Tempur-Pedic Problems

Mattress Profile

• Tempur-Pedic is a visco-elastic foam. This means that it does not have metal springs, and it is not a simple loaf of foam. Rather it is similar to polyurethane foam springs. There are many manufacturers of foam mattresses, but the original Tempur-Pedic manufacturer is based in Sweden and claims superior technology when compared to its competitors. In most cases, the judge is the consumer.

Benefits

• If you're in the market for a new mattress, you might visit mattress stores to test various mattresses before buying one. Consumer reviews and product websites point to several benefits of the Tempur-Pedic mattress. The mattress is firm, and those with back problems enjoy the support it provides. Another customer points out that when her husband gets into bed, the mattress does not slope down as a regular innerspring mattress does. Still others prefer the way the mattress conforms to their body shape. The 20-year limited warranty offered by the company boosts consumers' confidence in the Tempur-Pedic mattress.

Problems

• Several problems repeatedly surface in the reviews of customers who purchased Tempur-Pedic mattresses. Some customers complain that the mattress gives off a noxious odor; however, according to the Tempur-Pedic manufacturer's website, the odor should disappear within a few days of use. Another frequent complaint is that the mattress reacts to temperature changes and becomes hard in cold weather and soft in warm weather. The website states that this is characteristic of the mattress. There are tips on the website to avoid long-standing problems with ambient temperature changes. Most customers are content the first year or so, and then they complain of sagging mattresses. The sagging mattress is covered under warranty if it is greater than 3/4 of an inch, and the sagging is not caused by the foundation or base. However, be warned that repairing or replacing the bed under warranty involves customer-paid shipping costs during the first 10 years and high replacement fees in addition to the shipping costs during years 11 through 20.

Unintended Consequences

• The Tempur-Pedic problem most identified by consumers is heat. According to customer reviews, sleeping on the foam mattress is likely to be a hot experience. One reviewer indicated that the problem lies in one of the benefits of the mattress---the memory foam. The mattress uses the body's heat to soften and mold itself to the body, providing comfort and support. This same process causes the mattress to cover more of the customer's skin while sleeping, thus allowing for the retention of heat. Skin cannot breathe when covered by polyurethane-based foam, no matter how comfortable the foam may be. Some people also feel stuck in the mold that the mattress has made around them. It prevents them from being able to change positions comfortably.

Considerations

• The mattress is high-priced. The most economical queen size mattress costs more than $1,000. Tempur-Pedic does offer a 90-day no-risk trial period; however, the customer pays shipping and handling on the return. Currently return fees start at $175.