Mattress Science, Mattress Choices, Memory Foam & Hybrid Foam
February 2026Tempur mattress UK alternatives & comparison models 2026
Tempur UK mattresses are available in a range of models made from ‘open-celled viscoelastic, pressure-relieving and temperature-sensitive material‘ known as Tempur Foam. So we are basing these Tempur UK mattress comparisons on the similar feels, not necessarily the chemical composition or brand names of these foams, as only Tempur itself sells its proprietary Foam.
The Tempur mattress landscape has changed dramatically since we last updated this guide.
The Cloud, Sensation, Original, and Hybrid ranges that dominated their lineup are now discontinued. In their place sit a simplified PRO SmartCool collection promising better cooling and a new budget Ease range launched in September 2025. But have these changes addressed the fundamental issues? And with competitors like Emma, Simba, and Nectar offering 200-36365-nightrials at half the price, the question of whether Tempur’s premium is justified has never been more relevant.
Our original comparison article from 2020 referenced models that no longer exist. The Tempur Cloud 27, we compared it to our Hybrid 4. Gone. The Tempur Sensation we matched against our Hybrid 5? Discontinued. This update examines what’s actually available in January 2026, what customers are actually experiencing, and whether there are better places to put your £2,000- £4,000.

Some of the Tempur UK models use castellated foams, which we discuss further below, that affect Foam behaviour. Tempur mattresses are loved by many who want a slow-sink feel in their mattress. It’s a very specific mattress comfort feel, so it’s always best to trial one first to see if their memory-style Foam is suitable for you and your sleeping patterns. Some people, for example, find it really warm and restrictive, whereas others love the snug sinking feeling!
What’s changed since our original article
Tempur underwent a major product line overhaul between 2023 and 2024, consolidating from four distinct ranges (Cloud, Sensation, Original, Hybrid) into a streamlined structure. The old naming system using depth numbers (Cloud 27, Sensation 25) has been replaced entirely.
Models discontinued:
- TEMPUR Cloud (Supreme, Elite, Luxe) – replaced by PRO SmartCool “Soft”
- TEMPUR Original (Supreme, Elite, Luxe) – replaced by PRO SmartCool “Medium-Firm”
- TEMPUR Sensation (Supreme, Elite, Luxe) – replaced by PRO SmartCool “Firm”
- TEMPUR Hybrid (Supreme, Elite) – completely discontinued with no direct replacement
New additions:
- TEMPUR Ease range (September 2025) – entry-level £1,099-£1,399 King
- TEMPUR PRO SmartCool collection with four firmness options
- Retailer exclusives: John Lewis CoolQuilt versions, Dreams Pro Air variants
The shift to SmartCool technology across the PRO range represents Tempur’s response to their most persistent complaint: heat retention. Whether it’s worked is another matter entirely.
Which mattresses are similar to Tempur UK mattresses?
We would need to be one of the trusted few that know Tempur’s secret Foam recipe, and we would also need a multi-million-pound manufacturing facility and loads of expensive legal licenses and marketing rights to compare like-for-like, so we are not for one minute claiming to do that here. If you want to find out more about who Tempur are, read on here.
However, based on customer and team feedback, we have written this to discuss mattresses that feel similar to these. If you really like the exact feel of a Tempur, we always advise you to buy one.
Given that Tempur doesn’t disclose the density of its Foam, it’s difficult to make an accurate comparison. Words like soft, medium, and firm can be very broad, and only with an exact density can a like-for-like comparison be made.
The Tempur UK mattress range
Tempur has several mattress ranges in the UK, some of which are discontinued, while others have been tweaked and rebranded. This guide will cover them all, regardless of how new or old your Tempur bed is.
- TEMPUR EASE
- TEMPUR PRO SmartCool
- Pricing Issues with TEMPUR Models
- TEMPUR Contour, which replaced the TEMPUR Original (firm) – Discontinued
- TEMPUR Sensation (medium)– Discontinued
- TEMPUR Cloud (medium soft)– Discontinued
- TEMPUR Hybrid (medium firm)– Discontinued
- Customer Reviews of Tempur
- Alternative Mattresses to TEMPUR models
Tempur’s UK mattress lineup has been dramatically simplified to just two collections—the entry-level EASE (£1,099-£1,299 King) and premium PRO SmartCool (£2,199-£3,199 King)—while competitors offer comparable features at 50-75% lower prices. Despite Tempur’s industry-leading Foam density of 85 kg/m³ and 10-year warranty, nearly 1 in 4 Trustpilot reviews are 1-star, with heat retention and strict warranty enforcement emerging as the most persistent complaints.
The legacy Original, Cloud, Sensation, and Hybrid ranges have been discontinued and replaced in their entirety by the February 2024 PRO SmartCool collection.
A critical purchasing consideration: different retailers stock entirely different product lines—Dreams sells exclusive “Pro Air SmartCool,” while John Lewis stocks “CoolQuilt” variants, making direct price comparison across channels nearly impossible.
UK retailer pricing reveals significant differences.
A critical finding for buyers: major UK retailers stock different, exclusive Tempur product lines, making direct price comparisons across channels impossible. This appears designed to prevent price-matching, and other mattress retailers in the UK all have some form of nuanced pricing system, which we have discussed at length, including RRP and models only being for sale in one store at full price in some cases.
Dreams UK (owned by Tempur Sealy International)
Dreams stocks an exclusive “Pro Air SmartCool” range unavailable elsewhere that claims 18% faster cooling than standard SmartCool technology. Their current sale offers 20% off Pro Air models. As the UK’s largest Tempur retailer, Dreams offersa 100-night comfort guarantee and 0% APR over 30 months.
John Lewis
John Lewis stocks a “CoolQuilt” series rather than SmartCool—a different cover technology entirely. They also offer an exclusive “TEMPUR for John Lewis” mattress at approximately £1,699 for a King. However, their comfort trial is only 60 nights, compared to 100 nights with Tempur.
Other authorised retailers
| Retailer | Range Stocked | Trial Period | Notable Offers |
| Bensons for Beds | Standard SmartCool | 40 nights | Room-of-choice delivery |
| Furniture Village | Standard SmartCool | Varies | 0% APR up to 40 months |
| Land of Beds | SmartCool + legacy | 40 nights | Free £139 pillows |
| Downtown Stores | SmartCool | Varies | £1,259 Pro Plus (vs £2,599 Tempur direct) |
The Downtown Stores pricing anomaly—showing King Pro Plus at £1,259 versus £2,599 Tempur direct—suggests either older stock, promotional pricing, or different configurations.
Did you know what all TEMPUR mattresses are one sided? You can’t turn them like a regular mattress.
Why not choose a 2-sided alternative model? Extending the longevity of your bed.
Competitor pricing comparison shows Tempur’s premium positioning
UK boxed mattress competitors offer comparable trial periods, warranties, and—in some cases—superior guarantees at 50-75% lower prices.
King size (150x200cm) pricing comparison
| Brand | Entry Model | Mid-Range | Premium | Trial | Warranty |
| Tempur EASE | £1,099 | — | — | 100 nights | 10 years |
| Tempur PRO SmartCool | £2,199 | £2,599 | £3,199 | 100 nights | 10 years |
| Emma Original | £249-£349 | £499 | £659 | 200 nights | 10 years |
| Simba Hybrid | £599-£719 | £974 | £1,349 | 200 nights | 10 years |
| Nectar | £299-£499 | — | £599 | 365 nights | Forever |
| OTTY | £450-£675 | £725 | £900 | 100 nights | 10 years |
| Eve | £549-£649 | £949 | £1,199 | 200 nights | 10 years |
TEMPUR EASE
The EASE range marks Tempur’s entry into the £1,000-1,500 price point, competing with boxed mattress brands. Understanding the construction details helps buyers make informed decisions.
Understanding the EASE construction: what changes between models
An important consideration when choosing between EASE models: the £1,099 EASE 20cm, £1,199 EASE 22cm, and £1,299 EASE 25cm all feature the same 3cm layer of TEMPUR Adapt Material. The price increases reflect additional base Foam beneath the comfort layer rather than more pressure-relieving material.
What this means in practice: the 5cm depth difference delivers a higher mattress profile (which some prefer aesthetically or for ease of getting in and out of bed) rather than additional comfort. The surface you sleep on remains identical across the range, so if comfort is your primary concern, the EASE 20cm offers the same pressure relief as the EASE 25cm at £200 less.
The single firmness limitation
The EASE range offers one firmness option: Medium-Firm. This creates challenges for certain sleeper types—side sleepers under 11 stone may find insufficient pressure relief for shoulders and hips, whilst back sleepers over 16 stone might experience more sinkage than they’d prefer.
Our approach differs: even at entry-level pricing, the Origins range offers tailored spring tensions (1.28mm soft, 1.4mm medium, 1.6mm firm) matched to body weight. We’ve found this flexibility helps more sleepers find appropriate support from the outset.
Who EASE suits
The EASE range works best for:
- Back sleepers weighing 10-14 stone—the medium-firm support prevents excessive sinkage whilst the 3cm Adapt layer cushions the spine
- Stomach sleepers—the firmer base keeps hips aligned without the lumbar hyperextension that softer mattresses cause
- Naturally cool sleepers—if you don’t overheat easily, the basic EASE cover (not SmartCool) won’t bother you
TEMPUR PRO Smart Cool
The PRO SmartCool collection represents Tempur’s flagship technology—TEMPUR Advanced Material, which claims 20% better pressure relief; SmartCool covers promise better temperature regulation; and four firmness options address the EASE range’s limitations. The execution is more sophisticated than EASE, but critical issues remain.
Understanding firmness ratings: what Soft, Medium, Medium-Firm, and Firm mean
Tempur’s firmness ratings tend to be firmer than those of some other UK brands. Their “Soft” often feels closer to what other manufacturers call “Medium,” whilst their “Firm” provides substantial orthopaedic-level support. This can surprise buyers, particularly those purchasing online, so in-store testing proves valuable when possible.

Soft PRO SmartCool (successor to Cloud range):
- Suit side sleepers 8-12 stone or those recovering from injuries requiring maximum pressure relief
- Initial sink depth: approximately 5-7cm with a 12 stone sleeper
- Common complaint: “Feels like sleeping in the mattress rather than on it”—the enveloping Sensation some love but others find claustrophobic
- Break-in period: 30-45 days before reaching intended softness
Medium PRO SmartCool:
- Tempur’s most versatile option, genuinely suitable for 60-70% of sleepers
- Suits combination sleepers (side/back rotation) weighing 10-15 stone
- Initial firmness often surprises buyers expecting “medium” to mean soft, closer to medium-firm by industry standards
- Break-in period: 20-30 days
Medium-Firm PRO SmartCool (successor to Original range):
- The orthopaedic option for back pain sufferers and back/stomach sleepers
- Suits sleepers 12-18 stone who need substantial support
- Side sleepers often report shoulder and hip pressure at this firmness
- Minimal break-in required—feels similar from day one
Firm PRO SmartCool (successor to Sensation range):
- Genuinely firm; approaching clinical orthopaedic feel
- Suits stomach sleepers over 14 stone and those with chronic lower back issues
- The dynamic support layer (claimed improvement over the old Sensation) provides subtle pushback when you shift position
- Not recommended for side sleepers at any weight—pressure points are inevitable

The depth difference: does 21cm vs 25cm vs 30cm matter?
Unlike EASE (where depth changes are meaningless), the PRO range’s depth tiers deliver actual performance differences:
PRO 21cm (£2,199):
- 3cm Advanced Material top layer
- 3-5cm support Foam layers
- Suitable for platform beds, slatted bases with <7cm gap
- Feels slightly firmer than Plus/Luxe due to less total Foam depth
- Budget-conscious buyers’ entry to SmartCool technology
PRO Plus 25cm (£2,599):
- 5cm Advanced Material top layer (+67% more pressure-relieving Foam)
- 5cm TEMPUR Adapt Material secondary layer
- Noticeably softer progressive sink compared to standard PRO
- Most popular choice—the “Goldilocks” depth for 70% of buyers
- Works on any base type
PRO Luxe 30cm (£3,199):
- 5cm Advanced Material top layer
- 10cm combined Adapt/Dynamic support layers
- The deepest, most adaptive Tempur construction available
- Maximum motion isolation for couples
- Requires a bed frame with sufficient clearance—often necessitates a low-profile base
The Plus represents the genuine “sweet spot”—meaningful comfort improvement over standard PRO for £400, whilst the Luxe’s additional £600 delivers diminishing returns for most sleepers.
SmartCool technology: what it actually does
The SmartCool cover uses phase-change materials woven into the fabric. These molecules absorb heat when your body temperature rises, theoretically creating a cooling sensation. The QuickRefresh zip-off design allows 40°C washing to maintain effectiveness.
The technology works for the first 15-30 minutes of sleep. Multiple reviewers describe the initial “cool-to-touch” Sensation as genuinely pleasant—some even complain it’s too cold initially, particularly in winter. The cover absorbs body heat effectively during sleep onset.
The technology fails after 30-60 minutes for warm sleepers. Once the phase-change materials saturate with absorbed heat, they can’t dissipate it fast enough. The underlying high-density memory Foam (85 kg/m³) continues to generate and trap heat. By 2-3 hours into sleep, hot sleepers report the same overheating issues SmartCool was designed to solve.

Who SmartCool actually helps:
- Neutral sleepers who experience occasional warmth but not chronic overheating
- Those in climate-controlled bedrooms (18-20°C year-round)
- Back sleepers (less body contact than side sleeping = less heat generation)
Who SmartCool doesn’t help:
- Hot sleepers or menopausal individuals experiencing night sweats
- Those in non-air-conditioned UK bedrooms during summer
- Side sleepers with high body contact creating heat at the shoulders/hips
Tempur Contour/Original comparison
The Tempur Contour/Original model is the firmest in the Tempur range and was the first model they released. Given that the Foam is heat-sensitive, this model feels very firm in cold temperatures or cold rooms. Having slept on one, it takes a while for the Foam to start moulding unless you’re a really warm sleeper. We don’t have a comparison model for this mattress, as most of our customers don’t want a Foam mattress this firm.
Tempur Cloud comparison
The Tempur Cloud model is the softest in their range, which we compare to our Hybrid 4. The inclusion of 4cm of ES Tempur Foam (ES stands for extra soft) in the top comfort layer gives this model an immediate sink feel.
The support layer is made up of 7cm of Tempur support Foam (no density given), and then two 8cm durable support Foam layers, which are cut to castellated Foam to give a softer feel to the support layer. This Foam looks a bit like an egg box shape in castellation. The raised parts of the Foam compress faster than a standard Foam but there is also an argument that they degrade quickly as the shapes can break and crumble over time. This is why we don’t use castellated or specially cut foams. This model provides a medium level of support for most body weights up to 15 stone, in our experience.
It is the top layer that provides the soft-sink Sensation, hence the term ‘Cloud’.
Our Hybrid 4 model is a close alternative to the Tempur Cloud. There are, however, some differences between the two. Our Hybrid 4 features a separate deep 7.5cm laygel topper. This gives a soft feel in the top layer, but it’s also fully turnable and removable. Settlement and dips are always a problem with a one-sided mattress, and our article goes into some detail on this. This helps extend the life of the mattress, as you can turn and rotate it monthly, even out to wear.

The Hybrid 4 also has a 6cm 60kg Vasco (memoryFoamm) Foam as the top layer of the core mattress. This slows down the sinking feeling, preventing the mattress from becoming too soft. The 7.5cm laygel layer of gel under this provides some rebound and bounce back to the mattress. Again, helping give progressive support like the memory Foam. The reflex base, which could be compared to the Tempur supporting base layer, provides the support necessary to give it a medium overall support, with a soft feel in the top comfort layers.
In addition, our Hybrid 4 comes with a tape-edged damask cover topped with a John Ryan stretch knit cover. The tape edge cover comes with handles to aid in the rotation of the core mattress. Given how heavy these mattresses can be, the handles help make rotation easier. The Tempur mattress doesn’t have a handle; it has a polyester cover.
| Hybrid 4 | Tempur Cloud 27 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cover | Micro-quilt John Ryan Cover with tape edged damask sides | 1.5cm extra soft quilted polyester cover |
| 1 | 7.5cm 60kg Laygel | 2.5cm Extra Soft layer Tempur Foam |
| 2 | 6cm 40kg Memory Foam | 7cm comfortable layer Tempur Foam |
| 3 | 5cm 60kg Laygel | 8cm Durable base layer |
| 4 | 10cm Reflex Support Foam | 8cm Durable base layer |
| Total Depth | 28.5cm + 3-5cm for the quilted cover | 27cm |
Tempur Sensation comparison
This Tempur model is the medium-soft model in their range, which we compare to our Hybrid 5. The inclusion of 1.5cm of ES Tempur Foam in the top comfort layer and then 5cm of soft-touch comfort Foam and 5cm of HM Tempur Foam (high mobility) directly under this, gives a medium feel in the top layers as the HM Foam provides more support than the Cloud model, which firms up the top layers.
The support layer has a castellated (cuts in the Foam), durable base layer, which would be the first support layer on top of a durable support layer. The castellation makes the Foam compress and expand faster than solid Foam; in this instance, the castellation looks like slots that have been removed from the top layer of the Foam. This model provides a medium level of support for most body weights up to 15 stone, based on our experience.
This is how the Sensation gets its spring factor compared to the Original or Cloud.
Our Hybrid 5 has a 7.5cm Coolblue toppe,r which gives a medium to firmer feel in the top layer. This topper is removable and antape-edged. It’s also really responsive, oait lets you think in quicker than the 85kg firmer foams. The 70kg density gives more support, similar to the medium feel of the Sensations comfort layer.

Under the topper comfort layer sits the core mattress made up of 6cm 60kg Vasco (memoryFoamm) Foam as the top layer of the mattress. This slows down the sinking feeling, preventing the mattress from becoming too soft. The 7.5cm laygel layer under this provides some rebound and bounce back to the mattress, similar to the castellated (especially cut durable base layer) in the Tempur Sensation. The reflex base, under this specially cut, durable base layer, provides support, giving it an overall medium-responsive feel in both the support and the top comfort layers.
Again, our Hybrid 5 comes with a tape-edged damask cove, topped with a John Ryan stretch knit cover. The tape edge cover comes with handles to aid in the rotation of the core mattress. The Tempur mattress comes without handles and is covered with a polyester-branded cover.
| Hybrid 5 | Tempur Sensation 27 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cover | Micro-quilt John Ryan Cover with tape edged damask sides | 1.5cm extra soft quilted polyester cover |
| 1 | 7.5cm 70kg Coolblue Foam | 2.5cm Extra Soft layer Tempur Foam |
| 2 | 6cm 40kg Memory Foam | 7cm comfortable layer Tempur Foam |
| 3 | 5cm 60kg Laygel | 8cm Durable base layer |
| 4 | 10cm Reflex Support Foam | 8cm Durable base layer |
| Total Depth | 28.5cm + 3-5 cm for the quilted cover | 27cm |
Tempur Hybrid Model Comparison
The Tempur Hybrid utilises both micro springs and Tempur foams to provide, they claim, a more responsive night’s sleep. This is probably to mitigate the incredibly slow response of memory Foam, which can be discussed in detail here.
The Hybrid range uses Precision microcoils, which are trademarked. As with many retail mattress manufacturers, there is zero detail on these springs, making them impossible to review or compare. Without a gauge or tension equivalent, there’s nothing more we can say about these. You can read our guide to what to look for in pocket springs here.
We have written about the issues with boxed mattresses and springs in the past; the result is that they can only be stored for relatively short time spans, sometimes as short as 3 months, before the spring units risk damage from contortion. I’m sure Tempur ship their goods much faster than this, but it’s worth bearing in mind!
The closest comparison we have to this model is the Origins Pocket Latex 1500, though it’s not a like-for-like comparison. For example, our model features medium-gauge pocket springs, 1.4-gauge springs, and a 6cm Talalay Latex layer on top of a wool-silk pad. So it’s not an exact comparison. Latex is widely acknowledged as a far superior material compared to synthetic-made foams. Our Origins Latex 1500 retails at £810 for a king-size compared to Tempur’s £3349 for the Hybrid Lux! (Jan 2018 Prices)

American Tempur Models
In the USA, the Tempur range has recently been rebranded into three ranges, each with 3 or 4 models. There’s a much broader choice than on the UK models’ sites when looking at their USA site. However, because they are not available in the UK, we won’t go into too much detail on them here. They are listed for informational purposes only.
- TEMPUR-Contour Supreme (firm)
- TEMPUR-Contour Elite (medium firm)
- TEMPUR-Contour Rhapsody Luxe (medium firm)
- TEMPUR-Cloud Prima (medium soft)
- TEMPUR-Cloud Supreme (soft)
- TEMPUR-Cloud Elite (extra soft)
- TEMPUR-Cloud Lux (ultra soft)
- TEMPUR-flex Prima (medium firm)
- TEMPUR-flex Supreme (medium)
- TEMPUR-flex Elite (medium soft)
Why is it hard to compare Tempur models?
It’s difficult to compare exactly to Tempur models as they don’t give the density of their Tempur Foam. Whilst they do give depth, which is more than most manufacturers, without density, you can’t accurately work out the tension or how these layers will sit together. They also use Tempur’s own Foam recipe, a closely guarded secret, making it impossible to replicate the Foam without their license.
| Foam Grade | Density Min KG/M3 | Density Max KG/M3 | Hardness Min (n) | Hardness Max (n) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vasco 40kg | 38 | 42 | 40 | 60 |
| Vasco 60kg | 58 | 62 | 70 | 100 |
| Laygel 60kg | 57 | 63 | 100 | 150 |
| Coolblue 70kg | 65 | 70 | 70 | 100 |
| Reflex 300 | 30 | 32 | 100 | 130 |
| Reflex 300F | 30 | 32 | 130 | 160 |
Tempur models available: Foam data
| Tempur Original 27 | Tempur Sensation 27 | Tempur Cloud 27 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cover | 1.5cm TEMPUR Soft touch embedded in quilted polyester cover | 1.5cm TEMPUR ES (extra soft) embedded in quilted polyester cover | 1.5cm TEMPUR ES (extra soft) embedded in quilted polyester cover |
| 1 | 4cm TEMPUR Soft touch comfort layer | 5cm TEMPUR Soft touch comfort layer | 2.5cm TEMPUR ES (extra Soft) layer Foam |
| 2 | 6.5cm TEMPUR support layer | 5.5cm TEMPUR HM (high mobility) support layer | 7cm TEMPUR Support layer |
| 3 | 7.5cm Durable base layer 1 | 11cm Specially cut durable base layer (castellated foam) | 8cm Durable base layer 1 |
| 4 | 7.5cm Durable base layer 2 | 4cm Supporting base layer | 8cm Durable base layer 2 |
| Total Depth | 27cm | 27cm | 27cm |
| Feel/Tension | Medium / firm | Medium | Medium-soft |
The drawbacks of one-sided mattresses
We have written extensively on one-sided mattresses and how this is a drawback, as it means you can only use one side of the bed. These memory Foam style mattresses and Tempur beds are the exceptions to the rule, as their construction method means they can only ever be one-sided. If they were two-sided, the softer top layers would be compressed and crushed over time, making them useless. That said, our Hybrid range has been designed with separate toppers to help alleviate the issues with one-sided mattresses. You can turn and rotate these full,y extending the lifespan of your new mattress.
Differences in the covers
Our mattress covers are tape-edged, similar to the more traditional hand-made pocket-sprung mattresses. Why do we do this? Simply, it’s the best cover method we have found. It supports the mattress, making lifting and turning far easier than with just a stretch polyester cover. The top sides always feature a stretch-knit fabric in a diamond quilt, allowing you to get the full benefit of the softer foams beneath. The machine-stitched sides give the mattress added strength if you do end up sitting on the edge and help move the mattress during maintenance. If you used a damask on the top side, it would impede the feel of the foams. There are no tufts, so the sleeping surface is flat, which is a benefit for those who don’t like tufts.
Castellated or specially cut foams
The Tempur Cloud and Sensation both use different forms of castellated Foam. A castellated Foam is a Foam that’s been cut or shaped to affect its tension or firmness. It can make foams more springy, softer in the top layer, or more flexible. We have found that castellated foams have been criticised for cuts and eggbox shapes degrading faster than flat-form foams. This would make sense given that the cut areas would be more exposed than a flat slab of Foam. For this reason, we have never used castellated foams. We prefer to choose a Foam with the right properties rather than cutting or shaping it into something else.

Customer reviews show deeply polarised satisfaction.
Tempur UK holds a 4.0/5 Trustpilot rating from approximately 2,300 reviews, but the distribution reveals a troubling pattern: 59% 5-star ratings alongside 23% 1-star ratings—meaning nearly 1 in 4 customers leave the worst possible rating. This polarisation indicates customers either love or hate their purchase.
Heat retention dominates complaints.
Heat is the single most consistent complaint across all review platforms. Despite SmartCool technology marketing, customer experiences vary dramatically:
- “Very comfortable BUT in summer gets so hot, destroys sleep. Ignore the nonsense about cooling properties” Trustpilo.t
- “I struggle to stay in bed for more than three hours because the heat becomes unbearable”, Trustpilot — November 2025 review.w
- “SmartCool cover feels icy cold at the start of the night…then the heat becomes unbearable” — Trustpil. ot
Independent reviewers offer mixed assessments. Ideal Home called the Pro Plus SmartCool “a hot sleeper’s dream,” while Sleepopolis UK noted “deeper sinkage can lead to more heat build up” with cooling being “relatively average.”
Durability complaints typically emerge at 2-5 years
Long-term durability reviews split dramatically. Many owners report 8-15+ years of excellent performance, while others experience sagging within 1-3 years:
- “After 1 year of purchase, the mattress sagged from one side to the point of being painful” Slumber Search — £4,500 mattress owner
- “5 years into our Tempur mattress…developed visible and uncomfortable dips” Trustpilot — November 2025
- Conversely: “Our Tempur mattress is now coming up to its 8th birthday, and we wouldn’t change it” AVForums — satisfied long-term owner
Warranty claims face strict enforcement.
Tempur’s 10-year warranty requires visible sagging of 2cm+ without any weight on the mattress— a threshold many complainants find impossible to meet. Common rejection patterns include:
- Inspectors measure the centre of the mattress rather than the sleep zones where impressions occur, Trustpilot
- Moisture damage exclusions (even with protector use)
- The £72 inspection charge if claims are disputed
- Customers are directed back to retailers rather than Tempur directly
“The so-called 10-year warranty appears to be meaningless,” summarises a common sentiment, with one reviewer noting their claim was “rejected because it was not sagging enough,” according to Trustpilot, despite visible dips when lying on the mattress.
Firmness selection proves critical for satisfaction.
Side sleepers under 12 stone frequently reportthat even “Soft” models feel too firm, while heavier users (over 16 stone) may sink excessively into softer options. Multiple reviews emphasise a 30-60 day break-in period before the mattress reaches its intended feel.
Alternative mattresses to Tempur?
If you’ve tried a Tempur and like that soft-sink feeling but are put off by the issues with memory Foam, then Natural Latex is a great, breathable alternative. Natural Latex offers amazing progressive support and comfort, but is far less heat-retentive than synthetic Foam mattresses. meaning it keeps you cooler in summer. Another benefit of a solid-core natural Latex mattress is that it’s two-sided, so that you can sleep on either side. This extends the mattress’s lifespan and helps reduce natural settlement. All Tempur mattresses in the UK are one-sided, so you can’t turn them; you can only rotate them.
Benefits of Latex Mattresses:
- It’s a natural material and not synthetic
- Breathable, unlike memory foams
- Two-sided, so thatit can be turned
- Has a far longer lifespan
- Responds to pressure, not bodyheat
John Ryan alternatives by Tempur price tier: what you actually get for your money
If you’re considering Tempur, you deserve to know what alternatives exist at each price point, with full specification transparency, natural materials that regulate temperature effectively, and two-sided construction that significantly extends lifespan. Here’s the honest comparison using our Yorkshire straight-talking approach.
Entry level: competing with TEMPUR EASE at £1,099-£1,299
Tempur offers: EASE 20-25cm with 3cm Adapt material, medium-firm only, synthetic polyurethane Foam, one-sided construction, 100-night trial, 10-year warranty.
Our alternative: Origins Pocket 1500 at £1,050 King
The Origins Pocket 1500 delivers:
- 1,500 spun-bond pocket springs (1.4mm gauge as standard, with 1.28mm soft and 1.6mm firm options available)
- 1,550 GSM total upholstery broken down as: 300 GSM wool, 750 GSM very soft polyester, 500 GSM polyester pad
- Two-sided, fully turnable construction—flip monthly to distribute wear evenly, extending lifespan from Tempur’s 8-10 years to 12-15 years
- 28cm total depth—comparable to EASE 25cm
- Full specification disclosure—every layer’s GSM published, spring gauge options explained, no mysteries
- 2-year guarantee (honest about entry-level positioning)
The fundamental difference: Pocket springs provide airflow that memory Foam can’t match. The 1,500 individual springs create vertical air channels, whilst natural wool wicks moisture away from your body. You won’t overheat on the Origins Pocket 1500, unlike warm sleepers who report overheating on EASE.
Price difference: £49 less than EASE 20cm (£1,050 vs £1,099), whilst offering superior temperature regulation and twice the functional lifespan through two-sided construction.
When EASE makes more sense: If you’ve tested Tempur in-store and specifically love the slow-sink memory Foam sensation, and you sleep cool naturally, so heat retention won’t bother you. Otherwise, the Origins Pocket 1500 delivers better value and longevity.
Mid-range: competing with TEMPUR PRO SmartCool at £2,199-£2,599
Tempur offers: PRO or PRO Plus with 3-5cm Advanced Material, four firmness options, SmartCool cover, one-sided, 100-night trial, 10-year warranty.
Our alternative: Artisan Naturals at £2,180 King
The Artisan Naturals is our best-selling mattress for excellent reasons:
- 1,600 calico encased pocket springs (superior to spun-bond—individually fabric-wrapped for quieter, more responsive support)
- 3,950 GSM total upholstery, 85% natural fibre content,t including:
- 1,200 GSM blended British fleece wool and Cotton (temperature regulation and moisture wicking)
- 1,250 GSM rebound poly Cotton (resilient support layer)
- 1,500 GSM 100% pure mohair (luxurious, breathable comfort layer)
- Two-sided construction with hand side-stitching
- Spring tension options: 1.28mm (soft, for sleepers under 11 stone), 1.4mm (medium, 11-16 stone), 1.6mm (firm, over 16 stone)
- 10-year guarantee matching Tempur’s warranty period
- 60-day Love It or Return It with free collection if not suitable
Temperature regulation comparison: British fleece wool and mohair naturally wick moisture and regulate temperature through their hollow fibre structure. They don’t require phase-change materials or SmartCool technology—they perform this function inherently. Hot sleepers consistently report better sleep on natural fibres versus memory Foam, regardless of cover technology.
The natural fibre advantage: Wool and mohair remain comfortable across seasons. Memory Foam firms up in cold rooms (a persistent complaint about Tempur in winter) and softens excessively in warm rooms. Natural fibres maintain a consistent feel regardless of ambient temperature.
Price difference: £19-£419, less than PRO/PRO Plus (£2,180 vs £2,199-£2,599), whilst offering superior materials, better temperature regulation, and comparable longevity.
When PRO SmartCool makes more sense: If you’ve slept on Tempur mattresses previously and specifically prefer memoFoam’s slow response over the more responsive feel of pocket springs and natural fibres. Or if maximum motion isolation matters more than temperature regulation (memory Foam isolates movement better than any spring system).
Premium natural: competing with TEMPUR PRO Luxe at £3,199
Tempur offers: PRO Luxe 30cm with 5cm Advanced Material + 10cm support layers, SmartCool cover, four firmness options, one-sided, 100-night trial, 10-year warranty.
Our alternative: Artisan Bespoke 004 at £2,860 King
The Artisan Bespoke 004 represents exceptional value at this comparison tier:
- 1,600 calico pocket springs (1.28mm gauge standard with alternatives available)
- 3,600 GSM total upholstery, 100% natural fibres including:
- 1,200 GSM British fleece wool/Cotton blend
- 200 GSM soft Bamboo (naturally antimicrobial and moisture-wicking)
- 1,200 GSM pure Horsetail (traditional upholstery material prized for resilience)
- 1,000 GSM bonded British fleece wool and Cotton
- Two-sided construction with three rows of hand side-stitching
- 10-year guarantee
- No synthetic materials—no polyurethane Foam, no fire retardant chemicals
Why Horsetail matters: Traditional upholsterers have used Horsetail for over 200 years because it maintains loft and resilience for decades. It doesn’t compress the way Foam does—meaning the comfort you experience at year one remains similar at year ten. Tempur’s memory Foam, regardless of density, gradually softens over its lifespan.
The breathability factor: Every material in the Artisan Bespoke 004 is naturally breathable. Air circulates through the calico pocket springs, through the Horsetail fibres, through the wool layers. Compare this to Tempur’s solid-foam construction, where air has nowhere to go—heat builds up regardless of the cover technology.
Price difference: £339 less than PRO Luxe (£2,860 vs £3,199), whilst offering 100% natural materials, superior temperature regulation, and similar longevity.
Ultra-premium: the Artisan Sublime and Legacy Two options
If you’re considering Tempur’s absolute top tier (PRO Luxe at £3,199 or retailer exclusives approaching £4,000), our premium natural options deliver superior specifications at comparable or lower pricing:
Artisan Sublime at £5,160 King:
- 3,000 dual-layer calico pocket springs (2,000 + 1,000 = exceptional support and comfort separation)
- 6,200 GSM total upholstery, 100% natural fibres including:
- 1,200 GSM organic flax
- 400 GSM British Alpaca (rare, expensive, extraordinary temperature regulation)
- 1,200 GSM horsehair
- 1,200 GSM Horsetail
- 1,200 GSM British fleece wool
- Four rows of hand side-stitching
- 10-year guarantee
Legacy Two at £5,550 King
- 2,508 dual-layer calico pocket springs
- 5,400 GSM total, 100% British natural fibres, including:
- 1,000 GSM rare British Alpaca (not South American—genuinely rare material)
- 1,200 GSM Gold-certified Yorkshire Swaledale Wool
- 1,200 GSM British fleece wool Cotton
- 1,000 GSM Horsetail
- 1,000 GSM bonded British fleece wool/Cotton
- 15-year guarantee (our longest, reflecting premium durability)
- Exclusively British-sourced materials—supporting UK agriculture and textile industries
Price comparison to Tempur PRO Luxe (£3,199):
- Artisan Sublime: £1,961 more but delivers dual-layer springs, 6,200 GSM natural fibres (versus Tempur’s undisclosed synthetic Foam), and British Alpaca.
- Legacy Two: £2,351 more but delivers exclusively British materials and a 15-year guarantee
The value proposition: At £5,150-£5,550, you’re in ultra-premium territory where longevity and material quality justify investment. Tempur’s synthetic Foam, regardless of density, has a finite lifespan. Natural fibres in the Artisan Sublime and Legacy Two can deliver 18-25 years of service with proper care. The cost-per-night calculation remains competitive, given the extended lifespan and premium British materials.
Summary
We must be clear and, in the interests of fairness to Tempur, that we can’t confirm that any of our models are exactly like Tempur’s models. This article discusses similar models that may offer a comparable feel to the mattresses listed above. Tempur is a reputable company that has funded the initial discovery of its Tempur Foam, which, in turn, has led to the memory Foam revolution over the past 20 years.
Feel is a subjective term, and everyone interprets comfort slightly differently. One thing is certain: we provide you with both the density, depth, and data sheets required to make an informed decision on your hybrid or memory Foam mattress. Lastly, any high-quality mattress will be heavy because it contains many layers of Foam or upholstery. Therefore, to aid mattress turning, handles and a high-quality cover are essential.
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