What a Sleep Number Bed Is

A Sleep Number bed is an adjustable air mattress that lets each side of the bed have its own firmness setting. Instead of a traditional spring or foam core, the mattress uses air chambers controlled by a remote or mobile app. You can adjust your side to be softer or firmer without affecting your partner's side, and the bed can also raise or lower the head and foot sections if you buy the adjustable frame.

The company sells these beds directly through their showrooms and website, not through traditional mattress retailers. Sleep Number also offers a trial period so you can test the mattress at home before committing to the purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • Sleep Number beds use air chambers you control with a remote or app, letting you adjust firmness on each side independently.
  • Prices range widely depending on the model and size, with entry-level options starting lower than premium versions with more features.
  • The company offers a home trial period so you can sleep on the mattress in your own bed before deciding to keep it.
  • Sleep Number beds work with adjustable frames that raise the head and foot, though the frame is sold separately from the mattress.
  • You can finance a Sleep Number bed through the company's payment plans, which vary in length and interest depending on your purchase.

How the Firmness Control Works

Each Sleep Number bed has a Sleep Number setting that ranges from 0 to 100, with lower numbers being softer and higher numbers being firmer. You adjust this number using a wireless remote that comes with the bed, or through the Sleep Number app on your phone. The app also tracks how you sleep — how long you were in bed, how much you moved, and your heart rate if you have a compatible device.

The mattress itself contains air chambers that inflate or deflate to match your chosen firmness. Because each side has its own chamber, your partner can set their side to a completely different number without it affecting yours. If you share the bed with someone who likes a much softer or firmer mattress, this is one of the main reasons people choose Sleep Number over a traditional mattress.

The remote also controls the adjustable base if you have one, raising or lowering your head and feet. Some people use this to watch television, read, or reduce snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.

Sleep Number Bed Models and Price Range

Sleep Number makes several mattress models at different price points. The entry-level models cost less but have fewer features, while premium models include extras like temperature control, more responsive air chambers, and better edge support. Prices vary by mattress size — a queen is less expensive than a California king — and by whether you buy just the mattress or add an adjustable frame.

The company frequently runs promotions, especially around holidays and major sales events. Your actual price may be lower than the listed price if you purchase during one of these periods. Sleep Number also offers discounts for military members, first responders, and healthcare workers.

An adjustable frame that raises and lowers the head and foot sections costs extra and is not included with the mattress purchase. If you already have a bed frame, you can use the Sleep Number mattress on top of it without buying the company's frame.

The Home Trial and Return Process

Sleep Number gives you a trial period to sleep on the mattress in your own home before you have to commit to keeping it. The length of this trial varies — it is typically 100 nights, though this can change. During the trial, you can adjust the firmness as much as you want to find your ideal setting.

If you decide the mattress is not right for you during the trial period, you can return it. Sleep Number will arrange to pick up the mattress from your home. You will not owe the full purchase price if you return it within the trial window, though there may be a restocking fee or you may only get a partial refund depending on the terms at the time of your purchase. Read the trial terms carefully before you buy so you understand what happens if you return the mattress.

Financing Options for Sleep Number Beds

Sleep Number offers several ways to pay for a mattress. You can pay in full upfront, or the company offers financing through third-party lenders. These financing plans let you spread the cost over a set number of months — common terms are 12, 24, or 36 months — and may have no interest if you pay on time, or may charge interest depending on the plan you choose.

To use financing, you will need to provide personal information and go through a credit check. The lender will tell you whether you are approved and what your monthly payment will be. If you are approved for a no-interest plan, make sure you understand the full term — if you miss a payment or pay late, the lender may charge you interest retroactively on the entire purchase.

Some credit cards also offer promotional financing for large purchases at certain retailers. If you have a card with this benefit, you might be able to use it at a Sleep Number showroom, though you should confirm this with the store before you make your purchase.

Maintenance and What to Expect Long-Term

Sleep Number mattresses need occasional maintenance to keep them working properly. The air chambers can develop small leaks over time, which the company can repair or replace under warranty. The mattress cover is removable and machine-washable, so you can clean it like a regular sheet.

Sleep Number offers a warranty that covers defects in the mattress and the air pump for a set number of years — typically 10 or 15 years depending on the model. The warranty covers repairs or replacement if the mattress fails due to a manufacturing defect, but not damage from normal wear, accidents, or misuse.

The adjustable base, if you buy one, also comes with its own warranty. Like the mattress, it covers defects but not damage from accidents or misuse. If something breaks outside the warranty period, Sleep Number can repair it for a fee.

Sleep Number Versus Traditional Mattresses

The main advantage of a Sleep Number bed over a traditional mattress is the ability to adjust firmness on each side independently. If you and your partner have very different sleep preferences, this can be a significant benefit. The adjustable base also gives you options for positioning that a traditional bed frame cannot offer.

The trade-off is that Sleep Number beds cost more than many traditional mattresses, and they require electricity to run the air pump and controls. If the pump fails, the mattress will gradually lose firmness. Some people also find that they prefer the feel of a traditional foam or spring mattress, or that they do not use the adjustability features enough to justify the higher cost.

Sleep Number beds are also heavier than traditional mattresses because of the air chambers and pump, which can make them harder to move or flip. The mattress does not need to be flipped like some traditional mattresses, but it does need to be rotated occasionally to prevent uneven wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Sleep Number mattress on a regular bed frame?

Yes. The mattress works on any flat, sturdy surface — a traditional bed frame, platform bed, or box spring. You do not need to buy Sleep Number's adjustable frame unless you want the head and foot to raise and lower. The mattress itself will function normally on a regular frame.

What happens if the air pump stops working?

The mattress will gradually lose firmness as air leaks out. Sleep Number covers pump failures under the mattress warranty, so you can contact the company to have it repaired or replaced at no cost if it is still under warranty. If the warranty has expired, you will pay a repair fee.

Do I need the Sleep Number app to use the bed?

No. The wireless remote that comes with the mattress controls all the basic functions — adjusting firmness and raising or lowering the base if you have one. The app is optional and adds features like sleep tracking and remote control from your phone, but the bed works fine without it.

How long does a Sleep Number mattress last?

Most Sleep Number mattresses last 8 to 10 years with normal use, though some last longer. The warranty covers defects for 10 or 15 years depending on the model, but this does not mean the mattress will last that long — it means the company will repair or replace it if something breaks due to a manufacturing flaw during that period.

Can I return the mattress after the trial period ends?

No. Once the trial period ends, the mattress is yours and you own it. You cannot return it for a refund after that window closes. This is why the trial period is important — use it to make sure the mattress feels right for you before the trial expires.