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If you go wrong with securing or disassembling your Sleep Number bed and actually break or lose something while moving, you might end up looking at damage from a couple hundred to several thousand dollars. We want to help you through the whole process as safely and painlessly as possible, so we created a step-by-step guide to show you how to move a Sleep Number bed.
How to Move a Sleep Number Bed
You can move a Sleep Number bed either as-is or disassembled.
There’s no need to disassemble it if you have someone to help you carry it and if you don’t have many obstacles in your way such as stairs, small hallways, etc., and especially if you’re not taking it anywhere far.
If you want to take apart your Sleep Number bed, you need to be careful. Unlike disassembling other types of beds, a smart bed is more delicate and involves more effort. The procedure varies depending on the bed model and consists of disassembling two main components – the mattress and the base. Sleep Number beds are heavy (part of why Sleep Numbers have such a high weight limit), which is why they’re hard to move.
Classic Sleep Number mattresses can be taken apart, but 360 series mattresses should be detached and moved in one piece since they are magnetized. The base disassembling process depends on the base type. A flex-fit base is a bit more complicated to dismantle than a modular one. If you have an Eastern King, California King, Split King, or FlexTop King bed, you will need to separate the two individually adjustable bases.
You can choose to embark on this adventure yourself, but having someone to help will definitely come in handy.
How to disassemble and move the mattress
The set of steps you need to take depends on whether you have a Sleep Number 360 Smart Mattress or a traditional (Classic Series) Sleep Number mattress.
If you have a Sleep Number 360 Smart Mattress, disassembling before moving the mattress is not recommended by the manufacturer and could void your warranty.
How to move a Sleep Number 360 Smart Mattress
1. Use the remote control to inflate the mattress to 100 on both sides
To inflate the double bed, hold the “R” right or “L” left button simultaneously with the up arrow button.
2. Disconnect the hoses from the connectors and attach the white caps
The hose connections are at the bedside while the pump is located inside the base. This model’s hoses can be detached from the pump and the mattress. All you have to do is push in the tab at the end of the hose and gently pull to disconnect.
When you pull the hose out, the air will start to leak so if you don’t want to deflate your mattress, you should cap off the air chamber as soon as possible. These white caps usually come with the bed and are attached to the top or the foot of your bed.
For FlexFit3 only: disconnect foot warming connections, which are placed near hose connections.
3. Detach magnets
Your mattress is attached with magnets located in multiple spots at the bottom of the mattress. A bed with a FlexFit adjustable base has magnets that emit a strong magnetic field when the mattress is detached from the base. You should swiftly raise the mattress to detach it from the magnets and then place folded towels between the magnets to break the connection.
4. Bag your mattress
The mattress bag will protect your mattress from external damage, dirt, and other potential risks. The best way to pack a mattress is to lay it in a flat position and slide it up into the bag by gently pulling and slightly raising it from the surface.
There’s a slightly different process to follow if you’re disassembling a traditional (Classic Series) Sleep Number mattress.
How to disassemble a traditional (Classic Series) Sleep Number mattress
1. Open the mattress
Sleep Number mattresses have one or two zippers depending on the model. The zipper at the head of your bed should be unzipped around the mattress cover.
Duvet-style beds have two zippers. Unzip the bottom zipper to remove the mattress cover’s top panel and the foam comfort pads.
2. Disconnect the pump
Mattress hose connections are located at the head of the bed. You will need to unzip the top of the cover and pull back the top to approach the hose connections. When you locate the hose just pull it out gently from the connector.
3. Remove other mattress parts
A foam layer can easily be folded away to reveal an air chamber. You should remove the foam border walls and fold them away, as well as the corner locks. The best way to pack air chambers is to deflate them first and then place them into other foam parts for added protection.
To make it easier when you assemble it, we advise taking pictures of internal components and what they look like assembled.
4. Pack mattress parts
Securely pack your pump in a box with packing materials to protect sensitive parts from shock during the move. Foam sidewalls can be folded or rolled and placed in a box or double bag.
How to disassemble and move the base
Just like mattress disassembly steps depend on the model, the steps to take apart your Sleep Number base depend on which one you have.
How to disassemble the Sleep Number Modular Base
If you have a modular base, you simply need to push the decking panels to the side and slide them off the frame. Remove the pins that hold the panels of your side rails together. If your base has bed legs, unscrew the wing nuts to fully detach them.
We recommend boxing the decking panels and the support beams to prevent damage during the move.
How to disassemble the Sleep Number FlexFit Base
- Loosen the hex head bolts with a 7/16-inch socket and remove the circular mattress retainers. The number of retainers ranges from 2-8 and depends on the bed size.
- Pull your decking panels out by pushing them to the side. During the move, set them to the side, secure them together, and wrap them in a protective moving blanket to prevent scratches.
- Unplug the bed’s firmness control system from the wall and disconnect all cables from the back. It’s a large white box unit with hoses attached. Bag all hardware or put it in a box with packing material to protect parts and avoid losing any during the move. Loose cables should be secured by wrapping, taping, or tying them to the adjustable base.
- The King size has two bases so you will need to separate them before moving.
Remember:
- Each base should be marked with tape to indicate the right and left sides.
- The legs at the head of the bed should be removed.
- Be sure to remove the bed straps at the head of the bed.
- Follow these steps at the foot of the bed as well.
Is it Possible to Move a Sleep Number Bed Without Taking it Apart?
It is possible and is easier than disassembling the whole bed. The weight of the mattress depends on its measurements. Sleep Number mattresses are available in all sizes from Twin to California King size. Although Sleep Number beds are lighter than traditional mattresses with box springs, you will need an extra hand to move the bed in one piece.
If you want to lift and carry your bed, you should follow guidelines from our previous article How to Move an Adjustable Bed Base. Tips in this guide will help you move a bed while avoiding any injuries or damage.
The assembled bed is more robust than the packed one, so you will need more space in the vehicle and some straps to hold it in place.
FAQs
Moving a Sleep Number Bed is not too complicated since the mattress and base are lighter than traditional beds. It’s a bit complicated if you are moving to a new home and need to disassemble the bed. But it can be done if you follow the instructions.
Yes, by using the hand-held controller that comes with the air bed. Press the down arrow on the hand-held controller to deflate your Sleep Number bed mattress. To deflate the double chamber mattress, hold the “R” right or “L” left button simultaneously with the down arrow button. When the display reads zero, the chambers are empty.
Sleep Number Beds can be shipped and transported by movers assuming they follow the instructions and procedures when disassembling the bed. You can tell them it’s a Sleep Number bed and ask them to look at the instructions prior to their arrival. They should take out all internal mattress components and pack them safely. As a preventative measure, they should tape the parts and tools to the bed’s larger frame to prevent them from being lost. Movers may be able to move your mattress assembled and in a mattress box, which makes it easier to handle.
A Sleep Number bed mattress should be replaced every 7-10 years. Many Sleep Number Bed owners report having mattresses that last over 10 years. According to owners, Sleep Number Classic Series mattresses wear out faster than other airbed models. Foam degradation and leaky air chambers are some of the main reasons.
Conclusion
Sleep Number Beds are relatively light and fairly easy to move. This bed type still requires more time and effort to disassemble and pack than a traditional one. It’s much easier if you have someone’s help, especially if you’re moving the whole bed without disassembling it. Those who need to disassemble their bed should follow the instructions for their specific model carefully.
Next step: Read our list of Sleep Number Alternatives. If moving your mattress is too much work, it might be worth it to get a less-complicated brand. Each mattress in this list is comparable to a Sleep Number model and provides the same level of comfort and support.
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