The Tempur-Pedic Mattress Review You Can Actually Trust

No commission • No endorsements • Based on owner experiences • Since 2008 • More

Does a mattress brand that pioneered memory foam and that has above-average materials, conforming ability, pressure-point & pain relief, model variety, and in-store availability sound good? Then Tempur-Pedic might be for you.

But if you seek a mattress that is a clear value, off gases little, has a short break in, is easy to move on, and is lightweight – then you may want to look elsewhere.

All things considered, Sleep Like The Dead rates Tempur-Pedic a B-.

Contents

Tempur-Pedic Mattress Ratings: Overview
Company Ratings
Main Competition
Owner Satisfaction
Longevity / Lifespan Ratings
Prices & Value
Pain Reduction
Off Gassing / Initial Odor
Sleeping Hot
Ease of Moving On and Getting Up Off
Mattress Weight
Motion Isolation
Sleep Quality
Noise
Sex Suitability
Temperature Sensitivity
Topper Usage
Break-In Period Duration
Acceptable Foundations
Tempur-Pedic Ergo Adjustable Bases
Tempur-Pedic vs Sleep Number
Warranty
Model Ratings, Prices & Comments
Person Size & Sleep Position Suitability

About Our Tempur-Pedic Research

Ratings and finding are based on 1,980+ Tempur-Pedic owner experiences. Learn about our research methodology and why you can trust our mattress reviews.

Tempur-Pedic Mattress Performance Ratings & Analysis

The table below shows how Tempur-Pedic rates in relation to the average mattress.

  CONTOUR
Collection1
CLOUD
Collection
FLEX
Collection
ADAPT
Collection2
Sample 889 695 454 37
Owner satisfaction b b B B
Lifespan b b B2 B
Affordable D- D D D+
Support B B- B+ B
Minimizes pressure A- B+ B b+
Less (back) pain B+ b B B
Easy to move on/get up off d+ D C- D+
Motion isolation a- a- B A
Edge support C+ C+ B- C+
No initial odor d D C- D+
Not hot: non-Breeze models D D D+ C-
Not hot: Breeze models B- C+ B- N/A
Not firm when cold d D+ C- C-
Less tossing/turning A- B+ B B+
Sex friendly c- c- B- C-
Back sleep friendly A- B B B+
Side sleep friendly B- B+ B B+
Stomach sleep friendly B- C B B-
Heavy person friendly B+ C+ B B-
Light person friendly D+ C+ C C+
No topper needed C+ B B- B
No noise A A B B+
Fast break-in D- d+ C- D+
Easy to lift, handle, move D- D D C-
OVERALL RATING C C+ C+ C+
Mattress type memory foam3 memory foam3 memory foam /
spring hybrid4
memory foam3 & memory foam / spring hybrid4
1 Includes Grand Bed.
2 Ratings are an estimate to partial estimate due to small sample and or model newness.
3 Have characteristics similar to memory foam mattresses in general.
4 Often have characteristics similar to memory foam / spring hybrids in general.

Tempur-Pedic Specifications Ratings & Analysis

Tempur-Pedic beds are made in the USA and fall under the memory foam mattress category. The ratings show how Tempur-Pedic compares to the average mattress for construction and materials based on consumer experiences and the estimate of Sleep Like The Dead.

Cover B+ Tempur-Pedic does not disclose cover details. But composition and performance are almost certainly better than average especially for Breeze models.
Comfort layer(s) B+ Tempur-Pedic does not disclose comfort layer details. But foam thickness, density, and sophistication are likely significantly better than average.
Base / support layer B- Tempur-Pedic does not disclose base / support layer details, but thickness if nothing else is likely better than average.
OVERALL RATING B+ This rating is determined by averaging the above specification ratings.

Tempur-Pedic Company Ratings & Analysis

The ratings below – based on consumer experiences and the evaluation of Sleep Like The Dead – show how Tempur-Pedic compares to the average mattress manufacturer.

Warranty coverage C 10 years total, non-prorated coverage. See warranty details. (Also see mattress warranties: what to know.)
Return policy D+ Tempur-Pedic's return policy when buying directly from them consists of a 90-day trial period that allows the customer to return the mattress for an exchange or refund after 30 days. The consumer must often pay return shipping ($175). Know that when buying a Tempur-Pedic from an independent retailer, they may have a return policy with better or worse terms. (See returning a mattress: what to know.)
Customer service C Customer service, like that of most major mattress makers, appears to be inconsistent in responsiveness, speed, quality, helpfulness.
Marketing accuracy B- Tempur-Pedic says that "95% of our customers love their mattress" based on a brand tracker report. According to this report, however, the term "love" is broadly defined and includes merely luke-warm opinions of the mattress. Aside from this issue, Tempur-Pedic's marketing tends to be essentially factual with limited hyperbole.
Access to customer reviews A At its website, Tempur-Pedic allows sortable and easy access to all customer reviews posted there, including those that are negative.
Integrity of customer reviews C This refers to how closely customer ratings appearing on Tempur-Pedic's website correspond to customer ratings at independent sources. In total, ratings at Tempur-Pedic's website are higher than those found at other sources by at least 10 percentage points.
Specs disclosed D+ The disclosing of mattress specifications allows consumers to comparison shop and make an informed buying decision. Tempur-Pedic discloses the number of mattress layers and their relative thickness, but actual layer thickness is not disclosed nor is foam density nor is cover material.
Time in business A+ Since 1992.
BBB rating A+ Tempur-Pedic (Tempur Sealy) – headquartered in Lexington, KY – has a stable "A+" BBB rating.
# of BBB complaints C- 241 complaints against the company have been filed in the past three years, a number that is similar to that of most other major mattress manufacturers.
OVERALL RATING C+ This rating is determined by averaging the above company ratings.

Sleep Like The Dead (SLTD) Rating for Tempur-Pedic

SLTD RATING B- SLTD (Sleep Like The Dead) rating for Tempur-Pedic is determined by averaging the performance, specification, and company ratings.

Main Competition

Other memory foam beds (namely iComfort) and memory foam hybrids as well as airbeds (namely Sleep Number). See the mattress comparison and price comparison to learn how Tempur-Pedic models rate versus competitors.

Owner Satisfaction

Tempur-Pedic mattresses overall have 81% owner satisfaction. (See satisfaction for the various models.) While Tempur-Pedic's satisfaction rate is similar to that of main competitors overall (78%), it is significantly higher than that of all mattresses overall (73%).

tempurpedic pain relief chart

Owner Satisfaction Rate by year of ownership

tempurpedic vs all mattresses

The graph above shows that after the first two years of ownership, Tempur-Pedic owner satisfaction is higher than that of all mattresses overall. This appears to be mostly due to Tempur-Pedic beds historically having somewhat better longevity than the average mattress.

It should be noted that the lower years of ownership have far more owner experiences associated with them than do the higher years. The lower years, therefore, mostly determine the overall owner satisfaction rates of 81% for Tempur-Pedic and 73% for mattresses overall.


Longevity / Lifespan

Average Ownership Length

The graph below shows that consumers on average report keeping their Tempur-Pedic for about eight years.
tempurpedic ownership length

Lifespan of Tempur-Pedic Vs Lifespan of Competition

Against entry-level competitors ($700 or less), Tempur-Pedic often has an 18% or greater lifespan. Against mid-level competitors ($700-$1500), Tempur-Pedic has a smaller but still fairly significant longevity advantage. And against luxury-level competitors ($1500 and up) – especially offerings from Sealy, Serta, Simmons – Tempur-Pedic likely has an advantage.

Tempurpedic longevity/lifespan chart
* Includes memory foam mattresses and memory foam hybrid mattresses only.

When considering the above information, know that people tend to keep expensive mattresses longer than they do less expensive mattresses often for the sole reason of wanting to get their money's worth.

Tempur-Pedic Sagging and Softening / Hardening

Like mattresses in general, age and wear can affect the comfort and support of a Tempur-Pedic mattress.

Tempur-Pedic mattresses may sag / develop body impressions. Also with age and wear, firm Tempur-Pedic models may become significantly softer, while soft models may become significantly firmer.

Usually such mattress changes do not undermine comfort and support to a noticeable degree. But in some cases, the problem is severe enough that it can.

Based on our collected owner experiences, about 13% of Tempur-Pedic mattress owners report sagging / body impressions / softening / hardening occurring to an extent that significantly undermines comfort and or support within the first three years of ownership.

For comparison (see graph below), about 16% of owners of competitors mattresses overall and about 18% of all mattress owners overall report troublesome sagging / body impressions / softening / hardening occurring within three years.

tempurpedic mattress sagging comparison

* Occurring within first three years of ownership due to sagging / body impression / softening / hardening.


Prices and Value

Prices

The average Tempur-Pedic mattress is at least two times the price of both the average mattress and the average main competitor. (See Tempur-Pedic model prices.)

tempurpedic price comparison chart

Value

About 25% of Tempur-Pedic owners regard their mattress to be a good value. The majority of Tempur-Pedic owners, however, regard their mattress to be no better than a fair value, and 20% regard it to be a poor value.

tempurpedic value comparison chart

For how Tempur-Pedic compares to other mattresses on price, see mattress price comparison and memory foam mattress reviews and hybrid reviews.


Pain Reduction

For at least 18% of owners, Tempur-Pedic mattresses relieve or even eliminate pain that one may experience both in and out of bed. Relief of back, shoulder, hip and joint pain are commonly noted.

While all Tempur-Pedic models perform well overall for relieving pain, the high density Contour models likely provide at least slightly better pain relief than the other models especially for people over 160 pounds.

Other mattresses may rival Tempur-Pedic's potential to reduce pain, but none appear to significantly exceed it.

It should be noted, of course, that Tempur-Pedic beds do not relieve pain for everyone, and for about 8% of owners the beds cause pain (beyond break in) – usually back, hip and or shoulder pain for a number of reasons.

tempurpedic pain relief chart

More information: See mattresses & back pain research.


Off Gassing / Initial Odor

Off gassing is a chemical-like or musty odor that a mattress may release when new. It is the result of the manufacturing and or packaging process. About 17% of Tempur-Pedic bed owners report significant off gassing which is higher than the rate for both mattresses in general and most other main competitors.

Tempurpedic off gassing comparison


Off gassing Odor Amount / Severity reported by Tempur-Pedic owners

The amount of off gassing can vary by individual mattress. Most owners, as the chart below shows, report little or no off gassing.

tempurpedic off gassing amount

Length of off gassing Period reported by Tempur-Pedic owners

Most off gassing lasts a few days but can persist considerably longer in some cases.

length of tempurpedic off gassing

Some owners report walking (safely) on their mattress to quicken the off gassing process (as well as the break-in period).

More information: See memory foam mattress off gassing research.


Sleeping Hot / Heat Retention

Non-Breeze Models

At least 15% of non-Breeze Tempur-Pedic owners report that their mattress absorbs and retains their body heat to an uncomfortable extent – especially in summer months.

No other major mattress brand included in our research has a higher percentage of owners complaining about heat retention than Tempur-Pedic. And woman report more heat problems with their Tempur-Pedic than men by as much as a 2-1 ratio.

To minimize such issues, most models feature a moisture-wicking cover to aid in maintaining dryness and coolness.

Some owners report achieving heat-trap relief by not using a mattress protector. Doing so, however, risks soiling or staining the mattress which will likely void the warranty.

Breeze Models

Four Breeze models are available: Cloud Luxe Breeze, Cloud Supreme Breeze, Contour Elite Breeze, and Flex Supreme Breeze. (They are priced $900 more than their non-Breeze counterparts).

Breeze models have material in the cover and comfort layer which results in fewer heat-trap related complaints compared to their non-Breeze counterparts or models.

Tempurpedic sleeping hot chart
* estimate

More information: See mattress heat retention research as well as temperature control for possible ways to reduce mattress heat problems.


Ease of Moving On And Getting Up Off

The higher-density memory foam used in several Tempur-Pedic models is at least somewhat sensitive to weight and temperature. This means that the sleeper may sink into the foam to some extent and that the foam may adapt, contour and mold to the sleeper's body.

This can make moving on the bed / changing positions and getting up off the bed difficult as at least 15% of owners report the problem. Those owners who change positions frequently, are weak from sickness or injury, or are elderly have the most complaints regarding movement difficulty.

Flex models tend to provide less movement resistance than Contour, Cloud, and Adapt models.

Tempurpedic ease of movement chart
* estimate


Mattress Weight

A complaint by Tempur-Pedic owners – especially owners of thicker and more expensive models – is the heavy weight of the mattress. The weight, according to owners, causes the bed to be difficult to transport / move / handle and can make the changing of sheets and the removing of the cover difficult as well. At least two people are often needed to transport / move / handle the bed.

At least 7% of Tempur-Pedic owners complain about weight; no other mattress brand in our research has a higher complaint rate regarding heavy weight.

Tempurpedic weight chart


Motion Isolation

Memory foam mattresses in general, including Tempur-Pedic, localize and absorb motion. This allows a person to move around on or get up off the bed without the other person being much disturbed or disturbed at all by the movement.

Tempur-Pedic's use of higher-density foam in many of its models may give it an edge in motion isolation over its less-dense competition. At least 20% of Tempur-Pedic owners praise the mattress for having good-to-excellent motion isolation. It should also be noted that motion transfer usually cannot be fully eliminated due to the use of shared linens.

Tempurpedic bed motion isolation chart
* estimate


Sleep Quality

tossing and turning

At least 20% of owners say they toss and turn less since sleeping on their Tempur-Pedic. This is likely mainly due to the fact that the mattresses often minimize pressure points and the need to change positions to maintain comfort. Less tossing and turning may also be due to the fact that Tempur-Pedic mattresses, especially Contour and Cloud models, resist and therefore discourage body movement at least somewhat.

tempurpedic tossing turning chart

Restful Sleep

At least 20% of owners report that they sleep better since sleeping on their Tempur-Pedic. They often cite the lack of pressure points and the improved comfort and support as reasons why they sleep better. Some owners also say they sleep more efficiently. In other words, they say they sleep more soundly and can therefore spend less time in bed.

Tempurpedic restul sleep chart


Noise

The Flex models and hybrid versions of the Adapt models use springs for support which have some limited potential to squeak, creak or clunk on occasion. All other Tempur-Pedic models are silent.

If a mattress foundation is used, it may produce noise such as creaking often due to poor assembly.

Tempurpedic noise chart
* estimate


Break-In Period Duration

Tempur-Pedic mattresses tend to have a significantly longer than average break-in period. This is especially a problem for side sleepers as they may experience some hip and shoulder discomfort due to high firmness. Some owners report walking (safely) on their mattress to speed up the break-in process. Others may use a topper to soften the mattress until break in occurs.

Tempurpedic break in period chart
* estimate

Length of Break-In Period reported by Tempur-Pedic owners

Most Tempur-Pedic owners report break in within 20 days of use.

length of tempurpedic break in


Sex Suitability

Owner opinion is generally split in regard to the suitability of Tempur-Pedic mattresses for sex.

The characteristics of memory foam, especially higher-density foam, can make some aspects of sex better and some worse, say owners.

The Flex models and the hybrid Adapt models with their spring support system are likely the most sex friendly among the Tempur-Pedic models for the majority of people.

Tempurpedic love making suitablity / sex
* estimate

More information: See sex and mattresses comparison.


Temperature Sensitivity

Tempur-Pedic mattresses tend to be significantly firmer when coldthat is, firmer when room temperature is below about 70 degrees.

As a result, about 10% of owners complain that the bed is uncomfortably firm for the first few minutes when getting into bed or when moving to a new area of the bed during the night. The foam, however, gets softer and more comfortable when warmed by the sleeper's body. By contrast, high-room temperature can give the mattress a softer and "squishy" feel.

Temperature sensitivity also has an upside in that it allows the mattress to adapt and contour to one's body resulting in support and comfort. However, about 4% of owners say they do not like the sensation of the bed molding to their body because it gives them the feeling they are sleeping in, to use their words, "mud," "clay," or "quicksand."

temperature sensitivity comparison chart
* estimate


Topper Usage

About 6% of Tempur-Pedic owners, especially owners of firmer models, report needing to add a topper to their mattress (beyond break in) to improve comfort.

tempurpedic topper usage compare
* estimate


Tempur-Pedic Mattress Foundation

Tempur-Pedic requires that their mattresses use a "firm, solid-surface, non-spring foundation or adjustable bed base." If an unacceptable foundation is used, then the mattress warranty will be voided. Using a properly assembled foundation sold by Tempur-Pedic will eliminate the risk of using an improper foundation.


Tempur-Pedic Adjustable Bed Bases

Tempur Ergo, Ease, and Tempur Up adjustable bed bases allow a person to raise the head and or foot of their mattress for comfort, heath and convenience benefits. Learn how they compare to other adjustable bed bases.


Tempur-Pedic Vs Sleep Number

Tempur-Pedic and Sleep Number have similar owner satisfaction rates but often different pros and cons. See Tempur-Pedic vs Sleep Number for a detailed comparison.


Warranty

The Tempur-Pedic mattress warranty is 10 years total, non-prorated coverage. This is average compared to all mattresses.

tempurpedic warranty ratings

Sagging Coverage

For mattresses overall, sagging is the top consumer complaint. Tempur-Pedic has among the best sagging coverage of any mattress brand. While other brands on average often require greater than one inches of mattress sagging before warranty coverage kicks in, Tempur-Pedic requires only greater than .75 inch.

sagging coverage comparison

Softening Covering

Tempur-Pedic's warranty covers an abnormal increase in mattress softening, but such softening is not defined leaving it open to opinion. This is a potential weakness of the warranty as softening can be just as common and problem causing as sagging. In fairness, however, no other mattress company definitively covers softening either.


Tempur-Pedic Model Ratings, Prices and Comments

Additional sizes than what appear below are often available including CA king, split king and split CA king. A foundation (often $200-$400 ) is not included in the prices.

  Owner Satisfaction (sample) Price Thickness Firmness* Conforming Ability**
Flex Elite
81% (68) $2800 tw
$3150 dbl
$3300 qn
$4000 kg
12.5" med-soft moderate
COMMENT: Spring / memory foam hybrid. Among Flex models it has characteristics most similar to those of a traditional Tempur-Pedic mattress.
Flex Supreme Breeze
81% (72) $3000 tw
$3350 dbl
$3500 qn
$4200 kg
11.5" med low- moderate
COMMENT: Spring / memory foam hybrid. Special comfort layer and cover allow mattress to sleep cooler for most owners.
Adapt
81% estimate $1700 tw
$2050 dbl
$2200 qn
$2900 kg
11" med low- moderate (estimate)
COMMENT: Least expensive model. Comes in hybrid and non-hybrid. Hybrid model uses pocket coils which gives the mattress a more conventional feel vs non-hybrid model. Appears to be the most light-weight Tempur-Pedic model.
ProAdapt
82% estimate $2400 tw
$2750 dbl
$2900 qn
$3600 kg
12" soft, med, firm & med for hybrid moderate (estimate)
COMMENT: New model. Uses new support material designed to be highly pressure relieving. Comes in hybrid and non-hybrid. Hybrid model uses pocket coils which gives the mattress a more conventional feel vs non-hybrid model. Has more advanced, temperature-regulating cover than the Adapt. Appears to be second lightest-weight Tempur-Pedic model after the Adapt.
LUXEAdapt
82% estimate $3300 tw
$3800 qn
$4500 kg
13" soft or firm high to very high (estimate)
COMMENT: New model. Perhaps the most conforming Tempur-Pedic model. Uses new support material designed to be highly pressure relieving. Heavy.
Contour Elite
82% (102) $2600 tw
$2950 dbl
$3100 qn
$3800 kg
12.5" firm moderate- high
COMMENT: Tends to be firm yet still conforming and capable of minimizing pressure points.
Contour Elite Breeze
83% (79) $3500 tw
$4000 qn
$4700 kg
12.5" firm moderate- high
COMMENT: Special comfort layer and cover allow mattress to sleep cooler than non-Breeze Contour Elite for most owners.
Contour Rhapsody Luxe
79% (134) $3100 tw
$3600 qn
$4300 kg
13.5" med- firm high
COMMENT: Somewhat less firm but more conforming than Contour Elite.
Cloud Elite
78% (119) $2600 tw
$2950 dbl
$3100 qn
$3800 kg
12.5" soft moderate
COMMENT: --
Cloud Supreme Breeze

80% (160)

$3000 tw
$3350 dbl
$3500 qn
$4200 kg
11.5" med- soft moderate
COMMENT: Special comfort layer and cover allow mattress to sleep cooler.
Cloud Luxe 79% (141) $3100 tw
$3600 qn
$4300 kg
13.5" extra soft moderate
COMMENT: Tempur-Pedic's softest model.
Cloud Luxe Breeze 80% (201) $4000 tw
$4500 qn
$5200 kg
13.5" extra soft moderate
COMMENT: Special comfort layer and cover allow mattress to sleep cooler than non-Breeze Cloud Luxe for most owners.
Grand bed
77% (43) $7500 qn
$8600 kg
15" med- soft high
Comment: Highly luxurious, conforming and heavy.

* See mattress firmness guide to learn what may be best for you and your sleep position.
** The higher the conforming support, the slower the mattress will respond and the more it will tend to strongly contour and mold / adapt to the sleeper's body. This can provide equalized support /weight distribution and minimization of pressure points. But it can also make moving on the bed / changing positions and getting up off of the bed somewhat difficult. More.

Person Size and Sleep Position Suitability

The table below evaluates Tempur-Pedic mattress models for person size and sleep position. It shows what tends to be true for owners; your personal evaluation may differ. See the mattress firmness guide for details based on your body type. And people of below- and above-average weight, see the mattress guide for large and small people.

  Average-Sized People
(130-230 lbs)
Large People
(230+ lbs)
Small People
(under 130 lbs)
Flex Elite Back Sleep Friendly B C+ B
Side Sleep Friendly B C B-
Stomach Sleep Friendly C+ C- B
Flex Supreme Breeze Back Sleep Friendly B B- B
Side Sleep Friendly B C+ b-
Stomach Sleep Friendly B C B
Adapt* Back Sleep Friendly* B+ B B
Side Sleep Friendly* B B- B-
Stomach Sleep Friendly* B B- B-
ProAdapt – Soft* Back Sleep Friendly* B- C+ B
Side Sleep Friendly* B- B- B
Stomach Sleep Friendly* C C- B-
ProAdapt – Med* Back Sleep Friendly* B+ B B
Side Sleep Friendly* B+ B B-
Stomach Sleep Friendly* B- B- B-
ProAdapt – Firm* Back Sleep Friendly* B B C+
Side Sleep Friendly* C+ B- C-
Stomach Sleep Friendly* B- B- C
LuxeAdapt – Soft* Back Sleep Friendly* B B- B
Side Sleep Friendly* B B- B-
Stomach Sleep Friendly* C C- B-
LuxeAdapt – Firm* Back Sleep Friendly* B+ B+ C+
Side Sleep Friendly* B- B- C-
Stomach Sleep Friendly* B B- C
Contour Elite Back Sleep Friendly A- A- C+
Side Sleep Friendly B B+ C-
Stomach Sleep Friendly B B C+
Contour Elite Breeze Back Sleep Friendly A- A- C+
Side Sleep Friendly B B+ C-
Stomach Sleep Friendly B B C+
Contour Rhapsody Luxe Back Sleep Friendly A- B+ C
Side Sleep Friendly B- B D
Stomach Sleep Friendly B- C+ C
Cloud Elite Back Sleep Friendly B- B- B
Side Sleep Friendly B+ C+ C+
Stomach Sleep Friendly C C- B-
Cloud Supreme Breeze Back Sleep Friendly B B- B
Side Sleep Friendly B+ B- C+
Stomach Sleep Friendly C+ C B-
Cloud Luxe Back Sleep Friendly B- C+ B
Side Sleep Friendly B+ C+ C+
Stomach Sleep Friendly C- D+ B-
Cloud Luxe Breeze Back Sleep Friendly B- C+ B
Side Sleep Friendly B+ C+ C+
Stomach Sleep Friendly C- D+ B-
Grand bed Back Sleep Friendly B B- C+
Side Sleep Friendly B B- C
Stomach Sleep Friendly B- C C+

* Estimate.

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Mattress Ratings You Can Actually Trust

Ratings and finding are based on 1,900+ Tempur-Pedic owner experiences. Learn about our research methodology and why you can trust our mattress reviews.

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