Air Bed vs. Sleep Number – Choosing Which One Is Best For You

These days, people are taking a keen interest in the kinds of mattresses they choose for their beds because good quality sleep affects their day-to-day life as well as their health. Choosing a mattress can be a daunting task because of the many options that are available, and where and how the mattress will be used. In this article, we’ll help you compare an air bed vs. a sleep number bed and determine which one will be best for your needs.

The differences between an air bed vs. a sleep number mattress are that airbeds are made of different materials, they can be deflated and inflated with pump inflation systems and are very portable, and they have poor temperature regulation. Choose a traditional air bed to maximize portability and minimize price. Choose a Sleep Number to maximize comfort.

Sleep Number mattresses, on the other hand, are made of polyester or polypropylene-type fabrics.  They are more breathable, have a built-in double air pump for inflating each side of the mattress separately, are less portable, better able to regulate temperature, and have a shorter warranty period compared to some luxury air bed brands. 

Traditional mattresses offer superior comfort and support, while air mattresses offer customizable firmness and portability. 

What is an Air Bed?

Air beds are ideal for camping because they are portable and can conveniently inflate and deflate in a few minutes. But air beds are also useful for people who want to control and adjust the mattress firmness. Read our air bed benefits guide to learn more about the advantages of using an air bed. 

An air bed is an inflatable mattress made out of polyvinyl-chloride used as a long-term daily mattress as well as a portable sleeping surface for traveling or camping. One key benefit of air beds is that they can help alleviate pressure points in post-operative patients because of their adjustable firmness and inflation level. 

Air beds can be inflated to a firmness that suits the users’ needs. Image Source: Amazon.

You might also be interested in learning how long do air beds last. Be sure to read our related article to find out. Similarly, these 10 ways to lift an air bed off the floor may be useful in making your air mattress more comfortable.

What is a Sleep Number Bed?

Sleep Number beds are smart beds that have the ability to automatically respond to your movements and adjust the firmness on each side of the bed. They also absorb excess heat to keep you cool during the night. 

A sleep number bed is an air mattress made with a memory foam layer. Key benefits of Sleep Number beds are that they are breathable, conform to the body, and provide support. 

It’s possible to use a Sleep Number bed to check health biometrics such as heart rate and sleep quality while sleeping, and for separate adjustment of firmness and comfort of each sleeper through dual air-pump inflation. 

To find out more about Sleep Number mattresses, have a look at their website to discover their mattress categories and features. Watch this video from Sleep Number to learn more about what measurements determine optimal sleep health. 

A Sleep Number mattress contours to your shape offering superior support and comfort, while keeping you cool during the night. Image Source: Amazon.

Air Bed vs. Sleep Number – What are the Key Advantages? 

Air beds are convenient to set up and are easily transported, while Sleep Number beds offer premium support and SleepIQ tracking while you sleep. 

The key advantages of using an air bed vs. Sleep Number mattress are that air beds are more durable, they help to relieve isolated pressure and chronic back pain, they are inexpensive and convenient to store, and are more portable. 

The key advantages of using a Sleep Number mattress are that they are made of breathable material and can regulate temperature, they have dual air pumps for individual comfort, biometric devices that measure heart rate and sleep quality during sleep, and are more of an investment due to their extra features. 

Air Beds

Air Beds are generally considered an inexpensive but smart investment because of their convenience and comfort. Some people don’t have enough rooms in their homes to set up a complete guest bedroom, so they look for options like these instead. 

Air beds are convenient to use for camping and at home because of their level of comfort, they can last for up to eight years when properly cared for, come in many different sizes, and are water-resistant. Many air beds have a one-year warranty against manufacturing faults or defects. 

Comfort

Air beds offer customized comfort because you can inflate them to your desired firmness. An air bed with an internal pump like this one is quick to inflate when unexpected guests arrive. Read our article on how to inflate an air bed for helpful tips to ensure you blow up the air bed correctly to ensure optimal comfort.  

Durability

Generally, air beds are made out of polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) which is a firm and steady material that makes them water-resistant and durable. If you are using your air mattress on an uneven surface when camping, then it is a good idea to lift it off the ground to prevent punctures. Our comprehensive guide on how to lift an air bed for camping offers many tips to elevate your air mattress. 

Expected Lifespan

An air bed can last up to eight years when properly maintained and used. To prolong the lifespan of your air bed you should ensure proper inflation so that you don’t tear the seams or rupture the mattress due to over-inflation. You should always place your air bed on a smooth and level surface, and inspect the surface for any sharp objects that could puncture the mattress. 

When storing your air bed, ensure that it is completely deflated and that you place it inside its storage bag. This air bed comes with a handy storage bag to protect the mattress from dust and moisture. It is important to consult your air bed’s user manual to determine the air bed weight capacity. Read our article about air bed weight limits to learn more about the maximum weight limits that various air beds can safely support, to prolong their lifespan.

Additionally, our article explaining what to do if an air bed has a lump may help you troubleshoot potential problems with your mattress too.

Sizes 

Air mattresses come in twin sizes, as well as twin XLs, queen sizes, king sizes, and California king sizes. Our article on air bed dimensions can help you to determine the size you will need. Air beds also come in a single-height variety like this one, or a double-height like this one. 

Warranty 

Usually, air beds come with a one-year warranty; some air bed manufacturers also give 30-day trials or satisfaction warranties, like this one from Truck Airbedz, in case there is a fault or a leak in the air mattress.

Water Resistance

Air mattresses are made using polyvinyl-chloride (PVC), along with other materials, which makes them water-resistant, like this Coleman air bed which is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.  

Sleep Number Bed

Sleep Number beds like these are considered more expensive when compared to air beds because they feature advanced technology that adapts to the individual sleepers during the night. These beds also feature dual air pumps that can inflate both sides based on each person’s preferences.

Sleep Number air beds have multiple comfort layers made out of memory foam built-in. They also feature SleepIQ monitoring to measure resting heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and sleep cycles. Choose a Sleep Number bed to maximize comfort and adjust to movement and body temperature while sleeping.

Comfort

A Sleep Number bed is made using memory foam and some other down-alternative fibers. As outlined on their website, Sleep Number beds have a breathable lyocell blend cover for comfortable sleeping temperatures. The top layer is made up of polyester, lyocell, and a little bit of spandex for a soft and comfortable sleeping surface. The inner layer is made up of memory foam infused with polyester for stability. The very bottom layer is made using polyester because of its support and durability.

The many layers of a Sleep Number mattress combine to provide unparalleled comfort and support. Image Source: Mattress Clarity.

Durability

The main material in Sleep Number beds is polyester which is a comfortable and soft synthetic fabric. Since sleep number mattresses are inflated, most of their support comes from inflation, while the polyester makes them softer and more durable. Foam can degrade over time if not taken care of properly. Leaks can also start on the surfaces of inflatable mattresses if they bear more weight than their maximum capacity, or if punctured. 

Expected Lifespan

The expected lifespan of Sleep Number mattresses like these is seven to eight years if properly maintained. This article from Sleep Number discusses how to properly care for and clean your Sleep Number mattress to prolong its lifespan. 

Sizes 

The sizes of Sleep Number beds can vary from twin, double, King, Queen, and California-King size. Some sleep number beds have split head features so both users can adjust their head elevation according to their needs, using a remote. We recommend using these split-head sheets when using a Sleep Number mattress. 

Warranty

Sleep Number beds come with an astounding 15-year limited warranty. These types of warranties are typically offered on the Sleep Number 360 with biometric calculators and dual air pumps.

Bed Characteristic	Sleep Number Bed	Traditional Air Bed
Comfort	Automated variable firmness	Customized firmness
Durability	Long-lasting	Can easily be punctured
Expected Lifespan	7-8 years	8 years
Sizes	Twin, Double, Queen, King, or California King	Twin, Full, Double, Queen, King, or California King
Example from Amazon	Sleep Number iLE Mattress- Queen Brand	Englander Queen Size Air Mattress w/ Built-in Pump
Price	~$4,500	~$140

Can You Sleep On An Air Bed Every Night?

It is possible to sleep on an air bed every night as long as you check the firmness and inflate it if it has deflated due to naturally occurring air loss. 

In order to sleep on an air bed every night, check inflation levels regularly and avoid sitting on the edges of the air bed. When the air bed is not in use, deflate and store it properly and promptly repair any small tears or holes. Additionally, to maximize durability, elevate it off the ground using a mattress stand to prevent punctures.

You can find additional tips to sleep on an air bed every night for extended periods of time in our article on air bed long-term use tips and tricks. Additionally, if you find that your air bed isn’t the right choice for you, be sure to take a look at our step-by-step guide about how to return an air bed to help you get your money back.

Is A Sleep Number Bed Comfortable To Sleep On Every Night?

A Sleep Number bed is a pricey investment but it may dramatically improve your sleep quality because of its advanced features. It comes with individual firmness control settings as well as remote-controlled split head positioning to raise or lower the head sections of individual sleepers. The biometric calculators continuously monitor your pulse, breathing rate, blood pressure, and heart rate. 

A Sleep Number bed is comfortable to sleep on every night because of its individually customized comfort levels. To ensure the best sleep experience keep it clean and away from sharp objects, inflate it exactly according to the weight capacity when not in use keep it stored in a cool dry place, and avoid humidity and moisture. 

A Quick Comparison – Sleep Number Bed vs. Air Pedic

A Sleep Number mattress includes a 15-year warranty, while an Air Pedic mattress includes a thirty-year warranty, and the Sleep Number offers a 100 night trial period, while an Air Pedic offers a 120-night trial. The remote for the Sleep Number needs to be purchased separately, and the Air Pedic remote is included. 

Sleep Number	Air Pedic
No separate lumbar support	Separate lumbar support
15-year warranty	30-year warranty
100 Night trial	120 Night trial
Remote is sold separately	Remote is included
Foam, not 100% made in the USA	100% Made in USA

An air Pedic bed comes with a phenomenal 30-year warranty and 120-night sleep trial. Image Source: Air-Pedic.

A Quick Comparison – Night Air Bed vs. Sleep Number Bed

The Night Air Bed is more expensive because of additional technological features which the Sleep Number doesn’t offer. The Night Air bed has a 6 chamber technology system while the Sleep Number bed comes with one or two air chambers. It has 100 adjustable settings while the Sleep Number only has 5 settings. Night Air beds come with a longer warranty period and are more durable than Sleep Number beds. 

Sleep Number	Night Air Bed
No separate lumbar support	Separate lumbar support
15 Year warranty	20-year warranty
5 Adjustable levels	Up to 100 adjustable levels
Maximum of 2 air chambers present	6 Air chambers present

The Night Air Bed has up to 100 settings to adjust the comfort level, and 6 air chambers for increased firmness customization. Image Source: Night Air Beds.

Key Takeaways

Material and Construction

Air beds and Sleep Number mattresses differ significantly in their material and construction. While air beds are primarily made from polyvinyl-chloride (PVC), Sleep Number mattresses feature layers of memory foam and polyester or polypropylene-type fabrics. Sleep Number beds also come with built-in dual air pumps for individualized comfort, unlike the single inflation system in traditional air beds.

Portability and Usage

Air beds stand out for their portability, making them suitable for camping or temporary setups. They can be inflated or deflated easily, serving as a convenient option for those with space constraints or travel needs. On the contrary, Sleep Number beds are less portable but are designed for permanent setups, providing a more stable and comfortable sleeping environment.

Temperature Regulation and Breathability

Sleep Number beds have an edge in temperature regulation and breathability, thanks to their fabric materials. The breathable nature of Sleep Number mattresses helps to maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature throughout the night. In contrast, air beds often lack in temperature regulation, which could be a point of discomfort for some users.

Comfort and Firmness Customization

Both types of beds offer firmness customization, but Sleep Number beds provide a more sophisticated approach. They allow individual adjustment of firmness on each side of the bed, catering to the preferences of different sleepers. Air beds offer customized firmness too, but lack the dual adjustment feature, making them less versatile for co-sleepers.

Durability and Warranty

Sleep Number beds usually come with a longer warranty period, reflecting their durable construction and the investment in quality. Air beds, on the other hand, typically have shorter warranty periods and may be prone to punctures, especially when used in rougher outdoor conditions.

Price Point

Air beds are generally more affordable, making them a budget-friendly choice for individuals or families on a tight budget. Sleep Number beds are a pricier investment due to their advanced features and durable construction, reflecting a long-term commitment to enhanced sleep quality.

Health Monitoring and Advanced Features

Sleep Number beds stand out with their advanced features like SleepIQ tracking, heart rate, and sleep quality monitoring, which can be beneficial for individuals keen on monitoring their sleep health. Air beds lack these advanced monitoring features, focusing more on basic comfort and portability.

Comparison with Other Brands

When compared to other brands like Air Pedic and Night Air Bed, Sleep Number beds may have different warranty periods, trial offers, and technology features. It’s essential to consider these factors and align them with personal preferences and needs while making a choice.