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Tempur-pedic vs Sleep Number Bed (Select Comfort) -- Comparison Based on Data From Over 2,700 Actual Owners
Page last updated April 16, 2010
Based on our research involving over 2,700 actual owner experiences, the Tempur-pedic Bed and the Sleep Number Bed are compared below on several important factors.
Comfort
The two beds are remarkably similar on this issue. Both have a comfort satisfaction rating of about 80%.
Although they have similar comfort scores, they are different in how they achieve comfort. Tempurpedic uses temperature- and weight-sensitive foam to mould to the sleeper's body; Sleep Number mainly relies on air chambers to achieve personalized firmness and comfort.
In addition, people who have owned both beds are about evenly split in regard to which is superior in regard to comfort.
Advantage: Tie
Longevity
Even though the mechanical nature of the Sleep Number Bed means that more can conceivably go wrong with it, owner data suggests that it still gets a slight nod on the issue of longevity.
Having an air chamber(s) instead of foam makes the Sleep Number less likely to sag or develop excessive softness. In addition, virtually every part of the Sleep Number Bed can be replaced; if something goes wrong, the part/area can be fixed without the need to get a whole new bed. With the Tempur-pedic, if something goes wrong, such as sagging, often an entirely new bed is needed to rectify the situation.
Slight Advantage: Sleep Number Bed
Pain Relief
Both perform well on this issue, likely as well or better than any other mattress. Pain relief refers mainly to back pain relief, but it can also refer to relief from hip, shoulder or other bodily pain. This does not imply that all owners of these beds experience less pain. Some, about 8%, actually report new or increased pain.
Advantage: Tie
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress keeps motion on the bed localized. In other words, it allows one person to move on the bed or get out of it without disturbing the other person. On this issue, both mattresses do well, but significantly more Tempur-pedic owners report the benefit.
Advantage: Tempurpedic
Adjustable Firmness
The ability to adjust the firmness level for each side of the mattress by adding or removing air is a major advantage of the Sleep Number Bed, say owners. Tempurpedic offers no such firmness adjustability.
Advantage: Sleep Number Bed
Good For Couples
The Sleep Number Bed provides adjustable firmness for each side and respectable motion isolation. However, one of the main complaints by owners is the presence of a hump or trench in the middle where the two air chambers meet. This middle area can make cuddling or spooning uncomfortable or practically impossible. Tempurpedic provides excellent motion isolation but has no adjustable firmness for each side.
Advantage: Tie
Sleeping Hot
A mattress "sleeps hot" if it acts as a heat trap for the sleeper's body heat, resulting in an uncomfortably warm sleeping surface. On this issue, Sleep Number beats Tempurpedic. About 3% of Sleep Number Bed owners report heat problems versus about 7% for Tempurpedic.
Advantage: Sleep Number Bed
Off Gassing
Off gassing refers to an odor, often chemical in nature, that a mattress emits for a limited time after it is new. One of the main complaints about Tempur-pedic is off gassing; about 15% of owners report it. By contrast, less than 4% of Sleep Number Bed owners report the problem.
Advantage: Sleep Number Bed
Weight
A significant complaint of Tempurpedic owners is that their bed is heavy, making it difficult to transport, move or even change linens. By contrast, a significant number of Sleep Number Bed owners praise the bed for being relatively light weight.
Advantage: Sleep Number Bed
Noise
The Sleep Number Bed (along with most airbeds) is likely one of the noisiest mattresses largely because of the working of the air pumps. This noise is, in fact, a significant complaint of owners. By contrast, the Tempurpedic is silent at all times.
Advantage: Tempurpedic
Turning / Flipping
While the Tempurpedic may need to be turned on occasion to encourage even wear, the manufacturer says it should not be flipped since models are typically one-sided designs. For the Sleep Number, some models allow you to turn / flip just the top of the mattress. The rest of the bed does not need to be turned or flipped.
Advantage: Tie
Sex
On the whole, this issue is not a strong point for either mattress. A slight majority of owners of both beds, however, find them to be at least acceptable for love making. A smaller number says that the beds enhance love making. Each bed has its own advantages and disadvantages on this issue. For more information, see sex on a memory foam mattress and sex on an airbed mattress.
Advantage: Tie
Affordable
Both mattresses are similarly priced, but based on current prices it appears the Sleep Number Bed is slightly less expensive.
Slight Advantage: Sleep Number Bed
Value
Value refers not necessarily to a low price, but to what you actually get for your money, or "bang for the buck." On this issue, based on owner comments, both products perform about the same.
Advantage: Tie
Perceived Quality
Tempur-pedic owners praise their bed for looking and feeling like a quality, well-made product significantly more than Sleep Number bed owners praise theirs. The light weight nature especially of the Sleep Number makes some owners regard it as being of lower quality.
Advantage: Tempurpedic
Warranty
Both mattresses have a limited 20-year warranty, but the specifics for each are different. Tempurpedic offers non-prorated coverage for the first 10 years, while Sleep Number is less generous. Nevertheless, while the Tempurpedic warranty covers significant sagging, it will likely not cover the development of excessive softness which can be just as problematic as sagging, according to owners.
Slight Advantage: Tempurpedic
Return Policy
Tempurpedic's return policy consists of a 90-day trial period. Sleep Number's consists of a 45-day period. During this time if you do not like either product you can send it back for an exchange or refund. Tempurpedic requires that you pay return shipping, while Sleep Number requires that you pay return shipping and original shipping.
Advantage: Tempurpedic
BBB Rating
Tempurpedic has an "A+" rating with the Better Business Bureau, while Sleep Number has a "B" rating.
Advantage: Tempurpedic