Written by Dan Caffrey, Senior Performance Editor
Sleep Number really is one of the most unique mattress brands around. For decades, the company has been known for its adjustable air beds, which allow you to adjust the mattress’s firmness with the simple click of a remote control. The customization allows a single mattress to accommodate many different types of sleepers. Sleep Number mattresses also have something called SleepIQ, technology that measures factors such as heart rate and temperature while you sleep so it can adjust the bed on its own. This makes for an optimal sleeping experience.
One of the downsides, however, is that Sleep Number mattresses can be quite expensive, especially for air beds. That’s why we’ve put together this list, where we provide what we’re calling a Sleep Number alternative for nine of their mattresses. Read on to see which less expensive Sleep Number alternative might be the best fit for you and your specific needs.
Our Top Pick for Sleep Number Alternatives
We think the best example of a Sleep Number alternative would be the Nectar Premier paired with Adjustable Base. It still pressure-relieving and contouring like the Sleep Number P Series Alternative, but between Nectar’s year-round discounts and holiday deals, it’s set at a more affordable price.
Best Sleep Number Alternatives
- Nectar Premier with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number P Series Alternative
- Helix Sunset Luxe with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number c4 Alternative
- Saatva Solaire – Best Sleep Number C Series Alternative
- Bear Star Hybrid with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number pSE Alternative
- Nolah Signature with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number iLE Limited Edition Alternative
- Titan Plus with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number m7 Alternative
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number i8 Alternative
Sleep Number Alternatives Video Review
Compare the Sleep Number Alternatives
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| Nectar Premier Mattress | Helix Sunset Luxe Mattress | Saatva Solaire Mattress | Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Signature 12" Mattress | Titan Plus | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||
| Firmness | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Soft: 5.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 6/10 | Soft: 5.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Other | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | -- | -- | ✓ | ✓ | -- | -- | ✓ |
| Sleep Position | Back & Side | Back & Side | Combination | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | Back & Side |
Nectar Premier with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number P Series Alternative
Product
Firmness
Score
Nectar Premier with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number P Series Alternative
Product
Nectar Premier MattressFirmness
Medium-soft: 6/10Score
Product
Sleep Number 360 p6 Smart MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsScore
Expert Opinion
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 Premier isn’t adjustable, we think it’s an excellent alternative due to its cushy layers of memory foam and soft foam. And if you do 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 additional bells and whistles such as a massage function and USB chargers.
When we tested out the Nectar Premier, we felt ourselves sinking into the mattress, getting that classic memory foam feel. In terms of firmness, we scored it at a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, and think that you’ll get the same type of deep pressure relief you’d get on the mattresses in the P Series.
Even with the adjustable base, the Nectar Premier is cheaper than some of the mattresses in the Sleep Number P Series. Additionally, Nectar often runs bundled deals during Black Friday and other big shopping days, meaning you can get both the mattress and the base for as cheap as 50 percent off.
What our tester says: “My favorite thing about the Nectar Premier is its great pressure relief. This medium-soft mattress is a great fit for side sleepers looking for plush comfort. It might also be a nice fit for sleepers who deal with shoulder pain.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Pros of the Nectar Premier Mattress
- Side sleepers usually need a soft mattress, and should appreciate the Nectar Premier’s cradling foams. It’s likely to give them plenty of relief at the shoulders and hips, where they put the most pressure.
- Back sleepers should also be comfortable on the Nectar Premier. The memory foam is meant to fill in their lumbar region, while the high-density poly foam at the bottom creates enough support for a neutral spinal alignment.
- We test motion isolation by dropping a steel ball from different heights and measuring its vibrations. If the vibrations are low, it means that movement is less likely to ripple across the mattress. The Nectar Premier had exceptional motion isolation, so couples aren’t likely to wake each other up with their tossing and turning.
Cons of the Nectar Premier Mattress
- We don’t recommend this mattress to stomach sleepers, who usually require a firmer and more supportive mattress to keep their hips lifted and in line with their shoulders.
Ready to try out the Nectar Premier? 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 Premier mattress review and Nectar Adjustable Base review.
Helix Sunset Luxe with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number c4 Alternative
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Firmness
Score
Helix Sunset Luxe with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number c4 Alternative
Product
Helix Sunset Luxe MattressFirmness
Soft: 5.5/10Score
Product
Sleep Number 360 c4 Smart MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsScore
Expert Opinion
While we already provided an alternative to Sleep Number’s overall C Series, what if you want an alternative to one of its individual beds, such as the c4? In addition to being adjustable, this mattress is known for containing foam that contours to your body for greater pressure relief. We think a good (and more affordable) alternative good be the Helix Sunset Luxe. Helix’s Luxe line is essentially the upgraded lineup of its original line of hybrid mattresses, and the Sunset is the softest of these beds. Its layer of Memory Plus foam should give you a lot of contouring, similar to the foam in the c4. When we lie down on the Sunset Luxe, we can feel the material hugging our shoulders and hips.
Another perk of the Helix Sunset Luxe (and all of the Luxe mattresses) is that it comes with a soft and breathable Tencel cover, and an added pillow top. The pillow top provides further pressure relief. The Sunset Luxe also pairs nicely with the brand’s Adjustable Base, whose multiple angles give you a sense of customization that’s even closer to Sleep Number. Its presets include flat, as well as zero gravity mode. There are also luxurious features such as a massage function and USB ports.
What our tester says: “A combination of soft Memory Plus foam and springy Helix Dynamic Foam create a soft yet responsive feel. Regardless of your preferred sleeping position, you won’t feel swallowed by the foam layers of this mattress.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Pros of the Helix Sunset Luxe Mattress
- We really love this mattress for side sleepers, who should get contouring and pressure relief in all the right spots.
- It should also be comfortable for average weight back sleepers, as long as they enjoy a softer mattress.
- Hot sleepers should be very comfy on the Helix Sunset Luxe. The breathable cover and airflow-promoting coils both assist with cooling.
Cons of the Helix Sunset Luxe Mattress
- Soft mattresses like the Sunset Luxe usually aren’t the best choice for stomach sleepers or heavy sleepers over 250 pounds. They’ll need something firmer and more supportive.
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.
Saatva Solaire – Best Sleep Number C Series Alternative
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Firmness
Score
Saatva Solaire – Best Sleep Number C Series Alternative
Product
Saatva Solaire MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsScore
Product
Sleep Number 360 c4 Smart MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsScore
Expert Opinion
Like all of Sleep Number’s mattresses, the C Series uses a network of flexible air chambers to adjust the firmness of the bed. But unlike, say, the P Series, the C Series is fairly responsive, even at its softest setting. We think a good alternative to it is the Saatva Solaire, a high-tech adjustable air bed with 50 different firmness settings (1 being the softest and 50 being the 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 considerable range, depending on the setting, spanning from a very soft 4 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale to a very firm 8.
What our tester says: “My favorite thing about the Solaire is how customizable it is. Almost any sleeper should be able to find a firmness setting that works for them. And couples might especially appreciate the Solaire’s customizability, breathability, and low motion transfer.” – Logan Block, former head of content
Pros of the Saatva Solaire Mattress
- We think this mattress should work for every sleeping position. Side sleepers should opt for somewhere in the 20s, back sleepers should aim for 30–35, and stomach sleepers should hover between 40 and 50.
- For an air bed, the Saatva Solaire has fairly strong edge support, which is good news for couples or anyone who likes to spread out across the entire surface of a mattress.
- Sleepers who experience back pain should be able to find just the right setting to cushion their lumbar while also providing spinal support.
Cons of the Saatva Solaire Mattress
- This might sound like a minor complaint, but we found the buttons of the remote control to be a bit sticky when we adjusted the firmness settings.
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.
Bear Star Hybrid with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number pSE Alternative
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Firmness
Score
Bear Star Hybrid with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number pSE Alternative
Product
Sleep Number 360 pSE Smart MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsScore
Expert Opinion
On the Sleep Number pSE, you can adjust each side of the mattress to be a different level of firmness, which allows the bed to accommodate partners with different preferences. While the Bear Star Hybrid isn’t adjustable on its own, it does have a medium-firm feel that should still appeal to a wide variety of folks. That’s why we chose it as a more budget-friendly alternative to the pSE.
The Bear Star Hybrid gets its balanced feel from a construction that combines soft memory foam with highly supportive coils. And if you want to up its customizability, consider pairing it with the brand’s Adjustable Flex Bed. It’s even available in a Split King, which can give you different settings on each side of the mattress, similar to the pSE.
What our tester says: “I think the Bear Star Hybrid is reasonably priced for a hybrid mattress, especially with the sales that Bear often runs. I think it’s a good option for people looking for a luxurious feel at a lower price point.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Pros of the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
- As a brand, Bear caters to athletes, and has outfitted the Star Hybrid with a cover made of a Celliant, a material that some studies believe may promote recovery.
- A moisture-wicking cover, infusion of copper in the foam, and airflow-promoting coils all help the Bear Star Hybrid sleep cool.
- We think this mattress should be comfortable for back sleepers and side sleepers alike.
Cons of the Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
- It’s likely not going to be firm enough for stomach sleepers.
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.
Nolah Signature with Smart Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number iLE Limited Edition Alternative
Product
Firmness
Score
Nolah Signature with Smart Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number iLE Limited Edition Alternative
Product
Nolah Signature 12" MattressFirmness
Soft: 5.5/10Score
Product
Sleep Number 360 iLE Smart MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsScore
Expert Opinion
With the iLE Limited Edition, Sleep Number created a mattress that treated sleepers to soft foam and a number of cooling features. The Nolah Signature has these same traits, built with a proprietary called AirFoam that’s designed to be a more breathable alternative to memory foam. And as far as firmness goes, we clocked this all-foam mattress at an ultra-plush 5.5 out 10 on our mattress firmness scale, meaning that, like the iLE, it offers plenty of contouring and deep pressure relief.
Of course, being a Sleep Number bed, the iLe is customizable, while the Nolah Signature isn’t. But if you pair it with the brand’s adjustable base, you get a ton of different height options, in addition to other bells and whistles such as under-bed lighting, a massage function, and USB chargers.
What our tester says: “I think the Nolah Signature is a great choice for a lot of back and side sleepers. The sinkage this mattress provides should be a nice match for these sleepers and offer the pressure relief they need.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Pros of the Nolah Signature Mattress
- Side sleepers should be very comfortable on the Nolah Signature, getting all the contouring they need at their shoulders and hips.
- Back sleepers should also find the right blend of comfort and support here, as long as they like a softer feel.
- Folks with back pain should feel the soft foam filling in their lumbar region and offering them relief.
Cons of the Nolah Signature Mattress
- We don’t think the Nolah Signature will give stomach sleepers the support they need.
Ready to try out the Nolah Signature? 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 Signature mattress review and our full Nolah Adjustable Base review.
Titan Plus with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number m7 Alternative
Product
Firmness
Score
Titan Plus with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number m7 Alternative
Expert Opinion
As a memory foam mattress, the Sleep Number m7 would probably be a lot softer than the hybrid Titan Plus (created by Brooklyn Bedding), even if it didn’t have customizable settings. However, the two mattresses are similar in that they don’t have pillow tops, which gives them a more responsive feel. If you pair the Titan Plus with Brooklyn Bedding’s Ascension Adjustable Base, you get a little bit of 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.
Now is a good time to remind you that adjustable bases are often found at discounted bundles with mattresses during certain holidays, especially Black Friday. You may actually be able to get a mattress and an adjustable bed for a combined price that’s a less expensive Sleep Number alternative.
What our tester says: “The materials under the Titan Plus’ hood are sturdy and durable. You get just the right amount of cozy mobility on top, but the theme here is support.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Pros of the Titan Plus Mattress
- It was designed for heavy people over 250 pounds, so larger sleepers should get all the support they need.
- The Ascension Base has a slim design that’s sturdy, but easy to move.
- The Titan Plus has exceptional edge support, allowing you to spread all the way out and utilize the entire surface of your bed.
Cons of the Titan Plus Mattress
- As a firm mattress (we gave it a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale), it probably isn’t going to be a great fit for average weight side sleepers looking for a contouring feel.
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.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe with Ascension Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number i8 Alternative
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Firmness
Score
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe with Ascension Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number i8 Alternative
Product
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsScore
Product
Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsScore
Expert Opinion
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 has a cooling feature in every layer, from springs that allow for airflow to a cooling cover and infusion of thermoregulating copper in the top layer of foam.
Like many of Brooklyn Bedding’s mattresses, the Aurora Luxe is also available in three different firmness levels, so it does give you some level of customization (though not as much as a Sleep Number mattress). And you can always pair it with the brand’s Ascension Adjustable Base for additional adjustability.
What our tester says: “I appreciate how soft and cuddly this bed is. It feels similar to a lot of luxury hybrids on the market right now, but is a little cheaper than these beds.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
- We recommend the Soft model for side sleepers, the Medium model for back sleepers, and the Firm model for stomach sleepers.
- We tested the Medium model, and scored it a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale — a touch softer than medium firm.
- Brooklyn Bedding owns its own factory, so it’s able to cut down on manufacturing costs and pass the savings onto the customer.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress
- It probably isn’t supportive enough for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds.
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.
What is a Smart Bed?
A smart bed essentially gathers data while someone sleeps (i.e. their heart rate, body temperature, movement, etc.), then uses it to adjust its settings for your most optimal sleeping experience. For instance, if the bed detects that your body heat is spiking, it might cool itself down. If it senses that you’re snoring, it might change its angle so that you’re in a better position to prevent heavy breathing.
While most smart beds are different and offer different features, some of the most common traits are the ability to sync up with your phone and adjustable firmness. You may want to preset the mattress’s firmness and stick with that, or set it so that the smart bed adjusts its firmness based on the data it’s collecting. It really is a flexible machine.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Sleep Number Alternative
There are a number of things to keep in mind when deciding between a Sleep Number bed and something from another brand. Let’s go over a few of them.
Firmness
A Sleep Number mattress is going to offer you adjustable firmness, thanks to its complex network of air chambers that inflate and deflate depending on user preference and the data being read. While some alternatives — such as the Saatva Solaire and Emma Shift — have adjustable firmness, most of them don’t. So if you decide not to go with Sleep Number, figure out which set firmness will be best for you.
Budget
In general, Sleep Number beds are going to be more expensive than other mattresses, with some of them running upwards of $5,000 for a queen. Figure out what’s in your price range, then go from there.
Sleep-Tracking
One of the most unique traits about Sleep Number is that their mattresses track your sleeping patterns, then adjust themselves based on the data. Even other mattresses with adjustable firmnesses don’t have that ability. If sleep-tracking and that high level of technology are especially important to you, then you should opt for Sleep Number.
Cooling
Even though it’s easy to find a cooling mattress that’s not a smart bed, a Sleep Number mattress actually has the ability to alter its temperature based on how hot and cold you are. Once again, it comes down to what level of technology if you want. If you want something that just sleeps cool on its own, a standard cooling mattress is probably fine. But if you want something that can adapt to your ever-changing needs, go for Sleep Number.
Device Compatability
Sleep Number mattresses all have the ability to connect to your smartphone or other device. Still, you’ll want to verify that the technology you’re using is compatible, so be sure to check Sleep Number’s website and the product specs before purchasing.
Trial Period
Even a non-smart bed is a big investment, so it’s important to check out a mattress’s trial period before purchasing. You may want something that you can test out for at least 100 nights (or maybe even a year), just so you can make sure it’s the right purchase for you. Most beds have this info listed right on their site.
Smart Beds vs Adjustable Base
It’s important to know that smart beds are different from adjustable bases, although you can definitely pair an adjustable base with a non-adjustable mattress to give yourself more customization. The biggest difference is that a smart bed changes its firmness, angle, and other features depending on how you’re sleeping. With an adjustable base, you can usually just change the angle of the mattress, and that often has to be done manually with a remote control.
That said, adjustable bases are still luxurious accessories. They sometimes even have posh features such as a massage function, soothing LED lights underneath, and ports for charging your devices.
Sleep Number Alternative Pros
- The technology is truly impressive, and many sleepers can really benefit from a bed that adapts to them.
- Sleepers struggling with chronic pain may appreciate the mattress’s ability to adjust itself depending on their preferences and health stats.
- Hot sleepers and sleepers with mobility issues should also appreciate the customizability of Sleep Number and how quickly the bed can change to fit their needs.
Sleep Number Alternatives Cons
- In general, Sleep Number mattresses are a lot more expensive than most other beds.
- Not everyone is going to want to deal with all that technology. If you prefer to keep it simple, we recommend going with a Sleep Number bed alternative.
- A Sleep Number bed is going to be more complicated to set up. You’ll also have to sync it with your devices, plus there’s always a chance that you’ll encounter technical issues and have to troubleshoot.
FAQs
Is a Sleep Number mattress worth it?
It really depends on your budget and your comfort with technology. Sleep Number beds are extremely expensive, but if you can afford it, they really do offer a wide range of customization that allows you to choose from a near endless amount of firmness levels. Having the ability to change your mattress’s firmness can also help out with issues such as back pain and getting more contouring when you need it.
However, these mattresses are not going to be within everyone’s price range. They’re also made with complex technology that isn’t going to come naturally to everybody. There may be a bit of a 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, but without all of the bells and whistles and high price point. For instance, Brooklyn Bedding offers several different firmness levels for many of their mattresses. Although that’s not the same level of customization as Sleep Number, it still gives you some options. All of the mattresses on this list are going to be less expensive than most Sleep Number beds, although some may get to around the same price if you add an adjustable base for further flexibility.
We’ve also chosen a few options that do offers the same adjustability of a Sleep Number bed, such as the Emma Shift and Saatva Solaire. Although these mattresses are still expensive, they’re not as pricey as many of the Sleep Number options.
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, etc.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, motion isolation, support, and more. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
Because side sleepers put the most pressure on their shoulders and hips, we paid special attention to our pressure map test. None of the products included here are likely to put added pressure on these areas. Click here to learn more about our methodology. And if you’re still not sure of the right mattress, you can take our mattress quiz to be shown a selection of mattresses curated to your sleep preferences.
Best Sleep Number Alternatives 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Coupon | Review |
| Nectar Premier | Sleep Number P Series Alternative | $1,499 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Helix Sunset Luxe | Sleep Number c4 Alternative | $2,373 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva Solaire | Sleep Number C Series Alternative | $3,745 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Star Hybrid | Sleep Number pSE Alternative | $1,998 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Signature | Sleep Number iLE Limited Edition Alternative | $1,799 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Titan Plus | Sleep Number m7 Alternative | $1,249 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Sleep Number i8 Alternative | $2,265 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
Dan Caffrey
Senior Performance Editor
About Author
Dan is a Performance Editor and Certified Sleep Coach at Sleepopolis, where he writes and edits mattress roundups to give readers the most up-to-date information on sleep products. In 2020, Dan earned his MFA In Playwriting from UT Austin, and his plays have been seen around the country in Chicago, Austin, Washington D.C., and elsewhere. He’s also a pop-culture fanatic, having written for publications such as The A.V. Club, Consequence, Pitchfork, and Vox. He co-hosts two popular horror podcasts on the Bloody Disgusting Podcast Network — The Losers’ Club: A Stephen King Podcast and Halloweenies: A Horror Franchise Podcast. When he’s not catching up on the latest King novel, you can find Dan in and around Brooklyn walking his dog Hank, seeing a play with his wife, and going to way too many concerts.
Combination Sleeper
