Quick answer
A small body impression can be normal and may fade after you get out of bed. A dip may need attention if it remains when the mattress is empty, looks unusually deep or affects your comfort and support. Use the steps below to check your mattress.
A dip may need attention if:
- The dip remains after the mattress has been unused.
- One side looks or feels less supportive than the other.
- The surface feels uneven, soft or uncomfortable every day.
- For a mattress with a Sleep Number® setting, the dip remains when the bed is empty and set to 100.
If your mattress has a Sleep Number® setting and is losing air, not inflating or changing firmness overnight, the issue may be related to air or inflation rather than a body impression.
If your mattress does not have a Sleep Number® setting, skip any steps that tell you to set the bed to 100.
1. Remove all bedding
Take off sheets, blankets, mattress pads, toppers, and anything else on the bed.
2. Choose the test for your mattress
- Mattress with a Sleep Number® setting: With no one in bed, set both sides to 100. Allow the mattress to finish adjusting, then inspect it.
- Mattress without a Sleep Number® setting: Leave the mattress empty and inspect the surface and support underneath. Do not use instructions that refer to a Sleep Number® setting or inflation.
3. Inspect the mattress and support
What you may notice normally
- A light impression where you usually sleep that recovers after the bed is unused.
- A temporary change in shape after sleeping.
- For a mattress with a Sleep Number® setting, a softer feel at a lower Sleep Number® setting.
Signs that may need attention
- The dip remains when the mattress is empty.
- One side feels much flatter or less supportive.
- The mattress feels uneven even though the base, frame and floor are level.
- For a mattress with a Sleep Number® setting, the surface remains sunken at 100 or the bed does not hold air.
Choose the symptom that best matches your mattress
If a mattress with a Sleep Number® setting feels flat or will not stay inflated
This is likely an air or inflation issue, not a mattress impression. Follow My Sleep Number® Bed Is Losing Air for troubleshooting.
What should I do if the dip remains when the mattress is empty?
Check that the floor, frame and base are level, undamaged and properly supported. If your mattress has a Sleep Number® setting, test it at 100. If it does not, inspect the mattress while it is empty.
Adjustable Base
- Check the base legs.
- Make sure the pin on each adjustable leg is set to the same hole.
Integrated base with stylish frame
- Make sure the integrated base is aligned and sits flush with the stylish frame.
- Make sure the floor is level.
Integrated base without legs or other furniture support
- Make sure the floor is level, the bed has proper center support and the frame is not damaged.
Traditional Sleep Number® mattress
- Remove all bedding.
- Find the zipper at the head of the bed.
- Unzip and remove the top cover panel.
- Inspect the foam comfort layer with your hands.
- Compare the area where you sleep to the corner of the pad.
- Check whether the foam feels softer, thinner, or less supportive.
- If your mattress is a c2, note that it does not have a foam comfort layer.
- Before closing the bed, hold the top cover panel on one side and shake it like a rug to help fluff it. Repeat on all four sides.
- Zip the cover back on.
When to contact Customer Service
Contact us if:
- The dip remains when the mattress is empty.
- The foam feels thinner, softer or less supportive.
- One side is much flatter than the other.
- The base and frame are properly supported, but the surface still feels uneven.
- For a mattress with a Sleep Number® setting, the dip remains at 100 or the issue returns after testing.
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Try a different troubleshooting path if:
If your mattress is not filling with air, will not stay inflated or changes firmness overnight, follow My Sleep Number® Bed Is Losing Air instead. These symptoms apply only to mattresses with adjustable air.
Frequently asked questions about mattress dips and impressions
Is a body impression normal?
Yes. A small, temporary body impression can be normal. It should lessen after the mattress is unused. A lasting or uncomfortable dip may need troubleshooting.
When should I be concerned?
Check the mattress if the dip remains while the bed is empty, one side feels less supportive or the surface remains uneven after you confirm the base and frame are properly supported. If your mattress has a Sleep Number® setting, also check whether the dip remains when both sides are at 100 and no one is in bed.
What if only one side is sinking?
If the issue remains after you check the support and complete the test for your mattress, contact support.
What if my bed is flat or not holding air?
If your mattress has a Sleep Number® setting, a flat feel or loss of firmness may indicate an air or inflation issue. Follow My Sleep Number® Bed Is Losing Air for troubleshooting. If your mattress does not have a Sleep Number® setting, inspect the mattress and its support, then contact Customer Service if the dip remains.
What if I do not know which bed type I have?
Use the setup under your bed as your guide:
- If the base adjusts, choose Adjustable Base.
- If the base sits inside a frame, choose integrated base with stylish frame
- If your mattress was purchased before 2017 or your product information identifies it as a traditional mattress, follow the traditional mattress steps.
Helpful Tips
- Inspect the mattress without bedding.
- Confirm the floor, base and frame are level and properly supported.
- Use the 100 test only if your mattress has a Sleep Number® setting.
- Note whether the dip remains when the mattress is empty and whether it affects comfort or support.