Getting a good night’s sleep is so important. I went through a few years of not sleeping well, sometime around the time I moved to Birmingham, my sleep patterns began to change. I blamed a lot of it on menopause and I’m sure that was a big part of it, but looking back, a marriage filled with anxiety didn’t help either. Anxiety can make you stay awake at night and losing sleep night after night for several years in a row will take a toll on your body. I tried lots of things to sleep and some of them worked temporarily, but now, after moving back to Georgia and getting my life back in order, I’m sleeping more soundly than I have in years.
Having a good mattress and boxsprings is also a wonderful prelude to sleeping well. I have some back problems too and sleeping on a good mattress helps that considerably too. So, getting a good night’s sleep is so important to our health and well-being, as we all know. I love to sleep through the night with minimal waking up, don’t you?
We had a Beautyrest pillowtop mattress over there and it slept very well, but it’s going on 8 years old. Imagine my surprise and glee when I got an email from the folks at Sleep Number, asking me if I’d like to try one of their beds at my house. To keep for my very own. Yes, yes I would! I had a choice of 2 different mattress sets and I went to the store to check them out in person. I had heard all about Sleep Number and how you can adjust each side’s firmness with a remote control, but really didn’t know much more than that.
Going to the store and checking them out in person was a fun experience and I learned a lot about Sleep Number beds and how they are put together.
My local store is in the mall close to my house.
I went in and met with a very nice associate who showed me the Sleep Number ropes. There were 2 beds for me to consider, this one is the pillowtop version, the p5.
And this one is the memory foam version, the m7. This is the one I ended up choosing. I thought memory foam might be too squishy, but it was really nice when I laid down and moved the numbers down. I like a mattress that is not too firm, one that gives a little. Too firm a mattress is not comfortable to me and I really liked how the memory foam gives with movement. So, after the decision was made, they placed the order and had the Sleep Number m7 sent to my house, along with 2 delivery guys who set it up for me.
They unloaded all the boxes from the truck and brought it all up to my bedroom. I had removed the old mattress and boxsprings and will be passing those on to my niece, Lauren. They just bought a house!
My sleigh bed was ready for the new mattress.
I had a surge protector ready for them to plug into, since this bed requires power. That’s what pumps up each side, air power and hoses. It was fascinating to watch the process of putting this bed together.
They added the plastic base of the set on top of my slats.
Then these 4 plastic pieces snapped into place on top.
That gets a cover.
I’m watching all of this, snapping pics as they go. These guys really knew what they were doing.
Those long pieces of foam are packed into the next cover.
One on all four sides.
The cover is pulled up.
Then more foam goes underneath on the bottom.
Next, the actual mattress with air goes into each side of this king set.
A piece of foam goes in the middle and they are all zipped together.
Every piece of this gets zipped into place, all nice and snug.
Those air filled mattresses then sit down inside the top piece.
All of that gets a cover too.
Next comes the 7” memory foam that goes on top.
It is placed on top.
Then the last cover is zipped into place, creating a nice cushioned top that looks like one piece now. I was amazed at all that goes into one of these mattresses and how it is all set up.
I made my bed back up and the sheets actually did fit fine. This mattress is probably a good 3 to 4” taller than my old one, but my sheets still fit and my coverlet is just a tad short now, but I think it will be fine. I brought the left side up just a bit so that I could hang the right side down a little longer. I almost have to vault into bed now! Not really, it’s not that bad. A little hop up and I can stretch out and relax on my new Sleep Number m7 bed.
I played with the numbers in the store and came up with under 50. Right now, mine is set at 40 on both sides. I just like it a little softer with more give than a really hard mattress, so I’m sure my number will stay down lower most of the time. But, that’s the beauty of the Sleep Number. When you have a partner on the other side, you can both find your own comfort level so everyone can snooze away in perfect peace.
And that’s what it’s all about. Getting a good night’s sleep. I do have to say that I really am loving my new bed. It’s very comfy and feels very good under my back and hips. Sometimes my hips ache a bit when I’m on my side, but I don’t think I’ll have a problem with this bed. I love the feel of the memory foam. It’s sort of squishy, but supportive too.
After having it for about 3 weeks now, I’ve been sleeping like a baby and getting plenty of rest is such an awesome thing. I know that I’ll enjoy this bed for years to come and I’m very grateful to have it.
How about you? What kind of bed do you have and do you like it? Have you ever tried a Sleep Number?
Disclosure: I was given a Sleep Number m7 bed from Sleep Number and I agreed to do a post and review on my experience with my new Sleep Number bed. I wasn’t compensated with payment, nor was I told what to say. All opinions are completely my own.
Thank you for the information. We need a new bed too, and have been considering a sleep number bed. Will definitely be checking them out. Sweet dreams. : )
DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON A SLEEP BY NUMBER! After just 2 weeks of raising the headrest for 10 minutes each night (to read before sleeping), our sleep by number bed now has a big “dip” where it swoops down lower than the rest of the mattress along the middle section of the bed. To be more specific, this area that SWOOPS DOWN DOES NOT SUPPORT THE LOWER BACK, and causes severe back pain.
We only slightly raised the headrest, and for only about 10 minutes per night. I cannot imagine how severe the dip would be for those people who raise the headrest a lot, such as to watch TV.
My husband and I have been talking about about a sleep number for a little while now. He has bad back problems, however, I feel we won’t get the comfort for the price. Thanks for sharing. We may have to go check them out!
Have you ever given a poor review on a free product? You say you are not paid, but you are paid with merchandise. I’m sure you would never do that with expensive items such as a bed or flooring or anything of that nature. Maybe $5-$10 items you would.
I was given the bed for free and I am giving it my true and honest opinion. If I didn’t love the bed, I would tell them that I would have to say that in my post. But, I do love the bed and give it a true thumbs up.
I too purchased a sleep number about two years ago, and I, unfortunately, did not have the same experience you did. Although my husband really likes it, i cannot seem to find my number and have constant back and hip pain and usually end up on the couch every night because my tossing and turning to try to releive the pain wakes my husband. We purchased one of the more basic models; however, had hoped that they would have the same comfort as the more expensive models. I guess I was incorrect about that. I did contact Sleep number via email a few times; however, never got more than a canned response on assisting me with my issues. I have tried different settings for several days before moving on to another one; however, to this day, most of my nights are spent tossing and turning, until i just give up and go to the couch, still not getting a restful sleep. I really had hoped my experience would have been as wonderful as yours as I have wanted a Sleep number for years, and now that I have one, I dont enjoy it. Its very dissappointing. Maybe had i gotten a different model my results would have been different; however, I would definitely not pay for another one to try it. So glad your experience was a good one. 🙂
I have to agree. It is now 535am and this bed hurts my back so bad I am again headed to the couch.
my ex husband and I had a sleep number I did not like it at all….10 years later after a divorce I remarry a man yes with a sleep number …my daughter got my 500.00 simmons mattress because she and I loved it….well the second sleep number very uncomfortable it is a cheaper model I find it hard no give it does not have memory foam on top it has some kind of foam but has sags in it and it is to hard and it is not at all comfortable
I agree – I read “I wasn’t paid” – just given a $4,000 bed LOL That my dear is being “paid”!!!!!!!!!!!
Of course, a free bed is payment and that is how I stated I was compensated. I wasn’t paid cash to review. I did not hide that fact at all.
Wow! We need a new mattress so bad! I’ve heard about the sleep number beds, and now I understand how they work. Thanks for sharing, Rhoda!
I still find it amazing people are being duped by these beds. Its a cheap air bed with some padding on top of a plastic crate. They charge 3-4 times what a real bed costs for something that costs them maybe a third of what a traditional bed costs. Simply amazing people are still falling for this scam.
I feel very much the same way. I had one new about 15 years ago, though they are overpriced they are comfortable.
After a few years (less than 5) the pump would not keep up the pressure. Then one started to leak.
I have since have tried a nice queen air mattress for $69 with a piece of foam and enjoyed that just as well.
I agree! Sleep number beds are glorified air mattresses and are an awful value. I absolute hated mine. I bought a very nice PerfectDreamer premium mattress for half the price and love it. You should check out Perfectdreamer.com for an awesome bed… I didn’t get a free bed to recommend it.
I agree!
My husband actually worked for the company that cut the foam for these beds. He was actually the saw operator (before an accident, where the foam didn’t get cut but he did)…
I can say, after he worked there for about a year, we finally gave in and ordered one of the beds. For about 3 years, it worked great. Then it was the air chamber on one side that went bad. The next year, it was the other one. The following year, the pump gave out (oh but wait, they changed the air chambers and now our old ones are compatible). We were done.
I packed up and returned the pump (getting the almost $200 back because of the “pro-rate) and we threw the rest of the bed away, while noticing that the foam was breaking down badly, along with the outer shell…
Lesson learned. Definitely wait to hear before sinking money into something that is suppost to last many, many years and finding out it doesn’t last 5.
*Note, we ordered the bed back in ’05 and threw it away in ’09.. We learned alot of people were doing the same thing around that time too…
We have had our sleep number bed since 1997 and have NEVER had a single issue. We love it.
We purchased a Sleep Number bed in January. I cannot say enough good things about it. I have multiple back problems and I am now able to get some quality rest.
My back aches every. single. morning!!! Hopefully we will
get another mattress soon. I have wondered about the sleep number. So tired of not sleeping!!!
I have slept on a Sleep Number bed, and I did not like it at all. I have degenerative disc disease, and this bed did nothing to alleviate the pain associated with it. I tossed and turned all night and did not rest. My sweetheart has a TemperPedic, and I am looking at purchasing one of those when I change mattresses. There is also a manufacturer here in OKC that makes mattresses to order, and my mom has done business with them for years. Her beds are wonderful…always have been. On the odd occassions I stay with her, I always get a good night’s sleep and do not hurt. I also found it interesting that my orthopedic did not recommend these mattresses. I am glad it works for you though.
We purchased our first sleep number bed around 1996, before they had shops to visit. We have purchased three of these beds over the years in different sizes. Can’t say enough good things about them.
We’ve had our Sleep Number bed for a few years. We got the quilted top; this was back when memory foam was reputed to get to be very warm and uncomfortable. Anyway, the adjustability is nice. We both have back problems and change it according to need. We haven’t had it that long–5 years or so. We have issues with the pump not working as well as it did and we have had to replace the foam sides which look exactly like yours. You’re a little bit of a thing so maybe sitting on the edge of the bed won’t do it, but dressing sitting there (small room, no choice) crushed ours. They sent a box, we had to do it ourselves. We paid a pro-rated rate. So much for the great warranty. Next time, not sure we’ll go this route.
Janet
We have had our sleep number for about 4 years. The first 3 years I loved it….noticed the last year I don’t get the same comfy feeling. And, it was an expensive bed! I wonder if it’s the air pressure itself or the foam…..
We’ve had a Sleep Number for several years. My husband’s back hurt every morning until we got it. Now his back pain is gone. He’s a huge fan.
We have a Sleep Number bed and absolutely love it! I will never go back to another kind of mattress. We have been so pleased. When we purchased it I was having a lot of problems with my legs aching. Once we got our Sleep Number bed my aches went away. Would not trade it for anything.
Love, love, love our sleep number bed! We have had ours for 6 years. We love it almost as must as our children! (just kidding!)
Thanks for this post. I’ll have to check into their memory foam to see if it’s with the cooling gel, otherswise I find it too hot. I love the feel of it though, but prefer to keep the AC to a minimun and it’s HOT and humid here, similar to Atlanta.
We have had a sleep number bed for several years. Everyone has a different opinion. For me the bed is a disappointment. I’ve added the memory foam hoping that will help. I probably will invest in another mattress and box springs which is a shame after spending so much money.
My husband and I had a sleep number bed that we actually paid good money for. My husband side of the bed stopped keeping air after 2 years. Sleep Number told us that we could PURCHASE another mattress at half price to rectify the problem! We decided to cut our losses and purchase a regular mattress that had some kind of a warranty. It was a very expensive lesson and one that I hope anyone thinking of purchasing a sleep number bed should ask: What is the warranty on these beds?
Hi, Maura, sorry you had a bad experience with Sleep Number. I am going to read up on the warranty too. You are right though, everyone has different expectations out of a bed and we are all different in what we like.
Wow – I should start blogging! You are really fortunate to receive the Sleep Number mattress for free. I recently purchased the one which is regularly $5200 when it was 50% off for a total of $2600. By the way, those guys look like the same ones who set my mattress up.
I enjoy reading your blog and seeing all of your renovations. Your Dad is a gem. BTW, I live in metro Atlanta.
Almost forgot to ask you about your night stand height. My mattress is so high that my night stand is now vey low – vbg.
I’m glad this works for you but somehow this reminds me of those old waterbeds back in the 1970’s that made the same claims. I’ll stick with a regular mattress.
So happy you are enjoying your new mattress, Rhoda! My husband and I have had one of the Sleep Number beds for a number of years. We first bought a pillow top but sent it back only after a couple nights because it was way too hot for us. If either of us had our bed set to the #40 setting yours is set at, we’d be sleeping in a hole. Our settings have to be up around 65-70 for there not to be a dip in the mattress. Up around 75 brings it up fairly flat but then it’s hard as a rock. Sometimes I feel like it would be more comfortable sleeping on the floor. I get up with my back hurting every morning so I can’t wait for our budget to allow for a new bed. Although it looks like Sleep Number beds have made some considerable improvements since we bought ours, especially in the extra layers above the air mattresses that ours doesn’t have, I would still be extremely reluctant to spend the money they cost now based on all the lousy nights of sleep I have had on ours.
Hi, Shari, I am sorry to hear of your experience too. It is interesting to hear opinions from many of you who have had these beds for a few years. I will have to see how mine “wears” over time.
We bought a top of the line select comfort about 13 yrs. ago.
I have fibromyalgia and I love this bed. We had a waterbed with the baffles before that. My side stays around 35 and my husbands is much higher. When we travel I have to go where there is a pillowtop or I am in agony. My back and hips are big issues.
I have friends and family who have gotten them too and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love theirs…….even my 92 yr old dad had to take his to assisted living.
I cannot say enough about that feature of two different sides each with it’s on control. They do sink a little over time,but a nice comfortor makes it look better.I really don’t care,because my rest is more important.
I love it!!!!!!!!!
We have had a sleep number bed since before I can remember. I too have fibromyalgia and if you don’t have it consider yourself lucky. Sleep is one of the most important parts of our treatment. Our first bed had to be replaced on our nickle because mildew grew on top of the two panels on my husbands side. He sweats at night because he works out in the heat all day. We replaced the bed with a newer model and haven’t had that problem again. For myself, I don’t care for the bed and wish we had a regular bed. If you try to roll over and just cuddle there’s this mountain in the middle that you have to get over and it’s not comfortable . No matter the adjustment there is a drop in the middle of the bed on both sides and adding air doesn’t make any difference. I sleep but not as well as I do when I escape to the guest room with the old regular mattress. I wouldn’t buy another sleep number bed but hubby would.
We love our sleep number bed. We have had it just about 7 years. For Christmas this past year we bought sleep number sheets!! I have no idea why we waited so long. We have been using cozy pottery barn sheets. But the sleep number sheets. Wow. They are so luxurious.