How Sleep Number Beds Work and What to Expect

Sleep Number beds use air chambers you control to adjust firmness on each side of the mattress

A Sleep Number bed is an air mattress with a pump system that lets you change how firm or soft each side feels. Instead of a fixed foam or spring core, the mattress contains air chambers—one on each side of the bed. You control the firmness using a remote or app, adjusting your side independently from your partner's side. The bed also includes a base that can raise the head and foot sections, similar to an adjustable bed frame.

Sleep Number beds come in different models with varying features. The basic models offer air adjustment and a simple remote. Higher-end models add temperature control (cooling or warming the mattress surface), sleep tracking through built-in sensors, and app connectivity. The company sells beds in queen, king, California king, and twin sizes. Prices vary widely depending on the model and size you choose.

Key Takeaways

• Sleep Number beds let you adjust firmness on your side of the bed using a remote or smartphone app, without affecting your partner's side.
• The mattress sits on a motorized base that can raise your head and feet, and higher-end models include temperature control and sleep tracking.
• You can test the bed in a Sleep Number store before buying, and the company offers a trial period so you can use it at home first.
• Setup involves delivery to your home, assembly of the base, and filling the air chambers—a process that typically takes a few hours.

How the air adjustment system works

The pump sits inside or beneath the mattress and connects to the air chambers through tubing. When you use the remote or app to increase your Sleep Number (the firmness setting), the pump adds air to your side's chamber. When you decrease it, air releases from the chamber. The scale typically runs from 0 to 100, with lower numbers feeling softer and higher numbers feeling firmer. You can adjust your side while your partner sleeps undisturbed on their own setting.

The remote is wireless and works from anywhere in the bedroom. The app works the same way but requires your bed to be connected to Wi-Fi. Both let you save your preferred firmness setting so you can return to it each night without adjusting manually. Some people change their setting throughout the night—firmer when they first lie down, softer as they relax—and the app lets you create multiple saved settings for different times or positions.

What the adjustable base does

The motorized base lifts the head section, the foot section, or both. This is useful if you like to read or watch television in bed, or if you have back or circulation issues that feel better with your head elevated. The base also has a preset "zero gravity" position that raises both the head and feet slightly, which some people find comfortable for sleeping. Like the mattress firmness, each side of the base can move independently—your partner can raise their head while you keep yours flat.

The base connects to the same remote or app as the mattress, so all adjustments happen from one device. Some models include massage features in the base, which vibrate gently to help you relax before sleep. The base requires a power outlet and takes up more floor space than a standard bed frame, so measure your bedroom before ordering.

Temperature control on premium models

Sleep Number's higher-end beds include a feature called Climate360, which cools or warms the mattress surface. The system has a separate control unit that sits on your nightstand and connects to tubing running through the mattress. You set your preferred temperature (usually ranging from around 55 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit) on your side, and your partner can set a different temperature on theirs. This is particularly useful if one person sleeps hot and the other sleeps cold.

The temperature control works throughout the night and adjusts automatically if you have sleep tracking turned on—some beds learn your sleep patterns and warm or cool the mattress as your body temperature naturally changes during different sleep stages. The system is quieter than older water-bed heating systems but does add to the overall cost of the bed.

Sleep tracking and app features

Sleep Number beds with sensors track how long you sleep, how restless you are, and your heart rate and breathing patterns. The app displays this data each morning, showing you a sleep score based on how long you slept and how restful it was. Over time, you can see patterns—whether certain firmness settings, room temperatures, or base positions correlate with better sleep. The data stays on your phone and is not shared with Sleep Number unless you choose to sync it to their cloud.

The app also lets you set sleep goals and reminders, adjust your bed settings from your phone before you get into bed, and see your partner's sleep data if they share it with you. Some users find this feedback helpful for understanding their sleep habits; others find it unnecessary. The sleep tracking is optional—you can use the bed without ever opening the app.

Trying and buying a Sleep Number bed

Sleep Number operates physical stores in many states where you can lie on different models and test the firmness adjustment. Store staff can explain the features and answer questions about setup and warranty. You can also order online through Sleep Number's website or through major retailers like Costco or Amazon. Prices start around $1,000 for a basic twin model and can exceed $5,000 for a premium king bed with all features included.

Sleep Number offers a trial period (the length varies by retailer and promotion, but is often 100 nights) so you can use the bed at home before committing to keeping it. If you return it within that window, you receive a refund. Delivery is included with most purchases, and Sleep Number's delivery team typically sets up the base and fills the air chambers as part of the service. You will need a power outlet within reach of the base and enough floor space for the bed's footprint.

Maintenance and common concerns

Sleep Number beds require occasional maintenance. The air chambers can develop slow leaks over time, though this is rare. If you notice your firmness setting drifting lower over weeks or months, the pump may need servicing. Sleep Number covers repairs under warranty for a set period (usually 10 years for the mattress and base). The mattress cover is removable and machine-washable, which helps keep the bed clean.

Some people worry about the noise of the pump adjusting air, but most modern Sleep Number beds are relatively quiet—a soft hiss when air moves, not a loud motor sound. The bed does require electricity to operate, so a power outage means you cannot adjust firmness or use the base until power returns. The mattress itself will not deflate during an outage; the air stays in the chambers. If you are concerned about noise or power dependency, test the bed in a store or during the trial period to see if it bothers you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Sleep Number bed with regular sheets?

Yes. Sleep Number beds use standard mattress dimensions (twin, queen, king, California king), so any sheets that fit those sizes will work. The mattress surface is similar to a traditional mattress, not slippery or unusual. Some people prefer deep-pocket sheets because the mattress is thicker than a standard mattress due to the air chambers and base.

What happens if the air chamber leaks?

A slow leak will cause your firmness setting to gradually decrease over weeks or months. You will notice your side feeling softer than your saved setting. Sleep Number covers leaks under warranty and will repair or replace the mattress. If you suspect a leak, contact Sleep Number's customer service with your bed model and serial number.

Do I need Wi-Fi for the bed to work?

No. The wireless remote works without Wi-Fi, so you can adjust firmness and the base anytime. Wi-Fi is only needed if you want to use the smartphone app or enable sleep tracking. You can use the bed indefinitely with just the remote if you prefer.

How long does setup take?

Delivery and setup typically take two to four hours. Sleep Number's delivery team brings the mattress and base into your bedroom, assembles the base, and fills the air chambers. You should have a power outlet available and clear floor space. After setup, the bed is ready to use immediately.

Can I return a Sleep Number bed if I do not like it?

Yes, during the trial period (length varies by retailer). Most Sleep Number beds come with a 100-night trial, though some promotions offer longer or shorter windows. If you return the bed within that time, you receive a refund. Check the specific trial terms when you order, as they vary by retailer and current promotion.