Nowadays, there is a wide array of soft, comfy, and long-lasting pillows and mattresses available. These products differ in what material they are made of and the purpose for which they are designed. A typical pillow can be made of down feathers, cotton, tempur or memory foam, synthetic materials (e.g., polyester, latex), or hybrid foam (a combination of different materials). Of these material options, tempurpedic memory foam is among the most popular. But what makes this material different? And, importantly, how long do tempurpedic pillows and mattresses last?
Typically, tempurpedic pillows and mattresses last for at least five years. This long lifespan is due to the quality and durability of the materials used for production. Five years is, however, a rough estimate. How long your tempurpedic pillows and mattresses last will depend on how you use, clean, and maintain them over time. This guide is designed to help you get the most out of your tempurpedic pillows and mattresses.
Before we get into how to keep and maintain your tempurpedic products, let’s briefly explore the history of tempurpedic and memory foam to clear up some common misconceptions about.
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Tempurpedic VS Memory Foam
One of the most popular and desirable materials for pillows and mattresses is memory foam. Due to memory foam’s high density and viscosity, it softens when warmed by a human body and molds to the shape of that particular person. In addition to the excellent support that this provides, memory foam pillows and mattresses are also very durable and long lasting.
But what are tempurpedic pillows and mattresses? Are they the same as regular memory foam products? The answer is a matter of science and trademark.
Tempur material was initially researched and developed by NASA as a soft, durable material that would increase the chances of survival in case of an aircraft accident.
Almost 30 years ago, a Swedish foam firm (Fagerdala World Foams) introduced the first tempurpedic mattresses on the market. The company developed the formula for polymer foams using polyurethane materials. In the early 1990s, the firm incorporated the Tempur-Pedic technique, which included the use of viscoelastic materials. Consequently, the company Tempur-Pedic Inc. was founded in 1992.
Tempurpedic pillows and mattresses are designed and produced by the Tempur-Pedic company specifically. The company claims that the tempur material used for the production of their tempurpedic pillows and mattresses is not typical memory foam; rather, their exclusive formulation of tempur material allows individuals to sleep even better. Companies (other than Tempur-Pedic) that produce memory foam pillows and mattresses cannot use the word “tempurpedic” to characterize their products. Even though the majority of memory foam pillows are almost identical to the ones produced by Tempur-Pedic, they are simply called “memory foam pillows” since the company has the trademark for the word “tempurpedic.”
You may also be interested in Erin’s article about choosing tempurpedic vs. memory foam on Nectar. You may also enjoy our list of the best memory foam pillows.
How Long Do Tempurpedic Pillows Last?
The lifespan of any pillow or mattress depends on both the quality of the product and how the owner takes care of it. Even if you buy an expensive product, it might not last for as long as the guarantee says due to improper handling and use.
Tempur-Pedic grants customers a 5-year warranty on different types of pillows, including neck and body pillows. The following are warranty lengths and approximate prices for different types of tempurpedic pillows.
Product Name and Link | Warranty Length | Price |
All-Purpose Pillow | 5 Years | ~$50 |
TravelPillow | 5 Years | ~$60 |
NeckPillow – Travel | 5 Years | ~$160 |
ComfortPillow – Travel | 5 Years | ~$80 |
TEMPUR-Essential Support Pillow | 5 Years | ~$65 |
TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow | 5 Years | ~$60 |
TEMPUR-Neck Pillow | 5 Years | ~$70 |
TEMPUR-Symphony Pillow | 5 Years | ~$80 |
TEMPUR-Cloud Pro Pillow | 5 Years | ~$60 |
TEMPUR-Ergo Cooling Neck Pillow | 5 Years | ~$100 |
TEMPUR-Down Precise Support Pillow | 5 Years | ~$150 |
TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow | 5 Years | ~$130 |
TEMPUR-Cloud Cooling Pro Pillow | 5 Years | ~$170 |
BodyPillow | 5 Years | ~$160 |
Although tempurpedic pillows are more expensive than regular memory foam pillows, they are ideal for pain relief, guarantee absolute comfort, and, more importantly, they last longer. The company ensures buyers that the products will last for at least five years. In case the pillow is damaged or deformed during these five years, Tempur-Pedic will either repair or replace the pillow with the new one.
According to the customers’ reviews, tempurpedic pillows last much longer than five years. Some of the users have even stated that they have been using the pillow for over 12 years and it has not lost its shape and quality.
On the other hand, memory foam pillows (or other synthetic pillows) last for 2-3 years on average. Though exact numbers cannot be stated since there are various factors impacting the quality and longevity of the pillow.
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Why Is My Tempurpedic Pillow So Hard? Do Tempurpedic Pillows Get Softer Over Time?
Although tempurpedic pillows are designed to comfort and provide support for different parts of your body, some people find that the pillows are too hard.
The characteristic high density and viscosity of tempurpedic memory foam explain firmness of tempurpedic pillows. If your tempurpedic pillow or mattress is too firm, there are steps you can take to make it softer.
First, it’s important to note that the adjustment of the pillow to your body requires some time and patience. Various credible websites state that the process of softening the tempurpedic pillow might last for 2-4 weeks on average.
One of the best ways to make your tempurpedic pillow softer is to use it regularly. Similarly to memory foam pillows, tempurpedic pillows are also temperature-sensitive, meaning that the pillow molds to your body shape as it absorbs the body heat. The pillow will get softer while heated and return to its firm properties while cooled to the room temperature.
You can also turn the heat up in the room to make it easier for the pillow to adapt to your body shape. Be aware that too high temperatures might damage the pillow. It is not recommended to put the pillow near any type of heater or leave it in the sun. Just be patient since your tempurpedic pillow will definitely get softer over time.
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How Long Do Tempurpedic Mattresses Last?
In case of tempur mattresses, Tempur-Pedic guarantees customers that the mattress will last for at least 10 years. If you notice a defect during these 10 years, Tempur-Pedic will either repair or replace it with a brand-new mattress.
Similar to tempurpedic pillows, it has been shown that tempurpedic mattresses last much longer than 10 years. Some customers even claim that their mattress is over 23 years old and still in good enough condition to provide comfy support and ensure better sleep. It’s clear that you can maximize the life span of your mattress by using and handling it properly.
Several tempurpedic mattress options, prices, and warranty lengths are as follows:
Product Name and Link to Amazon | Warranty Length | Price |
Tempur-Adapt | 10 years | ~$1700+ |
Tempur-Pro Adapt | 10 years | ~$2500+ |
Tempur-Luxe Adapt | 10 years | ~$3000+ |
Tempur Breeze (3 degrees cooler) | 10 years | ~$3500+ |
Tempurpedic mattresses might seem quite expensive, but considering the fact that they can last for over 20 years makes them very practical. Regular mattresses last around 7-10 years, half as long as tempurpedic mattresses. Therefore, it is better to invest more money in a high-quality and durable tempurpedic mattress that can provide much more comfort and last longer, rather than go with a relatively cheaper option that will require a replacement in a few years. If you’re noticing a difference in the edges of your mattress, be sure to take a look at what to do if your mattress edge collapses too. When you’re ready to replace your mattress, make sure to also take a look at our article, should you fold a mattress in half to move it for more useful information.
Do Tempurpedic Mattresses Get Softer Over Time?
If you bought a Tempur-Pedic mattress to get better sleep or to help with pain relief, but you find the mattress too hard, don’t panic, there is nothing wrong with you or your mattress.
Tempurpedic mattresses often feel too firm during the first few weeks after purchase. As in the case of tempurpedic pillows, mattresses also need some time to adjust to the shape of your body and get softer. The adjustment process might take 2-4 weeks on average, depending on the type of the mattress as well as on your sleep habits and movement.
One of the ways to speed up this process is to spend as much time in your bed as possible. You can also gently walk on the mattress a few times a day. Since tempurpedic mattresses are temperature-sensitive, try to keep the temperature in the room warm.
As mentioned earlier, tempurpedic mattresses are quite similar to those made of memory foam. Therefore, you should definitely check out the article by ecosa to learn about making your memory foam mattress softer.
How to Take Care of Tempurpedic Pillows and Make Them Last Longer?
The number one thing that affects the lifespan of a tempurpedic pillow is its quality. We have already discussed throughout the article that Tempur-Pedic produces high-quality, durable tempurpedic pillows that can last for at least 5 years. But taking care of your tempurpedic pillow is also an essential factor to make them last longer.
Notwithstanding the fact that tempurpedic pillows are long-lasting and resistant, they can easily be damaged if not treated and handled correctly. To make it easier for you to take care of your pillow and improve its lifespan, we will provide several tips to help you get the most out of your tempurpedic products.
Step 1. Use Pillow Covers to Prevent the Accumulation of Dust and Allergens
Bed sheets and pillow covers keep your mattress and pillows clean. Since it’s not easy to wash tempurpedic material, it’s recommended to always use clean sheets and pillow covers to maintain the quality of your tempurpedic products. These covers not only keep your mattress and pillows clean, they also prevent dirt and allergens from accumulating inside the foam.
Using decorative pillow covers can help you easily transform your pillows to match the entire design of your bedroom.
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Step 2. Store Your Tempurpedic Pillow Properly
Some people think that storing a pillow does not have a significant impact on the lifespan of the product. On the contrary, properly storing your tempurpedic pillows can help maintain the quality of the product and significantly improve its lifespan.
One common mistake while storing tempurpedic pillows using plastic bags. Plastic will not allow the air to flow through the pillow and will trap moisture, causing damage to the material. You should also avoid using vacuum space saver bags since they can irreversibly deform the tempurpedic material.
Step 3. Implement Proper Cleaning and Washing Techniques
This is one of the most important tips for improving the lifespan of your tempurpedic pillow. You should always implement adequate cleaning and washing techniques to remove any dirt or smudge from the tempurpedic pillow.
Be aware that Tempur-Pedic recommends customers not to wash tempur material. Therefore, try to spot-clean the pillow if there is just a small stain. In case if the pillow gets very dirty and there is an absolute need to wash it, follow the instructions provided on the label of a particular pillow.
Since Tempur-Pedic provides their own covers for pillows, it is quite easy to remove and wash the covers separately.
Follow the link to the product care guide by Tempur-Pedic to get further information on how to clean your pillows and keep them fresh. You might also enjoy our article on our favorite tempurpedic pillows.