To get the best performance out of a Sleep Number, you have to place it on the right foundation. These mattresses are not cheap so you want to maximize the benefits with a correct foundation.
You can put a Sleep Number bed on a platform frame when the foundation has zero gaps between slats, is strong, and is sturdy. Box spring mattresses, sagging surfaces, and gaps in slats void the warranty.
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Which Bed Frames Can You Use with a Sleep Number Bed?
Sleep Number models rely on technology to give you the best possible night’s sleep. However, if you don’t put your mattress on an appropriate foundation it won’t be able to perform the way that it’s supposed to.
Bases with solid plywood foundations are acceptable options that will not void the Sleep Number warranty.
You can also use it directly on the floor, but few people in the Western world will consider this, although it would save some money.
TIP: If you want your Sleep Number mattress to be able to raise the head, feet, or both, then you may consider purchasing one of the company’s adjustable bed frames.
TIP: The salesperson who’s selling you a Sleep Number mattress will try to talk you into buying one of their frames, but you absolutely don’t have to.
As long as you take careful measurements, you may even be able to use your existing platform bed frame without any issues.
Can Your Existing Bed Frame Work with a Sleep Number Mattress?
It may be possible for your current bed frame as long as it is not shorter or narrower to support the mattress.
If the frame is too big for your existing frame you can find DIY fixes in my article Is Your Bed Frame Too Big? Fix it in 30 Minutes.
However, be aware that Sleep Number beds are not intended to be used with a box spring, which may mean that you have to convert the box spring to a platform foundation and raise it between 8 and 12 inches.
This is a simple process and is cheap. You can learn what material you will need in a table halfway through my article Plywood Bed Frame Alternatives, How-To, Costs, and Tips.
Some people just don’t like having a really low-lying bed. It makes the dimensions of the bedroom look off. Simply use wider lumber such as 2x10s to raise the bed.
If your existing bed frame is a platform foundation model and has wooden slats to support the mattress, then you’ll want to ensure that the gaps between the slats are no larger than two inches between them.
TIP: If your bed frame slats have spacing gaps that are larger than two inches, then you might consider adding more slats (tips here) to eliminate the gaps. It is cheap and easy to do and you can learn how with my article How to Make Bed Slats Stronger in 7 Steps, which can be read here.
Solution if Your has Slat Gaps
If your base foundation is not acceptable for a Sleep Number then you can consider adding a Bunkie Board. Simple but brilliant, a Bunkie board may be the cost-effective solution that you’re looking for to modify a platform frame.
Most of these boards are strong, solid, and about two inches thick. Covered in fabric, a Bunkie board provides a perfect foundation.
Bunkie boards can be placed on the slats of your existing bed frame, giving you an ideal platform on which to place your Sleep Number mattress.
If your platform bed slats are too far apart you can add a piece of plywood easily by following the tips in my article here.
Platform Beds Are Perfect for Sleep Number Mattresses
Sleep Number recommends against using a box spring with their mattresses, but they absolutely endorse the idea of using their mattresses with platform beds with zero gaps and a solid foundation that does not sag or flex.
So, why is a platform bed perfect for the Sleep Number models?
It’s because of the large, sturdy base that this bed style provides. This base is actually designed to hold a mattress rather than a box spring.
The base of the platform bed is likely constructed 10 to 12 inches off of the floor when compared to a traditional bed frame so that the top of the mattress is at a height convenient for sitting and getting in and out of bed.
Make Your Own Platform Bed
You can make your own with a few sticks of 2×4” and 1×4” lumber and or 0.75” plywood, providing a cheap, solid, and squeak-free foundation for your Sleep Number bed.
What’s a Sleep Number Bed?
If you haven’t had an opportunity to try a Sleep Number bed, then you’re missing out. I like the customizable innovation that comes with this bed.
A Sleep Number bed contains two separate air mattresses. Each air mattress is adjustable so that each sleeper can set the firmness level to the perfect number for them.
This means getting a better night’s sleep, every night for most people.
Sleep Number offers several lines of mattresses. The first is the Classic Series, which includes dual adjustability and the company’s proprietary Responsive Air technology.
I love the Responsive Air technology because I can be a restless sleeper. This technology senses every time that the sleeper moves and makes subtle adjustments to ensure proper alignment, no matter what position you find yourself in.
The Classic Series is equipped with SleepIQ technology that shows you the quality level of your sleep. With this data, you can make adjustments to your firmness level to get better sleep the following night. This is an awesome feature.
The Classic Series is attractive because of its affordable pricing. However, you may want to upgrade to the Performance Series if you need improved pressure relief.
Performance Series mattresses include all of the features that are found in the Classic Series with the addition of “enhanced pressure relief.” This relief adds extra layers to the mattress.
If you have lots of problems with pressure point pain in the shoulders, hips, ankles, knees, or elsewhere, then the extra cost of the Performance Series may be worthwhile.
Upgrade to an Innovation Series Mattress, and you get all of the features of the Performance Series plus a temperature-balancing sleep surface. This series is for those of you who get overheated while sleeping.
Seriously, I don’t know how this technology works. It sounds like some Harry Potter-style magic, but I’m sure there’s a scientific explanation.
You see, the temperature-balancing sleep surface absorbs the heat that your body gives off while you sleep. It holds onto that heat and can start to release it as your body temperature lowers during the night.
The result is fewer extreme temperature fluctuations, and that means that you’re more likely to sleep all the way through the night.
So yes, can put a Sleep Number bed on a platform frame.
If you love memory foam mattresses, Sleep Number also has a solution for you with their Cooling Memory Foam mattress. This one gives you all of the innovations combined with the comfort of memory foam. How could you possibly go wrong?
