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Why are Tempur mattresses so expensive?
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- Tony Brown
Tempur is widely recognised as a leading memory foam brand. Their products are sold worldwide, and many people use ‘Tempur’ as a generic term for memory foam mattresses.
The material was originally developed in the late 1960s under a NASA project to cushion pilots during flights. Scientists invented a soft viscoelastic material that slowly reacted to body weight and temperature.
In the 1980s, NASA made the formula for viscoelastic publicly available. Recognising its pressure-relieving properties and potential to improve sleep, two Swedish entrepreneurs refined the formula through their Danish company. In 1991, they introduced the first viscoelastic mattress and pillow under the Tempur brand.
Reasons Tempur mattresses are expensive
Memory foam mattresses are made from viscoelastic foam, a temperature-sensitive material that moulds and adapts to your body. They are constructed with different foam layers, which vary in thickness and density.
Tempur mattresses are usually more expensive than other memory foam models, making it difficult for some shoppers to justify the price, especially when cheaper brands claim to offer the same benefits.
While memory foam mattresses may seem similar, they often feel and perform quite differently from Tempur. The quality and amount of memory foam in cheaper mattresses can be difficult to determine, as many contain only a thin layer of low-quality memory foam.
Recognised by NASA
Tempur is the only mattress brand recognised by NASA. In 1998, NASA acknowledged Tempur for successfully adapting the original NASA technology to improve sleep.
Tempur is also certified by the Space Foundation, an American non-profit organisation that recognises products and services using or adapting space technology in everyday life.
Quality and Performance
Several factors affect how memory foam performs, such as its density, thickness, elasticity, and firmness. Tempur mattresses can feel quite different to ordinary memory foam. They can feel firm initially but gradually soften in response to body heat.
Unlike many mattress brands that source foam and materials from third-party suppliers, Tempur produces its foam in-house. Its formula remains a closely guarded secret, and no other brand has successfully replicated it. Tempur claims that each mattress takes around 60 hours to produce and goes through up to 67 quality checks to ensure it meets the highest standards.
Memory foam is an elastic material that responds well to weight and pressure. The material adapts to the body, providing some pressure relief to sensitive areas like the shoulders and hips. Tempur mattresses are designed to better conform to body shape and are more effective at relieving pressure across different sleeping positions.
Tempur continuously invests in product development and new technologies to improve sleep and remain competitive.
Open-cell structure
A common complaint with memory foam mattresses is that they can feel uncomfortably warm. This is because ordinary memory foam has a dense cell structure which traps heat. Tempur mattresses have an open-cell structure, allowing air to circulate more freely within the material. This structure helps to keep the sleeping surface cool and comfortable. It also allows the material to adapt and conform to body shape more effectively, ensuring weight is distributed more evenly.
Reduces partner disturbances
Partner disturbance is one of the main reasons for poor quality sleep. Sprung mattresses have a bouncier feel and transfer movement across the entire sleeping surface. This means sleeping partners are more likely to disturb each other when they move in bed.
One of the main benefits of memory foam is its ability to absorb movement and reduce partner disturbances. Tempur mattresses are generally more effective at absorbing movement than ordinary memory foam. While ordinary memory foam can have a motion transfer rate of up to 20%, Tempur mattresses typically reduce motion transfer to less than 3%, resulting in more restful, undisturbed sleep.
Durability
The typical lifespan of a memory foam mattress is around 6 to 10 years, but cheaper models may deteriorate sooner.
Tempur mattresses come with a 10-year guarantee covering faulty materials, poor workmanship, and indentations deeper than 2 cm. So, when you invest in a Tempur mattress, you can be confident it will stand the test of time.
Brand reputation
Tempur is a global leader in the mattress industry and has become synonymous with memory foam. It was the first company to adapt NASA technology into mattresses and pillows. Tempur consistently ranks number one in customer satisfaction, earning more J.D. Power awards than any other mattress brand.
With a presence in over 100 countries and a strong reputation, Tempur positions itself as a premium brand, with customers willing to pay more because they trust and recognise its quality.
Marketing and advertising
Tempur invests millions yearly in marketing and advertising across digital, print, and national television to maintain its competitive position. These costs are factored into the price of their mattresses.
How to get a Tempur mattress cheaper?
While a new Tempur mattress may seem like a significant investment, there are plenty of ways to save money and make it more affordable.
Shop online
Online shopping makes it easier to compare prices of Tempur mattresses without visiting local stores.
A good starting point is to visit the Tempur website to familiarise yourself with their products and prices. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, search online for the specific model you are interested in, as this will give you access to a wide range of Tempur stockists and their prices. You can refine your online search by adding terms like ‘discount’ and ‘coupon’ to find the best deals.
Buy during the sales
Purchasing a Tempur mattress during sales, public holidays, or major events like Black Friday could save you a lot of money.
Many retailers also hold clearance events where they clear ex-display and surplus stock at reduced prices to make room for new models. You can often find some bargains during these events, but make sure to inspect these items carefully for any wear and tear before purchasing.
Price match
Many retailers have a price match policy, where they match or beat a lower price if you find the same Tempur mattress cheaper elsewhere. You may be asked to provide proof of the lower price, but price matching allows you to secure the best deal without going elsewhere or waiting for the sales.
Negotiate
Don’t be afraid to negotiate on price. While Tempur mattresses typically have lower margins, some retailers may be open to negotiation and offer a lower price or include extras like pillows or mattress protectors.
Finance packages
Many retailers offer finance packages, allowing you to spread the cost of a Tempur mattress over convenient, manageable monthly payments. However, check the terms and conditions carefully, as some finance packages may include hidden fees or penalties for missed payments.
Sign up to newsletters
Signing up for store newsletters is a great way to keep up to date with promotions and special offers. You can unsubscribe anytime if you no longer wish to receive emails.
What are the alternatives to Tempur?
Tempur is known for its high-quality mattresses, but they come at a premium price. If you’re looking for a more affordable option or a mattress with a different feel, there are several alternatives to consider. However, since we spend a third of our lives sleeping, it is worth investing as much as you can reasonably afford in a new mattress. Focus on finding the best value, not just the lowest price.
Memory foam mattresses
Many brands produce memory foam mattresses with characteristics similar to those of Tempur. However, how they feel and perform can vary significantly. Comparing these mattresses to Tempur can also be challenging, as manufacturers do not usually specify the quality and quantity of memory foam used.
If you’re considering an alternative memory foam brand, research their reputation thoroughly. Check independent reviews on third-party websites like Trustpilot and review their terms and conditions and returns policies. Some brands offer generous sleep trials, allowing you to return the mattress within a specified period if it does not meet your expectations.
Also, be wary of retailers offering huge discounts on mattresses. These discounts are often inflated to make the offer seem better than it really is.
Latex mattresses
Natural latex is a premium quality material that comes from the sap of the rubber tree. Like memory foam, latex moulds to the body but has a bouncier feel and quickly regains its shape when pressure is removed. Its pin-hole structure promotes better airflow and allows heat to escape from the material. Synthetic latex is a cheaper alternative but does not perform as well as natural latex.
Pocket spring mattresses
Sprung mattresses remain popular. Pocket springs work independently, allowing the mattress to conform to the body and distribute weight evenly. They also absorb movement, so sleeping partners are less likely to disturb each other when turning in bed. However, they are not as effective as memory foam at isolating movement.
Higher-quality pocket spring mattresses often contain natural materials like wool, cotton, and silk, which are resilient, breathable and typically cooler than foam.
Hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine foam and springs. They typically feature a 2 to 4-inch foam comfort layer for cushioning and pressure relief, with a spring system underneath for support. Hybrid mattresses offer a traditional feel and are generally cooler than all-foam models.
Final thoughts
In general, you get what you pay for, and Tempur mattresses are no exception. While they may seem expensive, they provide exceptional comfort, support, and pressure relief. They also come with a 10-year guarantee. Cheaper memory foam mattresses are available, but they may not perform as well. They may need replacing more frequently, costing more in the long run.
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About the author
Tony Brown is the founder and creator of The Bed Consultant. His career in the bed industry began in 2002. After graduating from university with a degree in Business Administration, Tony joined one of the largest independent furniture retailers in the UK as a bed consultant. Tony has helped thousands of customers find the perfect mattress.