Sleep Number P-5 vs CSE Review: Which One 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 P-5 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 P-5 vs C-2 comparison or take a peak at our snapshot below!

Sleep Number P-5 vs. C-2

Product

Firmness

Score

Product

Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Mattress

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Score

3.9 / 5

Check Price

Read Sleep Number 360 p5 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 P-5 vs. CSE Mattress Overview

The Sleep Number P-5 mattress is a  bestseller but the Classic Series Special Edition (CSE) mattress is incredibly comparable. Only a few details (and a couple hundred dollars) separate these two mattresses. With so many similarities, it can be hard to decide which mattress is best for you. To help, we put together this Sleep Number P-5 vs CSE comparison guide that highlights the features of the P-5 and CSE.

Key Similarities

• DualAir™ adjustability
• Available in a variety of sizes – including Split King and FlexTop King
• Individual or dual air chamber options
• 5 zones specifically designed to contour to your head/neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and feet

Both come with these optional features: SleepIQ® technology FlexFit™ Adjustable Bases

Key Differences

P-5 (Performance Series)

• 11” mattress profile
• European style pillowtop design
• 2” of proprietary PlushFit foam
• Mattress fabric is made with a rayon/polypropylene blend for smoothness and durability
• $2,099.99 for a Queen

CSE (Classic Series Special Edition)

• 10” mattress profile
• Traditional style mattress top (soft knit but not pillowtop)
• 2″ foam comfort layer (same foam as P-5 just not labeled PlushFit)
• Mattress fabric is made with a polyester/polypropylene knit blend for softness and breathability
• $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 you decide between a P-5 or a CSE mattress.

• Mattress Top: Customer service representatives told me that all 3 models in the Classic Series – C-2, C-4, and the CSE – have traditional soft knit mattress tops. The P-5 mattress top comes with a more luxurious, European-style pillowtop.
• Comfort Foam layer: According to the website, the P-5 mattress comes with 2” of proprietary PlushFit comfort foam while the CSE comes with 2” of a general comfort foam layer. However, customer service representatives told me that hey are actually the same foam.
• Popularity: The P-5 model is Sleep Number’s most popular bed, according to the salesperson I spoke to at a Sleep Number store. He said that one of the reasons people like it is because it seems to have the right amount of balance between cushion and natural firmness from the air chambers.

Which Should You Pick?

The P-5 and the CSE models are so similar in construction that there are only a few details that set them apart.

P-5 if…

• You Prefer a Pillowtop Mattress. The P-5 model features a European style pillowtop, which is considered more luxurious and soft. It is also probably what gives the P-5 it’s 1” height advantage over the CSE. The CSE features a more traditional soft knit mattress top.

CSE if…

• You Want to Save a Few Dollars. The P-5 model is $2,099 for a Queen while the CSE is $1,899 for a Queen. By saving $200 and going with the CSE, you could put the extra savings towards accessories, like bedding or put money towards add-on options like Sleep IQ Technology and the FlexFit Adjustable Base.

My Personal Opinion

There is really very little difference between the P-5 and the CSE models. Here are the main details that set them apart:

• The fabric used – rayon/polypropylene blend for P-5 and polyester/polypropylene blend for CSE
• The mattress top styles – European style pillowtop for P-5 and a traditional soft knit for CSE
• The P-5 mattress is also 1” taller than the CSE

If you purchase a Queen size mattress, there is a $200 price difference between the P-5 and the CSE. Since both mattresses offer the same 2” comfort layer, I think I would save the $200 and go with the CSE model. I could easily put that money towards a less expensive mattress topper or mattress pad or spend it on Sleep IQ Technology. Despite the popularity of the P-5, the CSE is just so similar that I would prefer to save the money and put it towards customizing the CSE mattress or spending money on accessories. Sleep Number Bed Reviews