Sleep Number P-5 vs CSE Review: Which One Is Best for You?

by

Katie Golde

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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. 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
P5construction

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
CSEconstruction

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.
sleep number p5 scaled 1

Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Mattress

sleep number p5 scaled 1
The Sleep Number 360 p5 is part of the company’s Performance Series and is comfortable, supportive, and adjustable.
Clarity Score
3.9 /5
Read Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Mattress Review
Check Price
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Product Details
Material
Other
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Sleep Trial
100 nights
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Shipping
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Price
$2149 – $3799

Our Recommendation
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 a good match for anyone struggling with back pain, as it cushions the lumbar region and has enough support to keep the spine neutrally aligned.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Visit Sleep Number
Average Customer Rating
4.7 /5

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

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Katie Golde

Katie Golde

Senior Digital Content Manager/Managing Editor​

About Author

Katie Golde is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and previously served Managing Editor and Head of Sleep Research for Mattress Clarity. She handled the daily operations of the site and you’ll still see her in plenty of reviews, from mattresses to travel pillow and bed pillow reviews – plus the occasional How-To video. In addition, Katie reported, writed, and edited sleep health and sleep industry news for the site.

Since joining the Mattress Clarity team in 2016, she has reviewed hundreds of sleep products, like bed pillows and mattresses and written over 200 sleep-related stories for the site. She probably knows more about bamboo sheets and bed pillows than any one person should.

Katie has been writing about wellness-related topics, including sleep, for the last eight years. The first sleep story she wrote covered the best and worst foods to eat before bed. Her previous work can be found in print and online publications like Discover Magazine, USA Today, Bustle and The Huffington Post.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Northwestern University and a master’s degree in Journalism with a focus on Interactive Publishing from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism as well. During her graduate studies, Katie focused on health and science reporting and she received the G.D. Crain Award for demonstrating leadership, management, and entrepreneurial excellence during her final innovation project.

Education & Credentials