Sleep Number ComfortMode Mattress Review: Test Lab Ratings

8.8

Overall test lab scoreAdjustable Mattress · Soft (3), Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8) · 10″, 11″ profile

Price range$989 – $4,138

Who it's best forSleepers who want an adjustable mattress, people with persistent aches and pains, luxury shoppers

Sleep Number makes adjustable mattresses with a firmness range of soft to firm. The ComfortMode line is a basic, budget-friendly option if you’re interested in trying an adjustable mattress for the first time.

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Pros

• ✓Adjustable firmness suits most sleepers, including couples with differing comfort preferences or those recovering from injury
• ✓Competitive price-point relative to other adjustable models
• ✓Sleeps cool and offers excellent pressure relief

Cons

• ✕High shipping and return fees
• ✕Nailing down the right firmness can require some trial and error

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Sleep Number is known for producing sophisticated adjustable mattresses with customizable firmness. While most Sleep Number models retail for higher prices, the ComfortMode collection is designed to appeal to shoppers on a tighter budget. 

The standard ComfortMode Mattress consists of a polyfoam comfort layer over an air chamber support core. The mattress is also available in an upgraded ComfortMode Lux version, which is an inch thicker and features additional cooling materials and zoned support.

We’ll break down the construction of the ComfortMode mattresses and discuss how it affects different aspects of the sleep experience depending on your body type and sleeping position. We’ll also run through the company’s shipping, return, and warranty policies to help you decide if one of these mattresses is right for you.

TEST LAB RATINGS

How the Sleep Number ComfortMode Scored

▲ Great 8.0–10 ● Good 6.0–7.9 ▼ Fair 5.9 or below

Motion Isolation●7.5/10

Motion isolation on the Sleep Number ComfortMode is average. The polyfoam helps absorb some movements, but the air chambers do little to minimize motion transfer. Although there are separate air chambers for each person, you may still find yourself waking up when your partner moves.

With its thicker polyfoam layers, the ComfortMode Lux is able to absorb more movement. This might be a better option for sensitive sleepers who share the bed.

Logan Foley, Executive Product Director: I noticed some disturbance when my husband changed positions, but not as much as when sleeping on a hybrid.

Pressure Relief▲9.0/10

Our testers found pressure relief to be a key strength of the Sleep Number ComfortMode mattresses. This held true for almost all sleep positions and body types, with the minor exception of back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds.

The preliminary layer of pressure-relieving foam provides cushioning when you first lie down, and the air chambers below help reinforce this with buoyant support. Since each side of the bed features adjustable firmness, most people should be able to find their sweet spot.

Mary Fenton, Head of Product Content: For me, the ComfortMode provided reliable pressure relief. I appreciated being able to fine-tune the firmness exactly to what I needed.

Temperature Control●7.5/10

Adjustable mattresses with air chambers generally sleep cool, since the support core is hollow and doesn’t trap heat. However, among the different options offered by Sleep Number, the ComfortMode has the most basic temperature control features. With a top layer made of polyfoam, our testing revealed that the SleepNumber ComfortMode retains a little more warmth compared with its competitors.

The foam is infused with gel beads engineered to draw heat away from the mattress surface, which helps temper heat retention. Hot sleepers can also opt for an upgrade to the Comfort Mode Lux or the ComfortNext series, which packs in additional cooling features.

Logan Foley, Executive Product Director: Temperature control on the Comfort Mode sits somewhere between a hybrid and an all-foam mattress. As a hot sleeper, I generally prefer more active cooling, but I was still able to sleep fairly well on this bed.

Edge Support●6.5/10

Neither the SleepNumber ComfortMode nor the Lux include dedicated edge support, and our testers felt noticeable instability when approaching the perimeter of the bed.

While firmer Sleep Number settings may bolster the edges to some extent, couples should take note that the weak perimeter may limit the usable surface area. Soft edges can also be a problem when getting in and out of bed, or sitting along the edges to put on your shoes.

Colin Simpson, Product Research Manager: There was significant compression when I sat on the edge of this bed, although this probably wouldn’t be as noticeable for sleepers under 130 pounds.

Ease of Movement●7.5/10

As with most adjustable mattresses, ease of movement on the Sleep Number ComfortMode depends on the firmness settings. With the air chambers fully inflated to the highest level, sleepers stay mostly on top of the bed and should have no trouble switching positions.

The foam layers hug the body somewhat, and with the air chambers set to a softer setting, it may be more difficult to move around. This is particularly true on the Lux, due to its deeper comfort system.

Colin Simpson, Product Research Manager: I noticed some resistance when changing positions, but it wasn’t the end of the world. The firmer settings worked better for me as a combination sleeper.

Durability▲8.0/10

Compared with other adjustable mattresses with air chambers, we expect the Sleep Number ComfortMode to have a decent expected lifespan. The air chambers are resistant to sagging since they can simply be reinflated, and Sleep Number uses high-quality foams that are unlikely to develop premature body impressions.

It’s worth noting that the warranty starts off with full coverage but drops to a prorated rate after just 2 years. This is likely due to the extra engineering involved in an adjustable mattress and the potential for leaks in the air chambers. Because they include moving parts, these mattresses may need to be repaired or have certain components periodically replaced, but the bed should still be usable afterward.

HANDS-ON TESTING

Testing Team Takeaways

To test the Sleep Number ComfortMode, we had three people on our testing team each take the bed home with them for one week. Here are their initial observations.

Colin Simpson

Product Research Manager · Stomach sleeper · 190 lbs

Stomach sleeper · 190 lbs

I generally prefer a firmer mattress, so the higher Sleep Number settings did the trick for me. It was also nice to have that initial cushioning from the polyfoam for when I rolled onto my side.

Mary Fenton

Head of Product Content · Combination sleeper · 150 lbs

Combination sleeper · 150 lbs

Pressure relief was solid when side sleeping, back sleeping, and stomach sleeping on the ComfortMode. The automatic firmness adjustment was a useful feature that kicked in whenever I changed positions.

Logan Foley

Executive Product Director · Side sleeper · 140 lbs

Side sleeper · 140 lbs

Overall I thought this was a really well-rounded mattress for the price-point. I would have liked a touch more cushioning to take the weight off my shoulders, but I was able to adjust the firmness level to sleep fairly comfortably.

Side Sleepers

The Sleep Number ComfortMode Mattress is a good fit for most side sleepers, particularly those who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds. Thanks to the dedicated hip cushioning, the ComfortMode Lux performs even better for side sleepers across different weight groups.

The typical pain point for side sleepers occurs when a mattress is too firm and causes pressure at the hips and shoulders. In the ComfortMode mattress series, polyfoam delivers initial contouring to cushion the hips and shoulders. Meanwhile, the adjustable air chambers allow the sleeper to settle into the bed and maintain a neutral position for their spine.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers up to 230 pounds receive solid support from the Sleep Number ComfortMode. The top layer provides just the right amount of give to support the curve of the lower back, and the air chambers inflate to prevent excessive sinkage.

Back sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds may find that they experience excessive “hug” from the first foam layer, particularly on the Lux where this layer is thicker. Although the overall firmness of the bed is adjustable, these sleepers generally require a firmer initial surface to keep the spine on an even plane.

Stomach Sleepers

The Sleep Number ComfortMode and ComfortMode Lux both provide the right balance of support and pressure relief for stomach sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds. These sleepers don’t exert much pressure on the mattress, so they benefit from the light cushioning and adjustable support.

For stomach sleepers over 230 pounds, the ComfortMode is a little too soft and may allow the hips to sink in further than the rest of the body. This can put strain on the back.

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