Sleep Number offers comfortable mattresses suitable for installation in RVs. It utilizes dual air technology to control the firmness of both sides of the bed independently. Moreover, it has additional layers of foam on top for comfort levels suitable for both light and heavy persons.
How to Install a Sleep Number Bed in an RV? You can install a sleep number bed in an RV by selecting the appropriate size according to available space. Provide firm support to place the mattress and 110-120VAC power source for the air compressor. According to the instruction manual, assemble the multiple foam layers and air chamber and connect air pipes to inflate it. Adjust the pressure settings according to your requirements for a comfortable sleep.
We will also discuss essential safety instructions to prevent any injury or damage due to improper use of the mattress, especially its air settings.
Sleep number offers 2 types of beds, including Comfortaire R3 and R5 designs, specific for RVs. Both types are available with numerous features and sizes. You can select the size according to the dimensions of your bedroom and required comfort level.
Sleep number R5 bed
If you want to get a sound sleep with an ultimate comfort level and adjustable pressure points, the R5 bed is the right option.
R5 bed has a 10.5-11.5 inches thick layer of the mattress with breathable fabric for a comfortable sleep. It has an additional layer of 2-3 inch active foam with adjustable air settings to control firmness on both sides of the bed according to male and female requirements.
It has 7-zone contours on its top according to body curves. It helps to prevent any injury or pain due to improper alignment of body contours with the mattress. It is also safe for use on the road as approved by the Federal Motor Vehicles authority.
R5 beds are available in all possible measures with different dimensions. Its width can vary from 38-76-inches, while the length can range from 75-80 inches.
For compact spaces, available options are Twin XL, Queen, and Short Queen. While for large RV bedrooms, you can buy RV King and full King size beds.
Sleep Number R3 bed
R3 bed is a light version of R5 with numerous features. However, it has the same purpose of providing comfortability during your camping journey.
It has 9.5-10.5 inches of foam width using plush as the material of construction. An additional top layer of 1.25-1.75-inches foam has 3-4 zones according to body shapes to reduce pressure at critical body points like neck, back, and spine.
You can control the air pressure of the bed using a remote control without disturbing your sleep. It complies with local government safety standards and is safe for use in RV.
These R3 bed is also available in 7-8 different sizes. They have dimensions identical to R5 beds and have the same space and installation requirements. Therefore, you can buy the one according to your choice. However, the R3 bed is $400-$500 cheaper than the R5.
Steps to install Sleep Number Beds in an RV
Installation of sleep number beds in RV has a proper procedure that you need to follow. Whenever you buy them, you will get an instruction manual along with the product package.
The product package can contain a mattress cover, foam walls, upper foam layer, air compressor, air chamber, and hose extensions.
The number of components can vary according to the type of bed. Therefore, make sure to have all the items as mentioned in the instruction sheet.
Provide a supportive Foundation
Frame selection depends on the type of bed selected. For example, if you choose an R3 King size bed, the foundation should be 1-inch higher on each side of the mattress.
Moreover, you can also select an appropriate wooden or metallic foundation that can support the weight of the air mattress and 2 persons sleeping on it.
The average height suitable for an RV bed is 9-10 inches due to relatively lesser ceiling height.
Furthermore, slightly elevating it above the ground gives you room to pass on air hoses underneath the mattress to connect them with the air chamber.
It also gives you access to the space underneath the bed for storage and is easy to access for cleaning purposes.
Make sure that the foundation or frame selected has a solid surface. Spring base or made of wooden pieces will not provide that support and can damage the mattress.
Provide power source
The firmness control system of the sleep number beds consists of an air compressor with 1-2 pneumatic circuits depending on the type and size of the bed.
The Air compressor needs a reliable power source having 110-120VAC as output. Therefore provide a socket for the purpose near the bed.
It will be better regarding the safety of the compressor to use a pure sine wave inverter having sufficient power for the power supply.
Drill a hole towards the head side of the bed frame to pass the power source to the pneumatic compressor of the sleep number mattress.
Install air compressor
The Air compressor is the central part of the bed to control its firmness. It helps in hiding it and its pipes and damage due to your movement in the bedroom.
Use a drill machine to make 2 holes on the head side of the bed for passing supply and return air hoses. Tie the air compressor with the help of tape or screws to prevent its movement while driving RV.
The number of air circuits can vary according to bed size and the number of air chambers. For example, in case of firmness control of both bedsides, you will need to pass 4 air pipes for 2 circuits.
Assemble the mattress
It is the technical part of the whole installation procedure, and you should strictly follow the order and instructions provided by the manufacturer.
The side opening of the zip cover should be towards the head side of the bed. Next, open the cover and place foam walls on all 4 sides. It has notched at the end to fit and interlink all parts together.
Next, add the air chamber inside the mattress cover with pipe connections towards the head end. You will find 2 of them separated from each other, and you need to join them using zip already installed.
Connect the air pipes by passing them through already drilled holes in step 3. Next, lock them for both left and suitable loops by firmly pressing them, one inside the other. You can also use hose extensions according to your requirements.
Inflate the Air chambers
You need to plug in the air compressor in the power source installed in step 2. Then, turn it ON using a remote control. Using the up/down button, you can increase or decrease the firmness level and also can use the option to save the personalized settings.
It will take 3-4 minutes to complete the inflation procedure. After that, it can inflate up to the level of the allowed thickness of the bed.
Add top foam layer
The last step is to install the top foam layer with multiple zones. Again, keep its side with patterns towards the upside while the plain side should be down.
In the end, place the top of the cover and join both its top and bottom ends together. Finally, fix the zipper pin and pull it around the mattress.
Adjust air settings
After the installation process is complete, you need to adjust the settings according to your comfort level. First, select your bedside from the remote while lying on the bed in your preferred sleeping position.
Increase and decrease the air pressure in steps of 5 until you feel it is perfect for you. You can save these settings for the future using a button on the remote.
It will take a couple of minutes or even days to find the perfect settings. Therefore, you should continuously try by slightly increasing or decreasing the firmness level from a set point.
Can we install all the sleep number beds in the RV?
Besides specific beds for RVs, you can also install several other options of regular use in your RV. It only depends on the bedroom size or space available.
In various cases with dinette beds or foldable beds, it can be slightly annoying to reinstall the firmness control system every night.
The difference between RV and regular beds is a slight variation in size, price, and thickness of the top foam level.
Why do you need to reduce air pressure in sleep number beds at high altitudes?
The heart of a sleep number bed is the firmness control system to control the amount of air inside the chamber.
Pressure changes with an increase in altitude in hilly areas can damage the air tubes and zones inside the mattress. Therefore, while camping in mountain areas, reducing air inside the chambers is a safe practice.
As per my experience, we reduce the pressure settings of our sleep number bed from 75 to 20-30 for every 2000 to 3000-ft increase in altitude above sea level.
It is a bit drawback associated with compressed air mattresses, and we have to live with it.
Do RV sleep number beds need continuous power to maintain their firmness?
No, sleep number beds can hold the air pressure without loss of firmness in a power failure. The Air compressor turns OFF after maintaining the desired settings.
Pressure loss or mattress deflation can occur due to air leakage at pipe joints and cracked or damaged hoses.
However, an imperative precautionary measure is to use a pure sine wave inverter to prevent any voltage fluctuations and power surge to the air compressor. It can burn its electronics or motor windings.
Can we install the sleep number mattress on the existing RV bed foundation?
Yes, it is possible if the size of both matches and a suitable power source is available nearby.
Furthermore, cut the holes on the head side of the bed to pass the air hose and power cables for the air compressor.
However, keep in mind to take necessary measures to avoid pinching or kinking of pipes. Pressed pipes can result in air choke and malfunctioning of the firmness control system.
Why do sleep number beds sag in the middle?
These beds have adjustable air chambers to control their firmness. In most types, 2 compartments separated in the middle independently manage the settings of the bedsides.
Due to different air pressures on both sides, the bed can sag at the center point where both chambers link. However, you can resolve the problem by fully inflating both sides to high air pressures and keeping them in the state for 2-3 days.
Can you assemble the sleep number bed by yourself?
Although assembling the air mattress is a technical job, you can do it yourself by following the instructions.
Along with the mattress package, you will get installation instructions with a pictorial description.
Therefore, you can do it by yourself without hiring the services of an expert. However, doing it in a recommended way will enhance its efficiency and service life.
Can you move the sleep number bed outside during camping?
You can move the sleep number bed outside by disconnecting the air compressor and installing hose caps.
However, place it on a solid and plain surface to protect its bottom side. Moreover, harsh weather conditions like temperature, sunlight, and water can also make it prone to damage.
It can withstand a combined weight of 400-500 lbs for 2-3 persons. However, excessive weight can disrupt the air chamber, making it unserviceable.
Moreover, it puts an extra load on the compressor to pump more air. Therefore, it reduces the service life of the mattress to 2-3 years from 8-10 years.
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