Tuft and Needle vs Tempurpedic Mattress Review 2020

Many mattress innovations have been introduced in this decade alone. Memory foam, a less expensive and reliable material, has been the focus of most. How two brands have tackled this will be the highlight of the Tuft and Needle vs Tempurpedic Mattress Review.

Tuft and Needle is a bed-in-a-box brand that has only been around for several years. It traces its beginnings from the unsatisfactory experience of a software engineer in retail shops and showrooms. He attributed the negative effect to high markups, awkward mattress trials, and pushy salespeople. In a sort of plot twist, he partnered with a chief strategy officer from established manufacturer Serta Simmons Bedding and put up T&N.

Tempurpedic, on the other hand, is a giant manufacturer that has been in business since 1992. It popularized the use of memory foam or Tempur, a cushioning technology developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Through its existence, it has been a dominant player in the industry. It has also improved on its memory foam mattress offerings as the material revealed some weak points.

Allow this guide to take you through the factors you need to consider when choosing between the two companies. Let’s compare the T&N Original Mattress and the Tempur-Adapt Mattress, both flagship models, to streamline our review.

Tuft and Needle vs Tempurpedic Mattress Comparison

Tuft and Needle vs Tempurpedic Mattress Review

Construction & Materials

For those who just started reading here, we would like to repeat that we are focusing our review on the flagship models of the two brands: the T&N Original Mattress and Tempur-Adapt. 

Three layers make up the T&N Original Mattress, which boasts of an adaptive foam and an open-cell design:

• T&N Adaptive Foam – The top layer contains this Tuft and Needle proprietary material which adapts to your pressure points and weight. As a result, it aligns your spine naturally, providing superior comfort. 

• Foundation Layer – Sitting right below the adaptive foam is this 7-inch, high-density polyfoam. It not only gives the mattress its structure but also delivers a firm feel. It’s not surprising to find this all-foam on the firm end, as there is no transition layer to ease you into this component.

• Polyester Blend Cover – The third and final layer is actually the bed’s thin, breathable polyester blend cover. It is not removable, so you should make sure it stays clean and spotless. You can spot-clean dust or stain that in case they occur.

As for Tempur-Adapt, there are also two foam layers and a cover in its construction. It’s signature material is none other than Tempur, the memory foam derived from NASA’s attempt to cushion fabric seats on planes. This tech was designed to protect airborne individuals during emergencies. 

Tempurpedic’s adoption of Tempur has given rise to its reputation as a memory foam mattress brand. Most of its offerings feature a memory foam comfort layer and a high-density polyfoam core support layer. The Tempur-Adapt is known to sport those two.

Aside from our stock understanding of the materials, we are not privy to the content and composition of these layers. Traditional mattress brands do not disclose their layers to protect their proprietary materials. However, as more online mattress companies do so, it’s time the likes of Tempurpedic rethink their rule about disclosure and gain the trust of online shoppers. 

Winner: Tuft and Needle

Firmness & Feel

Above is the Standard Firmness Scale used by many mattress manufacturers. It comes in handy when customers want to determine which bed in a box they should buy. The range spans 1 to 10, where 1 is Soft and 10 is Firm. Other companies modify their models’ firmness scores based on customer feedback.

Legend

1 is soft, 10 is firm

• Ultra Soft – 1-2
• Soft – 3-4
• Medium – 5-6
• Firm – 7-8
• Ultra Firm – 9-10

Both Tuft and Needle and Tempurpedic dish out several designs, giving you multiple firmness options to choose from. But where do their respective flagship models fall?

The T&N Original Mattress gets a score of 7 based on expert and user reviews. It’s the lack of a transition layer that produces its firm feel, making it harder than most all-foam models. In this regard, someone who snoozes on their back or stomach can benefit from this firmness. Back-and-stomach combo sleepers are included as well. Average weight to heavyweight individuals should also consider this, even side sleepers.

Meanwhile, Tempur-Adapt has a medium firmness rating (5 on the scale). Any sleeping position can use it optimally. All weight classes are also accommodated.

Refer to these weight categories to know where you belong:

• Lightweight – 90 pounds and below
• Average weight – 90 to 130 pounds
• Heavyweight – 130 pounds and above

Both models still fall within what’s considered universal comfort (5.5 to 7 on the scale). However, one leans toward soft and another toward the firm. So decide based on your desired comfort level.

Winner: Tempurpedic

Cooling

Both T&N Original Mattress and Tempur-Adapt are all-foam mattresses. Memory foam is a common material for this type. And this foam has been traditionally known for sleeping hot. Now, advances have been made to keep it cool and breathable. Others have managed to combine it with phase change technology to ensure temperature neutrality. But the most popular components used are gel, graphite, and copper. 

Which among these solutions are found in our models?

The chilling combo in the Tuft & Needle mattress is graphite and ceramic gel. Graphite absorbs heat from the body and then conducts it within the bed layers. Throw in the cooling gel beads to wick heat and moisture away, and those who sleep hot can experience cooling comfort. The foams also feature an open cell structure for proper ventilation of the layers.

Now, we know how Tempurpedic is primarily an all-foam mattress brand. It has faced the sleeping hot issue of memory foam firsthand. Apparently, this is the drawback of foam that conforms closely to your body. To address the heat-trapping problem, its Tempur-Adapt mattress integrates cooling components into its memory foam. It is also designed in a way that fresh air is able to freely enter the layers stays.

As one of the models from the Adapt line, Tempur-Adapt blends the power of the cooling comfort layer and the breathable cover. The enhancements work, but some people report that it tends to sleep warm.

Winner: Tuft and Needle 

Edge Support & Sinkage

Are you wondering what this jargon means? Edge support refers to the stability and support provided by the bed at the perimeter. It prevents you from feeling the “roll-off” when you drift off near the side. This is great news for couples with one partner who tend to roll toward the edge in their sleep. Plus, both of you can enjoy a wider surface area with this feature.

With little to no compression, you can infer that a mattress has excellent edge support. If the perimeter is prone to sinkage, it can result in an uneven surface over time. This can also virtually cut your mattress’s life short. 

When you lie on the edge of the T&N Original Mattress, you can observe a significant sinkage. Sitting also causes some sinkage. A slight deformation can occur if you abuse the perimeter. This can be attributed to its two-foam construction. Such effect reflects how support does not necessarily correlate with firmness. Thankfully, Tuft and Needle resolve this issue in the T&N Mint Mattress, which has a transition layer.

Tempur-Adapt performs better in this department thanks to its high-density core layer. There is some stability provided to the sleeper who likes to roll over the edge. This can lengthen the lifespan of the mattress. However, it does not mean sagging won’t happen due to wear and tear and overuse.

If you want a bed that has exceptional edge support, go for a hybrid model that emphasizes this factor. 

Winner: Tempurpedic

Motion Transfer

What is it about motion transfer? This feature is concerned about containing movements within the spot where they originated. Sending little to no shocks across the bed can prevent the disruption of the other person’s sleep. Look for this factor in particular if you share your bed with a light sleeper or a fidgety sleeper. You’ll need it to protect the former or be protected from the latter.

Fortunately, some all-foam designs are hard workers in this area. The T&N Original Mattress is one example, making it an ideal choice for co-sleepers. Be it a partner, a sibling, or a pet, you can rest assured you will not be disturbed by the other person’s movements. The Adaptive Foam conforms closely to your body like memory foam. In turn, it is able to contain motion at the comfort layer.

Not to be outshone, Tempur-Adapt does not only reduce motion transfer. It eliminates it altogether in most cases. The power combo of memory foam and high-density polyfoam are responsible for this result. So if you are a light sleeper, you can drift off to dreamland without distractions with this one. Consequently, your sleep quality is not sacrificed.

Winner: Tempurpedic

Pricing

Pricing can be a dealbreaker for some buyers. Online mattress brands are able to cut down the costs of their products because they don’t have to spend on physical stores and personnel. Being the less expensive option, beds inboxes have won the hearts of many customers. But not all affordable models come with high-quality materials. 

On the other hand, traditional mattress companies have dominated the space for a long time. They are known for their high markups, which are partially due to their distribution model. Their products are mostly sold in showrooms and retail stores. This makes it hard for many people to acquire these mattresses even if they’re popular for their premium quality.

These two differences are at work in this Tempurpedic vs Tuft and Needle showdown. 

And for Tuft and Needle, high quality meets affordability in its original mattress, with the queen version retailing at around $500. The price drops further if you catch it on sale during promos and holidays. Online marketplaces like Amazon also offer great deals almost every day. One downside, however, is that you get only two layers. And with them, a firm feel.

Now, you have the queen-size Tempur-Adapt selling for $2,199. Come to think of it, this is already one of the company’s least expensive mattresses. It goes way beyond the average price memory foam bed on the market ($500 to $1,500). However, Tempurpedic has grown to become one of America’s most trusted brands. So for those who can afford it, there’s no question with regard to purchasing it.

Can’t pay cash upfront either way? Check the two company’s websites if you are eligible for financing.

Winner: Tuft and Needle

Other Factors

This section lumps several factors such as shipping, trials, returns, and warranties. These incentives are more or less included in the company policy for customers. Terms are published on the website and/or distribution channels. Alternately, you can ask your salesperson to show you the fine print if you are buying in a brick-and-mortar store. A thorough review of the terms can prevent headaches in the future.

Your order from Tuft and Needle will be delivered to your doorstep in a box, as you already know. It is fairly easy to set up on your own. Beds in boxes are designed this way to make it convenient for customers themselves to carry it through doorways and to the bedroom. White glove delivery isn’t free after all. 

From the date of purchase, you have 100 nights to test out the T&N Original Mattress. You can return it if you realize within this period that it is not the right fit for you. If you choose to keep it, then you are entitled to a 10-year warranty instead.

With Tempurpedic, you can enjoy some privileges that an established mattress firm can provide. Avail of free standard shipping when you order any of its mattresses including Tempur-Adapt. You can also request for next-day air delivery or second-day air delivery, which costs $40 per order or $25 per order, respectively. All deliveries are done via UPS.

If you live within the continental US, Tempurpedic can cover your white glove delivery and mattress removal. If you live in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other US territories, you will have to pay $25 per order. 

A 90-night trial period comes with your Tempur-Adapt Mattress. You need to fulfill a 30-day break-in period before you can request a return. Once completed, you can proceed with your return and get a full refund. But if you find it to be the perfect bed, your ownership comes with a 10-year non-prorated warranty. 

Winner: Tempurpedic

Not what you’re looking for? Check out our other mattress comparisons:

Casper vs Tempurpedic Mattress Review [The Complete Guide]
Tuft and Needle vs Leesa Mattress Comparison [The Complete Guide]

Pros & Cons

Tuft and Needle Mattress

Tempurpedic Mattress

Conclusion