What Are Tempur-Pedic Mattresses Made Of? Inside the Famous Foam

If you’re wondering what is tempur pedic mattress made of, here’s the short version: it’s a proprietary, ultra-dense memory foam system built to mold to you and quietly eat motion. But the build is more interesting than people realize—layers, cooling tech, and even a different recipe for hybrids. Let’s pop the hood.

The heart of it: TEMPUR material (aka fancy viscoelastic foam)

TEMPUR is Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary viscoelastic polyurethane foam—yes, memory foam—inspired by NASA’s pressure-relief concepts. Here’s the thing: not all memory foams are equal. TEMPUR is denser, slower to respond, and tuned to your body heat and pressure. That’s why it softens where you’re warmest (hips/shoulders), then stabilizes to keep your spine neutral. If you came here asking what is tempur pedic mattress made of, this core foam is the star of the show.

Layer-by-layer: comfort, transition, and support

Most Tempur-Pedic models stack multiple TEMPUR blends. Up top you’ll find softer comfort foams (think TEMPUR-ES for that initial melt and TEMPUR-APR for extra pressure relief). Beneath that sits a slightly firmer transition layer to keep you from bottoming out. The base is a high-density polyurethane foam core built purely for stability and longevity. In hybrids, Tempur swaps that solid base for individually wrapped coils under the TEMPUR layers—you keep the contouring but get a little bounce and better edge lift.

Believe it or not, the exact densities and blends vary by model line (Adapt, ProAdapt, Luxe, and the Breeze series). That’s how they dial in feel from medium to firm without ditching the signature slow-responding hug.

Cooling touches: covers, phase change, and airflow tricks

Covers are a big deal on these beds. Most modern Tempur-Pedic covers are a premium knit that’s stretchy (so it doesn’t fight the foam) and, on many models, removable and washable. The Breeze lines layer in phase-change materials (PCM) that feel cool to the touch and use more breathable, open-cell TEMPUR foams to move heat away. Some models add specialty cooling films or “PureCool” chemistry near the surface. TL;DR: same signature feel, less heat buildup than old-school memory foam.

Safety, fire barrier, and certifications (quick but important)

Tempur-Pedic says they do not use fiberglass. Instead, there’s typically a fabric fire barrier (often a rayon/cellulose blend with mineral content) that meets U.S. flammability standards. Their foams are CertiPUR-US certified—that means no ozone depleters, formaldehyde, PBDEs, or heavy metals, and low VOC emissions. You might notice a mild new-mattress smell at first; it usually airs out within a few days.

All-foam vs. hybrid: how the build changes the feel

All-foam Tempur-Pedic models feel slow, cushy, and incredibly motion-isolating—great for partners who toss. Hybrids keep that Tempur contour but add pocketed coils for easier movement and stronger edges. If you’re heavier or sleep near the edge, hybrids can feel more secure. If you love that deep, floating hug, all-foam is the classic pick. Either way, the TEMPUR layers are doing the pressure relief heavy lifting. That’s the real answer behind “what is tempur pedic mattress made of” in day-to-day terms—it’s built to absorb pressure before your joints complain.

Durability and care (so it stays great longer)

Dense foams tend to last. Many owners comfortably use their Tempur-Pedic for 8–12 years, and the brand’s 10-year warranty backs that up. Don’t flip it (the layers are one-way), but rotating head-to-foot a couple times a year can keep wear even. Most newer covers zip off to wash—just check your model’s care tag and never machine-wash the foam itself.

Bottom line: who’s it for?

If you want deep pressure relief, top-tier motion isolation, and you’re okay with a slower-moving feel, a Tempur-Pedic is kind of the gold standard. Hot sleepers should look toward the Breeze models or hybrids. Side sleepers usually love the softer TEMPUR blends; back and stomach sleepers often do better in medium to firm. Simple as that.

Want my short list?

I pulled together the Tempur-Pedic models worth your time, with who they fit best. If you’re deciding tonight, check my full picks on Consumer’s Best—it’s quick, honest, and I keep it updated when prices shift.