Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Sleep Number is one of the most popular brands when it comes to high-quality, high-tech mattresses. These are smart mattresses designed to improve your sleeping experience by allowing you to tailor your bed to your needs.
Sleep Number mattresses are unique in that they’re extremely customizable, meaning you can adjust the firmness on each side of the bed or track your sleep using their app. Based on these features, it’s no surprise they’re also known for their high prices. It’s this mark-up that often puts people off and leads them to think about alternatives.
Sleep Number alternatives may not be as high-tech, but they can help you achieve the same quality of sleep at a fraction of the cost. We’ve gathered up our favorite high-quality beds and adjustable bases to get that smart bed experience — without the steep price. Don’t believe me? Our Sleep Number alternatives will save you an average of $1,551.
In this article, we’ll discuss some mattresses that can serve as Sleep Number alternatives and why we think they’re a good replacement.
Best Sleep Number Alternatives
- Nectar with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number p5 Alternative
- Nolah Signature 12” + Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number i8 Alternative
- DreamCloud with Adjustable Bed Frame – Best Sleep Number c4 Alternative
- Saatva Solaire – Best Sleep Number iLE Alternative
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number m7 Alternative
- Bear Star Hybrid with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number p6 Alternative
How We Chose The Best Sleep Number Competitors
At Sleep Advisor, we test mattresses in different categories shoppers typically find important in a new mattress, such as support, pressure relief, cooling, and bounce, among others. We rate each of these categories out of 5, then average them all together (with features we consider more important weighted, e.g. pressure relief and support) to get an overall mattress score out of 5.
We use multiple tools and methods to bring you objective testing data and incorporate feedback from testers of different body types to ensure our reviews are as comprehensive as possible. For this list, we also focused on featuring beds that not only performed well in general testing but that also have unique, comparable qualities to Sleep Number beds. Check our product review process page to learn more about how we test each mattress.
Our Video Review of the Best Sleep Number Alternatives
Compare Sleep Number Competitors
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| Nectar Mattress | Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Saatva Solaire Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Foam | Foam | Hybrid | Other | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | ||||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples | Side Sleepers, Back Pain | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Couples, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hip Pain | Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Side Sleepers | Joint Pain, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
What We Look for in Sleep Number Alternative
Smart Features and Technology
Sleep Number mattresses are known for their advanced technology, so this is one of the first things we look for in an alternative model. Sleep Number beds are smart mattresses that track your movement, heart rate, and breathing, so we like to see an alternative model that has at least some tech features.
Adjustable Firmness
Sleep Number beds have the ability to switch between 20 different firmness settings so you can go from having the softest to the firmest feel, all in one bed. We think a good alternative should have some level of adjustability when it comes to firmness and feel. This might look like immediate adjustability (similar to the Sleep Number style), or the mattress comes with different firmness options that you can pick from before ordering.
Adjustable Base Compatibility
Sleep Number mattresses are compatible with adjustable bases, with the company selling some of their own to complement their mattresses, so we like to see alternatives that are also adjustable base compatible. Adjustable bases are helpful because you can raise the head and/or foot of the bed to make yourself more comfortable.
The 6 Best Sleep Number Alternatives
Nectar with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number p5 Alternative
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
| Smart Features in Base | Adjustable Firmness | Adjustable Base Compatible |
| Wireless remote, zero-gravity setting, adjustable height | No | Yes |
| Metrics | Nectar Mattress | Average |
| Overall | 4 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 12″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Memory Foam | – |
| Number of Layers | 3 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Firm | – |
| Sleep Trial | 365 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Ships free across the continental United States. | – |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US® | – |
| Price (Queen) | $1,099 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
Why the Nectar with Adjustable Base Earned Best Sleep Number p5 Alternative
The Nectar itself isn’t a customizable mattress but works excellently with an adjustable base. Pairing the two gives you a similar feel you’d get from a customizable mattress such as the Sleep Number p5, if a little softer because of its all-foam construction.
With an adjustable base, the Nectar bed can be raised or lowered in various ways to accommodate all kinds of sleepers, though it’s best for back and side sleepers—like the p5.
Pros and Cons vs the Sleep Number p5
What’s the Nectar Mattress Made Of?
The Nectar is 12 inches tall with five layers. All of the foams it uses are CertiPUR-US® certified.
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- Layer 1 – Cover. A breathable cover made with temperature-regulating polyethylene fibers.
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- Layer 2 – Memory Foam (1 inches). This layer is responsible for providing pressure relief.
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- Layer 3 – Dynamic Response Foam (3 inches). This responsive foam keeps you aligned and bounces back to your movements.
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- Layer 4 – Base (8 inches). This dense and sturdy foam base gives the bed its supportive structure.
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- Layer 5 – Lower Cover. A bottom cover seals the layers of the mattress together and prevents it from unwanted shifting.
Studio Soundbite
“Slight amount of cushion at top but still firm… Much more pressure relief than I was expecting. I was expecting build up around on my side but it was pretty good.”
Sosha Lewis, Senior Staff Writer
Customer Reviews of the Nectar
With thousands of reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar mattress has an average 4.8 out of 5 stars. On the aptly named r/BuyItForLife subreddit, a longtime Nectar user (u/Interesting-Dot4963) outlined their experience with the mattress: “it is so comfortable but it does feel hot. It feels luxurious but not terribly pricey.”
To learn more about Nectar, visit our in-depth Nectar mattress review.
Nolah Signature 12” with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number i8 Alternative
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
| Smart Features in Base | Adjustable Firmness | Adjustable Base Compatible |
| Wireless remote, USB charging ports, zero-gravity setting, full-body massage, under-bed lighting | No | Yes |
| Metrics | Nolah Signature Mattress | Average |
| Overall Score | 4 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 12″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Memory Foam | – |
| Number of Layers | 4 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm | – |
| Sleep Trial | 120 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Shipping is free within the United States. | – |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold | – |
| Price (Queen) | $1,799 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
Why the Nolah Signature with Adjustable Base Earned Best Sleep Number i8 Alternative
The i8 by Sleep Number is an adjustable bed best suited to back sleepers. It boasts a breathable cover and thick comfort layer to keep cool while providing cushion. If you’re looking for a traditional mattress with a similar feel, consider the Nolah Signature.
The Nolah Signature is a soft bed, coming in on our firmness scale at 4 out of 10, whereas the i8 has adjustable firmness. Although you can’t adjust the Signature’s firmness, you can adjust its position by placing it on an adjustable base, making it easier to modify how the bed feels. The Nolah Signature also uses proprietary AirFoam™ to keep cool and provide some bounce—both not seen in traditional foam.
Pros and Cons vs the Sleep Number i8
What’s the Nolah Signature Mattress Made Of?
The Nolah Signature is 12 inches thick and has five layers.
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- Layer 1 – Organic Cotton Cover. Cotton is naturally breathable and soft for a comfortable sleep surface.
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- Layer 2 – Plush AirFoam™ (2.5 inches). AirFoam™ is both cool and cushioning.
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- Layer 3 – Active Response Foam (1.5 inches). This bouncy foam reacts to your movements and keeps air flowing through the mattress.
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- Layer 4 – Firm AirFoam™ (1 inch). Another layer of AirFoam™, albeit firmer, adds support so there’s less pressure on sensitive joints.
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- Layer 5 – High-Density Foam Foundation (7 inches). A dense, durable foam base layer.
Studio Soundbite
“The Nolah Signature is constructed with a concentration on pressure relief, and I will say it certainly delivers. Lightweight and average-weight sleepers should benefit the most from this bed’s soft feel and proprietary AirFoam™, which should cradle and contour to their curves.”
Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
Customer Reviews of the Nolah Signature
The Nolah Signature gets a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Nolah’s website. On the r/BedBets subreddit, one user (u/SteveBedBets) completed an extremely thorough review, complete with scores and feedback from different types of sleepers. They summed up the Nolah Signature as follows: “As you can see, the Nolah is an excellent choice for side sleepers of all weight categories and performs well for those who sleep on their back. I am hesitant to recommend the soft side of the Nolah Signature 12 to larger sleepers, since likely will lack the necessary support, but the firm side of the mattress should be great.”
Read our full Nolah Signature review if you want more in-depth information about this mattress.
DreamCloud with Adjustable Bed Frame – Best Sleep Number c4 Alternative
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
| Smart Features in Base | Adjustable Firmness | Adjustable Base Compatible |
| One-touch settings, control via app or wireless remote, quiet massage, USB ports | No | Yes |
| Metrics | DreamCloud | Average |
| Overall | 4 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 12″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid | – |
| Number of Layers | 8 | – |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm | – |
| Sleep Trial | 365 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Sleep Trial | Free Shipping within the continental United States | – |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US® | – |
| Price (Queen) | $2,095 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
Why the DreamCloud with Adjustable Bed Frame Earned Best Sleep Number c4 Alternative
The c4 mattress by Sleep Number is one of the brand’s more basic options, meant to attract consumers who want an affordable smart bed. It’s got a firmer feel, thus we’re offering up the DreamCloud mattress as an alternative.
The DreamCloud offers luxury at a reasonable price; it features a luxurious cashmere cover, soft foams, and a robust coil unit. You can add on the brand’s adjustable bed frame to mimic the Sleep Number c4. Coupons and sales often bring the price of a DreamCloud queen and adjustable base down to $1,414, which is about $400 less than a full-priced c4.
Pros and Cons vs the Sleep Number c4
What’s the DreamCloud Made Of?
The DreamCloud is 12 inches high and has eight layers if you count its top and bottom covers.
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- Layer 1 – Cashmere Blend Cover. Soft and decorated with tiny clouds, this top cover looks and feels welcoming.
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- Layer 2-3 – Quilted Foam. Two layers of foam, one cushiony-soft and the other supportive, make up the mattress surface.
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- Layer 4 – Gel-Infused Memory Foam. A pressure-relieving layer that molds to the shape of your body.
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- Layer 5 – Dynamic Foam. A transitional, firmer layer of foam shields you from feeling the coils beneath.
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- Layer 6 – Spring Unit. With thicker coils along the perimeter for edge support, these individually wrapped springs keep your body elevated.
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- Layer 7 – Base Foam. A dense layer of foam that the entire mattress rests upon.
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- Layer 8 – Bottom Cover. Attractive tufted borders and convenient handles add to the hybrid’s classy appearance.
Studio Soundbite
“The DreamCloud has five interior layers and two covers (top and bottom), so it’s easy to understand where all the comfort and contouring come from. I felt the layers working together to cradle the body, relieve pressure, and promote healthy sleep posture.”
Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Customer Reviews of the DreamCloud
The DreamCloud Original scores a solid 4.6 out of 5 stars among 8,000 reviews on its site. Redditors on the r/Mattress page express differing opinions about DreamCloud, with multiple users citing that “the break-in period is REAL” (u/spiderdu10) and that “it seems great initially but loses shape” (u/IrishRogue3) after years of use. Others say you “can’t go wrong” with their year-long trial (u/SpeakerDecent2933), and that its firmer feel brings “excellent support” (u/ColtOptic).
To find out more, read our full DreamCloud mattress review. Also check out our review for the DreamCloud Adjustable Base.
Saatva Solaire – Best Sleep Number iLE Alternative
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
| Smart Features in Mattress | Adjustable Firmness | Adjustable Base Compatible |
| Adjustable firmness on both sides, wired remote, memory option | Yes, 50 levels | Yes |
| Metrics | Saatva Solaire | Average |
| Overall Score | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 13″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Customizable | – |
| Number of Layers | 6 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Adjustable Firmness | – |
| Sleep Trial | 365 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Free shipping within the continental United States. | – |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US® and GOTS-certified | – |
| Price (Queen) | $4,495 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
Why the Saatva Solaire Earned Best Sleep Number iLE Alternative
The Saatva Solaire is the most luxurious smart bed on this list, thus we offer it as a possible alternative to the Sleep Number iLE, the most luxurious option in their Innovation line.
While the iLE offers 20 unique firmness levels, the Saatva Solaire offers more than twice that at 50. So, in some cases, this bed might be less of an alternative and more of an upgrade—even though it already comes in $1,000 less than the Sleep Number iLE before sales!
Pros and Cons vs the Sleep Number iLE
What’s the Saatva Solaire Made Of?
The Saatva Solaire is approximately 13 inches tall.
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- Euro Top. An organic, quilted pillow top for soft cushioning.
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- Zoned Latex. There are five zones in this hypoallergenic latex layer to balance support and pressure relief.
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- Gel Memory Foam. Cooling gel foam adapts to your body’s curves for gentle contouring.
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- Moisture Barriers. These layers ensure there’s no unwanted moisture buildup that might contribute to bacterial growth.
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- Air Chambers. Vulcanized air chambers inflate and deflate to your desired firmness. Queen-size and larger models feature two air chambers for customized support.
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- Edge Enclosure. This houses the bed’s air inflator.
Studio Soundbite
“Beds in the Sleep Number Classis series have 20 firmness levels, while the Saatva Solaire offers 50. The height is also more robust at 13 inches with more comfort layers like an organic cotton pillow top, five-zone Talalay latex, gel memory foam, and five-zone poly foam.”
Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Customer Reviews of the Saatva Solaire
On Saatva’s website, the reviews for the Saatva Solaire are overwhelmingly positive, coming in at 4.8 out of 5 stars. On Reddit, users have mixed opinions, with some saying that it “honestly feels like an upgraded air mattress” (u/bad-cat), while another claims “I bought my mom the Solaire last year. She’s been in it since January and loves it.” (u/danidoescare).
To learn more about the Saatva Solaire, visit our full-length Saatva Solaire mattress review.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number m7 Alternative
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
| Smart Features in Base | Adjustable Firmness | Adjustable Base Compatible |
| Self-sufficient power supply, preset preferences, wireless remote | No | Yes |
| Metric | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Average |
| Overall | 4 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 13.25” | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid | – |
| Number of Layers | 6 | – |
| Firmness | Multiple Firmness Options | – |
| Sleep Trial | 120 nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Free shipping within the contiguous United States. | – |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US® | – |
| Price (Queen) | $2,265 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe with Adjustable Base Earned Best Sleep Number m7 Alternative
The m7 model by Sleep Number is one of the coolest the brand offers. Similarly, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe excels in regulating temperature. It’s not an adjustable bed on its own, but it provides plenty of lift and bounce. It’s also got a firmer feel that should keep everything properly aligned and prevent the possibility of pressure buildup and pain.
Tacking on an adjustable base makes this bed an optimal alternative rather than forking over thousands of dollars for the Sleep Number m7. Brooklyn Bedding has several adjustable bases you can pick from, but I’d go with their Ascension Luxe model, which has special settings like zero-gravity, anti-snore, and massage, along with USB ports.
Pros and Cons vs the Sleep Number m7
What’s the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Made Of?
At 13 inches tall, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe has six total layers. You can find it in Soft, Medium, or Firm models.
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- Layer 1 – Cover. GlacioTex™ starts off the mattress with a cool-to-the-touch surface.
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- Layer 2 – CopperFlex™ Foam (1.5 inches). The use of copper and phase change material in this layer aids in temperature conduction and regulation.
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- Layer 3 – Supreme Response Comfort Foam (1.5 or 2 inches). This foam layer is plush for cushioning while also bouncing back.
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- Layer 4 – Gel Swirl Memory Foam (1 inch) or VariFlex™ Foam (1.5 inches). In the Soft and Medium models, a layer of gel memory foam promotes pressure relief. In the Firm model, a layer of VariFlex™ foam enhances the bed’s firm support.
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- Layer 5 – Coil Unit (8.5 inches). Ascension® coils keep you lifted and are reinforced along the perimeter for stronger edges.
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- Layer 6 – High-Density Foam Base (0.75 inches). A sturdy foam foundation.
Studio Soundbite
“Very rarely does a mattress achieve a perfect score for temperature regulation, but the Brooklyn Aurora is coming for the title.”
Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Customer Reviews of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
On Brooklyn Bedding’s site, the Aurora Luxe has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars and more than 4,000 reviews. On Reddit, one user (now inactive) reported their experience with the bed over the course of a week, and concluded that “We still really like the mattress. It has helped with my back and shoulder pain quite a bit.” Another user (u/koopa00) was disappointed and didn’t experience much temperature regulation from the bed: “I notice no cooling effect at all, regardless of what sheets I use. I’m not saying the bed runs hot, but it’s honestly no different than my previous memory foam mattress.”
Interested in learning more? Check out our Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review.
Bear Star Hybrid with Adjustable Base – Best Sleep Number p6 Alternative
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
Product
Type
Score
| Smart Features in Base | Adjustable Firmness | Adjustable Base Compatible |
| Cooling, Sleep Recovery Technology™, zero gravity preset, wireless remote. | No | Yes |
| Metrics | Bear Star Hybrid | Average |
| Overall Score | 3.8 | 4.1 |
| Mattress Height | 13″ | 11″ |
| Mattress Type | Hybrid | – |
| Number of Layers | 4 Layers | – |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm | – |
| Sleep Trial | 120 Nights | 141 Nights |
| Shipping | Ships free across the continental United States. | – |
| Certifications | GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US® | – |
| Price (Queen) | $1,998 (before discounts) | $1,695 |
Why the Bear Star Hybrid with Adjustable Base Earned the Best Sleep Number p6 Alternative
Sleep Number’s p6 model feels firmer than other models due to its thinner comfort layer, so if you’re looking for a bed with a similar feel, consider the Bear Star Hybrid.
While not a customizable mattress, the Bear Star Hybrid has all the cooling capability of the p6 and then some—mostly thanks to its optional cover, which features Celliant® and HydroCool® technology. It also keeps you lifted while still relieving pressure in areas that can cause problems, like the shoulders and hips. Pair it with an adjustable base to mimic the Sleep Number’s maneuverability.
Pros and Cons vs the Sleep Number p6
What’s the Bear Star Hybrid Made Of?
The Bear Star Hybrid is 13 inches high with five layers.
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- Layer 1 – Cover. This super cool and soft cover is made with Celliant® material and HydroCool® technology for a refreshing sleep.
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- Layer 2 – Serene Gel Foam. Another cool layer of foam for pressure relief.
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- Layer 3 – Responsive Comfort Foam. This adaptive foam’s porous structure keeps air flowing through the mattress.
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- Layer 4 – Innersprings. Individually encased coils bolster support. The edges feature stronger coils to prevent sagging along the perimeter.
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- Layer 5 – High-Density Support Foam. A sturdy, durable foam base.
Studio Soundbite
“The responsive comfort foam offers exceptional pressure relief and support, adapting to all sleeping positions.”
Stuart Petty, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Customer Reviews of the Bear Star Hybrid
Coming in at approximately 4.5 out of 5 stars on Bear’s site, the Bear Star Hybrid is a well-rated mattress. When it comes to customer reviews outside the platform, opinions are mixed on the bed’s firmness and feel. One user (u/nkell011) reported it was “much firmer than we anticipated” and that they “woke up with a stiff neck.” But another (u/kevaqua1) claimed, “Mine softened up after a couple weeks.”
Check out our full Bear Star Hybrid mattress review to learn more about this bed’s features.
How Much Money Can You Save by Buying a Sleep Number Competitor?
On average, buying one of out tested Sleep Number alternatives will save you $1,551. Take that savings to invest in great mattress accessories, or keep it in the bank!
| Alternative Mattress & Price (Queen Size w/o discounts) | Sleep Number Model & Price (Queen Size) | Total Savings |
| Nectar ($1,099) | Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Mattress ($2,699) | $1,600 |
| Nolah Signature 12” ($1,799) | Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Mattress ($3,999) | $2,200 |
| DreamCloud ($1,332) | Sleep Number 360 c4 Smart Mattress ($1,899) | $567 |
| Saatva Solaire ($4,495) | Sleep Number 360 iLE Smart Mattress ($5,499) | $1,004 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe ($1,865) | Sleep Number 360 m7 Smart Mattress ($3,999) | $2,134 |
| Bear Star Hybrid ($1,398) | Sleep Number 360 p6 Smart Mattress ($3,199) | $1,801 |
What Is a Smart Bed?
A smart bed uses a variety of technologies such as sensors that collect data about your sleep patterns and foot-warming technology. Typically, a smart bed uses the data gathered to adjust certain features as you sleep. Some of these features may include the firmness, temperature, incline, and level of support, depending on the company.
Smart Beds vs. Adjustable Bases
A smart bed may share similarities with an adjustable bed, but there are several important distinctions. With an adjustable base, you can use any compatible mattress, which is usually noted on the manufacturer’s website. An adjustable base has hinges that you can modify manually to raise or lower the head and foot of the mattress.
Unlike an adjustable base, smart beds use various technologies, such as sensors that track your sleeping habits throughout the night. Smart beds are typically more expensive than adjustable bases because of the technology used. However, smart beds can be more precisely adjusted to your needs, while an adjustable base can only be adapted to your preferred incline.
For more information, see our list of the best adjustable bed frames.
Smart Bed Pros and Cons
What to Look for in a Smart Bed or Sleep Number Alternative
Smart Features and Technology
Smart features and technology can elevate your entire resting and sleeping experience. Smart beds and those paired with adjustable bases have different features and settings that allow you to customize the feel and performance. This helps you adjust the bed to what feels the most comfortable for you while also providing additional perks like massage settings.
These can be built into the mattress or bedframe itself, often controlled by an included remote — or come from an app on your phone, where you get sleep insights and keep track of your settings.
Adjustable Firmness
Sometimes, your preferences and needs can change over time — or maybe you’re just not sure what’s going to feel most comfortable in a new bed. This is where an adjustable firmness makes a world of difference.
In some cases, a smart bed uses air chambers to adjust the firmness, while in others, the bed is flippable with a different firmness on each side. Other times, you might find a mattress that’s available in multiple firmness options, and you pick which one you want during the ordering process.
Adjustable Base Compatibility
Just like Sleep Number mattresses, a good Sleep Number alternative is compatible with many top rated adjustable bases, which allows you to get the most out of its feel and performance. By placing a mattress on an adjustable base, you get to elevate your head and/or feet, and in many cases, you can also enjoy extra features such as massage or under-bed lighting, for example. An adjustable base turns even the most basic mattress into a cozier haven.
Type of Mattress
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses usually have only a few layers, including a coil unit and a single comfort layer. For this reason, these beds aren’t as great at pressure relief and motion control compared to hybrid and memory foam models. Innerspring mattresses usually aren’t the best to pick as an alternative to Sleep Number, but this depends on the specific model you’re interested in.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid beds have individually wrapped coils that give these beds some bounce and support. However, they’re different from innerspring beds in that they have multiple comfort layers that make them better at pressure relief, motion isolation, and overall durability. They’re high-quality so they can easily replace Sleep Number mattresses, but make sure to go for reputable brands.
Examples from Our List:
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are typically great at motion isolation and pressure relief, but they don’t have much bounce because there aren’t coils. You can choose among various firmness levels, and they typically pair nicely with many adjustable bases, making them a good choice as Sleep Number alternatives. Memory foam beds usually contain poly foam support layers, as well as gel infusions to help prevent overheating.
Examples from Our List:
Latex Mattresses
Latex beds are good if you’re a hot sleeper and a fan of more responsive beds. Unlike memory foam, latex has a quicker response and is unlikely to make you feel stuck in a mattress. Latex is more breathable than memory foam, so the construction is unlikely to overheat. Plus, latex is highly durable, so these often last longer than other mattress types.
An Example from Our List:
Other Considerations When Shopping for a Sleep Number Alternative
Sleeping Position
Sleep Number mattresses can accommodate many sleeping positions when you lift or lower different parts of the bed. However, not every mattress can do that, at least not without an adjustable base.
For this reason, consider your preferred sleeping position and how you would like your bed to match it. Some beds are suitable for all sleeping positions, but others may be too soft or firm.
- Side sleepers may prefer a softer mattress for better pressure relief.
- Back sleepers need a medium to medium-firm mattress for a balanced feel.
- Stomach sleepers tend to skew towards firmer, more supportive mattresses.
Weight/Body Type of Sleepers
How much you weigh affects how you experience a bed’s firmness. In other words, if a mattress has a mid-range firmness, but you weigh over 230 pounds, you’re likely to experience it as softer than a person weighing under 130 pounds would.
Similarly, you want to consider your body frame and whether certain body parts are more prone to pressure buildup. For example, do you have broad shoulders? If so, you may want a softer bed that’s good at pressure relief to prevent pressure from building up in the shoulders when you sleep on the side.
Cooling
Cooling is a major factor to consider if you’re a hot sleeper. If you often sweat and overheat when you sleep, a cooling mattress can help you achieve a better night’s sleep. Some Sleep Number beds are cooler than other models, and the same goes for “regular” mattresses.
Hybrid, latex, and innerspring mattresses run cooler than memory foam. However, manufacturers now add infusions like gel and copper to help cool memory foam and prevent it from overheating. Many brands also have proprietary cooling technologies and cooling covers to provide more comfort for those who sleep hot.
Pressure Relief
Pressure builds up as parts of your body dig into a mattress. A bed with good pressure relief keeps strain off and comfortably cradles these areas.
Sleep Number mattresses have an adjustable firmness, and with that, they can provide more or less sinkage and pressure relief. Alternative mattresses may also have an adjustable firmness that allows you to achieve the same thing. If not, you may want to focus on a softer bed if pressure relief is your main concern.
Even a mid-range (medium or medium-firm) firmness may work, depending on your body weight, as it should allow a balance of pressure relief in the hips, knees, and shoulders while ensuring proper spine alignment.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to how well a mattress holds up when weight is applied to the edges sitting or laying on them. It’s another feature in which Sleep Number mattresses excel. However, other brands can achieve this as well.
Many companies include different reinforcements, such as strong coils or denser foam, around the perimeter to ensure the edges stay consistent, without collapsing under weight. Edge support may not be important for single individuals, but couples and co-sleepers usually appreciate having consistent support along the perimeter when they spread out.
Budget
Sleep Number mattresses are expensive, which means they’re unlikely to be a budget bed. That’s where Sleep Number alternatives can help. They may not offer all the bells and whistles of a Sleep Number bed, but they come with plenty of advantages, including a lower price in many cases.
Trial Period
Trial periods are a great way to test out a mattress before fully committing to a sometimes steep price. You can sleep on the mattress for a specific number of nights, and if you’re not satisfied with your purchase within that time frame, you can return the product.
Trial periods are especially important when purchasing a smart bed. Trial periods from reputable brands typically start at 90 or 100 nights and go up to a full year, which should allow you time to get used to your new mattress and decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Device Compatibility
When shopping for a Sleep Number or smart bed alternative, you’ll want to consider if the mattress is compatible with your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. It’s possible that some brands may only accommodate Apple products, which means if you’re an Android user, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Looking for more smart sleep items? Explore the best smart mattresses.
Best Sleep Number Alternative Mattress FAQs
What is the lifespan of a Sleep Number bed?
Sleep Number beds are designed to last for a minimum of 15 years, and they come with a 15-year limited warranty.
What is the most affordable Sleep Number bed?
The most affordable Sleep Number is the Sleep Number 360® c2, at $1,099 for a Queen. It’s the most basic model, with an 8-inch base and a 2-inch comfort layer.
What’s the difference between an adjustable base and a smart bed?
An adjustable base can be used with an existing compatible mattress to raise the head and/or foot of the bed. Some adjustable bases come with features like under-bed lights, vibrating alarms, and massage settings.
A smart bed is a mattress with built-in high-tech features. In Sleep Number’s case, this means adjustable firmness and sleep tracking technology, which is measured using pressure sensors in the mattress. Sleep Number also sells a range of adjustable FlexFit™ smart bases that help you get more out of your mattress, with features like Partner Snore, zero gravity, and foot warming.
Compare the Best Sleep Number Competitors’ Scores
| Mattress | Price (Queen Size) | Pressure Relief | Support | Motion Transfer | Cooling | Bounce | Edge Support | Couples |
| Nectar with Adjustable Base | $1,099 | 4.5 | 4 | 5 | 2.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Nolah Signature 12” with Adjustable Base | $1,799 | 5 | 5 | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 3 |
| DreamCloud with Adjustable Bed Frame | $2,095 | 4 | 5 | 4.25 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Saatva Solaire | $4,495 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe with Adjustable Base | $2,265 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Bear Star Hybrid with Adjustable Base | $1,998 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Average | $1,695 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach