Sleep Number P-5 vs M-7: Which Model Should You Pick?

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Whether it’s the perfect balance of firmness and cushion or a luxurious layer of comforting memory foam, there is a lot to love about both the P-5 and M-7 mattresses from Sleep Number. With so many features that set them apart, it can be hard to know which one is most appropriate for you. So we created a handy Sleep Number P-5 vs M-7 comparison that breaks down what you need to know about each mattress and the key similarities and differences.

Sleep Number P-5 vs. M-7 Mattress Overview

Key Similarities

DualAir™ adjustability A variety of standard sizes – including FlexTop Individual or dual air chamber options Both come with this optional feature: FlexFit™ Adjustable Bases

Key Differences

P-5

  • 11” mattress profile
  • European style pillow top design
  • 2” of proprietary PlushFit foam
  • 5 zones specifically designed to contour to your head/neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and feet
  • Mattress fabric is made with a rayon/polypropelene blend for smoothness and durability
  • $2,099.99 for a Queen
P5construction
Source: SleepNumber.com

M-7

  • 12” mattress profile
  • Unique soft flat cover in a grey color – no pillow top (mattress top)
  • 2” foam layer underneath air chamber(s)
  • 4” gel memory foam layer with CoolFit technology above air chamber(s)
  • Mattress fabric is made with a rayon/polyester blend fabric that is designed to be soft and breathable
  • Sleep IQ Technology included
  • $3,499.98 for a Queen
To compare all Sleep Number beds, click here.
M7Construction 1
Source: SleepNumber.com

What Happened During 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 an M-7 mattress.
  • Mattress Top: The M-7 has a thick memory foam layer, which will make it feel different than a Performance Series mattresses, like P-5, which has a more European-style pillow top feel. The M-7 is described as being softer and flatter (and also grey in color!).
  • Firmness: Although the M-7 has a thick layer of gel memory foam, the P-5 – with its 2” of PlushFit comfort foam – will be firmer than the M-7. The P-5 has less foam in general, which makes the firmness from the air chambers more noticeable. The memory foam is also less dense than other comfort foams, which means you will sink further into your mattress.
  • 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. Meanwhile, another team member told me they really only recommend the M-7 to people who know that they want a memory foam mattress.
Related: Best Mattresses

Which Should You Pick?

P-5 if…

  • You Like a Mattress With a Pillow Top- The P-5 model features a European style pillowtop, which is considered more luxurious and soft. The M-7 has a flat mattress top that is noticeably different from a standard pillow top.
  • You Want to Save Some Money- There is a $1,400 price difference between a Queen size P-5 and an M-7 mattress. Those who are 100% sure they want a memory foam mattress should consider the M-7, otherwise it’s worth taking considering the popular P-5 and save some cash.
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

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.

Average Customer Rating
4.7 /5

M-7 if…

  • You Like Memory Foam- The 4” gel memory foam layer in the M-7 mattress is the top reason to go with the M-7 over the P-5 mattress. One Customer Service representative told me that the M-7 is usually purchased by people who love memory foam mattresses but want to use it with an adjustable base like the kind Sleep Number offers (for an additional cost).
  • You Sleep Hot- The M-7’s gel memory foam layer is manufactured with CoolFit technology to keep the foam cooler and to help you from sleeping hot – which can sometimes happen with memory foam mattresses.
sleep number m7

Sleep Number 360 m7 Smart Mattress

sleep number m7
The M-7 Sleep Number bed offers a unique blend of customizable firmness and soft cushion with its 4” layer of gel memory foam.  
Clarity Score
3.9 /5

Product Details

Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Sleep Trial
100 nights
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Shipping
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Price
$3999 – $5799

Our Recommendation

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
This bed features extra cooling technology, making it great for hot sleepers.
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.
Hip Pain
This bed should be comfortable for anyone struggling with hip pain since it contours the hips and keeps them supported.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7 /5

Personal Opinion

If you purchase a Queen mattress, there is a $1,400 difference in price between a P-5 bed ($2,099) and the M-7 ($3,499). The Sleep IQ Technology is included in the M-7, but the retail value is somewhere around $199.99. Since I do not rely on memory foam for a good night’s sleep, I would definitely lean towards the bestselling P-5 mattress over the M-7. I believe the P-5 would provide the right balance of firmness and cushion and the price point is much more attractive.

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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