Best Sleep Number Alternatives (2026)

Why It’s the Best Sleep Number ComfortMode Lux Alternative

• To complement the ComfortMode Lux’s luxurious, contouring feel, we chose the Sunset Luxe for its medium firmness and excellent cushioning.
• The Sunset Luxe scored a whopping 4.7 in pressure relief for back sleepers, helping it to earn a 4.2 out of 5 in the category overall. 
• Our testers also found it to be soft yet buoyant, giving it a score of 4 out of 5 for responsiveness.

How Did It Perform During Testing?

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Motion Isolation: 3.7/5

Our testers noticed some motion transfer on the Sunset Luxe due to its bouncy innerspring coils.

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Cooling: 3.5/5

Despite an 8.5 increase in temperature during our thermal gun test, our testers appreciated the Sunset Luxe’s silky, cool-to-the-touch cover.

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Response: 4/5

The innerspring coils in the Sunset Luxe’s hybrid construction make it easy to move around on.

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Edge Support: 3.2/5

Our testers noticed the plush perimeter of the Helix Sunset Luxe sink beneath them while lying and sitting on it.

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Pressure Relief: 4.2/5

The soft construction of the Sunset Luxe provides deep cushioning and pressure relief for a spectrum of sleepers.

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Firmness: 6/10

The Helix Sunset Luxe is a little softer than the industry average of medium firm (6.5 out of 10).

How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?

Our Expert Opinion

Sleep Number’s ComfortMode Lux 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 the ComfortMode Lux. This is a softer-feeling bed with coils that has the same slow-moving feel as an all-foam mattress.

Side and back sleepers who want plenty of sinkage will love the Helix Sunset Luxe’s balance of support and softness. Sleepers under 230 pounds are best suited to this hybrid mattress, while heavyweight folks and some stomach sleepers may want something firmer. 

Choose the Helix Sunset Luxe if …

• You sleep primarily on your back. This position was the most comfortable for all of our expert testers. You should enjoy a supportive base with plenty of contouring up top, which will help fill in the gap at your lower back.
• You hate feeling “stuck” in your bed. With some softer beds, you might find it difficult to move on their surface. That isn’t the case with the Helix Sunset Luxe — you should be able to roll around and switch positions without much resistance.

Keep looking if …

• Extra-strong edge support is a must. Because of its softer upper layers, you’ll likely notice more sinkage when you sit down on the edge of this bed. For more robust support at the perimeter, I recommend the DreamCloud mattress.
• You weigh more than 230 pounds. These sleepers will probably sink too far into this bed’s plush surface, compromising their alignment. Our heavyweight tester was only comfortable when resting on his back, and even then, he noted it was quite soft.

For more information about this bed, read our full Helix Sunset Luxe mattress review. Check out our Helix Adjustable Base review as well.

Why It’s the Best Sleep Number ClimateCool Alternative

• The Sleep Number ClimateCool 360 mattress feels like a contouring foam bed and is designed to regulate temperature, so we opted for the Leesa as its alternative, because of its perfect cooling score and excellent pressure relief (earning 4.4 out of 5).
• The Leesa Original didn’t score less than a 4 out of 5 in any of our performance tests, marking it as a truly well-rounded mattress.
• At 7 out of 10 on our scale, it’s only slightly firmer than a true-medium firm feel, but it should still be versatile for multiple sleeping styles.

How Did It Perform During Testing?

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Motion Isolation: 4/5

Thanks to its excellent motion-dampening, couples shouldn’t be able to detect each other moving on the Leesa Original.

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Cooling: 5/5

The temperature of the Leesa increased by 3.8 degrees after lying on it for 5 minutes, indicating excellent cooling.

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Response: 5/5

The Leesa provides the stability and firmness combination sleepers need to switch positions easily.

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Edge Support: 4.4/5

The dense foam prevented us from falling while lying on the perimeter, but we noticed some sinkage while sitting.

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Pressure Relief: 4.4/5

The Leesa Original’s supportive yet contouring memory foam relieves pressure in all positions.

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Firmness: 7/10

The Leesa’s supportive foam construction gives it a slightly firmer-than-average feel.

How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?

Our Expert Opinion

The Sleep Number ClimateCool 360 is ideal for sleepers who prefer the plush cushioning and contouring of memory foam mattresses — but with exceptional cooling and expanded adjustability. That’s why we chose the Leesa Original as the alternative for its support, pressure relief, and surprisingly cool feel for an all-foam bed. Moreover, it’s available in a split king size and fully compatible with an adjustable base.

Alongside high marks for cooling, the Leesa Original offers excellent edge support and responsiveness. It has a slightly firmer-than-average feel, which should provide support to multiple sleeper types. The only folks who might be disappointed with the Leesa are those who want to sink deep into their mattress and feel “hugged” by it.

Choose the Leesa Original if …

• You switch between multiple positions. The Leesa’s approachable feel and excellent responsiveness make it a perfect match for most combination sleepers.
• You’re prone to overheating. Foam beds are usually known for trapping heat, but that’s not the case here. During testing, our thermal gun showed barely a 4-degree rise in temperature after we lay on the bed for a period of time.

Keep looking if …

• Softer mattresses are your thing. As mentioned, the Leesa has a slightly firmer feel, which may not satisfy all preferences. If you like a super-plush bed that offers plenty of sinkage, I’d recommend the Helix Sunset Luxe.
• You’re a heavyweight stomach sleeper. Some stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may find their hips sink too far into this bed, which can cause back pain. They may fare better on a bed with coils. 

For more information about this bed, read our full Leesa Original mattress review.

Why It’s the Best Sleep Number ComfortNext Lux Alternative

• The Sleep Number ComfortNext Lux mattress boasts more pressure-relieving and cooling materials than its predecessor, two things the Bear Elite Hybrid has in abundance.
• The Bear Elite Hybrid is available in three firmness options. So, while not adjustable, you can choose the feel that best suits your personal comfort.
• This mattress also earned above-average ratings for edge support and motion isolation, and a respectable 4 out of 5 for responsiveness.

How Did It Perform During Testing?

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Motion Isolation: 4.7/5

Our tester could only vaguely feel their colleague’s movements on this bed.

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Cooling: 4.5/5

There wasn’t much of a temperature increase after we lay on the bed.

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Response: 4/5

It was fairly easy to move between sleeping positions on the Bear Elite Hybrid.

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Edge Support: 4.4/5

We found that the Bear Elite Hybrid’s edges were fairly sturdy.

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Pressure Relief: 4.1/5

Back sleeping is best for pressure relief on this mattress.

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Firmness: 7/10

The materials of the Bear Elite Hybrid resulted in a somewhat firmer feel for the mid-range model.

How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?

Our Expert Opinion

That versatility is a huge reason why I chose the Elite Hybrid as a more budget-friendly alternative to the ComfortNext Lux mattress. However, the Bear doesn’t rest on its easy-on-the-wallet laurels. My testing process revealed that the Medium version of this mattress is fairly responsive, offers top-notch edge support, and maintains a cool temperature, earning a rating of 4 out of 5 or higher in each of these categories.

Regardless of which firmness option you choose, you’ll enjoy this bed’s balanced hybrid feel, which combines both pressure relief and support to ensure you remain comfortable and aligned. The main downside, however, is its high price — though it’s still significantly cheaper than the Sleep Number ComfortNext Lux.

Choose the Bear Elite Hybrid if …

• You’re shopping for a cooling mattress. The Bear Elite Hybrid features a cooling cover that includes Celliant fibers. These can purportedly convert excess heat into healing infrared energy, promoting recovery while also regulating temperature. 
• You share the bed with a partner. While the Bear’s strong edge support means you can spread out, its pillow top will also work to absorb motion before it can travel across the surface. Light sleepers should remain undisturbed by their partner’s tossing and turning. 

Keep looking if …

• The budget for a new bed is tight. Although the Bear Elite Hybrid is considerably cheaper than the ComfortNext Lux, it still comes with an elite price point that may not appeal to all budget shoppers. The Bear Original mattress is a more affordable option by the same brand, though note that it may feel a touch firmer.
• You want a super-bouncy bed. This mattress is fairly easy to move around on top of, but since it features a dense, thick pillow top, we wouldn’t call it truly bouncy. 

For more information about this bed, read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review. 

Why It’s the Best Sleep Number ComfortNext Alternative

• The ComfortNext is a mid-tier, upgraded offering from Sleep Number, while the DreamCloud has a luxury feel without the high price.
• Although you can’t adjust the DreamCloud Classic’s firmness, we think it’s an excellent alternative because its universally appealing medium firmness makes it a solid fit for an array of sleepers.
• The DreamCloud also scored a 4 out of 5 or higher in back pressure relief, cooling, edge support, motion isolation, and responsiveness.

How Did It Perform During Testing?

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Motion Isolation: 4.7/5

Our tester noticed little disturbance in the water during our ripple test, confirming the bed’s motion-isolating ability.

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Cooling: 4.5/5

The temperature rose less than 5 degrees after 5 minutes of our tester lying on the bed.

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Response: 5/5

The lack of sinkage earned the DreamCloud a perfect responsiveness score.

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Edge Support: 4/5

There was some moderate sinkage — but not much — when our tester sat on the edge.

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Pressure Relief: 4.4/5

The DreamCloud relieved more pressure while back sleeping than side sleeping.

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Firmness: 6.5/10

This hybrid mattress has a balanced medium-firm feel.

How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?

Our Expert Opinion

Sleep Number’s ComfortNext promises “next-level comfort, support, and relief,” but it can cost you upwards of $2,000. For some, this isn’t feasible. But comfort isn’t out of reach with the DreamCloud mattress. This affordable hybrid has several luxury touches that can rival the ComfortNext’s lofty title, like a plush pillow top, cooling cover, and zoned support in its robust coil unit.

This mattress never scored consistently high marks during testing, helping it to earn an exceptional overall rating of 4.9 — almost perfect. Sleepers looking for a lifted yet cushioned surface to sleep on should enjoy this bed, though memory foam loyalists may want something with much more sink.  

Choose the DreamCloud if …

• You’re a combination sleeper. The DreamCloud’s approachable firmness and top-notch responsiveness mean every sleeping position should feel comfortable, and switching between them shouldn’t be difficult.
• You share the mattress with a partner. Even with its bounce, the pillow top of the DreamCloud mattress does well to isolate motion. Couples who want a great mattress for sex might also appreciate how easy it is to move around on; the edge support also means you can make full use of shared space.

Keep looking if …

• You’re a lightweight side sleeper. Some lightweight side sleepers may not get the sinkage they need on this mattress, which could lead to pressure buildup. However, our lightweight testers found the bed comfortable, if a bit firmer than they’d usually choose. 
• Traditional memory foam is your jam. While the DreamCloud bed contains cushy foams in its construction, you’ll still feel more “on” the bed than “in” it. For a more typical foam feel, I recommend the DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam.

For more information about this bed, read our full DreamCloud mattress review. You can also find out more about the base in our DreamCloud Adjustable Bed review.

Why It’s the Best Sleep Number ClimateCool Alternative

• The Aurora Luxe is Brooklyn Bedding’s most luxurious and most cooling model, so it’s a natural alternative to the Sleep Number ClimateCool.
• This mattress earned an impressive 4.5 out of 5 for overall pressure relief, including a perfect rating for back sleepers, despite its slightly firmer feel.
• While not adjustable, this mattress comes in three firmness options (Soft, Medium, and Firm), so you can tailor it to your needs.

How Did It Perform During Testing?

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Motion Isolation: 3.8/5

We noticed a bit of disturbance in our water test when someone was switching positions on the other side of the bed.

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Cooling: 4/5

The Aurora Luxe has a cool, crisp-feeling cover.

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Response: 4/5

You sink into the surface of this bed a little bit, but it’s still relatively easy to switch positions and move around.

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Edge Support: 4/5

We only noticed the edge dipping beneath our weight when we sat at the perimeter.

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Pressure Relief: 4.5/5

This mattress earned an impressive perfect rating for back-sleeping pressure relief.

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Firmness: 7/10

The Medium model of the Aurora Luxe feels slightly firmer than true medium-firm.

How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?

Our Expert Opinion

As the name ClimateCool implies, this Sleep Number bed’s claim to fame is its temperature regulation. It’s the same story for the Aurora Luxe Cooling by Brooklyn Bedding. This luxurious hybrid is the perfect analog to the ClimateCool with its cool-to-the-touch feel and dense pillow top. It also earned high marks across the board, including above-average pressure relief, reinforced edge support, and balanced responsiveness. 

Like many of Brooklyn Bedding’s mattresses, the Aurora Luxe is available in three firmness levels — Soft, Medium, and Firm — so it offers some 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. 

Choose the Aurora Luxe if …

• You sleep primarily on your back. The Aurora Luxe feels only a smidge firmer than expected, but still in the realm of medium-firm, which is typically the preferred firmness for back sleepers and those looking to reduce the risk of back pain.
• Cooling is a priority. Because of its super-cool feel up top, you shouldn’t overheat on the Aurora Luxe mattress. We found it remained comfortably temperature-neutral, even after a day of testing. 

Keep looking if …

• You’re a super-light sleeper who shares the bed. The motion isolation the Aurora Luxe provides is only so-so. Those who are especially prone to waking may want a bed with better motion absorption, like the Bear Elite Hybrid. 
• You want a cheap mattress. The Aurora Luxe is one of Brooklyn Bedding’s higher-end offerings. Though it’s still less expensive than the ClimateCool, folks who are looking to spend less than $1,000 should opt for another bed.

For more information about this bed, read our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review. You can also check out our Ascension Power Base review.

Why It’s the Best Sleep Number ComfortMode Alternative

• If you’re after the ComfortMode mattress for its adjustability, you’ll enjoy the Solaire: a high-tech adjustable air bed with 50 different firmness settings, ranging from 1 (softest) to 50 (firmest). 
• 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.
• This mattress also comes with a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty, both of which outrank that of the Sleep Number ComfortMode.

How Did It Perform During Testing?

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Motion Isolation: 3/5

We could feel a bit of motion transfer when there were two people on the Solaire.

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Cooling: 3.5/5

The Saatva Solaire shouldn’t feel too hot, but don’t expect active cooling.

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Response: 2/5

The air chambers in this mattress do not provide much bounce.

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Edge Support: 4/5

You should be able to lie down along the edges of the Solaire without feeling unstable, but you may feel some sinkage when sitting on them.

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Pressure Relief: 3.6/5

This mattress did not offer much sinkage for back or side sleepers, leading to a lower pressure relief score.

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Firmness: Varies

The Saatva Solaire is an adjustable mattress, meaning you can manipulate the firmness via a remote attached to the bed.

How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?

Our Expert Opinion

Many of the mattresses on this list aren’t adjustable; instead, they’re paired with adjustable bed frames to match Sleep Number’s variable firmness. But if adjustable firmness is a must, a good alternative is the Saatva Solaire mattress. It’s an air bed that features a thick pillow top and dual air chambers so you can make your bed as soft or firm as you need.

Because of this, the Solaire can accommodate a wide range of sleepers who want a medium, medium-firm, or firm feel. Its dual air chambers also mean couples don’t have to compromise on a desired firmness. However, we didn’t find this bed very bouncy, nor did it do much to absorb motion. 

Choose the Saatva Solaire if …

• You and your partner have different preferences. Like Sleep Number beds, the larger sizes of the Solaire contain two separate air chambers, each with their own remote. This means couples won’t have to compromise. 
• You want a luxury bed with all the frills. Saatva mattresses can’t be beat when you’re looking for added perks. Aside from the quality and craftsmanship of this mattress, you can enjoy free white-glove delivery, old mattress removal, a 365-night trial, and a lifetime warranty.

Keep looking if …

• Bounce is a must in a mattress. This mattress wasn’t very responsive. Though you don’t sink into it very far, it has a unique feel that differs from springs or foam, but you won’t be propelled across the surface. 
• You’re an extra-light sleeper. Our testers could feel each other’s movements on the mattress, so some couples prone to waking when their partner leaves the bed may want to look elsewhere. I recommend the Nolah Evolution, which earned a 5-out-of-5 rating for motion isolation.

For more information about this bed, read our full Saatva Solaire mattress review.

Why It’s the Best Sleep Number ComfortNext Ultra Alternative

• The Evolution’s construction and materials make it a soft, yet supportive cooling mattress that works well for hot sleepers – a perfect solution for folks who want a bed that looks and feels like the ComfortNext Ultra.
• While you don’t have complete adjustability with the Evolution, you can pick from three firmness options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm.
• When paired with the brand’s adjustable base, you get a range of height options, along with features such as under-bed lighting, a massage function, and USB charging.

How Did It Perform During Testing?

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Motion Isolation: 5/5

Our tester noticed no movement during our ripple test, resulting in a perfect score for motion isolation.

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Cooling: 4.5/5

The Nolah Evolution showed above-average cooling capabilities.

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Response: 4/5

Our tester found it fairly easy to roll around on the Nolah Evolution.

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Edge Support: 4.6/5

The Nolah Evolution had a strong perimeter, earning a high edge support test.

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Pressure Relief: 4.3/5

The bed was good at relieving pressure, though some of our testers wanted more sinkage.

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Firmness: 7/10

The springs in the construction made for a slightly firmer feel.

How Does It Feel in Different Sleeping Positions?

Our Expert Opinion

Since the ComfortNext Ultra has both plush foams and a micro-coil unit, the Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction and luxury features are a good compromise. 

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. 

And when I tested the new Evolution model, I thought it was even better than the one we have. This bed never scored below a 4 out of 5 in our tests, including a perfect rating for motion isolation. Pair it with an adjustable base, and it’ll be smooth sailing for you and your partner. 

Choose the Nolah Evolution if …

• You sleep hot. The cover of this bed feels cool to the touch. You should be able to feel your body actively cooling down, and the mattress should stay similarly throughout the night.
• Motion isolation is a must. When I performed the ripple test, in which I placed 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. 

Keep looking if …

• You’re a side sleeper with sensitive shoulders. While Dr. Tedesco enjoyed the bed for hip pain, he noted that those with shoulder pain may not get the same relief. Over time, their shoulders may drive deeper into the bed, which can exacerbate their discomfort.
• You need a long time to try your bed. 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. Conversely, the Saatva Solaire comes with a 365-night sleep trial. 

For more information about this bed, read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review. Also consider checking out our Nolah Smart Adjustable Base review.

Is a Sleep Number Mattress Worth It?

It depends on your budget and your comfort with technology. Sleep Number beds are costly, but if you can afford them, they offer a wide range of customization options, allowing you to choose from a near-endless number of firmness levels. Having the ability to adjust your mattress’s firmness can also help with issues such as back pain and provide more contouring when you need it.

However, these mattresses won’t be within everyone’s price range. They’re also made with complex technology that may not come naturally to everyone. There may be a slight learning curve after purchasing.

What is a Less Expensive Sleep Number Alternative?

A Sleep Number alternative offers some of the benefits of a Sleep Number bed without all the bells and whistles and the high price point. For instance, Brooklyn Bedding offers various firmness levels for many of its mattresses. Although that’s not the same level of customization as Sleep Number, it still gives you some options. All the mattresses on this list will be less expensive than most Sleep Number beds, though some may reach a similar price if you add an adjustable base for further flexibility.

We’ve also chosen an option that offers the same adjustability of a Sleep Number bed, such as the Saatva Solaire. Although these mattresses are still expensive, they’re not as expensive as many Sleep Number options.

What is the Downside of a Sleep Number Bed?

The main downside to a Sleep Number bed is the price. Regardless of the model or size you choose, you can expect to pay over $1,000 due to its “smart bed” status. If you’re not interested in sleep tracking or adjustable firmness, this can be a high price to pay, which is why so many look for alternatives that still feel comfortable.

Is a Sleep Number Bed Just a Glorified Air Mattress?

Though the Sleep Number line contains adjustable air chambers to achieve multiple firmness options, it’d be a disservice to call it a “glorified air mattress.” These beds come with layers of pressure-relieving foam on top, which allow for more cushioning than your run-of-the-mill air mattress. 

The air chambers can also be inflated as much as you like, offering multiple firmness options in one bed. And the lower numbers won’t feel like a deflated air bed — they’ll feel softer. Don’t discount the sleep-tracking features, either. They can provide insight on your habits and help you on your way to longer, higher-quality sleep.

Is DreamCloud or Sleep Number Better?

Whether DreamCloud or Sleep Number is “better” for you depends on a number of factors. The biggest difference between these two brands is price: DreamCloud is much more affordable, while any Sleep Number mattress will cost you thousands. However, you do get more features with a Sleep Number bed, like adjustable firmness and sleep tracking. But many DreamCloud mattresses still provide an enviable amount of support and plushness. You may not get adjustable firmness, but you can choose your ideal model based on your preferences for feel and construction. 

What Should You Look for in a Sleep Number Alternative?

First, consider your sleeping position and firmness preference. Then select a mattress that fulfills both of those parameters. From there, hone in on more specific factors such as price, warranty, sleep trial period, etc.

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