Adjustable beds have grown increasingly popular in recent years, offering customizable comfort and therapeutic benefits. Two of the top brands in the adjustable bed sphere are Sven & Son and Sleep Number. But how exactly do these bed brands stack up?
This guide provides an in-depth comparison of Sven & Son vs Sleep Number adjustable beds across factors like price, features, quality, and more.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Sven & Son | Sleep Number |
| Mattress Types | Foam, latex, hybrid mattresses | Firmness-adjustable air chambers |
| Frame Material | Wooden frames | Metal inner frames |
| Bed Heights | 10″ to 18″ | Set heights: 12″, 15″, 18″ |
| Special Features | Full-body massage, colored lighting | Wave massage (foot only), gentle lighting |
| Warranties | 5-15 years | 25 years |
| Return Policies | 60-90 days | 100 days |
| Discounts | Modest sales | Frequent discounts up to $1,000 off |
| Shipping | Charges apply | Free shipping |
Overview and Background
Sven & Son
Founded in 1925 in Sweden, Sven & Son is one of the older and more established adjustable bed manufacturers. They specialize solely in adjustable bases and mattresses, offering premium customization.
Their beds feature Swedish craftsmanship with high-end designs. Most of their adjustable beds use quality steel and wood frames paired with latex or foam mattresses. They also have adjustable bed frames compatible with your own mattress.
Key Features:
- Range of all-foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses
- variety of bed frames and base styles
- Head and foot articulation
- Massage, USB ports, lighting in some models
- Bed height ranges from 10” to 18”
- 5-15 year limited warranties
Price Range: $1,500 – $4,500
Sleep Number
As one of the largest and most recognizable mattress manufacturers, Sleep Number entered the adjustable bed scene in 2014. Their bases integrate with their signature firmness-adjustable air beds.
They use flexible air chambers and firmness settings ranging from plush to firm. Sleep Number beds also include adjustable bases made to pair with your own mattress.
Key Features:
- Air chamber mattresses with adjustable firmness
- Variety of mattress materials including foam, latex, gel
- Head and foot tilt, massage, lighting, USB ports
- Bed heights from 12” to 18”
- 25 year limited warranty on beds
Price Range: $1,100 to $3,200
Comparison of Adjustable Bed Frame Construction
The bed base and frame play a big role in stability, height, appearance, and features. Sven & Son uses wooden frames on most adjustable bed models which look attractive but are heavy.
Sleep Number bases feature metal inner frames making them lighter weight. However, the wood Sven frames may hold up better against repeated adjustments.
Sven also offers bed legs ranging from 10” to 18” tall. Meanwhile, Sleep Number bases come in set 12”, 15”, and 18” heights. The ability to raise the bed height makes getting in and out of bed easier. This is especially important for those with mobility issues.
Both brands allow for head and foot tilt with angles suitable for comfortable sitting and lounging. And they include models with or without attached mattresses. Their adjustable frames without mattresses have retention systems to hold your own mattress in place securely.
Integrated Mattress Types Comparison
One differentiator between these brands lies in the mattresses.
Sven uses a range of high-density foam, latex foam, and coil mattresses.
These include synthetic and natural materials for pressure relief.
Their mattresses match the base sizes ranging from Twin XL to Split California King.
Sleep Number exclusively uses their proprietary air chamber mattresses. Chambers provide ergonomic alignment by customizing firmness on each side. The firmness adjusts based on sleep position and joint pressure for comfort.
Their beds utilize foam, gel and latex layers over the air chambers. But what you gain in customization from Sleep Number, you sacrifice in natural materials only found in Sven mattresses.
Special Features
Today’s adjustable beds provide much more beyond just head and foot articulation. Various lifestyle features now integrate directly into the bed bases. Both Sven & Son and Sleep Number design these special features to optimize comfort and convenience.
- Massage
Integrated massage motos provide in-bed massages. Select Sven bases offer full-body massage with multiple programs. While Sleep Number beds have wave massage exclusively in the foot area. Massage benefits include pain relief, relaxation, and improved circulation.
- Lighting
Much like massage, ambient bed lighting aims to generate optimal sleep environment. Both brands give lighting controls allows users can adjust brightness and direction. Sven lighting includes color changing effects while Sleep Number uses gentle white lighting.
- Power Adjustments
These bases replace old noisy mechanical cranks with quiet electric motors. Wireless remotes from both brands control head/foot positioning, massage, and lighting.
Plus Sven remotes feature LCD touch screens while Sleep Number uses simple keypads. Both brands also have models with app integration to control bed adjustments from smart devices.
- USB Ports
Integrated powered USB ports allow users to charge devices directly from the bed base. This eliminates hunting for wall outlets or extension cords. Sven & Son bases include up to 4 built-in ports while Sleep Number has 2 on select models.
Sizing Options
Both brands aim to provide sizes accommodating most needs. Sven has among the largest size range in the adjustable bed industry. Their twin, queen, and split king models come in extra long or “grand” sizes.
Sleep Number adjustable beds have fewer extended sizes but still range from twin to split California king. The size flexibility from both allows adjustable ergonomic comfort for single sleepers up to couples.
Durability and Quality Comparison
With prices ranging from $1,000 into the $4,000s, durability holdsimportance for such a big investment.
Both brands back their beds with extensive warranties which provide some insight into expected longevity.
Sven offers 5-15 year coverage depending on the model.
Comparably, Sleep Number beds have outstanding 25 year total coverage. The longer Sleep Number terms suggest strong confidence even with nightly adjustments. However, Sven still offers competitive support especially considering used quality materials.
User reviews and consumer reports regard both companies positively overall. Sven earns praise for craftsmanship and quality while some Sleep Number customers report air chamber defects.
However, Sleep Number’s customer service responsiveness garners high marks in addressing issues. Still, both brands produce beds most customers enjoy for years reliably. So while minor differences exist, either brand offers satisfactory stability and durability.
Cost Comparison
Adjustable beds run from budget models around $600 up past $4,500 for the ultimate in customization. Sleep Number and Sven & Son position on the higher end of pricing in the adjustable bed market.
For queen sizes specifically, Sven runs between $1,800 to $3,250. Sleep Number adjustable bases with mattresses fall within $2,700 to $3,200 for queens. So both run comparable in price with Sven trending up to 25% cheaper for basic models.
But when looking at the premium beds with features like lighting and massage, Sleep Number costs less than Sven.
Considering materials used and countries of manufacturing helps explain the pricing discrepancy. Swedish-made Sven focuses more on quality craftsmanship while Sleep Number mass produces in Asia keeping costs down.
Other savings opportunities to note – Sleep Number commonly offers significant sales throughout the year up to $1000 off. Sven tends to provide modest $100-200 discounts instead. And Sven charges hefty shipping fees while Sleep Number ships free.
Price Ranges:
| Brand | Twin Price | Queen Price | King Price |
| Sven & Son | $1,500 – $3,100 | $1,800 – $3,250 | $2,200 – $3,800 |
| Sleep Number | $1,100 – $2,800 | $2,700 – $3,200 | $3,100 – $4,300 |
Pros And Cons Comparison of Each Brand
Sven & Son Pros
- Specialized customization
- Premium materials like latex & wood
- Stylish, elegant designs
- Extended sizes (grand queen, grand king)
- 5-15 year warranties
Sven & Son Cons
- Expensive, especially factoring shipping
- Limited sales/discounts
- Heavy wooden frames
Sleep Number Pros
- Integrates with Sleep Number beds
- 25-year warranty coverage
- Common sales and promos
- High-tech features (app control)
- Free shipping
Sleep Number Cons
- Mixed reviews of air chamber durability
- Fewer premium material options
- Limited larger size options
- Reports of customer service delays
FAQ About Adjustable Beds
The largest direct competitor to Sleep Number is likely Tempurpedic with its adjustable Tempur-Ergo bases paired with proprietary memory foam mattresses. They similarly leverage proprietary bed technology. And other rival air bed makers Personal Comfort and Air-Pedic offer comparable air chamber customization. For non-air competitors, high-end brands like Saatva and Ergomotion also compete in premium adjustable beds.
The “best” adjustable bed differs for each individual depending on sleeping needs and preferences. But top adjustable bed companies include Leggett & Platt, Ergomotion, and Reverie who manufacturer bases for many retailer brands. Brands like Tempurpedic and Sleep Number rate as highly reputable. For shoppers wanting customization with more premium materials, brands like Personal Comfort and Sven & Son also get high marks.
All mattresses sag somewhat over time, and air chambers have potential for loosening and deflation. Some Sleep Number owners report sagging issues with air chamber defects causing uneven sleep surfaces and back pain. However, Sleep Number provides strong 25-year coverage. And they respond quickly to air chamber replacement claims made under warranty. So while some sagging gets reported from Sleep Number mattresses, the brand provides excellent support.
Medicare Part B and many Medicare Advantage plans do cover adjustable beds with a doctor’s prescription. The beneficiary must have a medical need such as circulation issues, back pain, respiratory disease, or mobility difficulty. With qualifying conditions, Medicare will cover 80% of costs for an adjustable bed, mattress overlay, mattress, bedding, and maintenance for prescribed use.
The Bottom Line
Sven and Sleep Number both rank among top adjustable bed manufacturers overall. Customers of both brands praise the comfort, features, and reliability expected from premium products. Still, notable differences exist between the two in frames, integrated mattresses, prices, and policies.
Sleep Number appeals to those wanting convenient air chambers, lower costs, and modern high-tech features. Extended warranties provide peace of mind as well. Meanwhile, buyers wanting premium materials, maximum sizes, heavier bases, along with elegance go with Sven & Son.
At the end of the day, deciding between these industry leaders depends wholly on the needs and room in your budget. Both allow custom, ergonomic sleeping for back pain and other benefits through adjustability.
So base your decision on which features, components, sizes, and warranties align with your bedroom vision. Either brand delivers an exceptional adjustable bed matched well to your needs after weighing the core comparisons.