Which Tempurpedic?

[phoenix]

Hi DrDonna,

The only differences other than my subjective “feel” that I can find between these two mattresses is the thickness of the extra soft memory foam top “comfort” layer (thicker in the luxe, which obviously gives it a softer feel) AND the density of what they call their “support” layer (the next layer down). The luxe uses 5.3 lbs and the supreme 7 lbs. From what I have learned here on your site, these are BOTH high density. So is there really any difference?

While subjective “feel” is a preference … alignment and pressure relief are “needs” and can be tested more objectively so I would make sure that you have done some careful and objective testing on each mattress for alignment and pressure relief using the testing guidelines which will contribute much more to your long term sleep quality than the more subjective “feel” of a mattress.

Tempurpedic’s 7 lb memory foam is softer than their 5.3 lb memory foam (but not as soft as the 4 lb memory foam) and also more conforming so the softness of the Luxe comes partly from thicker memory foam layers and also because the second layer is softer. Its higher density also means it would likely have a higher compression modulus (gets firmer faster than lower density memory foam) so it would be a bit more supportive. They are roughly equivalent in terms of durability (past 6 lb density or so the greater durability that goes with higher density memory foam is not a significant factor).

And–just out of curiosity–you say you would choose the firmer of the two options if they are neck-in-neck. Just wondering why?

This is because support/alignment is generally the most important of the two basic needs (alignment and pressure relief) and because you can always fine tune a mattress that is too firm and make it softer by adding a mattress pad or topper but you can’t effectively make a mattress that is too soft any firmer without removing the layers that are too soft or thick and replacing them with thinner or firmer layers. It’s also a good idea because most foam mattresses will become softer over time rather than firmer so if you are “on the edge” of a mattress that is too soft (either because the support layers are too soft or the comfort layers are too thick and soft) because in this case even relatively amounts of foam softening can lead to crossing the threshold where a mattress that was “just barely” in your range for PPP will no longer provide the comfort or support that you need. In your case it’s not quite as critical because you would be exchanging the mattress if you chose one that was too soft rather than trying to make it firmer but it’s usually a less “risky” guideline to follow over the short term (because of the initial break in period where foam softening is a little more rapid) and longer term (where the foam continues to soften at a slower rate) assuming that both mattresses are suitable for you in terms of PPP. There is more about this in post #2 here.

I’m looking forward to your feedback when you receive whichever one you end up choosing and have had the chance to sleep on it for a while.

PS i promise to tell all my colleagues and patients about this site–I am a physician specializing in pain management and until now didn’t really appreciate how important the right mattress can be. Thank you again.

I (and many others) believe a mattress can be one of the most important purchases we make because as you know the quality of sleep is one of the most important parts of recovery, healing, and overall well being … but the “art and science” of mattress construction and matching a person to a mattress can also be much more complex than most people suspect. This is especially true with more challenging circumstances where there are additional complicating factors such as pain management or other medical or physiological issues or sensitivities which can make the choice of a suitable mattress more difficult (but more important as well).

Thanks for the kind words … I appreciate them

Phoenix