The Best Tempur-Pedic Mattresses for Side Sleepers

The Best Tempur-Pedic Mattresses for Side Sleepers Buying Guide

Tempur-Pedic currently offers a total of seven memory foam and hybrid mattress models. The company’s selection includes multiple firmness, thickness, and support levels in order to accommodate individuals with different sleep positions. Sleeper weight affects individual experiences with different mattresses; someone who weighs less than 130 pounds, for example, will have a different experience on a mattress compared to someone who weighs more than 230 pounds.

Before we compare Tempur-Pedic mattress models, let’s look at some key definitions and considerations for side sleepers.

Types of Side Sleeper Positions

Generally speaking, the term ‘side sleeping’ usually refers to one of four positions:

• Fetal: Both legs curl at the knees and the back is somewhat hunched to create a ‘curled up look’ similar to babies in the womb.
• Log: Arms and legs are extended, and the back is straight.
• Yearner: Arms are stretched out, and back and legs are straight.
• Sprinter: Arms and back are straight, and one leg is curled at the knee while the other is fully extended.

None of these are technically ‘correct’ or ‘better’ than the others, though positions where the legs fully extend – such as the log and the yearner – minimize the chances of mid-sleep pelvic rotation, which can lead to spinal misalignment (see next section for more information).

Considerations for Side Sleepers

Side sleepers generally feel most comfortable on mattresses that feature the following:

• Low to Medium Firmness: Side sleepers require enhanced neck and back support for proper spinal alignment. Mattresses that are ‘Medium Firm’ or lower tend to be suitable for most sleepers, whereas mattresses that are too firm do not offer adequate neck and back support.
• Pressure Relief: Side sleeping creates pressure points in areas along the spine, including the neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips. Mattresses that contour closely and align the spine will help alleviate these pressure points.
• Mattress Thickness: Thickness is often tied to firmness, since thicker mattresses tend to have more padding layers and, as a result, are less firm than relatively thin mattresses.
• Pelvic Rotation: Some side sleeping positions can lead to unnatural twisting at the midsection, which results in misalignment between the upper and lower body. This is known as pelvic rotation, and it can lead to unwanted pain and pressure. Some side sleepers remedy pelvic rotation by placing a pillow between their knees or maintaining sleep positions that limit nighttime shifting (such as the ‘log’ position). However, mattresses that offer adequate support and firmness will also minimize the risk of pelvic rotation.
• Sleeper Weight: People with below-average weights (130 pounds or less) may not weigh enough to experience contouring on exceptionally firm mattresses. Likewise, those with above-average weights (230 pounds or more) may be too heavy for exceptionally soft mattresses; this often results in added pressure and discomfort.

Tempur-Pedic Mattress Construction

Tempur-Pedic does not disclose detailed specifications about any of their mattresses, but their current models share the following basic structure:

• Memory Foam Comfort Layer: Each Tempur-Pedic model varies in terms of foam thickness and density, but all have at least one layer of memory foam in the comfort system.
• Varying Support Core: Cloud and Contour mattresses have solid, high-density polyfoam support cores. The Flex Supreme Breeze, a hybrid, has a support core with pocketed coils encased in foam. All three models in the Adapt series are available as all-foam beds with high-density polyfoam cores; the ProAdapt and Adapt are also sold as hybrids, which have foam-encased pocketed coils instead.
• Varying Cover Composition: Mattresses in the Adapt series have cooling covers. All other Tempur-Pedic mattresses have polyester covers.

Tempur-Pedic Mattresses: Current Models

Other Tempur-Pedic Products

Tempur-Pedic is most famous for its mattresses, but the company manufactures many other sleep accessories. If you’re thinking of choosing new pillows or a mattress topper that will work great with your new mattress, you may be interested in reading more about these products.

Standard Pillows

Like all pillows, Tempur-Pedic’s line of pillows comes in a range of price points with varying lofts. Choose the loft, shape, and softness which will work best for your sleep style.

Speciality Pillows

In addition to their standard pillows, Tempur-Pedic offers specialty pillows to provide comfort to everyone from pregnant women to travelers.

Mattress Topper

For sleepers who are interested in adding to their Tempur-Pedic mattress’ comfort, or those who aren’t in the market for a new mattress but want to try out the company’s offerings, the Tempur-Topper Supreme is an excellent choice for a mattress topper.

Three inches of breathable TEMPUR memory foam offer sleepers motion cancellation, soft but stable support, and pressure point relief. The topper comes in a removable, washable, dust mite and allergen-resistant cover, so it’s easy to keep clean and contributes to the overall cleanliness of your bedding. Finally, the $399 price point (for a queen) is competitive both with a new mattress and other toppers on the market.

Conclusion

Individual experience will vary significantly from sleeper to sleeper — and testing out mattresses in person may be the best way to determine which model is best for you and your partner. Please check out our Tempur-Pedic Mattress Review page to learn more about individual models, as well as the brand’s shipping and delivery policies, sleep trial, and warranty terms. To compare Tempur-Pedic with other memory foam mattress brands in terms of price, performance, and other criteria, please visit our Mattress Reviews section.

Do you prefer to sleep on your back? Check out our guide for the Best Tempur-Pedic Mattresses for Back Sleepers.