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For over 30 years, Sleep Number has transformed the world of air mattresses, designing a collection of Smart Beds that put you in control of your sleep. With millions of mattresses sold nationwide, they aren't without their problems. The most common include sagging, malfunctions, lack of comfort and support, assembly issues, and the formation of mold.
Before deciding whether a Sleep Number bed is the right choice for you, consider these common problems experienced by current Sleep Number bed owners.
We dug through the Sleep Number reviews and found the most common problem: sagging in the middle of the bed that customers fall into. This is known as the "trench effect." All Sleep Number beds (Queen size and up) come with dual air chambers on each side that each person can adjust. If couples adjust one side to a different firmness than the other, it creates an uneven surface and results in a noticeable sag.
Here is what one customer had to say:
"I feel like the mattress is collapsing around me. Also when the sleep number drops below 30, the entire bed sinks in the middle making it difficult to move and get out of bed."
Unlike traditional mattresses, Sleep Number beds come with many technical components including air chambers, hose, pump, and remote. Naturally, this complexity leads to problems: parts don't work and beds need frequent repairs. While there are many resources online, including the Sleep Number site itself, that help to troubleshoot some of these issues, customers still voiced their annoyance at experiencing technical difficulties.
One customer wrote:
"Have had them out twice to replace components and still doesn't work properly."
At their core, Sleep Number beds are essentially air mattresses. Depending on the model, comfort layers range from 2" (most basic model) to 7" (most advanced model). Many reviewers experience even more aches and pains then before because of the lack of more traditional-feeling support.
A reviewer said:
"There is not near enough support for low back problems. It also feels like you're on a glorified air mattress."
If you weren't aware, all Sleep Number beds must be assembled by the customer. While Sleep Number provides a detailed assembly guide on their site to help you with this task (which, according to Sleep Number, should only take an hour), this is a deal-breaker for some. Many current owners say this process was a giant hassle.
Take a look at what this customer had to say:
"I followed all the instructions, and still my bed felt like it wasn't assembled correctly. Plus within a week, I needed my hose replaced."
While only a very small percentage of customers (less than 3%) have reported the growth of mold, it's the most concerning problem on this list as it poses a direct health risk. Mold and mildew problems in Sleep Number beds has been well documented, yet it continues to be an issue.
One person affected by this issue said:
"3 days ago found mold growing between the air chamber and top foam. I had been experiencing severe allergy type symptoms and dizziness…all the symptoms of mold exposure but could not figure out where it was coming from until I decided to check my bed."
If you're searching for an affordable mattress that offers a wide range of comfort and pressure relief, we've compiled a list of mattresses for you to consider:
Read our short, well-researched 10 Best Mattresses of 2024, here. Our ultimate goal is to help you pick your perfect mattress online, today!
Saatva is our top pick for the #1 mattress in 2024! They're a luxury mattress shipped with FREE white-glove delivery & setup (different than regular bed in a box brands put on your doorstep). They have over 50,000 reviews.