Ahead, we take a deeper dive into the Tempur-Pedic versus Sleep Number debate, analyzing similarities and differences in both materials and features offered by each sleep innovation. We’ve also included a few of our top picks from each brand so you can focus more on achieving a higher-quality sleep instead of trying to sift through endless options. Well, once you’ve determined your preferred brand. Materials The brand is best known for its TEMPUR® material, a special type of memory foam that offers motion cancellation, weight distribution, and contouring benefits to the body. This proprietary material is used in each of the brand’s mattresses, as well as its body pads, toppers, and pillow products. Cotton, bamboo, and other materials are used in its bedding products (sheets, comforters, blankets, and protectors). Bed Bases/Foundations Tempur-Pedic also offers adjustable bed bases and foundations, used in lieu of traditional mattress frames, box springs, and headboards. All bed frames are fully adjustable, with a wireless remote that works to elevate the head and foot of the bed. Depending on the model you choose, some frames also include USB ports, under-bed lighting, and Sleeptracker-AI technology, to track sleep patterns and prevent snoring. Note: All bed bases and foundations are sold separately and are not included in your mattress purchase. Mattresses There are currently three types of mattresses available, each with varying thickness, support, and combination of materials. The mattresses accommodate a range of standard bed sizes and can be paired with any of the brand’s bed frames or foundations, for a unique and customizable sleep experience. Shipping, Trial & Warranty Tempur-Pedic offers a 90-day trial, a 10-year warranty, and white glove delivery service for its mattresses—this includes delivery, setup of your new bed, and removal of your old bed. Materials The brand uses petroleum-based polyurethane foam in its mattresses, with a latex and rubber blend for the air chambers. Additional bedding products (comforters, sheets, blankets, and duvets) are made from cotton, lyocell, and other textiles. Pillows, mattress pads, and mattress toppers are also available from the brand and are made with similar materials. Bed Bases/Foundations Sleep Number offers three adjustable bed bases. These bases/foundations can be customized to elevate head and foot positions and also offer under-bed lighting to users. Since the brand creates smart beds only, each of them has built-in SleepIQ technology, which tracks sleep habits and trends and provides detailed reports with tips on how to improve your sleep. Mattresses The brand has several mattresses to choose from—each with different benefits. Every Sleep Number mattress comes with a built-in pump, which controls the firmness of the bed by adding and removing air from the chambers. The pump has sensors to help monitor time in bed, heart rate, and movement. Shipping, Trial & Warranty Sleep Number offers a 100-night trial, plus a 15-year warranty. All mattresses are delivered and set up by the brand’s delivery team. Bases and additional bedding products are shipped separately through UPS. While both brands offer a range of mattresses for all different sleepers, Bridget Chapman, a certified sleep science coach, says sleepers seeking pain relief will benefit most from a Tempur-Pedic mattress. “Tempur-Pedic mattresses offer better motion isolation, contouring, and pressure relief, making them ideal for combination and heavy sleepers, sleepers with neck or back pain, and those who want a hybrid option,” she explains. Hot sleepers, back sleepers, and side sleepers: Choose Sleep Number. Chapman adds that because mattresses from Sleep Number offer customizable firmness levels and cooling properties, they are ideal for hot sleepers, back and side sleepers, as well as couples with different sleep preferences sharing a bed. For sleep insights & tracking: Choose Sleep Number. Similarly, since Sleep Number mattresses have smart bed technology, sleep educator Carleara Weiss, Ph.D., confirms that they are a better choice for those looking to use tech to improve their sleep habits. “The SleepIQ tech collects biometric measures while the person sleeps, including heart rate, breathing pattern, and movements,” Weiss says. “The data is then used to adjust the mattress firmness, cooling, and adjustability for the subsequent nights to improve sleep quality in a personalized fashion. In addition, the smart bed comes with an app that allows users to see their progress and track their sleep efficiency.” To help protect your mattress and other bedding products from mold, Ross suggests making sure your mattress is not directly sitting on the floor or pushed up against a wall. “Cleaning your mattress regularly and investing in a dehumidifier to help combat the humidity in your sleeping environment can be equally beneficial,” she adds. Eichelberger suggests simplifying your search, by prioritizing factors like price, size, and mattress type. “You’ll definitely want to think about how much space you have, what kind of mattress you’re looking for, and how much you’re willing to spend,” she explains. The type of mattress and the features it offers are important aspects to consider. You’ll want something that can adequately accommodate your sleeping position and key preferences, whether that be cooling benefits or a little extra support and contouring. Even better, your purchase comes with the brand’s smart adjustable base—so you won’t have to purchase it separately. This is a more expensive option, but if you are looking for a bed that marries technology and comfort, it checks all the boxes. Take it from this five-star reviewer: “Couldn’t believe how comfortable this bed was. After laying on it we were willing to pay the extra. The weightless feature and heat/cool was great.” Like all Sleep Number products, this bed uses SleepIQ tech to adequately track and monitor sleep patterns. It’s also a hit with reviewers and has thousands of five-star reviews to boot. The bulk of the feedback on this mattress can be summed up by one review: “This is the best bed in the world. This bed is so good that I am going to get one for every member of my family. Everyone in the world needs this bed!” We’ve included this mattress in our picks for stomach and side sleepers and also recommend it for those sleeping with a partner. “The strong motion isolation also makes it great for couples,” Chapman agrees. Keep in mind, memory foam tends to sleep warm—so this mattress is not the best choice for hot sleepers. That said, this can be easily remedied by adding a cooling topper to your mattress. “This mattress has memory foam that makes it feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud: It conforms to your body shape and supports all parts of your body as you move through the night—even if one side of your body is heavier than the other,” Eichelberger says. “Plus, it also has cooling gel technology that keeps you cool throughout the night so that you stay comfortable throughout the night.”
