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The main difference between Posturepedic and Tempur-Pedic mattresses is their materials. While Posturepedic mattresses use more traditional memory foam and coils, Tempur-Pedic mattresses use NASA-inspired materials. Here, we compare both brands’ mattresses.
This article explains the main differences between the popular brands Posturepedic and Tempur-Pedic and the mattresses they sell.
Tempur Sealy International makes both Posturepedic and Tempur-Pedic mattresses. However, they are distinct brands marketing their products to different groups of people. They also focus on using different materials in their product ranges.
In the 1950s, Posturepedic consulted with orthopedic surgeons to produce mattresses that offered enhanced back support, creating extra support zones in the center third of the mattress. The name “Posturepedic” stems from the idea that these mattresses can improve sleep posture. The company still focuses on providing the best possible support and comfort.
Posturepedic typically offers hybrid mattresses, with some all-foam and gel foam options.
Tempurpedic states that changing customer needs drive its product development, and as such, it focuses on providing effective cooling mattresses with superior support and comfort technology. It also uses AI to create smart mattresses that adjust to a person’s movements overnight, providing highly personalized products.
The majority of Tempur-Pedic mattresses use memory foam, but people can choose hybrid options that combine foam and coil springs, often for a higher price.
Quick comparison of Posturepedic and Tempur-Pedic mattresses
Below, we briefly compare the Posturepedic and Tempur-Pedic mattresses available online.
| Materials | Special features | Firmness options | Sizes | Heights | Price range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Posture Pedic | • memory foam • gel memory foam • coils • knitted covers | • zoned support coils • flexible gel grids • antibacterial covers • cool-to-the-touch covers | • soft • medium • firm | • twin • twin long • full • queen • king • California (CA) king • split king • split CA king | 10–14 in | $839– $5,798 |
| Tempur-Pedic | • Tempur Material • heat diffusing layers • coils | • NASA support technology • smart technology • heat adaptive materials • cool-to-the-touch covers | • soft • medium • medium-hybrid • firm | • twin • twin long • full • queen • king • CA king • split king • split CA king | 10–13 in | $1,699–$10,198 |
Below, we look at the materials inside Posturepedic and Tempur-Pedic mattresses in more detail.
Tempur-Pedic
Tempur-Pedic mattresses use a type of memory foam that NASA developed to absorb the G-force of astronauts traveling into space.
Tempur-Pedic adapted the foam to use in mattresses and states it is different from typical memory foam because of its open cell structure. This characteristic makes it responsive to a person’s movements. The company also states that a person’s body heat keeps the foam supple in colder temperatures, while memory foam can harden.
There are now several iterations of this foam featuring a range of firmnesses and ventilated options.
Tempur-Pedic also uses:
- moisture-wicking covers
- cool-to-the-touch covers
- cooling foam
- heat diffusing layers
- individually wrapped coils in some models
Learn more about Tempur-Pedic mattresses.
Posturepedic
This brand offers mattresses using a combination of foam layers and pocket coil springs to maintain spine alignment during sleep.
Its principal support layers include a gel memory foam and a traditional memory foam for pressure relief. Other foam options include a cooling gel foam with built-in ventilation and cool-to-touch memory foam.
Certain models also feature Sealy FlexGrid, a flexible elastic polymer grid in a honeycomb design. It rebounds quickly when a person moves, and its open chambers promote airflow.
It uses moisture-wicking knitted covers that help protect the mattress against bacteria and cooling options.
Three types of coils are available, two of which feature individual casing. People can also choose from zoned coils, with more supportive coils in the center of the mattress.
Read our Posturepedic review.
Tempur-Pedic mattresses come in soft, medium, medium-hybrid, and firm.
Reviews on the Tempur-Pedic website suggest many customers find Tempur-Pedic mattresses firm when they first lie on them but comfortable and supportive with continued use.
However, others found Tempur-Pedic’s mattresses too firm, even after extended use. People with smaller builds and side sleepers did not recommend Tempur-Pedic’s mattresses in their reviews. Those who did not enjoy using Tempur-Pedic’s mattresses commented on getting back and hip pain after sleeping on their mattress.
Posturepedic mattresses come in soft, medium, and firm. Customer reviews on the Posturepedic website generally find this brand’s mattresses are firm but comfortable. Buyers mention that the mattresses provide suitable back and joint support.
However, a number of customers noted that their Posturepedic mattresses sagged and degraded quickly and stopped providing the support they needed. They also mentioned the sides sagging, making it difficult to get in and out of the bed.
Below, we look at the different layers and construction differences in Posturepedic and Tempur-Pedic mattresses. We chose one mattress from each end of the brand’s product range, showing the differences between the budget-friendly and more expensive models.
Posturepedic Hybrid Mattress
- Price: from $1,249 (queen)
- Layers: three
The Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid mattress features the brand’s most advanced foam, the ComfortSense Gel Memory Foam. This relieves pressure points and spreads body weight evenly.
The final layer comprises individually cased coils, which promote airflow and offer better motion transfer control.
Posturepedic Plus Hybrid
- Price: from $1,799 (queen)
- Layers: four
This Posturepedic mattress has three layers, including ComfortSense Gel Memory Foam and breathable, individually wrapped coils. However, there is the option for zoned support in this model, with the coils in the center third of the mattress to offer extra support for the back and core.
There is also a cooling SealyChill cover, which is cool to the touch.
Tempur-Cloud
- Price: from $1,999 (queen)
- Layers: three
Tempur-Pedic states this mattress is medium-soft and features three all-foam layers. The top layer is a soft comfort layer comprising Tempur-ES material. The next layer uses Tempur material and aims to support the body and distribute weight evenly.
Its cover is moisture-wicking and breathable.
The final base layer disperses heat and supports the top layers of foam.
Tempur-Breeze Hybrid
- Price: from $4,599 (queen)
- Layers: four
This mattress is the brand’s best cooling model and features four layers. These include 4 centimeters (cm) of Pure Cool Material, a phase change material that absorbs or releases heat depending on a person’s body temperature.
There is also 5 cm of Ventilated Advanced Relief Material, which relieves pressure and promotes airflow, and over 1,000 coils to provide support and extra pressure relief.
The mattress’s cover uses a patented cool-to-touch fabric that draws heat away from the body.
Sealy Posturepedic and Tempur-pedic both offer a 10-year warranty on their mattresses.
Sealy Posturepedic offers a 90-night sleep trial on its mattresses. To return their mattress, people must fill in a return form on Sealy’s website. Representatives will work to refund the money minus the shipping cost.
People can also get a 90-night sleep trial on Tempur-Pedic mattresses. If someone wants to return a mattress, they must call 800-821-6621. Again, they can get a refund minus any shipping charges they pay during their return.
Quality of sleep can affect physical and mental health, and mattresses can play a part in helping or hindering someone from getting a good night’s sleep. Here, we look at how Posturepedic and Tempur-Pedic mattresses may help people sleep.
Posturepedic
Posturepedic mattresses aim to provide targeted support to improve a person’s sleeping posture. Research from 2019 stated that pressure on the spine and hips can contribute to someone having difficulty sleeping.
Many Posturepedic mattresses feature center reinforcement to keep the hips and lower back well-supported. They also offer zoned support that can help maintain spinal alignment. Plus, the memory foam that Posturepedic includes in its mattresses is an adaptive material that conforms to the precise shape of a person’s body and can relieve pressure points. All of these features can help someone stay supported and comfortable during sleep.
Memory foam can retain heat, so it may not be suitable for those who tend to get hot during sleep. Keeping cool is one of the National Sleep Foundation’s tips for improving sleep quality.
Memory foam mattresses can also release small amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), according to a 2019 study. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, among other health issues.
Posturepedic notes that some of its mattresses are unsuitable for those who sleep on their side because they are too firm. This can put pressure on different parts of the body and increase the risk of pain.
Tempur-Pedic
Tempur-Pedic claims its mattresses are supportive and durable. One 2022 study concluded that a sagging bed could negatively affect sleep quality, quantity, and posture for many people.
The company also focuses on advanced cooling technology for some of its mattresses. Sleep temperature is an important factor to consider when buying a new mattress, and
- sleep calmness
- how easy it is to fall asleep
- sleep satisfaction
- sleep quality
Tempur-Pedic vs. Posturepedic for back pain
Both Tempur-Pedic and Posturepedic mattresses may help people with back pain.
Tempur-Pedic claims its NASA-inspired material is the most supportive and comfortable option on the market. A highly adaptable material such as Tempur Material may conform closely to a person’s sleep position. Tempur-Pedic also offers mattresses compatible with adjustable bases, which may help people with back pain find a comfortable position.
Sealy Posturepedic recommends its PosturePedic Hybrid or the PosturePedic Plus for back pain due to its tiered support. The company developed these Posturepedic mattresses with orthopedic specialists.
However, anyone living with back pain needs to discuss their symptoms with a doctor, as a new mattress may not always be the best or only treatment for this type of pain.
Posturepedic may be worth it for people who require extra support while they sleep. These mattresses are hybrid models, which means they have foam and coil layers. Some offer dedicated cooling layers, but most offer a balance between comfort and support.
Generally, Posturepedic mattresses are cheaper than Tempur-Pedic mattresses. This makes them more value for money with the benefits they provide.
People can use the company’s 90-night sleep trial to determine whether a Posturepedic mattress is right for them.
Many Tempur-Pedic mattresses are all-foam models, which can be denser and heavier and retain more heat than hybrid mattresses. Many reviewers found Tempur-Pedic mattresses too firm, regardless of the firmness they chose.
Another significant drawback of Tempur-Pedic mattresses is their price, which will be too high for many people looking for an affordable but effective mattress.
Sealy manufactures a range of mattress brands, including Posturepedic.
Posturepedic and Tempur-Pedic are two mattress brands from the same manufacturer, Sealy.
While Tempur-Pedic primarily offers foam mattresses, Posturepedic mattresses are often hybrid models. Both brands offer support, comfort, and cooling technology in their mattresses, but the prices of their products vary greatly.
People can use the brands’ sleep trials to test their mattresses before making their final decision and consult a doctor about any pain or sleep problems they are experiencing.