One of the Most Popular Mattress Brands Has a Surprising Connection to NASA

There are few things that can put you in a deeply sour mood quite like a bad mattress. You’ll likely toss and turn all night on a bad mattress, and you’ll probably be tired, cranky, and achy the next day. And the next day. And the day after that.

When sleep-deprived shoppers finally look for a new mattress after years of bad sleep, it’s common for Tempur-Pedic to come up in their search. That’s because this company has become synonymous with sleep for the last three decades. 

But if you’re in the market for a new sleep situation, are Tempur-Pedic mattresses worth it? Here’s what to know about this enduring brand. 

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Most people know Tempur-Pedic as a popular mattress brand that’s been around for decades. Remember the commercial where someone jumps on a Tempur-Pedic mattress and the glass of red wine doesn’t move?

Turns out, the brand actually has a surprising connection with NASA.

Back in the late 1960s, NASA developed a viscoelastic material (a type of reactive foam) to protect pilots during test flights. They released the foam’s formula into the public domain in the early ‘80s, where Swedish entrepreneurs specifically developed it further for sleep, calling it Tempur-Material. 

In the early ‘90s, the entrepreneurs sold the world’s first viscoelastic mattress and pillow under the brand name Tempur, changed its name to Tempur-Pedic in 2003 after going public on the United States stock market, and the rest is history.

Tempur-Pedic has four mattress collections to address a range of needs and budgets. All collections feature the brand’s adaptive memory foam, but with varying levels of comfort and support. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different collections. 

• Entry-level collection that starts at $1,999 for a queen, and features an all-foam or hybrid construction
• Includes two medium-support mattress models that offer great support and value

• Price starts at $1,699 for a queen, and mattresses are available in an all-foam or hybrid construction
• Includes three mattress models that deliver advanced pressure relief; some models have a removable and washable cover

• Price starts at $4,599 for a queen, and mattresses are all-foam or hybrid 
• Includes two mattress models that can cool your body up to 10 degrees

• Price starts at $9,998 for a queen all-foam or hybrid mattress 
• Billed as a smart sleep system that can help keep you up to 30 degrees cooler or warmer
• Features an adjustable smart base that you can customize for climate and sleep position, and a mattress with an additional layer that distributes warm or cool air 
• Compatible with an app to customize the smart base 

Tempur-Pedic mattresses prioritize pressure relief, support, comfort, and breathability. Because there are a few different mattress collections available and each collection features several different mattresses, it’s possible to find a mattress that’s customized for your particular needs and budget. 

Tempur-Pedic mattresses can be expensive depending on the size and collection, but there is a wide price range. If you compare queen-sized mattresses, because they’re the most popular size, the Tempur-Cloud collection starts at $1,999, while the Tempur-Breeze starts at $4,599 and the Tempur-ActiveBreeze system starts at $9,998.

Each mattress also comes with a 90-day trial and a 10-year warranty. 

In addition to mattresses, Tempur-Pedic also sells bed bases, mattress toppers, bedding, and pillows. Outside of the bedroom, the brand also offers office chairs, sleep accessories for traveling, and even adorable plushies. 

There are specific Tempur-Pedic stores throughout the country, as well as retailers that carry the brand. Find your nearest one using this locator, and be sure to try out the mattress features in person prior to purchasing — buying a mattress is a long-term investment after all. Just try not to fall asleep on the showroom sample!

Yes, Tempur-Pedic delivers throughout the country, with a surcharge for remote locations, Alaska, and Hawaii (territories may have additional fees). 

The Tempur-Cloud mattresses come with free shipping and delivery to your doorstep, while the other collections offer free white-glove delivery that includes setup in the room of your choice and removal of your old mattress. 

Yes, Tempur-Pedic has sales and discounts during major holidays like Labor Day and Memorial Day. Stay on top of offers so that you can potentially get a preferred mattress at a steal. 

Yes, Tempur-Pedic is already running a Black Friday sale now through December 3 where you can save up to $500 on select adjustable mattress sets. There are no promo codes needed, the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

Yes, according to multiple Apartment Therapy editors, Tempur-Pedic mattresses are worth it. Investing in quality sleep is always a good idea, but the right mattress is super personal; if you’re still not sure which one is right for you, be sure to try out the mattress IRL if possible (or take a look at some editor favorites below).