With so many Sleep Number beds to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is best. We’ve picked two popular models: the P-5 from the Performance Series and the C-4 from the Classic Series, and put them head to head to help people decide which mattress might be right for them.
Sleep Number P-5 vs. C-4
Product
Firmness
Score
Product
Firmness
Score
Product
Firmness
Score
Key Similarities
- DualAir™ adjustability
- Available in a variety of sizes – including Split King and FlexTop King
- Individual or dual air chamber options
Both come with these optional features:
- SleepIQ® technology
- FlexFit™ Adjustable Bases
Key Differences
P-5
- 11” mattress profile
- European style pillowtop design
- 2” of proprietary PlushFit foam
- Mattress fabric is made with a rayon/polypropelene blend for smoothness and durability
- 5 zones specifically designed to contour to the head/neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and feet
- $2699.00 for a Queen
Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Mattress
Material
Other
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Mattress
The Sleep Number 360 p5 is part of the company’s Performance Series and is comfortable, supportive, and adjustable.
Material
Other
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Mattress
The Sleep Number 360 p5 is part of the company’s Performance Series and is comfortable, supportive, and adjustable.
Material
Other
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Source: SleepNumber.com
C-4
- 10” mattress profile
- Firmer mattress top (soft knit but not pillowtop)
- 1½” foam comfort layer
- Mattress fabric is made with a polyester/polypropelene knit blend
- Foam has 3 zones specifically designed to contour to the head and neck, back and hips
- $
Sleep Number 360 c4 Smart Mattress
Material
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Sleep Number 360 c4 Smart Mattress
Sleep Number’s C4 mattress is one of the most standard Sleep Number models but comes with a comfort layer that provides body contouring.
Material
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Sleep Number 360 c4 Smart Mattress
Sleep Number’s C4 mattress is one of the most standard Sleep Number models but comes with a comfort layer that provides body contouring.
Material
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
source: SleepNumber.com 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 P-5 or a C-4 mattress.
- Mattress Top: Customer service representatives told me that the C-4 has a soft knit mattress top, while the P-5 cover is a more luxurious, pillowtop style.
- Comfort Foam Layer: Customer service representatives told me that the C-4 has a 1.5″ foam comfort layer but the P-5 has a 2″ foam layer of their proprietary PlushFit foam which is a bit denser and supportive.
- Popularity: The P-5 model is Sleep Number’s most popular bed. The salesperson I spoke to at a sleep number store said it had a good amount of balance between cushion and natural firmness from the air chambers.
Jump to the full Sleep Number review
Which Should People Pick?
P-5 if…
- People Want a Balanced Bed: The P-5 is popular because customers feel it is the right balance of firmness and cushion. Consumers get 2” of PlushFit foam in the P-5, which is more dense and supportive than the foam used in the C-4.
- People Like A Mattress With A Pillowtop: The P-5 comes with a more luxurious European-style pillow-top mattress, while the C-4 offers a soft – but flatter – mattress top.
C-4 if…
- People Like A Firmer Bed: Between the two mattresses, the C-4 features less cushioning and a less dense comfort layer. With less supportive material between the air chamber(s) and the mattress top, the C-4 will be a naturally firmer bed all around.
- People Are On A Budget But Want Extras: There is a $500 difference between the C-4 and the P-5. While there are many reasons to upgrade to the P-5, saving on the mattress price would allow people to spend money on options like the popular SleepIQ® technology or FlexFit™ Adjustable Bases.
Personal Opinion
I consider myself to a be a budget-conscious person and while I would naturally lean towards the more affordable mattress (C-4), I think the P-5 may just be worth the extra money for the enhanced construction and details it offers.
For an extra $500 people are essentially getting a taller mattress with a more luxurious and softer pillow top cover, as well as a denser, more supportive, and thicker foam comfort layer. The foam layer in the P-5 also offers two more areas of pressure relief than the C-4.
What tips the scales to the P-5 for me is that it’s a best seller. If it’s known for being a good balance of firmness and cushion, and so many people love it, then I think I would, too.
