Tempur-Pedic Mattress Review

If you are new to the mattress market, how do you know which product to buy? Do you base your choice on what the mattress company says on their website? I believe it’s a good idea to see beyond the hype the company wants you to read and do your own independent research.

In this post, you will learn how to read a mattress description critically to avoid making a mistake and investing in the wrong product. For this purpose, we will examine Tempur-Pedic mattresses: what they are famous for, what they are made of, and, most importantly, why, in my opinion, they are not the right products to invest in. Of course, I will give you other options of mattresses that I consider comfortable, of high quality, safe, and worthy of your hard-earned dollars.

Tempur-Pedic Mattress Review

The longer I live, the better I understand the validity of simple truths my mom taught me. Like, for instance, one should eat green leafy veggies or put on warm underwear in winter (I come from a very snowy and cold area). Or “good sleep is important” – these words meant nothing to me because … well, because I had no problem with sleep whatsoever. I mean, couch, futon, even the floor – everything worked for a tight, uninterrupted night’s sleep. It’s not so easy now, huh? Can you relate?

Several years ago, I spent a whole year looking for a mattress for our bedroom that would provide comfort, safety, and peace of mind. It took me a long time. Because I wanted to make sure I was investing in a high-quality product that would serve for years and years to come. During that period, I got skillful at browsing mattress companies’ websites in search of clues that would help me read between the lines. Indeed, this skill is very helpful and absolutely crucial today. With so many new companies and products coming to the market, some of which, quite frankly, are based on nothing but hype.

After spending time reading their website and contacting them, I have an impression that Tempur-Pedic mattress description has more to do with marketing than anything else. Here is why.

What Is Tempur-Pedic Mattress?

To begin, Tempur-Pedic was founded in 1992 by Bobby Trussell. It has a parent company called “Tempur Sealy International,” headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky.

Apparently, the company is famous for utilizing space-age foam, allegedly developed by NASA scientists to reduce the effects of G-Forces on astronauts’ bodies. It is a viscoelastic material (aka “slow spring-back foam”) that, after being perfected for sleep, was named “Tempur-Material™.”

Reportedly, some of the desirable characteristics of Tempur-Material™ are motion cancellation, a cooling effect, and pressure relief. The Tempur-Pedic mattress models have different firmness options. But are similar in that they have a comfort layer and a support layer, both made with Tempur-Material™ whose formulation is a “trade secret.”

Overall, there are two main Tempur-Pedic mattress collection lines – Tempur-Pedic Adapt and Tempur-Breeze – each of which has subcategories. For the Tempur-Pedic Adapt collection, they are Tempur-Adapt, Tempur-ProAdapt, and Tempur-LuxeAdapt. And for the Tempur-Breeze collection, they are Tempur-ProBreeze and Tempur-LuxeBreeze.

As far as I can see, the Tempur-Pedic Adapt collection focuses on pressure relieving benefits, sleep position, and motion transfer. And the Tempur-Breeze collection is more about the cooling effect. It offers a cool to the touch mattress cover. And the Tempur-ProBreeze and Tempur-LuxeBreeze mattress models are supposedly 5 degrees cooler and 10 degrees cooler, respectively.

Additionally, there is a Tempur-Cloud mattress designed for fast shipping and doorstep delivery.

Pricewise, at the time of publishing:

• Tempur-Pedic Adapt collection: $2,199 – $7,398
• Tempur-Breeze collection: $4,599 – $10,198
• Tempur-Cloud mattress: $1,999 – $3,398.

What Is A Tempur-Pedic Mattress Made Of?

Now, we have approached the most important question of all: what is a Tempur-Pedic mattress made of? You may think that the answer is obvious – it is made of “Tempur-Material™,” but what exactly is this material composed of?

Interestingly, I have combed through the Tempur-Pedic website top-down, front-and-back, but haven’t seen a disclosure of this material’s ingredients. However, based on the following two pieces of information – a screenshot from the website and the company’s email response to me – we can conclude that Tempur-Pedic mattresses are memory foam mattresses made with polyurethane foam layers. Please see the highlighted text in the two screenshots below.

polyurethane foam

On the one hand, polyurethane foam is comfortable, and isn’t that what we want a mattress to be? On the other hand, however, not everything about polyurethane foam is so simple and nice.

For starters, polyurethane foam consists of petroleum derivatives, such as toluene diisocyanate (TDI), classified as “reasonably to be anticipated as a human carcinogen” (source).  Studies show that polyurethane foam, or memory foam, may emit a number of potentially harmful gasses (VOCs). Including isocyanates, formaldehyde, and phthalates.

Also, it is highly flammable. Because all mattresses are subject to Federal flammability testing and standards, mattresses with polyurethane foam must use flame retardants to pass the test. There are various flame retardants used for this purpose. I describe some of them –  like, antimony trioxide, boric acid, fiberglass, and PBDEs – in my post Are Organic Mattresses Worth It?.

True, in their email response above, the company states they do not use PBDEs. At the same time, they do not say which flame retardants they use instead. As I said, there are many substances out there, including fiberglass, that can be used as flame retardants but pose risks to your health.

Please know that the CertiPUR certification for memory foam mattresses does not guarantee the safety of a mattress. I explain why in my post about polyurethane foam.

Tempur Pedic Mattresses Pros And Cons

Even though I don’t approve of memory foam mattresses because of the risks they pose to our health, I have been able to find a few “pros” for a Tempur-Pedic mattress. Nevertheless, in my opinion, each of the “cons” outweighs the “pros.”

Pros

First, Tempur-Pedic mattresses are free of natural latex. It is a “pro” for those who have a latex allergy and must buy a latex-free mattress. If you are concerned with latex allergy, please read my post about the Number 1 Latex-Free Organic Mattress where I discuss latex-free mattress options available on the market.

Second, they are free of wool, too, which is a big deal for those who suffer from a wool allergy. I would like you to know, though, that for about the same price or even lower, you can purchase both latex-free and wool-free customizable mattress in the EOS Organic collection by Naturepedic (plus, 15% off with my discount code IREAD15). What’s more – Naturepedic mattresses are GOTS-certified organic! (Read on to learn more about the importance of the GOTS certification.)

Third, Tempur-Pedic offers a 90-night trial period. Just for comparison, Naturepedic offers a 100-night trial period on its mattresses.

Cons

As for “cons,” the first I would call out is lack of transparency. Indeed, in the screenshot of the email response above, you can see the phrasing “Tempur-Pedic product formulas are a trade secret.” If you are new to the mattress market, it may seem normal to you. But believe my decade-long experience as a researcher – it is not a norm. Again, it is not normal to refuse to disclose ingredients to customers. If you come across a company that hides behind such terms as “proprietary information” or “trade secret,” this should be your first red flag.  In my opinion, companies that use safe ingredients and/or materials are proud to describe them well on their website.

Secondly, of course, the use of polyurethane foam. As I’ve already mentioned, polyurethane consists of petroleum derivatives, such as toluene diisocyanate (TDI), classified as “reasonably to be anticipated as a human carcinogen” (source). In addition, it is highly flammable and must use flame retardants that are off-gas. And you can inhale or digest them during sleep. 

Thirdly, Tempur-Pedic mattresses are not GOTS-certified organic because, well, they do not contain any natural or organic ingredients. When shopping for a mattress, look for a GOTS-certified organic mattress because it will help you narrow down your choices to find a non-toxic mattress without polyurethane foam, toxic flame retardants, PVC, and concerning undisclosed materials.

Next, for non-GOTS-certified organic mattresses made with a synthetic and potentially toxic polyurethane foam layer, Tempur-Pedic mattresses are rather expensive.

Tempur-Pedic mattress prices:

• .Tempur-Pedic Adapt collection: $2,199 – $7,398
• Tempur-Breeze collection: $4,599 – $10,198
• Tempur-Cloud mattress: $1,999 – $3,398.

For real, why subject yourself to potentially harmful VOCs (aka fumes or gasses) from polyurethane foam and health risks and pay big money for it when you can purchase a GOTS-certified organic mattress for the same, or even less, money and with no health risks?

Is Tempur-Pedic A Good Mattress?

Personally, I have not slept on a Tempur-Pedic mattress. So I can’t say anything about its comfort and the promised motion transfer and pressure relieving features or cool-to-the-touch characteristic of its cover. Neither can I say anything about its support layer, and for which sleep position it works best: for side sleeper, stomach sleeper or back sleeper positions.

However, what I can say is that I would never knowingly subject my family to health risks of sleeping on a mattress made of polyurethane foam. Of course, we make exceptions when we stay at hotels. But there is a big difference between chronic or occasional exposure.  

Additionally, I am not a fan of the lack of transparency and abundance of meaningless phrases aimed at creating hype around a product. I encourage you to use independent thinking and answer yourself what exactly those words mean to you and your family.

In my case, several years ago, I devoted a whole year to finding healthy and safe mattresses for my son and for my husband and me. I trust the manufacturer of our mattresses to do the right thing. And have enjoyed a comfortable and cool sleep on it for years. This is what I’ll talk about next.

Tempur-Pedic VS. Naturepedic Mattress

My number 1 pick is Naturepedic mattress for many reasons:

• Naturepedic is fully transparent about its mattress ingredients.
• It’s made with GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool.
• Naturepedic mattresses do not contain polyurethane foam, memory foam, synthetic latex, PVC, or any flame-retardant chemicals.
• The latex models are made with GOTS-approved natural latex (and coils).
• Their latex-free models are made with glueless encased microcoils instead of latex.
• The crib mattresses and organic kids mattresses are latex-free for extra caution with children.
• All Naturepedic mattresses are GOTS-certified organic as an entire piece.
• Naturepedic EOS collection can be customized as to the firmness and the presence of latex and wool.
• I have interviewed the company’s founder many times and trust his integrity.
• Naturepedic has no sister or parent company that makes mattresses with polyurethane foam, so there is no risk of cross-contamination.
• I believe Naturepedic is true to their commitment to organic sustainable practices.

Prices are as follows (you can take an additional 15% off the following prices with my discount code!):

• Chorus: $1,399 – $2,799
• Serenade: $1,699 – $3,599
• EOS Classic customizable: $2,199 – $4,299
• EOS Triflux customizable: $2,599 – $4,999
• EOS Pillow Top customizable: $3,099 – $5,799.

You can learn more about the differences between these models (and about their luxury mattress collection) in my comprehensive blog post Naturepedic Mattress Review.

As a reminder, the prices for Tempur-Pedic mattresses that are not GOTS-certified organic and are made with polyurethane foam are as follows:

• Tempur-Pedic Adapt collection: $2,199 – $7,398
• Tempur-Breeze collection: $4,599 – $10,198
• Tempur-Cloud mattress: $1,999 – $3,398.

To me, the choice between memory foam mattresses made with polyurethane foam and GOTS-certified organic mattresses made with natural certified organic materials is obvious. What about you?

Summary About Tempur-Pedic Mattress

Tempur-Pedic Mattresses Are Made With Polyurethane Foam And Must Use Flame Retardants That Are Not Safe For Your Health.

In sum, while Tempur-Pedic mattresses are latex-free and wool-free, they are made with polyurethane foam that consists of petroleum derivatives. Such as toluene diisocyanate (TDI), classified as “reasonably to be anticipated as a human carcinogen” (source). In addition, due to high flammability, polyurethane foam mattresses must contain flame retardants to pass the Federal flammability test. I wouldn’t want you or your children to inhale and/or digest any of those substances.

Moreover, for mattresses made of polyurethane foam, Tempur-Pedic mattresses are too expensive, in my opinion. And are not worth it, especially given potential health risks due to the presence of polyurethane foam and flame retardants.

Above all, I find the Tempur-Pedic approach to their mattress material description lacking transparency and hype-oriented.

Personally, I welcome honesty and transparency from mattress companies. That’s why my #1 mattress company for many years has been Naturepedic, whose mattresses meet strict standards of the Global Organic Textile Standard and are GOTS-certified organic. I believe their mattresses are worth your every penny. And the peace of mind you will have knowing that your loved ones sleep on safe mattresses. For online purchases directly from Naturepedic and to enjoy their generous return policies, take advantage of my 15% off discount code IREAD15.

Browse the I Read Labels For You blog for other blog posts about mattresses and a variety of other topics. Also, visit my shop for home and body non-toxic products that I vetted for safety. 

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