There is a lot to like about both the P-5 and the P-6 Performance Series mattresses. The popular P-5 is considered, “the perfect balance of softness and pressure relief.” Meanwhile, the P-6 includes a thicker comfort layer and features moisture-wicking fabric.
This review will go over the construction of each mattress, the key similarities and differences, and the key takeaways consumers should know about before making a purchasing decision.
Sleep Number P-5 vs. P-6
Compare the Sleep Number P-5 and P-6 mattresses below to see which may be best for you!Product
Firmness
Score
Sleep Number P-5 vs. P-6
Compare the Sleep Number P-5 and P-6 mattresses below to see which may be best for you!Product
Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsScore
Product
Sleep Number 360 p6 Smart MattressFirmness
Multiple firmness optionsScore
Key Similarities
- DualAir™ adjustability
- Both had proprietary PlushFit foam designed to provide the perfect balance of support and pressure relief
- A variety of standard sizes – including FlexTop
- Individual or dual air chamber options
- 5 zones specifically designed to contour to your head/neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and feet
Both come with these optional features:
- SleepIQ® technology
- FlexFit™ Adjustable Bases
Key Differences
P-5
- European style pillow top design
- 2” of proprietary PlushFit foam
- Mattress fabric is made with a rayon/polypropelene blend for smoothness and durability
- $2699.00 for a Queen
Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Mattress
Material
Other
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Mattress
The Sleep Number 360 p5 is part of the company's Performance Series and is comfortable, supportive, and adjustable.
Material
Other
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sleep Number 360 p5 Smart Mattress
The Sleep Number 360 p5 is part of the company's Performance Series and is comfortable, supportive, and adjustable.
Material
Other
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
P-6
- Plush-style traditional design
- 3” of proprietary PlushFit foam
- Mattress fabric is made with a breathable rayon/polyester knit blend with moisture-wicking technology for a cool sleep surface
- $3199.00 for a Queen
Sleep Number 360 p6 Smart Mattress
Material
Other
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sleep Number 360 p6 Smart Mattress
The Sleep Number P-6 is the nicest model in the Performance Series set of Sleep Number beds. It not only offers** **3? of comfort foam to help relieve pressure along the body, but its knit blend will keep people cool by wicking moisture away.
Material
Other
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sleep Number 360 p6 Smart Mattress
The Sleep Number P-6 is the nicest model in the Performance Series set of Sleep Number beds. It not only offers** **3? of comfort foam to help relieve pressure along the body, but its knit blend will keep people cool by wicking moisture away.
Material
Other
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Flat-rate white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
What Happened During Several Live Chat Sessions
After speaking with Sleep Number Customer Service representatives, I learned about a few extra details and clarifications that may help you decide between a P-5 or a P-6 mattress.
Mattress Top: Both the P-5 and P-6 mattress tops are sewn with 2” of quilting foam. This is about all that the mattress tops have in common as they are sewn with different fabric and designed in different styles.
Popularity: The P-5 model is Sleep Number’s most popular bed. The salesperson I spoke to at a Sleep Number store said it had a good amount of balance between cushion and natural firmness from the air chambers. The P-6 model has an extra inch of comfort foam and a taller mattress profile.
Check out our comprehensive review of Sleep Number
Which Should You Pick?
P-5 if…
You Like Moderate Firmness: The P-5 is a popular bed because it is a good mix between firm and cushioned. You still get some of the natural firmness from the air chambers, but 2″ of PlushFit comfort foam to keep the mattress comfortable and pressure relieving.
You Like European-Style Mattress Tops: The customer service representatives say the European-style mattress top is more luxurious than the ones offered in the Classic Series, like a C-2. The P-6 has a mattress top that is described as Plush-Style.
RELATED: Best Sleep Number Bed Alternatives
P-6 if…
You Sleep Hot: Of the two mattresses, only the P-6 has the rayon/polyester knit blend with built-in moisture wicking technology. This will help keep you cool at night by pulling moisture from sweat or body heat away from your body while you sleep
You Don’t Like a Firm Bed: The P-6 has one inch more foam and therefore, more cushion than the P-5. Since the P-5 is a popular bed, known for keeping a good balance in terms of firmness, going with a P-6 is better for those who want to sink into their bed.
Personal Opinion
When it comes down to comparing the P-5 to the P-6, I like to see what features consumers get for the added price.
The P-5 is $2699.00 for a Queen and the P-6 is $3199.00for a Queen. For an additional $500, you get one additional inch of PlushFit comfort foam and a mattress made from fabric with moisture wicking technology built-in.
If you are a hot sleeper who likes extra cushion, this may be worth the price because of the additional comfort and cooling features. For me, I would rather put that $500 towards an adjustable base, or towards an extra mattress topper or mattress protector that helps you sleep cool. Bottom line: I’d stick with the popular P-5 mattress.