The Best Sleep Number Alternatives of 2026: Sleep Expert Tested

Get a similar experience to a Sleep Number mattress with our favorite alternatives.

May 15, 2026

Expert Reviewed

Jill WaldbieserNCOA Senior WriterWritten by:
Donya CurrieNCOA Associate Director, CommunicationsEdited by:
Samantha CapacilloFormer Program Specialist, NCOA Center for Healthy AgingReviewed by:

The Best Sleep Number Alternative Overall is the Helix Midnight Luxe with an adjustable base. It offers the level of flexibility people expect from Sleep Number beds, but with a high-end hybrid feel. The Helix also has a longer trial and warranty.
The best Sleep Number alternatives cost between $2,265–$4,599 for a queen-size mattress.
Other top picks include the Saatva Solaire (i8 Smart Bed Alternative), WinkBed Luxury Firm With Adjustable Base (P6 Alternative), Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe With Adjustable Base (C2 Alternative), and Bear Elite Hybrid With Adjustable Base (360 iLE Smart Bed Alternative).
We looked for strong pressure relief, spinal support, compatibility with adjustable bases, and value when selecting our top picks.
Many Sleep Number alternatives can deliver a similar adjustable-bed experience without the air-chamber feel.

NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,500 hours researching and testing mattresses to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best mattresses, we:

Consulted with sleep specialists like doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for guidance on choosing the best mattress
Put more than 130 models through a series of 19 different tests at our in-house lab
Mystery-shopped more than 40 brands
Surveyed more than 2,000 older adults on their sleep quality
Interviewed experts on the importance of good sleep for older adults
Worked with older adult testers to evaluate mattresses and get their opinion
Read thousands of verified customer reviews

We’re constantly testing new mattresses and sleep products to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our mattress review methodology.

When we surveyed older adults about the mattresses they purchased in the past five years, Sleep Number was the third most-mentioned brand.¹ A lot of people consider a Sleep Number bed to be one of the best mattresses you can buy because of how you can personalize it to your own comfort level. Sleep Number beds use air chambers within the mattress to adjust firmness (your “sleep number” is your firmness rating from 1 to 100). You can adjust each side of the bed separately if you and your partner have different preferences. This can be a game-changer for improving your sleep.

“For many of us, sleep can become lighter and more fragmented as we grow older,” said Kerry Burnight, PhD, a gerontologist and author of Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half. “The right mattress can relieve joint pain, support mobility, and improve temperature regulation, all of which contribute to better sleep quality for older adults. Adjustable beds allow people to raise their head or legs, which can reduce back pain, help with breathing issues like snoring or sleep apnea, improve circulation, and make getting out of bed easier.”

That said, you don’t necessarily need to pay more or deal with the hassle of plugging in and adjusting your bed to get the benefits of a Sleep Number bed. There are many Sleep Number alternatives that offer comfort and flexibility at a much lower cost. We tested the top-rated mattresses on the market to find the best Sleep Number alternative. These five rose to the top of our list.

Our Top Pick

Helix Midnight Luxe

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Zoned hybrid support
Plush yet responsive feel

Longer trial and warranty than Sleep Number

Saatva Solaire

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Adjustable air mattress with 50 firmness levels
Premium materials with a luxury feel

Includes free white-glove delivery

WinkBed Luxury Firm

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Supportive luxury hybrid with a natural feel
Strong support and pressure relief in all positions

Sleeps cool despite its plush pillow top

Best Sleep Number Alternatives in 2026

Helix Midnight Luxe with Adjustable Base: Best Sleep Number Alternative Overall
Saatva Solaire: Best Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed Alternative
WinkBed Luxury Firm with Adjustable Base: Best Sleep Number P6 Alternative
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe with Adjustable Base: Best Sleep Number C2 Alternative
Bear Elite Hybrid with Adjustable Base: Best Sleep Number 360 iLE Smart Bed Alternative

Need help picking out the right mattress?

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Comparing the best Sleep Number alternatives

Comparison Features	Helix Midnight Luxe Visit Sitefor Helix Midnight Luxe	Saatva Solaire Visit Sitefor Saatva Solaire	WinkBeds Luxury Firm Visit Sitefor WinkBeds Luxury Firm	Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Visit Sitefor Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe	Bear Elite Hybrid Visit Sitefor Bear Elite Hybrid
Score (out of 10)	9	9.4	9.2	9.5	7.9
Best for	Overall	Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed Alternative	Sleep Number P6 Alternative	Sleep Number C2 Alternative	Sleep Number 360 iLE Smart Bed Alternative
Brand firmness rating	6	Adjustable	6.5	5	6
Trial period (nights)	120	365	120	120	120

*Ratings reflect a brand's overall offering; the best overall pick doesn't necessarily have the highest score

Understanding accessibility and pain relief scores

Based on our testing, surveys, and focus groups with older adults, we created these two scores:

Accessibility score: The higher the score, the easier it is to get in and out of the bed and change positions.
Pain relief score: The higher the score, the more likely it can help relieve pain.

Top features of the best Sleep Number alternatives

We looked for the following features when choosing the best Sleep Number alternative mattresses.

High pain relief score

Unique to NCOA, a high pain relief score refers to a mattress that’s easier to get in and out of due to a balance of bounce, support, and firmness.

Good pressure relief

We looked for mattresses with good pressure relief along the shoulders, back, and hips to help ease aches and pains for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Spinal support

Mattresses that help keep your spine in a neutral position can help ease the strain on your back, shoulders, and hips.

Firmness

Experts and recent research studies say that medium- to medium-firm mattresses are best for managing pain.

Compatibility With an Adjustable Base

Sleep Number shoppers are looking for a "smart bed" experience that can often be achieved with the help of an adjustable base.

Price

A good Sleep Number alternative shares many of the same features of a Sleep Number bed at a high-value price.

Helix Midnight Luxe With an Adjustable Base: Best Sleep Number Alternative Overall

We chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the Best Sleep Number Alternative Overall. It offers the comfort and flexibility people look for in Sleep Number beds, but with the feel of a high-end hybrid mattress rather than air. The Midnight Luxe offers strong pressure relief, cooling, and support. It also works well with an adjustable base so you can enjoy elevated or zero-gravity positions. And it offers a longer trial and warranty than the Sleep Number C4, making it a strong alternative to the Sleep Number C4.

Helix Midnight Luxe With Adjustable Base

Best Sleep Number Alternative Overall

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Helix Review
Three firmness options

Supportive for any sleep position

Our pain relief score: 4.21/5
Accessibility score: 4.06/5
Mattress type: Hybrid
Brand’s firmness rating: 6/10

Pros

Zoned support to keep the spine straight
Works with an adjustable base
Combines plush comfort and responsive support
120-night trial and lifetime warranty

Cons

Couples cannot adjust their own sides
The brand does not offer in-room setup or old mattress removal

Why we chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the Best Sleep Number Alternative Overall

The Helix Midnight Luxe is our Best Sleep Number Alternative Overall because it delivers customized comfort like a Sleep Number bed, at a better value, and without air chambers. Sleep Number mattresses use air chambers to adjust pressure relief, while the Helix Midnight Luxe hybrid mattress features zoned support. Zoned support provides greater pressure relief under your lower back and softer support under your shoulders. This helps maintain spinal alignment in any sleep position.

The Helix earned high scores (4/5) for pressure relief in most of our other tests. The only exception was motion isolation, which was just average. Unlike the Sleep Number C4 mattress, you cannot adjust each side of the bed independently. This means couples with very different sleep preferences may not find this the best choice. Otherwise, the Helix is the top Sleep Number alternative we tried. When paired with the Helix adjustable base, it easily recreates the raised, weightless feel many older adults seek in a Sleep Number alternative. Helix also offers a longer trial period and warranty than Sleep Number.

Our testing experience with the Helix Midnight Luxe

Our testers liked the feel and responsive support of the Helix mattress. They noted that the top “feels nice and soft” and commented on the pillow top's texture. Under that plush comfort layer, our testers said this mattress felt firmer than others they tried, but were quick to point out that it wasn’t uncomfortable, just supportive. “It’s firm, but not like I’m lying on a hard, flat surface,” said one tester. “It hugs me gently,” said another.

A man pushed down on the quilted mattress top of the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress — The Helix Midnight Luxe felt firm but responsive, which can help add support wherever you need it.

Our testers also saw how responsive the Helix Midnight Luxe was. “It bounces back very quickly,” said one. “It's pretty firm and kind of hard to push in. The material immediately springs back to shape after I remove my hand.” The combination of springs and memory foam in this hybrid mattress kept their bodies supported in any sleeping position. Several testers noted that their bodies felt balanced and aligned. One said, “My hips feel aligned nicely… I don’t feel like I’m lacking support in any area.” Another tester said, “My body feels pretty well supported all over,” and noted no pressure building in the lower back or hips.

A woman lying on her back on the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress in an adjustable base — The Helix Midnight Luxe’s ability to work with an adjustable base was one feature that made it our best Sleep Number Alternative overall.

The spring also helped with moving on this mattress, which can be a benefit for someone with chronic pain or mobility issues. At the same time, that bounce could be disruptive for couples sleeping together, testers noted. They reported feeling it when another person got into bed, and although the movement didn’t ripple through the entire mattress, it was still noticeable. “It did make my body move, I bounced slightly,” said one tester. Light sleepers may notice this more, but heavy sleepers didn’t feel as bothered by partner movement.

Who is the Helix Midnight Luxe right for?

This mattress is great for people who want the best Sleep Number alternative but prefer the comfort of foam and coils instead of air. It’s especially good for side and back sleepers who want strong pressure relief and full-body support. It may not be ideal for couples, especially if one is a light sleeper.

I may love it if I:
Sleep with a partner	No
Have chronic pain	Yes
Feel hot at night	Yes
Have mobility concerns	Yes
Sleep in the following positions	Side, back, stomach

The Helix customer experience

Trial period: 120 nights
Shipping: Free
Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Helix Sleep customer service by calling 831-777-5976, emailing help@helixsleep.com, submitting a contact form, or via the chat icon on the website.

Learn more in our Helix mattress review.

Saatva Solaire: Best Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed Alternative

We chose the Saatva Solaire as the Best Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed Alternative because it offers the versatility and adjustable comfort you expect from a Sleep Number bed. But it also features higher-quality materials and a longer trial and warranty. With up to 50 firmness levels and the ability to adjust each side separately, the Solaire is one of the best Sleep Number alternatives available.

Saatva Solaire

Best Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed Alternative

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Saatva Review
Latex, memory foam, and gel-infused foam for pressure relief

Designed for personalized comfort

Our pain relief score: 4.22/5
Accessibility score: 4.27/5
Mattress type: Adjustable air mattress
Brand’s firmness rating: Adjustable

Pros

Up to 50 firmness levels and dual-sided adjustability
Strong cooling and responsive support
Free white-glove delivery

Cons

The highest-priced mattress in this review
May feel firmer for lighter sleepers
Requires power and setup for the air system

Why we chose the Saatva Solaire as the Best Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed Alternative

We chose the Saatva Solaire as the Best Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed Alternative because both mattresses allow you to customize the firmness level you prefer. The left and right sides of the mattress can be adjusted independently for couples with different preferences.

The Solaire uses latex and foam over its adjustable core, which can be set to 50 firmness levels using a wireless remote. The Solaire performed well above average in all our tests, earning nothing lower than a 3.8/5. It has excellent scores for cooling, edge support, and pressure relief across all positions. The Solaire is also a good choice for couples due to its individual controls on each side of the mattress and its superior motion isolation.

You can expect to pay more for this luxury mattress, but its high-quality materials are backed by one of the industry’s longest sleep trial periods (365 nights) and a lifetime warranty. Saatva also offers free white-glove delivery on all its mattresses, which means removing your old mattress and setting the new one up in the room of your choice.

Our testing experience with the Saatva Solaire

Testers commented on the quality of the Saatva Solaire's materials almost immediately. “It feels cool to the touch, soft, and it is cushiony,” said Patti, a 74-year-old tester with a lighter body weight. “The fluffy quilted top is really nice and helps me stay on top of the mattress for some airflow. I really like this mattress for cooling.”

The Solaire uses an adjustable air-filled core and layers of foam and latex. When testers pressed down on the mattress, it sprang back, showing how responsive it is. “It has good bounce and popped back quickly,” she said. This can help with feeling on top of the mattress rather than sunk into it. It also makes switching positions easier than on other mattresses, a plus for people who may have chronic pain or mobility issues.

The cover lifted to reveal the inside of the Saatva Solaire adjustable Sleep Number alternative mattress — The Saatva Solaire uses an electrically controlled air chamber system to adjust the mattress firmness just like a Sleep Number bed.

As our testers moved around on the Solaire, it kept its shape and support. Patti found she did not have to exert much energy to switch from her side to her back and from her back to her stomach. ”I don't feel any extra pressure on my lower back or hips,” she said. “My body is equally supported.” She noted the mattress felt firmer than she would prefer, but her lighter body weight may have contributed.

Testers were also impressed with the Solaire's edge support. Patti found she didn’t need to use her hands to push herself up when getting out of bed. The mattress felt uniformly supportive, even when lying near the edges. “I feel very stable,” Patti said. "I don’t think that I am going to roll off.”

A woman sitting on the edge of the Saatva Solaire adjustable Sleep Number alternative mattress — Testers weren’t worried about the edge support of the Saatva Solaire, and felt equally stable sitting or lying down.

Having separate, adjustable air chambers on either side of the Saatva Solaire helped minimize the motion transfer felt when two people shared the bed. “I felt it more when [someone] moved than when [they] got into the bed,” Patti said. “But even that wasn’t very pronounced. I think I could’ve slept through that.”

Who is the Saatva Solaire right for?

This mattress is a good choice for people who want a true Sleep Number alternative with strong adjustable support and premium materials. It’s especially great for couples who need different firmness settings or anyone who wants a luxury bed that stays cool and supportive. If you are willing to pay more for quality, this Sleep Number bed alternative is worth considering.

I may love it if I:
Sleep with a partner	Yes
Have chronic pain	Yes
Feel hot at night	Yes
Have mobility concerns	Yes
Sleep in the following positions	Side, back, stomach

The Saatva Solaire customer experience

Trial period: 365 nights
Shipping: Free
Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Saatva customer service by calling 860-452-3977, emailing info@saatvamattress.com, or through the chat feature on the website.

Learn more about the brand in our Saatva review.

WinkBed Luxury Firm With Adjustable Base - Best Sleep Number P6 Alternative

We chose the WinkBed Luxury Firm as the Best Sleep Number P6 Alternative because it gives you the adjustable, high-end comfort you expect from beds like Sleep Number, but without the air-chamber feel. It’s one of the best Sleep Number alternatives for people who want strong support, cooling, and a luxury feel.

WinkBed Luxury Firm with Adjustable Base

Best Sleep Number P6 Alternative

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WinkBed Review
Four firmness options, more than your standard mattress

Features gel-infused foams and a breathable cover for cooler sleep
Has zoned support for better alignment and reduced pressure

Our pain relief score: 4.20/5
Accessibility score: 3.99/5
Mattress type: Hybrid
Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10

Pros

High-quality materials and construction
Sleeps cooler than many foam-heavy beds
Custom firmness and adjustability

Cons

Cover is not removable
Mattress may be a bit high for petite adults or those with mobility issues
Less adjustable than true Sleep Number beds

Why we chose the WinkBed as the Best Sleep Number P6 Alternative

We chose the WinkBed Luxury Firm with adjustable base as the Best Sleep Number P6 Alternative. It offers customizable comfort, strong support, and a luxury build that rivals the P6, without requiring a power source. The WinkBed comes in four firmness levels, giving you options similar to the adjustable feel of the Sleep Number P6, which uses air settings to fine-tune firmness. Both mattresses blend comfort and support, but WinkBed uses zoned coils and premium foams instead of air chambers, which can make it feel more stable and natural under the body. While we did not test the P6 for comparison, the WinkBed achieved some of the best cooling scores (4/5), making it a good choice for hot sleepers.

While the WinkBed doesn’t allow different firmness levels on either side of the bed, the way the Sleep Number P6 does, it has other features couples may appreciate. The WinkBed’s durable design can support more weight than average (up to 1,000 pounds). It also scored well for edge support and motion isolation, which helps couples maximize the entire mattress surface and sleep undisturbed by their partner’s movements. We like that the WinkBed offers a longer sleep trial period and warranty than Sleep Number, too.

Our testing experience with the WinkBed

When we tested the WinkBed Luxury Firm, the first thing we noticed was how soft and inviting the top felt. “It feels very soft with tufts, like soft cotton,” said Patti, a 74-year-old combination sleeper with a lower body weight. She did voice some concern about the edge support, which felt weak to her. “If I was heavier, I think I would slide easily if I sat very close to the edge,” she said. Patti also found that the WinkBed's higher height (13.5 inches) made it slightly more difficult to get in and out of bed. This could be the case for anyone who is on the smaller side or who has mobility issues.

A woman measures how far the mattress compresses under the weight of someone sitting on the edge. — One tester was concerned about the edge support, saying that someone with a higher body weight might slide right off.

When lying on the WinkBed, Patti felt steadier and supported. “It doesn’t feel like I’ll topple over or fall,” she said, noting that the edges felt just as strong as the center. She could roll around easily and never felt stuck in the pillow top. She gave the mattress high scores for support (no rating below 4/5) in every position. “I feel overall aligned,” Patti said. “There is the slightest gap at my low back, probably because I don’t weigh enough to really sink into this mattress.”

Testers also noticed how well the WinkBed prevented heat buildup, and called it “one of the top mattresses I’ve tested based on how cool it feels.” “The top of the mattress feels soft like memory foam, but actually doesn’t feel like it traps heat like memory foam usually does,” said one tester.

The WinkBed Luxury Firm hybrid mattress on an adjustable base — Despite its extra height, the WinkBed Luxury Firm hybrid mattress is compatible with an adjustable base, allowing you to raise or lower it as needed.

Our testers also liked how the WinkBed performed with two sleepers. “It’s definitely less bouncy than others we’ve tested,” said one of our older adult testers. “I can tell it’s a hybrid, but there’s not enough bounce to disrupt me.” When another person got into bed or switched positions, our testers said they didn’t feel much, and definitely not enough to wake them. For couples seeking responsive support, the WinkBed Luxury Firm may be a good option.

Who is the WinkBed right for?

The WinkBed is a good pick for people who want a high-end cooling mattress that feels like a luxury hybrid but still works as a Sleep Number bed alternative. It’s great for hot sleepers, couples, and anyone who wants strong support without an air-chamber design. It’s also good for sleepers who want a durable, long-lasting mattress with a more traditional feel.

I may love it if I:
Sleep with a partner	No
Have chronic pain	Yes
Feel hot at night	Yes
Have mobility concerns	Yes
Sleep in the following positions	Side, back, stomach

The WinkBed customer experience

Trial period: 120 nights
Shipping: Free
Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact WinkBed customer service by calling 855-946-5233, emailing info@winkbeds.com, or through the chat icon on the website.

Want to know more? Check out our WinkBed review.

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe With Adjustable Base - Best Sleep Number C2 Alternative

We chose the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe as the Best Sleep Number C2 Alternative because it gives you the same kind of adjustable comfort and support you’d expect from a smart bed. But it has the feel of a traditional luxury hybrid and no need to plug it in. With multiple firmness options and great cooling, the Aurora Luxe stands out as a Sleep Number bed alternative that doesn’t feel complicated.

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe with Adjustable Base

Best Sleep Number C2 Alternative

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Brooklyn Bedding Review
GlacioTex™ cooling cover and copper-infused foam provide great temperature control

Responsive design has zoned support for extra pressure relief
Three firmness options allow you to customize your comfort like a Sleep Number

Our pain relief score: 4.4/5
Accessibility score: 4.5/5
Mattress type: Hybrid
Brand’s firmness rating: 5/10

Pros

One of the coolest-feeling mattresses tested
Strong edge support and great bounce
Works well with adjustable bases

Cons

May not isolate motion enough for couples
Could feel too firm for some people
Not ideal for stomach sleepers

Why we chose the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe as the Best Sleep Number C2 Alternative

We selected the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe with adjustable base as the Best Sleep Number C2 Alternative because it offers similar benefits, including custom firmness levels and exceptional cooling, without requiring power or frequent adjustments. We also liked the plush feel and strong support of the Aurora Luxe.

The C2 is one of the more basic models in the Sleep Number line, and uses air pockets to adjust the mattress firmness. The Aurora Luxe is available in only three firmness levels but scored highly in our tests for support, especially for back and side sleepers. Testers tended to rate it much firmer (8/10) than it actually is (5/10) due to its even support and strong, stable edges. The C2, which we did not test, has a much slimmer profile at only 8 inches. The Aurora Luxe has excellent pressure relief thanks to several layers of foam over coils.

Our testing experience with the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Two things stood out to testers right away: The Aurora Luxe is noticeably firm and cool to the touch. “I'm really impressed with the cooling of this mattress,” said one tester, who commented that it was “probably the coolest one I've touched so far.” He added that lying on the mattress was a similar experience. “I don't feel heat building up at all,” he said. “Every part of my body that's touching the mattress feels a few degrees cooler than everything else.”

A heat gun reading of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe hybrid mattress — Testers said the Aurora Luxe was one of the coolest-feeling mattresses they tried.

Our testers also felt the Aurora Luxe's support. “There is firm resistance,” said one. “It is pretty responsive. When I press on it, it comes back up pretty quickly.” They gave it a perfect 5/5 score for bounce, which they said helped with changing positions in bed. “You sit on top of this mattress so much,” said one tester. “There is not much sinkage when lying down.” Our testers, even those with a higher body weight, rated the Aurora Luxe as much firmer (8/10) than its brand rating (5/10),

That strong, responsive support helped promote spinal alignment. “Everything is in line on this mattress,” said Chris, a 66-year-old tester with a higher body weight. “My shoulders and hips are in line, and I’m not sinking in at all.”

A woman rolls over onto her side on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress — The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress has a lot of bounce, which helped our testers move on it more easily.

The lowest score Aurora Luxe received was for motion isolation, which was only average (3/5). That means it may not be ideal for anyone who shares a bed and might be easily disturbed by a partner moving around. But otherwise, our testers were impressed with this mattress.

Who is the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe right for?

This mattress may be a good choice if you want a Sleep Number alternative that still offers adjustable comfort but feels more like a luxury hybrid than an airbed. It’s also great for hot sleepers who need powerful cooling and for people who prefer sleeping “on” the mattress rather than sinking deeply into the foam. If you want a new bed like Sleep Number but with better bounce and easier movement, the Aurora Luxe is worth considering.

I may love it if I:
Sleep with a partner	No
Have chronic pain	Yes
Feel hot at night	Yes
Have mobility concerns	Yes
Sleep in the following positions	Side, stomach, back

The Brooklyn Bedding customer experience

Trial period: 120 nights
Shipping: Free
Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

While mystery shopping, our team found Brooklyn Bedding to be inconsistent with its support hours. You can reach customer service by calling 623-624-1222, emailing support@brooklynbedding.com, submitting a contact form, or using the live chat feature on the website.

You can read more in our Brooklyn Bedding mattress review.

Bear Elite Hybrid With Adjustable Base - Best Sleep Number 360 iLE Smart Bed Alternative

We chose the Bear Elite Hybrid with adjustable base as the Best Sleep Number 360 iLE Smart Bed Alternative because it gives you a high-end, luxury feel without relying on air chambers or smart tech. It offers a more natural hybrid feel with options for firmness and strong pressure relief.

Bear Elite Hybrid with Adjustable Base

Best Sleep Number 360 iLE Alternative

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Bear Review
Excellent temperature control

Choose soft, medium, or firm for personalized comfort
Responsive, zoned support where you need it most

Our pressure relief score: 4/5
Accessibility score: 4.29/5
Mattress type: Hybrid
Brand’s firmness rating: 6/10

Pros

Responsive hybrid support
Excellent option for hot sleepers
Custom firmness options

Cons

Not ideal for those sleeping with a partner
Edge support could be stronger
Mattress height (14 inches) requires deep pocket sheets

Why we chose the Bear Elite Hybrid as the Best Sleep Number 360 iLE Alternative

We chose the Bear Elite Hybrid with adjustable base as the Best Sleep Number 360 iLE Smart Bed Alternative. It’s a premium option with great temperature control, but has a more traditional hybrid construction and doesn’t need to be plugged in. The Bear Elite uses individually wrapped coils and high-density foams for its plush feel, while the iLE uses an air-chamber support core and foam. The Bear Elite excelled in our cooling tests, showing only a 6-degree increase in temperature after use. The mattress has copper-infused foam to pull heat away from the body and add to its cooling capabilities.

It does not have the same adjustability as the iLE, but the Elite Hybrid does come in a choice of firmness levels. Paired with an adjustable base, the Bear Elite offers a blend of comfort and individual support. It didn’t score as well in our motion isolation testing, so it may not be well-suited for couples. But we like the quality, contouring comfort, and support of the Bear Elite.

Our testing experience with the Bear Elite Hybrid

At 14 inches, the Bear Elite hybrid mattress is taller than most. Its topper is thick and quilted, and our testers noted that the material on its sleep surface was not as soft as some others. “This mattress is more firm and hard to push down on,” said one tester, but it also bounces back quickly.

A tester pushes down on the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress — Testers found the Bear Elite Hybrid’s quilted top plush yet firm and responsive underneath.

That is likely due to the Bear Elite’s hybrid construction. It has an innerspring foundation with zoned support under the hips, low back, and shoulders to improve spinal alignment and relieve pressure in those areas. Our testers found the mattress supported them well, regardless of their sleep position.

“This one feels pretty even on my side,” said Sheila, a 70-year-old combination sleeper. “My spine feels neutral. If anything, my low back and hips feel like they are sinking in maybe a little too much, but nothing too noticeable.” Another tester shared, “My body feels equally supported. My entire body sinks into the mattress, but not too much in one area.”

A woman lies on the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress in an adjustable frame — Using the Bear Elite Hybrid with an adjustable frame allows you to adjust it more like a Sleep Number bed.

The Bear Elite Hybrid features copper-infused foam to draw heat away from the body, and its topper is infused with Celliant, a material that helps regulate temperature. Our testers rated the Bear Elite 4/5 for cooling, a rating supported by our heat-gun tests.

Like so many other hybrid mattresses we tested, the Bear Elite was not great at minimizing motion from a bed partner. Our testers could feel when someone lying next to them changed positions. “My whole body did a little bounce, especially my shoulders,” said a tester. “If I were a light sleeper I think I would be woken up.”

Who is the Bear Elite Hybrid right for?

This mattress is great for sleepers who want a luxury Sleep Number bed alternative that still offers firmness options but feels more like a classic hybrid. It works well for people who like a firmer surface with quick bounce-back and strong support. Hot sleepers, back sleepers, and people who prefer a sturdy, responsive feel may find it to be a great fit.

I may love it if I:
Sleep with a partner	No
Have chronic pain	Yes
Feel hot at night	Yes
Have mobility concerns	Yes
Sleep in the following positions	Side, back, stomach

The Bear customer experience

Trial period: 120 nights
Shipping: Free
Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Bear customer service by calling 844-311-0035, emailing support@bearmattress.com, or using the live chat feature on the website.

You can learn more about the brand in our Bear mattress review.

Our process testing the best Sleep Number alternatives

To determine the best Sleep Number alternatives, we recruited real older adults with different body types and preferred sleeping positions to try out the mattresses. We researched the market and narrowed our list to beds that offered comfort, support, and adjustability comparable to Sleep Number beds. Our goal was to identify the best Sleep Number alternatives that remain easy to use, supportive, and safe for everyday use.

Then our team used both hands-on testing and measured data to compare each model to similar beds in the Sleep Number lineup. We wanted to understand how each mattress might work as a Sleep Number alternative in everyday use for a wide range of sleepers. The goal was to find Sleep Number bed alternatives that feel supportive, comfortable, and easy to move on at any age. We considered the following factors in our testing:

Customizability

Sleep Number beds are best known for their adjustable firmness, so we looked for mattresses that offer firmness options and are compatible with adjustable bases. We also looked for mattresses with excellent responsive support that could adapt easily to different sleep positions and body types.

Price

Sleep Number mattresses can be expensive, so we focused on high-value alternatives that still deliver premium comfort. We reviewed factors like warranty length, trial periods, delivery options (including free white-glove delivery and old mattress removal when offered), and customer service support, and weighed them against each bed's price. A good Sleep Number bed alternative should offer strong performance without the high long-term costs of air systems or tech-heavy repairs.

Pain relief

We created a pain relief formula that measured pressure relief, firmness, edge support, and bounce. A higher score meant the mattress was more likely to ease pain and keep the body supported throughout the night.

Pressure relief

To test pressure relief, we placed a sensor mat on top of each mattress. Testers lay on the mat in different positions, and the sensors created a color-coded thermal image to show the greatest and least areas of pressure. We then compared the pressure map results with tester feedback on areas where they felt discomfort or extra pressure.