6 average firmness based on 12 review(s)
The Sleep Number Classic Series from Select Comfort is a set of innovations pulled together into one bed. You get the benefit of an adjustable-firmness bed and several options for comfort layers as well as an optional base. The Classic series is not one bed, but actually three different models: the C2, C3, and C4. The differences are primarily the profile, 8 inches for the C2, 9 for the C3, and 10 inches on the C4. The C4 model is a pillowtop. The C2 model uses a remote with no digital readout, meaning that it is not truly a “Sleep Number” bed, but it is still every bit a Select Comfort adjustable air bed.
I’ll begin by discussing the set up of the bed. If you already have a suitable foundation, then you only need to set up the mattress. If you purchase the Select Comfort foundation, you will find it to be a modular unit designed for ease of assembly. You just snap the pieces together; first the frame then the top. Once assembled, you place the cover over the plastic unit and you are done. There are optional legs to use in place of a separate frame. The mattress assembles in a similar fashion. You place the lower cover (with the side-walls) onto the foundation, then the foam surround. Next appears to be a base pad then the all-important air chambers. You connect them to the pump, then place the top cover on and zip into place. Even for one person, getting this bed upstairs will require several trips, but no extremely heavy components. The foundation can be moved in pieces and the remainder of the components are either fabric, foam, or the air cores. The pump will have a little bit of weight, but should be manageable for most people.
Once assembled, you will first be surprised by the sound produced by the air pump. The pump is somewhat loud, especially on the older classic model which I tested. It is not as loud as a vacuum cleaner, but not too far from it. Fortunately, the pump needs to be adjusted when you go to bed, but should maintain the correct pressure all night, or even for several nights, once set. Now for the fun part – you get to find your “Sleep Number”.This process may require some trial-and-error adjustments over several nights. To begin with, I recommend pumping the bed up to its max firmness of 100. When you lie down, you will feel the firmest support the model can offer. After lying in your normal sleep position for about 5-10 minutes you should adjust the firmness down a bit. Moving down one step at a time (which is 5% on the Select Comfort models) will only give you a slight difference in feel, so I suggest moving from 100 to maybe 75 or 80. After a few minutes you can adjust the bed more as you need. Once you are comfortable, you can sleep on the bed for the night and see how you feel in the morning.
One of the most important factors to consider on a bed like this is the support provided. Beds.org tested the C4 model Sleep Number bed and found some interesting results. Below you will find four pressure scans of the bed. As you look at the scans below, keep in mind that the primary concern is the change in pressure observed and completeness of the body impression. If you like a firm bed then a scan could show all bright colors (indicating higher pressure) but still give uniform support and pressure distribution. Scientifically speaking, a dark-colored scan with uniform distribution is ideal.
We tested the Sleep Number bed at four different pressure levels to help give you the best representation of what the bed has to offer. Our model is a 25 year old male standing 6’0” tall and weighing about 160lbs. We tested at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% firmness per the handheld remote. The image above is a conglomerate of all four scans.
When you compare all four scans, you will see that there are few differences overall. These differences are significant though, as we can see that pressure exists in the hip and shoulder area on every scan and that weight distribution is never truly even on this bed. With that being said, we believe this bed distributes pressure better than many spring models available.
In the first test (image 1 above), we had the pressure set to 100%. If you look at the scan above you will note that the lumbar area of our model was not measured by the pressure scan equipment. This means that there was no support in this area. Also, in the neck area you will see the same problem. It is important to note that in this scan our model had his head turned to one side. In the head and hip are you will see slightly increased pressure, as well as some additional pressure in the shoulder area.
Our next test (image 2) was at 75% pressure. The results of this scan were only slightly different than the 100% scan. Our model was also lying with his head turned to one side, and the same pressure was seen in this example. Contrary to our expectations, we see slightly more pressure beneath the hip area. There is a little more contact along the spine which should help the quality of your sleep. The hip and knee area also sees a little less overall contact with the bed.
At 50% pressure (image 3), the results are still similar. When our model rested his head in the center position, we now see more of a gap along the spine, almost from head to hip. This did not seem to have an impact on the pressure on the rest of the back however. The hip area again shows a unique result as there was less pressure than the 75% scan and 100% scan. It seems that shoulder pressure was also reduced. Our model felt this was the most comfortable of the four test pressures.
Lastly, we tested the bed at 25% pressure (image 4). This scan also held some surprises, since before we even looked at the scan our model immediately began to comment on pressure at his head and feet. When we checked the scan we saw pressure points at the head and feet. We were able to determine that his head and feet were resting on the foam border which holds the air bladders in place. As a result, we see slightly higher pressure in the hips as his weight was focused in this area. His shoulders show less pressure and we do see a full outline of his body.
Select Comfort Sleep Number Classic Series
$$$
Sleep Number
Select Comfort Customer Service, 9800 59th Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55442 Telephone 1-888-580-9237
Air
Plush
Foam with Adjustable Air Chambers
Perimeter foam encasement for maximum usable surface space and improved seating area
Breathable knit fabric
8 inches to 10 inches
Modular plastic easy-to-assemble foundation
Adjustable air bed with wired or wireless adjustment remote
45 days, 30 day minimum requested use
20 years, 2 years full replacement value then prorated
United States
warranty is non-transferable
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date Joined: Jan 30, 2013
Last Active: Jan 30, 2013
No reviews found.
Our sleep number mattress (believed to be Sleep Number 4000) has been a roller coaster of great experiences and disappointing problems, mainly because of the fore-mentioned air purification problems that were unknown when we bought our mattress. After replacing the air chambers, we have had no issues, although the pillow top of the mattress has become less comfortable over time.
Mattress Rating: Mattress Comfort:I can adjust it to as firm as I want, so this is difficult to answer
Mattress Durability:We had issues with the air chambers due to an air purification system, but once that was removed, and the chamber replaced, we have had no problems.
Mattress Support:Our sleep number mattress has been a roller coaster of great experiences and disappointing problems, mainly because of the fore-mentioned air purification problems that were unknown when we bought our mattress. After replacing the air chambers, we have had no issues, although the pillow top of the mattress has become less comfortable over time.
Mattress Features and Benefits as Advertised:Comments
Quality:Comments
Was this review helpful?Location: Maryland Heights, Missouri
Date Joined: Feb 01, 2013
Last Active: Feb 01, 2013
No reviews found.
Love it, can adjust it separately from husband's side.
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Was this review helpful?Location: Vancouver, Washington
Date Joined: Mar 09, 2013
Last Active: Mar 09, 2013
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Allows each of us to select firmness each of us desire
Mattress Rating: Mattress Comfort:Comments
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Was this review helpful?Location: Portland, Maine
Date Joined: Mar 15, 2013
Last Active: Mar 15, 2013
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I love my mattress and am waiting for it to 'die' so I can buy another newer one with the nice upgrades such as memory foam
Mattress Rating: Mattress Comfort:since it is adjustable, it remains comfortable to this day
Mattress Durability:some of the internal padding to keep the baffles in place sometimes shifts out of place, but it is easy to fix.
Mattress Support:if you need more support sometimes you can do that, if you feel you want less, you can do that too
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Was this review helpful?Location: Monticello, Iowa
Date Joined: Mar 20, 2013
Last Active: Mar 20, 2013
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The mattress we super comfortable when we first go it, but after the first couple of years, a dip developed in the middle of the bed between the dual air chambers. Also, if sleep numbers on each side are too different, there is a ridge in the middle of the bed.
Mattress Rating: Mattress Comfort:The mattress was wonderful at first, but over time, a dip developed in the middle between the two air chambers. Now I can't lie in bed without rolling to the middle. It doesn't matter my sleep number is because I always end up sleeping in the dip.
Mattress Durability:See above comment.
Mattress Support:See first comment.
Mattress Features and Benefits as Advertised:Like I said, the mattress was wonderful at first. Then in began to break down after only a few years.
Quality:Comments
Was this review helpful?Location: Tampa, Florida
Date Joined: Jun 10, 2013
Last Active: Jun 10, 2013
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IT's been good for my back so I stick with the brand but I'm not pleased with the overall performance, quality of the product.
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Was this review helpful?Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Date Joined: Jun 11, 2013
Last Active: Jun 11, 2013
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After extensive research, we picked and have been very happy with a sleep number bed
Mattress Rating: Mattress Comfort:Of course it's good, it's adjustable
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Was this review helpful?Location: Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Date Joined: Jul 03, 2013
Last Active: Jul 03, 2013
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Great product and allows my wife and I to customize the firmness of the bed.
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Was this review helpful?Location: Tucker, Georgia
Date Joined: Jul 10, 2013
Last Active: Jul 10, 2013
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Each side can set separate firmness.
Mattress Rating: Mattress Comfort:I can adjust the firmness as I need. Sometimes i Have it at 65 other times at 90.
Mattress Durability:20 year guarentee
Mattress Support:I set it for what I need.
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Was this review helpful?Location: Jacksonville, Illinois
Date Joined: Aug 20, 2014
Last Active: Aug 20, 2014
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The Sleep Number mattress has been excellent over the years, since we can adjust each half of the bed to our own comfort level.
Mattress Rating: Mattress Comfort:With the ability to adjust the firmness on each side, there is never a bad comfort level.
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