Your Sleep Number setting is a personalized measurement of adjustable firmness and support within a mattress. While many people search for the single most popular setting, the technology is fundamentally about tailoring the sleep surface to your unique body shape and weight distribution. The goal is not to match an average but to achieve optimal spinal alignment and pressure relief specific to you. This system moves beyond the traditional one-size-fits-all mattress approach by allowing for on-demand customization.
The Sleep Number Scale Explained
The Sleep Number scale is a numerical system ranging from 0 to 100, representing the mattress’s level of firmness and support. This number directly correlates to the amount of air pressure inside the mattress’s air chambers. A higher number indicates a firmer setting as more air is pumped into the chamber.
Conversely, a lower number signifies a softer surface because air is released, allowing the body to sink deeper. For example, 100 is the firmest possible setting, while a setting closer to 20 is very soft.
The adjustable air technology allows two partners sharing a bed to each select their individual Sleep Number setting. This dual-air capability means the setting on one side remains independent of the other. The numerical setting quantifies the degree of lift and contouring necessary to maintain proper spinal alignment during sleep.
Identifying the Most Common Setting
When looking for an average, the most commonly cited range for a Sleep Number setting is approximately 35 to 45. This range is considered the statistical midpoint where a balance of softness and support is achieved for a large segment of users. It offers enough cushioning to relieve pressure points without sacrificing necessary support for the torso and spine.
Despite this average, the most popular number has no bearing on what will be comfortable for you. The ideal setting is a subjective measure influenced by personal weight, body shape, and comfort preferences. Relying on the average risks selecting a setting that either leaves your spine unsupported or creates uncomfortable pressure points.
Finding Your Ideal Sleep Number
Finding your perfect setting is a process of trial and adjustment that prioritizes support and comfort. Start by lying down in your preferred sleeping position and setting the mattress firmness to 100, which provides a baseline of maximum firmness. From there, slowly decrease the setting, observing how your body reacts to the gradual change in support.
The goal is to find the “sweet spot” where your body feels comfortably supported and your spine maintains its natural posture. Adjust the setting in increments of five or ten points at a time to clearly distinguish the difference in feel. Once you find a number that seems close to ideal, sleep on that setting for at least two to three nights.
Your body needs time to adapt to a new sleep surface, and a single night’s test may not accurately reflect long-term comfort. If discomfort persists after a few nights, make another minor adjustment up or down by five points. This patient, incremental process ensures the final number chosen genuinely reflects your body’s optimal combination of pressure relief and support.
Setting Recommendations Based on Sleep Position
Your preferred sleeping position significantly influences the firmness level required to maintain healthy spinal alignment.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers typically require a softer setting, generally falling into the 30 to 45 range. This lower firmness allows the shoulders and hips to sink in enough to keep the spine straight and relieve pressure.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers usually benefit from a medium firmness, with settings often ranging from 45 to 60. This moderate level of support helps the mattress fill in and support the natural curve of the lower back, preventing the midsection from sinking too far. Proper lumbar support is crucial for back sleepers.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers often require a firmer surface to prevent the abdomen and hips from sinking too low, which can strain the lower back. Their ideal settings tend to be in the 55 to 70 range or higher. This increased firmness ensures the body remains on a flatter plane, maintaining alignment from head to toe.