Sleep Number vs. other airbed brands?

[MBAustin]

For quite a few reasons, DH and I are going to buy an airbed. We've spent a good bit of time at the Sleep Number store this week and have selected our favorite (the "p6" model - no memory foam).

I have also spent a lot of time researching alternatives (lower cost) but am not totally happy with anything I have found.

Anyone have any experience with either Sleep Number or alternative brands?

TIA

[samclem]

Yes, we've owned an "Anderson Air Bed" (also here, and their comparison to Sleep Number here, obviously not very impartial) for over 12 years. Functionally, I think it's about the same as the Sleep Number bed. When we bought ours there were no displayed numbers (you just filled each side to the point you wanted), but I see now that their controllers have a numerical display. Air channels, memory foam on top, then wool (cool in the summer, warm in the winter--if you want it). They sell a complete bed with drawers underneath, etc, but if you just want the mattress that's fine, too (just put the mattress on a solid platform in your existing bed frame).

The mattress has held up well, we got a slow leak in one side after about 10 years, they gave us a pro-rated credit and the the replacement unit has worked well. They are a small company, their web site is a bit archaic and clunky, but the product was good and a lot less expensive than the Sleep Number mattress, at least at that time (no big advertising, no brick and mortar stores, etc).

Here's a previous thread on Sleep Number beds.

[Ronstar]

We have an older select comfort (now sleep number) bed at home - probably 15-20 years old and love it. I don't know if its adjustable. We've never had a reason to change it.

Also have one in our condo - 12 years old. Condo bed loses air very slowly - probably 55 to 30 in a couple of months, so it needs to be adjusted. I have a hard time sleeping on any other kind of mattress

[Midpack]

We had a Sleep Number bed for more than five years. If you sleep on your back, I think you will be very happy with it. However, if you're a side or stomach sleeper like we are, it may not be ideal. Sadly we had to sell ours...an expensive lesson.

[MBAustin]

Thanks for the info everyone. Midpack - why did you find it not good for side sleeping?

[BTravlin]

We bought a Sleep Number bed 12 years ago and absolutely love it. One year ago we moved from southern IN to Mexico and the Sleep Number mattress and our iron bed are the only furniture we brought with us. Both DW and I sleep on our sides for a good deal of the night and have had no issues. No experience with any other air type mattresses.

[jimnjana]

We got a comfortaire. We like it, we love the adjustable frame. If you are considering select comfort, check them out. Same founders, different business model.

[Brett_Cameron]

We have had an adjustable Sleep Number for 2 years and love it. we looked at the Tempur-Pedic brand but the memory foam retained body heat too much for us. the Sleep Number has lots of layers of foam including a thin layer of memory foam and is very comfortable.

[samclem]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBAustin Thanks for the info everyone. Midpack - why did you find it not good for side sleeping?

Until Midpack returns, take a look at the link I posted (first reply to your OP) to an previous thread here. Midpack gave more info there.

[drb391]

had a sleepnumber for several yrs and love it. saved some $ by not getting the base parts. got some plywood, put it on top of box springs and it worked fine with existing bedframe. you (well,..I) have to check setting every nite cuz ambient temp (&air pressure?) alters it a bit during the day

[Midpack]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBAustin Thanks for the info everyone. Midpack - why did you find it not good for side sleeping?

Maybe it's my exact sleep position and/or "geometry", but I woke up with aching shoulder joints more often than not when we had the Sleep Number. I tried ever setting from about 30 to 90, didn't help at all. I tossed and turned from one side to the other all night, sometimes my shoulder was numb and it woke me up. It was awful. I wasn't comfortable sleeping on my stomach either, and I've never been able to sleep on my back (like I should). It may just be me, but we had to sell ours it was so bad.

But again, it would not surprise me if the Sleep Number was ideal for back sleepers, especially for couples who might want differing firmness settings (like DW and I).

We have a Savvy Rest natural latex bed now, and I am still having some issues. It appears a good innerspring is the best choice for me. I know from periodic hotel stays and our guest room bed. Sigh...

TemperPedic does not interest us.

YMMV for sure.

[MBAustin]

Thanks to all for the helpful info. Samclem, I was embarrassed to discover I had also posted on the original thread from 2012. I guess I had pushed to the back of my consciousness how long we've been miserable with our latex mattress.

Pending a "family meeting" on the purchase, I think we'll be going with the Sleep Number, mostly because the remote control on the adjustable bed and the mattress are integrated into one control rather than having to deal with multiple controls (likely to be an issue for DH due to specific disability issues). The frugal me wants to cobble together a cheaper solution, but this seems to be a good reason to use some of those better-than-budgeted stock market returns.