Matress reviews: Tempurpedic mattress

The Tempurpedic mattress is still the benchmark for the memory foam mattress. There may be those who disagree that it's the best but its mattresses remain the best seller. However, things are getting complicated. Until recently there was only one bed mattress you could buy from Tempurpedic - available in the usual sizes - but now the company has introduced several models. Here's a review of what's currently on offer.

All memory foam mattresses are comprised of laminated sections of foam. Usually, there is the block of base polyurethane foam (non memory) and on top of this is glued a layer of viscoelastic foam (memory). Many manufacturers have now inserted a layer of convoluted high-density foam (air flow layer - non memory), between the base and top layers, to help dissipate body heat.

Matress reviews: Tempurpedic mattress The base foam used in all Tempurpedic mattresses is the same, and it is firm. If there was one complaint against the original mattress it was that it was a little on the firm side. The company has responded with the introduction of several models of mattress, each offering a different feel and/or presentation. Therefore with the softer new mattresses, there's more memory foam on top.

If, like me, you prefer firm, the company has two models to choose from; the OriginalBed and the ClassicBed. The Tempurpedic ClassicBed is the more expensive of the two; it comes with a convoluted layer and more memory foam. I think it's worth spending the extra if you can; it's the Tempurpedic mattress I would buy.

If you prefer medium-firm then the DeluxeBed is worth taking a look at. It's one of the company's best sellers and offers a softer feel than the ClassicBed. The RhapsodyBed is another option. It's pretty much the same as the DeluxeBed but it comes with a higher density Tempur foam called Tempur HD. The company doesn't provide us with any information as to why the RhapsodyBed offers more - it costs more - but it does feel slightly more firm than the DeluxeBed.

The CelebrityBed is for those who like soft bed mattresses and is an ultra-plush pillow-top design. It also comes with frilly extras like a cover made of 'luxurious' cashmere. The CelebrityBed is quite a hike in price from the other models mentioned so far, but if you want to spend even more you could take a look at the GrandBed. This mattress also uses the Tempur HD foam and comes with a very plush, blended silk cover.

The above three sections split the Tempurpedic mattress models into 3 categories; firm, medium and soft. If you like firm then you're in luck as these cost the least. For those who adore soft, you're going to have to pay dearly - the GrandBed is several times the cost of the OriginalBed.

Before you buy a Tempurpedic mattress, you should compare it to another brand of memory foam mattress. Other brands can be just as plush and some can be a lot less expensive. How a mattress feels is also a very subjective thing. One may cost more but you may find the cheaper bed mattress to be more comfortable.