Best For
- Adjustable mattress with low levels of motion transfer
- Exceptional pressure relief, even for heavier sleepers
- Excellent edge support, thanks to 4.0″ perimeter edge foam
Considerations
- Higher price point than most mattresses
- Available in an optional split-head configuration, but that is also an additional cost
Our Verdict
The iSense Premier mattress is a 13.5″ thick adjustable mattress that combines the benefit of adjustable air with traditional foam and coil construction.
In our performance tests, the iSense had exceptional scores across the board, even in areas where other adjustable mattresses usually suffer (ie, motion transfer and edge support).
Because air isn’t providing the support, the iSense is able to deliver better pressure relief without sacrificing support, even when at the softer firmness settings.
Naturally, the adjustable design makes the mattress notably more expensive than a non-adjustable. However, the adjustability is a welcome addition for many sleepers who find it hard to pin down their exact firmness preference.
Overall, I was extremely impressed with the performance on the iSense. It is easily the best adjustable mattress we’ve tested to date. While the price is indeed more, it isn’t outrageously expensive (as many competing adjustable brands are).
Type: Adjustable
Firmness: Soft to Slightly Firm (4.5 – 7)
Best For: All Sleeping Positions, All Body Weights
In This Review
Performance Tests | Firmness | Support & Sleeping Positions | Design | Materials | Comparisons | FAQs
Testing Notes
The iSense Hybrid is an adjustable mattress. All tests were done on a firmness level of 60 unless otherwise specified.
Overall, I have been exceedingly pleased with the performance level on the iSense. What makes iSense a strong performer is that the design and material quality deliver excellent mattress performance even if you took out the adjustability air bladders.
The mattress would still be 13.5” thick, still contain a blend of high-performance, high-quality foams, and still contain a novel hybrid design that delivers exceptional pressure relief.
In my view, adjustability is just a final feather in the cap of an already fantastic mattress.
Performance Tests
At NapLab, we put each mattress to the test.
We test 10 different factors that impact the performance, comfort, and value of the mattress. Testing categories include:
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cooling | Excellent |
| Sinkage | Deep |
| Motion Transfer | Very Low |
| Response Time | Extremely Fast |
| Bounce | Moderate |
| Edge Support | Excellent |
| Sex | Excellent |
| Pressure Relief | Exceptional |
| Off-Gassing | Excellent |
| Company | Exceptional |
How is the iSense Premier Different?
The iSense Premier mattress has higher performance than the average mattress we test as well as a price tag that is also higher than average. That being said, it offers many advantages over other mattresses we’ve tested to date.
Cooling, motion transfer, response time, and edge support all performed better than average in our performance tests. The mattress is also over 1.5″ thicker than the average mattress.
And it’s not just air.
Because of the way the iSense is made the air chambers are nestled within the foam. With or without the air, the iSense Premier would still be a high-quality 13.5″ high mattress. The video clip below shows the air chambers inflating and how they are positioned between the layers of foam.
Considering preferential factors, the iSense Premier has slightly deeper sinkage as well as slightly less bounce than the average mattress.
| Factor | iSense Premier Hybrid | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 9.75 | 9.52 |
| Price | $2,999 | $2,273 (Adjustable only) |
| Cooling | 9.5 | 9.4 |
| Max Sinkage | 2.40″ | 2.18″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 7.01 m/s² | 8.15 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.2 sec. | 0.4 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 8.37″ | 9.63″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 3.75″ | 4.19″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 13.5″ | 11.9″ |
| Sex Overall | 9.7 | 9.6 |
| Comfort Material | 7.5″ | 4.1″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 5 days | 4 days |
| Trial | 180 nights | 164 nights |
| Warranty | 10 years | 28% have lifetime warranties, average of other 72% of mattresses is 14 years |
Cooling Test
Cooling performance on the iSense Hybrid Premier was excellent. During our tests, I did not feel any significant level of heat retention around my body.
Baseline Temp.
82.4° F
Max Temp.
93.3° F
Ending Temp.
86.5° F
While there is a lot of foam in this mattress, it’s broken up with a pocketed coil base for support, as well as the individual foam sections that are broken by the adjustable air bladders.
Max Temp.
Ending Temp
- Baseline Temperature – the temperature of the mattress before anyone lies on it
- Maximum Temperature (0 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after lying on it for 15 minutes
- Ending Temperature (5 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after being lied upon and having no one on it for 5 minutes
The air gaps, air bladder, and pocketed coils all work together to improve cooling. It’s a combination of avoiding heat retention and increased airflow through the coil unit.
In our objective cooling tests, we measured a temperature reduction of 4.0° from minutes 0 to 1 and a reduction of 6.8° from minutes 0 to 5.
These were slightly higher than the average temps (based on all of our tests to date), 0.58 and 0.19 degrees warmer, respectively.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
Despite this fact, the feel on top of the mattress still remained comfortably cool. In my view, it’s the top broken-up sections of comfort foam and the adjustable air bladders that are doing much of the heavy lifting.
Those design choices help to keep heat from building up excessively in any one area. Overall, I’m pleased with the level of cooling performance.
Sinkage Test
The iSense Hybrid Premier has a deep level of sinkage. In our tests, we measured a pressure point sinkage depth of 2.40”. This is 0.22” deeper than the average sinkage depth of 2.18” (based on all of our tests to date).
The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.
In our testing, we found that sinkage is not dramatically different based on different firmness settings. Even at the extremes of 99 and 11, the sinkage is essentially the same. The mattress has a balanced level of body contouring hug.
The video below shows the mattress starting at firmness level of 10 and increasing to a firmness of 99. As you can see from the video (and the pink line for reference), the sinkage variation from soft to firm is incredibly minor.
You will get a little more hug with lower firmness numbers and a little less hug with higher numbers. Notably, the mattress uses no memory foam. Instead, it’s poly foam. The mixture of air cylinders and smaller poly foam sections creates an incredibly comfortable feel.
Motion Transfer Test
The iSense Hybrid Premier has a very low level of motion transfer. In our tests, we measured a total acceleration range of 7.01 m/s². This is 1.14 m/s² of motion less (16.3% less) than the average of 8.15 m/s².
Max. Acceleration
2.72 m/s²
Min. Acceleration
-4.29 m/s²
Accel. Range
7.01 m/s²
The combination of mostly foam design, relatively thin pocketed coil support layer (4.0”), and primary comfort layer cut into individual sections helps reduce energy traveling through the mattress. The result is a lower level of motion.
The level of motion transfer is also documented in the video below.
In our motion transfer chart, which visualizes our accelerometer data, we see the highest motion peaks from 0 to 0.14 seconds. We see a slight level of motion continue from 0.14 to 0.85 seconds before we return to near-zero levels.
While the total motion duration is a little longer than expected for a mattress of this type and design, the maximum motion peaks and total motion level from 0.14 to 0.85 seconds are quite restrained.
Overall, I’m pleased with the level of motion transfer and don’t expect this will be an issue for most sleepers.
Response Test
The iSense Hybrid Premier has an extremely fast material response. In our tests, we measured a mostly recovered response of 0.2 seconds and a fully recovered response time of 0.5 seconds. This isn’t quite as fast as the absolute fastest, but it’s pretty close.
Mostly Recovered
0.2 sec.
Complete Recovery
0.5 sec.
The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.
The fastest responding mattress we see mostly recovered in 0.2 seconds and fully recovered in 0.3 seconds.
On average, mattresses mostly rebound back to shape in 0.42 seconds and fully recover in 0.86 seconds.
Given the mostly foam design I was pleasantly surprised to see such high responsiveness in the iSense. The faster response helps to ensure sleepers don’t feel stuck in the mattress and makes the mattress easier to move around on.
Bounce Test
The iSense Hybrid Premier has a moderate level of bounce. In our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 8.37”. This is 1.26” less bounce than the average of 9.63″.
Max. Depth
5.48″
Max. Rebound
2.89″
Total Bounce
8.37″
Ideally, I’m looking for 8-12” of total bounce. At this level we have enough bounce to improve ease of movement and sex, without being too high as to create issues for motion transfer.
At 8.37” the iSense bounce level is on the lower end of the ideal range, but still within it.
Max. Sinkage Depth
Max Bounce Height
The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.
During our tests, I felt that there was enough bounce so that I didn’t feel stuck on the mattress. The lower bounce means sex performance isn’t perfect, but it’s still solid (which we discuss more in 2 seconds down the page).
Edge Support Test
Edge support on the iSense was excellent for both sitting and lying. In our sitting edge support tests, we measured a sitting sinkage compression of 3.75”. This is 0.44” less (better) than the average of 4.19”.
Max Sinkage
3.75″
Lying Support
Excellent
The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.
Sitting, 140 lbs.
Sitting, 200 lbs.
Even when sitting directly on the edge of the mattress I felt extremely well supported. Edge support was equally good for lying. I felt well supported in all sleeping positions even when lying directly on the edge of the mattress.
The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.
Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.
Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.
The iSense Hybrid Premier uses an incredibly thick 9.5” perimeter edge encasement foam. This ensures that even when weight is applied directly to the edge that the mattress will still create great support.
Sex Test
The best mattresses for sex have high bounce, good edge support, quiet materials, and good pressure relief and cooling.
These 5 factors make up the NapLab sex performance score.
| Sex Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce | 60% | 9.6 | Moderate |
| Edge Support | 20% | 9.6 | Excellent |
| Noise | 10% | 10 | Minimal |
| Pressure Relief | 5% | 10 | Exceptional |
| Cooling | 5% | 9.5 | Excellent |
For the iSense Premier, these individual factors generated a sex score of 9.7.
The mattress has moderate levels of bounce (slightly below the average) and excellent edge support. These two factors make up 80% of the sex score.
Noise is minimal, it has exceptional pressure relief, and cooling is excellent as well. Overall, if you’re looking for a good hybrid mattress that enhances sex the iSense is a good pick.
Pressure Relief Test
Pressure relief on the iSense Hybrid Premier was exceptionally good. During our tests, I felt zero pressure point build-up. Quite to the contrary, the mattress is incredibly comfortable.
Comfort Layer
7.5″
Support Layer
6.0″
Needless to say, having the ability to adjust firmness up and down is a big advantage. While the firmness range isn’t as wide as we’ve seen in other adjustable mattresses that we’ve tested, it will be enough for most sleepers to help tune in exactly what your body needs and prefers.
The iSense uses high-quality poly foams throughout the design. This fact, combined with the novel design of poly foam block sections split by adjustable air bladders, creates fantastic pressure relief. The mattress creates a balanced level of sinkage, hug, and comfort at every firmness level.
Off-Gassing Test
Off-gassing on the iSense Premier is strong right out of the box. It took 5 days for the mattress to fully off-gas, which is just a touch longer than the 4-day average.
Initial Smell Strength
Strong
Off-Gassing Period
5 days
The pocketed coils and adjustable air cylinders really help to keep the off-gassing in check by allowing maximum airflow throughout the mattress.
Company
The company score takes a look at factors that may influence your experience with the mattress.
Factors include length of the trial period, warranty, shipping / return costs, and country of origin.
| Company Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Period | 25% | 10 | 180 nights |
| Warranty | 25% | 10 | 10 years |
| Shipping | 25% | 10 | $0 |
| Returns | 25% | 10 | $0 |
| Country of Origin | 0% | USA |
For iSense, these individual terms and conditions generated a perfect company score of 10 out of 10.
The mattress comes with a 180-night trial period (15 nights longer than average), as well as a 10-year warranty.
The mattress is made in the US and shipping is free. If the mattress ends up not working out, returns are also free.
How firm is the iSense Premier?
The firmness on the iSense Premier is adjustable, ranging from 10 – 99. That being said, despite the large number range, I found the actual firmness range to 4.5 up to 7 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm.
| iSense Number | Firmness | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 4.5 out of 10 | Soft |
| 60 | 6 out of 10 | Medium-Firm |
| 99 | 7 out of 10 | Slightly Firm |
I have seen a wider range of firmness in other adjustable mattresses that we’ve tested, but a 3.5-point range is still nice if you find that your firmness needs tend to change a bit over time.
Support & Sleeping Positions
The iSense Hybrid Premier has excellent support. During our tests, I felt well-supported in all sleeping positions. As with pressure relief, the ability to adjust firmness is advantageous.
With a firmness range from 4.5 to 7 out of 10 (where 10 is the most firm), it won’t be an ideal choice if you need an extra soft or extra firm feel.
However, for sleepers who fall within the middle range of firmness preference (which is the vast majority of sleepers), this adjustable firmness range should be sufficient.
When it comes to design, I’m happy with the thicker 13.5” profile, high-quality poly foams, and novel comfort layer design (air gaps, split foam sections, adjustable bladders between sections).
The only weak spot is the limited 4.0” pocketed coil, which is quite small for a coil support layer. Even so, the totality of the mattress layers still creates great support.
Most other adjustable mattresses we’ve tested have had a major design weakness in that sleepers would need to stay perfectly in the middle of each side of the mattress. This is because the adjustable bladder in most adjustable mattresses is also directly in the middle and the only layer providing significant support.
Because iSense spreads the adjustable components up and down the mattress between larger pieces of foam it’s able to create a more consistent and even level of support, while still providing the adjustability.
Overall, I’m exceedingly pleased with the design and the level of support performance.
The table below shows the wide range of sleepers who would likely be well-suited for this mattress.
| Sleeper Weight | Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 150 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 150-250 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 250-300 lbs. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Design
The iSense Premier mattress is an adjustable hybrid with a 13.5″ profile and a varying range of firmnesses you can choose from.
Type
Adjustable
Thickness
13.5″
Firmness
4.5 – 7
It is designed to take the benefit of an adjustable mattress (like Sleep Number) and combine it with the balanced support and pressure relief of a traditional mattress.
The Controls
The iSense Premier mattress has three main parts which make up the control center for this mattress—the compressor, the remote, and the smartphone app.
#1. The Compressor
The compressor is a motorized portion of the mattress that sits on the floor below or to the side of the mattress.
Clear hoses connect the compressor to the mattress and a power cord connects the compressor to the wall. This unit powers the mattress and allows air to flow in or out of the mattress at the push of a button.
#2. The Remote
The remote control of the iSense Premier is the part that communicates with the compressor and allows for easy adjustments on the left or right side of the bed (or both.)
#3. The App
Using the iSense app you can control each side of the mattress, adjusting firmness the same way you would with the remote.
In addition, the mattress has a built in sleep tracker. This tracker syncs with the app and provides details about the quality and duration of your sleep. You can check your heart rate, breath rate, or how long it took you to fall asleep (for both you and your partner’s side).
A colorized line chart tracks the amount of time you spent in light, mid, or deep sleep and makes recommendations to improve those numbers.
Materials
The iSense Premier mattress technically has 7 layers to its mattress if you include the outer protective cover. According to the website, the layers include:
- Thin cover
- 2″ poly foam (with cooling coating)
- 5.5″ adjustable air cylinders within 5.5″ poly foam core
- 4″ perimeter edge support foam
- Pocketed coils (580-count)
- Binding fabric
- 1.0″ support foam
When we tested the iSense we found a few differences from this diagram, but it was largely the same.
From the outside of the mattress, only 4 of the layers listed above are visible and the material thicknesses were a little different.
When we cut through the cover of the iSense Premier, here is what we found on the inside:
- 2.25″ poly foam
- 5.5″ adjustable air cylinders / 5.5″ poly foam
- 4.0″ pocketed coils
- 1.5″ support foam
The Cover
The cover of the iSense Hybrid Premier has a soft, quilted look to it while maintaining a thin a breathable profile. It has a bit of spandex within the cover, which gives the mattress a good amount of stretch.
The Comfort Layer
The comfort layer is a little more complicated, as it contains the adjustable portion of the mattress as well as a more traditional foam layer as well.
The first layer is a 2.25″ open-cell foam with a cooling treatment that helps prevent the surface from retaining heat. This is the orange layer of foam in the image below.
Below the top layer of foam is the perimeter foam as well as the adjustable air cylinders.
The air cylinders are nestled between the foam comfort layers. As air is pumped into or released from the mattress, the feel of the foam changes from soft to firmer.
There is a border of high-density foam that wraps all 4 sides of the mattress. This helps to improve edge support.
The Support Layer
The support layer contains the 4.0″ high pocketed coils as well as the perimeter edge support foam along the edge.
Unlike the air cylinders, which are only located at the central portions of the mattress, the pocketed coils run the entire length and width of the mattress.
The only part of the mattress that is excluded is the portion that has the edge support foam. In total, there are 580 coils used within the iSense Premier mattress.
Product Evolution
The iSense Premier was first launched in 2019. Since its release, there have been no notable changes or upgrades to the mattress.
As this mattress changes over time, we will be sure to come back and update this section to reflect those changes.
Other Mattresses to Consider
Not sure if the iSense Premier is the best option for you? Be sure to check out one of the three top-rated alternative mattress picks listed below.
For Medium Firmness
Natural Form Refresh
9.56 Overall Score
The Natural Form mattress has an adjustable range that spans from 5-6.5 out of 10. If you want a soft or firm mattress, this mattress likely won’t be the pick for you, but for a medium to medium-firm mattress with poly foam and air, the Natural Form may be worth considering.
Adjustable Firmness Range:
5 – 6.5 out of 10
For Latex
Habitat Furnishings Ascend Air
9.43 Overall Score
The Habitat Furnishings Ascend Air is an adjustable mattress that has an adjustable air base. Like the iSense, the Habitat also has foam layers on top so it’s a bit more of a hybrid. But in this case, the foam layers are perforated latex foam and memory foam and not poly foam. This mattress contains no coils and is $2,099 for a queen, offering quite a bit of savings advantage as well.
Adjustable Firmness Range:
3.5 – 6.5 out of 10
For Savings
Winkbed
9.95 Overall Score
The 13.5″ Winkbed is the highest-performing hybrid mattress that we’ve tested to date. Although it is not an adjustable mattress, it is offered in three different firmness levels and with free exchanges within the 120-night trial if you select the wrong firmness. The Winkbed is $1,499 for a queen.
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), or Slightly Firm (7)
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the iSense Premier mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.
Here are the current prices, with any sales or promotions reflected below:
Twin XL: $2,199
Queen: $2,999
King: $3,499
Cal. King: $3,499
Split King: $3,999
King FlexHead: $3,999
Cal King FlexHead: $3,999
*Note: Sales prices are subject to change without notice or warning.
At its softest setting (11), the iSense has a firmness of 4.5 out of 10 with a soft feel. At its firmest setting (99), the iSense has a firmness of 7 out of 10 with a slightly firm feel.
