Leesa vs Sleep Number Mattress Comparison

Leesa and Sleep Number are two leaders in the mattress industry that are known for crafting high-quality beds. While they’re each popular amongst a variety of sleepers, their mattress offerings could not be more different. 

In this review, we’re going to compare Sleep Number’s adjustable air mattress models to the 4 different foam and foam hybrid beds offered by Leesa. You’ll learn what sets them apart, who they’re best for, how their prices compare, and more, allowing you to find your perfect mattress.

At-a-Glance Comparison

Key Similarities

• Return policies: Both mattress companies back their beds with a 100-night sleep trial. 
• Reviews: Both companies have primarily positive customer reviews.
• Sleep position: Both craft mattresses that work for every sleeping position.

Key Differences

• Mattress type: Leesa creates memory foam and hybrid mattresses and Sleep Number makes adjustable air beds. 
• Firmness: Sleep Number mattresses have varying firmness levels thanks to adjustable air chambers. Leesa mattresses only come in one firmness, ranging from medium to medium-firm. 
• Price point: Leesa mattresses are, on average, more affordable than Sleep Number beds. 
• Selling platform: Leesa is a bed-in–a-box company that sells most of their mattresses online, while most Sleep Number beds are purchased at brick-and-mortar store locations. 
• Shipping: Leesa ships for free and Sleep Number’s shipping costs $199 (although this does include White Glove Delivery with new mattress setup and old mattress removal).

Original Leesa Mattress vs Sleep Number Classic Series

Compare the Construction

The Original Leesa mattress is a memory foam and polyfoam mattress whose medium-firm feel rates a 6 on the 1-10 firmness scale. The Sleep Number Classic beds have a similar firmness that ranges between a 5-7/10. While these are both medium-firm mattresses, their overall feel and sleeping experience differ substantially. 

The Leesa mattress has a plush 2” polyfoam top layer over a 2” contouring memory foam layer for incredible pressure relief and a moderate hugging sensation. The Classic beds have either a 2” or 3” polyfoam top layer that’s not quite as soft or conforming as the Leesa’s upper layers of foam. As a result, the Leesa is better for sleepers who like a soft, pillow-top-like surface and the Sleep Number for those who like a sturdier foam feel. 

The other big difference between these mattresses is their base layer. The Leesa uses support foam for exceptional stability, durability, and motion isolation. The Sleep Number Classic utilizes an adjustable air chamber support layer that’s dual-sided on larger mattress sizes. The air chambers allow you to find your perfect firmness and enjoy a different feel from that of your sleeping partner.

Compare the Cost

The flagship Leesa mattress has a similar price point to the least expensive Classic bed, the c2 smart bed. The c4 smart bed costs $600 more for a queen-size mattress.

Leesa Hybrid Mattress vs Sleep Number Performance Series

Compare the Construction

The Leesa Hybrid is a memory foam hybrid mattress with a medium firmness that registers as a 5/10. The Sleep Number Performance Series consists of 3 mattresses with firmness ranging from 4-7.5/10, each with adjustable firmness. These beds have similar thicknesses, with the Leesa measuring 11” and the Performance beds 10”-11”.

Both of these mattresses have a similar thickness of comfort and transition foam atop their support layers. However, the Leesa hugs the body more closely thanks to a layer of conforming memory foam. They both work well for all sleeping positions thanks to the balance of cushion and support, but their feels are still quite different. 

The Leesa Hybrid has a supportive layer of innerspring coils that limit sagging and provide sufficient support for sleepers, no matter their body size. The springs create a slightly springy, responsive feel that makes it easy to move around and get comfortable in a new position. The Sleep Number’s adjustable air chamber support allows you to find your perfect firmness. However, it’s not as easy to move around on, so the Leesa is better for people who toss and turn.  

Compare the Cost

The Performance Series mattresses are substantially more expensive than the Leesa Hybrid.

Leesa Legend Mattress vs Sleep Number Innovation Series

Compare the Construction

The Leesa Legend and Sleep Number Innovation Series mattresses are luxury beds. The Legend is a 6-layer hybrid mattress with a medium-firm feel, while the Innovation Series are foam airbeds with firmnesses that range from soft to medium-firm. 

What these two beds share in common is that they have generous foam layers atop their supportive base layers. These plush layers of foam deliver exceptional pressure relief, ideal for side sleepers. 

However, only the Legend has zoned support, with extra cushion at the shoulders and hips and greater support along the body’s trunk. This combination of give and support is perfect for stomach sleepers who may experience sagging as a result of the Innovation’s thick foam layers. And with two layers of supportive innerspring coils, the Legend is better for most heavy sleepers. 

Of course, the Sleep Number Innovation mattresses have adjustable and dual-sided firmness. This versatility is great for couples and anyone who isn’t sure what mattress firmness they desire. It’s also great for people with changing firmness needs, such as pregnant women or elderly folks.  

Compare the Cost

While both the Legend and Innovation are luxury mattresses, the Innovation Series has a much steeper price tag. 

Leesa Studio Mattress vs Sleep Number Value Beds

Compare the Construction

The Leesa Studio mattress and Sleep Number Value beds are the most affordable mattress lines for these two companies. The Studio is a 3-layer memory foam mattress with a medium-firm feel, and the Sleep Number Value beds are adjustable air mattresses with firmnesses ranging from medium to medium-firm. 

Thanks to both of these mattresses having relatively thin comfort layers, we recommend them for people that weigh less than 230 pounds. Lightweight side sleepers will find the Sleep Number s3 Value bed a more comfortable mattress thanks to their 7-zoned PlushFit comfort layer. Leesa’s top layer is a memory foam that offers more contouring than cushion, so it works best for back and side sleepers. 

The Value mattresses sleep cooler than the Leesa Studio. This is thanks to the cool air chamber in the Value beds along with these mattresses having thinner comfort foam layers than the Studio mattress. 

Because the Value mattresses have dual adjustability and sleep tracking technology, they’re a better fit for shoppers who want a smart bed.  

Compare the Cost

The Leesa Studio is less expensive than either of the Sleep Number Value beds.

Mattress Sizes

Sleep Number mattresses come in a wider range of sizes as well as thicknesses. Thicker mattresses are better for heavier people, while split beds work exceptionally well for couples who use an adjustable bed frame. Only opt for a thin mattress (around 10” or thinner) if you’re smaller and don’t require a lot of cushion.

Learn more about mattress sizes.

Breaking Down the Trial Periods

While both mattresses come with a 100-night sleep trial, Leesa’s terms are more generous. With Leesa, you can truly try out your new mattress risk-free. There is no charge for shipping, and there is no fee for returns. Sleep Number charges $199 for shipping and mattress setup, which is not refundable if you return your mattress. Additionally, they charge a $199 return shipping fee when you return your bed. 

Explaining the Warranties

The Leesa warranty is 10 years, while Sleep Number’s warranty is 15 years. However, Leesa’s warranty is more generous than Sleep Number’s. During the duration of the Leesa warranty, Leesa will repair or replace your mattress with zero deductible if there’s a covered defect. Sleep Number’s warranty only covers the full cost of replacement during the first year, and SleepIQ technology is not covered by the warranty. To learn more about Sleep Number’s complicated warranty, check out our Sleep Number Warranty article.  

Decision Time: Which Is the Best Mattress Brand?

Leesa and Sleep Number are two well-loved mattress brands that work for every sleeping position and body size. Leesa’s medium-firm mattresses all have a plush surface, and the balanced feel works exceptionally well for the average sleeper. Sleep Number beds are best for people who want a smart bed and would enjoy adjustable firmness settings. And while both companies are great for couples, Sleep Number’s dual-adjustability and split sizes make it the ideal company for couples.