Sleep Number discussion ILE and I8

A little Sleep Number rant and rave followed by comparison between the ILE and I8 models.

Basically the same bed. The ILE sits about 1 inch taller and has a bigger foam under the air mattress. The ILE uses a 3 inch highest point/2 inch lowest point soft density egg crate foam between the mattress topper and the air mattress. The ILE has a heat wicking pad under the mattress topper cover.

The I8 has a 3 inch highest point/2.5 inch lowest point med/soft density foam between the mattress topper and the air mattress. The density feels marginally firmer than the ILE. The I8 foam has 7 zones to fit your body contour. The I8 has both a heat wicking pad under the mattress topper cover and a body temperature control pad.

Both have a sufficient foam padding that is soft enough to contour and cradle to your body shape. The actual support for the body comes from the air bladder. As Consumer Reports points out; the air mattress does a great job in support (proper spinal alignment). The ILE feels softer and is more level feeling than the i8. The I8 is also soft, but has body zones that makes the mattress feel more hilly. Note that Sleep Number has been working with owners by providing a foam air bladder lift to make the air mattress the same height of the side walls--for those that have a low sleep number setting.

Note the I8 scored #1 in consumer reports scoring 74. The next highest is the Sleep Number C2; both offering very good to excellent scores for side sleeping and back sleeping. The third highest is 71 for an inner spring hybrid mattress.

Both the ILE and I8 are very close in comfort. I prefer the ILE foam for being slightly softer and more level. I can feel the zoned areas pressure when I side sleep. On the other hand, a heavier person or someone with back problems may prefer the additional firmness that the layered zone provides. This is nit picky and if I did not know any better, either ILE or the I8 would suit me just fine.