Sleep Number P-5 VS. P-6: Which One Is Best For You?

by

Katie Golde

| Updated:

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There is a lot to like about both the P-5 and the P-6 Performance Series mattresses. The popular P-5 is considered, “the perfect balance of softness and pressure relief.” Meanwhile, the P-6 includes a thicker comfort layer and features moisture-wicking fabric. This review will go over the construction of each mattress, the key similarities and differences, and the key takeaways consumers should know about before making a purchasing decision.

Key Similarities

  • DualAir™ adjustability
  • Both had proprietary PlushFit foam designed to provide the perfect balance of support and pressure relief
  • A variety of standard sizes – including FlexTop
  • 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

  • European style pillow top design
  • 2” of proprietary PlushFit foam
  • Mattress fabric is made with a rayon/polypropelene blend for smoothness and durability
  • $2699.00 for a Queen
sleep number p5 scaled 1

Sleep Number p5 Smart Mattress

sleep number p5 scaled 1
The Sleep Number p5 is part of the company’s Performance Series and is comfortable, supportive, and adjustable.
Clarity Score
3.9 /5
Read Sleep Number p5 Smart Mattress Review
Check Price
$400 off
Presidents Day Sale

Product Details
Material
Other
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Sleep Trial
100 nights
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Shipping
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Price
$$$$$

Our Recommendation
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
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.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Visit Sleep Number
Average Customer Rating
4.7 /5
P5construction

P-6

  • Plush-style traditional design
  • 3” of proprietary PlushFit foam
  • Mattress fabric is made with a breathable rayon/polyester knit blend with moisture-wicking technology for a cool sleep surface
  • $3199.00 for a Queen
sleep number p6 scaled 1

Sleep Number p6 Smart Mattress

sleep number p6 scaled 1
The Sleep Number P-6 is the nicest model in the Performance Series set of Sleep Number beds. It not only offers** **3? of comfort foam to help relieve pressure along the body, but its knit blend will keep people cool by wicking moisture away.
Clarity Score
3.7 /5
Read Sleep Number p6 Smart Mattress Review
Check Price
$600 off
Presidents Day Sale

Product Details
Material
Other
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Sleep Trial
100 nights
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Shipping
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Price
$$$$$

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.
Hip Pain
This bed should be comfortable for anyone struggling with hip pain since it contours the hips and keeps them supported.
Joint Pain
This bed offers the needed pressure relief to help alleviate joint pain.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Visit Sleep Number
Average Customer Rating
4.8 /5
P6construction

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 a P-6 mattress. Mattress Top: Both the P-5 and P-6 mattress tops are sewn with 2” of quilting foam. This is about all that the mattress tops have in common as they are sewn with different fabric and designed in different styles. 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. The P-6 model has an extra inch of comfort foam and a taller mattress profile. Check out our comprehensive review of Sleep Number

Which Should You Pick?

P-5 if…

You Like Moderate Firmness: The P-5 is a popular bed because it is a good mix between firm and cushioned. You still get some of the natural firmness from the air chambers, but 2″ of PlushFit comfort foam to keep the mattress comfortable and pressure relieving. You Like European-Style Mattress Tops: The customer service representatives say the European-style mattress top is more luxurious than the ones offered in the Classic Series, like a C-2. The P-6 has a mattress top that is described as Plush-Style. RELATED: Best Sleep Number Bed Alternatives

P-6 if…

You Sleep Hot: Of the two mattresses, only the P-6 has the rayon/polyester knit blend with built-in moisture wicking technology. This will help keep you cool at night by pulling moisture from sweat or body heat away from your body while you sleep You Don’t Like a Firm Bed: The P-6 has one inch more foam and therefore, more cushion than the P-5. Since the P-5 is a popular bed, known for keeping a good balance in terms of firmness, going with a P-6 is better for those who want to sink into their bed.

Personal Opinion

When it comes down to comparing the P-5 to the P-6, I like to see what features consumers get for the added price. The P-5 is $2699.00 for a Queen and the P-6 is $3199.00for a Queen. For an additional $500, you get one additional inch of PlushFit comfort foam and a mattress made from fabric with moisture wicking technology built-in. If you are a hot sleeper who likes extra cushion, this may be worth the price because of the additional comfort and cooling features. For me, I would rather put that $500 towards an adjustable base, or towards an extra mattress topper or mattress protector that helps you sleep cool. Bottom line: I’d stick with the popular P-5 mattress.

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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