The difference between memory foam and Tempur-Pedic mattress is one of the big questions on the mind of anyone looking to buy a memory foam mattress. Memory foam is a visco-elastic foam originally created for use by NASA and eventually entered the commercial world for its value. The foam gives way to body weight, contouring itself to embrace the body, providing better support by dissipating pressure points and distributing weight. Tempur-Pedic was the first to bring memory foam into widespread commercial use.
So what’s the difference between memory foam and Tempur-Pedic
By virtue of bringing memory foam mattresses to the world, and staying on top of its game commercially, Tempur-Pedic has become almost synonymous with memory foam mattresses. Think of it the same way as Fridge was for refrigerators and Kleenex is for tissues.
However, the comparison should not be limited to name brand versus generic. There are other brands that make memory foam mattresses as good (if not better) than Tempur-Pedic, and similarly, Tempur-Pedic holds several patents and IP rights to make its product different from the rest.
Your choice of mattress should depend more on your needs and comfort, rather than the perceived value of any brand.
Knowing the Tempur-Pedic
Construction
Tempur-Pedic mattresses are built using layered construction. The first two layers are tempurs with different levels of firmness. The next layers are two or three support layers that can be arranged in various combinations (including innersprings) for the purpose of offering choice to the consumer. They’re also a great way of managing mattress airflow, and thus its breathability.
Tempur-Pedic uses Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) as a way to measure foam density and the quality of the mattress. A higher density offers larger support. As such Tempur-Pedic has several options on offer, covering various ranges of support requirement.
Since the company protects its material and technology use as Intellectual Property (IP), it is difficult to know the quality of components used.
Price
While certainly not the most expensive on the market, Tempur-Pedic tend to be on the pricier side. This comes into view especially clearly when you consider other choices that can be mere fractions of the price of the Tempur-Pedic brand.
Comfort and Durability
Tempur-Pedic offers a wide range of products, and has been a leader due to the excellent comfort and durability of its products. While the specifics of the materials used continue to be obscure, it is generally accepted that the company uses high-density foam that translates into better comfort. The mattresses are durable and are covered under a 10-year warranty. The company has been around for nearly 25 years now, and it is generally accepted that their products do last a fairly long time.
Pros
- Well-known brand with well-established product
- Wide variety of choices
- Excellent motion isolation
- Comfortable and durable
Cons
- Priced high
- Poor transparency for quality and materials used
Knowing the Memory Foam Mattress
Construction
Tempur-Pedic mattresses are memory foam too, so keep in mind, this section covers a wide variety of products and companies, except Tempur-Pedic. The construction is quite similar – memory foam top layers followed by supporting layers of foam or (in some cases) other elements. The bigger change is that brands are now moving away from the open-celled memory foam that Tempur-Pedic uses. Several memory foam mattress companies are now patenting their own techniques and products.
While Tempur-Pedic’s marketing may declare it to be the “true” memory foam, the claim is false. It is no more “true” than the foam used by other companies. The manufacturers are also moving towards environmentally friendly designs, including organic choices sourced from plants.
Price
An effective comparison for prices of all the memory foam brands is an exercise in futility. Prices vary from a couple of hundred bucks to a few thousands.
Comfort and Durability
All memory foam products run the risk of sleeping hot. However, there are several solutions you can use to cool down a tempurpedic mattress. While you will indeed see a wide range of products available, there is no single company that will match the range of products offered by Tempur-Pedic. However, since there are several players in the game, you will find several products competing with offerings from Tempur-Pedic.
Most companies offer several years of warranty on their products, going as far as 20 years. An interesting point is that there is plenty of information available on the materials used, so you have a fair knowledge of what you are buying. Of course, comfort and quality should be major concerns, and do remember that higher density often translates to higher quality.
Pros
- Excellent motion isolation
- Large number of choices available across brands
- Several pricing options, including cheaper ones
Cons
- May have to research across several brands for finding the right product
- Many products sleep hot
- Material quality and durability can hugely vary
Conclusion
Do not let your quest for a comfortable sleep be sidetracked in a discussion on difference between memory foam and Tempur-Pedic. Keep your options open, and rather than hunting for brands, pick a mattress that fits your requirements of comfort, quality, and budget. Check various products and their competition before you commit to a purchase.