Sleep Number I-LE Review: The Right Innovation Series Mattress?

Sleep Number’s Limited Edition I-LE mattress shares many features of its sister I-8 and I-10 models, as it offers multiple layers of foam comfort and support. This Sleep Number I-LE review will go over the construction of the mattress and key takeaways consumers should know about before deciding to purchase the mattress.

Sleep Number I-LE Review: Construction Overview

The I-LE is the Limited Edition mattress in Sleep Number’s Innovation Series line of beds. The series also includes the I-8, and I-10 mattresses as well.

The I-LE mattress has a 14” 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 people get). The air chambers will inflate and deflate according to the Sleep Number setting. This will determine the level of support/firmness someone’s mattress provides.

Sleep Number beds made with two air chambers comes with their “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.

Directly below the air chamber(s) is a 2” base pad and above the air chamber is 3” of  Exclusive Comfort Layer foam. This layer is enhanced with a breathable airflow design to help balance a person’s sleeping temperature, according to Sleep Number Customer Service.

The enhanced foam comfort layer is also made with five zones specifically designed to contour to the body.

The I-LE mattress is made with a polyester/polypropylene blend fabric that is designed to be soft and breathable.

The top of the I-LE mattress is a duvet-style pillowtop that includes a 3” of hypersoft quilting foam.

It’s worth noting that the Sleep Number Sleep IQ Technology, which will track a person’s sleep and help them find their optimal Sleep Number setting, is included in the price of the I-LE 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.

Here are the layers of the I-8 mattress starting from the base:

• Base
• 2” foam base pad
• Air chamber(s)
• 3” Exclusive comfort foam -with five zones designed to contour to the body and breathable air flow design
• Duvet-style pillowtop with a 3” quilting foam layer sewn in
• Polyester/polypropylene blend fabric overall

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.

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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.

Firmness Level

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

The Sleep Number: The air chamber/air chambers in a person’s mattress will inflate and deflate according to their Sleep Number. The higher the Sleep Number, the more air in the air chambers and the firmer their 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 the 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.

The I-LE mattress has several layers, including a 2” base pad foam layer, 3” of exclusive comfort foam and 3” of  quilting foam sewn into the mattress top. These layers will provide significantly more cushion to the mattress than a Classic Series bed like the C-2 or the C-4.

A Customer Service team member also told me that it will feel slightly firmer than its sister model, the highly-rated I-8. She said that the foam construction in the I-LE is denser than the I-8, especially in the firmer/denser I-LE mattress top.

RELATED: Best Mattresses Overall

Who Might Want to Consider This Mattress:

People Who Sleep Hot. The comfort layer in the I-LE mattress is made with foam that is enhanced with breathable airflow design to help balance the sleeping temperature.

People Who Can’t Decide Between the I-8 and I-10. A Customer Service representative told me that if the if the I-8 and the I-10 had a kid together, it would be the I-LE. What I think he means is that the I-LE is a great combination of all the features these two Innovation Series mattresses has to offer. It is also priced right in between the two models as well.

Sleep Number 360 iLE Smart Mattress

The Sleep Number iLE mattress has several layers for comfort and support and is a great option for those who sleep hot at night.

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Mattress Clarity Score

3.90 / 5.0

Who Might Not Want to Consider This Mattress:

People Who Are on a Budget. The I-LE is the second most expensive Sleep Number model. It retails at $5499.00 for a Queen size mattress. It has a lot to offer and customers seem to really enjoy this mattress. However, if people are trying to save money, it may not the best fit.

The I-8 mattress may be the closest to the I-LE, but Sleep Number sells other Queen mattresses for less than $1,000 (the C-2) and several for under $3000, including the popular P-5 mattress.

Most Common Pieces of Praise

The I-LE had a large number of positive reviews. One of the main compliments was about the sheer comfort the mattress provides through its many foam layers and contoured support.

Sleep Number beds are great mattresses for couples because of their dual air chambers and ability to adjust the firmness to a person’s desire. So many couples were thrilled to be able to sleep so comfortably next to a partner who slept differently from them.

The layers of foam and support in the I-LE made it a good fit for those suffering from pain – specifically in the back. Customers who coupled it with a FlexFit adjustable base found, even more, comfort in the bed.

Most Common Complaints

The biggest complaint across the reviews was that people could not find a comfortable balance between support and cushion. Many struggled with their Sleep Number setting and programming it in a way that let them get a good night’s sleep.

For some reason, people were very irritated with the Sleep IQ Technology in the I-LE mattress. I’m not sure if this has something to do with the sensors and multiple foam layers, but many customers felt that the Sleep IQ Technology was a waste.

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

The I-LE is a great mix of foam comfort, contoured support, and cooling features. Those who sleep hot and who like sleeping on beds that provide a good amount of cushion would like the I-LE mattress.

Those who like the premium I-10 mattress, but want more size options or are considering purchasing a bed with a single air chamber, could definitely choose the I-LE.

RELATED: Best Sleep Number Bed Alternatives

The I-LE mattress is very similar to its sister models, the I-8 and the I-10 mattress and is priced right in the middle of the two at $5499.00 for a Queen size.

The decision to choose this mattress over the others will really come down to the details and personal preferences. The I-LE offers thicker and denser foam layers made with breathable material to keep people cool, supported and most of all comfortable all night.

If people want more information about the Sleep Number brand and individual models, they should Check out our full guide.