What’s the difference between a $1,000 Sleep Number adjustable air mattress and one that costs three times that? Not much according to Consumer Reports’ latest mattress tests. The Sleep Number c2 Bed matched the Sleep Number i8 bed Pillowtop, $3,000, in our tests for back and side support. Even better, we bought the Sleep Number c2 Bed on sale for $700. Here are the details plus news on other new mattresses in our tests. For our body-support tests we graph the spine’s natural curve on a range of test subjects. Then we evaluate back support by recording how thoroughly a mattress maintains that curve. For side support, we check whether the mattress keeps the spine relatively horizontal when a test subject lies on her side. The best mattresses have a good score or better for both. In our tests, across various firmness settings, the Sleep Number c2 Bed and the more expensive Sleep Number i8 bed Pillowtop both delivered impressive side support and even better back support.
And the c2 Bed was more stable, which means less annoying to your mate when you change sleep positions. When we took a closer look at the two mattresses we discovered that both were comprised of the same pair of identical air bladders—one for each side, so each partner can customize firmness. But with the Sleep Number c2 Bed, the foam layer on top was significantly thinner than the one you get with the i8 bed. While this difference wouldn’t show up in our body-support tests, you might notice a difference in overall comfort. That’s another reason to try out mattresses in the store before buying, as we routinely advise. Among adjustable air beds, we also tested the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Choice Supreme, at $3,200 the most expensive of the trio in our tests. Although it was impressive for back support, the Tempur-Pedic was an also-ran behind the two recommended Sleep Numbers. But another Tempur-Pedic, the $1,200 Tempur-Pedic Tempur Simplicity, was among our top picks in foam mattresses.
Once a mattress starts showing its age and is lumpy or sagging, we suggest replacing it even if it’s newer than the 10 years normally recommended. Before shopping, check our buying guide for mattresses and look at our mattress Ratings of 25 innerspring, foam, and adjustable air mattresses priced as low as $515. We also have reader recommendations for mattress retailers and brands. —Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter) View and compare all Mattresses ratings. Change your idea of comfort Comfort is not one-size-fits-all. Using your smartphone, the it™ bed allows you to change your side's firmness or softness as often as you'd like. Smarter than the average bed With SleepIQ® technology on the inside, it tracks how well you sleep, night after night. smarter, you sleep better. SleepIQ® 8 hours of restful sleep last SleepIQ® Your SleepIQ® score was 85 last night — you sleep better after a longer workout. The it™ bed even talks to your
Connect to your smart devices and apps for insights that will help you get the best sleep ever. Discover the best time to work out, your ideal room temperature and more. ™ The CES Innovation Awards are based upon descriptive materials submitted to the judges. CEA did not verify the accuracy of any submission or of any claims made and did not test item to which the award was given. Fast Company is a registered trademark of Mansueto Ventures LLC.Edit ArticleHow to Find Your Sleep Number Finding your ideal Sleep Number setting allows you to adjust your Sleep Number bed to your own body so you can enjoy personalized comfort while you sleep. You can use the remote control for your Sleep Number bed to find your favorite Sleep Number setting, and make your side of the bed firmer or softer as desired, at any time. Lie down on your Sleep Number bed in your favorite, most comfortable sleeping position. Adjust your pillow to your liking, and mimic how you normally like to fall asleep.
Press the “L” or “R” button on the Sleep Number remote to select your side of the bed. Use the remote to set the Sleep Number to 100, which is the firmest setting. By default, the Sleep Number remote is set to 20, which is the “very soft” setting. The Sleep Number on the remote will slowly progress from 20 to 100, and the mattress will continue to grow firmer as the bed automatically adjusts to its firmest setting. Alternately, press “Menu,” select “Settings,” select “Find Your Sleep Number,” and follow the on-screen instructions on your remote to find your ideal Sleep Number. Take note of your comfort level, as well as how your neck, shoulders, hips, and back feel as the mattress becomes firmer. The optimal goal is to find a Sleep Number that offers full body alignment and support. Side sleepers: Select a Sleep Number that makes your shoulders and hips feel cradled, and your stomach and ribs feel supported. Back sleepers: Select a Sleep Number that supports your lower back, and that allows for your shoulders and hips to sink slightly into the bed instead of resting on top of the bed.
Stomach sleepers: Opt for a firmer Sleep Number setting that supports your back and prevents your stomach from sinking too low into the mattress. Press the “Stop” button on the Sleep Number remote when your body feels comfortably supported by the mattress. Press the “Up” and “Down” buttons on the remote to experiment with your overall comfort level in increments of five or 10. Test your new Sleep Number for two or three nights, or until you’ve had enough time to properly assess your sleep quality. If you are still not satisfied with your Sleep Number, adjust the number slightly up or down as needed until you find an ideal setting that works best for you.“Sleep while you still can, before the baby is born.” Sounds like great advice, if you’ve never been pregnant. Turns out the little person growing inside you has a huge impact on your sleep long before he’s out in the world. Everything from the ups and downs of bathroom trips to late-night worrying can cause you to lose sleep.
Here are a few of the most common ways baby-to-be will wake you up—and what to do about them. Aches, pains and general discomfort. It’s inevitable that you’ll feel uncomfortable at some point during pregnancy. Here’s how to get comfier in bed. • Sleep on your left side—it allows for the best blood flow to the baby, your uterus and kidneys. • Try to avoid lying on your back for extended periods of time. • Add extra cushioning to your bed, or if you have a Sleep Number® bed, adjust to a softer Sleep Number® setting for comfort as the baby grows. • Use a body pillow to support your back and hips and keep your spine in more proper alignment. • If you get a cramp in your leg, straighten your leg and flex your foot upwards. Try doing this before going to bed several times to help ward off future cramps. • Stay away from carbonated sodas and drinks, which can cause leg cramps. • If you develop Restless Legs Syndrome, talk to your health care professional about a possible iron deficiency.
We’re sure you never snore. But, for some people, pregnancy may cause nasal congestion that leads to snoring. Here are some things that can help: • Add pillows or choose a mattress with an adjustable base to elevate your head • Apply a nasal strip to help open airways • Try a humidifier in the bedroom at night • Steer clear of alcohol, cigarettes and sleeping pills, which can lead to trouble breathing. Probably not a good idea when you’re pregnant, anyway. • If snoring is still a problem, have your blood pressure and urine protein checked—especially if you have swollen ankles and headaches.Nearly half of expectant moms experience heartburn. These simple fixes can help ease symptoms throughout the day, and at bedtime: • Eat small meals. Instead of your usual three, try six small meals a day.Your last meal of the day should be at least two hours before bedtime. • Sip liquids during meals, don’t guzzle. • Stand up or sit after a meal.