Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sleep Number®. As always, all words and opinions are my own.
If you remember, back in December we went to our local Sleep Number store in Rochester, MN, to select a new mattress and foundation. Jeff and I have very different mattress preferences and this had led to one or both of us not loving our mattress. It would be perfect for me, but too soft for him. We would try a firmer mattress, but it still wasn’t as board-like as he wanted and I would pad it with as much memory foam as he could stand, so my hips wouldn’t ache in the morning. If you have this problem, you know just what I’m talking about.
Anyway, as I shared in THIS POST, both Jeff and I went through the full in-store Sleep Number experience to discover our preferred Sleep Number setting and select the options we wanted in a mattress and foundation.
We selected the Sleep Number 360® i10 Smart Bed in a king size and it was delivered a couple of weeks later. Of course, it did mean upheaval in the master bedroom just days before Christmas, but it was worth it to get the room painted and ready.
And, let me just insert here that I’m so happy we went with the king-sized mattress. Not only is it much more comfortable for us, but it fills the room so much better than our queen bed did.
The delivery process was different from any other mattress we’ve experienced as well. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was delivered and set up by Sleep Number experts, who made sure everything was connected and working properly with the remote as well as our internet and iPhones. Thankfully, we were not simply left with a high-tech bed, a fat instruction manual, and a “good luck”.
When we were in the store, Jeff liked his side of the bed set at an 85 and I liked 30, so that’s where we each started. He ended up bumping up to a 100 and I switch between a 30-35, depending on how it feels that particular night when I get in bed.
We both have Responsive Air™ Technology turned on. This means the bed actually senses our movements and adjusts, making sure my 30 feels like 30 whether I’m on my back, side or stomach.
When I initially posted about getting a Sleep Number bed, a few readers asked about noise from the bed inflating and deflating. I can sometimes hear or feel it, but it’s whisper quiet and has never once woken me up. The bed is so comfortable to both Jeff and I, which is a first in our 19 years of marriage.
Not only do we feel it each night when we crawl into bed and each morning when we get out of it, but we can see it in the SleepIQ® app on our phones. Both of us regularly have a sleep score average in the 80’s, which is pretty good considering we both have to get up some nights to treat highs and lows of our Type 1 Diabetic son.
Here are a couple of examples of my SleepIQ score…
The night on the left is what I’m striving for. I went to bed at 10:30 pm, had a good block of restful sleep and woke up to get the boys ready for school at 7:08 am. The night on the right was during spring break, so I was a little more lax with my bedtime and I had to get up at 4:00 am to change Calvin’s insulin pod. I did get back to sleep, but I was definitely dragging a bit the next morning.
As I’m really working on establishing and maintaining a healthy rhythm of life, this has been a great tool to see how changes, big or small, can impact my sleep.
And here is what Jeff’s sleep looked like a couple of nights…
You can see he was up with me on the night of April 5, helping to get Calvin squared away.
Since having kids and starting my business, sleep isn’t something I’ve taken seriously. It’s often traded voluntarily for getting more work done. I am learning, though, how counterproductive that is when it comes to reaching my goals. A good night’s sleep fosters a sharp mind, aids weight loss, spurs creativity, and reduces stress and inflammation.
There are many things that are out of my control when it comes to getting a full, uninterrupted 8 hours, but I have an amazingly comfortable mattress, luxurious bed linens, and custom-made black-out curtains.
All I need to do now is actually stick to my bedtime!
If you’re in need of a new mattress or want to check out Sleep Number beds for yourself, you can find a store near you HERE.
For the latest and greatest on all things sleep (including tons of helpful tips), visit the Sleep Number blog.
Thank you SO much for this post. I always wondered how these beds worked. I particularly like how they track sleep patterns. It is so important to get a good night’s sleep, as it impacts most everything else in life.
Not only was this informational, but your bed and linens are lovely.
Thank you! I love our bed linens as well. I’ve learned that a bed and bedding are good places to splurge.
We LOVE our sleep number bed. Have had it for about 9 years and I know they have come out with new technology but keeping this one til it isn’t working anymore! We have the same issues – hubs like a VERY firm mattress while I need a softer bed with lots of pillows!
Great to hear! We’ve just had our for a few months, so it’s nice to know how long yours has lasted.
Thank you, Marian, for your review. I’ve been waiting for this, as this is the model we tried in store (but still haven’t purchased). If the mfr gave me this bed, they could very well turn me into a for-revenue blogger, lol. This model is top of their line. $$$$$
I purchased my sleep number mattress in February. It took me a few months to find my perfect # and settings. When I was in the store trying the mattress (after shopping all day), an army cart would have felt good at that point. In the store my number was 35, but now that I have experimented for a couple of months the most comfortable number for me is 50 or 55. The bed was extraordinarily expensive because I also purchased the motorized base. I do sleep so much better now; my old mattress was a temperpedic which felt like a foam rock; it really hurt my back, but now it’s starting to feel better since my sleep number mattress. If you want to dish out the money, it is worth it.
Good to hear! The motorized base was such a nice feature, but it does add a lot. I can see it would be worth it for someone with physical aches and pains that would benefit from elevation.
I wish my experience was a positive. I have a love hate relationship with my Sleep Number bed. Delivery folks were sketchy at best. Hardly professional. Less than impressed to find the structure when disassembled was nothing more than a glorified air mattress with lots of padding. Bed sleeps hot. I’d literally wake up feeling like I am on fire. Never had that issue with a standard mattress. Purchased a cooling pad per Customer Service recommendation. Elected not to purchase cooling sheets & comforter suggested. An add on purchase seems to the standard MO. Example, new issues arose with my neck & shoulders—nothing a SN pillow couldn’t fix per CS! There is also an odor as the bed deflates. I worry about the reports of interior mold. Considered returning but found I’d be stuck with the base as adjustable platforms are not returnable & didn’t want to deal with folks who delivered returning. . Feel slightly chafted with a 6K purchase. Alas I too will suck it up until it meets its demise. Buyer beware. I wish I’d done better research.
Oh, I am sorry to hear that! Mattresses can be such a personal taste and what works for one person won’t work for others. And even great companies can have a bad showing once in a while when it comes to customer service. I’m sorry to hear you didn’t have a positive experience. I hope you’re able to get it sorted out and find comfortable sleep.
I recognize that some readers will enjoy your first-hand perspective on using various products and your positive feedback is a great promotional tool for companies; however, since your move, it’s been a lot of new products. I really enjoyed reading your posts about your experiences with family, Kristi, Luckett’s, developing your product line, photography, Furniture Friday, etc. I have been a daily reader for a long time and those are the topics that keep me coming back. As I rarely write comments and do want to be positive and supportive, I hope you will take this with the good intentions that I meant to share.
Continued success in the future, Marian!
Thanks for your constructive feedback, Debra.
Does your bed have two mattresses—one for you and one for your husband so that you have to use twin-sized sheets? I can’t tell by looking at your photos or reading your comments about your bed. Seems like it would be a lot more trouble to put the sheets on the bed, etc.
It has two separate air chambers, but the bed is a standard king with no split in the middle, so it can be made up just like any other king bed.
If you are in the market for a new mattress, look at sleeplikethedead.com. Best resource I’ve ever looked at regarding mattresses. No endorsement of any particular mattress, just lots of information. Unfortunately, the Sleep Number does not get very good reviews. I decided against it, especially after my brother had to have his repaired before he’d had it a year.
I have heard that’s a good resource. My mom did a lot of research on there before buying their most recent mattress.
FYI, sleeping with a small pillow between my knees has completely eliminated the hip pain I was experiencing. Great for when you travel and have to sleep on various mattresses.
Jeff did that in our last bed, but he hasn’t needed to in the Sleep Number bed. I imagine he will do that when we travel, though.
At our Sleep Number store several years ago, we selected the same bed Marian and Jeff did, only the price was a whopping $10,000 with the motorized base and pillows, King. We gave away a $7k Tempur-pedic which was horrible. Wound up with a Beautyrest Black adjustable base King with a soft memory foam topper, also $7k. It’s not very good either! Old arthritis bones need more help! Investigated Casper. Investigated Latex. My old innerspring Beautyrest ‘Back Care One’ was unbeatable for 20 years, and of course they no longer make it. At a loss what to do next.
Yes, the motorized base is expensive and we opted to not get it. Shopping for beds is so hard. I know my parents are on their third very nice mattress since moving to their new home, because they couldn’t find one that was comfortable for both of them beyond a few months. Maybe try a bed that has a good return policy? Some of them are up to 6 months! But, I hear you. It can be frustrating and what works for someone else might not work for you.
I’ve had a Sleep Number bed for YEARS–dating back to l-o-n-g before they had all these fancy gimcracks and doodads. Mine came by mail (I live in a tiny town in the middle of the Kansas wheatfields), my handyman installed it, and we read the manual together. It’s seen me through a double mastectomy, pneumonia, flu, C. diff., multiple minor illnesses (I’m 84) and whatever. I do not believe I could sleep on anything else nowadays. My only complaint is that I have it on an 1890’s double bed (with an 8 ft. high headboard and high footboard) and wrestling sheets on and off is a chore, because the mattress fits the bed so tightly my fingers have difficulty tucking the sheets in. LOVE THIS THING. I seldom have to adjust the inflation, and I’m happy, happy, happy that I bought this mattress.
So good to hear!
We have the same problem. He likes firm, I have fibro so firm isn’t for me. We got our Sleep Number a few weeks ago, I would still like some cushier foam on my side, but have discovered I am sleeping much better over-all. I’m a 30-35 and Mr B is an 85 most nights, altho he did kick it up to 90 and I foresee another bump for him soon. I give this bed an A-, it’s not perfect for me… But it’s the best one for the both of us we’ve ever had. I don’t think there’s a perfect bed for me, what with my back neck and fibro issues, but this is as close as it gets. I didn’t think I would use the sleep tracker on my phone, but find myself checking it several times a week. Who knew my sleep habits would be so interesting??
So glad to hear!
PS. we got ours for 50% off during one of their major sales. Still a hefty amount, but no more than a regular mattress and box spring. So for anyone wanting a sleep number it definitely pays to watch for a sale!
Score!
We got our dual control Sleep Number bed around 2000. That bed continues to perform although it is not the self adjusting model. We added our own mem foam topper before that was part of the Sleep Number package. It has been amazingly satisfying through almost 20 years and 4 moves. We did our own set up and take down and we purchased over the phone from Sleep number outlet 800 number. We bought a simple model without number calibration display for a dual control queen guest bed 8 years ago. Before we started with sleep number, the bedroom was a revolving door to mattress madness.
That’s great to hear. Glad you found something comfortable that works for you!
Sorry Marian. Loved your blog dearly at the beginning. Recommended to MANY friends. Won’t do anymore. I am afraid this has just become a promotional platform. I think it is getting a bit unethical. Drawing people in with family values and etc. and then hawking items. A bit like the “my pillow “ or “gold” as an investment vehicle on many talk radio stations. People think of you as a friend,and now you have become an endorser of some very expensive products.
Pat, I know you’ve read my blog for a long time and I recognize your name from the comments you have left over the years, so thank you for that. Thank you for your feedback as well. I can understand sometimes a sponsored post is going to rub certain readers wrong. I do feel it’s extreme to call it “unethical”, though. Is it unethical for a TV show to have commercials, for a magazine to have advertisements, or for an athlete to accept sponsorships and endorsements? Is it unethical for a blogger to write a sponsored post (about a product she genuinely likes) that is disclosed at the very beginning, so anyone who doesn’t like sponsored posts or paid reviews doesn’t even have to click over?
Integrity is very important to me. I hope, as someone who has read my blog for a long time, you could give me the benefit of the doubt.
It never ceases to amaze me that people think they can tell you how to run your blog and your home. And to see what was really happening here, I went through your posts of the past month and came up with: 1 on thrifting. 3 furniture painting. 4-5 house reno. 1 your faves. 1 art. 1 a giveaway. 2 on self (weight loss, etc.). 5 sewing/crafts. and 2 on sponsorships. I think that’s a fine mixture of interesting posts. Thank you for sharing with us Marian. I love reading every time you post.
Have to agree with Pat Lawyer. If I wanted to hear about Sleep Number beds or other frilly products you get for writing a blog, I could look elsewhere. Signed up to read about painting, redoing furniture etc. May have to unsubscribe.
Thanks for your feedback, Maggie.
Okay, Marian I will have to somewhat agree with Pat & Maggie’s comments about so many sponsored posts for higher end products and it becoming such a commercialized platform. Its kind of like seeing a celebrity figure plugging a life insurance product, medicine or a car company. You start to find it somewhat annoying or even turn the channel knowing full well that they are getting compensation of some kind to talk about the product.
Now, I have no doubt you love your new bed and for the price of this model it should perform well. Your review was very well written and informative especially for someone who is thinking about buying a Sleep Number. The issue I have is if this bed has a problem in year or doesn’t hold up to the manufacturers warranty are we going to hear about that? I never get a clear answer what a blogger can write in this case without fear of being sued by the company or black listed by other companies for future endorsements. Until I do, I take all sponsored posts with a grain of salt no matter who its coming from and do my own product research to get a unbiased opinion.
Thanks , Teresa! I agree you should take all sponsored posts or blog posts in general with a grain of salt! You’re just getting one opinion and I can understand the suspicion with a paid endorsement. And, it’s true, I’m not going to write negative reviews on my blog for products that are paid sponsorships or not. I am just not that sort of person who is going to publicly complain. I will, however, share follow-ups on companies I have worked with as an influencer and I’m now a paying customer. There have been many! YNAB, Plated, Blue Apron, The Bouqs, Sugru, Oreck, Legacy Box, Arhaus, Pine Cone Hill, Linen Bee, and more. There have been very few products I’ve tried out for an endorsement that I wouldn’t recommend again today.
But yes, take it all with a grain of salt.
I don’t mind the product reviews but it seems like this is the second or third mattress that you have raved about in the last few years.
Yes, we received two other mattresses over the past couple of years, both from the same company. One went on a bed for the Lucketts Spring market and one is in my son’s room. We received another mattress several years ago and that was the one we replaced with the Sleep Number and my youngest son sleeps on it now. They are all great mattresses, which is why we still own them, but none of them addresses the issue Jeff and I had of having such different mattress preferences.
I agree with these ladies. Less peddling merchandise. You are very talented and have a very pleasant and engaging personality. Go back to your roots when you started this blog. Painting, creating, fixing, tutorials, funny snippets of your life…….
This is written with the best of intentions.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for the feedback, Andrea.
I just want to know where your shams and coverlet are from. What great texture! I’ve been searching high and low for something similar.
Those are from Pine Cone Hill. They are really beautiful!
Have to agree. Have loved this blog for a very long time and it is my first to read every morning.
You have lost your charm by becoming too commercial about products most of your followers can not afford .
Marian has many blog readers including those who can afford upscale items. Get used to sponsored posts, fellow readers, as they’re just a part of business these days.
We enjoy so many wonderful aspects in this blog—-and all for no “fee” to us. Thanks for the info, Marian, even though I’m not in the market for a bed. As always, I appreciate your opinions on whatever you’re reviewing.
Thank you, Karen!
Sponsored posts have never bothered me and they are on nearly every blog I read. If the product interests me, I read it. If not, I skip it and come back the next time I do my blog reading. Blogging is not volunteer work and the presence of a sponsored post is just part of the business. I enjoy reading the blogs I read because of the personality of the writers and being exposed to different ideas and worlds.
Every blog I read has sponsored posts and has turned more to posting rstyle links than the blog content that got them their start.
It’s the nature of the beast these days.
I think blogs are a dying breed and they are all cashing in now while they can.
Instagram is just as bad with all the swipe ups.
Karen, I don’t know if you read it, but I wrote a series last year about the business of blogging and specifically addressed the shift in the way advertisers want to work with bloggers. It is becoming more invasive to the reader with sponsored content and affiliate links, when it use to just sit quietly on the side bar.
Advertisers now recognize the influence of bloggers and are willing to pay for access to the readership they have grown. It’s a good thing, but it’s also a delicate thing to balance. I do my best to judge what my readers will be interested in and respond well to, but there are always going to be people who don’t like one thing or another and I’m never going to be perfect in all of my decisions.
Here’s a thought for mean people who complain. If you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all.
I may have missed it, but what is the beautiful color on your bedroom walls? It’s so pretty!
Thank you, Jami. I know that many of these commenters are well intended and I’m taking it as constructive criticism. There are always ways I can learn, grow, and make this blog better.
The wall color is Stonington Gray by Benjamin Moore.
Marian,
In fairness, you do disclose when its a sponsored post at the beginning of a post. At that point, the reader has choice to opt out or read the post.
However, that still doesn’t change the fact that the sponsored posts are much more frequent especially since your move. Its nice to see you have risen to a level of commercial success in the blog world where you can solicit out to partner with so many companies any in many cases companies solicit you out to endorse them.
However, somewhere you have to draw a line and have some balance or it comes off looking like a constant money or product grab in effort to furnish and renovate your entire home. Three days prior to this post it was a sponsored post by the quartz company. Just like one reader commented this is like the third mattress review you have done in two years. Each one more wonderful than the last. I know you started from humble roots, and like I said its wonderful to see you come so far but don’t let your blog be hijacked by materialism. Balance out these sponsored posts before too many of your long time readers no longer follow you.
Thanks, Teresa. I do feel like the posts are balanced, although sometimes a few stack up on one another based on the requested timing of the clients. That’s something I need to work on, because I don’t like to put too many sponsored posts together for the sake of the sponsors and the readers.
As usual – I am ASTOUNDED by the conviction of people who put themselves to stand in judgement of another person. In this case, someone they have likely never even met.
I’m becoming convinced that the main problem with the internet is that everyone thinks that they are REQUIRED to type out and post every little thought that crosses their mind.
Don’t be small.
No matter WHAT you think/feel about this blog post it did not hurt you or ANYone else.
Why do you choose to speak to Marian with barbs on your tongues?
Listen…. do I hear the pot calling the kettle black? You just did what you told others they should not do. You judged people’s comments and told them to not be “small”. Barbs on tongues? If the shoe fits, you should wear it.
I have also grown tied of the constant selling and upgrading and spending. I will continue to read b/c Marian does some really cool things. She seems to be a genuinely sweet and sincere person. The critics could be doing her a favor. If people stop reading they will not know about new paint colors and her fabric line. So, her bottom line (commercial business) could be hurt.
I have, in the past, defended Marian (not that she needed me to) when she was criticized for shopping at Hobby Lobby.
I agree with Breida Stutzman — keep the negative comments to yourselves. Don’t read if you don’t want to.
Nasty people these days!
Lauren
Miss Mustard Seed is a business and as such, people can leave a review for that business or product. Just like on Amazon. I don’t read the above comments as peopole with barbs on their tongues coming personally at Marian with guns blazing. They were simply stating that the sponsored posts have gotten to a point that they are now overshadowing the content that drew them in the first place. And they will choose to stop reading going forward. And most made of point of saying that they didn’t want to leave a negative comment but wanted to let her know that her content is turning them off. If I were Marian, and saw my numbers dropping, as a business person I’d like to know why. And if they are dropping, now she knows why.
Sponsored posts are common in the blogging world. I rarely take heed of any of them because most seem like an infomercial and as mentioned above, very rarely is there any follow up even a year later as to how something is still working. But, I have to admit, when she wrote the countertop post, I rolled my eyes. She obviously had her heart set on marble counters but when a chance to get free quartz came along, all of the sudden, she was leary of marble. Hopefully, she personally won’t regret that decision to save some dollars because she will be staring at them every day and they won’t be marble.
Kari, Thanks for the feedback! I do appreciate constructive feedback and, as you said, it’s not always a bad thing.
It can be helpful!
I wanted to respond to your comment about the counters, though. I did have my heart set on marble, but I didn’t pull the trigger on having them installed, because I was concerned about the etching and staining and how that would look in a suburban home. In an old home, I think it would look like patina. In a new home, I was nervous it would look like a damaged counter. I decided quartz would be the best option, but I didn’t pull the trigger on that, because I hadn’t found one I loved. When HanStone announced their new patterns, I looked into them, found some I liked, and asked if they would be interested in working with me as a sponsor. I am paying for the fabrication and installation of these and they will be in my house for many years, so I wouldn’t install something just because it was from a sponsor.
1. It’s your blog, post what you want!
2. I hate sponsored posts.
3. I would NOT be able to turn down the free stuff you post about, so I get where you’re coming from.
4. I miss the days before you moved to this house, but…see number 1!
Thanks, Lyndsey!
Marian, you are the best blog I’ve ever been blessed to read. You have inspired me like no one else and I’m so satisfied with my house as I learned from you and I made really minor changes that just made me so happy at home! I loved the tutorial the other day on that lovely chest you re-did. I love that you’ve asked readers what they want and are giving it to us. Some people want to go back to things as they were. Well, there are a lot of things in life I’d like to go back to but life moves on, changes happen. I sometimes joking say, “I don’t mind change as long as it’s my idea,” well I guess there’s a tiny dab of truth to it but … totally unrealistic. Marion, I cannot wait til you go to PARIS! (yes I’m screaming eek!) and send us pictures and then so help me ITALY!!! It’s going to be so awesome! Keep on keeping on, girl, you’re doing a fabulous job!!!
P.S. When I see a sponsored post like this one, I feel so happy for you! Because I remember when the school loans came due, Marian, and you had nothing. And now you’ve built your own business and you’re doing so great. Sometimes when I see a post like this, I think “wow maybe she’s going to save this for her boy’s college fund!” or “Yay, Marian now lives in a modern house with plenty of space for her family!” So I’m rejoicing with you over your success and I am very, very proud of you!
Thank you, Mary. I really appreciate your comments. 🙂
Change is inevitable. Sponsored posts are inevitable. But there is a slippery slope when you move away from the content that drew readers to your blog in the first place. I have followed you years and am not excited about your blog any more. I haven’t unsubscribed, but only check updates a couple of times a week now, picking through what interests me and what doesn’t. Furniture painting and home design are what drew me to you. Those things will keep me following you.
Thanks, Faithe. I do agree it’s a slippery slope. I try to manage my blog and business with integrity, but I’m not going to get everything right and I’m certainly not going to always make everyone happy. Thanks for your honesty and feedback, though. I appreciate it and I do take it to heart.
I think it’s wonderful that Marion has built her business to the point that suddenly price is no object if she wants it. She is building a new reputation which obviously won’t appeal to the average follower, more upscale, I already see it in the few enthusiastic replies I’ve seen here, and will bring her even more money. After all, why not flaunt it if you’ve got it.
Big money attracts big money. She’s discovered that not so secret ticket to her future success. As some have said,—there will be even more posts sponsored by really expensive items that attract her interest. She hasn’t forgotten her roots, she still has some old chippy painted furniture around.
Thanks, Anna! Ha, I can assure you that price is an object, because we’re on a budget and have financial goals! I can definitely splurge more than I used to, though. I try to be careful, though, to splurge in the right places. 🙂
And yes, I will always have chippy, old, second-hand things in my home. Craigslist is still the first place I look for just about everything.
I have followed this blog for years and even visited Lucketts a few years and was sad when Marion left the East. I have also noticed a lot more sponsored posts, but that’s how it works! Marion has “done good”! I value her opinion on things and love her eye for detail. She has great ideas, too! I would never just accept what her opinion is as gospel; as a consumer, we should all do our own investigating. That being said, her opinion counts high for me! Especially when it comes to football teams…she roots for the best team! HTTR, Marion and keep at it! You rock!
We purchased a king-size Sleep mattress many years ago. Due to the large difference in our sleep numbers, I have noticed my side of the mattress is much lower than my husband’s side, even after the bed is made. I am wondering if you see this with your newer mattress? Yes, pillows and extra bedding placed at the foot of the bed can help distract the eye.
The lady who commented that delivery people are “sketchy at best” just blew me away. I just had my new Sleep Number bed delivery by two extremely professional, polite, courteous men that did an awesome job. They called when they were an hour away…and they were even early. They told me people complain when they are early too. WHAT?! Most people, from what I’ve seen, don’t take the time to write when they’ve had a good experience, all you ever see are the negative reviews. I try my best to let people know when someone has done a good job in any kind of service industry.
I agree that the people who delivered our bed were fantastic. They were professional and took great care when setting up the bed.
So, now that you’ve had your Sleep number bed a while, do you still like it? If so, what is good about it, but also what are the downsides? A reply would be greatly appreciated, as most people will talk about how great something is when they first get it, but don’t follow up months later with the ‘real deal’…