How to Choose Your Sleep Number Replacement Cover
If your Sleep Number® mattress cover is sagging, stained, torn, or worn out but the air chambers and foam inside are still good, you don't need a whole new bed — just a new cover. The tricky part is picking the right one, because Sleep Number has used several different cover styles over the years. This guide walks you through it in two simple questions.
Start with two questions
Choosing a replacement cover comes down to two things: which type of cover your bed uses, and which height it needs to be. Get those right and everything else falls into place.
The four Sleep Number cover types
Here's how the four styles compare at a glance:
| Cover | Top surface | Zipper | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Euro Top Shell | Quilted | Single | Older quilted beds (pre-2020), p5 & older 5000-series style |
| Box Top Shell | Quilted | Dual (separate top & bottom) | Beds with two separate zippers — 5000/6000/7000/9000, i8, i10 |
| Smooth Top Shell | Smooth stretch knit | Single | Newer 360 smart beds (2020–2026) |
| Pillow Top Shell | Pillow top | Single | Complete shell with three hose outlets; single or dual chamber |
1. Euro Top — quilted, single zipper
The classic quilted top used on older Sleep Number beds with a single zipper, including p5 and older 5000-series style beds. A medium-feel quilted surface with the foam sewn into the quilting. See the Euro Top Shell.
2. Box Top — quilted, dual zipper
Built for beds with two separate zippers — one around the top comfort-foam section and a second around the bottom section. Common on 5000/6000/7000/9000 and newer i8/i10 models. See the Box Top Shell.
3. Smooth Top — stretch knit, newer beds
The modern smooth stretch-knit surface Sleep Number has used since 2020 on its 360 smart beds (c, p, i, and m series). Single zipper, knit top that moves with the air chamber. See the Smooth Top Shell.
4. Pillow Top — complete shell, three hose outlets
A complete single-zipper shell with three hose outlets at the head, so it fits both single- and dual-chamber beds. Built to fit 8″ of components (typically 6″ of rails / air chamber plus a 2″ comfort layer). See the Pillow Top Shell.
The fastest way to tell: count your zippers
The quickest fork in the road is how many zippers your current cover has:
- Two separate zippers (a top section and a bottom section) → you need the Box Top Shell.
- One zipper → you need a single-zipper shell. From there, the surface tells you which one: a smooth stretch-knit top means the Smooth Top (newer beds), while a quilted top means the Euro Top or Pillow Top.
Still unsure? Check the law tag on the side of your current cover for your model number, or just give us a call.
How to measure for the right height
Most covers are built to your bed's exact height. There are two easy ways to find it:
Two ways to measure shell height
- Measure the border: measure the side of your border from top to bottom, excluding the piping. On an older mattress the sides can impress over time, so if it looks uneven, use the second method.
- Add your layers: measure your foam side rails at a spot with the least wear (usually the head or foot), then add any comfort layers on top. Foam rails + comfort layers = the shell height to order.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide to measuring your Sleep Number bed.
Do you need the whole shell, or just the top?
If only the quilted top panel is worn or stained and your border and zipper are still good, you may not need a full shell at all. We make top-only replacement panels that reuse your existing zipper for a perfect fit and cost far less:
- Replacement Euro Top (top quilt only) — save $100+
- Replacement Box Top (top quilt only) — save $250+
- Replacement Pillow Top (top only)
If your border, zipper, or bottom section is also worn, go with the complete shell instead.
Not sure which cover you have? We'll help.
We've been making aftermarket Sleep Number covers by hand in Pottstown, PA since 1979. Call us at 610-327-2322 with your model number or a photo of your zipper and we'll point you to the exact right cover and height.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have a single or dual zipper cover?
Look at your current cover. If there are two separate zippers — one around the top section and one around the bottom — you have a dual-zipper (Box Top) bed. If there's just one zipper around the whole cover, you have a single-zipper bed and need a Euro Top, Smooth Top, or Pillow Top shell.
What's the difference between a quilted, smooth, and pillow top cover?
Quilted tops (Euro Top and Box Top) have foam sewn into a stitched, padded surface and are typical of older beds. Smooth tops are the stretch-knit surface Sleep Number has used since 2020 on its 360 smart beds. Pillow top is a complete shell with three hose outlets that fits single- or dual-chamber beds.
Can I replace just the top of my cover?
Yes. If only the top panel is worn and your border and zipper are still good, a top-only replacement reuses your existing zipper for a perfect fit and costs far less than a full shell. We offer top-only options for Euro Top, Box Top, and Pillow Top covers.
How do I measure for the right height?
Either measure the side border from top to bottom (excluding piping), or add your foam side rail height plus any comfort layers on top. That total is the shell height to order. If you're unsure, call us and we'll walk you through it.
Do I have to send in my old cover or zipper?
For a complete replacement shell, no — we build it to your size and height and ship it ready to use. For a top-only quilt replacement, you reuse your existing zipper, so you'll send us either the top cover or just the zipper to guarantee a perfect fit.
Related guides: How to measure your Sleep Number bed for a replacement cover and Is it worth repairing a Sleep Number bed?
Note: Magic Sleeper makes aftermarket covers for Sleep Number brand beds and is not affiliated with Select Comfort or Sleep Number in any way.
