How Do You Deflate a Sleep Number Bed: Step‑by‑Step FAQ Guide

If you’re wondering “How Do You Deflate a Sleep Number Bed” for moving, storing, or adjusting it, you’re not alone. Many air‑adjustable beds use internal pumps and air chambers, so deflating them is a bit different from a traditional air mattress. This FAQ walks through what to do, what to avoid, and how to protect your bed while it’s deflated.

What does “deflating” a Sleep Number–style bed actually mean?

On an adjustable air bed, “deflating” typically means:

Reducing air in the chambers so the mattress is softer, flatter, or easier to move.
In some models, it can also mean setting the bed to its lowest firmness setting so the internal system controls the air release instead of you opening anything manually.

You’re not just “letting all the air out” like a pool float. The bed has air chambers, hoses, and a pump that should be handled carefully to avoid leaks or damage.

Why might you need to deflate a Sleep Number–type bed?

People usually search “How Do You Deflate a Sleep Number Bed” for a few reasons:

Moving homes or rooms and needing the mattress lighter and easier to carry.
Storing the bed for a period of time.
Replacing parts like the base, pump, or chambers.
Troubleshooting firmness issues, such as a bed that feels overinflated or uneven.

In most cases, you’re not trying to collapse the mattress completely, but rather to relieve pressure in the air chambers so the system and fabric are not under strain.

How Do You Deflate a Sleep Number Bed Safely?

The exact steps can vary by model, but the general process follows the same pattern: use the remote or control system first, and only consider manual steps if that’s not possible.

1. Use the bed’s own firmness controls

Most adjustable air beds have a remote, app, or wired controller.

Power the bed on.
Make sure it’s plugged into a working outlet and the pump/system is running.
Set firmness to the lowest/softest setting.
Hold the “down” or “soften” button until the display or app indicates the minimum level. This usually triggers the internal valves to release air from the chambers in a controlled way.
Wait for the mattress to soften.
Give it several minutes. The bed should feel noticeably flatter, softer, and easier to compress.
Check both sides (for dual‑chamber beds).
If each side is adjustable, repeat the process for each side so the mattress deflates evenly.

This built‑in method is often the safest and easiest way to deflate the bed because it uses the system as designed.

2. What if the remote or app doesn’t work?

If your primary control is unavailable, many people still wonder How Do You Deflate a Sleep Number Bed without it. In these cases, proceed slowly:

Unplug and re‑plug the system to see if it resets.
If the control comes back, use the normal “soften” function as above.

If the control never responds, more detailed troubleshooting is usually needed. Specific internal parts (like hoses and valves) can be delicate, and forcing air out manually can damage the system. When in doubt, it’s generally best to follow the brand’s instructions that came with your bed or contact customer support for model‑specific guidance.

3. Do you ever fully empty the chambers?

For everyday use, full deflation is rarely required. Instead:

Set the bed to the lowest setting recommended by the manufacturer.
This keeps the internal structure supported and reduces the risk of folding or creasing the chambers in a way they weren’t designed to handle.

Some owners are tempted to open hoses or squeeze out air manually. This can:

Put stress on valves, connectors, and seams
Make it harder for the system to re‑inflate properly later

In many cases, a soft, low‑pressure state is enough for moving or lifting the mattress.

Can you move a deflated Sleep Number–style bed?

Yes, but a few precautions help protect the mattress:

Avoid sharp bends or tight folds. The air chambers and internal pathways can crease or kink.
Lift, don’t drag. Dragging along the floor can snag fabric or cables.
Keep pump and cables organized. Wrap cords loosely and keep the pump where it won’t be crushed.

For longer moves, some people disassemble the bed into components (top layers, side rails, base, pump). Doing this gently can make transport easier and reduce stress on the air system.

How long can you leave the bed deflated?

For short moves or temporary storage, most owners safely keep the mattress in a softened, low‑air state. When storing:

Keep it in a dry, temperature‑stable environment.
Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the deflated mattress.
Lay it flat if possible, so the layers stay aligned.

Prolonged, very tight folding or compressing may cause wrinkles in foam or fabric layers, which can affect how the bed feels once re‑inflated.

How do you re‑inflate after deflating?

Once you’re ready to use the bed again:

Set up the bed and base on a stable, flat surface.
Reconnect the pump and hoses exactly as they were.
Plug in the system and wait for it to power up.
Use the remote or app to raise firmness on each side to your preferred setting.
Lie down and give it a few minutes to adjust as air distributes through the chambers.

If one side stays noticeably softer or firmer, double‑check hose connections and settings.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about “How Do You Deflate a Sleep Number Bed”

Use the built‑in controls first. Setting the bed to its lowest firmness is usually the safest way to deflate.
Avoid forcing air out manually unless official instructions specifically allow it.
Deflate both sides evenly on dual‑chamber models so the mattress lies flat.
For moving, a soft, low‑air state is usually enough; full collapse of the chambers is rarely necessary.
Do not sharply fold or crease the mattress when deflated, to protect internal chambers and hoses.
Store in a dry, flat, and uncluttered space without stacking heavy items on top.
When re‑inflating, reconnect components carefully and adjust firmness gradually.

Handled gently and methodically, a Sleep Number–style bed can be softened or deflated for moves and storage while keeping its internal system protected for years of use.