Is the new Sleep Number c1 smart bed worth it? I tried it — here's what I think (2024)

Advances in sleep tech have led to a trickle-down effect of affordable mattresses boasting more comfort features than the budget beds of yesteryear. Case in point: the new Sleep Number c1 smart bed starts at just $599 at Sleep Number and has the adjustable firmness, responsive support, and sleep tracking present in the brand's higher-end models.

The c1 is geared toward "budget-conscious consumers who care about and want to achieve higher quality sleep," according to Lori MacLachlan, VP of Product Management at Sleep Number.

"Over the past couple of years, consumers have been challenged by high interest rates and increased credit card debt [but] we also know that people still need quality products to improve their sleep," says MacLachlan.

So how does this affordable smart bed perform? I visited the Sleep Number Store in Warrington, PA, to try a queen-sized Sleep Number c1 hands-on. If you've had your eyes on a smart bed but can't stretch your budget very far, the c1 is an excellent introduction to high-tech sleep at a relatively low cost.

However you'll be making some concessions at this price point, as the c1 doesn't boast the pressure relief or cooling prowess found in our top recommendations for this year's best mattress overall.

Don't expect the Sleep Number c1 to be discounted during upcoming Labor Day mattress sales, either. This entry-level smart bed has been excluded from additional savings since its release because of its low price. While some extra money off would be nice, the Sleep Number c1 is still a solid value for a smart bed.

Sleep Number c1 smart bed: Price

• A mid-range smart bed, a queen sells for $999
• Excluded from discounts due to its low price
• Split and FlexTop king sizes are available

A queen-sized Sleep Number c1 smart bed retails for $999. It's currently the brand's most affordable model and a low price for any smart bed. Here's a breakdown of the pricing:

• Sleep Number c1 twin: $599
• Sleep Number c1 twin XL: $699
• Sleep Number c1 full: $799
• Sleep Number c1 queen: $999
• Sleep Number c1 king: $1,499
• Sleep Number c1 Cal king: $1,499
• Sleep Number c1 split/FlexTop king: From $1,899
• Sleep Number c1: split/FlexTop Cal king: From $1,899

Note that the split and FlexTop king sizes must be purchased with an adjustable base (from $2,199). You can also add an integrated or adjustable base as an optional upgrade for the remaining sizes.

Sleep Number hosts mattress sales around major holidays, but the c1 has been excluded from offers because of its already-low price. Of course, that could change during this year's Black Friday mattress sales, but even then, we wouldn't expect more than 10% off.

Sleep Number c1 smart bed: Design

• An 8" mattress with a 1.25" foam layer and a 6" air chamber
• Only Sleep Number bed with a plush quilted top
• Same key features as other Sleep Number smart beds

The c1 has the same key features and technology found in all Sleep Number smart beds. This includes customizable firmness on either side of the bed. The 6" air chamber inflates or deflates to create a firmer or softer feel. Use the Sleep Number App or a remote control (sold separately) to adjust the firmness level. Over time, the bed will learn your habits and adapt automatically.

A series of built-in sensors track your heart rate, the amount of time it takes for you to fall asleep, and how often you toss and turn or get up at night. This information is distilled into what's known as your Sleep Score, which also includes suggestions on how to improve your sleep quality.

On top of the air chamber is a 1.25" layer of comfort foam infused with ceramic gel, which purportedly helps pull heat away from the surface. Adding a Sleep Number DualTemp Layer (from $799.99 in a half queen) will imbue it with active heating and cooling. Capping the mattress is a 3/4" quilted top. Notably, the c1 is the only bed in Sleep Number's current lineup to have this relatively plush top.

Sleep Number c1 smart bed: Comfort & pressure relief

• Adjust the firmness with a remote or the Sleep Number App
• Supportive at any firmness with subtle pressure relief
• Bed adjusts the firmness level once every 30 minutes

An adjustable smart bed allows you to customize the firmness to suit your sleep style and comfort preferences. When I first lay on the Sleep Number c1 smart bed it was set to 100, which is the highest Sleep Number (firmness rating). It wasn't uncomfortable for stomach sleeping, but as a primary side sleeper, I prefer a slightly softer surface.

I used the remote control to adjust the firmness. Dropping the Sleep Number down to 50 provided a comfortable medium for side and back sleeping and gave my achy lumbar some relief. During a typical night, the c1 automatically adjusts the firmness every 30 minutes if it detects any changes in pressure on the surface. (I didn't have a chance to try this.)

No matter how soft or firm I went, I never fell out of alignment. Rob Rosa of Sleep Number Warrington walked me through the features of the c1 and explained that the air chambers mold to your body's contours so you feel supported, no matter how soft or firm you go.

The shorter profile may also play a role. At only 8" tall, the c1 is Sleep Number's shortest mattress along with the c2. With only 1.25" of comfort foam, pressure relief is subtle. You won't sink into the c1 as you would a typical memory foam mattress.

Sleep Number c1 smart bed: Edge support

Rosa told me that the Sleep Number c1 has a foam encasem*nt for edge support. Setting the firmness level higher can enhance this but even at a Sleep Number of 35 (medium-soft), I found the edges of the c1 sturdy enough to support me when sitting on the side of the bed.

Sleep Number c1 smart bed: Motion isolation

I asked someone to join me on the other side of the queen-sized Sleep Number c1 to test its motion isolation. I felt the movement reverberate from his side of the bed to mine when he lay down, changed positions, and got up.

While I'd likely be less sensitive to these movements if I were asleep, they were noticeable enough during the test to make me wonder if light sleepers would be bothered by this. To avoid the risk of motion transfer altogether, consider going with the split king if you have room for it.

Sleep Number c1 smart bed: Delivery & extras

Sleep Number offers a 100-night trial and a 15-year warranty with all its mattresses. For the mid-range c1, these are decent perks but they're underwhelming for the brand's premium models. Returns aren't free, either.

In-room delivery costs $249, but you can often get free delivery with the purchase of an adjustable base. Optional mattress removal is another $50, although this fee is waived in CA, CT, and RI. While this makes the Sleep Number c1 a bit less affordable upfront, it's still a great value for a smart bed in the broader market.

Should you buy the Sleep Number c1 smart bed?

Buy the Sleep Number c1 smart bed if...

✅You want a smart bed that won't strain your wallet: The Smart Number c1 packs all of the brand's key features into one affordable package. At just $999 for a queen, it's an accessible entryway into the world of smart beds.

✅You and your partner can't agree on firmness: Like all Sleep Number smart beds, the c1 has dual-sided adjustable firmness so neither one of you has to compromise on comfort. Split king sizes are available, too.

✅You dislike subscription-based apps: Unlike Eight Sleep or wearable devices like the Oura Ring and WHOOP Watch, the Sleep Number App doesn't require a separate subscription to access all of its features, which is a nice change of pace these days.

Don't buy the Sleep Number c1 smart bed if...

❌ You prefer the sink of memory foam: The Sleep Number c1 has just 1.25" of foam. It won't hug your body like the best memory foam mattresses. For a smart bed you can sink into, try the Sleep Number m7, which has a layer of slow-moving memory foam.

❌ You can afford a more advanced model: The Sleep Number c1 is a basic smart bed. If you want (and can afford) a taller bed with more pressure relief and better temperature regulation, invest in those features instead.

❌ You're a light sleeper: I tested the c1's level of motion transfer with another person and felt plenty of movement from my side of the bed. Going with the split king option could mitigate this issue for couples but that's not feasible for everyone.

Thanks to Lori MacLachlan, VP of Product Management at Sleep Number; Rob Rosa, Sleep Number Warrington Store Representative; and Dan Haney, District Manager at Sleep Number for their time and expertise.