Sleep Number i8 vs. Sleep Number i10 Mattress Comparison
With all the options and features available, finding the right Sleep Number mattress can seem challenging. In this mattress comparison, we take a look at two beds from the high-end Sleep Number Innovation series. We test these beds for every body type and sleep preference so you can pick the right one to get your best night’s sleep.
Sleep Number i8 vs. Sleep Number i10 Overview
The Sleep Number i8 and the Sleep Number i10 are mattresses from Sleep Number’s top-of-the-line Innovation series.
| Sleep Number i8 is best for… | Sleep Number i10 is best for… |
| Side sleepers | Combination sleepers |
| Lightweight sleepers | Heavyweight sleepers |
| Sleepers looking to save a few bucks | Couples |
Who Should Choose the Sleep Number i8 Mattress?
- Side sleepers: The Sleep Number i8 is built with a three-inch layer of Plushfit foam that is designed to provide contouring support to seven different zones of the body. Side sleepers can benefit from extra support to the hips and shoulders, which press deeply into the surface of the bed as you lay on your side.
- Lightweight Sleepers: While heavier sleepers may sink too far into the Sleep Number 360 i8 mattress, this bed has the ideal amount of cushioning for lighter sleepers who prefer a bed that cradles their curves.
- Sleepers looking to save a few bucks: The i8 model provides many of the same benefits as the i10 mattress for several hundred dollars cheaper.
Who Should Choose the Sleep Number i10 Mattress?
- Combination sleepers: The foam comfort layers in the i10 mattress pop back into place quickly when you switch sleep positions so you are less likely to feel stuck in the surface of the bed.
- Heavyweight sleepers: The foam layers in the Sleep Number i10 bed are slightly thicker than those in the i8, which creates a more supportive and study feel that may enhance the sleep experience for heavier sleepers.
- Couples: All of the Smart Number i10 mattresses come with dual air chambers so couples can adjust the firmness settings for each side of the bed to their unique preference. Some of the i8 beds have this option as well.
Sleep Number i8 vs. Sleep Number i10: Top Similarities
- 20 firmness options: All Sleep Number mattresses are adjustable air beds that have 20 firmness options, referred to as Sleep Numbers. You can adjust the Sleep Number of the bed with a remote control or the SleepIQ app that comes with your new mattress.
- SleepIQ technology: Both of these smart mattresses from Sleep Number’s Innovation series are built with Sleep Number’s unique SleepIQ technology that collects info on your sleep habits and biometric data and uses it to show you how to get better sleep.
- Responsive air chambers: As you move throughout the night, the air chambers in your Sleep Number bed will automatically inflate or deflate as necessary to keep the bed at your preferred Sleep Number setting.
Sleep Number i8 vs. Sleep Number i10: Top Differences
- Price: The Sleep Number i8 is several hundred dollars cheaper than the Sleep Number i10 mattresses of the same size.
- Foam comfort layer: The Sleep Number i8 is built with six inches of comfort foam, while the Sleep Number i10 has seven inches. This inch of difference has an impact on the feel of the bed–the i8 feels slightly fluffier and softer, while the i10 has a more balanced feel of support and contouring comfort.
- Temperature balancing features: Although both of these air mattresses do a great job at keeping hot sleepers cool at night, the i10’s cooling features have an edge over those of the i8 according to Sleep Number representatives.
Sleep Number i8 vs. Sleep Number i10: Firmness & Feel Differences
Although these two beds have similar construction, the different foam layers in each make a difference in how the bed feels.
What’s the Firmness Of the Sleep Number i8 vs. Sleep Number i10 Mattresses?
Both of these 360 smart beds have great adjustability features—you can choose from 20 mattress firmness level options with the click of a remote control.
Each of these beds has 20 firmness level options that you choose as intervals of 5 on a scale of 0-100, with 0 being the softest and 100 being the firmest option. Although the firmness levels of these beds are customizable, both of them are built with thick foam layers that give them a soft, pillow-top feel even when set to a firmer setting.
What Do the Sleep Number i8 vs. Sleep Number i10 Mattresses Feel Like?
The surface of both of these beds provide a deep cushioning sensation similar to a memory foam mattress. The i8 mattress has a doughy, fluffy feel that contours deeply around your body as soon as it hits the bed. The i10, however, also contours around your body but keeps you lifted as you sink into the surface of the bed, making it easier to move around and a bit more support.
What’s It Like to Sleep On the Sleep Number i8 vs. Sleep Number i10 Mattresses?
Both of these beds can be adjusted to suit any sleep position. Both beds provide ample pressure relief, but the i10’s soft foam layer has slightly more support and bounces back into shape more quickly. Determining which of these beds is the best mattress for you depends on your personal preferences, body type, and sleeping position.
The Sleep Number i8 & i10 Mattresses By Body Type
Sleep Number i8 Performance By Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 4 | 2 | 5 |
Sleep Number i10 Performance By Sleeping Position:
| Body Type: | BACK SLEEPERS | STOMACH SLEEPERS | SIDE SLEEPERS |
| Lightweight (< 130 lbs): | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Average-weight (130–230 lbs): | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Heavyweight (> 230 lbs): | 4 | 4 | 4 |
1 = Very poor, 2 = Not good, 3 = Fair, 4 = Good, 5 = Excellent
Average-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs)
The combination of adjustability and pressure relief means that both of these mattresses will work for average-weight sleepers as long as they choose the best Sleep Number for each sleep position. The fluffier surface of the i8 might have a slight edge over the i10 for average-weight side sleepers, but the added springy support of the i10’s comfort layers may win over average-weight combination sleepers.
Back sleepers and stomach sleepers could have a great sleep experience on either the i8 or i10 bed based on their firmness level preferences—the i10 bed will provide a slightly more supportive sensation, while the i8 will make them feel as if they are floating on a cloud.
Heavyweight Sleepers (> 230 lbs)
Heavyweight sleepers need a bed with added stability and durability to make sure that they stay supported throughout the night. While the i8 mattress might work for heavyweight side sleepers who want a deep contouring sensations around the hips and shoulders, the i10 is a better pick for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers with larger body types.
The extra inch of foam in the i10 mattress gives it slightly more support and will help keep back sleepers’ and stomach sleepers’ bodies in a healthy, neutral posture throughout the night. This extra thick foam also pushes back and pops into place when you move around, which prevents combination sleepers from feeling stuck in the bed as they move around.
Lightweight Sleepers (< 130 lbs)
Depending on firmness and feel preferences, either of these Sleep Number beds could work for lightweight sleepers. The i8 will provide a fluffier feel and allow you to sink deeper into the bed, making this a better pick for side sleepers who typically need more pressure relief.
Back sleepers and stomach sleepers tend to need more support, which could make the more balanced feel of the i10 a better choice. The i10 bed also may be the best mattress for lightweight combination sleepers, because lightweight sleepers will float on top of the mattress, making it easier to maneuver around at night.
Differences In Mattress Construction
The i8 and i10 mattresses have extremely similar construction–the two main differences are that the Sleep Number i10 mattress profile is one inch taller because it includes an extra inch of supportive and soft comfort foam.
| Sleep Number i8 Mattress Materials | Sleep Number i10 Mattress Materials |
| Smart 3D fabric mattress cover | Smart 3D fabric mattress cover |
| 3-inch comfort foam layer | 4-inch comfort foam layer |
| Single or dual air chambers | Dual air chambers |
| Base pad | Base pad |
Cover
Both of these mattresses come wrapped in a cover made of Smart 3D fabric that is designed to be extra breathable and move heat away from the top of the mattress.
Comfort Layers
Both of the mattresses are built with a thick foam comfort layer that keeps the sleeper’s body from sinking into the firm air chambers. The i10 has a slightly thicker comfort layer which provides a plush yet supportive sleep experience, while the i8’s slightly thinner foam comfort layer has a lighter, fluffier feel. Both provide ample pressure relief, which may help alleviate back pain and cradle sore spots as you sleep.
Support Layers
Both of these mattresses are built with air chambers that inflate or deflate to meet your chosen level of support. All of the i10 models are built with dual air chambers, but only the larger sizes of the i8 bed have this feature.
Sleep Number i8 vs. Sleep Number i10 Pricing
| Size | Sleep Number i8 Prices | Sleep Number i10 Prices |
| Twin | $ | $ |
| Twin XL | $ | $ |
| Full | $ | $ |
| Queen | $ | $ |
| King | $ | $ |
| California King | $ | $ |
Sleep Number i8 & i10 Mattress Performance Ratings & Differences
Temperature
Since they’re built with materials like air chambers and temperature-regulating foam and covers, both of these beds tend to stay on the cooler side. According to Sleep Number representatives, the i10 has a slight edge over the i8 in terms of sleeping cool.
Motion Transfer
Either the i8 or the i10 would be a great pick to prevent motion transfer between the different sides of the bed if you choose a model that has dual air chambers. A bed with dual air chambers will prevent movements from moving over to the other side of the bed. All of the i10 mattress models are built with dual air chambers, but only the larger i8 mattresses have this feature.
Edge Support
The air chambers in the Sleep Number bed extend all the way to the ends of the bed, providing firm edge support if you sit on the sides or sleep across the whole surface of the mattress. Want to find out more about edge support, check out our page.
Pressure Relief
Both of these beds will provide ample pressure relief to sore joints and pressure points. The i8 mattress has a softer feel and deeper sinkage, making this bed more appropriate for lightweight or average-weight sleepers. The i10 provides cushioning contouring with a little more pushback, which might make a more comfortable and balanced experience for heavyweight sleepers.
Pain Relief
If you suffer from joint or back pain, a Sleep Number bed could be a useful tool to sleep through the night. Both of these beds come with sleep tracking technology that can help you find the best Sleep Number to keep you supported and comfortable. Both of these beds have foam layers that help redistribute your weight along the length of the bed to reduce pain from building up in specific spots.
Durability
Both of these beds come with a 15-year warranty, but sometimes pieces of Sleep Number beds break down before the warranty is up. Also, not all of the pieces of these beds are covered by the warranty. The SleepIQ app can help you determine what is wrong with the bed and how to get it repaired, so any issues are typically an easy fix.
Shipping, Returns, & Warranties
Every Sleep Number bed comes with complimentary shipping and white glove delivery service. You also get a 100-night sleep trial period and a 15-year warranty if you choose to keep the bed. Note that this is a limited warranty, and the cost of repairs is prorated with the cost for you increasing each year after the first year that you bought the bed.
Other Models Available
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.
Our Final Take
If you’re looking for a Sleep Number bed with great value, SleepIQ technology and a super-soft feel, the i8 Mattress will be your best bet. The i10 is the better option if you’re willing to shell out a little extra cash for a cushy foam surface that has a bit more support and extra cooling features.
Sleep Number FAQs
What’s the most comfortable Sleep Number bed?
The best Sleep Number mattress for you depends on your sleeping position, body type, budget, and preferences. Read reviews to find the best one for you. The Sleep Number Classic series beds are the cheapest, while the Innovation series are built with features like cooling and pressure-relieving comfort foam layers.
What’s the difference between the Sleep Number i10 and iLE?
The Sleep Number iLE mattress has a 12 inch profile, similar to the i8, and is built with a more breathable and softer foam. The Sleep Number i10 bed is built with an extra inch of comfort foam and provides a balanced feel of cushioning and support.
How are the Sleep Number beds different?
All Sleep Number beds are smart beds with SleepIQ technology, but they are built with different amounts and types of comfort foam. This means that the amount of pressure relief in each bed varies, giving some beds a deeper contouring and cushioning sensation, while others have a more supportive feel.
