Helix Sunset vs. Sleep Number P6 – Which one gives you better Sleep?

Finding the perfect mattress is a journey many of us know all too well. After years of tossing and turning, I decided to dive into two highly-regarded contenders: Helix Sunset and Sleep Number P6.

But which one truly offers the best night’s sleep?

Before you head on to the in-depth comparison of Helix Sunset vs. Sleep Number P6, look into our Best Time to Buy Page for exciting deals.

Helix Sunset Overview

Helix Sunset is renowned for its plush comfort, making it a top choice for side sleepers. This hybrid mattress combines memory foam with innerspring coils, creating a balance of softness and support. Here’s a closer look at its features:

• Soft, Breathable Cover: Promotes airflow and keeps you cool.
• Copper Gel Memory Foam: Offers pressure relief and contours to your body.
• Transition Layer: Provides ergonomic support with a softer feel.
• Individually Wrapped Coils: Ensure cradling support and reduce motion transfer.
• DuraDense Foam Base: Adds durability and support.

Helix Sunset Luxe, a step up from the standard model, includes additional features like a thicker build, zoned lumbar support, and a cooling cover.

Key Features of Helix Sunset

1. 1. Construction and Materials:

• Cover: The mattress features a breathable cover designed to promote airflow and keep the sleeper cool throughout the night.
• Comfort Layer: The top layer is made of Memory Plus Foam, which provides a soft and plush feel while offering pressure relief to key areas such as shoulders and hips.
• Transition Layer: Below the comfort layer is Helix Dynamic Foam, which provides ergonomic support and additional comfort.
• Support Layer: The base layer consists of high-grade polyfoam that ensures durability and stability.
• Durability: The use of high-quality materials ensures the longevity of the mattress.

2. Firmness and Comfort:

• Helix Sunset is categorized as a soft mattress, making it ideal for side sleepers who need a softer surface to cushion their shoulders and hips.
• The Memory Plus Foam contours to the body, providing a hugging sensation that many side sleepers find comfortable.

3. Support and Pressure Relief:

• The combination of Memory Plus Foam and Helix Dynamic Foam provides excellent pressure relief, particularly for side sleepers.
• The mattress is designed to alleviate stress on the pressure points, ensuring a comfortable and pain-free sleep experience.

4. Cooling Technology:

• The breathable cover and the construction of the foam layers help in maintaining a cool sleeping environment, which is essential for hot sleepers.

5. Motion Isolation:

• Helix Sunset excels in motion isolation, making it a great option for couples. The foam layers absorb movement, preventing disturbances from a partner’s movements during the night.

6. Edge Support:

• The mattress provides decent edge support, allowing sleepers to utilize the full surface area without feeling like they might roll off.

7. Customizability:

• Helix offers a Sleep Quiz that helps in customizing the mattress to suit individual needs based on body type, sleep position, and preferences.

8. Warranty and Trial Period:

• Helix offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty, giving customers ample time to test the mattress and ensuring peace of mind regarding its durability.

Sleep Number P6 Overview

Sleep Number mattresses are famous for their adjustable air chambers. Allowing you to customize your firmness level. The P6 model stands out for its versatility and luxury. Here’s what you get with Sleep Number P6:

• DualAir™ Adjustability: Lets you set your firmness from soft to firm at the touch of a button.
• Responsive Air Technology: Adjusts automatically to your movements throughout the night.
• Plush Comfort Layer: Provides pressure relief and a cozy feel.
• Breathable Fabric: Helps regulate temperature for a cool night’s sleep.
• SleepIQ® Technology: Tracks your sleep and provides insights for better rest.

Key Features of Sleep Number 360® p6

1. Construction and Materials:

• Mattress Profile: The 360® p6 mattress stands at 11 inches tall, offering a plush feel combined with robust support.
• Cover: Made from a rayon/polypropylene blend, the cover is designed for breathability and durability.
• Comfort Layer: The p6 features 5 inches of comfort foam, including Coolgenex and Ergonomex foams. Coolgenex foam, infused with graphite, helps in heat dissipation, while Ergonomex provides additional support and comfort.
• Air Chambers: The mattress contains 24-gauge vulcanized rubber air chambers with cotton fabric exteriors, allowing for precise firmness adjustments via a remote control or app.

2. Firmness and Comfort:

• Sleep Number 360® p6 offers adjustable firmness, ranging from very soft to very firm, catering to a wide range of sleep preferences. Most users find their ideal Sleep Number setting between 30 and 60.
• The bed’s firmness can be customized independently for each side, making it ideal for couples with different firmness preferences.

3. Support and Pressure Relief:

• The p6 targets six body zones: head, neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and knees, ensuring comprehensive support and pressure relief.
• The Responsive Air™ technology automatically adjusts firmness throughout the night based on body movements, maintaining optimal support and comfort.

4. Cooling Technology:

• The Coolgenex foam is designed to pull heat away from the body, ensuring a cooler sleeping experience, which is beneficial for hot sleepers.

5. Smart Features:

• Responsive Air™ Technology: This feature senses and responds to body movements, adjusting firmness to enhance comfort and support.
• SleepIQ® Technology: The bed integrates with the SleepIQ® app, tracking sleep patterns, movements, heart rate, and breathing. This data helps users understand their sleep quality and make adjustments to improve it.
• Snore Support: When paired with the FlexFit adjustable bases, the bed can detect snoring and automatically adjust the angle to alleviate it.

6. Base Options:

• FlexFit™ Bases: There are three options—FlexFit™ 1, 2, and 3, offering various levels of adjustability, including head and foot elevation, zero-gravity feel, and massage features.
• Modular Base: A more affordable option that provides firm support similar to a traditional box spring.
• Compatibility: The mattress can also be used with other firm, non-spring foundations like platform beds.

7. Motion Isolation:

• The p6 provides excellent motion isolation due to its air chambers, making it ideal for couples who are sensitive to each other’s movements.

8. Edge Support:

• Edge support is robust due to the dual air chambers, providing stability even when sleeping or sitting near the edge.

9. Warranty and Trial Period:

• Sleep Number offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 25-year limited warranty, with full coverage for the first two years and pro-rated coverage thereafter.

10. Pricing and Sizes:

• The p6 is available in Twin XL, Queen, King, and California King sizes, with prices ranging from $2,499 to $3,599. Financing options are available for those who prefer to spread the cost over time.

Key Comparisons of Helix Sunset and Sleep Number 360® p6

Comfort and Support

Helix Sunset excels in plushness. Ideal for side sleepers who crave a hugging feel around their hips and shoulders.

In contrast, Sleep Number P6’s adjustability offers tailored support for all sleeping positions. If you share your bed, the dual adjustability feature of the P6 can be a game-changer, letting each partner set their own firmness.

Pressure Relief Helix Sunset:

• Best for: Side sleepers needing relief at pressure points like shoulders and hips.
• Support: The mattress provides ergonomic support with its multi-layer foam construction.

Pressure Relief Sleep Number 360® p6:

• Best for: Sleepers requiring precise, adjustable support and those with varying firmness needs.
• Support: The p6 targets six body zones and features Responsive Air™ technology for adaptive support throughout the night.

Both mattresses offer excellent pressure relief, but they achieve it differently. Helix Sunset uses memory foam to alleviate pressure points. Making it a great choice for those with joint pain.

Sleep Number P6, with its adjustable air chambers. Allows you to find the perfect balance of firmness and softness, providing customized pressure relief.

Cooling Technology Helix Sunset:

• Cooling Features: Breathable cover and foam layers designed to promote airflow and dissipate heat.

Cooling Technology Sleep Number 360® p6:

• Cooling Features: Coolgenex foam infused with graphite for enhanced heat dissipation and a cooler sleeping surface.

For hot sleepers, Helix Sunset’s breathable cover and hybrid design enhance airflow. The Sunset Luxe takes it a notch higher with a cooling cover and zoned support for better temperature regulation.

Sleep Number P6 also performs well in this category, thanks to its breathable fabric and the airflow within the air chambers.

Motion Isolation Helix Sunset:

• Performance: Excellent, due to the multi-layer foam construction, making it suitable for couples.

Motion Isolation Sleep Number 360® p6:

• Performance: Superior, with dual air chambers providing individualized support and minimizing motion transfer.

Motion isolation is crucial if you sleep with a partner. Helix Sunset’s memory foam and pocketed coils work together to minimize movement transfer. Sleep Number P6 also performs well here, especially with each side of the bed being independently adjustable.

Firmness and Comfort Helix Sunset:

• Firmness Level: Soft
• Ideal for: Side sleepers who prefer a plush and hugging sensation.
• Comfort Layers: Memory Plus Foam and Helix Dynamic Foam provide a soft feel with good pressure relief.

Firmness and Comfort Sleep Number 360® p6:

• Firmness Level: Adjustable (1-100)
• Ideal for: Sleepers who prefer the ability to customize their firmness level.
• Comfort Layers: 5 inches of Coolgenex and Ergonomex foams offer a medium-firm feel with temperature regulation and pressure relief.

Base Compatibility Helix Sunset:

• Compatibility: Works with most standard bed frames, including platform beds and adjustable bases.

Base Compatibility Sleep Number 360® p6:

• Compatibility: Best paired with Sleep Number’s FlexFit adjustable bases but can also be used with firm, non-spring foundations.

Edge Support Helix Sunset:

• Performance: Good, offering stability and support near the edges.

Edge Support Sleep Number 360® p6:

• Performance: Excellent, with firm edge support due to the dual air chamber construction.

Smart Features Helix Sunset:

• Smart Features: None. Helix Sunset focuses on traditional comfort and support without smart technology.

Smart Features Sleep Number 360® p6:

• Smart Features: Includes Responsive Air™ technology, SleepIQ® technology for sleep tracking, and snore support when paired with FlexFit bases.

Durability

• Both mattresses are built to last, but their constructions differ. Helix Sunset, with its hybrid design, offers robust support through its coil system, while Sleep Number P6’s durability comes from its high-quality air chambers and advanced technology.

Price and Value Helix Sunset:

• Price Range: Moderate, generally more affordable than high-tech smart beds.
• Financing: Available through various payment plans.

ce and Value Sleep Number 360® p6:

• Price Range: Higher, reflecting its advanced technology and features.
• Financing: Multiple options available, including 24-month, 36-month, and 48-month plans.

Price is often a deciding factor. Helix Sunset is generally more affordable, with the standard model starting at $1,199 for a queen and the Luxe version at $2,049. Sleep Number P6 is pricier, reflecting its advanced technology and customization features, starting at $2,499 for a queen.

Warranty and Trial Period Helix Sunset:

• Sleep Trial: 100 nights
• Warranty: 10 years

Warranty and Trial Period Sleep Number 360® p6:

• Sleep Trial: 100 nights
• Warranty: 25 years (limited), with full coverage for the first two years and pro-rated coverage thereafter.

Final Verdict

Helix Sunset:

• Best Suited For: Side sleepers who prefer a soft, plush feel with excellent pressure relief.
• Key Advantages: Affordability, excellent motion isolation, and a traditional mattress experience with a focus on comfort and support.

Helix Sunset Luxe Suitability

Helix Sunset Luxe is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some key considerations:

1. Target Audience:

• Side Sleepers: Helix Sunset Luxe is designed primarily for side sleepers who prefer a softer mattress. Its plush feel helps alleviate pressure on the shoulders and hips, making it an excellent choice for this sleeping position.

2. Mattress Firmness:

• Softer Mattress: The Sunset Luxe is one of the softer options in Helix lineup. People who prefer a firmer feel or need more support, such as back or stomach sleepers, may find it too soft.

3. Material Preferences:

• Memory Foam: The Sunset Luxe includes memory foam, which can be a divisive material. While it provides excellent contouring and pressure relief, some people might not like its slower response time and the “sinking” sensation. Those who prefer a more neutral feel might find this mattress less appealing.

4. General Accommodations:

• Neutral Beds: For a broader range of preferences and sleeping positions, a mattress with a medium firmness profile is often more suitable. Neutral beds tend to accommodate the widest variety of sleepers, offering a balance of support and comfort.

Sleep Number 360® p6:

• Best Suited For: Sleepers looking for customizable firmness, advanced smart features, and comprehensive sleep tracking.
• Key Advantages: Adjustable firmness, advanced cooling, and smart technology for personalized sleep analysis and adjustments.

Sleep Number 360® p6 Suitability

Sleep Number 360® p6 is an innovative and versatile mattress, but like any product, it may not be the right fit for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive look at its suitability based on various factors:

Adjustability

1. Customizable Firmness:

• Wide Range of Preferences: One of the standout features of Sleep Number 360® p6 is its adjustable firmness. Users can set their preferred Sleep Number setting from 1 to 100, making it suitable for a wide range of firmness preferences. This customization can cater to back, side, and stomach sleepers alike.
• DualAir Technology: For couples, the dual air chambers in Queen, King, and California King sizes allow each partner to adjust their side of the bed independently, reducing the need for compromise on mattress firmness.

2. Responsive Air™ Technology:

• Automatic Adjustments: The Responsive Air™ technology continuously adjusts the bed’s firmness in response to the sleeper’s movements throughout the night, ensuring optimal comfort and support. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who experience frequent changes in their sleeping positions.

Target Audience

1. Back Sleepers:

• Medium Firmness: The p6, with its medium firmness, is especially suitable for back sleepers who require a balance of support and comfort to maintain proper spinal alignment.

2. Side Sleepers:

• Pressure Relief: The 5 inches of comfort foam in the p6 provides excellent pressure relief for side sleepers, particularly around the shoulders and hips.

3. Couples:

• Individual Adjustments: The dual air chambers make this mattress a great option for couples with differing firmness preferences. Additionally, the mattress minimizes motion transfer, ensuring undisturbed sleep for both partners.

Material Preferences

1. Coolgenex Foam:

• Temperature Regulation: The p6 features Coolgenex foam infused with graphite, which helps to draw heat away from the body. This is a significant advantage for individuals who tend to sleep hot.

2. Ergonomex Foam:

• Contour and Support: The combination of Coolgenex and Ergonomex foams provides a supportive yet contouring surface, which can be appealing to those who prefer a memory foam-like feel without the associated heat retention.

Smart Features

1. Sleep Tracking:

• SleepIQ® Technology: Integrated with SleepIQ® technology, the p6 tracks various sleep metrics, including breathing, heart rate, and movement. This can be invaluable for individuals who want to monitor and improve their sleep quality.
• Connected Apps: The data from SleepIQ® can be integrated with other health apps, such as Apple® Health and Fitbit®, providing a comprehensive overview of one’s health and wellness.

2. Snore Detection:

• Snore Response: When paired with the FlexFit™ 2 or 3 adjustable bases, the bed can detect snoring and automatically adjust the bed’s angle to help reduce snoring. This feature can be particularly beneficial for couples where one partner is a snorer.

Potential Drawbacks

1. Complexity:

• Learning Curve: The technological features and adjustability options might be overwhelming for some users, particularly those who prefer a more straightforward mattress without too many bells and whistles.

2. Price Point:

• Cost: Sleep Number 360® p6 is on the higher end of the price spectrum, with prices ranging from $2,499 to $3,599 depending on the size. While financing options are available, the cost may still be a barrier for some.

3. Sagging Issue:

• Air Chambers: Some users have reported a slight sagging in the middle of the bed, especially if there is a significant difference in Sleep Number settings on either side. This might be a concern for those who frequently sleep alone in a larger bed.

4. Odor:

• Off-Gassing: A few users have mentioned an initial chemical-like smell, likely due to the fire retardant spray used on the mattress. This smell typically dissipates over time but can be bothersome initially.

Which Mattress is Right for You?

If you’re a side sleeper who loves a plush, contouring feel, Helix Sunset is an excellent choice. It’s also a great option if you’re looking for a high-quality mattress without breaking the bank.

On the other hand, if you value adjustability and technology, Sleep Number P6 might be worth the investment. It’s perfect for couples with different firmness preferences or anyone who likes to tweak their mattress settings for optimal comfort.

In the end, it comes down to your personal preferences and sleep needs. Both Helix Sunset and Sleep Number P6 offer unique benefits that can transform your sleep experience.

Which one will you choose for a better night’s sleep?

Read More Mattress Comparison on Smartmattressbuy.com

Helix Sunset and Sleep Number 360® p6 FAQs

1. How does Helix Sunset mattress ship?

• Helix Sunset mattress ships compressed and rolled in a box for easy delivery and setup. It typically arrives within 3-7 business days after ordering.

2. Do I need to use a box spring with Helix Sunset?

• No, you do not need to use a box spring with Helix Sunset. It is compatible with various foundations, including platform beds, slatted bed frames with no more than 5 inches between the slats, and adjustable bases.

3. What is the preferred Helix mattress?

• The “preferred” Helix mattress depends on individual sleep choices and needs. For side sleepers who prefer a softer mattress, Helix Sunset or Helix Sunset Luxe may be the best option. For those needing a firmer feel, other models like Helix Midnight or Helix Dawn might be more suitable.

4. How does Sleep Number 360® p6 mattress adjust while I am sleeping?

• Sleep Number 360® p6 mattress features Responsive Air™ technology. This technology senses and responds to the movements of the sleeper, automatically adjusting the bed’s level of comfort and support. Pressure sensors in the air chambers detect these movements to provide adaptive support throughout the night.

5. How does a sleeper determine their Sleep Number?

• Sleep Number settings range from 1 to 100, with higher numbers indicating a firmer mattress. You can find your specific Sleep Number setting by visiting a Sleep Number retail showroom or by using the SleepIQ® app at home, which guides you through the process of finding your optimal Sleep Number setting.