Tempur-Pedic has put a lot of effort and marketing dollars into spreading the idea that they're the only mattress brand with "true" memory foam. It's true that Tempur-Pedic was the first brand to develop memory foam mattresses and they use patented, NASA developed memory foam technology. However, is it true that they're the only ones?
Actually, it's not. Many brands use memory foam inspired by the same technology. While Tempur-Pedic started the industry, many competitors have made improvements to their ideas. Then the question becomes, what is the Tempur-Pedic difference? Is there one?
Related Blog: Foam vs Coil vs Memory Coil Mattresses
Mattress Design and Construction
When it comes to memory foam, there are a huge variety of options out there. Admittedly, not all options are on par with Tempur-Pedic, but many are just as good or better. Many of the options available are specialized models for different sleep issues or preferences. These differences largely boil down to construction.
Tempur-Pedic
Construction for Tempur-Pedic mattresses usually start with a couple of layers of their namesake "Tempur" foam. Thickness and density can be different to create different levels of firmness. The rest of the layers are often also foam of different kinds or innerspring to create a variety of comfort options.
Other Memory Foam Options
The term memory foam encompasses such a wide variety of options that it's harder to say as precisely. However, in general, they also tend to layer different kinds, thicknesses, and densities of foam to create a very similar array of comfort options, with some even surpassing Tempur-Pedic.
Mattress Quality
Regarding memory foam mattresses, quality is often a huge factor in comfort.
Tempur-Pedic
All the Tempur-Pedic options tend to have a very high quality. They are often made well with the best of materials. They are also rigorously tested to ensure the quality standard is kept high.
Other Memory Foam Options
Again, the variety of other options spans many brands which all have their own quality standards so nothing can be definitively stated about all of them.
There are several brands out there with quality options that meet Tempur-Pedic standards though, despite what they'd have you believe. There are some that fall far short and can even have extreme levels of off-gassing which can be dangerous. Be aware of the quality of memory foam the brand uses and do research including checking reviews to make sure your choice is safe and worth your money.
Foam Material Options
While Tempur-Pedic did develop the first memory foam with their patented NASA technology, that's not the only kind of memory foam that exists.
Tempur-Pedic
Tempur-Pedic has a wide variety of 'Tempur' foam mattresses, but they don't have a wide variety of materials. One issue with that is that customers complain more about the heat of their Tempur-Pedic mattress than any other issue. Despite that, they don't have any gel memory foam options which sleep cooler.
Other Memory Foam Options
Among the wide array of other brands, gel memory foam is available. Also, more often consumers are looking for eco friendly options, which is also available in other brands.
Price Comparison
Price is a huge concern for many customers. They want quality, but they also want a good deal.
Tempur-Pedic
Tempur-Pedic is considered top of the line so they have a high price point. Depending on what you're looking for, the price difference between the options you're considering can be in the thousands.
Other Memory Foam Options
While Tempur-Pedic considers themselves to be in a league of their own, other brands need to compete. This drives down price. They also don't put as much money into nationwide ad campaigns and brick and mortar stores, so they can pass their savings on to the consumer.
What is the 'Tempur-Pedic Difference'?
Based on the information above, the only real difference seems to be price and advertising. They do make constant improvements, but other brands are never far behind. They even have some drawbacks and option gaps that others don't.
Come in to one of our stores today and try out all the options available to see which one should be your next ultra-comfortable mattress.