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Tempur-Pedic Mattress Questions and Answers

It is a viscoelastic, temperature sensitive material, quite different from ordinary foam. Viscoelastic describes the property of a substance to both resist flow or change of shape (viscous) and to return to its original shape after being forced to change (elastic). An imperfect version of TEMPUR material was developed for NASA in the 1970s, designed specifically to conform to any individual’s body and relieve the pressure of the tremendous forces of gravity the astronauts experienced during lift off and flight. Like so many NASA technologies, the formula was eventually released to the public. In 1991, Tempur World introduced TEMPUR pressure relieving material, a vastly improved reinvention of the original NASA formula for home and medical use.

How is TEMPUR different from other materials that claim to be viscoelastic?
TEMPUR material is extremely dense--there are simply more cells per square inch than in most viscoelastic foams. Furthermore, the cells themselves are extremely dense and consistently shaped. The greater density allows for greater sensitivity of the material, and is more durable preventing the "bottoming out" that can occur in less dense material.

Will the Tempur-Pedic mattress make me hot?
No. The cells themselves are open and breathable, so the material is self-ventilating. However, due to the increase in circulation throughout your body, you may discover you need fewer blankets to sleep comfortably. Although our cover is breathable, it does create a light barrier that inhibits the complete absorption of body temperature into the TEMPUR material. If decreasing the amount of covers used during sleep does not help, the mattress cover may also be removed, and a plain sheet may be placed directly over the TEMPUR material.

Some bedding products can aggravate allergies. What about Tempur-Pedic products?
Tempur-Pedic products are 100% CFC-free, contain no latex or rubber, and are resistant to allergens.

Can I put the Tempur-Pedic mattress on my existing set of box springs?
This mattress is designed for use with a firm, wood, completely flat, non-spring foundation. FAILURE TO USE SUCH A FOUNDATION WITH THE MATTRESS WILL VOID THE TEMPUR-PEDIC SWEDISH MATTRESS™ WARRANTY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Unless you currently have a firm, wood, completely flat, non-spring foundation, you should not use your existing foundation with the mattress.

Will the Tempur-Pedic Mattress fit in my waterbed frame?
While the Tempur-Pedic mattress will fit, we do not recommend waterbed frames. A waterbed frame is recessed, and does not allow proper ventilation of the mattress.

How long will it take for me to get used to the Tempur-Pedic mattress?
Some people are completely comfortable on the mattress right away. Others need some time to adjust to the remarkable amount of support and unique pressure relieving feel of the mattress (some call it a "floating" or "light" feeling).

While the mattress is still completely supporting their body, it may take longer for lightweight customers to adjust. The body conforming characteristic may not feel as dramatic as it does for heavier people. Removing the Classic or the Deluxe cover can help your body adjust more quickly to this new feeling of support.

Why is it somewhat difficult to change position?
The slow recovery of the mattress to its original shape after conforming to your exact body contours may make it more difficult for you to change position. This is necessary for the mattress to conform to your body to relieve pressure and reduce the need to change position (toss and turn).

I just received my mattress and it has a strong odor. Is it harmful? What can I do to get rid of it?
The TEMPUR material can have a strong odor when new, resulting from our unique manufacturing process. All polyurethane-based materials possess this characteristic. This is normal, completely non-toxic and harmless. We recognize that it can still be unpleasant to some persons. The odor will dissipate as the mattress cells are manipulated through regular use. Due to the extremely high density of the TEMPUR material, it may take a few days for this to happen. You can speed the dissipation somewhat by removing the Classic or the Deluxe cover, and leaving it off for a few days. This will allow the mattress to breathe more freely as it is used, and the odor will go away fairly quickly.

Why does my mattress feel very firm and cold sometimes, and soft and responsive others?
TEMPUR material is very temperature sensitive, so environmental temperatures can affect the feel of the mattress: very warm and humid weather can make the mattress feel very soft, while very cold weather can render the mattress somewhat firmer. If you keep your bedroom at around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the mattress should be just right. Below are some other factors that may help...

Too Cold/Firm:

Are you using a mattress pad?
If your mattress seems too cold or firm and you use a conventional mattress pad, try removing it for a night or two. Using a mattress pad over the existing Tempur-Pedic cover inhibits the therapeutic properties of the TEMPUR® material - the material is insulated from body temperature and therefore cannot respond as effectively.

Is your room too cold?
We recommend a bedroom temperature of at least 65 degrees (Fahrenheit).

Try removing the mattress cover.
This will even further increase your body’s contact with the TEMPUR® material, thereby increasing its responsiveness.

Too Soft:

Use a conventional mattress pad.
Try placing a conventional mattress pad over the mattress. This will decrease the responsiveness of the material, making the mattress seem firmer.

Turn down the thermostat.
Decreasing the room temperature may help. Remember, the mattress will respond to environmental temperature, just as it responds to your body temperature.

My Tempur-Pedic mattress feels softer than when I first bought it. Is it breaking down?
The mattress naturally undergoes an adjustment or "softening" period. Some cells may have remained closed after the manufacturing process. The mattress cells are fully opening and becoming more responsive to temperature and weight with continued use. This is normal and desirable. The softening process may occur more rapidly in the areas where you most frequently sleep as those cells are being manipulated more regularly.

It looks like the mattress is sagging in the middle. Is this a body indentation?
Most frequently what looks like a body indentation occurs when the mattress is on a split foundation. We call this the "W" effect. The mattress will take the shape of its support structure. When two foundations are placed together, a slight "W" may occur where the outer edges of the foundation are slightly raised.

A poor foundation can also cause the appearance of an indentation. A box spring will likely cause the Tempur-Pedic mattress to sag. If the mattress is supported by a Tempur-Pedic foundation and is still sagging, the foundation may be damaged.

To determine if the defect is in the mattress or in the support, you can place the mattress on the floor. The mattress should return to proper flatness and supportiveness when placed on the floor if the foundation is at fault.

I am experiencing lower back pain. Is my Tempur-Pedic mattress causing this?
Your body may be simply getting used to the increased support in the lumbar or lower back area. If a conventional mattress pad is being used, we recommend removing it. A mattress pad can inhibit the temperature and weight sensitivity of the TEMPUR material, and thereby will decrease the supportiveness of the mattress. If a conventional mattress pad is not being used, then the Tempur-Pedic Classic or the Deluxe mattress cover may be removed. This will further increase the contact of TEMPUR material with the body, and thereby increase pressure relief and support.

Can I use an electric blanket with my Tempur-Pedic Mattress?
We do not recommend using electric blankets with the Tempur-Pedic mattress. The exposure to direct heat over extended periods of time can cause damage to the TEMPUR material. We suggest that if at bedtime your mattress is too cold, try turning up the bedroom thermostat for twenty to thirty minutes before going to bed. Once you are in bed, the mattress will warm up quickly in response to your body heat. If you do choose to use an electric blanket to warm your mattress before bedtime, we recommend that you turn it off after 30 minutes to avoid overexposing the TEMPUR material to high heat.

Heated mattress pads:
We do not recommend using heated mattress pads. The extended application of direct heat can eventually damage the TEMPUR material, reducing its therapeutic properties. Even when not used for heating, the pad will prevent the transfer of body heat into the TEMPUR® material, reducing the therapeutic effect of the mattress.

Heating Pads:
We do not advise the use of heating pads on the Tempur-Pedic mattress. The same problems that occur with heated mattress pads and electric blankets are intensified with the high heat of a heating pad.

If a heating pad must be used, insulate the mattress from the direct heat of the heating pad. A pillow, folded towel, folded blanket, etc. between the mattress and the heating pad will do. Feel the mattress after 30 minutes: if the mattress feels hot, it is getting too much heat and needs more insulation. If the mattress only feels warm, the mattress is being adequately insulated.