Sleep Number Bed Reviews - i8 Mattress Review
- Last Updated: September 18, 2023
Great for:
- Smart Tech Lovers
- Individuals wanting variable firmness options
- Hot sleepers
Type – Adjustable Air
Firmness – Variable
Sleep Trial – 100 Night
Warranty – 15 year limited
Shipping – White Glove Delivery Required for $199
In This Article
Inside the i8 Number Bed
Thinking of buying a new bed? Read our Sleep Number bed and mattress reviews for a smart buying decision. You most likely know Sleep Number from the many ads and stores across America. Is it worth the hype? In our unbiased Sleep Number i8 bed review, we delve into the firmness and feel, and construction of this mattress giant. We’ll also cover purchase details such as pricing, sleep trial, warranties, and more.
Sleep Number i8 Mattress Review - YouTube
Foam and Air Construction of the Sleep Number i8 Mattress
- Mattress Cover: This is a soft, stretchy cover that utilizes outlast technology. This makes the cover cool to the touch.
- 6″ Proprietary Foam: This comfort foam layer is coupled with a cooling gel layer that provides cooling relief and temperature balance.
- Air chambers: Sleep Number beds are made with one air chamber on either side of the bed. This allows sleepers to adjust the firmness level of each side of the bed independently.
The Firmness & Feel of the Sleep Number i8 Mattress
The i8 is part of Sleep Number’s innovation line. The innovation series provides more comfort and pressure relief than either the classic or performance series. In addition, the innovation series has temperature balancing benefits added to the mattress cover, as well as to the foam beneath.
The i8 has an inch less comfort foam than the i10 model, but don’t let that fool you, it is a very soft bed, while still offering support. You can adjust your Sleep Number setting, which controls how firm or soft the air bladders are underneath the foam. This is good for being able to adjust each side’s firmness level independently.
The Sleep Number i8 360 smart bed has a unique balance of contouring pressure relief, with a wide range of adjustability. However, we have found after researching other mattresses, that adjustable air beds with more than one air chamber on either side, such as Air-Pedic, offered superior support and targeted stubborn pressure points more effectively.
When placing our weight upon the air chambers we could feel the air dispersing towards our head and feet, causing sagging through the mid-section. This was more apparent the softer our number setting. Ultimately, the single air chamber design found in the Sleep Number beds had a tendency to create a hammock effect. See our air bed comparison for more details.
Other Popular Sleep Number Models
Both the c2 & the c4 are part of Sleep Number’s classic line. These mattresses are the most affordable of the adjustable air beds offered by Sleep Number. The firmest beds in the collection, the comfort layer of the c2, and the c4 are made with a thinner layer of foam than the plusher comfort layers found in the performance line(p5 & p6).
Smart Bed Technology & The Sleep Number i8
The i8, like the rest of the Sleep Number beds, is a smart bed. Smart beds, like Sleep Number and the Pod Pro by Eight Sleep, can provide valuable feedback on your sleep, as well as your overall health.
Sensors inside the bed recognize your heart rate and your breathing rate, as well as how much you toss and turn during the night. This information will display for you on an app via your iPhone, Android, tablet, etc., which acts as a remote control and connects to your bed via Bluetooth.
We did find that the connection was often faulty with Sleep Number. Keep in mind if you don’t have a strong internet connection in your bedroom you might have some issues. If you want all of the technology without the connection issues check out our review of the ReST Performance smart bed.
The Sleep Number technology works by giving you a report, or score, of how well you slept. We did find that this technology was not consistent. We would often toss and turn many times throughout the night and it would show as if we hadn’t moved. I have noticed this inconsistency in other smart beds we’ve reviewed and I believe it may be due to rolling onto your partner’s side of the bed, occasionally causing the sleep tracking to report incorrectly.
Sleep Number claims this technology will adjust to maintain your comfort and pressure relief, no matter if you sleep on your side, stomach, back, or if you change positions during the night, however, we are not convinced it does.
Related: Sleep Number i8 vs ReST Performance smart bed comparison
Is The Sleep Number i8 Good For Couples?
Couples run into some unique challenges when shopping for a mattress. While adjustable air beds are a great choice for couples with different firmness preferences it is only one factor that may affect your sleep experience when sharing your bed with a partner.
Motion Transfer and the Sleep Number I8 Mattress
Motion Isolation, or motion transfer, refers to the bed’s ability to isolate motion. If you are a light sleeper with a tendency to wake up when your partner moves around, you likely already know how important this is.
We found that the motion transfer was ok on the Sleep Number i8. It wasn’t the best we’ve experienced, nor was it the worst. We did feel a little bit of movement, likely due to the single air chamber design. Additionally, the Sleep Number beds are not made with reinforced foam support in the center of the mattress. This did create some problems with us rolling into the center of the bed.
The Sleep Number Purchase Details
Risk-Free Sleep Trial
Sleep Number beds come with a 100-night sleep trial. After 30 days if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase you can return/exchange it.
Sleep Number beds come with white-glove delivery, the fee for this is non-refundable. The sleep trial applies to the bed only, adjustable bases are considered final sale and not eligible for a refund. You’ll want to be aware of this if purchasing a mattress bundle. To read more about the sleep trial click here.
Shipping
Sleep Number beds require white glove delivery (delivery and set up of your mattress and base) for a fee of $199.
What Is The Warranty of the Sleep Number I8?
Sleep Number comes with a 15-year limited warranty.
How Much Does the Sleep Number i8 Cost?
Sleep Number beds are some of the most technologically advanced mattresses on the market. As such, they are also some of the most expensive.
A Queen i8 mattress costs $3599. Sleep Number does frequently offer discounts and shopping around major bank holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day can make these mattresses a more affordable option.
Sleep Number i8 Prices
Mattress Dimensions
Twin XL
$3149
38 X 80
Full
$3424
54 X 75
Queen
$3599
60 X 80
King
$4299
76 X 80
Split King
$5099
76 X 80
FlexTop King
$5099
76 X 80
Cal. King
$4299
72 X 84
Split Cal. King
$5099
72 X 84
FlexTop Cal. King
$5099
72 X 84
Common Complaints of the Sleep Number I8?
Lack of transparency from Sleep Number seemed to be a leading complaint. If you are thinking of purchasing a Sleep Number we would strongly advise you thoroughly read through their warranty and sleep trial conditions. As we mentioned earlier, while the mattress is eligible for a 100-night sleep trial, this does not include the adjustable base which is considered final sale.
We’ve also seen a number of complaints regarding Sleep Number standing behind their warranty, with hidden fees and service issues being a leading gripe.
As well as a number of complaints regarding sagging and discomfort of the mattress over time. While minor indentations and wear and tear are common in older mattresses, Sleep Number consumer reviews seem to indicate an unusual amount of degradation.
Lastly, we strongly recommend an air bed that offers multiple air chambers per side with the ability to adjust the lumbar region independently from the neck and shoulder and hips and legs. We also encourage looking for an air bed that has reinforced foam support between either side of the bed. This will eliminate partners rolling into the center of the mattress.
Sleep Number i8 Mattress Review Conclusion
Is the Sleep Number i8 right for you?
- You want a variety of options to choose from, Sleep Number has an extensive lineup available.
- You and your partner prefer different firmness settings and want dual adjustability.
The Sleep Number i8 might not be the right fit if:
- You and your partner like to snuggle up, unlike other air beds we have reviewed sleep number does not have a reinforced support bar between the two air chambers. This left couples rolling into the center of the bed while the air dispelled to the outer edges.
- You’re looking for a budget mattress.
If you’re looking into buying the perfect mattress for yourself, have a look at our in-depth reviews of the best mattresses.
BUYERS BE WARE!!!!! NEVER BUY A SLEEP NUMBER BED!!!! I am a previous owner of a sleep number bed….. had one for nearly 20 years and loved, loved, loved it. When it started losing air from it’s chambers I knew sadly it was time for a new one, which was OK… 20 years was a good run, however, I was not in the financial position to buy another sleep number so bought a standard mattress. I never slept well on the standard mattress, so after a couple years I bit the bullet and bought another sleep number. BAD MOVE. I have NOT been able to sleep on my new bed due to an awful odor since I’ve had it…. now 6 weeks… I tried many times but would wake up with swollen eyes, stuffy nose and a roaring heardache! After speaking with several representatives they explained it as “off gasing” …very common. They offered to exchange my mattress for another but I would probably have the same problem! (They have changed the materials that the beds are made of $$$$) Oh, by the way they hauled away my standard mattress ($800) and if I returned their bed I would be without any mattress plus the cost of buying a new one! So needless to say I have been forced to sleep in the guest bedroom! I WOULD NEVER, EVER RECOMMEND A SLEEP # BED TO ANYONE EVER AGAIN ! THEIR PRODUCTS AND SERVICE HAVE SEVERLY DETERIORATED!!!
Purchased our Sleep Number bed in Sept. 2017, in Sept. 2021 they want me to pay $162 for a sleep number foam topper because theirs has collapse where your shoulders and butt rest.
Our bed came with a 20 YEAR warrantee, we used it for 4 years, that’s 20% of it’s life. They want $162 for something I can buy for $60 to $100 anywhere.
Their warrantee is worthless, customer service told me her hands were tied and switch me over to a supervisor. I asked her how they done their math ? Said 4 years is a fifth of 20 years, the most I should pay is a fifth of the cost. She hung-up on me. Don’t know if she knows math or not ? NOT a good company to do business with !
Oh goodness! They hung up on you? I’m so sorry to hear you are going through that. Unfortunately, it is all too common we hear horror stories when customers have to deal with the customer service department. I sincerely hope you are able to get this resolved as quickly and easily as possible moving forward.
I purchased a $7,000.00 bed from this company. Year one the heaters had to be replaced $100.00 service call. Waited 2-3 weeks for service.
Year 2. Left side of bed keeps loosing air and I sleep on the hard surface ,most of night snd getting worse. Called customer support. They wanted me to diagnose the problem, then they could send an air tube or a pump or msbe connectors were bad. 77 years old, disabled veteran I can not take apart the bed to help them diagnose the problem. I ask for someone to come and diagnose the problem, $99.00 to the problem. Then they have to order and wait a week for delivery. Part could cost $200.00+ to #400.00 for a pump. Then they tell me that it takes from today , 02/19//2021 until 03/24/3021, somewhat over a month for a service call. Then other 5 to 10 days go deliver the parts.
Told them to come and get bed. Did not want the piece of s…, any more.
A disabled veteran, 77 years old sleeping on a deflated mattress, just like Vietnam all over again after 50 years later
Will go buy a real bed at Costco for less money and more reliable, better service. This is not spam , this is a real review let consumers know the way things go at sleep number.
Hi Steve, first and foremost we would like to thank you for your service! I apologize that we were not able to get back to you immediately, we were not withholding your review. We do have a spam filter so that inappropriate content and spam don’t clutter our comment section. And we work to review and approve comments as quickly as possible.
That being said I want to say how terribly sorry I am to hear of your experience with Sleep Number. As you can see in our reviews we do point out to potential shoppers common customer service complaints. We do not work for, nor are we, affiliated with Sleep Number. We welcome all feedback regarding products as shown in our comment thread. We value your feedback and hope it helps others in their journey to finding the right mattress for them. I absolutely understand how incredibly frustrating it is to spend so much money and not receive good customer service. I hope you are able to resolve the matter and get back to better sleep soon!
Totally agree with all the negative comments. We purchased a sleep number i10 in 2016 California King ($9000.00). Leaks air (avr. 30# each night both sides), sags in the middle and installers made error in installation. They were here 15min and moved very fast saying they had 3 more installations to do and it was already the afternoon. Since then nothing besides trouble and no one could help or seemed interested for that matter. Got shuffled around and finally they got tired of me and they just hung up. How’s that for customer service. Now besides a neck and back ache I have a terrible ache right where my wallet would be, you know where that is, over my left glut.
I understand your feelings
I was considering buying one, appreciate your information. I’m sorry you have to put up with the hassle.
Thank you again.
Just bought one a month ago. All night long it adjusts itself without the remote. Inflates, deflates. Spent $5000 on a piece of crap!
We purchased iLE Limited Cal-King in 2016 along with a queen. The main problem is with the Cal-King the quilted cover has crushed down where you sleep which puts you in a hole, also both remotes are hard to push to inflate or raise the beds. No what we expected for the price we paid.
I don’t have an I8, but the Sleep Number mattress we bought is awful. My husband and I both hate it. I have tried every level from 30 to 100 and I still have back pain. Good luck getting any sympathy from their “customer support.” Some nights I go to the guest room and sleep on the old innerspring mattress. It is much more comfortable and I don’t wake up with low back pain. Do not waste your money on any Sleep Number product.
My spouse purchased one of the latest sleep number beds. It’s like 2 twin beds together and the top and bottom will raise up. While the mattresses feel pretty good, I really hate the bed. My hand slides down between the mattresses at times during the night. That’s aggravating. If you want to snuggle at all, you can forget it. Might as well be sleeping in another room. If a little one in the family has a rough night and you put them in bed with you, if they are small beware, part of them can go in between the mattress. You have to fill the open area with a blanket and it’s uncomfortable for them. It’s ridiculous. The bed is fairly high. I didn’t put the plush stuff on my side because I’m short. I’m 5’1″. I have difficulty getting on the bed. The plush makes it higher and I don’t need that. Also, the bed doesn’t look real good because one side looks lower than the other for these reasons. We have had it only a matter of months and my right hip hurts from getting up on the bed. And you just don’t need all that technology on the bed! That’s crazy, too. It was also a ridiculous price. Omg! We will owe for a long time on a bed I hate. I’m so sorry my spouse bought this. But we had the first sleep number that came out. Low to the ground and so comfy. Loved it. But this one, no way. : (
Worst bed ever it smells so bad the foam smells like a toxic cocktail that you do not want to sleep on . I have to sleep on a blowup air mattress in the living room because I cannot stand the smell of the bed. Thanks sleep number for all the lies and deceit. I asked specifically if this bed smells like foam and she told me no that was a complete lie
We just bought the sleep number bed number six we are having an awful time sleeping on it due to the awful smell of the foam. every morning we wake up stuffy and feeling really terrible. the foam smell is so overpowering it burns my lungs every single night. I have resorted to sleeping on an air mattress outside of the bedroom so I don’t have to smell the stinky foam. We have had the bed for three months and the smell seems to be getting worse. Worst decision we have ever made waste of $3000
I also bought a twin size sleep number bed which lost air during the night. I called and did some trouble shooting with no luck. They wanted to send a pump out and they would install it, but I would need to take the day off of work. This does not work for me so I am returning the bed and they are charging me $199.00 to pick up their defective bed??? Not happy will never buy or recommend a sleep number bed to anyone. I will go out of my way to tell people this!!
I bought a sleep number bed in August 2019,a week later it stopped working. They tried to give me more numbers to call, saying that after one week the warranty goes to another company.
They replaced my bed three months later, it still has had issues with the responsive air not working, bed won’t elevate sometimes .It’s constantly problematic to raise the head up.I have to get a supervisor on the phone to help me most of my calls ,the people who first listen to my complaint tell me that I have to pay 199.00 for someone to come out! The bed is 3 months old!!
Customer relations told me today that they are sending me a new pump to install MYSELF, or I could pay 199.00 fee! What is wrong with these people??? This is not customer service, NOT the kind of place to do business with. I would not recommend a sleep number bed, simply because of all the problems getting it to work! A new bed shouldn’t have these problems.
I’M SO DISAPPOINTED!!!!
Agree with you, worst customer service, I will never buy from then again!
What bed do you like as opposed to this one?
Thanks!
Hi Rebecca! While Sleep Number is well known, we found that having only one air bladder per side can create a hammock effect and long term issues with support and proper alignment. We would highly recommend either Air-Pedic (with 3 air chambers each side) or Rest Performance (with 5 per side). Air-Pedic is made with CertiPUR-US certified foams, so if eco-friendliness is an important benefit for you Air-Pedic is definitely your best bet. To see how they all compare check out our air bed comparison.
We recently purchased an I8 king bed and we are disappointed in it . Our bed doesn’t adjust the way it’s advertised in fact it is totally killing my shoulder and back! Another thing they won’t let you return the frame and that’s half the price of the bed !! What are you going to do with a frame that won’t fit another bed!! Be very aware before you purchase this bed!!!!
Hi Shelby, We also had the i8 with the adjustable base and now use the Airpedic with the adjustable base. We ended up ordering the remote so we could use it to adjust the frame. I have to admit the frame remote doesn’t always connect to the wifi like we would like it to but it does the job. We are much happier with the Airpedic because it offers more support than the Sleep Number. It has the additional air chamber in the lumbar region to provide the extra support needed. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions.
Save your money. DO NOT BUY A SLEEPNUMBER BED THEY DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT THEY WANT YOU TO PAY TO HAVE IT REPLACED. To reinstall bed that is defective within less than a year. I have been back and forth with sleepnumber. My bed mattress is sunk in. Worse bed I have ever own. Run fast away from this product.