If you’ve been thinking about replacing your existing mattress with something new, you’ve likely shopped around and considered the Sleep Number line of mattresses, or at least heard of them. The innovative design is different than other beds on the market. While you have options of all types of mattresses, ranging from memory foam and latex to traditional coil mattresses and hybrids in between, the Sleep Number mattress is different than any other you’ll find because it’s based on technology combined with the simplicity of using air.
That’s right; just like the mattresses you pull out and inflate for guests or that you take camping and air up with a pump are basic versions of what the Sleep Number beds use to create a very reliable form of pressure relief for great sleep support. However, rather than having a separate pump and guesswork involved in how ‘full’ and ‘firm’ your mattress is, the Sleep Number line of mattresses involves internal technology that allows you to more accurately dial in your ‘sleep number’, or how firm you need your mattress based on the air fill.
More on the Topic
Of course, just like so many other lines of mattresses, not all Sleep Number beds are the same. The manufacturer offers a variety of firmness options that can be dialed in more carefully, as well as optional add-ons that affect the pricing of the mattresses. Here, we’ve taken two of the more basic models, the C2 and C4, to compare them so you can determine a little more about which mattress is right for you.
A Breakdown of the Sleep Number C2 Mattress
Construction
When it comes to this particular line of mattresses, the C2 is the most basic. That means two things. First, it’s more affordable than many of the other models because it doesn’t have a lot of ‘bells and whistles’. Second, it’s really the firmest of all the mattresses from this company. That’s because the C2 mattress doesn’t have a layer of foam incorporated into the cover as most of the other mattresses do.
Cover
The cover of the C2 mattress is a blend of Rayon (polyester) and polypropylene, which is quite thin and very breathable. While you can technically unzip and remove the cover from the C2 mattress, it’s not recommended that you wash it. The material is quite likely to shrink in the washer and be damaged beyond repair by the drying process. Therefore, if the cover of your Sleep Number C2 mattress gets dirty, the recommendation is that you spot clean it for stains.
Fiberfill
Unlike higher grade and softer models, the C2 doesn’t have a layer of foam inside the cover above the air chambers. Rather, you’ll find a very thin layer of soft fiberfill that is sewn just above the air chambers. This ‘pillows’ you slightly so that you aren’t right on top of the rubber that holds the air.
Air Chambers
The main technology resides in the air chamber or chambers. A twin sized mattress will have only one chamber, but a double or larger has two, allowing you and a sleep partner to choose separate firmness levels for each side of the bed. The air chambers use the DualAir technology to inflate or deflate, utilizing an internal pump and hose with a remote that you control to dial in your level of firmness. That’s your ‘sleep number’. Sleeping numbers range from 1 to 100, with 50 being medium firm.
The air chambers are made of 24 gauge vulcanized rubber and have a cotton cover that’s been adhered through heat treatment. When you first receive your C2 mattress, you may or may not notice a rubber smell; this is a non-toxic off-gassing that doesn’t always occur so is not dangerous and will dissipate quickly.
Again, because the C2 is a base model, there is no ‘cushion’ which means it’s a firm mattress, and you’ll find that it sleeps about a 7 out of 10 on a traditional rating scale. However, with the ability to adjust the fill of the mattress, you can change this to some degree to suit your needs.
No Base Layer
The C2, like other Sleep Number mattresses, does not include a base layer. Therefore, you will have to purchase a separate base of some kind. This is an additional cost for all beds from this manufacturer, and the company recommends either a traditional box spring or some sort of platform base.
The Firmness of the Sleep Number C2 Mattress
As described above, the firmness of a Sleep Number bed is adjustable, though based on the model you start with, you can only change it so much. With the Sleep Number C2 mattress lacking the extra cushion, it’s a very firm feel to start with.
The dials on the mattress – for the dual chambers of the two sides of a bed (L is for Left when you are lying on the bed looking to the foot of the bed) have simple arrows to show you up and down from 1 to 100 for firmness, with 1 being basically uninflated. Remember, the internal technology is based on air.
With the C2 mattress, the adjustment of the air, using the dials and internal pump that automatically locks in your sleep number, the firmness seems to be adjustable from about a 6.5 to an 8. This is a super firm bed, and since a mattress from this company has little response at all below around a 30, the only way to really adjust the softness would be to perhaps add a separate foam mattress pad layer on top of your mattress.
Feel of a Sleep Number C2 Mattress
Considering that Sleep Number mattresses utilize air rather than springs, coils, foam, or latex, there is a very different feel to these particular beds. If you don’t like the bounce of a traditional coil spring mattress, you quite likely won’t enjoy the way a Sleep Number bed feels, since the air creates a similar bouncy feel. Also, if you are sharing your mattress with a partner (any mattress larger than a twin size), you’ll find that there may be a bit of a ‘rut’ between the two air chambers that are individualized for your personal settings.
On the other hand, even with the bounce, the C2 mattress, like others in the line, is excellent at relieving pressure points. The C2, while firm, has the natural appeal of a contouring effect created by the air, so that your body aligns better, regardless of your sleep position. That means it helps with joint and back pain so that you’re less likely to wake during the night and hurt during the day.
Unique Features –C2 Mattress
Sleep Number beds offer a few unique options, and these are all available as add-ons for the Sleep Number C2 mattress.
- SleepIQ Technology – This is an optional app you can add on to any Sleep Number bed that helps record your sleep activity for greater insight into your habits and needs throughout the night, which can assist you in determining if you’re setting your sleep number correctly.
- Optional Financing – Because the Sleep Number beds can be pricey by the time you add in other options, spending a certain amount gives you the option for financing your purchase, unlike so many other mattress models.
- Delivery and Setup – For an additional cost, you can have your Sleep Number C2 mattress delivered and set up for you in your home. Otherwise, there will be a general cost for UPS delivery to your home.
A Breakdown of the Sleep Number C4 Mattress
Construction
The C4 mattress is very similar to the C2, with one exception, which is the layer of foam that adds a bit of cushion to the overall feel and firmness of the mattress.
Cover for the Sleep Number C4 Mattress
The cover for all beds from this company is the same, so you get the same thing, cool blended Rayon and polypropylene material here you get with the C2.
Top Layer
This is where the C2 and C4 mattresses differ. With the C2, you don’t get anything but a thin fill to cushion your sleep on top of the air chambers. With the C4, there’s a 1.5-inch layer of comfort foam resting inside the cover above the air chambers that give it a slightly softer feel. Of course, this is still a very firm mattress and not the top of the line model with the plushest feel. In fact, it’s barely softer than the C2, so it’s still a very firm feel, but that added comfort layer of foam does make a difference for most and brings it down more toward an average firm feel.
Base Layer
As with all Sleep Number beds, the C4 mattress consists of another 8 inches of air chambers, making the total thickness of the mattress 10 inches. However, like the entire line of mattresses, the C4 mattress lacks a base layer and requires an external base, such as a platform or box spring, to work properly.
The Firmness of a Sleep Number C4 Mattress
The C4 mattress is very similar to the C2 in its firmness and feel, not being one of the premium models. However, with the added 1.5-inch layer of comfort foam that rests above the air chambers, you do get a slightly less firm mattress overall. Again, as with most Sleep Number beds, you’ll probably have to dial your sleep number up to at least 30, but you can adjust the feel of this mattress from about a 6 to a 7.5 with the air fill and the additional cushion of the comfort foam.
Unique Features – C4 Mattress
Sleep Number beds come in a wider range of sizes than a lot of beds on the market these days, with a variety of extended king sizes, including:
- Twin
- Twin Long (+10 inches)
- Full (single air chamber)
- Double (full size with 2 air chambers)
- Queen
- King (76 inches x 80 inches)
- California King (72 inches x 84 inches)
- Split King
- Flex Top King
- Flex Top California King
Sleep Number C2 VS Sleep Number C4 Comparison
| Sleep Number C2 | Sleep Number C4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Layers Used | 2 layers
|
3 layers
|
| Height | 8 inches | 10 inches |
| Firmness | Firm | Medium Firm |
| Motion Transfer | Minimal | Minimal |
| Breathability | Average-High breathability | Average-High breathability |
| Trial Period | 100 Nights (30 required) | 100 Nights (30 required) |
| Warranty | 25 year, prorated | 25 year, prorated |
| Pricing (Queen) | $899.99 USD | $1,599.99 USD |
| Shipping | $89.99 and up, depending on options | $89.99 and up, depending on options |
Which One To Get
When it comes to the line of Sleep Number beds, you’ll want to consider just how much extra cushion you need before making a decision as to which mattress is best for your purposes. All of these air technology mattresses are great for pressure point relief, though the C2 and C4 mattresses are the most basic and firmest models available. If you’re a back or side sleeper, you’ll likely be especially happy with these particular models.
If you like a lot of bounce and don’t require a lot of cushions, the C2 mattress might be the best fit for you, since it’s easily affordable and firm without any bells and whistles. For those who like a firm mattress, need the extra alignment, and don’t want to invest in a mattress with a lot of extras, the C4 mattress takes the technology on which the C2 is built and adds a layer of comfort foam that eases the firmness just a bit.
Keep in mind that there are plenty of add-ons to all beds made by this company that can make them even more technologically advanced, but when it comes to the basics, you’ll find that these two mattresses accomplish the job. Check into the entire line to see what further options you have.