Many are familiar with the Tempur-Pedic brand, as it makes some of the most popular mattresses in the world. Its NASA-developed Tempur Material offers a slow, quicksand-like feel for pressure-relieving sinkage. But Tempur-Pedic mattresses come with a higher price tag compared to many competitors, which leads some shoppers wanting other options. Our list of the best Tempur-Pedic mattress alternatives highlights beds that offer the benefits of a Tempur-Pedic but at a lower price, including the Nectar Mattress, which features marshmallowy foams, plus a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty.
The Layla memory foam mattress is one of the best Tempur-Pedic mattress alternatives, and offers two ... [+] firmness levels.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer
We selected each mattress based on its construction and overall benefits, ensuring as close of a match to its Tempur-Pedic counterpart as possible. Our list spans a range of budgets, but all of our picks cost less than a comparable Tempur-Pedic. Additionally, every Tempur-Pedic alternative has been personally tested by a Forbes Vetted staff member or contributor so we can vouch for their performances.
A Foam Bed That's Quick To Adapt And Easy On The Wallet
Nectar
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress (Queen)
Type: Foam (also available as a hybrid) | Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5) | Delivery: Free shipping and returns | Trial: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Pros:
Affordable with industry-leading perks
Great for most combination side/back sleepers
Dampens movement well
Cons:
May be too soft for stomach sleepers and heavier bodies
Tempur Material has the edge in motion isolation
The Tempur-Cloud Mattress is Tempur-Pedic’s entry-level bed-in-a-box, although it’s still an expensive option among the wider market. The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress boasts a similar construction—along with much longer trial and warranty periods—for roughly one-third the cost of the Tempur-Cloud. Instead of dense, slow-moving Tempur Material, you sink into a surface of body-contouring memory foam that’s quick to adapt to your movements. This bodes well if you like to switch positions at night and don’t want to feel swallowed by your mattress.
The Nectar also has a breathable, moisture-wicking cover and does an exceptional job of isolating movement. However, if you’re on the heavier side or primarily sleep on your stomach, the Tempur-Cloud may be more supportive for you than the Nectar.
What our writer says:I recommend the Nectar for most combination side and back sleepers seeking balanced comfort and support. The top foam layers of the Nectar gently cushion your joints and lower back, but you still have that freedom to switch positions with ease—a contrast to the quicksand feeling of Tempur Material. The Nectar should also sleep temperature-neutral for most people thanks to its polyethylene top cover and a lack of profound sinkage compared to the Tempur-Pedic.
Best Tempur-Cloud Hybrid Alternative
Superb Pressure Relief Minus The Deep Sink
Helix
Helix Midnight Mattress (Queen)
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium (5 to 6) | Delivery: Free shipping and returns | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Pros:
Balanced feel for side and back sleeping
Sleeps temperature-neutral; cooling upgrade available
Easy to switch positions
Cons:
Good (not great) motion isolation
Stomach sleepers may want a firmer bed
Compared to its all-foam counterpart above, the Tempur-Cloud Hybrid boasts more support, extra bounce and increased airflow courtesy of spring coils. Still, it could be too stifling for combination side and back sleepers who want a bed that’s more breathable and easier to move around on. Enter the Helix Midnight, a medium hybrid mattress that doesn’t have the deep sinkage of a Tempur-Pedic, but has multiple foam layers to gently cushion your joints.
Together with hundreds of individually wrapped coils, you sleep “on” this mattress rather than “in” it, which makes switching positions a lot easier, too. (On the flip side, restless couples may not find it sufficiently isolates their partner’s movements.) A breathable knit cover helps the Helix Midnight sleep temperature-neutral; consider paying extra for the GlacioTex cooling cover upgrade if you frequently overheat at night. Either way, you wind up paying much less than you would for a Tempur-Cloud Hybrid.
What our testers say:Although the Helix Midnight is marketed as a side sleeper mattress, Forbes Vetted contributor SaVanna Shoemaker notes in her Helix Midnight Mattress review that it’s also a fine choice for back sleeping, given its balanced feel. Regarding ease of movement, she says, “It’s extremely easy to move around on this bed… whether it’s to flip over or climb out. I think this is due in large part to the bed’s support and the presence of coils. For comparison, it was fairly difficult to maneuver around my extra-soft all-foam mattress.”
The Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt sits in the middle of the Tempur-Adapt lineup and features a layer of Advanced Relief Material, which the brand touts as its “most pressure-relieving material yet.” However, Tempur Material can trap a lot of heat, so if you want to feel hugged by your mattress without melting into it, try the Layla Memory Foam Mattress. Its copper gel-infused memory foam snuggly contours your body while pulling heat away from it.
By the way, the Layla has a flippable design with soft and firm sides so you can choose the bed feel you want on the spot. (The ProAdapt, on the other hand, comes in three individual firmness levels.) With the Layla, you essentially get two beds in one for thousands of dollars less than the ProAdapt—with a lifetime warranty included, too.
What our editors say: Forbes Vetted senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman says, “I thought the Layla’s two sides had very different, distinct feels. The soft side felt great for side sleeping with its cushy sinkage, while the firm side offered strong support for back and stomach sleepers. It also tested really well for motion isolation.” You can learn more in our full Layla Mattress review.
Best Tempur-Breeze LuxeBreeze Alternative
A Cool Substitute To Tempur's Luxury Line
MOST POPULAR
GhostBed
GhostBed Luxe Mattress (Queen)
Type: Foam | Firmness: Medium to medium-firm (5 to 7) | Delivery: Free shipping and returns | Trial: 101 nights | Warranty: 25 years
Pros:
Packed with advanced cooling tech
Balanced bed feel for side and back sleeping
Slow-moving foam, similar to Tempur Material
Cons:
Still not a cheap mattress overall
Only comes in one firmness level
The Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze combines the brand’s renowned pressure relief with advanced cooling tech for a soothing sleep experience all-around. It’s also the most expensive Tempur-Pedic mattress out there, with a queen retailing for over five grand. If you’re seeking an oasis from night sweats but have a much smaller budget to work with, the GhostBed Luxe is a relative bargain at less than $1,600 (while on sale) for a queen. Its mix of different foams gives it a sink-in softness similar to Tempur material, while the Ghost Ice cover and other cooling components make this a remarkably refreshing bed to sleep on.
The one caveat here is that the GhostBed Luxe comes in only one firmness level that the brand says ranges between medium and medium-firm. (The LuxeBreeze comes in three comfort levels, including a medium hybrid.) However, the GhostBed Luxe as-is should hit the sweet spot for most side and back sleepers who want a balanced bed feel.
What our editors say: “This bed has a true cool-to-the-touch feel and impressive cooling materials in its layers,” says Chapman. “I found it offered plush sinkage that works well for back, side and combination sleepers.”
Best Tempur-Adapt Alternative
Ease Back Pain With A Gel-Infused Lumbar Crown
Saatva
Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress (Queen)
Type: Foam | Firmness: Relaxed firm (5 to 7) or firm (8) | Delivery: Free white glove delivery (arrives flat); $99 for returns | Trial: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Pros:
Comes in two firmness levels
Specialized lumbar support
365-night trial and a lifetime warranty
Cons:
Traps heat so hot sleepers should avoid
Not that much less expensive than the Tempur-Adapt
Tempur-Pedic says the Tempur-Adapt is part of its most advanced mattress collection, but it’s still quite an investment to make in your sleep. You can stretch your dollar further by checking out the Saatva Loom & Leaf, a memory foam mattress that costs a few hundred bucks less but comes with a one-year sleep trial, a lifetime warranty and free in-home delivery and mattress removal. It’s made with lower back pain relief in mind, featuring a gel-infused foam lumbar crown and dual-foam quilting across the center of the mattress—qualities absent from the Tempur-Adapt.
Choose between a “relaxed firm” (5 to 7) or a firm (8) feel. Either way, expect a form-fitting hug that lulls you right to sleep. Just be aware that like most noncooling Tempur-Pedic mattresses, the Loom & Leaf is prone to trapping heat. Check out our full Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress review for more details.
What our writer says:I’ve tried the Loom & Leaf (in relaxed firm) and the Tempur-Adapt. I praise them both for their exceptional pressure relief. However, I give the Loom & Leaf the edge for its specialized lumbar support, which helped me immensely during a flare-up of my back injury. I also consider the Loom & Leaf a better value since it not only comes with free white glove delivery (with optional mattress and foundation removal), but a one-year sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, too.
Best Tempur-Adapt LuxeAdapt Alternative
Swap The Tempur Material For Purple's GelFlex Grid
Purple
Purple RestorePlus Hybrid Mattress (Queen)
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Soft or firm | Delivery: Free shipping and returns | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Pros:
Comes in two firmness levels
Three-zone coils for targeted support
GelFlex Grid aids in pressure relief and cooling
Cons:
Its nontraditional feel doesn’t please everyone
At the top of the Tempur-Adapt lineup is the LuxeAdapt Mattress, which has a five-zone ergonomic support layer that’s firmer along your head, lumbar and feet (for alignment) and softer under your shoulders and hips (for pressure relief). The Purple RestorePlus Hybrid Mattress has a similar design, featuring a three-zoned layer of wrapped coils plus Purple’s proprietary GelFlex Grid to make you feel as if you’re floating on top of the mattress. It’s a stark contrast to the sink of Tempur Material, but it makes it much easier for you to shift positions at night. (Bonus: The coils and the GelFlex Grid help the mattress breathe better, too.)
Choose between a soft or firm feel; there’s no middle ground to be found here. The Purple RestorePlus Hybrid may be a splurge at around $3,000 for a queen, but that’s still at least $1,000 less than a LuxeAdapt in the same size at full retail.
What our editors say:Chapman tested the soft model of the RestorePlus and says she recommends it for side sleepers, combination sleepers and couples. She says, “The Purple grid has a nice level of coziness while still being bouncy and pressure-relieving. The RestorePlus really shined in my testing for strong motion isolation and cooling features, too.”
In his Purple RestorePremier Hybrid Mattress Review, Forbes Vetted executive editor Dave Johnson says, “I know this mattress isn’t for everyone, but if you are a side or back sleeper and prefer a soft feel, I highly recommend the Purple RestorePremier Hybrid mattress in the soft model. The GelFlex Grid layer is what gives this bed its certain magic, and I am not sure I ever want to sleep on anything else.”
Best Tempur-Breeze ProBreeze Alternative
Copper-Infused Cooling At A Fraction Of The Cost
Nectar
Nectar Premier Copper Mattress (Queen)
Type: Foam (also available as a hybrid) | Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5) | Delivery: Free shipping | Trial: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Pros:
Cozy for most side or back sleepers
Feels (and sleeps) cool
365-night trial and a lifetime warranty
Cons: .
Some might not find it firm enough
May need the hybrid for optimal cooling
Tempur Material can tend to trap heat, but the Tempur-Breeze ProBreeze is packed with active cooling and heat-diffusing materials to offset that issue. If you want a medium-firm all-foam cooling mattress to sink into but are loath to pay over $4,500 for the ProBreeze, go for the much more affordable Nectar Premier Copper Mattress instead. As the name suggests, it harnesses the natural heat-wicking properties of copper along with phase change materials woven into the cover. This gives it a subtle cooling sensation as you relish in the cozy embrace of a 4-inch memory foam comfort layer.
Just like the ProBreeze, you can make it a hybrid to add some bounce and extra airflow. Not only does the Nectar Premier Copper cost less, but it also has a 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty, making it an incredible value for money among cooling mattresses.
What our editors say:Several Forbes Vetted staff members and contributors have tried the Nectar Premier Copper. What do they think? “Since starting to use this mattress about six months ago, I’ve never woken in a sweat even once—nor has my partner, who notoriously sleeps even hotter than I do,” says Johnson. Adds deals editor Kara Cuzzone: “It offers the right amount of support for me as a side sleeper, ensuring that I don’t wake up with hip or back pain.” Check out our full Nectar Premier Copper Mattress review for more details.
The Tempur-Essential Mattress is a closeout model, which is why you can find it for (relatively) cheap from Tempur-Pedic. That means you can’t return it if you don’t like it. A similar model that does include an at-home trial is the Nolah Signature 12, a soft mattress featuring Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam to gently contour your joints and quickly adapt to your movements. (In other words: It’s more responsive than Tempur Material.) Though the price difference is negligible, Nolah provides a lifetime warranty plus 100 nights to try it out (but charges $99 for returns). You can also find the Nolah in smaller sizes like twin and full, which are no longer available for the Tempur-Essential.
What our editors say: “I found the Nolah Signature to be the most comfortable for back sleeping,” says Chapman. “It offered the right amount of sinkage and support to keep my spine aligned and my hips cushioned. But I also enjoyed the cradling feel while side sleeping and think these folks could like it as well. Despite being an all-foam mattress with some sinkage, the Signature tested pretty well for edge support, too.”
At Forbes Vetted, we have an extensive (and growing) library of sleep and mattress guides to learn about the latest sleep trends and find the answers to your most pressing sleep questions.
The author of this story, Alison Barretta, has been sharing buying advice and product reviews (including of mattresses) for over a decade.
Senior sleep editor Bridget Chapman and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon are certified sleep coaches who have tested more than 100 beds between them.
Each Tempur-Pedic alternative mattress recommended in this article has been personally tested by a Forbes Vetted staff member or contributor.
To stay up-to-date on the newest mattress options, we regularly check and update this article for relevance and accuracy. It was last refreshed in May 2024.
How We Chose The Best Tempur-Pedic Mattress Alternatives
Since Tempur-Pedic mattresses are some of the priciest on the market, we sought out less-expensive alternatives that offer similar benefits. We relied on our own knowledge and testing experience and real-world usage input from staffers and contributors.
We looked for mattresses that are similar in feel, if not materials. (Tempur Material is exclusive to Tempur-Pedic and there’s nothing quite like it available elsewhere.)
We took special features like cooling and pain relief into account, as well, where applicable. Extras like sleep trials, warranties and free in-room delivery were a factor, too, as these inform the overall value of a mattress.
Every Tempur-Pedic alternative has been personally tested by a Forbes Vetted staff member or contributor who can vouch for their performance.
We made sure that each pick is also popular among shoppers, looking for great reviews and a minimum 4-star rating (out of 5) for each mattress.
What To Look For In The Best Tempur-Pedic Mattress Alternatives
Sleeping Position And Type Of Sleeper
If you favor your side, choose a softer mattress that relieves pressure from your knees, hips and shoulders while supporting your spine. For back sleepers and combination sleepers, a medium to medium-firm mattress should strike the right balance of relief and support. Stomach sleepers: Go for a firm mattress to prevent your hips from dipping below the rest of your body.
If you share a bed and one (or both) of you rotate like a hot dog on a roller machine throughout the night, seek a bed that dampens movement well and is heavy on the foam. Hot sleepers should look for a mattress with specialty cooling materials like phase-changing covers or infused foams. (Coils and latex layers help with breathability, too.)
Firmness And Feel
For side sleepers and those who weigh less than 130 pounds, consider a soft to medium-soft mattress that you can comfortably sink into. Firm and extra-firm mattresses offer ample support for strict stomach sleepers and those who weigh more than 230 pounds. If you’re a back sleeper, stomach sleeper or have back pain, try a medium to medium-firm mattress that’s equal parts supportive and cozy. Combination sleepers should seek a more responsive surface that allows them to change positions easily.
Remember that firmness is subjective, and definitions aren’t standard even among mattress brands. Use your at-home mattress trial to get accustomed to your new bed and make a decision from there.
Cooling
For most people, a mattress that sleeps temperature-neutral should be fine. However, sleepers who deal with hot flashes or night sweats should pay close attention to the materials involved. Hybrids generally sleep cooler than their all-foam counterparts because their coils help air flow more freely. Meanwhile, natural latex is a more breathable alternative to standard synthetic foam.
There are specialty mattresses that feature phase-change materials, breathable fibers and gel-infused foams to actively draw away body heat and wick away moisture. Such beds usually cost more, but for hot sleepers seeking relief, it can be worth the cost.
Price And Extras
As our list shows, you don’t have to overspend for a quality mattress. The most expensive bed doesn’t always equate to the most comfortable for everyone. (That’s especially true when it comes to Tempur-Pedic.) You want to do your best to spend within your means, but don’t prioritize a bargain over your comfort.
The final cost encompasses more than the mattress—it also includes the warranty, trial and other perks like in-room delivery and free or discounted bedding. Surprisingly, some of the least expensive mattresses boast incredible extras, while many luxury brands skimp on the amenities.
What Brands Are Most Similar To Tempur-Pedic?
Tempur-Pedic mattresses feature the brand’s proprietary Tempur Material. They claim it offers targeted relief and support as opposed to memory foam that sinks underneath your weight. There’s nothing else quite like it on the market, but Tempur-Pedic is often compared to the following brands:
Tempur-Pedic vs. Nectar: Price-wise, they’re at opposite ends of the spectrum, but Tempur-Pedic and Nectar are both known for the contouring and motion-isolating effects of their all-foam beds. While Tempur Material may be more durable, it’s Nectar that provides a lifetime warranty with its beds—along with a one-year trial.
Tempur-Pedic vs. Saatva: Saatva has a diverse range of mattresses to suit a variety of sleep needs, as does Tempur-Pedic. Despite being from an online-first sleep brand, Saatva mattresses are handcrafted and delivered flat via white-glove delivery at no extra charge. Saatva also has Tempur-Pedic beat when it comes to extras, with a one-year trial and a lifetime warranty.
Tempur-Pedic vs. Purple: Like Tempur-Pedic, Purple’s main draw is a unique, proprietary material that sleepers tend to either love or loathe. Purple’s GelFlex Grid is bouncy, squishy and breathable, a contrast to the sink-in sensation of Tempur Material.
Are Tempur-Pedic Mattresses Worth The Money?
A Tempur-Pedic mattress may be worth buying if you like the feel of super-dense material. The open-cell construction of Tempur Material allows it to deeply hug and support your body. Plus, with a variety of models to choose from, it’s easy to find a Tempur-Pedic mattress that suits your needs.
And if brand reputation is important to you, Tempur-Pedic has been around for more than 30 years. Seldom do businesses stick around for three decades if they’re not good at what they do. Tempur-Pedic is popular among consumers for its quality mattresses—and that quality is reflected in the price.
However, Tempur-Pedics aren’t for everyone, particularly sleepers who don’t like feeling stuck in their mattress. As quick as it is to mold to the shape of your body, it’s slow to return to form. (Combination sleepers may find this uncomfortable.) If you sleep hot, Tempur Material is prone to trapping heat unless it’s paired with a cooling agent, as with the Tempur-Breeze, which is the brand’s most expensive collection.
Tempur-Pedic mattresses come with a 90-night trial and a ten-year warranty, which are underwhelming extras when you consider brands like Nectar offer a 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty for a fraction of the cost. On the other hand, Tempur-Pedic mattresses are delivered flat via free white-glove delivery, so they’re ready to sleep on right away. (This doesn’t apply to the Tempur-Cloud, which arrives vacuum-sealed in a box.)
What Mattress Is Most Like Tempur-Pedic?
All Tempur-Pedic mattresses feature Tempur Material, but because they come in a variety of builds, they vary in overall comfort. For instance, the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is similar to the Tempur-Cloud bed-in-a-box for its three-layer foam construction, medium support and moisture-wicking cover. Meanwhile, the GhostBed Luxe is a 13-inch mattress loaded with cooling tech from top to bottom like the Tempur-Breeze LuxeBreeze.
What Is Better Than Tempur-Pedic?
What’s better (or worse) than Tempur-Pedic is relative to your preferences. For some sleepers, the deep contouring of Tempur Material can’t be beaten, while others might find it too suffocating and prefer the subtle cradle of latex or a foam-coil hybrid.
If you’re seeking a mattress for sex, Tempur-Pedic is a great choice if you want to remain discreet thanks to Tempur Material’s excellent motion isolation. However, it can be hard to change positions on a Tempur-Pedic, so an innerspring or a hybrid is better for establishing a steady rhythm.
As far as longevity goes, a Tempur-Pedic mattress should last you around ten years (or longer if you take very good care of it). That’s on par with most other foam-based mattresses (seven to ten years), longer than the average innerspring mattresses (around five years) and shorter than the lifespan of a latex-based mattress (15 to 25 years).
