When we surveyed over 10,000 users, firmness was the number concern when it came to shopping for a new mattress. It was a key point of contention and shaped their perspectives on the overall comfort of their beds. But for some of those users, firmness was not an issue: After all, they had a Sleep Number mattress, which meant they could adjust the firmness with a few clicks. But this level of control doesn't come cheap, so we'll break down our thoughts on whether a Sleep Number mattress is worth the cost, with a focus on the p6 smart bed, our favorite smart adjustable mattress.
To write this review, my fellow analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab and I leveraged our scientific expertise, surveyed over 570 Sleep Number mattress owners and worked with at-home consumer testers to evaluate the most recent iterations.
Sleep Number mattress overview
Pros
- Customizable firmness
- In-app sleep tracking reports
- High praise from real users
- Earned the Good Housekeeping Seal
Cons
- Need to pay extra for delivery
- Handheld remote not included
Sleep Number's smart beds are some of the best you'll find. Each one allows you to customize the firmness level of each side of the bed and comes equipped with sleep tracking that's embedded within the mattress. The p6 isn't the most advanced model they carry, but it's performed well in our tests and comes at a more attainable price. Based on tester feedback, it's especially good for couples with different sleep positions, body types, or firmness preferences.
Who it’s best for
✔️ Couples who can't agree on firmness levels
In our tests, it performed best amongst couples, especially those with vastly different firmness preferences, body types, or sleep styles as mattress shopping can be tough. "I like that my husband and I can adjust each side of the mattress individually," said one user. "We were unable to find a traditional mattress that was comfortable to both of us." Another commented, "it would be difficult [for us] to agree on any other type of mattress."
✔️ Back-pain sufferers
If you suffer from chronic back or joint pain, it's important to find a mattress that won't exacerbate your existing pain. Oftentimes, firmness is more important than you think, and having the ability to alter it is powerful. One recent tester of a Sleep Number mattress shared that she ultimately opted for a firmer feel than she'd usually prefer and found that "[her] body has appreciated the extra support." Other users had similar experiences: "When I had shoulder surgery, I needed to increase the firmness and it was so simple with the press of a button," mentioned one. Another commented, "I like that it can be adjusted during pregnancy to optimize a changing body's comfort."
While our panelists liked the balanced comfort and support of the p6, if you need extra pressure relief, I'd recommend the m7 smart bed, which uses a layer of memory foam on top for extra cushioning that our older testers appreciated.
✔️ Those looking for high-tech sleep tracking
Sleep Number mattresses offer seamless sleep tracking through their dedicated app, which offers insights on sleeping patterns. Some of our testers found this helpful when trying out different firmness levels too.
Materials and construction
Here's a breakdown from top to bottom of the layers, materials, and construction in the p6 Smart Bed, which are encased in a knit cover.
- 2-inch Ceramic Chip Gel Foam: This plush top layer is designed to provide extra pressure relief while pulling away heat from your body.
- 2-inch Support Layer Foam: This layer adds support underneath the plush foam top.
- 1-inch Base Pad: This transition layer separates the foam top from the air chambers.
- Dual Adjustable Air Chambers: Each side of the bed includes an adjustable air chamber, so you can set each at a different firmness level. The dual chamber design also helps provide some motion isolation.
Firmness and feel
Sleep Number stands out for its adjustable firmness: For each mattress, you can select a firmness between 1 and 100 in increments of five, for a total of 20 firmness options. Users have described the texture as unique with a "lifted" quality: While the top layers include foam, it feels a bit more responsive than you'd expect from memory foam. One panelist said, "The [bed] forms to the body, and the subtle adjustments keep us comfy all night."
Bases
While you can technically use a Sleep Number mattress on a platform bed with a solid base or slats (no more than 2 inches apart), the brand offers a variety of bases at different price points, from a basic integrated base to smart bases with features like adjustable positions, sleep tracking, and foot warming.
Whether you should get a smart base is a matter of personal preference—although it can be notably helpful for those with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or acid reflux to slightly elevate their heads—but note that these adjustable bases are final sale and do not offer the same 100-night sleep trial as the mattress.
How it performed in our tests
To test the performance and quality of the p6 Smart Bed and other Sleep Number mattresses, we enlisted real people to test it at home and surveyed over 570 Sleep Number mattress owners on their entire user experience, including ordering and delivery. Our scientists also analyzed the design, materials, and construction. Here are the highlights, both the good and the bad.
✔️ Adjustable firmness
Sleep Number's mattresses offer 20 firmness levels from 1 to 100 (in increments of five). They also have embedded biometric sensors, so the bed will seamlessly adapt to keep you at your preferred firmness all night long even when you swap positions. Users appreciated the flexibility: One panel member with the p6 and a FlexFit2 base shared, "As one gets older (I am now 64 and my husband is 72), we both appreciate being able to set our own firmness and elevation to deal with our various aches and pains!"
✔️ Improved sleep quality
Over 570 panelists and testers reported improved sleep quality. One said, "there is no comparison,” while a few others called it a game changer for their overall health and well-being. "This is so much more comfortable," said one user. Another added, "I tend to move a lot, so my partner is not bothered by that as he was on a traditional one-piece mattress."
✔️ Sleep tracking
Thanks to the sensors embedded within the mattress, you can easily access stats in the accompanying app (e.g. how long you've slept, how long it takes you to fall asleep, etc.) as well as guidance on how to improve your sleep quality. One of our testers shared, "The app is super informative and has given me a lot of insights into my sleep patterns and even my circadian rhythm."
✔️ Longevity
One of our top concerns is how long a mattress lasts. There's no consistent number from our survey results, but users have reported better luck compared to old-school innerspring mattresses and popular memory foam styles. One survey respondent told us, "I have had this mattress for seven years and it still works great. Usually I start to notice a change to my quality of sleep after five or six years on a traditional mattress."
The main complaint we've noticed has been due to the air chambers rather than sagging from the foam component, but some users reported success when contacting the brand to fix it. Sleep Number offers a 100-night sleep trial with a 15-year limited warranty.
✔️ Ease of use
You can control the firmness level of a Sleep Number mattress with the accompanying app, or opt to purchase a remote. Our testers found it easy to operate, though some noted that a few technical difficulties occurred from time to time, since you'll need to connect the bed to your home Wi-Fi. One user told us, "If our Wi-Fi goes offline, the bed does too. We live in a rural farming community [where] no high speed internet is available, so having a good internet connection is important." A few panelists preferred using a handheld remote for simplicity.
If you plan on moving to another home, you may need to consult the brand. One survey respondent told us, "[We had] no problems in the first house. Just over a year later, we were moving. The movers had to call a supervisor to dismantle it. Then it was NOT assembled correctly at the new house. We had to call Sleep Number and they sent out an independent contractor at no cost to us! As much as we paid for the bed, we really appreciate that."
✔️ High cost
While it's definitely a splurge, users have consistently told us it was worth the investment. One shared, "The bed has paid for itself in the relief of waking up sore with stiff backs." Another called the cost "ridiculous," but ultimately noted "I would definitely recommend this mattress." When it comes to whether the p6 is worth the price, it depends on your budget and how much you want to spend for the adjustable firmness and sleep tracking features.
Ordering and delivery
Sleep Number is available exclusively through its retail stores throughout the U.S. or online site. We like being able to compare prices, specs, and other details on the online site, which can help set you up for success if you'd like to try out a few in-person to find your preference. It's also great for repeat customers who know what they want.
If you're very unsure, I'd recommend stopping by a store: Many of our panelists were impressed by the experience and attentiveness. One mentioned, "They took the time to really understand our needs, found the right pillows for us to use while trying out the mattresses and used paper pillow covers. We had the opposite experience at [a different mattress brand]."
Note that in most instances, you'll need to pay an added fee for delivery (either $150 for threshold delivery or $249 for full setup), though we've noticed that the brand often waives this fee during holiday weekends. Many panelists described the process as "smooth and quick," and called the delivery personnel "very friendly and helpful," although feedback varied depending on location.
Bottom line: Is the Sleep Number p6 worth it?
The p6 isn't the most advanced model Sleep Number carries, but we think it's a great value for the cost. Based on tester feedback, it's especially good for couples with different sleep positions, body types, or firmness preferences. If that sounds like you, it could be a great fit. But it can be divisive: Not everyone likes the feel of a Sleep Number bed, which feels more like foam than a pillow-top mattress.
For a lower priced model, we like the c2 smart bed: It performed fairly well in our tests, though some may find it a bit thin. For those who sleep hot, the i8 (Sleep Number's best-selling model) uses more ceramic gel to draw away heat from the body, and the ClimateCool smart bed offers adjustable cooling with the help of a built-in fan.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, our experts have been testing bedding and home products for over a century. In recent years, we have evaluated nearly 200 mattresses and surveyed more than 10,000 people. Consumer testers are enlisted to sleep on the newest upgrades from brands to provide feedback on their experiences after weeks, months and even years down the line.
Textiles Product Reviews Analyst Grace Wu oversees all mattress testing at the GH Institute. Wu has spent years testing and researching hundreds of mattresses, along with interviewing medical experts and conducting literature reviews. Prior working at Good Housekeeping, Wu earned a Master of Engineering in materials science and engineering (with a focus on polymers) and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
