Hi BigWind,
Neither one of these mattresses would be similar to the Tempurpedic “original” which was probably firmer than either of the mattresses you are considering.
The layers of the Tempurpedic original were …
2.8" of 5.3 lb memory foam
5" polyfoam support core (which I believe was 2.2 lbs).
Since this is only 8" thick and was sold before you purchased your mattress this probably isn’t the one you owned.
The Tempurpedic Original was replaced by the Tempurpedic Classic which was similar to the original and contained the following layers …
0.8" TEMPUR 5.3 lb memory foam — Softer formula for enhanced responsiveness
2.8" TEMPUR 5.3 lb memory foam
5" AirFlow System 2.2 lb base layer
They also introduced the Tempurpedic Deluxebed that was sold at the same time which was a little softer and contained …
1.2" 5.3 lb TEMPUR comfort layer
2.8" 5.3 lb TEMPUR support layer
two 3" Airflow Base layers - 2.2 lb density
Since this one is 10" … I would suspect that this is the mattress you had.
I believe that their current Contour Supreme would probably be firmer (it’s rated as firm) and uses …
1.2" of 5.3 lb memory foam
2.4" of 5.3 lb memory foam
3" 2.o lb polyfoam
5" 2.0 lbpolyfoam base layer
The Contour Elite would probably be somewhat similar (it’s medium firm) and I believe uses …
1.2" Tempur HD 7.1 LB
2.3" Tempur Material 5.3 LB
4.5" Airflow Base layer 2.0 LB
4.5" Airflow Base layer 2.0 LB
The Rhapsody may also be similar (it’s also rated as medium firm but is a little softer than the Elite) which uses …
1.2" TEMPUR-HD 7.1 LB Comfort layer
2.8" TEMPUR Support layer 5.3lb
4" 2.2lb Convoluted foam
4" 2.2lb Convoluted foam
These would all have a different feel and firmness level because of the differences in the designs but in comparing these to some of the mattresses that you have tried over the last few years they would probably all be softer than the Tempurpedic you owned and at least some of the issues you have had over the last few years with different mattresses may be more closely connected to choosing mattresses that are softer than the Tempurpedic that worked well for you. Sometimes what you “like” may be different from what your body “needs”.
When you can’t test a mattress in person then the most reliable source of guidance is always a more detailed phone conversation with a knowledgeable and experienced retailer or manufacturer that has your best interests at heart who can help “talk you through” the specifics of their mattresses and the options they have available that may be the best “match” for you based on the information you provide them, any local testing you have done or mattresses you have slept on and liked that they are familiar with, any special considerations you may have, and the “averages” of other customers that are similar to you. They will know more about “matching” their specific mattress designs or firmness options to different body types, sleeping positions, and preferences or even to other mattresses that they are familiar with than anyone else.
Having said that … the Novosbed Classic is comparable with the Tempurpedic Contour Elite which may be a little softer than the Tempurpedic you slept on previously but it would likely be the closest out of the mattresses that they carry.
The Novosbed Aria would be comparable to the Tempurpedic Cloud Supreme which would be softer than your previous Tempurpedic mattress (all of the Cloud line contain 4 lb memory foam which would be softer than the Tempurpedic Deluxebed).
The Harmony would be comparable to the Sealy Optimum Elation Gold which would be softer yet.
NOTE ADDED JAN, 2016: They have now introduced their new simplified choice mattress which has replaced their previous models and have also become a member of this site.
It may be worthwhile doing some very careful testing on the Tempurpedic Elite and on the Rhapsody in the stores to see if they are a good “match” for you in terms of PPP or seem to be close to the Tempurpedic you slept on before deciding on an online memory foam mattress that may still be too soft for you.
Based on your feedback I think that it’s very likely that you may have been choosing mattresses that are either too soft or are “on the edge” of being too soft for you so that even a very small amount of foam softening has been enough to take you “over the edge” and put you outside the comfort/support range that may be suitable for you (see post #2 here).
If I was in your shoes and based on your previous experience and feedback … I would tend to make choices that are a little firmer
Phoenix