With so many brands on the market, finding the right mattress can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for a luxury mattress in particular, finding one with the quality to match its price can be even tougher.
Sleep Number and Tempur-Pedic are both household names that sell luxury mattresses. While they’ve both been able to withstand the test of time, the two brands have pretty different offerings when it comes to mattresses.
We took an in-depth look at both brands, and their mattresses, to help you make the most informed purchase possible. Read on to see our side-by-side comparison and to figure out which mattress is best for you.
Quick comparison: Tempur-Pedic vs. Sleep Number
Tempur-Pedic
- Known for: Memory foam mattresses that use material originally designed by NASA for astronauts. Oh, and also that famous wine glass commercial.
- Mattress types: Foam, hybrid
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, double, queen, king, split king, California king, and split California king
- Price range: $2,000–$5,000 for a queen
- Certifications: Certi-PUR-US certified foam
- Social impact: They have partnered with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network for a decade to raise awareness and donations for pancreatic cancer research.
Sleep Number
- Known for: Adjustable mattresses with customizable firmness
- Mattress types: Adjustable air mattresses
- Available sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, FlexTop king, California king, FlexTop California king, and split California king
- Price range: $1,000–$5,000 for a queen
- Certifications: CertiPUR-US certified foam
- Social impact: In 2020, they announced a partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation to provide beds for children with critical illnesses.
Pricing guide
Both Sleep Number and Tempur-Pedic offer various mattresses at higher price points. This places them in the luxury category. The prices below are based on queen-size mattresses:
- $ = under $1,700
- $$ = $1,700–$3,400
- $$$ = over $3,400
Tempur-Pedic mattresses
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud
![Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud mattress](http://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/938524-Sleep-Number-Vs-Tempur-Pedic-Mattress-Comparisons-Tempur_Cloud-Mattress.png?w=315&h=840)
- Price: $$
- Type: Foam
- Height: 10 inches
- Firmness: Medium
- Good for: All sleeping positions
With the TEMPUR-Cloud, Tempur-Pedic offers a basic design for people wanting a lower-priced, yet dependable, luxury mattress.
This mattress has four layers:
- a moisture wicking cover designed to promote air flow and prevent overheating
- a top foam comfort layer designed to be more responsive than traditional memory foam and prevent a “sinking in” feeling
- a middle layer of firmer foam designed to give more pressure relief
- a base layer of foam for foundational support
The TEMPUR-Cloud only comes in one firmness option and isn’t customizable, but the company says it’s designed for all sleeping positions. The mattress is supposed to feel slightly firm when you first lie down, but as you fall asleep it should start to feel softer and contour to your body shape.
Reviewers say this mattress is extremely comfortable and that it hugs the body. However, some say it’s firmer than they expected.
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt
![Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt mattress](http://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/938524-Sleep-Number-Vs-Tempur-Pedic-Mattress-Comparisons-Tempur_Adapt-Mattress.png?w=315&h=840)
- Price: $$
- Type: Foam and hybrid
- Height: 11 inches
- Firmness: Medium
- Good for: Combination sleepers
The TEMPUR-Adapt mattress is a step above the TEMPUR-Cloud. It’s made with the same Tempur-Pedic foam, but it has an added cooling cover and comes in a hybrid version.
The all-foam version of the mattress has a foam base, while the hybrid version has a spring coil core. On top of the base, both versions have the same three main layers:
- a cooling cover with an antimicrobial layer designed to protect against common allergens
- a soft top layer
- a layer of foam for added support
Hybrid mattresses are a good option for people who need more support and people in larger bodies. They’re also known to be more durable than foam mattresses. Hybrids are usually more expensive than foam mattresses, but Tempur-Pedic prices both versions the same.
Customers say their mattress conforms to them without sinking in and that it provides excellent support. Some reviewers warn that you will need to wait a few weeks before your mattress is fully broken in.
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-ProAdapt
![Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-ProAdapt mattress](http://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/938524-Sleep-Number-Vs-Tempur-Pedic-Mattress-Comparisons-Tempur_ProAdapt-Mattress.png?w=315&h=840)
- Price: $$
- Type: Foam and hybrid
- Height: 12 inches
- Firmness: Soft, medium, and firm
- Good for: Side sleepers (soft), people with back pain (medium or firm), and people with more weight (medium hybrid)
The TEMPUR-ProAdapt comes in the company’s widest range of firmness options: soft, medium, and firm. There’s also a hybrid version of this mattress, but keep in mind that the hybrid version only comes in medium firmness.
Like the TEMPUR-Adapt, the hybrid version of this mattress has a spring coil base, while the all-foam versions have a foam base.
All the firmness options have the same antimicrobial and temperature regulating top layer and support layer. The key difference between each is in the comfort layer, where different foams are used to create firmness.
Overall, reviewers say each mattress firmness is helpful for back pain, and some say they can feel the difference between this mattress and a regular memory foam mattress. People who purchased the soft firmness say it provides a plush comfort without stiffness.
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-LuxeAdapt
- Price: $$$
- Type: Foam
- Height: 13 inches
- Firmness: Soft and firm
- Good for: Couples, side sleepers (soft), and back or stomach sleepers (firm)
The TEMPUR-LuxeAdapt mattress is specifically designed to contour to your body. It’s similar to the TEMPUR-ProAdapt in construction, but its foam support layer is designed to provide more pressure relief and body contouring.
The brand says this is an excellent mattress for couples and anyone sharing a bed because of the motion isolation. This is especially good for restless sleepers who change positions frequently during the night.
Reviewers say the firm mattress is excellent at relieving back pain and that it sinks in less than other Tempur-Pedic mattresses. Reviewers who bought the soft firmness say it feels super comfortable, confirming that it has excellent body contouring.
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Breeze
- Price: $$$
- Type: Foam and hybrid
- Height: 12–13 inches
- Firmness: Soft, medium, and firm
- Good for: Side sleepers (soft), combination sleepers (medium), and back sleepers or people in larger bodies (firm and medium hybrid)
Foam mattresses are notoriously hot, which is why the TEMPUR-breeze mattress is designed with the company’s “cooling technology” to lower the temperature of the mattress.
The TEMPUR-Breeze comes in two main mattress types: the PRObreeze and LUXEbreeze. The two lines are made using the same materials, but they differ in their cooling features, mattress types, and firmness options.
PRObreeze | LUXEbreeze | |
Cooling features | 3 degrees | 8 degrees |
Mattress types | foam and hybrid | foam |
Firmness options | medium | soft and firm |
Both the PRObreeze and LUXEbreeze have the same cooling cover, a layer of special material to promote airflow, and a layer of foam designed to prevent heat from trapping. The biggest difference between the two is a ventilated layer of foam in the LUXEbreeze. Ventilated foam usually has small holes that allow for better airflow.
These are the most expensive models of all Tempur-Pedic mattresses, coming in at almost $5,000 for a queen. Although pricey, reviewers say this mattress is worth the cost and the cooling technology keeps them cooler and sleeping soundly.
Buy the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-breeze PROBreeze online.
Buy the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-breeze LUXEBreeze online.
Sleep Number mattresses
Sleep Number Classic Series
- Price: $
- Type: Adjustable air bed
- Height: 8–9 inches
- Firmness: Adjustable
- Good for: All sleeping positions and those wanting an affordable, adjustable mattress
The Sleep Number Classic Series is the brand’s most basic mattress line featuring two mattresses: the c2 and c4 Smart Bed.
Both mattresses are made with Sleep Number’s adjustable design and feature the brand’s SleepIQ technology,* which is supposed to track biometrics, like breathing and heart rate, to give you insight into your sleep.
The mattresses also feature responsive technology that responds to your movements and automatically adjusts the firmness while you sleep.
The mattresses have a gel-infused foam layer above the air chambers for added comfort. The main difference between the two mattresses is that the c4 has an additional inch of this foam, which increases the overall mattress height. It’s also designed to provide more pressure relief.
c2 Smart Bed | c4 Smart Bed | |
Comfort layers | 2 inches | 3 inches |
Cooling features | none | none |
Reviewers rate these beds highly, saying that they help with back pain at night. However, some reviewers say they need to use additional mattress toppers in order to get comfortable.
*Note: Healthline does not currently endorse Sleep Number’s SleepIQ technology because we’re unable to validate its health claims. We provide more information on this below.
Buy the Sleep Number 360 c2 Smart Bed online.
Buy the Sleep Number 360 c4 Smart Bed online.
Sleep Number Performance Series
- Price: $$
- Type: Adjustable air bed
- Height: 10–11 inches
- Firmness: Adjustable
- Good for: All sleeping positions, those wanting more pressure relief, and hot sleepers
The Sleep Number Performance Series comes in three models: the p5, p6, and pSE (special edition) Smart Beds.
The Performance Series has all the same specifications as the Classic Series, but the mattresses have extra layers of foam that are supposed to add more pressure relief. The p6 and PSE models also have additional cooling features.
p5 Smart Bed | p6 Smart Bed | pSE Smart Bed | |
Comfort layers | 4 inches | 5 inches | 4 inches |
Cooling features | none | temperature regulation | temperature regulation |
Many customers are impressed by how well they sleep on these mattresses, and they say the mattresses are worth the price. But some customers also say they have trouble with the air pump being too loud or malfunctioning.
Buy the Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Bed online.
Buy the Sleep Number 360 p6 Smart Bed online.
Buy the Sleep Number 360 pSE Smart Bed online.
Sleep Number Innovation Series
- Price: $$$
- Type: Adjustable air bed
- Height: 12–13 inches
- Firmness: Adjustable
- Good for: All sleeping positions, those wanting extra pressure relief, and hot sleepers
The Innovation Series builds on the designs of the Classic and Performance series with added comfort layers and fabric designed to regulate temperature.
The Innovation Series features three mattresses: the i8, i10, and iLE (limited edition) Smart Beds. These are the thickest mattresses offered by Sleep Number, making them a great option for people who need extra support or people with larger bodies.
The added thickness is also supposed to provide more pressure relief than the other Sleep Number mattress lines.
Similar to the Classic and Performance Series, the main differences between the mattress models are the thickness of the comfort layers and the cooling features.
i8 Smart Bed | iLE Smart Bed | i10 Smart Bed | |
Comfort layers | 6 inches | 6 inches | 7 inches |
Cooling features | temperature regulation and cooling fabric | temperature regulation | temperature regulation and cooling fabric |
The Innovation Series is one of the most highly rated lines by customers on the brand’s website. Many reviewers comment on the mattresses’ comfort. They say the mattresses help with aches and pains, as well as with staying asleep during the night.
Buy the Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed online.
Buy the Sleep Number 360 iLE Smart Bed online.
Buy the Sleep Number 360 i10 Smart Bed online.
Sleep Number Memory Foam
- Price: $$$
- Type: Adjustable air bed with memory foam
- Height: 11 inches
- Firmness: Adjustable
- Good for: Side sleepers
The Sleep Number 360 m7 Smart Bed combines the pressure-reliving comfort of memory foam with the adjustability of Sleep Number.
Memory foam is known to contour to the body, which is ideal for side sleepers, people seeking pressure relief, or people with less weight. But, this might also appeal to more people because it’s adjustable and sleepers have more control over the bed’s firmness.
Sleep Number also says their memory foam is cooling. This might make it more appealing to people who normally steer clear of memory foam because it’s known to trap heat.
Reviewers say the mattress provides relief and that they wake up feeling refreshed. However, even with the adjustability, some say they have difficulty finding the right balance between soft and firm.
Buy the Sleep Number 360 m7 Smart Bed online.
How to choose the right mattress
A mattress is an investment, and, like any major investment, you want to make sure that you have considered all the elements of a mattress before making a purchase. Keep the following factors in mind when choosing.
Price point
Both Sleep Number and Tempur-Pedic are considered to be on the luxury end of mattress pricing. If you have a tighter budget, then you’ll want to look at the more basic models from each brand, which are the Sleep Number Classic Series (c2 Smart Bed) and the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud.
If budget is less of a concern, you may want to consider the entire range of either company’s mattresses. Your decision will likely be more dependent on which mattress type, firmness, and cooling features you’re looking for.
Type
Mattress type is the biggest difference between these two brands. While both companies use layers of foam for comfort, Sleep Number mattresses are adjustable air mattresses and Tempur-Pedic mattresses are either foam or hybrid mattresses.
Adjustable air mattresses are a good option for just about any sleeping type. Having control over the mattress’s firmness can give you peace of mind that you’ll always enjoy your mattress’s firmness because it can change over time (or in the middle of the night).
Research from 2015 also concluded that custom-inflated mattresses improve spinal alignment and sleep quality.
Foam mattresses are known for motion isolation, meaning you’re less likely to feel the movement of the person you share a bed with. They’re also good for pressure relief, which is important for side sleepers who put extra pressure on their shoulders and hips while snoozing.
Hybrid mattresses are good for all body types because they have extra support from their spring coil bases. These bases typically make hybrid mattresses more durable and better at promoting air flow than foam mattresses. They also feel a little more, well, springy. This can be good for people who don’t like the “sinking in” feeling of some foams.
Firmness
Sleep Number mattresses are adjustable, so the firmness can change with the click of a button. Tempur-Pedic, on the other hand, offers a wide range of firmness options across their mattress lines. Which you should choose depends on your preferences, body type, and sleeping position.
The same research from 2015 shows that medium-firm mattresses are generally the most comfortable for people, and they also are ideal for those with back pain.
But, depending on your body type, a mattress’s firmness might feel different to you. If you have more weight, a firm mattress might feel softer to you than someone with less weight, and vice versa.
In terms of sleeping position, side sleepers tend to prefer softer mattresses that provide pressure relief for their shoulders and hips. Back and stomach sleepers might prefer firmer mattresses that provide support for spinal alignment. Combination sleepers might find that medium mattresses make the most sense because they allow for comfort in multiple sleeping positions.
Temperature regulation
If you tend to wake up sweating at night, have issues falling asleep due to overheating, or live in a very hot place, then finding a mattress that helps you cool down might help you sleep more comfortably.
While both companies use foam in their mattresses — which is notorious for trapping heat — they have also taken measures to add temperature regulation and cooling features.
For the highest level of temperature regulation, the Sleep Number Innovation Series and the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Breeze are good ones to check out.
Tempur-Pedic vs. Sleep Number delivery
Tempur-Pedic
All Tempur-Pedic beds are delivered through the company’s free white-glove service. The white-glove service includes delivery, in-home setup, packing material removal, and old mattress removal. The average delivery for Tempur-Pedic mattresses is 1–2 weeks.
Keep in mind that Tempur-Pedic might not be offering in-home set up in your area due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sleep Number
Sleep Number’s Smart Beds can only be delivered via a premium delivery and setup option for $199. This includes in-home assembly of your new mattress and base, if you choose to purchase one as well.
Tempur-Pedic vs. Sleep Number company policies
Tempur-Pedic
Tempur-Pedic offers a 90-night sleep trial and returns after 30 nights. If a return is requested before the end of the 90-night trial, you’ll get a refund for the mattress, but you will still be responsible for return shipping. All mattresses are protected by a 10-year limited warranty.
Sleep Number
Sleep Number offers a 100-night sleep trial and returns after 30 nights. If you choose to return it during the sleep trial, you’ll be responsible for any delivery fees. All mattresses come with a 15-year limited warranty.
Tempur-Pedic vs. Sleep Number certifications
Tempur-Pedic
Tempur-Pedic was rated number 1 in customer satisfaction from J.D. Power in 2020, 2019, and 2017 — and ranked number 2 in 2018. Tempur-Pedic mattresses are also CertiPUR-US certified, meaning the mattresses are made with foam products that are certified, tested, and made without ozone-depleting chemicals.
SleepNumber
The foam in Sleep Number mattresses also meets CertiPUR-US standards.
Tempur-Pedic vs. Sleep Number reputation and transparency
Both Tempur-Pedic and Sleep Number are well-known brands with solid reputations.
Tempur-Pedic
- Tempur-Pedic has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Tempur-Pedic is not currently involved in any lawsuits.
- Tempur-Pedic has not recently recalled any products.
While it’s easy to find the trademarked names of Tempur-Pedic’s foams, the company doesn’t explicitly state what these foams are made from. But the company does say that they manufacture their mattresses in Virginia and New Mexico.
In terms of transparency, we had a hard time finding information on their site about if they meet federal flammability requirements.
Sleep Number
- Sleep Number has an A+ rating from the BBB.
- Sleep Number is not currently involved in any lawsuits. But they were involved in a 2015 lawsuit where customers claimed Sleep Number didn’t honor their mattress warranties. The case has since been vacated.
- Sleep Number only recalled one product in recent years: a foot warmer in certain Smart Beds in 2017.
Sleep Number says their mattresses are made in U.S. facilities, but they don’t give a ton of information about the materials used in their mattresses. They also don’t clearly state on their site if they meet federal flammability requirements.
A note on Sleep Number health claims
All Sleep Number smart beds have built-in SleepIQ technology. The company claims that this technology can give you insight into your sleep using biometrics, like heart rate and breathing.
We know sleep tracking technology can be exciting for tech savvy sleepers, but some companies make claims that their technology can improve your sleep or overall health. These claims are often hard or impossible to validate.
We always recommend picking a mattress based on the mattress itself rather than any sleep tracking technology that comes with it. If you’re having trouble sleeping, talk with your doctor about potential solutions before making your big mattress purchase.
Tempur-Pedic vs. Sleep Number customer service and reviews
Tempur-Pedic
Reviewers give overwhelming approval to Tempur-Pedic mattresses.
Reviewers consistently comment that the mattresses are worth the money and that they help relieve back and neck pain. Some also comment that employees were kind and easy to work with and delivery was prompt.
Sleep Number
Overall, customers rate Sleep Number beds very highly and are happy with the comfort and innovative technology the brand offers.
Customers who spoke to their experience with customer service from Sleep Number say the sales representatives and delivery team made the purchasing process easy and enjoyable.
The biggest complaints about Sleep Number surround their air pumps and durability problems. Some customers also complain that working with customer service to fix these problems was not the best experience.
Takeaway
With so many factors to consider, make sure you’re fully aware of which mattress type you want before you start shopping.
Sleep Number air mattresses offer adjustability that allows people to customize their firmness. They’re also an excellent option for anyone suffering from back pain.
Tempur-Pedic mattresses offer the pressure relieving comfort of foam — and some of their mattresses also come in hybrid models.
You can feel confident knowing that both brands have high quality products, good reputations, and loyal fan bases.
Lucia Whalen is a Chicago-based writer and multimedia journalist specializing in the intersection of health, science, and environment; she is also a cofounder of Trashy Magazine. Her writing has been featured in Atlas Obscura, South Side Weekly, MindBodyGreen, and other publications. She is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.