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6 average firmness based on 12 review(s)
The Sleep Number Classic Series from Select Comfort is a set of innovations pulled together into one bed. You get the benefit of an adjustable-firmness bed and several options for comfort layers as well as an optional base. The Classic series is not one bed, but actually three different models: the C2, C3, and C4. The differences are primarily the profile, 8 inches for the C2, 9 for the C3, and 10 inches on the C4. The C4 model is a pillowtop. The C2 model uses a remote with no digital readout, meaning that it is not truly a “Sleep Number” bed, but it is still every bit a Select Comfort adjustable air bed.
I’ll begin by discussing the set up of the bed. If you already have a suitable foundation, then you only need to set up the mattress. If you purchase the Select Comfort foundation, you will find it to be a modular unit designed for ease of assembly. You just snap the pieces together; first the frame then the top. Once assembled, you place the cover over the plastic unit and you are done. There are optional legs to use in place of a separate frame. The mattress assembles in a similar fashion. You place the lower cover (with the side-walls) onto the foundation, then the foam surround. Next appears to be a base pad then the all-important air chambers. You connect them to the pump, then place the top cover on and zip into place. Even for one person, getting this bed upstairs will require several trips, but no extremely heavy components. The foundation can be moved in pieces and the remainder of the components are either fabric, foam, or the air cores. The pump will have a little bit of weight, but should be manageable for most people.
Once assembled, you will first be surprised by the sound produced by the air pump. The pump is somewhat loud, especially on the older classic model which I tested. It is not as loud as a vacuum cleaner, but not too far from it. Fortunately, the pump needs to be adjusted when you go to bed, but should maintain the correct pressure all night, or even for several nights, once set. Now for the fun part – you get to find your “Sleep Number”.This process may require some trial-and-error adjustments over several nights. To begin with, I recommend pumping the bed up to its max firmness of 100. When you lie down, you will feel the firmest support the model can offer. After lying in your normal sleep position for about 5-10 minutes you should adjust the firmness down a bit. Moving down one step at a time (which is 5% on the Select Comfort models) will only give you a slight difference in feel, so I suggest moving from 100 to maybe 75 or 80. After a few minutes you can adjust the bed more as you need. Once you are comfortable, you can sleep on the bed for the night and see how you feel in the morning.
One of the most important factors to consider on a bed like this is the support provided. Beds.org tested the C4 model Sleep Number bed and found some interesting results. Below you will find four pressure scans of the bed. As you look at the scans below, keep in mind that the primary concern is the change in pressure observed and completeness of the body impression. If you like a firm bed then a scan could show all bright colors (indicating higher pressure) but still give uniform support and pressure distribution. Scientifically speaking, a dark-colored scan with uniform distribution is ideal.
We tested the Sleep Number bed at four different pressure levels to help give you the best representation of what the bed has to offer. Our model is a 25 year old male standing 6’0” tall and weighing about 160lbs. We tested at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% firmness per the handheld remote. The image above is a conglomerate of all four scans.
When you compare all four scans, you will see that there are few differences overall. These differences are significant though, as we can see that pressure exists in the hip and shoulder area on every scan and that weight distribution is never truly even on this bed. With that being said, we believe this bed distributes pressure better than many spring models available.
In the first test (image 1 above), we had the pressure set to 100%. If you look at the scan above you will note that the lumbar area of our model was not measured by the pressure scan equipment. This means that there was no support in this area. Also, in the neck area you will see the same problem. It is important to note that in this scan our model had his head turned to one side. In the head and hip are you will see slightly increased pressure, as well as some additional pressure in the shoulder area.
Our next test (image 2) was at 75% pressure. The results of this scan were only slightly different than the 100% scan. Our model was also lying with his head turned to one side, and the same pressure was seen in this example. Contrary to our expectations, we see slightly more pressure beneath the hip area. There is a little more contact along the spine which should help the quality of your sleep. The hip and knee area also sees a little less overall contact with the bed.
At 50% pressure (image 3), the results are still similar. When our model rested his head in the center position, we now see more of a gap along the spine, almost from head to hip. This did not seem to have an impact on the pressure on the rest of the back however. The hip area again shows a unique result as there was less pressure than the 75% scan and 100% scan. It seems that shoulder pressure was also reduced. Our model felt this was the most comfortable of the four test pressures.
Lastly, we tested the bed at 25% pressure (image 4). This scan also held some surprises, since before we even looked at the scan our model immediately began to comment on pressure at his head and feet. When we checked the scan we saw pressure points at the head and feet. We were able to determine that his head and feet were resting on the foam border which holds the air bladders in place. As a result, we see slightly higher pressure in the hips as his weight was focused in this area. His shoulders show less pressure and we do see a full outline of his body.
Select Comfort Sleep Number Classic Series
$$$
Sleep Number
Select Comfort Customer Service, 9800 59th Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55442 Telephone 1-888-580-9237
Air
Plush
Foam with Adjustable Air Chambers
Perimeter foam encasement for maximum usable surface space and improved seating area
Breathable knit fabric
8 inches to 10 inches
Modular plastic easy-to-assemble foundation
Adjustable air bed with wired or wireless adjustment remote
45 days, 30 day minimum requested use
20 years, 2 years full replacement value then prorated
United States
warranty is non-transferable
Location: Faiport, New York
Date Joined: Dec 31, 2014
Last Active: Dec 31, 2014
No reviews found.
We had to replace the pump when the remote died about 2 years ago. New pump and remote are not as stable as original. sometimes the bed drops all its pressure and we have to wait 30 minutes or so to re-inflate. Not real happy with their customer service. The replacement parts do not carry the same warranty as the original bed. Our new pump and remote only carried a 90 day warranty! of course the problems we encountered occurred after the 90 days.
Mattress Rating:
Mattress Durability:
our mattress is 21 yrs old. the warranty is for 20yrs. However, like a lot of people......we haven't been sleeping well in a very long time.
Mattress Support:seems like it used to be good (supportive) but in the past several years..........its been uncomfortable.
Mattress Features and Benefits as Advertised:the firmness was good originally (or as I remember it) it is very hard to compare now to what I believe it was years ago.
Quality:the mattress itself is still holding up; but it is lumpy.......and uncomfortable; soft in the middle (king size) my wife's side is very firm while my side is much less firm and sags.
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Location: Dallas, Oregon
Date Joined: May 24, 2015
Last Active: May 24, 2015
No reviews found.
I would not recommend this mattress to anyone unless they have changed the way that it is made and the durability of their product.
Mattress Rating:
Mattress Comfort: 
You have to keep changing the firmness every night
Mattress Durability:
This bed was guaranteed for 20 years. I have had it about 7 years and it has fallen apart. The foam deteriorated and the covering shredded apart. The side foam supports split in half. It became so bad that I went back to sleeping on a regular mattress.
Mattress Support:
Comments
Mattress Features and Benefits as Advertised:
This mattress did not stand up to what they said it would do or to the time the manufacturer said it would last.
Quality:
The only thing of quality that I found was that the air bag is still in tact and the plastic corners are still in tact.
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