Stearns & Foster Lux Estate vs. Sleep Number i8: Which one is more promising?

I’ve always taken sleep seriously. After all, a good night’s rest can set the tone for the entire day. So, when the time came to bid farewell to my old mattress, I knew I needed something truly exceptional. That’s when I found myself caught between two contenders for the throne of sleep supremacy: Stearns and Foster Lux Estate and Sleep Number i8.

Both promised unparalleled comfort, but which one would truly deliver the ultimate sleep experience?

Previously we discussed Sleep Number P5 vs Purple Restore™ Hybrid Mattress.

Today I’ll delve deep into the realms of luxury mattresses, dissecting every layer, and scrutinizing every feature. I will uncover which one reigns supreme in delivering the ultimate sleep experience.

If you’ve ever found yourself asking the same question, wondering which mattress will whisk you away to dreamland in the most lavish style possible. Then join SmartMattressBuy on this journey as we unravel the mysteries of Stearns and Foster Lux Estate versus Sleep Number i8 showdown.

The Brands behind the Mattresses

Stearns and Foster have been in the mattress business for over 170 years. That’s a lot of time to perfect the art of mattress making. Their Estate collection promises luxury, durability, and exceptional comfort. They pride themselves on handcrafting each mattress with attention to detail.

Sleep Number is known for its innovative approach to sleep. They specialize in adjustable air beds that allow you to customize the firmness on each side of the bed. This brand is all about personalization and technology, offering a unique sleep experience tailored to individual needs.

First Impressions

When I first saw Stearns and Foster Lux Estate, I was impressed by its luxurious appearance. It looks like something out of a five-star hotel. The quilted cover is plush and inviting. You can tell it’s a premium product just by looking at it.

Sleep Number i8 looks modern and sleek. It’s not as visually luxurious as Lux Estate, but it has a clean, contemporary design. The idea of adjustable firmness intrigued me. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

Comfort and Support

Lux Estate mattress is all about indulgence. It features multiple layers of high-quality foam and a robust coil system. The result is a perfect blend of support and softness. When I lay down, I felt cradled and supported in all the right places. It’s especially good for back and stomach sleepers who need a bit more firmness.

The i8 offers a different kind of comfort. It has a dual air chamber system, allowing you to adjust the firmness on each side. My partner prefers a firmer bed, while I like it softer. With the i8, we both got what we wanted. It also has a layer of cooling memory foam, which adds to the comfort level. The ability to customize the feel is a game-changer.

Customization and Technology

While Lux Estate is all about traditional luxury, it doesn’t offer much in terms of customization. What you see is what you get. It’s built for those who prefer a more classic approach to comfort and support.

The i8 shines in customization and technology. You can adjust the firmness with a remote or via a smartphone app. The mattress also tracks your sleep patterns and provides insights to help improve your sleep quality. It’s like having a personal sleep coach. This level of customization is unmatched.

Construction and Material Comparison

Stearns and Foster Lux Estate collection sets a new standard for luxury in the mattress world. Each mattress is meticulously crafted with the finest materials. The hand-tufted, cool-to-the-touch surface adds a touch of elegance, providing a competitive edge over many market competitors. The mattress features IntelliCoil® innerspring, premium memory foam, and a hand-built pillow top for pressure-relieving support.

Stearns and Foster Key Features:

• IntelliCoil® Innersprings: Dual-coil design for superior support and durability.
• TEMPUR-Indulge™ Memory Foam: Developed by Tempur-Pedic® for enhanced pressure relief and comfort.
• TENCEL™ Cover: Wicks away moisture for a cool, dry sleep environment.
• Hand-Tufted Finish: Ensures a durable, high-quality build.

Sleep Number i8 mattress offers a modern approach to sleep with its adjustable air chambers and proprietary technology. Each side of the bed can be customized to an individual’s preferred firmness level, making it a great choice for couples with differing sleep preferences.

Sleep Number Key Features:

• Dual Air Chambers: Allow for individualized firmness settings on each side of the bed.
• Responsive Air Technology: Adjusts to your movements to maintain support and comfort.
• Temperature Balancing Sleep Surface: Helps regulate body temperature throughout the night.
• Foam Comfort Layers: Provide additional support and pressure relief.

Firmness

Stearns and Foster Lux Estate mattresses offer a range of firmness options to suit different preferences and sleeping positions.

Options:

• Medium (6-7 out of 10): Strikes a balance between support and comfort, ideal for various sleep positions.
• Pillow Top Firm (8/10): Combines pillow-top plushness with firm support, suitable for different sleeping styles.
• Pillow Top Soft (2/10): Ultra-soft, perfect for side sleepers seeking cushioned comfort.
• Pillow Top Medium (4-5 out of 10): Medium-level softness with added pillow-top comfort, a middle ground for different sleepers.

Sleep Number i8 allows users to customize firmness at any time, offering a truly personalized sleep experience.

Firmness Range:

• Adjustable: From very soft to very firm (0-100 scale).
• Dual Adjustability: Each side can be independently adjusted, making it perfect for couples.

Mattress Performance

Stearns and Foster Lux Estate

• Lux Estate features a cool-to-the-touch cover and an AirVent system that promotes airflow, preventing heat buildup.
• The Precision Edge™ high-density innerspring border provides durable support, ensuring the mattress retains its shape over time.
• Lux Estate’s IntelliCoil® system and memory foam layers minimize motion transfer, making it a great option for couples.

Sleep Number i8

• The i8’s temperature balancing sleep surface helps maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature.
• The edge support in the i8 is decent but not as robust as in traditional innerspring mattresses.
• The dual air chambers in the i8 offer excellent motion isolation, ensuring minimal disturbance from a restless partner.

Pressure Relief

Lux Estate mattress excels in pressure relief, thanks to its IntelliCoil® innersprings and TEMPUR-Indulge™ Memory Foam. This combination ensures a balanced distribution of body weight, reducing stress on pressure points like the shoulders and hips.

Enhanced Features:

• 15% More Specialty Materials: Provides additional pressure relief and comfort.
• Hand-Built Pillow Top: Adds an extra layer of cushioning for a more restful sleep.

The i8’s air chamber technology allows for customizable pressure relief. By adjusting the firmness, users can target specific pressure points, making it suitable for a wide range of sleepers.

Key Benefits:

• Responsive Air Technology: Adjusts to your movements, maintaining support and pressure relief throughout the night.
• Foam Comfort Layers: Enhance the mattress’s ability to relieve pressure points.

Motion Isolation

Lux Estate offers superior motion isolation due to its hybrid construction of innersprings and memory foam. This feature is especially beneficial for couples, as it minimizes disturbances caused by a partner’s movements during the night.

The i8 excels in motion isolation thanks to its dual air chambers. Each side of the bed can move independently, significantly reducing the likelihood of disturbances from a restless partner.

Edge Support

Lux Estate’s edge support is one of its standout features. The Precision Edge™ system ensures that the mattress maintains its shape and support even when you sit or sleep near the edge. This feature is particularly useful for those who like to use the full surface area of the mattress.

While the i8 offers good edge support, it may not be as robust as Lux Estate’s. The air chamber design provides decent support but can’t quite match the firmness of traditional innerspring edges.

Ease of Movement

Lux Estate provides ease of movement with its responsive design. The combination of memory foam and innersprings ensures that the mattress adapts to your movements, making it easy to change positions without feeling stuck.

The i8 also allows for easy movement, thanks to its adjustable air chambers. However, some might find the transition between firmness levels slightly less smooth than Lux Estate’s innerspring response.

Durability and Quality

Lux Estate is built to last. The craftsmanship is evident in every stitch. The high-quality materials and robust coil system mean it can withstand years of use without sagging. Stearns and Foster offer a generous warranty, reflecting their confidence in the product’s durability.

The i8 is also designed for longevity. The air chambers and high-density foam are durable. However, because it relies on technology, there’s a bit more maintenance involved. You’ll need to occasionally recalibrate the firmness and update the software. Sleep Number also provides a solid warranty, but it’s essential to follow their care instructions to keep the mattress in top shape.

Price and Value

Lux Estate is a significant investment. It’s priced at the higher end of the market, reflecting its premium materials and craftsmanship. If you’re looking for traditional luxury and are willing to pay for it, Lux Estate is worth every penny.

The i8 is also pricey, but its value lies in the customization and technology. You’re paying for a personalized sleep experience and advanced features. If you and your partner have different sleep preferences, the i8 can be a worthwhile investment.

Sleep Experience

Sleeping on Lux Estate feels like being cocooned in luxury. The combination of plush foams and sturdy coils provides a balanced feel. I woke up feeling refreshed and supported. It’s a fantastic option for those who love a traditional, luxurious bed.

Sleeping on the i8 is unique. The ability to adjust the firmness to my liking and change it when needed is fantastic. I also appreciated the cooling memory foam, which kept me comfortable throughout the night. The sleep tracking feature helped me understand my sleep patterns better and make necessary adjustments.

Recommendation Based on Sleeping Style: Stearns and Foster Lux Estate vs. Sleep Number i8 Mattress

1. Side Sleepers:

For side sleepers, pressure relief and contouring support are paramount to ensure a comfortable night’s rest. The Stearns & Foster Lux Estate mattress, with its plush comfort layers and zoned support system, excels in providing the necessary cushioning for hips and shoulders. The additional TEMPUR-Indulge™ Memory Foam in Lux Estate version enhances pressure relief, making it an ideal choice for side sleepers seeking optimal comfort.

Key Features for Side Sleepers:

• Zoned Support: Extra support for hips and shoulders.
• Comfort Layers: Plush upholstery for contouring comfort.
• Pressure Relief: Alleviates common pressure points.
• Motion Isolation: Minimizes disturbances for undisturbed sleep.
• Different Firmness Options: Available in softer to medium firmness.

As for Sleep Number, their adjustable beds, including the i8 model, offer customizable firmness settings that cater to side sleepers’ needs. By adjusting the mattress’s firmness level, side sleepers can find the perfect balance of support and comfort to relieve pressure points and promote better sleep quality.

2. Stomach Sleepers:

Stomach sleepers require a firm mattress to prevent excessive sinkage and maintain proper spinal alignment. The Stearns & Foster Estate Collection, with its medium to firm support and zoned lumbar reinforcement, offers the necessary support to keep the hips elevated and the spine aligned. The mattress’s versatile design caters to various sleep styles, ensuring stomach sleepers find the right balance of firmness and support.

Key Features for Stomach Sleepers:

• Firmness Options: Medium to firm support.
• Zoned Support: Prevents excessive sinkage in the midsection.
• Pressure Distribution: Even weight distribution reduces discomfort.
• Lumbar Support: Maintains neutral spine alignment.
• Quality Materials: Premium construction for durability and support.

Similarly, Sleep Number’s i8 mattress allows stomach sleepers to adjust the firmness level to their preference, ensuring optimal support and alignment for a restful night’s sleep.

3. Back Sleepers:

Back sleepers require a mattress that promotes proper spinal alignment and offers adequate lumbar support. The Stearns & Foster Estate Collection, with its zoned support system and targeted lumbar reinforcement, ensures the natural curvature of the spine is maintained. The mattress’s motion isolation capabilities guarantee minimal disruption from partner movements, providing back sleepers with an undisturbed night’s rest.

Key Features for Back Sleepers:

• Zoned Support: Reinforcement for optimal lumbar support.
• Lumbar Support: Maintains natural spine curvature.
• Pressure Relief: Even weight distribution reduces pressure points.
• Firmness Options: Medium to firm support levels available.
• Motion Isolation: Minimizes disturbances for uninterrupted sleep.

Sleep Number’s i8 mattress provides customizable firmness settings, allowing back sleepers to find the perfect balance of support and comfort. With its motion isolation capabilities, the i8 mattress ensures minimal disturbances from partner movements, guaranteeing an undisturbed night’s rest for back sleepers.

When choosing between the Stearns and Foster Lux Estate and Sleep Number i8 mattresses, consider your sleeping style and specific comfort preferences. Both options offer innovative features and premium materials designed to enhance your sleep experience. Whether you’re a side, stomach, or back sleeper, there’s a mattress that caters to your unique needs and ensures a blissful night’s sleep.

Understanding Sleep Number i8: A Comprehensive Overview of a Smart Bed

A smart bed is a technologically advanced mattress that incorporates sensors, adjustable features, and connectivity to improve and personalize your sleep experience. These beds often monitor your sleep patterns, adjust to your comfort needs, and provide data and insights to help you optimize your rest. Let’s see how Sleep Number i8 fits this definition.

Sleep Number i8 as a Smart Bed

• Adjustable Firmness

Sleep Number i8 features adjustable firmness levels, allowing you to change the mattress’s support and comfort settings. Using Sleep Number app or a remote, you can adjust the bed to your preferred firmness level, from soft to firm. This personalization is a key aspect of smart beds, catering to individual sleep needs.

• SleepIQ® Technology

Sleep Number i8 comes equipped with SleepIQ® technology, which tracks and monitors your sleep. It uses sensors embedded in the mattress to gather data on your heart rate, breathing, and movement throughout the night. This data is then analyzed to provide you with a SleepIQ® score, offering insights into your sleep quality and suggestions for improvement.

• Dual Adjustability

One standout feature of Sleep Number i8 is its dual adjustability. This allows each side of the bed to be independently adjusted. This is particularly beneficial for couples, as each person can set their side of the bed to their desired firmness without affecting their partner’s comfort.

• Responsive Air® Technology

The i8’s Responsive Air® technology automatically adjusts the mattress’s firmness as you change positions during the night. This ensures consistent comfort and support, adapting to your body’s needs in real-time.

• Temperature Balancing

Sleep Number i8 also features temperature balancing technology. Its surface is designed to absorb excess heat and release it to keep you at a comfortable temperature throughout the night. This feature enhances the smart bed’s ability to create an optimal sleep environment.

• Integration with Smart Home Devices

The i8 can be integrated with other smart home devices, such as smart speakers and lights. You can control your bed settings using voice commands or automate adjustments based on your daily routine.

Benefits of Sleep Number i8 as a Smart Bed

1. Personalized Comfort: The adjustable firmness and dual adjustability cater to individual preferences, providing personalized comfort for a better sleep experience.
2. Health Insights: SleepIQ® technology gives you detailed insights into your sleep patterns, helping you understand your sleep health and make informed adjustments.
3. Enhanced Sleep Quality: With features like Responsive Air® technology and temperature balancing, the i8 ensures you stay comfortable throughout the night, which can improve sleep quality.
4. Convenience: Integration with smart home devices and the ability to adjust settings remotely add a layer of convenience, making it easy to tailor your sleep environment to your needs.

Sleep Number i8 epitomizes what a smart bed is by combining advanced technology with adjustable comfort features to offer a highly personalized and optimized sleep experience.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Stearns and Foster Lux Estate and Sleep Number i8 comes down to personal preference and specific sleep needs. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

Choose Stearns and Foster Lux Estate if:

• You prefer the traditional feel of a hybrid mattress.
• Edge support is a priority.
• You want a mattress with superior pressure relief and cooling features.
• You enjoy the added luxury of hand-crafted details.

Choose Sleep Number i8 if:

• You need customizable firmness levels.
• You and your partner have different sleep preferences.
• You prioritize motion isolation.
• You want a modern, technology-driven sleep experience.

Both mattresses offer exceptional quality and comfort, but understanding your personal sleep needs will help you make the best choice. Whether you lean towards the handcrafted luxury of Stearns and Foster or the high-tech customization of Sleep Number, a good night’s sleep is within reach.

Read More Mattress Comparison on Smartmattressbuy.com

Stearns & Foster vs. Sleep Number: FAQs

1. What mattress is better than Sleep Number?

Many alternatives to Sleep Number mattresses exist, each offering unique features. iSense beds are often considered the best alternative due to their adjustable features and firmness settings that alleviate pressure points, back pain, and allow for complete sleep customization, regardless of your sleep position.

2. Why is iSense the best Sleep Number bed alternative?

iSense beds stand out because they offer similar adjustable features and firmness settings as Sleep Number, making them ideal for relieving pressure points, easing back pain, and providing total customization for your sleep experience.

3. What is the lifespan of a Sleep Number bed?

Sleep Number bed comes with a 15-Year Limited Warranty and is designed to last 15 years or more. While ordinary mattresses need replacing every 8-10 years, Sleep Number beds offer a longer lifespan, with any warranted repairs or replacements fully covered in the first year, and then prorated based on the purchase date.

4. Do you rotate a Stearns and Foster mattress?

Yes, it is recommended to rotate your Stearns & Foster mattress regularly. This practice helps refresh its comfort and extends its lifespan, as the multiple layers of upholstery padding are designed to enhance comfort and support performance over time.

5. Do Stearns and Foster mattresses have fiberglass?

No, Stearns & Foster mattresses do not contain any form of fiberglass. Instead, they use a flame barrier made from a blend of rayon and polyester in every mattress to ensure safety without compromising on comfort.

6. What is the average life of a Stearns and Foster mattress?

Stearns & Foster mattresses are designed to maintain their shape and support for up to 10 years, which is longer than the average mattress lifespan of 6 to 8 years. To extend the life of your Stearns & Foster bed, it’s recommended to rotate it frequently and use a mattress protector.

7. Who is Sleep Number’s biggest competitor?

Several brands compete with Sleep Number, including:

• Nectar: Known for comfort-focused mattresses.
• Helix: Offers a wide range of mattresses for different sleep needs.
• Leesa
• DreamCloud
• WinkBeds
• Puffy

8. What mattress is comparable to a Stearns and Foster?

Competitors like WinkBeds and Helix offer similar features such as cooling layers, pressure relief, and motion isolation. However, Stearns & Foster holds patents on many of their design aspects, such as their coils, meaning specific elements of their mattresses may not be exactly replicated by other brands.