What Is a Sleep Number Bed by Select Comfort
A Sleep Number bed is an adjustable-firmness mattress sold and serviced by Select Comfort through its network of Sleep Number stores and authorized dealers. The core idea is simple: each side of the bed has its own air chambers, and a small pump lets you dial in a firmness level, usually on a 1 to 100 scale. This makes Sleep Number beds a natural fit for couples who want different feel on each side, or for anyone who likes to fine-tune support night after night.
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Select Comfort has been the primary manufacturer and direct seller of these beds since the brand's founding. The company controls the design, the air mattress hardware and the retail experience, which is why Sleep Number beds tend to look and operate differently from traditional innerspring or foam mattresses bought at big-box stores.
How the Sleep Number Airbed System Works
Under the comfort layers, a Sleep Number bed uses inflatable air chambers that run the length of the mattress. The pump, usually tucked at the base, pushes air in or lets it out on command. You adjust firmness by pressing a button on a handheld remote or a bedside control panel. The system can also include sensors that track your movement and breathing, and some models pair with an app that logs sleep data over time.
Firmness and Zones
The Sleep Number scale is not linear across the whole range. Lower numbers are softer, higher numbers are firmer, but the exact feel also depends on the model, the top layers and how much air you add. Many newer models offer dual zones so that shoulders, hips and lower back can feel different levels of support within the same side of the bed.
Key Sleep Number Models to Consider
Select Comfort updates its lineup regularly, so the exact model names and availability can shift. As of recent seasons, the line typically runs through a few tiers:
- Sleep Number i10: A common entry point with basic firmness adjustment, a single Sleep Number setting per side and standard air support. It usually appeals to buyers who want the adjustability without extra tech.
- Sleep Number i20: Adds more granular adjustments, often dual-zone support and a remote with more precise controls. Comfort layers may include foam or microfiber padding for a more traditional feel.
- Sleep Number i8: A newer option that focuses on responsive air support with a simpler design. It tends to sit at a moderate price while keeping the core Sleep Number adjustability.
- Sleep Number c2, c4 and similar series: These often represent older or more budget-oriented frames within the ecosystem and may use fewer air chambers or simpler bases.
Within each model, Select Comfort offers different base options, such as a fixed platform, an adjustable base with head and foot elevation, or bases with built-in massage or under-bed lighting. The base you choose affects setup, price and how the mattress looks in the room.
Sleep Number Bed Pricing and Value
Sleep Number beds typically cost more than a basic innerspring mattress but less than many high-end hybrid or all-foam beds. Pricing depends heavily on the model, the base, the size and any promotions running at the time of purchase. A single king or queen with an adjustable base and basic i10-level features usually lands in a mid-to-upper range for the mattress market, while higher-end i20 or i8 configurations with advanced bases push the total higher.
Because Sleep Number sells directly through its own stores, the in-store experience is part of the value proposition. You can test firmness levels in person, get a custom fit recommendation and have the bed delivered and set up by the retailer. Select Comfort also runs frequent promotions, especially around holidays, and the beds often qualify for flexible financing.
Setup, Maintenance and Common Issues
Setup is straightforward in most cases. The mattress ships compressed in a box for many models, though some higher-end versions arrive in pieces that are assembled on the base. The pump and remote connect easily, and the initial air-up takes a few minutes. Once set, you can adjust firmness from the bed at any time.
Maintenance is minimal but not zero. The air chambers can develop slow leaks over years of use, and the pump or remote may need replacement. Select Comfort offers warranty coverage that varies by model, and its stores can handle repairs or replacements for covered issues. Common complaints from owners include noise from the pump during initial adjustment, the mattress feeling warmer than a traditional foam bed, and the need to re-inflate occasionally as air naturally seeps out.
Who Should Buy a Sleep Number Bed by Select Comfort
A Sleep Number bed makes the most sense for people who prioritize adjustable firmness, share a bed with a partner who has different preferences, or have specific support needs that change over time. It is less ideal for buyers who prefer a fixed-feel mattress, want a no-fuss setup, or are highly sensitive to the slight mechanical sounds an air pump can make.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you use a regular sheet set on a Sleep Number bed? Yes, standard fitted sheets work as long as the mattress dimensions match your frame size.
- How long does a Sleep Number bed last? With proper care, many owners get 8 to 10 years, though air chambers and electronics may wear sooner.
- Is the Sleep Number mattress heavy? It is lighter than many hybrid or innerspring beds, which makes moving and setup easier.
- Can you buy a Sleep Number bed online? Select Comfort sells online and through its store network, but in-store trials are a core part of the buying process.