Sleep Number i8 Mattress Review – Best Model For You?

The i8 mattress from Sleep Number has a little bit of everything: a plush mattress top with cooling technology, body contouring foam, and Sleep IQ technology built-in. Is it the right Sleep Number mattress for you? Read on for our unbiased Sleep Number i8 mattress review.

Who Might Want To Consider This Mattress:

• People Who Sleep Hot. There is temperature-regulating technology built into the mattress top of the i8 mattress. Outlast Technology (the same kind found in Slumber Cloud’s Dry Line Protector mattress protector) is designed to pull heat away from your body and re-distribute it during the night so you sleep comfortably.
• People Who Need Pressure Relief. The 3” foam comfort layer in the i8 mattress is designed to contour specifically to seven areas of your body to relieve pressure: head, shoulders, lower back, hips, knees, lower legs, and feet.

Who Might Not Want To Consider This Mattress:

• People Who Are On A Budget. The i8 360 retails at $3999.00 for a Queen size mattress. This does include Sleep IQ Technology, but not a FlexFit adjustable base or other features. Sleep Number does sell one Queen mattress for just over $1000.00 (the C-2) and several for under $3000, including the popular P-5 mattress.
  • The Saatva Solaire is another great option that’s more affordable than the Sleep Number i8 ($4495.00 for a queen-sized Solaire vs. $3999.00 for a queen-sized i8).

Overall Rating

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches personally test each mattress in categories such as materials, comfort, cooling, and support. Hover over the icons to learn more about these different topics, or scroll down for a more detailed analysis on each one.

Mattress Performance Ratings

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Note: Motion transfer is beneficial for those who share the bed and don’t want to be woken up by another’s movements. Looking for a mattress that better absorbs motion? Check out our Best Mattresses for Couples.

Note: Looking for a mattress with stronger support and durability? Check out our Best Mattresses That Won’t Sag.

Construction Overview

The i8 is one of three mattresses in Sleep Number’s Innovation Series line of beds. The series also includes the I-10, and I-LE mattresses as well.

The i8 mattress has a 12” profile, which is measured from the base to the highest loft of the mattress.

The mattress will come with either one or two air chambers (depending on what size bed someone gets). The air chambers will inflate and deflate according to the Sleep Number setting. This will determine the level of support/firmness the mattress provides.

A bed with two air chambers is part of Sleep Number’s “DualAir™ adjustability” feature. It allows people to adjust firmness and support on each side of the bed to their Sleep Number setting. The hoses to pump air into the chamber are 4ft in length.

Above the air chambers is the 6″ comfort layer of ceramic-infused foam, which is designed to create a cooler sleeping experience as it absorbs excess heat throughout the night and releases it as you cool. Additionally the foam is made to relieve pressure in seven specific areas:

• Head
• Shoulders
• Lower back
• Hips
• Knees
• Lower legs
• Feet

It’s worth noting that the Sleep Number Sleep IQ Technology, which will track someone’s sleep and help them find their optimal Sleep Number setting, is included in the price of the i8 mattress.

Optional: People can add a FlexFit Adjustable Base for their bed that will allow them to raise the head and foot of the bed.

Firmness Level

When it comes to firmness, there are several factors in a Sleep Number bed that will affect how firm the bed is.

• The Sleep Number: The air chamber/air chambers in your mattress will inflate/deflate according to your Sleep Number. The higher the Sleep Number, the more air in the air chambers and the firmer your mattress will be.
• The Comfort Layer: There are several types and thicknesses of foam comfort layers in Sleep Number beds. Denser and thicker comfort layers will provide more support and increase the firmness of your mattress.
• The Mattress Top: Sleep Number offers a variety of mattress tops. Plusher pillow top style mattress tops will be less firm than a flatter mattress top.

A Customer Service tea member told me that it is firmer than the bestselling P-5 mattress (according to a Sleep Number team member).

RELATED: Best Adjustable Bed Positions

Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Mattress

The I-8 mattress from Sleep Number has a little bit of everything: a plush mattress top with cooling technology, body contouring foam, and Sleep IQ technology built-in.

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Mattress Clarity Score

3.70 / 5.0

Sleep Number i8 360 Smart Bed Size Options and Price

For up-to-date information about the the Sleep Number i8 360’s size availability, as well as its price range, take a look at our chart. Note that the FlexTop King and California King options allow the head on each side of the bed to be raised and lowered independently, resulting in a higher price point.

Size	Dimensions	Price
Twin Long	38″ x 80″	$3549.00
Full	54” x 75”	$3824.00
Queen	60″ x 80″	$3999.00
King	76″ x 80″	$4699.00
Split King	Two 38″ x 80″ pieces	$5799.00
FlexTop King	76″ x 80″	$5199.00
California King	72″ x 84″	$4699.00
Split California King	Two 36″ x 84″ pieces	$5799.00
FlexTop California King	72″ x 84″	$5299.00

Most Common Pieces Of Praise

Couples and partners seem to love Sleep Number beds for their dual air chambers and ability to adjust the firmness to their desire. A lot of couples found the i8 was a really comfortable option that left both partners happy.

I read a lot of reviews from people suffering from back pain or back-related injuries who found relief with the i8 mattress. Many of them wrote reviews to talk specifically about how much the mattress – and in many cases, the addition of an adjustable base – helped them sleep better.

Most Common Complaints

The #1 complaint across the board with this mattress is that it does not feel the same as the showroom model. So many people felt that they received something different than they ordered. Many said it felt harder and less plush than what they felt in the Sleep Number store.

Customers who purchased this mattress several years ago reported having to replace many parts – including foam layers and the Sleep Number remote – and/or having to pay someone to come out and make repairs on their bed.

Overall, people just felt that they overpaid for the quality and value of the I8 mattress (and/or adjustable base).

Why Would Someone Pick This Model Over The Other Sleep Number Mattresses?

The i8 mattress has a lot going on – it has a specific combination of features that could be the perfect fit for someone.

A person might pick the i8 over another Sleep Number mattress if they struggle to stay cool at night, have back, hip and other pain from their current mattress, want the ability to adjust their firmness any given night, and have $3999.00 to spend on a Queen mattress.

The i8 mattress could be a great option for couples (or individuals) who are looking for flexible comfort and a way to stay cool through the night.

Check out our full Sleep Number review.