What Is Sleep Number? Understanding Adjustable Firmness Mattresses

If you’re typing “What Is Sleep Number” into a search bar, you’re usually trying to understand a specific type of mattress system that lets you change how soft or firm your bed feels. This FAQ-style guide explains what that means in practical, non-technical terms so you can decide whether this style of mattress might fit your sleep preferences.

What Is Sleep Number in Simple Terms?

When people ask “What Is Sleep Number”, they are usually referring to:

A mattress that uses adjustable air chambers instead of (or alongside) springs or foam
A number setting that controls how firm or soft the mattress feels
The option for each side of the bed to feel different, so two people don’t have to share the same firmness

In everyday use, your “sleep number” is a personal firmness level, typically represented on a numbered scale. A lower number usually means a softer, more cushioning feel, while a higher number usually means a firmer, more supportive feel.

How Does a Sleep Number–Style Mattress Actually Work?

What is the “number” measuring?

The “number” is essentially a comfort setting tied to how much air is inside the mattress’s internal chambers. More air tends to make the mattress feel firmer; less air tends to make it feel plusher.

What components are involved?

Although designs can vary, these systems commonly include:

Air chambers inside the mattress
A pump or control unit that adds or releases air
A remote or app to adjust the firmness level
Foam or fabric layers on top for comfort and pressure relief

You lie down, adjust the setting, and the mattress inflates or deflates slightly until it reaches the chosen comfort level.

Why Do Sleepers Care About Finding Their “Sleep Number”?

When people search “What Is Sleep Number”, they’re often wondering why the concept matters at all.

For many sleepers, the appeal is:

Custom comfort: You can fine-tune how firm or soft the bed feels instead of accepting a fixed firmness.
Different needs on each side: Partners who like very different feels (one softer, one firmer) can often find a middle ground without compromise.
Flexibility over time: Preferences can change with age, body size, or life events. An adjustable system allows for gradual tweaks instead of replacing the mattress.

The main takeaway: a “sleep number” is about personalization, not a single “perfect” setting that works for everyone.

Common Questions About “What Is Sleep Number”

Is a sleep number the same as mattress firmness?

Not exactly, but it’s closely related. Traditional mattresses are usually labeled soft, medium, or firm. A “sleep number” system replaces those fixed labels with a scale you can move up or down.

Lower settings ≈ softer, more conforming feel
Middle settings ≈ medium feel
Higher settings ≈ firmer, more solid feel

Instead of choosing one firmness in the store, you adjust it at home.

Is the number permanent?

No. Your “sleep number” is not a diagnosis or a fixed identity; it’s just the setting that feels best to you right now. Many sleepers change it over time as they experiment with what feels most comfortable.

Do both sides of the bed have to use the same number?

On many dual-chamber setups, each side can be controlled independently. This is one of the main reasons couples look into this type of mattress.

What Should You Consider Before Choosing a Sleep Number–Style Mattress?

When you’re trying to understand “What Is Sleep Number” in a practical sense, it helps to think about how it fits your habits:

Sleeping position: Side, back, stomach, or combination sleepers may prefer different ranges of softness or firmness.
Sensitivity to feel: Some people are very aware of subtle changes in firmness; others don’t notice small differences.
Noise and adjustments: Adding or releasing air involves a pump; consider whether occasional adjustments might bother you.
Long-term preferences: If your comfort needs tend to change, adjustability can be a useful feature.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about What Is Sleep Number

“What Is Sleep Number” refers to an adjustable-firmness mattress concept, where a numerical setting controls how soft or firm the bed feels.
The number is based on air pressure inside internal chambers; more air usually means firmer, less air usually means softer.
Each sleeper can often have their own number, allowing different firmness levels on each side of the bed.
Your sleep number can change over time as you experiment and your comfort preferences evolve.
These systems are designed for customizable comfort, not to treat medical conditions or guarantee specific sleep outcomes.
When deciding if this style of mattress fits you, focus on adjustability, shared-bed preferences, and your sensitivity to firmness changes.

Understanding what a sleep number is helps you see this mattress type for what it is: a way to fine-tune firmness rather than commit to one fixed feel. With that concept clear, you can better compare it to other mattress designs and decide what matches your own comfort preferences.