What Is a Sleep Number Mattress? Adjustable Comfort Explained

If you’re searching “What Is a Sleep Number Mattress”, you’re likely trying to understand what makes this type of mattress different from traditional spring or foam beds. This FAQ-style guide walks through how it works, why people consider it, and what details matter before deciding if it fits your sleep style.

What Is a Sleep Number Mattress in simple terms?

A Sleep Number–style mattress is an adjustable air bed with internal air chambers that let you change how firm or soft the mattress feels.

Instead of relying only on foam or coils, you control the firmness level with a remote or app, usually shown as a number on a scale. A lower number usually means softer and more “cushiony,” while a higher number usually means firmer and more supportive.

Many models are dual-adjustable, meaning each side of the bed can have its own firmness level. This is one of the main reasons people look up “What Is a Sleep Number Mattress”—they’re curious about how couples can customize each side.

How does a Sleep Number–style mattress work?

Inside the mattress are flexible air chambers. When you add or release air:

Adding air makes the bed firmer
Releasing air makes the bed softer

A built-in pump system controls the air levels. On some models, you may be able to save your favorite firmness level (your “number”) and return to it easily.

Many versions also include:

Foam or comfort layers on top of the air chambers for pressure relief
Edge and internal support structures to help the mattress keep its shape
Optional smart features, such as sleep-tracking or automatic adjustments, depending on the specific model

Why do people consider this type of mattress?

People who ask “What Is a Sleep Number Mattress” are often comparing it with other mattress types and wondering what makes it unique. Common reasons some sleepers are interested include:

Customizable firmness: You can adjust the feel if your comfort needs change over time.
Different needs in one bed: Each side can be adjusted separately in many designs, which can help couples with different preferences.
Potential for experimentation: Some people like testing various firmness levels to find what feels best for them.

At the same time, it’s not the right match for everyone. Some sleepers prefer the consistent feel of all-foam or coil-based mattresses and do not want mechanical or adjustable components in their bed.

What does the “number” actually mean?

The “number” is simply a firmness setting on a scale defined by the manufacturer. For example:

Lower numbers: plusher, more sinking-in feel
Middle numbers: balanced feel
Higher numbers: firmer, more lifted feel

There is no universal “best” number. It usually comes down to your body type, sleeping position, and comfort preference. Many sleepers experiment over several nights before settling on a favorite level.

Is a Sleep Number–style mattress the same as a regular air mattress?

Not exactly. Both use air, but they’re designed for different purposes.

Key differences:

A Sleep Number–style mattress is built as a permanent bed, often with multiple layers, edge support, and a dedicated base.
A basic air mattress is usually portable, intended for occasional use or guests, and often has a simpler, less supportive structure.
Sleep Number–style beds usually focus on adjustable comfort for nightly use, while typical air mattresses focus on convenience and storage.

Who might like this type of mattress?

While preferences are personal, some sleepers commonly interested in these beds include:

Couples with different firmness preferences
People whose comfort needs can change (for instance, after lifestyle changes or over the years)
Sleepers who enjoy tech-forward features like digital controls or sleep tracking

On the other hand, someone who prefers a very simple, set-and-forget mattress with no mechanical parts may lean toward traditional foam or innerspring designs instead.

What should I consider before choosing an adjustable air mattress?

When you’re asking “What Is a Sleep Number Mattress”, it often leads to a follow-up question: “Is it right for me?” These points can help guide your thinking:

Feel and responsiveness: Adjustable air beds may feel different from solid foam or coil mattresses, especially in how they respond to movement.
Noise and components: There is typically a pump system. While many are designed to be quiet, it’s still a mechanical part to be aware of.
Assembly and setup: These beds can be more involved to set up than a one-piece mattress.
Long-term preferences: If you like the idea of changing firmness over time, adjustability can be appealing. If you prefer one consistent feel, you may not use the feature often.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about “What Is a Sleep Number Mattress”

It is an adjustable air mattress designed for everyday use, not a typical temporary air bed.
Firmness is controlled by air levels, usually shown as a “number” on a scale.
Many models allow different firmness settings on each side of the bed, which can help couples with different comfort preferences.
Comfort layers and internal supports are added to create a bed-like feel, not just an air chamber.
There is no single best number—finding the right setting usually takes some experimentation.
It may suit sleepers who value customization and adjustability, and may not appeal to those who prefer a simpler, non-adjustable mattress.

Understanding what a Sleep Number mattress is comes down to one main idea: it’s a bed built around customizable firmness through controlled air support. Once you know that, it becomes easier to compare this style of mattress with more traditional options and decide which construction best matches how you like to sleep.