Applies to Traditional Sleep Number® mattresses, purchased prior to 2017.
Use this guide to install common replacement parts for a traditional Sleep Number® mattress, including mattress covers, foam pads, air chambers, foam walls, base pads, pumps and chamber lifts.
Before you start: Replacement parts and mattress designs can vary by model, age and bed size. Your bed may have a top zipper, bottom zipper, hidden zipper, side hose ports, one air chamber, two air chambers or older pump connections. If the part you received does not match your bed, pause and contact Sleep Number support before connecting or removing parts.
Choose the part you are installing
- Mattress cover
- Memory Foam and x12 Mattress Covers
- Foam Comfort Pad
- Foam Center Wall
- Foam Side and End Walls
- Foam Base Pad
- Chamber Lift
- Air Chambers
- Firmness Control System
Quick tips for a smoother install: Take photos before removing parts, keep white air chamber caps nearby, work with two people when lifting or flipping the mattress, keep FlexFit® Adjustable Bases flat, and review the section for your exact part before taking the bed apart.
When to contact Sleep Number support
- The replacement part does not look like the original part or does not fit.
- Your pump, hose connectors or air chamber ports do not match.
- You need to order a part, confirm pricing or request help with installation.
- You are not comfortable lifting, flipping or disassembling the mattress.
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Mattress cover
These instructions are intended to support various generations, models and configurations. Some components may not apply to your bed, and not all parts may be referenced.
Use this section if you are replacing the full mattress cover or cover assembly. Some replacement covers are built differently than the original cover. Your new cover may zip from the bottom, include hidden zippers or require the bed to be rebuilt from the bottom up.
You will be disassembling the bed top down, but assembling the bed bottom up - we will guide you along the way.
What you will need
- White air chamber caps (typically stored in the mattress, base, or provided during delivery). If you do not have white air chamber caps, you can order them online or visit a Sleep Number store near you.
- Replacement mattress cover
- Retainer bar - previous assembly or new
- 7/16- inch socket wrench - only required for certain FlexFit® Adjustable Base mattress cover installations
- Sleep Number® remote
- Two people are required to complete installation.
Removing Old Mattress Cover
- Inflate your bed to 100 on both sides using your Sleep Number remote and remove all bedding.
- For FlexFit™ adjustable base, ensure the bed is in the flat position.
- At the head of the bed, locate the zipper, and fully unzip the mattress cover. Remove the top portion of the mattress cover and foam comfort pad.
- If the mattress cover has two zippers, first remove the foam comfort pad. Unzip the second zipper to take off the bottom portion of the mattress cover.
- If the mattress cover has two zippers, first remove the foam comfort pad. Unzip the second zipper to take off the bottom portion of the mattress cover.
- To access the hose connections, at the head of the bed, remove the foam end wall.
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Disconnect the hose(s) from the air chamber(s) by pressing down on the tab while pulling the connector. You may hear air releasing from the air chamber(s). Cap the air chamber(s) using the white air chamber caps.
- Gently pull the hose(s) out of the mattress cover openings.
- Remove the air chamber(s), side and end walls, foam base pad (if applicable).
FlexFit® Adjustable Base
Applies to mattresses secured to the Adjustable Base with an attachment system.
The attachment system must be removed prior to taking off the bottom of the mattress cover.
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Shark Bites (gray disks): Use a 7/16-inch socket wrench to loosen, remove the bolt, and top and bottom (under mattress cover) attachment disk.
- Repeat at each corner of the foot of the bed and each side near the hip.
- Split King and California King sizes also have a set at the center of the bed.
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White plastic disks: Remove the bolt cap, then loosen and remove the bolt with a 7/16-inch socket wrench. After that, remove washer and plastic disk.
- Repeat for remaining plastic disks located at each side of the bed near the hip.
- Split King and California King sizes also have a set at the center of the bed.
The white plastic disks can be discarded. The retainer bar(s) will be used to hold the mattress in place.
Installing Replacement Mattress Cover
- If you have received retainer bar(s) with your new mattress cover, please install them now.
- Prepare the new mattress cover by flipping upside down, with the mattress cover openings at the head of the bed.
Note: The replacement mattress cover may have attachments built into the bottom, disregard as these are used for specific mattress setups.
- Unzip the mattress cover and fold back the unzipped portion.
Note: Some i-Series covers may have a hidden zipper at the head. If there is a second hidden zipper, insert the foam comfort pad facing down inside this compartment and zip it closed.
- Place the foam pad with the top side facing downward, inside the mattress cover.
- Align the edges of the mattress cover to the edges of the foam comfort pad.
- Insert foam side and end walls, align them with the mattress cover edges.
- Place air chamber(s) into the mattress cover with nozzle at the head of the bed facing up.
Insert center foam wall between the air chamber(s) (if applicable).
- Insert the foam base pad on top of the air chamber(s) (if applicable).
- Make sure the white fabric material is fully covering the foam side walls and must remain flat while zipping the mattress cover.
WARNING: To ensure compliance with federal and state flammability requirements, the white fabric material must be positioned correctly within the smart bed.
- Gently zip the mattress cover closed. Pull the mattress cover tight while zipping to straighten the mattress cover out.
As you zip the mattress cover at the head of the bed, ensure the air chamber connection(s) remain accessible - you'll need to reach them to reconnect the hose(s).
- Flip the mattress right-side and center on base.
Reminder: If the mattress cover previously had white plastic disks, you will only use the retainer bar to hold the mattress in place.
- Remove white air chamber cap(s) and connect hoses to chamber(s). Push until you hear or feel them click into place.
Memory Foam and x12 Mattress Cover
These instructions are intended to support various generations, models and configurations. Some components may not apply to your bed, and not all parts may be referenced.
Use this section for Memory Foam or x12-style covers. These covers may include more than one zipper and may place the foam comfort pad in a separate compartment.
What you will need
- White air chamber caps (typically stored in the mattress, base, or provided during delivery). If you do not have white air chamber caps, you can order them online or visit a Sleep Number store near you.
- Replacement mattress cover.
- 7/16-inch socket wrench - only required for certain FlexFit® Adjustable Base mattress cover installations.
- Sleep Number® remote.
- Two people are required to complete installation.
Removing Old Mattress Cover
- Inflate the bed to 100 on both sides using the Sleep Number® remote and remove all bedding.
- For FlexFit® Adjustable Bases, ensure the bed is in the flat position.
- At the head of the bed, locate the top zipper, and fully unzip. Remove the foam comfort pad.
Note: For some m-series mattress covers, the zipper can be found underneath, just below the label.
- Unzip the second zipper to take off the mattress cover middle panel.
- To access the hose connections, at the head of the bed, remove the foam end wall.
- Disconnect the hose(s) from the air chamber(s) by pressing down on the tab while pulling the connector. You may hear air releasing from the air chamber(s). Cap the air chamber(s) using the white air chamber caps.
- Gently pull the hose(s) out of the mattress cover openings.
- Remove the air chamber(s), side and end walls, and foam base pad (if applicable).
FlexFit® Adjustable Base
Applies to mattresses secured to the Adjustable Base with an attachment system.
The attachment system must be removed prior to taking off the bottom of the mattress cover.
-
Shark Bites (gray disks): Use a 7/16-inch socket wrench to loosen, remove the bolt, and top and bottom (under mattress cover) attachment disk.
- Repeat at each corner of the foot of the bed and each side near the hip.
- Split King and California King sizes also have a set at the center of the bed.
-
White plastic disks: Remove the bolt cap, then loosen and remove the bolt with a 7/16-inch socket wrench. After that, remove washer and plastic disk.
- Repeat for remaining plastic disks located at each side of the bed near the hip.
- Split King and California King sizes also have a set at the center of the bed.
The white plastic disks can be discarded. The retainer bar(s) will be used to hold the mattress in place.
Installing Replacement Mattress Cover
- Lay the new mattress cover on the sleep surface, with the mattress cover openings at the head of the bed.
- Unzip the second zipper on the mattress cover and fold back the unzipped portion.
- If you have a FlexFit® Adjustable Base with shark bites, install the shark bites now. The new mattress cover comes with pre-cut holes for installing the shark bites.
Reminder: If you had white plastic disks as an attachment system, you will only use the retainer bar(s) to hold the mattress in place
- Insert foam side and end walls, align them with the mattress cover edges.
- Insert the foam base pad (if applicable).
- Place air chamber(s) into the mattress cover with nozzle at the head of the bed on the bottom.
- Insert center foam wall between the air chambers (if applicable).
- Remove white air chamber cap(s) and connect hoses to chamber(s). Push until you hear or feel them click into place.
- Gently zip the mattress cover closed. Make sure the white fabric material is fully covering the foam side walls and must remain flat while zipping the mattress cover.
WARNING: To ensure compliance with federal and state flammability requirements, the white fabric material must be positioned correctly within the smart bed.
- Unzip the top zipper and place the foam comfort pad inside. Align the edges of the foam comfort pad and zip it closed.
Foam Comfort Pad
These instructions are intended to support various generations, models and configurations. Some components may not apply to your bed, and not all parts may be referenced.
- Carefully open the foam comfort pad and set it aside for 30 minutes at room temperature. This allows the foam to fully expand.
- Remove all bedding from your bed.
- 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.
- Remove the top panel of the mattress cover.
- Remove the foam comfort pad and set aside.
- Place your new foam comfort pad in the bed.
- Place the top cover panel back over your mattress.
- Zip the cover to close your mattress.
Foam Center Wall
These instructions are intended to support various generations, models and configurations. Some components may not apply to your bed, and not all parts may be referenced.
- Remove all bedding from your bed.
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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.
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Remove the top cover panel and the foam comfort pad.
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Disconnect your pump and remove the air chamber(s).
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Install your air chamber(s) with the connector (found on the bottom of the air chamber) at the head of the bed.
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Reconnect the hoses to the air chamber(s). Attach the white hose marked with L's to the sleeper left air chamber (i.e. the left side if you were lying in bed). If you have a memory foam mattress, make sure the border wrap extends over the air chambers and zip the inner cover panel onto the mattress.
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Zip the top panel to the bottom section of your mattress cover to close the cover.
Foam Side and End Walls
These instructions are intended to support various generations, models and configurations. Some components may not apply to your bed, and not all parts may be referenced.
- Carefully open the foam border walls and set them aside for 30 minutes at room temperature. This allows the foam to fully expand.
- Remove all bedding from your bed.
-
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.
-
Remove the top panel of the mattress cover and the foam comfort pad.
-
Remove the foam side and end walls and set aside.
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Install the new foam side and end walls.
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Zip the top panel to the bottom section of your mattress cover to close the cover.
Foam Base Pad
These instructions are intended to support various generations, models and configurations. Some components may not apply to your bed, and not all parts may be referenced.
- Remove all bedding from your bed.
-
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.
-
Remove the top panel of the mattress cover and the foam comfort pad.
-
Disconnect your pump and remove the air chamber(s).
-
Remove the foam base pad and install the new base pad.
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Reconnect the hoses to the air chamber(s).
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Zip the top panel to the bottom section of your mattress cover to close the cover.
Chamber Lift
These instructions are intended to support various generations, models and configurations. Some components may not apply to your bed, and not all parts may be referenced.
- Remove all bedding from your bed.
-
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.
-
Remove the top panel of the mattress cover and the foam comfort pad.
-
Disconnect your pump and remove the air chamber(s).
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Install the chamber lift under the air chamber.
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Reconnect the hoses to the air chamber(s) and pump.
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Zip the top panel to the bottom section of your mattress cover to close the cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my replacement part does not look like the original part?
Pause before installing the part. Mattress designs and replacement parts can vary by model, age and bed size. Contact Sleep Number support if the part does not match your mattress or does not seem to fit.
Why does my mattress look different from the instructions?
Some Sleep Number® mattresses have top zippers, bottom zippers, hidden zippers, side hose ports, glued foam, one air chamber, two air chambers or older pump connections. Use the section that matches the part you are installing, and contact support if your setup is not shown.
How do I disconnect the air chamber hose?
Press the hose release tab while gently pulling the connector away from the air chamber or pump. Cap the air chamber with a white air chamber cap after disconnecting the hose.
Where does the chamber lift go?
The chamber lift goes under the air chamber in the area directed by your order or support instructions. It should sit below the air chamber, not on top of it.
What should I do if I have a FlexFit® Adjustable Base?
Keep the FlexFit® Adjustable Base flat before you begin. If your mattress is attached with disks or shark bites, remove those pieces before removing the bottom cover. Contact support if you are not sure how they attach.
When should I contact Sleep Number support instead of continuing?
Contact Sleep Number support if the replacement part does not fit, your mattress setup is not shown, the hoses or connectors do not match, you need to order a part, or you are not comfortable lifting, flipping or disassembling the mattress.