Why Is My Sleep Number Bed Not Adjusting? Common Causes and Fixes

If you’re asking “Why Is My Sleep Number Bed Not Adjusting?”, you’re usually dealing with one of two things: the bed isn’t inflating/deflating at all, or it’s adjusting very slowly or unevenly. This FAQ-style guide walks through the most common reasons this happens and what you can safely check yourself.

What does it mean when a Sleep Number–style bed “won’t adjust”?

Adjustable air beds change firmness by adding or releasing air from internal air chambers. When a bed is not adjusting, you might notice:

  • No change in firmness when you press the remote or app controls
  • Only one side adjusts while the other stays the same
  • The pump runs but the firmness doesn’t seem to change
  • The bed deflates on its own after you adjust it

Understanding which of these you’re experiencing helps narrow down why your Sleep Number bed is not adjusting.

Why is my Sleep Number bed not adjusting at all?

1. Power or connection issues

One of the most common reasons users ask “Why Is My Sleep Number Bed Not Adjusting” is a basic power problem.

Check for:

  • Loose or unplugged power cord
  • Power strip turned off or tripped
  • Pump or control unit not securely connected to the power source

If the pump unit has any indicator lights, see whether they’re on. A completely dark unit often points to a power interruption rather than a bed malfunction.

2. Remote or app not communicating

If your bed uses a remote or mobile app, the issue may be with communication rather than the bed itself.

Possible causes include:

  • Remote batteries are low or dead
  • Remote is out of range of the control unit
  • Wireless or Bluetooth connection is disrupted
  • App needs to be closed and reopened, or the device needs a quick restart

If the pump does not respond at all when you press the firmness buttons, focus on the remote or app connection first.

What if only one side is not adjusting?

When one side changes firmness and the other doesn’t, people often wonder, “Why Is My Sleep Number Bed Not Adjusting on my side, but the other side works?”

Common reasons include:

  • Disconnected hose or tube: The air hose for one side may not be fully attached to the control unit or the mattress.
  • Kinked or pinched hose: A hose can get bent or pinched under the bed base, limiting airflow.
  • Selected the wrong side on the remote/app: Some controls allow you to choose left or right side, which can be easy to mix up.

📝 Tip: Gently check that the hoses are firmly connected and not twisted, bent, or pushed against a sharp corner under the bed.

Could there be an air leak or internal issue?

1. Slow leak vs. no adjustment

If the bed adjusts but won’t hold your chosen firmness, you may be dealing with:

  • A slow air leak in the hose connections or fittings
  • An issue with the air chamber inside the mattress

Signs include:

  • The bed feels fine right after you adjust it, then softens over a few hours
  • One side deflates more than the other
  • You hear faint hissing sounds near hose connections

2. Pump is running, but firmness doesn’t change

If the pump runs longer than usual or sounds strained, but the feel of the bed is unchanged, there may be:

  • Blockage or restriction in the airflow
  • Internal part wear over time

In these cases, there is usually less you can safely fix on your own beyond basic checks. Avoid opening sealed components or cutting into the mattress.

What should I check before contacting support?

Before you reach out for help, you can usually run through a quick checklist. This often answers the question “Why Is My Sleep Number Bed Not Adjusting?” without needing a repair visit.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to understand about Why Is My Sleep Number Bed Not Adjusting:

  • Check power first: Make sure the pump unit is plugged in and any power strips are on.
  • Confirm controls: Replace remote batteries, restart the app, and ensure the correct side is selected.
  • Inspect hoses: Look for loose, kinked, or disconnected hoses under and around the bed.
  • Listen for changes: If the pump runs but nothing changes, there may be an airflow or internal issue.
  • Watch for slow leaks: If firmness changes at first but doesn’t hold, air loss may be occurring over time.

When is it time to stop troubleshooting?

If you’ve checked power, remote/app, hoses, and basic settings, and you’re still wondering “Why Is My Sleep Number Bed Not Adjusting?”, it may indicate:

  • Internal pump components that are not functioning as intended
  • An air chamber or internal connection concern
  • A control system or wiring issue you cannot see from the outside

At this point, further disassembly or DIY repairs can risk damage. It’s generally safer to note what you’ve already tried and seek guidance from the bed’s support resources.

Understanding the likely causes behind “Why Is My Sleep Number Bed Not Adjusting” can make the problem feel less mysterious. By checking simple things like power, connections, and hoses first, you can often narrow down what’s going on and decide whether it’s a quick fix or something that needs professional attention.