What Are Sleep Number Mattresses Made Of? A Clear Material Breakdown

If you’re asking “What Are Sleep Number Mattresses Made Of”, you’re usually trying to understand what’s inside the bed, how it works, and whether the materials match your comfort and durability needs. This FAQ-style guide walks through the main layers and components you’ll typically find in these adjustable air mattresses.

What Are Sleep Number Mattresses Made Of at a Basic Level?

At the core, these mattresses are adjustable air beds built from a combination of:

  • An air support system (air chambers)
  • Foam comfort layers
  • A fabric cover
  • Inner support and separation layers
  • External components like a pump and remote or app controls

The exact mix and thickness of these materials can vary by model, but most follow this same general structure.

What Is Inside the Air Chambers?

What Materials Are the Air Chambers Made From?

The air chambers are usually made from durable, flexible polymers such as reinforced vinyl or similar synthetic materials. These are designed to:

  • Hold air securely over long periods
  • Flex as you change positions
  • Respond to different firmness settings

Inside each chamber, there may be internal baffles or reinforcements that help maintain shape and prevent ballooning when the chamber is fully inflated.

Why Do the Air Chambers Matter?

The air chambers are the primary support system in the mattress. Adjusting how much air is in them changes how firm or soft the bed feels. For larger sizes, there are often two separate air chambers, allowing each side to be adjusted independently.

What Types of Foam Are Used on Top?

What Foam Layers Are Common?

Above the air chambers, most models include foam comfort layers. These may include:

  • Polyurethane foam – A common, versatile foam used for basic cushioning
  • Memory foam – A slow-responding foam many people associate with contouring and pressure relief
  • Specialty or transition foams – Designed to sit between softer comfort foams and the firmer support of the air chambers

These foam layers vary in thickness, density, and feel, depending on the model and series.

Why Are Foam Layers Added?

The air chambers provide adjustable firmness, but foam layers shape the overall feel of the mattress. They can:

  • Soften the initial surface feel
  • Add contouring around shoulders and hips
  • Smooth out the transition so you don’t feel the structure of the air system directly

What Is the Mattress Cover Made Of?

Outer Fabric and Quilting

The top cover is typically made from woven or knit textile fabrics, often a blend of polyester and other fibers. Features may include:

  • Quilted foam or fiber padding for a more cushioned surface
  • Breathable knit panels to allow some air circulation
  • Side panels with sturdy fabrics to protect and encase the internal components

The exact fabric blend can differ by model, but the goal is a soft, durable, and flexible surface that works with the adjustable system underneath.

Are There Springs or Coils Inside?

Is There Any Innerspring Component?

Traditional innerspring coils are not typically the main support system in these mattresses. Instead, air chambers take the place of a coil unit.

Some models may add:

  • Base foam layers beneath the air system for stability
  • Edge or perimeter support materials to help maintain shape at the sides

But the core support comes from air, not metal coils, in most standard designs.

What About the Pump, Hoses, and Controls?

External and Internal Components

Because these are adjustable beds, there are mechanical and electronic parts in addition to the mattress materials:

  • A pump unit, usually made from plastics and electronic components, supplies and releases air
  • Hoses connect the pump to the air chambers
  • Controls (remote or app-based) manage the firmness levels

These components work together with the foam and air chamber materials to create the adjustable experience.

Are There Any Common Concerns About the Materials?

Durability and Feel

Consumers often ask about:

  • Durability of air chambers – Reinforced polymers are generally chosen for long-term use, but all materials can wear over time
  • Foam longevity – Like most foam beds, comfort layers can gradually soften
  • Odor or “new mattress smell” – Some users notice a mild smell from new foam or fabrics that usually fades with airing out

It’s helpful to review product specifications for foam types, thicknesses, and construction details when comparing models.

How Do the Materials Affect Comfort and Performance?

The way materials are combined tends to influence:

  • Support – Air chambers provide adjustable firmness rather than a fixed feel
  • Pressure relief – Foam layers help distribute body weight more evenly
  • Temperature feel – Fabric types and foam density can affect how warm or cool the surface feels
  • Motion response – Individual air chambers and foam layers can limit how much movement is felt from a partner

Instead of focusing only on a single layer (like foam type), it’s useful to consider how all layers work together.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about What Are Sleep Number Mattresses Made Of:

  • Core support comes from adjustable air chambers made of reinforced synthetic materials.
  • Foam comfort layers (often polyurethane and sometimes memory foam) sit on top of the air chambers for cushioning and contouring.
  • The outer cover typically uses textile blends designed for softness, breathability, and durability.
  • Most models do not rely on traditional metal springs; the air system replaces a coil unit.
  • Additional components include a pump, hoses, and control system that work with the internal mattress materials.
  • The overall feel results from the combination of air adjustability, foam construction, and fabric cover, not just one single material.

Understanding what Sleep Number mattresses are made of helps you evaluate whether this type of air-based, foam-topped construction aligns with the comfort, support, and adjustability you prefer in a bed.