How to Install or Replace Sleep Number® Mattress Air Chambers

Applies to all Sleep Number® beds.

Use this guide to install or replace the air chambers in your Sleep Number® bed. This process is easier with two people, and we recommend watching the video for your bed before starting.

Quick Overview: Replace a Sleep Number® Bed Air Chamber

1. Set both sides of the bed to 100 and remove bedding.
2. Disconnect the mattress from your base.
3. Unplug the bed from power.
4. Disconnect hoses and wires carefully, then cap the air chambers to help keep air inside.
5. Remove the old air chamber, plug the bed back in and inflate the new air chamber to 100 before placing it inside the mattress.
6. Reassemble the mattress, reconnect the bed and adjust your Sleep Number® setting or run a Quick System Test in the app, if needed (beds with a Smart Control™ System only).

Before You Replace the Air Chamber

Make sure you have:

• Two people (recommended)
• White air chamber caps (you can order them online or visit a Sleep Number store near you)
• Replacement air chamber(s)

Tip: Plan for about 30–45 minutes.

Safety reminder: FlexFit® adjustable bases with magnet attach

• Keep magnets separated and away from other metal objects to help prevent pinching.
• If you have a medical device or implant, stay at least 6 inches away from a disassembled mattress or base.
• Keep magnets away from electronics, magnetic storage devices, and debit or credit cards.

Step-by-Step Air Chamber Replacement Instructions

Follow the steps below to install or replace the air chambers in your Sleep Number® bed. Choose the steps that match your base type. Prefer a video? See Additional Resources.

Step 1: Prepare your Sleep Number® bed

1. Set both sides of your bed to 100 using the Sleep Number® app or remote.
   • This will help you maneuver the bed in future steps.
2. Remove all bedding.
3. For a FlexFit® adjustable base with magnet attach: Release the magnets.
   1. Use your thumbs to push up on the edge of each magnet and disconnect it from the base.
   2. Place a towel between magnets to help keep them from reattaching.

4. For a FlexFit® adjustable base with strap attach: Release the mattress straps.
   1. Raise the head of the bed, then unsnap the black straps at the head of the mattress. Black straps are used on FlexTop™ and Split mattresses only.

2. Return the base to the flat position.
3. Find the gray straps at the foot corners and near the hip area on each side.
4. Lift and unsnap the gray straps

Step 2: Disconnect the mattress from hoses and wires

1. Unplug your bed from the wall outlet or power strip.
2. Disconnect each air hose by pressing the tab and gently pulling the hose away from the air chamber.
3. Place a white closure cap on the air chamber to keep air inside.
4. If your model has foot warming or a temperature sensor strip, press the latch and gently disconnect the wire connector.
5. Repeat the hose and wire disconnection steps on the other side, if needed.

Step 3: Remove the mattress from the base (for integrated bases only)

If you do not have an integrated base, skip this step.

1. Carefully lift the mattress off the base and set it aside.
2. Cover the MicroHook™ strips with towels to protect the mattress cover while you work.
3. Place the mattress back on the base.

Step 4: Remove the old air chamber

Beds purchased after 2017:

1. Turn the mattress upside down on the base so the head of the mattress is positioned at the foot of the base.
   • FlexFit® magnet attach: Remove each magnet by gently twisting it to the left and lifting it off the mattress cover. Keep magnets separated after removal to help prevent pinching.
2. Unzip the mattress cover.
3. Fold back the unzipped cover panels.
4. If your model has wires, tuck them into the side of the mattress cover so they stay out of the way.
5. Move the foam base pad out of the way.
   • Open the French door foam base pads, if your mattress has them.
   • If your mattress has a foam base pad, remove it.
6. Remove the old air chamber and set it aside.

Beds purchased prior to 2017 (Traditional or Legacy models):

1. Find the zipper at the head of your bed and unzip all the way around the mattress cover. If your bed is a Duvet style or a memory foam mattress, unzip the bottom zipper.
2. Remove the top cover panel and the foam comfort pad.
3. Disconnect the pump and remove the air chamber(s).

Step 5: Inflate and prepare the new air chamber

Important: Keep the new air chamber outside the mattress during this step.

1. Plug your bed back into power.
2. Lay the new air chamber(s) next to the bed, on the floor.
3. Attach the hose to the new air chamber(s) without pulling the hose beyond its natural slack, then inflate the chamber to 100.
   • The air chamber will take a few minutes to fully inflate.
4. Once inflated, disconnect the hose and place a white closure cap on the air chamber.
5. Repeat these steps for the second air chamber, if your bed has two.
6. For king-size adjustable bases only, unzip the air chambers as needed:
   • FlexTop™: Unzip the air chambers halfway, allowing the head of the mattress to move independently.
   • Split King: Unzip the air chambers completely, allowing the head and foot of the mattress to move independently.

Step 6: Place the new air chamber inside the mattress

1. Place the new air chamber inside the mattress.
   • Make sure the nozzle faces up before closing the mattress.
   • Mattresses purchased prior to 2017: the connector (found on the bottom of the air chamber) should be at the head of the bed.
2. Close the French door foam base pads or insert the base pad.
3. Unfold the mattress cover.
4. Route any wires through the correct openings, if your model has them.
5. Zip the mattress cover closed.
   • Tip: Pull the mattress cover tight as you zip.
6. For FlexFit® magnet attach: Add the magnets back to the mattress cover.
   • Tip: Match the magnet colors as you reconnect them. Gray goes with gray, and black goes with black.
7. Flip the mattress right-side up and center it on the base.
8. For an integrated base: Remove the towels from the MicroHook™ strips.

Step 7: Reconnect hoses, wires, straps, or magnets

1. Remove the white closure cap from the air chamber and reconnect the hose. Repeat on both sides, if needed.

2. If your model has foot warming or a temperature sensor wire, unplug the bed, reconnect the wires on each side, then plug the bed back in.

3. For a FlexFit® adjustable base with mattress straps:
   1. Reconnect the gray straps at the hip and foot of the mattress.
   2. Raise the head of the bed and snap the black straps at the head of the mattress. Black straps are used on FlexTop™ and Split mattresses only.
   3. Return the bed to the flat position.

4. For a FlexFit® adjustable base with magnet attach:
   1. Center the mattress on the base, then remove the towels.
   2. The magnets will be automatically attached. Be careful not to pinch your fingers.

Step 8: Finish installation and adjust your Sleep Number® setting

1. For Sleep Number® smart beds purchased after 2022 with a Smart Control™ System:
   • Run a Quick System Test in the app: Smart Bed > Bed Settings > Quick System Test.
   • Adjust your Sleep Number Setting.
2. For Sleep Number® 360 smart beds purchased between 2017 and 2026 with a Firmness Control™ system:
   • Adjust your Sleep Number Setting.
3. For customers using a remote only:
   • Adjust your Sleep Number Setting.

Step 9: Dispose of the old air chamber(s)

• If you received a return label from Sleep Number, box the old chamber(s) and ship them back.
• If you did not receive a return label:
  • Check local recycling options. Air chambers are typically made from durable plastic materials, but many curbside recycling programs do not accept them. Contact your local recycling or mattress recycling facility to see if they accept these materials.
  • If recycling isn't available, dispose of them through your local waste service as bulky household waste. Requirements vary by municipality.

Additional Resources

Traditional Mattress

Beds purchased prior to 2017.

360 Mattress with a Non-Adjustable Base

Beds purchased between 2017 and 2026, with a Firmness Control System.

360 Mattress with a FlexFit® Adjustable Base

Beds purchased between 2017 and 2026, with a Firmness Control System.

Smart Mattress with a Non-Adjustable Base

Beds purchased after 2022, with a Smart Control System.

Smart Mattress with a FlexFit® Adjustable Base

Beds purchased after 2022, with a Smart Control System.

Troubleshooting Air Chamber Installation Issues

Why is my Sleep Number® bed not inflating after replacing the air chamber?

• Check that all hoses are fully connected.
• Listen for a click when attaching each hose.

Why isn’t my Sleep Number® setting changing?

• This can happen if the air chambers were empty.
• Allow a few minutes for the air chambers to fully inflate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace a Sleep Number® bed air chamber myself?
Yes. You can replace the air chamber by following the steps in this guide. We recommend having two people available to help lift and position the mattress.

Do I need two people for installation?
Yes. Two people help safely lift and position the mattress.

Why do I hear air releasing?
This is normal when disconnecting hoses.

What if I don’t have white air chamber caps?
You can order replacement air chamber caps online or visit a Sleep Number store near you.

How do I know if I have magnet attach or strap attach?
FlexFit® adjustable bases may use magnets or straps to secure the mattress. If you see magnets under the mattress, follow the magnet attach steps and keep the magnets separated with towels while you work. If you see gray or black straps, follow the strap attach steps.

Why do I need to set both sides of the bed to 100 before starting?
Setting the bed to 100 helps fully inflate the air chambers before you disconnect hoses or remove parts. This makes the chambers easier to handle.

Do I need to unplug the bed during installation?
Yes. Unplug the bed before disconnecting hoses, wires, straps, or magnets. Plug it back in only when you need to inflate the new air chamber or complete setup.

Should I inflate the new air chamber before putting it in the mattress?
Yes. Keep the new air chamber outside the mattress, connect the hose, and inflate it to 100 before placing it inside the mattress.

Which way should the air chamber nozzle face?
The air chamber nozzle should face up before you close the mattress cover.

What should I do after reconnecting the air chamber?
Reconnect the hose and any wires, secure the mattress to the base if needed, then adjust your Sleep Number® setting. If your bed uses a Smart Control™ System, run a Quick System Test in the Sleep Number® app.

Get Help with Sleep Number® Air Chamber Installation

If your bed still is not inflating, or you need help reconnecting parts, our team is here to help. Contact Support for additional assistance.