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

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

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 m7 Smart Mattress

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Score

3.9 / 5

Check Price

Read Sleep Number 360 m7 Smart Mattress Review

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

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.

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.

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.

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.