Best Tempur-Pedic Mattresses for Back Sleepers

Tempur-Pedic launched in 1992, using material developed based on NASA’s research on a new kind of foam to use in spacecraft seats. The company decided that the material that was designed to cushion and support astronauts during takeoff could also fit the needs of sleepers. This material is now commonly known as memory foam, earning Tempur-Pedic the distinction of popularizing memory foam mattresses. After merging with Sealy in 2012, Tempur-Pedic became part of one of the world’s largest mattress companies.

Memory foam’s unique combination of contouring and support can be an ideal match for back sleepers. While the foam shapes to the sleeper’s body to relieve pressure points, it is also supportive to promote better spinal alignment.

The Tempur-Pedic line consists of five models, including the TEMPUR-Cloud, the TEMPUR-Adapt, the TEMPUR-ProAdapt, the TEMPUR-LuxeAdapt, and the TEMPUR-breeze°. These models vary slightly in their designs to accommodate sleepers with different sleeping styles, but they all use Tempur-Pedic’s well-known memory foam.

We’ll highlight some of our top picks for Tempur-Pedic mattresses that can suit the unique needs of back sleepers. Then, we’ll discuss some special considerations for back sleepers considering a Tempur-Pedic mattress.

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If you’re still not sure about getting a Tempur-Pedic mattress for your back pain, you can browse our collection of mattress guides categorized by sleeping styles.

Back Sleeping Explained

While back sleeping doesn’t enjoy the widespread popularity of side sleeping, around 10% of sleepers swear by it.

Back sleepers may notice a wide range of potential benefits, including the following.

• Spinal alignment. With a sufficiently supportive and contouring mattress, back sleeping usually supports the spine’s natural alignment, which could lead to fewer aches and pains.
• Fewer facial wrinkles. Back sleepers are thought to be less likely to develop facial wrinkles as a result of their sleep position. Side sleeping and stomach sleeping put pressure on the face, which could lead to wrinkling.

However, sleeping on your back can also have some potential drawbacks:

• Snoring and aggravated sleep apnea. When you fall asleep, your muscles relax. A back sleeper’s tongue may fall to the back of their mouth and their airway may compress, leading to snoring. This can be particularly problematic for those with sleep apnea. However, many back sleepers find relief from snoring by using a wedge pillow or adjustable bed to elevate their upper body.
• Pregnancy issues. The added weight around a pregnant woman’s midsection can make back sleeping uncomfortable and contribute to lower back pain. Experts advise against this sleep position during pregnancy because it can also restrict blood flow, potentially diminishing the nutrients and oxygen that the fetus receives.
• Aches and pains. Some sleepers experience aches and pains when sleeping on their backs. Neck pain may develop if the pillow is too thin or too thick. Some individuals also suffer from back or hip pain as a result of the sleep position, which can often be resolved by placing a pillow or rolled towel under the knees.
• Acid reflux. Lying on the back without a sufficiently supportive pillow could allow stomach acid to creep up into the esophagus. However, a wedge pillow that elevates the upper body can reduce the risk since gravity helps keep the sleeper’s stomach contents in place.

How to Choose a Tempur-Pedic Mattress for Back Sleepers

Back sleeping has a unique effect on the body. Understanding the role your sleep position plays can help you select a Tempur-Pedic mattress that maximizes the potential benefits of back sleeping while limiting the potential drawbacks. Back sleepers should pay particular attention to selecting a Tempur-Pedic model that strikes the right balance between contouring and support for their body type. However, other factors may also play a role in your decision.

What to Look for in a Mattress for Back Sleepers

The same criteria that influence most customers’ mattress decisions are also important to consider when buying a Tempur-Pedic mattress for back sleeping. These factors can affect both the comfort and overall value of the mattress.

Unfortunately, finding the ideal mattress isn’t always easy. Some brands claim their models are comfortable for all sleep positions, but this usually just means they have a medium to medium-firm feel. Paying attention to the specifics of the model you’re looking at rather than trusting broad claims can help you find your perfect mattress match.

Firmness Level: 
A mattress’s firmness level is of critical importance for a back sleeper’s spinal alignment. If the bed is too firm, your hips may not sink in enough to keep your spine straight. If it’s too soft, your hips may sink in too deeply and drag your spine out of alignment.

The ideal firmness will depend largely on your body type. Individuals who weigh under 130 pounds typically prefer a softer model because they may not apply enough force to sink into a firmer option. Those who weigh over 230 pounds usually prefer a firmer model because they may not receive enough support from a softer option.

Back sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds may find any of Tempur-Pedic’s firmness options comfortable, while those who weigh more than 130 pounds may prefer one of the brand’s firm options for extra spinal support.

Quality Materials 
Tempur-Pedic mattresses are popular in part thanks to their high-quality, technologically advanced materials. Quality materials not only affect the bed’s performance, but they can also enhance its life expectancy. While mattresses that use high-quality materials typically come at a higher cost, this expense may be justified by their performance and durability.

Pressure Relief
Since a back sleeper’s weight is relatively well distributed by the sleep position, they’re unlikely to experience as sharp of pressure points as side sleepers. However, a mattress with good pressure relief may still feel more comfortable for back sleepers. Pressure relief occurs when a mattress spreads out the sleeper’s weight more evenly to reduce pressure from key areas. Back sleepers will likely experience this as a gentle cradling of their hips. The Tempur-Pedic line has exceptional pressure-relieving properties thanks to its proprietary memory foam.

Contouring
Contouring is how a mattress adjusts to the shape of the sleeper’s body. Back sleepers usually benefit from a mattress with enough contouring to let their hips sink in just enough so that their spine is relatively straight. All of Tempur-Pedic’s models are built for conforming and contouring.

Price
While price matters, customers should try to avoid basing their purchasing decision solely on this criterion. Price is often reflective of the types of materials used. Since many more expensive mattresses use higher-quality materials, they may last longer, thus saving the customer from having to replace their bed as soon. Tempur-Pedic mattresses usually carry a higher-than-average sticker price, but they also tend to be durable.

Edge Support
A stable edge can make it easier to sit or sleep comfortably near the perimeter of the bed, so back sleepers who tend to use the edge extensively may prefer extra edge. Tempur-Pedic’s hybrid models and firm all-foam models tend to have a sturdier feeling edge than its softer all-foam options. Like the softer all-foam models from other brands, some individuals could notice sagging or instability when they attempt to sit or sleep near the perimeter of a Tempur-Pedic mattress on the softer end of the firmness spectrum.

Temperature Regulation 
Temperature regulation is often essential to a comfortable night’s sleep. Back sleepers who tend to overheat during the night frequently prefer a model with stronger temperature control to keep them cool and dry. Several models by Tempur-Pedic have cooling features that may help sleepers maintain a more neutral body temperature.

Ease of Movement
If you sleep on your back all night, ease of movement may not be a priority. However, combination sleepers often prefer a mattress that’s easy to move on so that they can easily change positions. Tempur-Pedic mattresses and other models that use memory foam are often more difficult to move on due to memory foam’s slower response time and close hug. However, the firmer models typically perform better in this category than the softer options.

Mattress Type
The main mattress types are foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid, and back sleepers may get the support and contouring they’re looking for from any of these mattress types. Shoppers should know that each mattress type has potential pros and cons, but each model is unique. Tempur-Pedic produces all-foam and hybrid models. While the all-foam models typically isolate motion to a greater extent, the hybrid models usually have more bounce, breathability, and edge support.

Other Considerations for Back Sleepers

Weight: Since your weight influences how much pressure your body applies to your mattress, it should also play a role in your purchasing decision. The same mattress will likely feel firmer to a lightweight individual than a heavier person. Because of this, back sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds will typically prefer a softer mattress so that it contours to their bodies, while those who weigh more than 230 pounds will generally favor a firmer model so that their hips don’t sag and put a strain on their spine.

Spinal Alignment: Maintaining proper spinal alignment can help prevent strain that can lead to aches and pains. For most back sleepers, the hips and neck are the critical areas. The right balance between contouring and support can cradle the hips while supporting them enough to keep the spine well aligned. Similarly, the right pillow loft can support the natural curvature of the neck. A medium- or high-loft pillow is usually best.

Acid Reflux: Back sleeping can aggravate acid reflux symptoms. This relatively flat position allows stomach acid to migrate into the esophagus. While some acid reflux sufferers choose to avoid the position altogether, others use a wedge pillow to prop up their upper body and reduce acid reflux symptoms.

Sleep Apnea: Sleeping on the back may make it more likely for the tongue and soft tissues of the mouth and throat to obstruct the airway, contributing to increased snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. People who have sleep apnea but prefer lying on their backs often use a wedge pillow or an adjustable bed to elevate their upper bodies.

What is a Tempur-Pedic Mattress?

Tempur-Pedic developed its proprietary memory foam based on materials engineered by NASA for use in spacecraft seats. Today, Tempur-Pedic has several variations on its famous TEMPUR foam in order to produce a wider range of firmness options and performance capabilities.

Five main models make up the mattress line: the TEMPUR-Cloud, the TEMPUR-Adapt, the TEMPUR-ProAdapt, the TEMPUR-LuxeAdapt, and the TEMPUR-breeze°. Each model has a unique design and performance to accommodate different needs and preferences, but the models share the same basic construction. Tempur-Pedic does not disclose all the specifics of its construction techniques or materials, but its models seem to include a cover, a comfort layer, a transition layer, and a support core.

• Cover: Tempur-Pedic mattresses typically have breathable covers to allow cooling airflow into the bed. Beyond that, however, the covers vary. Some models have stretchy covers so that they move well with the comfort system, others have covers specially engineered for cooling, and some can be removed and machine washed for easy cleaning.
• Comfort Layer: Each mattress model uses a comfort and transition layer of some variation of TEMPUR memory foam. This may include TEMPUR, TEMPUR-ES, TEMPUR-APR, TEMPUR-APR+, and/or TEMPUR-CM+. The comfort layer gives surface-level cushioning and a close hug, while the transition layer contours more deeply and acts as a barrier between the comfort layer and core.
• Support Core: Tempur-Pedic’s all-foam models use polyfoam cores, while its hybrid models have coil cores for support.

Current Tempur-Pedic Mattress Models

Model	Type	Firmness	Price
TEMPUR-Cloud	All-Foam	Medium (5)	$1,999
TEMPUR-Adapt	All-Foam, Hybrid	Medium (5)	$2,199
TEMPUR-ProAdapt	All-Foam, Hybrid	Soft (2-3), Medium (5), Firm (7-8)	$2,999
TEMPUR-LuxeAdapt	All-Foam	Soft (2-3), Firm (7-8)	$3,699
TEMPUR-PRObreeze°	All-Foam, Hybrid	Medium (5)	$3,999
TEMPUR-LUXEbreeze°	All-Foam	Soft (2-3), Firm (7-8)	$4,699

Are Tempur-Pedic Mattresses Suited to Back Sleepers?

Tempur-Pedic mattresses combine contouring and support, which are typically the most important traits for back sleepers. Our picks have balanced features that will give many back sleepers the support they need to promote proper spinal alignment while allowing their hips to sink in a bit.

While Tempur-Pedic offers models that can accommodate virtually any back sleeper, shoppers should take their unique needs into account when selecting the best option for them. For instance, people who tend to sleep hot might consider a model with more cooling features, those that use the edge of the bed extensively may prefer a hybrid option or a firm all-foam model, and those who prioritize motion isolation might be best served by a softer all-foam model.

The sleeper’s weight influences how much contouring and support they’ll experience, so it is another essential factor to consider when making your choice. This may be most important for sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds because their hips could sink in too deeply on one of Tempur-Pedic’s softer options. A firm model may better support their spine. Lightweight individuals might also appreciate the support of a firm mattress, but a softer bed would contour more.

Last Things to Consider with a Tempur-Pedic Mattress for Back Sleepers

A mattress is a big purchase, so it’s natural to have questions. Below, we’ll go over some of the most common questions shoppers have as they look for a Tempur-Pedic mattress for back sleeping.

Which Mattress Firmness is Best for Back Sleepers?

The best firmness for back sleepers will vary based on an individual’s weight and personal preferences. Individuals who weigh under 130 pounds usually get the right balance of conforming and support from a medium-soft mattress, those who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds often prefer a medium to medium-firm mattress, and back sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds typically benefit from the added support of a medium-firm or firm model.

A back sleeper’s hips are likely to sink too far into an excessively soft mattress, and this can put a strain on their lumbar region. If the mattress is too firm, the sleeper’s hips may not sink in enough, putting their spine out of alignment. For most back sleepers, the optimal firmness is one that allows the hips to sink in just enough to keep their spines straight.

What Other Products Does Tempur-Pedic Offer?

Tempur-Pedic produces a range of sleep products, including bases, pillows, mattress toppers, blankets, sheets, slippers, and sleep masks. Shoppers can also purchase stuffed animals and cushions that use Tempur-Pedic’s popular TEMPUR material.

How Much do Tempur-Pedic Mattresses Cost?

Tempur-Pedic mattresses start around $2,000 for a queen mattress and go to upwards of $4,000. This is above the average cost of other memory foam mattresses due to the use of high-quality proprietary materials. While their construction increases the ticket price, Tempur-Pedic mattresses often last longer than many memory foam models, which could make them a better value in the long run.

How Durable Are Tempur-Pedic Mattresses?

Customers can typically expect to enjoy their Tempur-Pedic mattress for 7 years or more. This is longer than the average life expectancy of a memory foam mattress, which is usually around 6.5 to 7 years. Tempur-Pedic’s high-quality materials should resist the sagging and long-term impressions that often form on lower-quality beds.

Mattress Warranty and Other Policies

When you purchase a mattress directly through the company, Tempur-Pedic provides a 10-year limited warranty that offers to repair or replace defective mattresses. The owner is responsible for the cost of transportation. Customers can also take advantage of a 90-night sleep trial. Owners must try their new mattress for at least 30 nights. During the eligible window, they can return their mattress, though they may incur a $175 shipping fee. Additional terms and conditions apply.