If you're considering the purchase of an air bed, Sleep Number by Select Comfort is possibly the best known and most reliable choice for your purchase. The company has 478 retail stores across the continent, 24-hour phone support, a full website and a 20-year limited warranty. Because of these features and their quality levels, Select Comfort is generally recognized as representing the premier national air bed brand.

Keep reading for a helpful review of the Sleep Number mattress features, different models and where you can buy this innovative product.

Overview of the Product

The main selling point that attracts customers to the Sleep Number air bed is the remote controlled firmness settings. Each sleeper is able to control the firmness on their own side of the bed, inflating and deflating their individual air chambers at will.

Basically, the bed works because it has two separate air bladders in the air bed. Sleep Number settings then mean that when a sleeper increases their sleep number, the bed inflates with air and increases in firmness. When a sleeper decreases their sleep number, the bed deflates. A person must, however, be lying on the bed while adjusting the air level so the firmness can take into account your weight and size.

Finally, the cosmetic features on the Sleep Number bed include Belgian Damask quilted fabric tops, plush stitching, pillow top design and quality construction throughout. Typically, the cover is also washable on most models.

Available Models

The Sleep Number Bed comes in 6 different models - the Sleep Number 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000 and 9000.

The Sleep Number 3000 is the company's basic model. The key differences between it and higher level models are mattress height, materials, pillow-top inclusion and the fabric used to cover the mattress.

Cost of the Select Comfort Bed

A basic, twin air bed Sleep Number model will cost a mere $450. However, the King-sized Sleep Number 9000 will set you back approximately $600 to $4700 depending on accessories. Most purchasers will find the cost of the upper end models a bit too high for a bed.

Where to Buy

Customers can purchase a Select Comfort bed directly from their website (selectcomfort.com). Alternatively, you can call their 24-hour customer sales and service line at 1-888-411-2188 and order over the phone.

Alternatively, customers can also purchase an air bed at one of Select Comfort's 478 stores across Canada and the United States. Visiting a bricks-and-mortar retail location allows you to try out the bed for yourself and even see inside an air bed. Sleep Number stores also sell a wide variety of air bed accessories, like pillows, bedding and other customized products.

You must be cautious in your purchase decision, though. The company warranty permits the return of your bed within 30 days of purchase. However, you will be responsible for the return shipping cost - a not-so-cheap expense for something with a lot of weight and bulk.