Written by Lisa Bowman, Writer
Deciding between a Sleep Number bed can be confusing – it’s not always obvious from the company website what the differences are. All Sleep Number beds are smart air mattresses that feature adjustable firmness and sleep-tracking technology. Mattress pressure sensors measure biometrics to assess sleep quality, giving you a score every morning via the SleepIQ® app. However, it’s the differing comfort layers that affect their overall firmness and feel.
Read on to find out more about the Sleep Number 360° m7 (the brand’s only memory foam bed) and the Sleep Number 360° i8 (one of the brand’s plushest offerings).
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Score
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Product
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Sleep Number 360 m7 Smart Mattress
Sleep Number’s only memory foam model combines adjustable firmness, sleep-tracking technology, and cooling memory foam.
$1200 off
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sleep Number 360 m7 Smart Mattress
Sleep Number’s only memory foam model combines adjustable firmness, sleep-tracking technology, and cooling memory foam.
Material
Foam
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sleep Number 360 m7 Smart Mattress
Sleep Number’s only memory foam model combines adjustable firmness, sleep-tracking technology, and cooling memory foam.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Who I’d Recommend the Sleep Number 360° m7 For
- Memory foam fans who also want a smart bed – This is Sleep Number’s only memory foam bed, so if you’re looking to combine the slow-moving feel of memory foam with the benefits of a smart bed, this may be a good choice for you.
- Side sleepers with joint pain – While the i8 also works well for most side sleepers, the m7 may be preferable for those with sensitive joints, as it has soothing gel-infused memory foam that should pleasantly cushion the shoulder and hip areas.
- Memory foam fans who sleep hot – Can’t get enough of memory foam but hate how sweaty it can get? The memory foam in the m7 is infused with gel, which helps dissipate excess body heat so you maintain a neutral body temperature.
Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Mattress
The 360° i8 is one of Sleep Number’s plushest smart air beds, with adjustable firmness and seven-zoned contouring.
Material
Other
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Mattress
The 360° i8 is one of Sleep Number’s plushest smart air beds, with adjustable firmness and seven-zoned contouring.
Material
Other
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Mattress
The 360° i8 is one of Sleep Number’s plushest smart air beds, with adjustable firmness and seven-zoned contouring.
Material
Other
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Who I’d Recommend the Sleep Number 360° i8 For
- Stomach sleepers – Despite being one of Sleep Number’s softest beds, the seven-zoned contouring PlushFit foam provides enough support for most stomach sleepers, although some heavier front sleepers may find they need a firmer bed.
- Pillow top fans – Love a squishy pillow top? The i8’s Hypersoft quilted pillow top could be right up your alley, offering a cozy feel and soothing pressure relief.
- Light to average-weight combination sleepers – We think the i8 provides the right amount of cushioning and support to suit sleepers under 230 pounds in all positions. However, there’s not much bounce, which could affect any ease of movement if you’re constantly moving around.
Sleep Number 360° m7 vs Sleep Number 360° i8: Top Similarities
- Great pressure relief – Both beds were designed with exceptional pressure relief in mind. The m7’s gel memory foam and the i8’s Hypersoft quilted pillow top and PlushFit foam offer plenty of relief for sensitive joints.
- Motion isolation – Couples will be pleased to hear that both beds offer great motion isolation. The combination of dual air chambers and foam means that any movement your partner makes should stay on their side of the bed.
- Adjustable firmness – Not only does each bed offer a choice of 20 firmness levels, but DualAir technology also allows you to choose a different firmness level from that of your partner. Responsive Air™ technology allows the bed to adjust firmness automatically while you sleep, based on movements detected by pressure sensors in the mattress.
Comparing Sleep Number 360° m7 vs Sleep Number 360° i8: Key Differences
- Pillow top – If you love the cloud-like feel of a pillow top, you’ll love the i8, but if you prefer a flat cover so you can sink straight into that memory foam, then the m7 is the one for you.
- Comfort layer – The m7 has a 5-inch comfort layer made with memory foam and standard foam, while the i8’s is 6 inches, featuring a quilted pillow top and seven-zoned contouring foam.
- Cooling features – The m7 features a breathable cover and gel memory foam with CoolFit technology, which helps dissipate body heat, while the i8 has an ultra-breathable cooling cover, which is 50 percent more breathable than other covers, offering superior temperature regulation.
Comparing Firmness, Support & Feel
Firmness
We rate mattress firmness on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the firmest. It’s difficult to give either of these beds a definitive rating as they both feature adjustable firmness settings.
All Sleep Number beds offer a choice of 20 firmness levels, which are adjusted via the air support system. DualAir technology allows you to individually customize each side of the bed (in Full size and up), while the Responsive Air™ feature adjusts firmness hourly while you sleep, depending on your movements.
Support
The i8’s seven-zoned contouring foam provides better support for stomach sleepers than the m7’s memory foam, but exceptionally heavyweight front sleepers may need a firmer bed.
Side and back sleepers of all shapes and sizes should feel well supported on the m7, with its memory foam offering soothing pressure relief. Most side and back sleepers should also sleep well on the i8, but some heavier back sleepers may prefer a less plush pillow top.
Both beds offer great edge support, thanks to high-density foam edges.
Feel
While the i8 has an overall plusher feel – thanks to its cozy quilted pillow top and PlushFit foam – its seven-zoned targeted contouring foam offers great support from head to toe, while the cover feels soft and cool to the touch.
The m7 features a soft, flat cover, which allows you to immediately experience the soothing pressure relief of the slow-moving memory foam. If you’re after a more cloud-like feel, the i8 is probably the one for you.
Comparing Sinkage and Bounce
Despite featuring memory foam, the m7 offers more of a gentle cradle than a deep hug, so if you love that ‘in-the-bed’ feeling, you’re better off checking out standard memory foam mattresses. The i8’s 6-inch comfort layer is an inch thicker than the m7’s, but while you’ll sink into the Hypersoft pillow top, the seven-zoned PlushFit foam should stop you from sinking too far.
If it’s bounce you’re after, you’re looking in the wrong place – the foams on both beds muffle any potential bounce from the air chambers. This is something to consider for combination sleepers, those with mobility issues, and couples who like a springy mattress for sex.
Comparing Motion Transfer
Both the m7 and i8 have great motion isolation, which is important for those who share a bed with restless partners, pets, or kids. Sizes Full and above have two air chambers, which prevent movement from making its way over to your side of the bed. The foam comfort layers also help muffle any motion, which should help you sleep undisturbed, even if your partner is tossing and turning.
However, couples should be aware that Sleep Number beds are known for a gap appearing between the two chambers when they’re programmed to noticeably different settings, which may make it uncomfortable for couples to cuddle together in the bed’s center.
Comparing Cooling
Our bodies are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, which can have a huge impact on sleep quality. While beds containing foam can be incredibly comfortable to sleep on, they’re also known for trapping heat, which is less than ideal for those who sleep hot or live in warm climates.
To offset this, the m7 has a breathable cover and gel-infused memory foam with CoolFit technology that helps release body heat, while the i8 features a temperature-balancing cover. This cover is 50 percent more breathable than other covers, absorbing excess heat and releasing it as you cool down. We found both beds did a pretty good job of sleeping cool.
Comparing Construction (Materials & Quality)
Sleep Number 360° m7 Construction
The m7 is an 11-inch smart air bed, with a flat, breathable poly-blend cover.
- The 5-inch comfort layer is made from two types of foam. A thick layer of gel memory foam with CoolFit technology offers cooling, dynamic contouring, and pressure relief, while a layer of regular foam provides further contouring and support.
- The support layer features a 24-gauge vulcanized rubber air chamber (or two chambers for larger sizes) with 20 firmness options, which are programmed via a remote control or the SleepIQ® app. A concealed hose and pump system inflates/deflates the chamber(s) to the required firmness. Each air chamber can be customized individually, and Responsive Air™ technology allows the bed to adjust hourly while you sleep, depending on your movements.
- The base layer features a high-density foam pad, which gives the air chamber/s something to bounce off.
- A high-density foam perimeter provides edge support.
Sleep Number 360° i8 Construction
The 12-inch i8 smart air bed has a 6-inch comfort layer and a poly-blend cover made from Smart 3D fabric, which is temperature-balancing and 50 percent more breathable than other covers.
- The duvet-style pillow top is made from Hypersoft quilting foam to provide cozy, gentle cushioning.
The rest of the comfort layer features PlushFit foam with seven zones that provide targeted contouring and support for the whole body. - The air support system has one air chamber in Twin XL size and two air chambers in Full size and above. These 24-gauge vulcanized rubber chambers inflate or deflate via a concealed hose and pump system to provide adjustable firmness. There’s a choice of 20 levels, which are controlled via a remote control or the SleepIQ® app. Each chamber can be programmed individually, and Responsive Air™ technology adjusts firmness hourly throughout the night.
- The base layer features 1 inch of high-density foam, to provide stability.
- High-density foam perimeter walls provide edge support.
Comparing Company Policies & Price
- Warranty – There’s a 15-year limited warranty with both beds. The full cost of repair/replacement is covered in the first year, but you’ll be expected to pay 30 percent in the second year. This rises incrementally each year, maxing out at 85 percent in the fifteenth year.
- Shipping – Sleep Number’s premium delivery is mandatory with both beds, and this service costs 249 dollars. It includes the removal of your old mattress to another room, installation of your new bed, the creation of a SleepIQ® account, and a demo on how to use the bed and app. Your old mattress can be removed for recycling for an extra 49 dollars.
- Trial Period – There’s a 100-night trial period to test out both the m7 and i8.
- Returns – A full refund (minus shipping fees) is offered with both beds. However, you must return them within the 100-night trial and have owned the bed for at least 30 nights. Return shipping isn’t free and this must either be arranged yourself or with Sleep Number (at a cost of 249 dollars plus tax).
- Price – The Sleep Number 360° i8 costs 100 dollars more than the Sleep Number 360° m7, in all sizes.
Sleep Number 360° m7 vs. Sleep Number 360° i8 Compared Side-by-Side
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| Sleep Number 360 m7 Smart Mattress | Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Mattress | |
| Rating | ||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Foam | Other |
| Cooling | ||
| Warranty | 15-year limited warranty | 15-year limited warranty |
| Shipping | Flat-rate white glove delivery | Flat-rate white glove delivery |
| Trial Period | 100 nights | 100 nights |
| Best For | Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain | Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Side Sleepers |
Final Thoughts
It goes without saying that memory foam fans who love the idea of a smart air bed with adjustable firmness should choose the m7, but don’t forget that this model likely doesn’t offer enough support for most stomach sleepers.
Light to average-weight couples may be best off getting the i8, as it’s more suitable for all sleeping positions in those weight categories. Heavyweight back and side sleepers may also prefer the i8 and its supportive seven-zoned contouring foam. If you’re still unsure, though, check out our full-length reviews of each bed for more details
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Lisa Bowman
Writer
About Author
Lisa is a content writer for Sleep Advisor, which combines two of her greatest passions – writing and sleeping. She can also be found writing about fitness, sustainability and vegan food.
Combination Sleeper