Will Medicare Cover a Sleep Number Bed? A Practical Guide for 2025

Aug, 5 2025

Sleep problems can turn your nights into a never-ending wrestling match with your mattress. Chronic pain, restless legs, snoring—sometimes you just need a better bed. So, the big question: can you get Medicare to pick up the tab for something fancy like a Sleep Number bed? There's a lot of confusion (and rumor-mongering around the web) on the subject. Some say yes, some throw up their hands. Let's set things straight.

What Beds Does Medicare Actually Cover?

If you’ve ever squinted at government rules, you know they love their fine print. Medicare—a big safety net for folks over 65 and people with certain disabilities—does pay for some beds. The catch? They must be “medically necessary” and meet their definition of a “durable medical equipment” (DME). That means a bed has to actually improve your health, like by making it easier to breathe, improving circulation, or helping you recover from surgery.

Let's get specific. Medicare generally covers hospital beds only. Not your average mattress or adjustable power base, but beds that go up and down, have rails, and can elevate feet or head with ease. The most common codes they use are E0260-E0277 for various types of hospital beds. These are sterile, functional, and—let’s be real—not likely to win design awards.

Here’s where Sleep Number gets left in the dust. Their beds are adjustable for comfort, yes, but they aren’t classified as medical devices under Medicare rules. Most have no rails (except maybe for some safety accessories), aren’t meant for transfers, and don’t have the certifications or medical features required.

Check out the differences:

The odds aren’t in your favor if you want Medicare to pay for a regular Sleep Number bed. But hang tight—there’s a bit more nuance to all this.

Can You Make a Sleep Number Bed “Medically Necessary”?

This is where people start getting creative. Maybe you’ve heard about folks getting custom mattresses, adjustable beds, or Sleep Numbers covered by insurance with a doctor’s note. But for Medicare, “medically necessary” is strict. The doctor needs to explain why a hospital bed is vital—not just more comfortable. That usually means trouble getting in and out of bed, unsteady walking, or requiring elevation for health (like severe heart failure).

Sleep Number beds can be great for bad backs, arthritis, snoring, or just fighting over mattress firmness (shout out to my wife, Elena, for her side’s suspicious softness). But Medicare reviewers typically say these are luxury features. Not enough to earn the “durable medical equipment” label, no matter how many doctors’ notes you provide.

If your doctor thinks you need an adjustable bed due to, say, severe sleep apnea, GERD, or major mobility issues, they’ll likely steer you toward an electric hospital bed. Not a Sleep Number. So, even though the *idea* of a Sleep Number bed being "medically necessary" is appealing, it almost never flies with Medicare unless the bed itself is coded and certified as DME—which Sleep Numbers aren’t.

Common Myths About Medicare and Adjustable Beds

Let’s pull back the curtain on what you might hear floating around online or in sleepy late-night infomercials:

• "My friend’s insurance paid for their adjustable bed, so mine will too."—Medicare is a government program with strict rules. Your friend might have private insurance with different guidelines, or maybe they got a hospital bed in disguise.
• "Any doctor’s prescription turns a regular mattress into a ‘medical necessity.’"—Prescriptions help, but the item also has to be Medicare-approved DME. Sleep Number doesn’t make the cut.
• "If my condition involves chronic pain or sleep issues, Medicare must pay up."—Unfortunately, chronic pain, insomnia, or even back issues rarely meet the coverage bar for a fancy bed. Medicare wants proof that a basic hospital bed won’t do the trick.
• "A letter of medical necessity from my doctor guarantees coverage."—Think of this as your ticket to *maybe* get a hospital bed—not a regular Sleep Number or similar luxury product.

Plenty of Reddit threads, Facebook groups, and excited salespeople will swear otherwise, but those are the rules on the books as of August 2025. Reading the fine print before you file a claim can save a ton of hassle.

How to Apply for Medicare Coverage for a Medical Bed

Suppose you or a family member really needs an adjustable bed—for legit medical reasons. Here’s what the process looks like if you want Medicare’s help:

1. Visit your doctor and get a full workup. Be honest and specific about why you need a hospital bed. They’ll document physical or medical needs—like being unable to get in or out of bed safely.
2. If your doctor agrees, they’ll write a detailed prescription. Most hospitals or clinics know the lingo and can provide supporting notes (like "needs head elevation for severe pulmonary issues").
3. Find a Medicare-participating DME supplier. Here’s the trick—you must use an approved supplier, or it won’t get reimbursed. Check the official Medicare supplier directory for vendors.
4. Submit the claim through the supplier. Most will walk you through the paperwork. Get copies! Don’t trust verbal promises.
5. Wait for Medicare’s decision. If approved, Medicare Part B typically covers 80% of the “allowed” cost after you pay the yearly deductible. You pay the remaining 20%. Extra insurance can sometimes help.

If you’re set on a Sleep Number bed, brace yourself for disappointment at this stage. That’s when folks get creative—sometimes attempting to use an adjustable bed base that looks vaguely medical, but it’ll have a hard time getting past the Medicare screeners unless it’s truly coded E0265 or similar.

Are There Any Loopholes, Alternatives, or Help?

If you’ve got your heart set on a Medicare-paid Sleep Number, sorry—it’s just not in the cards. But not all hope is lost. Here’s what you can try if you can’t shell out for luxury sleep tech:

• Check out hospital bed alternatives. Some DME suppliers have modern-looking, fully adjustable beds that pass as regular furniture. These sometimes help split the difference between comfort and coverage.
• Look into “Medicare Plus” or “Medicare Advantage (Part C)” plans. Some Advantage plans have broader definitions of what’s medically necessary, but it varies by state and plan. Call your plan's customer service and ask (be ready to wait on hold!).
• Consider flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA). They won’t make Medicare pay, but they can offer big tax savings if you need to self-fund an adjustable bed for health reasons—just be sure to get a doctor’s note.
• Ask Sleep Number about medical discounts or payment plans—they sometimes partner with healthcare networks.
• Charity organizations (like the Muscular Dystrophy Association or ALS Association) sometimes help with special beds for patients who fit their criteria.
• Check for gently used hospital beds. Durable and functional, they usually can be made a little more homey with mattress covers, extra padding, or even a Sleep Number-style topper (which, sadly, still isn’t covered).

Don’t forget the power of negotiation. Plenty of folks score deals at mattress stores or catch big sales around Memorial Day or Black Friday. My wife Elena and I snagged our first adjustable frame for less than half price after haggling at a sleepy afternoon sale.

Just remember, Medicare wants to see proof that you truly can’t manage with a standard hospital bed before they sign the check for anything pricier or with "luxury" features.