Traditional FlexFit Accessories Installation Guides

Applies to FlexFit® 1, 2 & 3 Adjustable Bases, purchased prior to 2017.

Quick Answer

Use this guide to install accessories for Traditional Sleep Number FlexFit® 1, 2 and 3 adjustable bases purchased before 2017. Choose your accessory, review the parts and safety notes, then follow the instructions for your base type.

Before You Start

Before you install a FlexFit accessory, take a few minutes to prepare your bed and work area.

• Disconnect power from the Adjustable Base.
• Remove bedding if needed for easier access.
• Verify that all installation hardware is included.
• Have basic hand tools available if required.
• Follow all safety warnings throughout the installation process.

Important: Some accessories require the head or foot of the base to be raised during installation. Keep hands, tools, bedding, people and pets clear of moving parts before using the remote.

Jump to Your Accessory

How to Use This Guide

Start with the accessory you are installing. Keep the original section headers in place if linking to this article from email, chat, search results or other support content.

• For headboard brackets, identify your base type before starting.
• For parts that secure the mattress, test the base after installation to confirm the mattress stays aligned.
• For legs or hinges, confirm the base is level and has enough clearance before use.

Headboard Brackets

Use headboard brackets to attach a compatible headboard to your Traditional FlexFit adjustable base.

Before Installation

You will need:

• Channel connectors
• Bracket channels
• Bracket flanges
• Included mounting hardware

Channel connectors	Bracket channel and flange

Identify Your Base Type

Headboard bracket installation depends on your base frame. Raise the head of the base and compare the mounting holes on your frame to the images or instructions for Base Type A or Base Type B.

Install the headboard brackets

1. Fully raise the head of your adjustable base so you can safely access the frame.
2. Find the two headboard bracket mounting holes on the base frame.

3. Place the channel connector based on your bed size:
   • Full size: Use the inner mounting holes.
   • Twin XL, Queen, King or California King: Use the outer mounting holes.

4. Attach the channel connector to the base frame.
   • Make sure the flat side sits flush against the frame.
   • Secure it with two 1 ½-inch hex head bolts and nuts.

5. Attach one headboard bracket channel to the first channel connector using two 3-inch carriage bolts and nuts.
   • Hand-tighten the bolts and nuts for now.
   • Leave them loose enough so you can adjust the bracket channel later.

6. Attach one headboard bracket flange to the bracket channel using two 1-inch hex head bolts and nuts.
   • Repeat on the other side for the second flange.
   • Slide the bracket assemblies in or out until there is 1 ½ to 2 inches between the edge of the adjustable base and the headboard bracket flange assemblies.

7. Once the brackets are positioned correctly, firmly tighten the 3-inch carriage bolts on both headboard bracket channels.
8. Measure the distance between the mounting slots on the headboard bracket flanges from center to center.
   • If the flanges need to be adjusted to fit your headboard, remove the 1-inch hex head bolts.
   • Move the flanges side to side as needed.
   • Reinstall the bolts and firmly tighten all headboard mounting bolts.

9. Securely attach your headboard.

Important safety notice

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Legs

Use replacement or adjustable legs to provide proper support and bed height for your FlexFit base.

Install or replace FlexFit base legs when you need proper support, stable height or replacement hardware for your adjustable base. Follow the instructions included with your leg kit and tighten each leg evenly before using the bed.

Before you start

• We recommend two people for this process.
• King size leg kits come with eight legs. Queen and smaller kits come with four legs.
• If you have a King or California King bed, your base has bed straps attached to the inside legs. These keep each side from separating.

Instructions

1. Push your bed away from the wall.
2. Slightly lift the base near the first leg while the other person unscrews.
3. Kind and California King bases: Start at the inside legs. Remove and re-attach the bed straps as you work to swap out the old and new legs (shown below).
4. Unscrew and remove the original leg.
5. Screw in the new leg.
6. Repeat for each leg.

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Retainer Bar

The retainer bar helps keep the mattress in place while the Adjustable Base moves.

Install the retainer bar at the foot of the base to help keep the mattress from sliding when the base raises or lowers. Make sure the bar is secure and does not block base movement.

What you will need

• Retainer bar(s), you can order them online. King and California size beds require two retainer bars.

How to install the retainer bar

1. At the foot of the bed, locate the retainer bar holes underneath the FlexFit Adjustable Base fabric.
          
   • Measuring 3.5 inches from the edge of the base and 9 inches left and right from the center of the base.
     
   • Queen size and smaller have two retainer holes. King size has two holes per base, for a total of four retainer holes.                       
2. Use the end of the retainer bar to pierce through the fabric over the retainer hole, then remove it. Repeat to remaining retainer bar hole(s).
   
   
3. From the top side of the base, press each white plastic locator pin fully into the retainer bar holes.
   
4. Push the ends of the retainer bar into the locator pins.
   
   

Verify Installation

• Retainer bar is securely attached.
• Mattress rests behind the retainer bar.
• Bar does not interfere with base movement.

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Mattress Attachments (Shark Bites)

Mattress attachments help secure the mattress to the Adjustable Base during movement.

Use mattress attachments, also called shark bites, to help connect the mattress to the adjustable base so it stays aligned during movement. Check that each attachment is fully seated before testing the base.

Before you start

• Required tools: Utility knife, 7/16-inch socket, and ratchet/combination wrench.
• IMPORTANT: Wash hands before beginning installation. Residue on hands will easily transfer to cloth-covered bed components.
• Part 1 guides you through preparing the mattress cover to attach to the base. Part 2 guides you through installing the mattress attachments and re-assembling your mattress.

Part 1: Prepare the mattress cover

1. Unzip the Sleep Number mattress cover. The zipper is located at the head on most mattresses. Check the underside on the side of the bed if the zipper isn't at the head of the bed.
2. Set aside the top cover panel and foam parts.
3. Disconnect the hoses before removing the air chambers. Push in the tab and gently pull to disconnect. You can cap off the chambers with white closure caps to allow for shorter inflation time when you re-assemble the mattress.
4. If the mattress was already attached to a FlexFit base, use a 7/16-inch socket wrench to loosen the bolts and remove the circular disks. If this is a brand new base, identify and remove all four locator pins on the top of the FlexFit Adjustable Base. Bases sold before 2012 only have two, located at the head.

5. Install (4) hex head bolts in the threaded holes on the surface of the adjustable base.

   

   

6. Position the bottom panel of the Sleep Number mattress cover on top of the adjustable base, ensuring the head of the mattress cover is matched with the head of the FlexFit Adjustable Base. The head of the cover has slits for air hoses.
7. Invert the sides of the mattress cover and pull the sides down over the FlexFit Adjustable Base.
8. Cut small slits at each hex bolt location. Use a utility knife and make cuts no larger than 1/4-inch long.
9. Remove the mattress cover when finished making cuts at each hex bolt.
10. Remove hex the hex bolts and set aside.

Part 2: Install the mattress attachments

1. Place the four bottom attachment pieces between the FlexFit adjustable base and the bottom of the mattress cover.
2. Place the bottom of the mattress cover on the base. Align the mattress cover with the FlexFit adjustable base ensuring the head of the mattress is matched with the head of the base.
3. Place the four top attachment pieces over the four cuts and insert hex head bolts.
4. Tighten the four hex head bolts until snug using a 7/16-inch socket. Do not over-tighten.
5. Re-assemble the mattress per Sleep Number mattress assembly instructions found in your mattress manual.

After Installation

Check that:

• Attachments are fully engaged.
• Mattress alignment is centered.
• The mattress remains secure when raising or lowering the base.

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Bed Straps

Bed straps help keep split mattresses aligned on compatible adjustable bases.

Use bed straps to help keep compatible split mattresses aligned. Straps should lay flat, stay secure and allow the mattress and base to move as intended.

Before you start

• Eastern, California King, Split and FlexTop King bases consist of two individual adjustable bases side by side.
• We recommend having two people for this process. One person to slightly lift the base and the other person to install the bed straps.
• Bed straps are used to connect each side of the base to prevent shifting apart.
• Kit includes 2 bed straps and 4 washers.

Best Practices

• Ensure straps are not twisted.
• Do not overtighten.
• Verify mattress movement is not restricted.

Instructions

1. Move the bed away from the wall so you can access the legs at the head of the bed.
2. Loosen the two inside legs at the head of the bed, turning counter-clockwise.
3. Slide the bed strap into place. The threaded portion of the inner legs goes through the outside holes of the bed strap.
4. Once the bed strap is installed tighten the inner legs.
5. Repeat this process for the foot of your bed.
6. Place a washer on the leg bolt and reattach the leg.
7. Add washers to the outside legs to level out the base. Unscrew each outside leg, one at a time. Place a washer on the leg. Screw the leg back into the base.

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Swing Away Hinges

Swing away hinges allow an adjustable base to work with compatible platform or furniture beds.

Install swing away hinges when your compatible furniture or platform bed needs clearance for the adjustable base to move. Confirm all hardware is tight and test the base slowly after installation.

1. Remove bed straps from inner legs at head and foot.
2. Install headboard brackets to the outside frame rail of each base.
3. Insert nylon bushings into the round holes of swing hinge plate A and swing hinge plate B.
4. Attach swing hinge B to the headboard bracket by inserting a mounting bolt into the top and bottom holes of the hinge.
5. Apply wing nuts to both mounting bolts. Be sure to position the square hole of the hinge tab at the top.
6. Attach swing hinge A to the headboard using mounting hardware included with your headboard. Be sure to position the square hole of the hinge tab at the bottom.
7. Connect swing hinge A and B together by placing a bushing between the two top hinge tabs and the two bottom hinge tabs.
8. Align the square in the carriage bolt (located just under the head) with the square hole in the hinge tab.
9. Apply a wing nut to each bolt.
10. Repeat steps to install the swing-away hinge on the other side of the bed.

Final Check

After installation:

• Verify all hardware is tightened.
• Test all adjustable base functions.
• Confirm there is adequate clearance during movement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When to Contact Us

If the accessory does not fit, hardware is missing, the base makes unusual noise or the base does not move as expected after installation, stop using the base and contact Sleep Number support for help.