Archive for May, 2009

Buying Tempurpedic and Memory Foam Mattresses Online

May 25, 2009

Tempurpedic beds have been around for some time now and have popularized the amazing benefits of memory foam. Unfortunately, most consumers cannot afford to spend thousands on a mattress. If this sounds familiar, read on. In this article, we will discuss the key criteria for selecting a memory foam mattress online so you can get the most for your money.

High quality memory foam beds are now widely available online but there are a few cheap imitators to watch out for. If you follow a few basic guidelines for density, construction, and warranty, you should be able to weed out the bad and purchase a mattress which will provide years of comfort.

The first and perhaps the most important rule to follow is density. The density of memory foam determines how well it will wear over time and also how buoyant it feels. Tempurpedic has a density of about 5.3 lbs. per square foot. This high density allows it wear well and gives the sleeper that floating on air feeling. When shopping for a memory foam mattress, it is recommended to purchase a mattress with at least 5.0 lb. density as anything less will break down quickly and the cells can feel less supportive. Beware of large discount retail chains, as they usually market mattresses with densities as low as 2.5-3.0 lbs. If the retailer cannot give you this information, it is best to avoid.

Next, you need to know how the mattress is constructed. Tempurpedic memory foam mattresses are composed of a base layer of high density poly foam topped by layers of memory foam. For optimal comfort, this is how memory foam mattresses should be. If the bed has springs, coils, or anything other than foam, this can greatly reduce the comfort of the memory foam. Many brands use proprietary air flow channels to help vent heat out of the mattress, and these systems are typically considered to be helpful. Be wary of any mattress which has foam sidewalls for support, as this is just a money saving trick in which cheap foam is glued to the sides which reduces the amount of memory foam used and reduces the sleeping surface space. The mattress should have a protective sock like covering which helps repel liquids and allergens and should include a removable, washable cover.

A product’s warranty gives you an idea of how long the manufacturer expects it to last. With memory foam mattresses, a quality bed should have around 20 years of warranty. Most companies, like Tempurpedic, will offer a prorated warranty which means that the company pays less towards damages or claims over time. You should always check the retailers return policy also. Many companies will offer 30-90 days during which you can return the mattress in good condition if you do not like it. If you are a first time memory foam buyer and not sure how you will adjust to it, make sure you can return or exchange the bed prior to purchase.

Like many other products, the most expensive is not necessarily the best option since you are often just paying for a name. By applying the above rules while shopping online for your memory foam mattress, you can save thousands over Tempurpedic mattresses and still enjoy the benefits of memory foam for years to come.