What do you know about a "sleep number bed"?

Question

I have back and joint problems. Does anyone have experience with the sleep number bed system? Does it help? Is it worth the extra money over a good quality pillow top innerspring mattress?

Answer 1

My husband and I began our search for a new bed some time ago. We have a very expensive Symbol mattress that had formed body impressions after two years of ownership, thanks to the "memory foam" padding. Our local dealer promptly warranted it and gave us a replacement mattress. Unfortunately that one broke down as well, and we were sleeping very fitfully. My husband was in pain every morning, and the lack of sleep was wearing on him. He has a disk problem in his back, and he needs a very firm mattress; I can only sleep well on a soft mattress. We explored the option of having two XL twins put together when I was introduced to the airbed.

When my younger sister was a patient in Mass. General Hospital as a paraplegic, I noticed they placed her on an air mattress. She commented often about how comfortable it was, and how her pressure point pain was greatly diminished. This led me on the search that introduced me to the airbed market.



I called Nautilus, and they were wonderful. I found the salesmen knowledgeable and not at all pushy. I did have some hesitations which included the inability to test out the product before purchase as well as the interlocking air chambers. I felt that might cause center sagging over time.

We then decided to travel to our local Select Comfort store, which is about two hours away, to try their product. I know two hours doesn’t really seem “local” but we live in a very rural area and everything is quite a distance away. A very pleasant saleswoman greeted us. She had us lay down and test the bed and showed us how to use the controls and explained the features of the bed, starting on the lowest model. We then moved up the model 5000 and I was very comfortable. I continued to converse with the saleswoman about the beds features, warranty and 30 day trial period. When I looked over at my husband 10 minutes later, he was almost asleep. I knew then that that this bed was worth trying.

We unzipped the cover to check the construction of the bed. When the saleswoman told us the price, my husband was appalled after seeing what actually went into the bed for materials. The king size we were looking at was going to be just over $2200.00 shipped. Although I was ready to place the order, he suggested we think about it for 24 hours.

Upon returning home, I went online because I thought I had seen the Select Comfort Sleep Number bed on QVC. I search the site, and sure enough, there it was. It appeared to be the exact same bed we have just tried out, only the price was $1590.00 with a flex-pay option, meaning it would be taken from our credit card in four equal monthly payments. Not wanting to go by appearances alone, I called Select Comfort. Although it took a great deal of persistence to get an answer, I ultimately got the information I had called about. An employee told me that the Sleep Number bed sold on QVC was indeed similar the Model 5000 with one exception- the brocade covering was the covering used on Select Comforts lower model. Well, that did it for me, since I really am not awfully influenced by the mattress fabric that our sheets would cover up. I ordered the bed on QVC (www.qvc.com)in king for $1703.33 shipped, complete with foundation, to my door via UPS. Unfortunately, it was on waitlist (backorder) with no firm delivery date, but for the difference in price I was willing to wait. Overall, I would save over $500.00 so was very patient.

The bed arrived via UPS six weeks later, after a call from QVC confirming that we still wanted to accept shipment. It arrived in several boxes, which were manageably sized for one strong or two average people to handle. We unpacked the well labeled boxes one at a time and proceeded to assemble the bed. The direction were concise and simple, The foundation went together very smoothly. Although my husband used a rubber hammer to make sure things were firmly interlocked, that was the only tool he used. During setup, we were both feeling like we had just made a very bad move in ordering this bed, because the actual components of the bed can not be worth more than a couple hundred dollars. He shook his head when the foundation was assembled, mentioning how much money he had just spent on the injected molded plastic pile on the floor. I said, “Well, at least if it is not wonderful, we can send it back”, and we moved onward. After the foundation is snapped together (literally) and the brocade cover applied then the empty mattress was placed on top. In that we laid down a sheet of foam, the two air mattresses. Upon inflation, we added the center foam strip, and then another thick piece of rippled foam on top. Finally, we zipped the padded pillow top mattress cover on.

I laid down and inflated the bed to 100% and went down in pressure by increments of 5. At about 50, I felt as if I was being cradled gently. At 45, I felt like every nook and cranny was being gently caressed. The small of my back had a nice gentle upward support; as opposed to the pressure and gaps I was used to. My shoulders melted into the mattress, and I was sold. I did not say anything to my husband, because I did not want to influence him. He tried the same thing, and at 55 he was very satisfied. the pump was quiet and seems to adjust the mattress quickly. We both commented on how comfortable we were, and I warned him that some of the reviewers said the first night may not be very good.

Well, it literally was “love at first night” for us. My husband slept soundly and awoke with no back pain. I slept soundly for the first time in over a year. I was even able to lie on my stomach and read for a while in the morning after raising the pressure another 5. That was lovely. I could not wait for nightfall again to get back into that bed. We did not toss and turn or awake repeadidly as we usually did. Night number two was as perfect as the first night. My shoulder, which has a rotator cuff injury, was not aching when I awoke after sleeping on it. Normally, I would wake up and have tears in my eyes when I mistakenly slept on it because it was so painful. Another groundbreaking event occurred when my husband actually “slept in”. He is usually in so much pain that he needs to get out of bed as soon as he opens his eyes, weary from another bad nights sleep.

Although we only have a couple of nights on this bed, I wanted to write to let those thinking of purchasing know about the QVC option. Realizing that a review about a mattress after such short ownership is not terribly useful or accurate, I will update our progress as time passes.

Two Weeks Later

We have had about 14 nights sleep on this bed thus far. I have to say, we love it even more than we did our first night.

We have found many additional benefits to having a fully adjustable mattress. I hurt my back using an absolutely office chair, and was in severe lower back pain. I found my “usual’ setting of 45 did not provide enough support for my lower back, so I moved up to 55 and had a great nights sleep. When my back began to heal, I was able to move back to 45 in increments of five. That was such a great help. Back pain is not the norm for me, as it is my husband who suffers form a disk problem, but having the flexibility to make the changes I needed to was just super.

My husband has been sleeping so much better, and wakes up in little or no pain. Before the bed came, he woke up in severe pain daily. He is still trying to find the number that suits him best. I have noticed that he falls asleep faster and sleeps more soundly. He said I fall asleep in under seven minutes of my head hitting the pillow, and I know for sure I do not move around the bed like I used to. I have felt so rested that I was able to redecorate our son’s room last week. I just don’t feel as tired as I used to.

I have dealt with customer service a few times, and each time was extremely satisfied with the response. Once, I noticed that as my husband slept, the sleep number seemed to go up. He would go to sleep at 55 and wake up at 65. They said that is from the heat. Sure enough, the next night we turned the heat down and the number stayed the same.

Basically I have been exceptionally careful to be almost critical of each little detail, because I understand from other reviewers on epinions.com that the first 30 days is the best chance to get the company to work with us. So far, so good.

I will write again when we hit the one-month mark, but for now, I just cannot say enough about this bed. I don’t even feel badly about the price any longer, because I am finding my husband and I can’t put a price on a good nights sleep.


August 25, 2004 Update

We have had this bed for almost a year and would not give it up! We sleep so well every night, no matter what shape we are in physically. If my back aches a bit, I can make the bed a bit more firm- I just love the adjustments this bed offers.

When we travel away from home, we know that no matter where we stay, the hotel bed will be uncomfortable compared to this bed, and always look forward to coming home for a good nights sleep.

I can honestly say after a year of sleep on this bed I would not change a thing about it. My husband and I are both very happy with it. If you are searching for a comfy bed, don't pass up the chance to try this one.

March 14, 2006 Update

It's been quite some time since our purchase and I wanted to update. My husband and I appreciate this bed just as much as we did the month we bought it. It is absolutely perfect. We have very different sleep numbers so both of us get a great sleep.

This year I experienced a hip injury and needed a very firm sleeping surface. Thanks to this bed, I was able to choose a sleep number of 75 and sleep in comfort. Prior to owning this bed I would have had to find another surface to sleep on while recovering.

Another thing I have realized over time is that this bed is durable. Due to its construction, there can be very little that wears out. The foundation is constructed so that it will not wear out and sag, as traditional foundations often do. The absence of springs make this bed a long lasting bed of comfort.

Answer 2

I tried out a sleep number bed and it was comfortable.

I don't have a bad back, but I do have insomnia and I would like to have one myself. The bed works with an internal air bag, an electronic valve, and an air pump. Your sleep number is the percentage that you inflate the air bag inside the bed to; the higher the number the more firm.

The advantage of this bed is that as your back hurts more of less you can adjust the bed, you can also get a custom fit every day. A temperpediac bed will conform to you shape and body position, but it will always give you the same support. The only way you can change that is with the old plywood sheet under the mattress method.

I think that a sleep number bed is what you want because of that custom fit that can be dialed in at over 100 levels. As the bed gets older and loses its firmness then you can change your settings and still get a good fit, so the bed will be good for you for a good time. It has the disadvantage of a pump, which can break, but it shouldn't be too hard to replace and a well built pump will last longer than the bed.

Answer 3

Moving A Sleep Number Bed

Answer 4

We've had our Select Comfort bed for many years; and we like it very much. The Select Comfort Sleep Number mattresses cost about twice as much a spring mattress, and are about the same price as a foam mattress. My husband was able to find his 'sweet spot' fairly soon after we got the bed; it took me a couple weeks to find the most comfortable number for myself. I like not having the metal springs; when my husband moves around at night, I no longer get bounced around. We both change the settings periodically, and the air chambers still work well after more than ten years. It is easy to lift the mattress and clean the bed, the air chambers are very light compared to spring or foam mattresses. The motor used to pump up the air chambers can be noisy; but we don't think that is a big deal because the motor only runs when you change a setting. The top mattress does tend to slide around a bit, I think this is because the mattress is so light. We are happy with our Select Comfort; my husband says it has really helped ease his back pain. However, I know a couple of people who really do not like the Sleep Number mattresses. My advice would be to try it out several times before purchasing one. Radisson Hotels have some rooms with Sleep Number beds; it might not be a bad idea to stay a night or two and test out the Sleep Number bed before you buy one.

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Answer 5

Qvc Sleep Number

Answer 6

Don't ever take the sleeping pills route!!

1. They will damage your liver big time and you can get into serious health problems.

2. You will get hooked up on them and you won't be able to have a normal life any more if you don't take your pills everyday.

The sleeping pills industry is damaging our health by capitalizing on our ignorance, and by distracting people from effective and natural ways to deal with this problem. I had been taking prescription sleep medications [Ambien] for over 5 years. It stopped working and I simply took more. Still did not work. Nights were very difficult - medication put me to sleep but I would wake up after 2–3 hours with a strong sympathetic response (fast pulse, pounding heartbeat, wide awake alert). It was a very difficult cycle to break. I was really in bad shape due to lack of sleep.

After years of struggling I was able to cure my insomnia naturally and pretty fast. I followed the Sleep Tracks sleep optimization program, here is their official web -site if you want to take a look: http://www.insomniacure.net

Ohhh..and Good Luck!

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Yes, I have one. It's lovely. You can choose your 'sleep number', which ranges from making the bed firm to extremely soft. It can be like a rock or like a fluffy cloud. I definitely feel like I get a better, deeper sleep. It's worth the money. I have arthritis and a bad back.

Answer 9

man that mattress thats made out of the stuff nasa uses what a bed stayed at my uncles house three days and what a difference it made on my back if i had the money id go that route not sleep number.

Answer 10

Fix Forward Head Posture Fast!

Answer 11

Stop Back Pain Instantly