What Is Inside a Sleep Number Bed? A Clear Look at the Inner Layers

If you’re searching for “What Is Inside a Sleep Number Bed”, you’re likely trying to understand what actually makes these adjustable air beds work. Instead of metal springs or solid foam cores, they use a mix of air chambers, comfort foams, and electronic components to change firmness.

This FAQ-style guide breaks down each part in plain language so you know what’s really inside and what it means for everyday use.

What Is Inside a Sleep Number Bed at the Most Basic Level?

Inside these adjustable air beds, you’ll typically find four main components working together:

  1. Air chambers (the core support system)
  2. Comfort layers (foams and fabrics on top)
  3. Edge and base support (to shape and stabilize the bed)
  4. Electronics and hoses (to adjust firmness and, in some models, track data)

The exact design can vary by model, but this basic structure appears across most adjustable air beds from this brand.

What Are the Air Chambers Made Of?

What do the air chambers do?

The air chambers are the heart of the bed. Instead of springs or a solid foam core, these beds use air-filled bladders that can be inflated or deflated to change how firm or soft the mattress feels.

What materials are used?

Air chambers are usually made from durable, flexible polymers (often a type of reinforced plastic or rubber-like material) designed to:

  • Hold air without leaking
  • Flex under body weight
  • Respond to inflation and deflation repeatedly over time

On larger sizes, the mattress typically contains two separate air chambers, one for each side. This allows each sleeper to choose a different firmness level.

What Comfort Layers Are on Top of the Air Chambers?

What sits between you and the air chambers?

Above the air core, there are comfort layers designed to change the feel of the surface. These often include:

  • Foam layers – such as polyfoam or memory foam–type materials for cushioning and contouring
  • Quilted top panel – fabric with light padding stitched in
  • Optional extra comfort layers – some models use thicker or more complex foam stacks for a plusher feel

These layers do not usually control firmness in the same way the air chambers do, but they influence:

  • How soft or firm the surface initially feels
  • How much you “sink in”
  • Pressure relief and overall comfort style

The air chambers handle support and adjustability, while the comfort layers shape the feel on top.

How Is the Mattress Supported Around the Edges and Base?

What keeps the bed from feeling like a big air balloon?

To keep the bed stable, edge and base supports are built into the design:

  • Perimeter foam rails: Many models have firmer foam borders around the air chambers. This helps the bed keep its shape and can make the edges feel more solid when you sit or sleep near the side.
  • Fabric encasement: The whole system (chambers + foams) sits inside a zippered cover that holds everything together.
  • Platform or base: Instead of a traditional box spring, these beds usually rest on a solid, flat support system designed to work with the air components.

These structural elements help the mattress feel more like a traditional bed, even though the support comes from air.

What Electronics Are Inside a Sleep Number Bed?

How does the firmness adjustment actually work?

Inside and around the mattress, you’ll find electronic and mechanical components that control the air:

  • Air pump: A small, usually external or semi-enclosed pump that adds or removes air from the chambers.
  • Air hoses: Flexible tubes running from the pump into each air chamber.
  • Control system: This might be a remote, a phone-based control, or both, depending on the model.

Some newer models may also include:

  • Built-in sensors that track basic sleep patterns or positions
  • Communication modules that allow the bed to connect to mobile apps

These parts don’t change the physical feel of the comfort layers, but they control the internal air pressure, which changes the firmness level.

Is There Anything Under the Bed or Hidden I Should Know About?

Many people asking “What Is Inside a Sleep Number Bed” also wonder about hidden parts or special requirements.

Common points to be aware of:

  • The pump and hoses are usually placed under or near the bed, not inside the sleeping surface itself.
  • The mattress often comes in separate components (chambers, foams, rails, cover) that are assembled on-site.
  • Some setups require access to power for the pump and any smart features.

Understanding this helps with planning bedroom layout, cable management, and moving or disassembling the bed later.

Are These Beds Just Air Inside?

Not quite. While air provides the adjustable support, the mattress is more than just an air bladder:

  • Air chambers provide firmness control.
  • Foam and fabric layers provide comfort and cushioning.
  • Edge supports provide structure and stability.
  • Electronics provide adjustability and, in some cases, data features.

So when you ask “What Is Inside a Sleep Number Bed”, the full answer is a system of materials and components, not just air.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about What Is Inside a Sleep Number Bed

  • The core support comes from adjustable air chambers, not springs or a solid foam core.
  • Comfort foams and quilted fabrics sit above the air chambers to change the feel of the surface.
  • Foam rails and a fabric encasement help the mattress keep its shape and provide edge support.
  • Pumps, hoses, and controls manage air pressure and let you change firmness, often on each side of the bed.
  • Larger sizes typically use two separate air chambers, allowing different firmness levels for each sleeper.
  • The bed usually rests on a flat, supportive base, with some components located underneath or nearby.

Understanding what’s inside makes it easier to decide if an adjustable air-based design matches the feel, adjustability, and setup you’re looking for in a mattress.