TEMPUR-Pedic is known to be the ultimate in pressure relief and adaptive support. The Cloud collection is their most sinkable and soft mattress they offer. They are focused towards combination sleepers to help with proper spinal alignment and the dispersion of pressure points. Two of the options in the Cloud collection is the Elite and the Luxe, but what is the difference between the two? Is one better than the other? Let’s check it out.
TEMPUR-Cloud Elite
The Cloud Elite features four layers of different foam materials to help with support, pressure point relief, increased airflow, and reducing motion transfer. The full TEMPUR line has been a leading standard to what other memory foam mattresses are held up to. This particular mattress comes in seven different sizes which includes Twin Long, Double, Queen, King, Split King, CA King, and Split CA King and they are all designed to work with a stable, firm foundation or adjustable base.
The Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great pressure relief
- Good amount of sinking
- Best for lightweight side-sleepers
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for back or heavier side-sleepers
- Heavier individuals may sink in too much
- Temperature Control
The top layer of this TEMPUR mattress is made from viscoelastic polyurethane foam. This type of foam is open cell, which allows airflow and optimal comfort. The first layer of the Cloud Elite features a SmartClimate system cover that helps take moisture and heat away from your body by transferring it through the other foam layers so that it cools down as you sleep. It also has a cool to the touch comfort that you can feel. Both mattress options, the Elite and the Luxe, have this technology, so both should have the same cooling feel to them, although there have been complaints about the overall success of this system because of the way the memory foam is constructed.
Foam Density
The density of the foam inside of a mattress is set to determine the quality and life of your product. The higher the density, the longer it will be able to handle weight and pressure over time. The density for the Elite goes as follows: The top layer is 2.4 inches thick with a 4.1 pound density. The next layer is 2.4 inches of 5.25 pounds to support weight distribution. The next two and last layers are a respective 4.9 inches and have a 2.75 pound density. These are generally good numbers, but its competitor, the TEMPUR Luxe, has a better second layer at 7.1 lbs/cu ft.
Comfort & Support
TEMPUR is known for being one of the most comfortable beds out there, but with so many different options to choose from, does it mean that they all have different comfort levels? To answer this question simply, it’s yes. The Elite version is made from extra-soft TEMPUR-ES material. This makes the mattress extremely soft while working with the support layer to provide you with personalized comfort and support.
The Cloud Elite is one step down on the firmness scale than the Luxe, giving you just a little less of a sinking feel to it. Unfortunately, this is not the best mattress for heavier side or back sleepers. It may cause you to sink in more and put your spine out of alignment. However, it has an overall great comfort rating and provides optimal pressure relief.
TEMPUR-Cloud Luxe
The TEMPUR-Cloud Luxe mattress is the more expensive of the two, running about $500 more than the Elite. It is available in the same sizes as the Elite, but it is just a touch softer. So, for those who want the softest bed they can possibly get, the Luxe is it.
The Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very soft
- Great for combination sleepers
- Good motion isolation
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Costly
- Sleeps hot
- Poorly designed for back and stomach sleepers
Temperature Control
As with the Elite, the Luxe comes with the built-in SmartClimate system cover that zips off for easy washing. This cover features moisture wicking fibers that dissipate body heat and humidity throughout the other foam layers to help create a cooling effect for the body. Combined with the open cell design, it’s supposed to provide you with a cooler night’s sleep.
There have been many concerns surrounding the faulty design of the cover mixed with the memory foam. Since memory foam is meant to surround your body, it’s quite difficult for heat to escape. This may not be true for everyone since we all have different body shapes and sizes, but it’s a very common issue for both types of mattresses. Moreso, since the Luxe has a softer top layer, there is more sinking and more complaints of heat issues.
Foam Density
The Luxe is the softest out of all of the TEMPUR mattresses that are currently offered. It has two comfort layers and an airflow base. Inside of the mattress is a 3.5 inch TEMPUR-ES layer with a 4.1 pound density. This layer is then supported by a 2 inch TEMPUR-HD layer with a 7.1 pound density. The last two layers are 4 inches with a 2 pound density and is just a general polyfoam support layer. The TEMPUR-HD layer is almost 2 whole pounds more than that of the Elite, meaning that there is a higher probability of a longer lasting support.
The last two layers of the Luxe are very low in density and have a very low overall support. So essentially, the first two layers of the mattress are what you are getting the most out of.
Comfort & Support
If you are a lover of the softest sleeping surface you can find, the Luxe offers this to you. THe softness of this one provides excellent comfort and pressure point relief, especially for side sleepers. Unfortunately, if you are a heavier individual, you may feel a “bottoming out” sensation as you sink into the top layer. This may create an uncomfortable surface and pressure points rather than relieving them.
The Elite, since it has just a touch more firmness to it, may be the better option for those who are heavier in weight. You may not experience the bottoming out feeling and it may relieve your pressure points better. However, if you are a combination sleeper, this is the better option for you.
The Better Choice
It’s tough to say which one is really better because everyone has a different body shape and size along with a different level of comfort. There are many other variables that you have to take into consideration when choosing a bed such as your sleeping position, pain you may have, your budget, body weight and so much more. Taking all of these considerations in, I would honestly say that the TEMPUR-Cloud Elite would be your best option.
The TEMPUR-Cloud Elite is my choice for a variety of reasons. First, it’s the cheaper of the two and right off the bat, you’re saving yourself $500. Second, it has just a slightly different firmness level so that it’s not as soft as the Luxe. If you are a heavier individual, you may do better on this one rather than the Luxe because of the sinking factor.