Sleep Number is one of the most recognizable brands in the bedding world, but does that mean they are the best? I wanted to look into some of these claims and see how they held up against some of the competitors.
Why?
There is a lot of talk around who makes the best pillow for comfort and side sleeping, and Sleep Number and Dosaze are both in the running for the most popular. Before I settled on something that I was going to sleep on for the next few years, I wanted to do some serious research and learn what I could about both of them. Then, I went ahead and compared them to help anyone else who struggles with neck pain, headaches, and side sleeping discomfort, just like me.
I read hundreds of reviews of both pillows, ordered multiple units of each, and spent 3 months sleeping on them. Here’s what I discovered.
The Short Answer
If you want a short answer, the winner after months of testing was the Dosaze Contoured Orthopedic Pillow. I liked how, overall, it offered more value for what I got, and was better for various sleeping positions (back, side, and stomach)
Ultimately, the decision was made due to a few important factors:
- Functionality (reducing neck pain, etc.)
- Price
- Customer service
- Value
- Materials
Here’s an in-depth review of how they stacked up against one another in each category.
Functionality/Effectiveness – Clear Winner, Dosaze
Sleep Number and Dosaze make similar claims, but after I tested them, I found that I prefer the Dosaze pillow, especially when it comes to relieving neck pain and tension headaches. There are actually some differences in the shapes of the pillow, and I thought that the orthopedic contour of the Dosaze pillow was more pronounced in a way that actually helped my pain.
I simply found that Dosaze did a better job at reducing our neck pain – it really works well. Here’s what we like about it:
- Innovative Shape – the innovative contour of this pillow is amazing. It does wonders to align your neck and back and keeps your neck in place throughout the night. This reduces neck pain, tension headaches, and even alleviates snoring and sleep apnea (because your airways won’t get blocked). Other pillows have tried to copy this shape, but I found this one to be the best, by far.
- Actually works for all sleepers – the shape of this pillow is ideal for two reasons: (1) it aligns your head and neck and keeps it in place, and (2) if you are a combination sleeper, it lets you alternate between positions easily.
The Sleep Number was plenty comfortable, but I wasn’t a fan of it’s design. The “Classic” version was just a standard pillow and didn’t offer any features tailored to neck pain or side sleeping. The “Curved” version was fine, but it was one height all the way across, so it is actually just less pillow! The Dosaze’s contour isn’t just around the shoulders; it also has a height change to keep your neck aligned. The “Ultimate” version has various inserts to change the height of the pillow, but truth be told, it feels a bit gimmicky.
Price – Winner, Dosaze
Continuing on, Dosaze once again wins in the Price category. I don’t know if Sleep Number thought they could just bank on the brand name or what, but they charge some hefty prices for customizations that most other brands give you for free.
The Sleep Number’s three pillow types cost $149, $169, and $189 for the Classic, Curved, and Ultimate variations, respectively. Then, add on another $30 per pillow if you want it King-sized. Ultimate King? It’s going to cost a whopping $220.
On the contrary, Dosaze charges $120 for any size or customization, making it less expensive across the board.
Customer Service – Slight Winner, Dosaze
While it’s impossible to please every customer, Dosaze goes out of its way to make everyone who purchases a pillow happy. You can see in the review on the site that customers really appreciate Dosaze’s customer service:
Sleep Number offers a 1-year warranty, and I think a 100-day trial, but frankly, it’s hard to find information on the website and if it even applies to the pillow I tested specifically. Also, it seems like they only allow you to return it after 30 days of trial, and before 100 days are up. Very strange stipulations.
Dosaze is pretty clear about theirs. It’s a 60-day, risk-free trial with free returns, no questions asked, or money spent.
Materials – Tie
The materials for both brands are unique. Sleep Number uses half down and half shredded latex, while Dosaze uses a premium memory foam core.
Honestly, both brands are known for quality, and the materials they use show it.
Dosaze claims that if you were to make a mattress with the memory foam used for their pillows, it would cost $4,000, so that should say something (I can’t find a similar stat for Sleep Number).
There are some differences between them, and some may prefer one over the other. Sleep Number is soft and plush, and it has a little bounce due to the latex. Dosaze is soft but feels more supportive.
Value – Winner, Dosaze
The Dosaze, to me, offers a better deal at this price point. Sure, it’s less expensive, but it’s also significantly more tailored for neck support and reducing neck pain.
If the Sleep Number was a little more reasonably priced, this category would probably be closer. But as it stands, it isn’t!
Overall Winner: Dosaze Contoured Orthopedic Pillow
Truth be told, I was a little shocked with the final result. Sleep Number is a famous brand that I have had friends recommend to me. Unfortunately, they just didn’t provide me with the things I am looking for in a pillow and if I wanted a traditional shape, I would just get a standard pillow for cheaper.
The Dosaze is more expensive, but I don’t mind spending money on a pillow (I view it as an investment in my sleep).
At the end of the day, I would recommend the Dosaze Contoured Orthopedic Pillow to most people, most of the time!
