Mattress Ratings >> Memory Foam Mattress Ratings
Tempur-pedic® Mattress Bed Reviews & Ratings → Based on Data From 1,505 Actual Owners
Page last updated April 13, 2010.
What You Need To Know
Tempur-pedic has a respectable comfort rating (80% satisfaction) as well as a number of pros and cons, according to data collected from over 1,500 actual owners.
The various models tend to have similar satisfaction scores, but owner data slightly suggests that higher priced models perform somewhat better.
Compared to less expensive memory foam mattress brands in general, Tempurpedic does appear to perform somewhat better in regard to durability / longevity and perceived quality.
Overall, however, the bed does not seem to be significantly superior to several less expensive brands. For more information, see the mattress comparison or the memory foam mattress ratings summary, both of which are based on actual owner experiences.
Related info based on mattress owner data
Tempur-pedic vs Sleep Number Bed
Memory foam density - is higher better?
Sex on a memory foam mattress
Mattresses and sex comparison
Adjustable bed base reviews
Memory foam off gassing
Memory foam and dust mites
Mattress warranties: what you should know
Tempur-pedic retailer comparison
Mattresses and back pain research
About Our Research
Sleep Like The Dead gathered reviews and comments on the Tempur-pedic bed from over 1,500 owners. The sources of this data come from diverse, credible sources including over 400 online message boards. For more information on our research methodology, click here.
Read more mattress reviews and ratings based on data from over 8,800 actual owners. You can also search our research findings.
Research Findings Overview: Tempurpedic Bed
Sample size: Over 1,500 owners of various models including Grand, BellaSonna, BellaFina, Allura, Celebrity, Rhapsody, Deluxe, Prima, Cloud, Classic, Advantage and Original.
80% |
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Good |
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Poor-Fair |
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Good |
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No |
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No |
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Fair-Good |
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Excellent |
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Fair |
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Fair |
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Fair-Good |
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Good-Excellent |
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Excellent |
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| Customer service | Good | |
| More Information | ||
Price (queen) |
$1300-$6300 |
|
| Density | 5.3 lbs / ft | |
| BBB rating | A+ | |
| Return policy | 90 days, you pay return shipping | |
| Warranty | 20-yr ltd |
Comfort
Out of the 1,505 Tempur-pedic bed owners included in the data, 1,204 said the bed was comfortable and 301 said it was uncomfortable. In other words, 80% of the owners found the bed to be comfortable, and 20% did not.
Comfortable |
1,204 Owners | ||
Uncomfortable |
301 Owners | ||
For perspective, the percentage of Tempur-pedic bed owners finding the bed comfortable (80%) is higher than the top-selling innerspring mattresses, similar to latex mattresses as well as airbeds, such as the Sleep Number bed, according to our related research. For how the Tempur-pedic bed compares to other popular memory foam mattresses click here.
Durability / Longevity Ratings
Based on our collected owner data, about 8%-12% of Tempur-pedic owners have problems with durability / longevity, specifically in the form of premature sagging / softness. In other words, within three years the mattress loses a significant degree of its resiliency, and as a result comfort / support noticeably decrease.
For perspective, based on our related research, about 28%-40% of innerspring mattress owners report premature sagging. In other words, as a group, Tempurpedic beds are about three times less likely to have durability / longevity problems as are innerspring beds as a group.
How does Tempurpedic stack up against other (less expensive) memory foam brands in regard to durability / longevity? Unfortunately, long-term owner data for other memory foam brands is currently not as complete as it is for Tempurpedic or innerspring beds. But based on data we have collected, Tempurpedic likely performs at least somewhat better than its competition on this issue -- especially the below-$1,000 memory foam mattress brands.
See the or the memory foam mattress ratings summary or mattress comparison for more details on this issue.
Warranty & Return Policy Ratings
Owners generally give Tempurpedic acceptable ratings for its warranty. The warranty is similar to most other memory foam mattress brands. It provides non-prorated coverage for the first 10 years, followed by prorated coverage for the next 10 years. Transportation costs for warranty servicing of the mattress are the responsibility of the owner.
Tempurpedic likely has the best sagging coverage of any mattress brand, memory foam or otherwise; while other brands require more than 1.25 inches of noticeable sagging before coverage begins, Tempurpedic requires only more than .75 inch. In addition, their "A+" Better Business Bureau rating suggests that they generally stand behind their warranty.
Their warranty does not cover excessive softening, however, which can be just as much of a problem as excessive sagging, say owners.
Tempurpedic's return policy when buying directly from them (by phone or online) generally gets less-than-favorable ratings. It consists of a 90-day trial period in which if you do not like the product you can send it back for an exchange or refund. While owners like this aspect, they do not like that they must pay for the return shipping. By contrast, several other online memory foam mattress companies / brands provide free return shipping during their trial periods.
You can also purchase Tempurpedic from numerous mattress retailers; their individual return policies vary. See a comparison of Tempurpedic retailers.
Tempur-pedic Mattress Bed Complaints / Problems
This section lists and describes 14 negatives of the Tempur-pedic bed, according to owners.
| Takes getting used to | 16% of owners |
| Don't like other beds as result | 15% of owners |
| Off gassing | 15% of owners |
| Expensive | 12% of owners |
| Premature sagging / softness | 9% of owners |
| Causes pain | 8% of owners |
| Sleeps hot | 7% of owners |
| Difficult to move on | 6% of owners |
| Heavy | 5% of owners |
| Too firm | 2% of owners |
| Unpleasant sensation | 2% of owners |
| Numb limbs | 1% of owners |
| Temperature sensitive | 1% of owners |
| Don't sink in | .5% of owners |
Glossary
Takes getting used to
The bed is different enough, especially from innerspring mattresses,
that getting used to it often requires several days, perhaps
even weeks. In addition, the mattress can be extra firm at first until it breaks in and becomes softer / more comfortable.
Dislike
other beds as result of sleeping on Tempur-pedic
Finding comfort and good sleep on non-Tempurpedic / non-memory
foam beds that are used when traveling is difficult as a result
of sleeping on and becoming used to the Tempurpedic mattress.
Off gassing
The bed gives off a chemical-like odor initially, likely due to the manufacturing and or packaging process. The graph below breaks down the intensity of off gassing reported. Minimal off gassing usually is not strong and dissipates within hours or perhaps a few days. Strong off gassing is a powerful odor that may prevent the owner from sleeping on the bed for a few days and or may irritate one's breathing and eyes.
Expensive
The product is viewed as pricey and a questionable or poor value, especially considering the benefits or lack thereof received.
Premature sagging / softness
Within three years or less the bed significantly sagged / developed
body impressions or became excessively soft which undermined comfort and support. (Some sagging and increased softness is normal over time, but should not have a noticeable effect on comfort / support.) While the warranty will likely cover sagging that is visible to a depth of over .75 inches, it will likely not cover the development of excessive softness which can be just as problematic as sagging, according to owners. The graph below shows that reports of sagging are somewhat more common than reports of softening.
Causes pain
The bed causes pain, especially back, hip and shoulder pain.
Or it makes existing pain worse. Premature sagging / softness may sometimes contribute to this pain.
Sleeps hot
Tempur-pedic
absorbs and retains one’s body heat resulting in an unnaturally
warm sleeping surface.
Difficult
to move on
Tossing and turning can be difficult. The temperature-sensitive
aspect of the bed often causes it to contour around one’s body.
This means that moving into a new position often requires more
effort than is the case with other types of beds. The sick and or elderly may especially have difficultly moving on the mattress.
Heavy
The mattress is heavy which makes moving, transporting or even
changing linens difficult. The more expensive models are generally the heaviest.
Too firm
The firmness of the bed is too solid and hard, undermining
comfort. The less expensive models, such as the Classic, tend to have the most complaints regarding excessive firmness.
Unpleasant sensation
Sleeping on the mattress is, in the words of some owners, like sleeping in mud or quicksand or on a sponge.
This is likely due to the temperature- and weight-sensitive properties
of the bed.
Numb limbs
Sleeping on the Tempurpedic results at least some of the time in parts of the body, such as arms or hands, becoming numb due to a possible lack of circulation.
Temperature sensitive
The mattress is firmer when cold, but becomes softer when in
contact with the sleeper. And when room temperature is warm, the bed is at least somewhat softer.
Don't sink in
A problem for some people who do not weight much (120 lbs or less) is that they do not sink into the mattress, but rather merely lie on top which can be uncomfortable.
Tempur-pedic
Mattress Positives
This section lists and describes 11 positives of the Tempur-pedic
bed, according to owners.
| Reduces pain | 17% of owners |
| Good investment | 15% of owners |
| Motion isolation | 14% of owners |
| Improves restful sleep | 8% of owners |
| Durable | 6% of owners |
| Reduces tossing / turning | 5% of owners |
| Don't want to get out of bed | 5% of owners |
| No flipping | 3% of owners |
| Reduces snoring | 1% of owners |
| Good for heavy / pregnant | .5% of owners |
| Quiet | .5% of owners |
Glossary
Reduces pain
The bed relieves or even eliminates pain, especially back, shoulder and hip pain.
Good investment
The mattress, although often substantial in price, is a wise investment and good value considering the benefits received.
Little or no motion transfer
The properties of memory foam / Tempur localize and absorb motion. This can allow one person to move around or get up out of bed without the other person being disturbed.
Improves restful sleep
The mattress allows for better and more efficient sleep. This can mean a sleeper can spend less time in bed but still feel well rested the next day.
Durable
The bed is at least five years old and shows little if any sign of sagging, excessive softness or body impressions.
Reduces tossing and turning
It is not uncommon to wake up in the same position that one falls asleep in.
Don’t want to get out of bed
While a certain percentage of mattress owners of most types and brands say that their mattress causes them to want to stay in bed, the percentage of Tempurpedic owners who say this is significantly higher.
No need to flip
The mattress typically does not need to be flipped to maintain comfort and support.
Reduces snoring
Snoring has been reduced or eliminated since sleeping on the bed.
Good for heavy and pregnant
The mattress provides good comfort and durability for heavier people, including pregnant women.
Quiet
There is no squeaking or noise of any kind that comes from the bed.