you don’t have as many choices with the Evolution, you can pick from three firmness options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. Also, when paired with the brand’s adjustable base, you get a range of height options, along with other features like under-bed lighting, a massage function, and USB chargers.

I sleep on the older version of the Nolah Evolution. It appealed to my husband and me because it has excellent pressure relief for side sleepers and it has exemplary cooling capabilities. Therefore, I, the side sleeper, and my husband, the heat-seeking missile, could both be happy on a bed. However, after I tested the new Evolution model, I thought it was even better than the one we have.

Sleeping in the mattress with my restless husband can sometimes feel like I am going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. For this reason, I always pay special attention to how well a bed isolates motion, and the Evolution knocks this out of the park. When I performed the ripple test, in which I place a large container of water on one side of the bed and then made as much commotion as possible on the other to see how much it splashes, the water gave only the slightest ripple. It was like the water glass scene in Jurassic Park, but without all of the foreboding. 

The Evolution’s pressure relief also got high marks and praise from Caine Wilkes, our larger-bodied tester, Asha Birjah, our lightweight tester, and me, the tester for those in our average-weight category. “I really like this!” Asha said. “I think it has a really good balance between firm and contouring, and I feel no pressure or pain.”

Another reason I got the evolution is because I have a nagging hip injury, and Dr. Tedesco recommends this mattress for back and side sleepers with hip pain. “You get some great weightlessness and a slight posterior tilt with this mattress, which is ideal to alleviate hip and back pain if you sleep on your back,” he said. “Even on your side, you may experience a bit of a weightless feeling throughout your midline.”

However, he feels those with shoulder pain may not get the same relief because over time their shoulder may drive deeper into the bed, which can exacerbate their discomfort. Also, although Nolah’s 120-night sleep trial should provide ample time to make a final decision, I wish that it gave consumers a full year to try it out like other mattresses on this list.

Ready to try out the Nolah Evolution? Click here to get the best deal on the mattress and here to get the best deal on the Adjustable Base. You can also learn more in our full Nolah Evolution mattress review and our full Nolah Adjustable Base review.

The mattresses in the Sleep Number P Series are known for being more pressure-relieving and contouring than the brand’s other beds. While the Nectar Classic isn’t adjustable, we think it’s an excellent alternative due to its cushy memory foam layers. Also, if you want to give the mattress some additional customization, you can add on the Nectar Adjustable Base, which has a laundry list of differently angled settings and extra bells and whistles, such as a massage function and USB chargers.

Although the Classic was selected as the best alternative to the P series because it also offers the slow-moving cradling that many memory foam fans love, it additionally scored a 4 or higher in every performance category in our testing. These include back and side pressure relief, cooling, edge support, motion isolation, and responsiveness.

Those seeking pressure relief will be drawn to the Classic’s contouring nature. We conduct both objective and subjective tests of pressure buildup to provide a comprehensive breakdown of this performance category. In our objective test, sleepers lie on a specialized mat that provides color-coded images that highlight the amount of pressure felt in different areas of the body. 

We also ask our testers if their experience on the mattress matches up to what the thermal images are portraying. The importance of this two-prong assessment was evident with our larger-bodied tester, Caine Wilkes. Caine’s side pressure map showed a couple of moderate pressure areas, but he said that the bed was comfortable and surprisingly supportive. He gave it a 5 out of 5 for side pressure relief. 

This also falls in line with Dr. Tedesco’s findings when he tested this mattress on his side. He said, “I don’t feel any significant pressure points initially when I’m on my side, which is great.” However, he did caution that there was potential for hip sinkage over time, which could lead to increased pressure buildup in that area. 

That sinkage could pose issues along the sides of the bed for some sleepers. Certified sleep science coach Kenny Timper had this to say about the Classic’s edge support: “I felt a good deal of sinkage while sitting on the edge of the bed. I could definitely feel myself sliding off a bit. While I don’t think it’s an issue for most sleepers, I wouldn’t recommend this to people who need to bear down onto the mattress to stand up. People with mobility issues may find that they have to put even more effort into getting out of bed.”

Ready to try out the Nectar Classic? Click here to get the best deal on the mattress and here to get the best deal on the Nectar Adjustable Base. You can also learn more in our full Nectar Classic mattress review and Nectar Adjustable Base review.

As a memory foam mattress, the Sleep Number m7 will likely feel softer to most sleepers than the hybrid Titan Plus (created by Brooklyn Bedding). However, the two mattresses are similar in that they don’t have pillow tops, which gives them a more responsive feel. The Titan Plus is an adjustable bed, and when paired with Brooklyn Bedding’s Ascension Adjustable Base, you get some customization and a suitable comparison to the m7 on its firmer settings. It comes equipped with several presets, including zero gravity, as well as a USB charging port.

Responsiveness is a highly sought-after feature for combination sleepers and sexually active couples, as it allows you to breeze through positions. The Titan delivers a score of 5 out of 5 in this category. However, what impressed me about this bed is that it also received a perfect 5 in motion isolation — and responsiveness and motion isolation aren’t usually a package deal with mattresses. With those flawless scores and a 4 or higher in cooling, edge support, and back pressure relief, the Titan Plus has a lot to recommend.

The Titan Plus’s responsiveness appealed to me as a combination sleeper. However, my eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning when I tested its motion isolation capabilities. I always pay special attention to this feature because sharing a bed with my husband is like sleeping with a 190-pound puppy with the zoomies. I am pretty sure that my testing partner, Cait Giddings, could have cannonballed onto her side of the bed, and I wouldn’t have felt it on mine.

To further showcase the Titan’s versatility, our Chief Medical Product Tester Dr. Tedesco found that he experienced no significant pressure buildup when lying on his side on the Titan Plus. We all found this a little surprising given its overall firmness. Dr. Tedesco said, “I don’t have any significant pressure buildup on my side. I was expecting more pressure on my shoulder, but I haven’t felt it much. I am more comfortable on my side than on my back, and I didn’t see that coming.”

However, our lightweight tester, Asha Birjah, didn’t feel the same as Dr. Tedesco when she tested this mattress on her side. She said, “I feel a ton of pressure and a lot of strain on my neck and shoulders. Although the right pillow could make this more comfortable, I don’t recommend this for lightweight side sleepers.” Also, if you like a softer, more contouring mattress, your sleep needs will be better met with a different bed.

Ready to try out the Titan Plus? Click here to get the best deal on the mattress and here for the best deal on the base. You can also learn more in our full Titan Plus mattress review and our Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base review.

Like all of Sleep Number’s mattresses, the C Series uses a network of flexible air chambers to adjust the bed’s firmness. But unlike the P Series, the C Series is fairly responsive, even at its softest setting. We think a good alternative is the Saatva Solaire, a high-tech adjustable air bed with 50 different firmness settings, ranging from 1 (softest) to 50 (firmest). 

We tested out each of these settings and found the Saatva Solaire to be a good fit for a wide variety of sleepers. In terms of firmness, we found that it had a considerable range depending on the setting, spanning from a soft 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale to a very firm 7.5.

Many of our testers found that level 25 was their sweet spot for the Solaire. On 25, our lightweight tester, Asha Birjah, gave it a 5 out of 5 for side pressure relief, while Erin Chiles, who falls in our average-weight classification, gave it a perfect score for back pressure relief. It also received a 4 for its edge support performance, and the Solaire earned an overall rating of 3.4. 

Erin said, “Overall, I thought this mattress had great pressure relief for the back and side sleeping positions. At the 25 setting, my lower back feels great, and my shoulders are aligned with my hips.” After lying on our specialized mat, which provides color-coded thermal images of pressure points, Asha reflected that her results showed primarily blue, indicating little to no pressure buildup. She said, “When the Solaire is on the 25 setting, I feel a perfect amount of alignment. I feel aligned, and the bed feels plush and comfortable. I don’t feel any specific pressure in any area. I could fall asleep on this very easily.”

As thorough as our testing criteria are, they can’t replace long-term, real-world experience. One of my colleagues, Tyler Moyer, has been sleeping on the Solaire for more than three years. Tyler told me that he and his partner noticed an improvement in their sleep quality once they started using the Solaire. He said, “Since we can adjust each side to our preferred firmness levels, it’s the first time my spouse and I were both happy with that aspect of our mattress.  For me, it allowed me to adjust it to a softer surface, which helped relieve back strain.”

Although I’m glad that Tyler and his wife found a bed that worked for them, my fellow testers and I did have a couple of issues to point out. The first being the somewhat antiquated hard-wired remotes. Although this is a relatively minor issue, it would be nice if they were less clunky. Also, Saatva states that the Solaire has 50 different settings. However, I don’t think you can tell that big of a difference from one setting to another. You need to make larger adjustments to feel any significant differences. 

Ready to try out the Saatva Solaire? Click here to get the best deal. You can also learn more in our full Saatva Solaire mattress review.

The Aurora Luxe is Brooklyn Bedding’s most luxurious and most cooling model, so it’s a natural alternative to a Sleep Number bed, specifically the i8 mattress. Where the i8 is outfitted with ceramic gel to combat heat, the Aurora Luxe features a cooling system in every layer, from springs that allow for airflow, to a cooling cover and the infusion of thermoregulating copper in the foam comfort layer.

Like many of Brooklyn Bedding’s mattresses, the Aurora Luxe is also available in three different firmness levels — Soft, Medium, and Firm — so it does give you some level of customization (though not as much as a Sleep Number mattress). You can always pair it with the brand’s Ascension Adjustable Base for added adjustability. 

I tested the Medium version of the Aurora Luxe and was blown away with how it performed across the board. Although it earned high marks in the categories we tested, it earned a perfect 5 out of 5 in cooling and responsiveness. Combining these scores with a 4.4 or higher in back pressure relief, edge support, and motion isolation rocketed the Aurora Luxe to a 4.6 overall. 

My husband heats up like bacon sizzling in a pan when he sleeps. Therefore, I am always on the lookout for the best cooling mattresses. The Aurora Luxe is one of the best I have tested for hot sleepers. I used a thermal temperature gun to get an initial surface temperature of 68.5 degrees. After lying on it for 5 minutes, I took another reading. The mattress only heated up 4 degrees, showing that it has excellent temperature regulation. I loved how the bed stayed cool to the touch the whole time I was on it.

My colleague and Olympic weightlifting champion, Caine Wilkes, helped me test the Aurora Luxe’s pressure-relieving capabilities for folks weighing over 230 pounds. He gave it a 5 out 5 in pressure relief. “I feel supportive and aligned and I like how there is no extra pressure around my lower back or hips,” he said. “Overall, I feel very balanced.”

I was the average-weight tester for pressure relief, and I also gave this mattress a perfect score in this category. I used a specialized mat on top of the Aurora Luxe to capture color-coded thermal images of the parts of my body that were feeling the most pressure. When I was on my back my body was covered in blue, indicating that there was little pressure. I was particularly fond of how it filled in the space around my lower back. It felt like it was actively drawing tension away from that area.

However, the Aurora Luxe wasn’t as great at relieving pressure for those who sleep on their sides. This is something that you will want to be mindful of, especially if you are a petite side sleeper who sleeps strictly on your side. Also, those who like softer beds that cradle and contour will likely find this bed to be too firm. 

Ready to try out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe? Click here to get the best deal on the mattress and here for the best deal on the base. You can also learn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review and our Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base Review.