Sleep Number C-4 vs CSE: Which Mattress Is Best for You?

EDITOR’S NOTE: Hey, friend! You made it all this way and narrowed your options down to these two mattresses. Unfortunately, the Sleep Number CSE mattress is no longer available. But, keep calm! You can rest assured that the Sleep Number C-4 mattress would be a great option for you. Read on below to see what we had to say about it! If you were hoping to get the Sleep Number CSE mattress, the Sleep Number C-2 is the next best option. Check out our Sleep Number C-4 vs C-2 comparison or take a peak at our snapshot below!

Sleep Number C-4 vs. C-2

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Sleep Number 360 c4 Smart Mattress

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Score

3.6 / 5

Check Price

Read Sleep Number 360 c4 Smart Mattress Review

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

Sleep Number C-4 vs. CSE Mattress Overview

Sleep Number’s C-4 and CSE mattresses are both great options within the brand’s Classic Series. Each mattress offers a comfort foam layer and 10″ mattress profile, plus options to add on Sleep IQ Technology or a FlexFit Adjustable Base. This Sleep Number C-4 vs CSE comparison will go over the construction of both mattresses and the key similarities and differences to help consumers make a more informed decision.

Key Similarities

• DualAir™ adjustability
• 10” mattress profile
• Soft, breathable knit fabric made with a rayon blend
• A variety of standard sizes – including FlexTop
• Individual or dual air chamber option

Both come with these optional features:

• SleepIQ® technology
• FlexFit™ Adjustable Bases

Key Differences

C-4

• Firmer mattress top
• 1½” foam comfort layer
• Foam has 3 zones specifically designed to contour to the head and neck, back and hips
• $1,599.99 for a Queen

CSE

• Plusher mattress top
• 2″ foam comfort layer
• Foam has 5 zones specifically designed to contour to your head/neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and feet
• $1,899.99 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 people decide between a C-4 or a CSE mattress. Mattress Top: There seems to be a little bit of difference in the tops of the mattresses, mostly that the CSE has a softer, plusher mattress top than the C-4. The Customer service rep told me that the CSE mattress top is similar to the P5 model (their best seller) and has more cushion, while the C-4 “has a more euro cover, flat and more firm.” Comfort Layer: On the Sleep Number website it says that the C-4 has a 1½” Comfort Layer and the CSE has a 2″ PlushFit® foam comfort layer. I asked the Customer Service rep about the difference in these two and was told that the layers are the same for both mattresses and are considered the “Plush Fit.” The only difference is that the CSE is thicker. Sleep IQ Technology: When people compare the C-4 and CSE on Sleep Number’s website, it looks like Sleep IQ Technology is included with the CSE and an optional add-on with the C-4. I double checked with Customer Service and can confirm that it’s not included in the price of either mattress. The rep told me, “No, the CSE does not come standard with SleepIQ. Both the C-4and CSE prices are without SleepIQ included. SleepIQ is an additional $199.99 before tax and shipping.” I also asked for more information on what people actually get for an extra $199.99. Here is what I was told: “SleepIQ is an added-on feature that tracks your sleep. You will be able to download our SleepIQ app to check your Sleep IQ scores. You also have the option to use the app as you would use your remote to change your Sleep Number setting.” Read our general Sleep Number review

Pick C-4 if…

You Like a Firmer Bed: Between the two mattresses, the C-4 features fewer layers and cushioning. With less soft material between the air chamber(s) and the mattress top, the C-4 will be a naturally firmer bed all around. You Are on a Budget But Want Extras: The C-4 could be a great pick if you want a Sleep Number with a contouring comfort layer. By choosing the C-4 over the CSE, you free up some extra dollars to spend on options like the popular SleepIQ® technology or FlexFit™ Adjustable Bases.

Pick CSE if…

You Are a Side Sleeper: Side sleepers will feel pressure in their shoulders, hips and on their spine in general. The CSE has a plusher mattress top plus a thicker comfort layer (with five areas designed to contour to your body). Side sleepers will probably feel more comfortable with the CSE over the C-4 because of the better pressure relief. You Want Full Body Contouring: Those who wake up with aches and pains from the neck to your feet may want to consider the CSE mattress, which has a comfort layer designed with five pressure relieving points for the whole body.

Personal Opinion

I like to think of myself as a financially conscious person, so my first instinct would be to choose the C-4 model simply because it is the more affordable model. There is a $300 price difference between the two models, and for that money, you are essentially getting a plusher mattress top and an extra ½” of comfort foam, which includes two additional spots that will contour to your body – lower back and feet. Side sleepers who prefer extra cushioning may want to pick the CSE, but since I sleep on my back and my side and prefer a firmer bed, I would choose the C-4 and purchase the FlexFit Adjustable Base. I would rather spend extra money on the ability to raise/lower the top and bottom of my bed than on extra cushioning.