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
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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 p5 Smart Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
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
- $1899.00 for a Queen
Sleep Number c4 Smart Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
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.
