Sleep Number C-2 vs I-8: Which Model Is Best?

The C-2 and the I-8 models represent the wide range of mattresses available from Sleep Number. The Classic Series C-2 mattress is as standard as Sleep Number models get, while the Innovation Series I-8 has several features dedicated to enhancing your sleep experience. So, which one is the best mattress for you? Check out our handy Sleep Number C-2 vs I-8 mattress guide that covers the details of each mattress in order to help you decide if one is right for you.

Sleep Number C-2 vs. I-8

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Sleep Number 360 c2 Smart Mattress

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Score

3.7 / 5

Check Price

Read Sleep Number 360 c2 Smart Mattress Review

Product

Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Mattress

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Score

3.7 / 5

Check Price

Read Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Mattress Review

Sleep Number C-2 vs. I-8: General Overview

Key Similarities

• A variety of standard sizes – including FlexTop
• Individual or dual air chamber options with DualAir™ adjustability

Both come with this optional feature:

• FlexFit™ Adjustable Bases

Key Differences

C-2

• 8” mattress profile
• Soft, plush style mattress top (not a pillowtop)
• 2” of hypersoft quilting foam sewn into the top layer followed by an adjustable air chamber(s)
• $1099.00 for a Queen

I-8

• 13” mattress profile
• Duvet pillow top that includes 2” of hypersoft quilting foam for a plush surface and Outlast temperature balancing technology to minimize temperature swings
• 1” foam base pad underneath the air chamber(s)
• 3” of proprietary PlushFit foam – supportive foam is designed exclusively for Sleep Number to naturally conform to your curves
• 7 zones specifically designed to contour to your head, shoulders, lower back, hips, knees, lower legs, and feet
• Mattress fabric is made with a polyester/polypropylene blend fabric that is designed to be soft and breathable
• Sleep IQ Technology included
• $3999.00 for a Queen

What I Found from Several Live Chat Sessions

After speaking with Sleep Number Customer Service representatives, I learned about a few extra details and clarifications that may help you decide between a C-2 or an I-8 mattress.

• Firmness: By virtue of having no comfort foam layers, the C-2 is Sleep Number’s naturally firmest mattress. Yes, you can technically adjust support levels by inflating/deflating the air chamber, but with no foam in between the mattress top and the air chamber, it is going to be a firmer mattress.
• Popularity: A Customer Service representative mentioned that a magazine named the C-2 model a “Best Buy” value. So I did some research and found that Consumer Reports listed the C-2 as a Best Value mattress because its performance tested just as well in back and side support as compared to the more expensive I-8.
• Cooling Technology: Sleep Number offers several mattresses with cooling options (like the P-6 model and the M-7 model). The I-8 features a “temperature balancing sleep surface” which representatives told me is Outlast technology, designed to pull heat away from the body and redistribute it throughout the night to help people stay comfortable.

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Which Should People Pick?

C-2 if…

• People Like a Firm Mattress. With absolutely no comfort foam layer in between the mattress top and the air chamber, the C-2 is Sleep Number’s firmest mattress. You can adjust the firmness by inflating/deflating your air chamber (this correlates to your Sleep Number setting) but this mattress will be naturally firm.
• People Are Looking for a Deal. Consumer Reports listed Sleep Number’s C-2 model as a “Best Value” mattress. They said that the C-2 performed just as well as in tests for back and side support as compared to the I-8 model but for a fraction of the price.

I-8 if…

• People Want Full Body Pressure Relief. The 3” PlushFit comfort foam in the I-8 is designed to relieve pressure in 7 areas of the body and the P-5 is designed to relieve pressure in only 5 areas. The I-8 adds body contouring to the knees and lower legs and the P-5 does not.
• Someone Is a Hot Sleeper. The I-8 features Outlast technology, designed to pull moisture away from you at night and redistribute it throughout the night, in the surface of the mattress.
• People Want Cushion. There is no doubt about it – when you’re comparing these mattresses, the I-8 is hands down the better choice if you like cushion over firmness in a mattress. The I-8 offers a soft pillowtop surface and 3” of PlushFit comfort foam designed to contour to your body.

RELATED: Best Sleep Number Bed Alternatives

My Personal Opinion

Despite all the comforts and features the I-8 mattress has to offer, I can’t say no to a good deal and would probably choose the C-2 mattress over the I-8. Money was definitely a motivating factor when it came down to deciding between these two. There is a stunning $2,600 price difference between these mattresses (if people go with a Queen size). With those savings, people could purchase any range of supplemental material to help cushion their mattress. The C-2 has a lot of things going for it – one of the most important being recognized as a Best Value mattress from Consumer Reports. Their tests help confirm that people can get great support from this mattress despite its lack of comfort layer. In a lot of reviews, customers bought the C-2 and then purchased their own mattress topper, pads, and/or protectors to add additional cushion. Since mattress toppers come in a range of styles and prices, it was an easy and more affordable way to customize the bed. The C-2 mattress allows couples – and individuals – to take advantage of Sleep Number’s individual air chambers and DualAir™ adjustability options, without breaking the bank. RELATED: Sleep Number Bed Reviews