Tempur-pedic is the Rolls-Royce in the world of mattresses. Despite the high price, these mattresses are known for their luxury look, good pain relief potential, and excellent motion isolation.
Advantages
- Provides support for back, shoulders, and neck
- Above average comfort
- Reduces snoring for back sleepers
- More restful sleep
- Good for side sleepers
- High durability
Disadvantages
- Chemical smell
- Feels hot during use
- Susceptible to dust mite infestation
Tempur-pedic mattresses are mattresses made from viscoelastic foam. Also known as “memory foam”, this type of material is made from a polyurethane mix that reacts to body heat to soften and mold to the contours of the human form.
They are called memory foam mattresses because once the weight is removed, the foam reverts back to its original shape. They are made by the company Tempur-Pedic International, Inc., which is based at the Coldstream Research Campus in Lexington, Kentucky.
The main difference between Tempur-pedic mattresses and other memory foam mattresses is the density and quality of the foam used, generally speaking, the density of the material used in ordinary memory foam mattresses ranges from 2.5 to 2.9 pounds per cubic foot, but Tempur mattresses have a higher density, even up to 5.34 pounds of foam per cubic foot. Among the mattresses of the same price in the market, the only one that is close to this standard is the molblly mattress, maybe, check it here: https://www.foamglobes.com/molblly-mattress-reviews/
Usage
These mattresses does not require box springs to be used, and indeed, most box springs from major manufacturers will not fit the Tempur-pedic mattress and may void the warranty.
It is highly recommended that the mattress be used on a flat surface, and even the floor can be preferable to box springs.
The use of electric blankets while using the Tempur-pedic is not recommended, as the additional heat from the blanket may alter the performance of the memory foam in relation to body heat. If the usage of electric blankets cannot be avoided, it is best to limit the usage time of the use to 30 minutes.
Health risks
The Tempur-Pedic mattresses are made from flame-retardant materials. These materials have chemicals that may give off toxic gases and residue. People who are sensitive to these chemicals may develop an allergic reaction, or otherwise, have adverse reactions to them while using the mattress.
These mattresses might not be the best mattress for toddlers, because the majority of those who experience adverse reactions are people who have weak or compromised immune systems. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to the mattress include, but are not limited to, headaches, joint pains, nosebleeds, rashes, and nausea.
Pain Reduction
Good for people who experience back, hip, and neck pain because the contours of the memory foam molds to the exact proportions of the user. Unlike normal mattresses where one shape and size fits all, the Tempur-pedic mattress adjusts to the specific contour of the user, so that the strain and pressure is relieved from key areas.
Temperature and Off-Gassing
One of the problems of is that it can be quite hot and uncomfortable to sleep on these mattresses during the summer months. Because the properties of the viscoelastic foam is activated by body heat, the material strives to retain heat. Over time, the heat can accumulate, and the material can no longer “breathe”. The dense material means that air cannot circulate through the mattress, so the longer the user sleeps on top, the hotter it becomes.
Off-gassing refers to a phenomenon where the chemicals used in the material of the mattresses release chemical fumes. Because the material is made from flame-retardant substances (the same substances that can be found in pesticides), there is a chance that this same substance can be released in the form of a gas. There can be a strong, chemical smell coming from the mattress, and these gases are toxic when there is prolonged exposure.
As with all mattresses made from viscoelastic foam, Tempur-pedic mattresses do have a chance of off-gassing.
Bed bugs and dust mites
While these mattresses are advertised to be dust mite resistant, most dust mites actually start because of the dead skin sloughed off from people using the mattress. These skin cells accumulate in the Tempur-pedic mattress, causing a dust mite infestation.
Because of the higher density of the foam, there is actually a chance that a higher dust mite infestation can occur, which leads to a more severe allergic reaction in some people.
However, the high density is also a blessing, because it lessens the chance of a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs usually take shelter in the cracks and crevices of a mattress, and the high density foam of the Tempur-pedic mattress does not allow for cracks or crevices on the surface of the mattress.
Lifespan and warranty
If given the proper care and cleaning, the mattress can last twenty years or more. The product also has a warranty that covers it for the same period of time.
Cleaning
The cover of the mattress can be removed and washed, however, care must be taken so that the foam itself does not become wet because it can affect the color and smell of the mattress. The foam material should never be washed, nor should it become wet.
If liquid is spilled on the material, make sure to remove as much excess liquid as possible using towels. Air-dry the mattress as quickly as possible, using a fan to hasten the process.
The Pros and Cons of Tempur-Pedic
Tempur-Pedic is one of the leading manufacturers of memory foam mattresses. Memory foam mattresses has become one of the best solutions to getting a precious good night’s sleep for more than a decade since it was introduced in 1992.
Health Benefits
A memory foam mattress, unlike regular mattresses with springs and all, absorbs body heat and conforms its shape to the body of the person. This allows even distribution of weight in the body, meaning the back, or any part of the body for that matter is not too pressured due to the weight of the body and the pushing force from the springs underneath regular mattresses.
This guarantees a fresh feeling in the morning when you wake up because of the absence of back and neck pains. Memory foam mattresses are very famous for its excellent effect to a person’s posture. It allows the spine to be in its natural curve.
Consumer Complaint
A range of 10 to 14% of memory foam mattress consumers have reported heat retention. As stated previously, this mattress absorbs body heat and uses it to change shape. However, it may retain the heat sometimes making the bed excessively hot to sleep on.
Tempur-Pedic mattresses are not very soft when not yet used because there is no body heat present. Thus, during the early stages of its use, the mattress takes some time of about 15 minutes to adapt to the person’s body shape. As it ages, it softens. Only eight to 12% of consumers have reported the mattress to be too soft for its age.
Warranty
Tempur-Pedic offers the best warranty in the market. Its warranty covers 25 years with the last 15 years prorated.
Tempur-Pedic also offers a 90-day period of a free trial when you purchase directly from them.
In conclusion, though Tempur-Pedic mattresses cost a lot, most consumers are happy and satisfied with it because it serves its purpose of providing a good night’s sleep excellently.