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.Memory Foam Mattresses vs. Air Beds For people sick of spring mattresses, the two most popular alternatives remain memory foam mattresses and air beds and many shoppers often find themselves comparing foam and air to see which is best. These two types of beds offer distinct benefits and features with very different constructions, so determining which might be the ideal option can be a challenge. In this guide, we will contrast memory foam and air beds to explain differences and compare owner reviews to offer insight for prospective shoppers.
Sink or Float: See How Memory Foam Mattresses and Air Beds Compare The two mattress categories utilize different materials and support systems which result in different “feels,” however both types of beds aim to relieve pressure points. Both types also offer advantages over spring beds, but differ in the benefits they provide and in owner reviews. This comparison begins with an overview of each type, followed by an in-depth look at pros and cons. Memory Foam Mattress Primer Memory foam mattresses contain a special type of polyurethane foam that excels at contouring to sleepers’ individual shapes while still returning to its original shape afterward. This visco foam uses either temperature or pressure to contour and mold to the sleeper. The material excels at pressure point relief as the sleeper’s weight is evenly distributed across the surface. Rather than resist weight like springs and coils, visco foam cells disperse air to accommodate you. True visco foam beds are also all foam, with the upper layers containing the “memory” foam with a bottom core layer of regular poly foam to provide support and prevent sleepers from sinking too far.
Air Bed Mattress Primer Air bed mattresses utilize adjustable air bladders that allow sleepers to add more air pressure for a firmer feel or use less air for a softer feel. The air bladders are set inside a mattress cover and topper layers can vary from fiber pillowtops to different types of foam. Some brands use baffled or multi-chamber bladders to provide more even support, others use one single chamber. Controls and the adjustable air pumps also vary by brand. Air beds tend to do well at relieving pressure points as the core support is provided by an inflatable air chamber rather than springs. The two bed types differ considerably in how they are put together. Memory foam beds are made exclusively of foam with comfort layers over a support core. Air beds have bladders made of vinyl, rubber or urethane topped with layers of fiber quilting or foam. While foam mattresses are adhered together, air beds typically come apart, with a zippered encasement containing the air bladders and a vinyl moisture barrier inside, topped with a padding layer.
Foam rails surround the perimeter of the bladders, and some brands place a foam bar in between dual-chamber beds as well. Air bladders connect to external electric air pumps via hoses which allow users to adjust the firmness. Maintenance and upkeep are an important aspect of owning any product and mattresses are no different. Memory foam mattresses require minimal upkeep and there are no parts that require maintenance. They should not be flipped, but should be rotated every 6 months or so and vacuumed occasionally to remove any dust. Air beds also do not get flipped, and depending on the pump/hose placement, may be difficult to rotate. They do require frequent cleaning of the internal parts to prevent mold or mildew, and the topper should also be vacuumed. The parts in an air mattress, like seals, hoses and pumps, may occasionally require maintenance. There is little to break down on visco foam beds aside from the foam itself, which can show impressions over time. Higher density foams (in both the visco and core layers) are more resistant to impressions, while low density foams are more susceptible.
As mentioned previously, air beds have many parts which may require replacement during the lifespan of the mattress unlike other types, and topper materials can also show impressions. The overall useful lifespan of the mattress refers to how long most owners keep their beds. Air beds can have a slightly longer lifespan since many of the parts can be replaced, about 8 to 10 years on average, though full coverage warranty usually ends within the first 1 to 5 years. Memory foam mattresses average around 8-10 years, with some very high density beds last longer and low density beds lasting closer to 6 years. Warranties on mid-range and higher beds usually include at least 10 years of full coverage against deep impressions. Memory foam mattresses offer good support for back alignment, while air mattresses offer good to excellent support (depending on firmness). Visco foam is better at conforming to sleepers’ shapes, though the air chambers do still allow for a good degree of conformability compared to alternative spring beds.
Both beds receive good reviews for preventing and relieving pain (which typically results from pressure points or a lack of support). In general, about 10% of air and memory foam mattress owners report more main with their bed, while 20% of innerspring mattress owners attribute increased pain to their beds. Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress prevents one partners’ movements from disturbing the other. The absorptive natural properties of foam excel at isolating motion, and visco foam mattresses prove excellent for limiting partner disturbance. Air bed mattresses have somewhat more motion transfer especially in single chamber models, though still fare better than spring beds. Some sleepers are fairly sensitive to noise at night, which can disrupt rest. The construction of foam beds make them virtually noise-free, with less than 1% of owners complaining about the issue. Since air bed mattresses utilize pumps to inflate and deflate, there is the potential for noise with these types of beds.
Many models auto-adjust pressure throughout out the night which can wake people up. Certain brands and pump types fare better than others, though about 10% of all owners mention significant noise. Memory foam mattresses sleep hot for around 10% of owners in general, although different brands and types of foams vary (for example, on Amerisleep’s plant-based foam, less than 2% of reviewers mention heat). Air beds overall have fewer complaints regarding heat at about 5%, although models with foam tend to be closer to 8%. Memory foam mattresses are widely available in local stores and online from several brands and retailers. Fewer retailers sell air beds, which are primarily available from branded mall stores, specialty mattress outlets and online. Both categories are specialty mattresses and have traditionally been priced higher than spring beds. However, recently, many of the specialty beds are available at competitive prices as well. The average memory foam mattress proves about 20% cheaper than the average air bed, though among luxury brands prices can be fairly similar.
The percent of current owners who are satisfied with their mattress can offer some insight for determining how likely you are to like your new bed. Memory foam has slightly higher ratings, with 81% of owners satisfied versus 78% for air. Individual brands can vary significantly on either side of the average however, so it is always important to research and check reviews. Ultimately, both mattress types aim to accomplish similar goals: improving upon the traditional spring bed with enhanced support and longevity as well as reducing and relieving aches and pains. The differences between the two result from the different means of support, with one using all foam and the other using adjustable air chambers. According to owner reviews, memory foam has the advantage when it comes to conformability, pressure reduction, motion isolation, noise, upkeep, durability, availability and general owner satisfaction, while air generally excels at sleeping cooler and offering firmness adjustability.