Sleep Number P-6 VS. I-LE – Mattress Comparison

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While the P-6 Sleep Number mattress is close in design to the I-LE limited edition model, there are a few areas where they stand apart. With two great options that seem pretty similar upon first glance, it can be hard to know which to choose. If both of these models are on someone’s list, this article can help make the decision a little easier.. This guide will go over details and construction of each mattress to help people decide which one is best for them.

Key Similarities

  • Both models offer cooling features, making them both fairly breathable
  • A variety of standard sizes – including FlexTop
  • Individual or dual air chamber options with DualAir™ adjustability
Both come with this optional feature:
  • FlexFit™ Adjustable Bases

Key Differences

P-6

  • 12” mattress profile
  • Plush-style mattress top
  • 3” of proprietary PlushFit foam- supportive foam is designed exclusively for Sleep Number to naturally conform to the body’s curves
  • 5 zones specifically designed to contour to the head, shoulders, lower back, hips, and knees
  • Mattress fabric is made of a rayon/polyester which features moisture-wicking technology for a cool sleep surface.
  • $3199.00 for a Queen
sleep number p6 scaled 1

Sleep Number 360 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

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.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
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.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8 /5
P6construction
Source: SleepNumber.com

I-LE

  • 14” mattress profile
  • Duvet-style pillowtop that includes: hypersoft quilting foam for a plush surface
  • 3” of Exclusive Comfort Layer foam – enhanced with a breathable airflow design to help balance sleeping temperature
  • 2” foam base pad underneath the air chamber(s)
  • Polyester/polypropylene fabric is soft and breathable so people sleep comfortably.
  • Sleep IQ Technology is included
  • $5499.00 for a Queen size
Sleep Number iLE

Sleep Number 360 iLE Smart Mattress

Sleep Number iLE
The Sleep Number iLE mattress has several layers for comfort and support and is a great option for those who sleep hot at night.
Clarity Score
3.9 /5

Product Details

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

Our Recommendation

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Side Sleepers
This bed offers pressure relief at both the shoulders and hips, making it a great fit for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8 /5
iLEconstruction
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 that may help people decide between a P-5 or an I-LE mattress.
  • Mattress Top: According to the Customer Service representative, the I-LE duvet-style mattress top is “MUCH MORE PLUSH” than the P-6 model. The P-6 mattress top is described as a plush-style mattress top with moisture-wicking fabric, but it is not a pillowtop like the I-LE.
  • Zones of Contouring Support: Although it is the more expensive model, the I-LE does not have any zones of contouring support, while the P-6 has 5 designated areas in the 3” layer of comfort foam. Take this for what it’s worth, but when after talking to a Customer Service Representative about it, he said, in all honesty, he has personally slept on the models with the contouring support and without and he did not notice a significant difference.
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Which Should People Pick?

P-6 if…

  • Someone is Side Sleeper. The P-6 is similar to the P-5, which is popular because customers say that it’s a great balance of cushion and support. The P-6 has an additional inch of PlushFit foam and it also has 5 zones designed to relieve pressure in certain areas of the body. This great balance and zones make it a highly recommended mattress for side sleepers and those looking for extra pressure relief and comfort.
  • People Who Want To Save Some Cash. There is a significant $2,300 price difference between a Queen I-LE and a Queen P-6 mattress, and although people will get SleepIQ Technology with the I-LE they are still saving a large amount of money that they could put towards a FlexFit Adjustable Base (or save it!).

I-LE if…

  • People Want To Sleep On A Cloud. The I-LE is all about that soft duvet-style pillowtop, and as one Customer Service representative said, the I-LE is like “a big fluffy cloud; it’s nice for those that need that.” So if plush, luxurious softness is someone’s preference over firmer mattresses, than the I-LE could be an excellent fit.

Either if…

  • People Sleep Hot. Both mattresses are designed with a number of cooling features. For the I-LE, it’s built into the comfort foam layer and the P-6 has moisture wicking fabric. One Customer Service representative did say that the I-LE was warmer compared to the P-6 because it has more material and the cooling feature is in the foam layer and not in the fabric.
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Personal Opinion

Consumers will spend $2,300 more for a Queen size I-LE mattress than a P-6 mattress (at full price). Since that is a good amount of money, I wanted to figure out exactly what people are getting with the I-LE that they won’t get with the P-6.
  • 2” more inches of mattress profile height
  • Sleep IQ Technology
  • 2” foam base pad
  • 3” Exclusive Comfort Layer – foam layer with breathability to keep people cool (different from P-6’s PlushFit foam)
  • Duvet-style luxurious pillow top 
As a side sleeper who prefers firmer mattresses, my choice would definitely be the P-6 over the I-LE because of the additional pressure relief and comfort. I asked several Customer Service representatives which they would recommend and they all pointed to the P-6 over the I-LE as well, so that’s just something to note. The P-6 is similar to the popular P-5 model (has a slightly thicker comfort foam layer) and seems to provide enough cushion to support side sleepers and relieve pressure on their shoulders and hips. It also has moisture wicking fabric and the same comfort foam thickness (3”) than the I-LE, making it an excellent mattress overall. Purchasing the P-6 over the I-LE also saves people thousands, which they can then spend on more Sleep Number products or save in their piggy bank! Read the full Sleep Number mattress review

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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