Why Is My Sleep Number Bed Deflating On One Side? Common Causes and Fixes

If you’re wondering “Why Is My Sleep Number Bed Deflating On One Side?”, you’re not alone. Many air-based adjustable beds can lose firmness on just one side, which can feel like your settings are changing on their own or that one side is sinking overnight.

This FAQ-style guide walks through the most common reasons this happens, how to troubleshoot it, and when it may be time to contact support.

What does it mean if only one side keeps losing air?

On adjustable air beds, each side usually has its own air chamber, hose, and connection. If only one side is deflating, the issue is typically isolated to that side’s:

  • Air chamber
  • Hose or hose connection
  • Internal seals or fittings
  • Control system/settings for that side

In most cases, this points to a slow air leak or a connection problem, rather than a total system failure.

Why Is My Sleep Number Bed Deflating On One Side? Main Possible Causes

1. Loose or partially disconnected hose

A very common reason a bed deflates on one side is a loose air hose connection between the pump and that side’s air chamber.

  • The hose may not be fully “clicked” into the fitting
  • The connection could have shifted if the bed was moved or lifted
  • The cap or internal valve at the hose end may not be seated correctly

A slightly loose hose can create a slow leak that’s most noticeable after several hours of use.

2. Small puncture or tear in the air chamber

Another frequent answer to “Why Is My Sleep Number Bed Deflating On One Side” is a puncture in the air chamber itself.

This can happen from:

  • Sharp objects near or under the mattress
  • Rough handling during moving or assembly
  • Aging materials and normal wear

Punctures are often very small, so the bed might feel fine when you first go to sleep but noticeably softer by morning.

3. Worn or failing seals and gaskets

Where the hose meets the chamber, or at internal joints, there are usually rubber or plastic seals that keep air in.

Over time, these can:

  • Harden or crack
  • Shift out of position
  • Lose their tight seal

This can cause one side to slowly leak even if the hose and chamber look normal from the outside.

4. Overloading or uneven pressure on one side

Sometimes the issue is how the bed is used:

  • Sitting on the edge of one side frequently
  • Placing heavy items on that side
  • Allowing pets to jump or scratch in the same area

This can put more strain on that side’s chamber and connections, leading to small leaks or accelerated wear.

How can I tell where the leak or issue is?

Quick checks you can safely try

Before assuming the worst, you can do a few simple checks:

  1. Inspect the hose connection

    • Make sure the hose is fully inserted into the chamber fitting.
    • Gently twist and push until it feels secure.

  2. Listen for hissing

    • In a quiet room, inflate the bed to a firmer setting.
    • Listen around the hose connection, along the sides of the mattress, and at the seams.

  3. Check for visible damage

    • Look for creases, cracks, or worn spots near the hose fitting and seams.
    • Check the foundation or base for anything sharp pressing into the air chamber.

  4. Note when the deflation happens

    • Does it get softer only when you sleep on it?
    • Does it lose air even when no one is on the bed?
    • This can help narrow down whether the leak is weight-related or constant.

Could controls or settings make one side feel like it’s deflating?

Yes, sometimes settings or usage patterns can make it seem like the bed is leaking when it is actually adjusting normally.

1. Different firmness settings on each side

If one side is set much softer than the other, the softer side can feel like it is “sinking” or “losing air,” especially when you change positions.

2. Automatic adjustments or recent changes

If you recently:

  • Changed your preferred firmness
  • Swapped sides of the bed
  • Reassembled or moved the bed

…the system may be adjusting in ways that feel unfamiliar, even if there is no actual leak.

When should I contact customer support or a technician?

If you’ve checked the hose, inspected for damage, and the same side still keeps deflating, it may be time to reach out to the manufacturer’s support team.

You’ll usually want to note:

  • Which side (left or right when lying down) is affected
  • How quickly it loses air (minutes, hours, overnight)
  • Any recent moves, assembly changes, or impacts

Support teams often guide you through additional tests and can help determine whether an air chamber, hose, or internal component may need repair or replacement.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about “Why Is My Sleep Number Bed Deflating On One Side”

  • Single-side deflation usually points to a localized issue with that side’s air chamber, hose, or seals.
  • Loose hose connections are a common and easy-to-miss cause of slow leaks.
  • Tiny punctures or worn seams can cause the bed to feel fine at first but noticeably softer by morning.
  • How you use the bed (sitting on the edge, heavy weight on one side) can speed up wear and create leaks.
  • Settings differences between sides can sometimes feel like one side is deflating, even when it isn’t.
  • If simple checks don’t solve it, the safest next step is to work with the manufacturer’s support to pinpoint and address the issue.

Understanding “Why Is My Sleep Number Bed Deflating On One Side” helps you focus on the most likely causes instead of guessing. By checking connections, looking for wear, and paying attention to when and how the softness appears, you can usually narrow down the problem and move toward a stable, more consistent sleep surface.