TEMPUR-Pedic Mattress Toppers

A mattress topper is not a mattress pad, but a thinner version of a mattress. It is not meant to be used in place of a mattress, but in addition to one. It is placed on top of the existing mattress for added comfort and support. They come in a variety of materials, including TEMPUR-Pedic memory foam.

TEMPUR-Pedic toppers, 3-inch thick versions of the TEMPUR-Pedic mattress, are made of memory foam that creates a custom fit for your body. When you lie on them, they mold to your shape, but spring back to their original form when you get up. They hold you in position and offer unparalleled support for aching joints, pain from arthritis, and back pain. The therapeutic effects of memory foam are well known. Let’s take a look at the two mattress toppers TEMPUR-Pedic offers.

Related: TEMPUR-Pedic Alternatives

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The TEMPUR-Pedic Mattress Toppers

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A Little History On Memory Foam

TEMPUR-Pedic foam was originally developed in 1966 in the United States by NASA. The goal was to better protect astronauts from the impact of gravity. They started by using the foam in seat cushions to better absorb shock.

This unique foam, generically termed “memory foam” for the way it responds and goes back to its original shape, is made of polyurethane. The foam responds to body heat and is constructed with tiny air bubbles that allow shifting and condensing to form fit a person’s body. It was originally called “slow spring back foam.”

This foam was released to the public by NASA in the 1980’s, and its formulation was taken up by the Tempur World mattress and cushion company. They worked on a formula that netted a product in the early 1990’s called the TEMPUR-Pedic Swedish Mattress. Going forward, memory foam found a home in the medical world; it reduced bed sores and various ailments associated with prolonged bed rest. It relieved pressure, and its use became widespread in everything from x-ray tables, to sports helmets, to shoes. The TEMPUR-Pedic mattress remains the most iconic and top memory foam mattresses on the market.

Why A Topper?

Are you worried about those hard dorm beds? Don’t want to lug a whole mattress with you to college? A topper is the perfect solution. It is also a great alternative to other bed-related dilemmas. For example, a topper is a great way to

• Change the feel of your current mattress
• Extend the life of your current mattress
• Make a hard bed softer
• Get added support for physical pain
• Have a mattress that is easily portable for travel

Pros and Cons

Although very popular and much loved by many, the TEMPUR-Pedic memory foam style topper is not for everybody. You will need to try one out to be sure it is right for you. Here are some pros and cons that customers mentioned in various reviews.

Pros

These mattresses and toppers are described as very comfortable. If you like it, you tend to love it! They are therapeutic and relieve pressure; they can greatly mitigate pain. Your hips, knees, and back will all get needed support, and pain can be dramatically lessened by sleeping on a memory foam bed.

There is substantial anecdotal evidence that TEMPUR-Pedic toppers also improve sleep. They offer less pain, less tossing and turning to get comfortable, and result in a better night’s sleep. The memory foam molds to your individual body and creates a custom cushion. This is a unique characteristic of memory foam and highly desirable to many people.

Cons

The biggest complaint about memory foam is that it can be hot. If you are already challenged with being too hot during sleep, this is a point to consider. Another concern is sinking into the foam. This feature is meant to essentially hold you in place, but is claustrophobic for some people. Especially if you are a combo sleeper (moving from side to side), memory foam can feel restrictive.

Also, because memory foam is made from polyurethane and does have some off-gassing, there are concerns about chemical sensitivities and respiratory issues.

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Summary

TEMPUR-Pedic memory foam toppers can be a great solution to mattress dilemmas. Get one for your dorm room, soften up that hard mattress in the guest room, or extend the life of your current mattress. The foam can cushion joints, reduce pain, and improve sleep. The price point is considerably lower than a full mattress, and happy customers tell us they are well worth the money.