Why are Tempur mattresses so expensive?

Memory foam mattresses have become extremely popular in recent years. The temperature-sensitive material conforms to the body, providing crucial support and pressure relief.

Tempur is a brand that has become synonymous with memory foam. It has become so popular that people often use Tempur as a generic term when describing memory foam mattresses. Of course, not all memory foam mattresses are Tempur, but it highlights their strong association.

The material was originally developed by NASA and adapted and refined by Tempur for use in mattresses and pillows. Tempur is now one of the industry’s leading brands; its products are sold worldwide in over 80 countries.

But with prices starting from £1,000, Tempur mattresses can seem slightly expensive. Here’s a closer look at the brand, what makes them stand out and why they come with a hefty price tag.

Recognised by NASA

NASA first developed memory foam to help cushion the astronauts against G-force pressure during lift-off. Several decades later, NASA released the formula to the public. Recognising the potential of the material, sleep scientists would further develop the technology into mattresses and pillows. The material was introduced into healthcare settings to improve patient comfort and support, then later for widespread commercial use under the Tempur brand.

Though other companies would create similar versions of memory foam, Tempur is the only company recognised by NASA. It is also certified by the United States Space Foundation.

Quality

When you lie on a Tempur mattress, the material responds and reacts very differently to ordinary memory foam. Tempur manufactures its own products and keeps its formula a guarded secret. Many companies have tried to replicate the material and have been largely unsuccessful. Unlike other companies, Tempur does not cut corners or outsource any of the production overseas and neither do they buy the foam from other suppliers.

Establishing the quality and quantity of memory foam inside a mattress can often be difficult. A cheaper mattress may seem like a bargain compared to a Tempur, but through further investigation, you may discover it only contains a thin layer or small band of low-quality memory foam.

Tempur invests significant resources into product development. The high standards of design, workmanship, rigorous testing, innovation and decades of experience ensure Tempur can deliver a superior product.  

Performance

Memory foam is a temperature-sensitive material that conforms to the shape of the body. It provides excellent support, pressure relief and distributes body weight evenly. Memory foam relies on body heat to compress and mould to the shape of the body.

Various factors affect how memory foam feels and performs, such as density, thickness, elasticity and firmness. When you lie on a Tempur mattress, it feels quite different to any other memory foam mattress you will experience. It can feel quite firm initially but slowly softens as it reacts to body heat. The slow sinking sensation is often described as sinking into quicksand.

Tempur mattresses are constructed with layers. The layer combination will be different for each mattress but typically consists of a base layer, support layer, and comfort layer.

Base layer – The durable base layer is made from sturdy materials to support the additional layers within the mattress and prevent sagging.

Support layer – The support layer helps distribute weight evenly across the mattress.

Comfort layer – The comfort layer determines how the mattress feels – whether that’s soft, medium, or firm.

Open cell structure

Memory foam has a dense cell structure which retains heat, causing the body to become hotter. The Tempur material has an open cell structure which allows good ventilation and keeps the bed at a comfortable temperature. Furthermore, an open cell structure ensures pressure is distributed more evenly across the sleeping surface.

Proven pressure relief

The construction of a Tempur mattress allows for better conforming and provides proven pressure relief across different sleeping positions. This is what sets Tempur apart from its competitors. Other memory foam mattresses are less effective at alleviating pain and pressure.

Reduced partner disturbance

As well as offering excellent pressure relief and support, another quality of memory foam is that it absorbs movement. The material is ideal for couples that share a bed as it means you are less likely to disturb one another when you move in bed. Tempur mattresses are much more effective at isolating movement than other mattresses resulting in a more peaceful and undisturbed sleep.

Longevity

A new mattress is a significant investment, so you will want it to stand the test of time. The typical lifespan of a mattress is between six and ten years. Cheaper memory foam mattresses tend to deteriorate sooner than expected. After a while, the layers tend to crack and break down, and the mattress may feel uncomfortable.

It’s not uncommon for Tempur mattresses to last up to fifteen years. To demonstrate their lasting quality, Tempur guarantees its mattresses for ten years against faulty materials or poor workmanship. The guarantee also covers visible indentations more than 2 cm deep.

It is also worth noting that Tempur mattresses are single-sided, and the underside is not designed for sleeping on. You can rotate the mattress from time to time, but this is not usually necessary.

Like most things in life, you generally get what you pay for, and mattresses are no exception. Cheaper mattresses have a shorter replacement cycle and may not provide adequate comfort and support.

How to get a Tempur mattress cheaper?

Here are several tips to help you find a Tempur mattress at an affordable price.

Shop online

Online shopping has made it easier to compare prices. You no longer need to set aside a few hours of the day to travel to physical stores. Most, if not all, of your research, can do done online.

A good starting point is to visit the Tempur website to familiarise yourself with the products and the prices. Once you’re satisfied with the information, search online for a specific mattress model. This will give you access to a wide range of stockists and prices.

You can refine your online search further by including the terms ‘discount’ or ‘coupon’ at the end of your query.

Keep an eye out for offers and sales

With so many offers, it’s often difficult to know when the best time to buy a mattress is. Holiday sales are traditionally a good time to buy, but keep an eye out for extra savings off the sales prices.   

Besides sales, clearance events can also be an excellent time to pick a bargain. Not only will retailers be looking to shift old and unwanted stock, but you may also be able to pick up extra savings on new models.

Price match

If you prefer to visit a physical showroom, many stores offer price matching guarantees by matching the lowest price if the same mattress is cheaper elsewhere.

Negotiate

Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Stores often have some wiggle room on prices or may be able to throw in some extras, such as pillows and mattress protectors.

Sign up to store newsletters

Signing up for a store newsletter is a great way to keep up to date with prices, promotions and special offers. You can unsubscribe from the mailing list when you no longer wish to receive these emails,  

What are the alternatives to Tempur?

If you’re not convinced a Tempur mattress is right for you or the price tag puts you off, there are plenty of alternative mattresses to consider.

Cheaper memory foam models

There are many cheaper memory foam alternatives to Tempur. Just remember to conduct plenty of research on the manufacturer and establish how much memory foam is in the mattress. Memory foam can be expensive, so if there is a significant difference in price between a Tempur mattress and an ordinary foam mattress, there’s probably a good reason for this.

Latex mattresses

Like memory foam, latex moulds and adapts to the body providing excellent support and pressure relief. But unlike memory foam which slowly conforms to the body, latex responds and recovers quickly, making it easier to turn over in bed. Latex is a premium material often comparable in price to Tempur. But it offers a good alternative providing many of the characteristics often associated with memory foam.

Pocket spring mattresses

Pocket springs conform well to the body, ensuring each part of the body is correctly supported. Each spring is independent and encased in a fabric pocket, hence the name. Pocket springs are ideal for couples sharing a bed because each spring works independently. This means that when one person moves in bed, the other is less likely to feel disturbed.  

Hybrid mattresses

A hybrid mattress combines the traditional feel and support of springs with the pressure-relieving benefits of different foams. Hybrid models feature a sprung unit with one or more layers of memory foam, latex, or gel on top.

Final thoughts

Most mattresses can seem expensive, especially as we buy them so infrequently. A Tempur mattress is a significant investment, but the material provides proven pressure relief and support. Though other mattresses are available, they do not provide the same levels of support and durability.

If you’re finding it difficult to justify the price, remember that Tempur mattresses are guaranteed for ten years. This means that if a new mattress costs £1,500 and lasts ten years, that’s just 41 pence a night! So if you’re considering a new bed on a generous budget, a Tempur mattress is definitely worth the investment.