Q & A: Commonly Asked Consumer Questions
 

What is TEMPUR® pressure relieving material?
It is a viscoelastic, temperature sensitive material, quite different from ordinary foam. Viscoelastic describes the property of a substance to both resist flow or change of shape (viscous) and to return to its original shape after being forced to change (elastic). An imperfect version of TEMPUR material was developed for NASA in the 1970s, designed specifically to conform to any individual’s body and relieve the pressure of the tremendous forces of gravity the astronauts experienced during lift off and flight. Like so many NASA technologies, the formula was eventually released to the public. In 1991, Tempur World introduced TEMPUR pressure relieving material, a vastly improved reinvention of the original NASA formula for home and medical use.

How is TEMPUR different from other materials that claim to be viscoelastic?
Unlike memory foam, TEMPUR material is extremely dense--there are simply more cells per square inch than in most viscoelastic foams. Furthermore, the cells themselves are extremely dense and consistently shaped. The greater density allows for greater sensitivity of the material, and is more durable preventing the "bottoming out" that can occur in less dense material.
 

Will the Tempur-Pedic mattress make me hot?
No. The cells themselves are open and breathable, so the material is self-ventilating. However, due to the increase in circulation throughout your body, you may discover you need fewer blankets to sleep comfortably.
 

Can I put the Tempur-Pedic mattress on my existing set of box springs?
This mattress is designed for use with a firm, wood, completely flat, non-spring foundation. FAILURE TO USE SUCH A FOUNDATION WITH THE MATTRESS WILL VOID THE TEMPUR-PEDIC SWEDISH MATTRESS™ WARRANTY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Unless you currently have a firm, wood, completely flat, non-spring foundation, you should not use your existing foundation with the mattress.
 

Will the Tempur-Pedic Mattress fit in my waterbed frame?
While the Tempur-Pedic mattress will fit, we do not recommend waterbed frames. A waterbed frame is recessed, and does not allow proper ventilation of the mattress.
 

How long will it take for me to get used to the Tempur-Pedic mattress?
Some people are completely comfortable on the mattress right away. Others who have been sleeping on a hard surface, may need some time to adjust to the remarkable amount of support and unique pressure relieving feel of the mattress (some call it a "floating" or "light" feeling).
 

Is it more difficult to change position?
No, the slow recovery of the mattress to its original shape after conforming to your exact body contours is a different feeling. This is necessary for the mattress to conform to your body to relieve pressure and reduce the need to change position (toss and turn).
 

Why does my mattress feel very firm and cold sometimes, and soft and responsive others?
TEMPUR material is very temperature sensitive, so environmental temperatures can affect the feel of the mattress; but it will still adjust to your body temperature.
 

My Tempur-Pedic mattress feels softer than when I first bought it. Is it breaking down?
The mattress naturally undergoes an adjustment or "softening" period. Some cells may have remained closed after the manufacturing process. The mattress cells are fully opening and becoming more responsive to temperature and weight with continued use. This is normal and desirable. The softening process may occur more rapidly in the areas where you most frequently sleep as those cells are being manipulated more regularly.
 

I am experiencing lower back pain. Is my Tempur-Pedic mattress causing this?
No. 
 

Can I use an electric blanket with my Tempur-Pedic Mattress?
We do not recommend using electric blankets with the Tempur-Pedic mattress. The exposure to direct heat over extended periods of time can cause damage to the TEMPUR material. We suggest that if at bedtime your mattress is too cold, try turning up the bedroom thermostat for twenty to thirty minutes before going to bed. Once you are in bed, the mattress will warm up quickly in response to your body heat. If you do choose to use an electric blanket to warm your mattress before bedtime, we recommend that you turn it off after 30 minutes to avoid overexposing the TEMPUR material to high heat.
 

Heated mattress pads:
We do not recommend using heated mattress pads. The extended application of direct heat can eventually damage the TEMPUR material, reducing its therapeutic properties. Even when not used for heating, the pad will prevent the transfer of body heat into the TEMPUR® material, reducing the therapeutic effect of the mattress.

Heating Pads:
We do not advise the use of heating pads on the Tempur-Pedic mattress. The same problems that occur with heated mattress pads and electric blankets are intensified with the high heat of a heating pad.

If a heating pad must be used, insulate the mattress from the direct heat of the heating pad. A pillow, folded towel, folded blanket, etc. between the mattress and the heating pad will do. Feel the mattress after 30 minutes: if the mattress feels hot, it is getting too much heat and needs more insulation. If the mattress only feels warm, the mattress is being adequately insulated.