The TEMPUR-Pedic Contour collection was created early in the company’s history to provide a firmer sleeping surface and address the needs of back and stomach sleepers. Side sleepers are often uncomfortable on a firm surface due to how pressure points cause a misalignment of the spine, but stomach and back sleepers have the same issue with too soft a surface.
The Contour line addresses these issues providing four different choices and surface comfort levels. The Contour Rhapsody Luxe is the softest of these mattresses offered, and is considered a medium-firm surface.
Like the other models, it has a removable and washable cover that is infused with their SmartClimate system that is supposed to help address issues with heat that may occur since it is created with moisture wicking fibers that help move heat and humidity away from your body.
Like most of the TEMPUR mattresses it comes in a twin long, queen, king, split king, CA king, and split CA king sizes, and can be used upon any of the TEMPUR foundations, the UP and ERGO designs included.
Features & Benefits
As a company that has been in business for a quarter of a century, TEMPUR-Pedic certainly has stayed on top of technology and seems to be constantly updating and applying new features to their products. Their patented memory foam formula is under pretty tight lock and key, and was created in the 1970’s in response to NASA’s need for a better cushion for their space program. From there, the TEMPUR foam as we know it today was born and put to use for home comfort.
Variations of the TEMPUR foam are featured in the top layers of every mattress and help create the comfort layers and additional support needed for a good night’s rest. The open-celled, viscoelastic polyurethane foam provides airflow and the soft ‘sinking’ feel memory foam is known for.
The TEMPUR company claims they are still the leaders within the memory foam industry, but advances in technology through the years have definitely provided some stiff competition. If you are curious about the overall feel of a TEMPUR mattress in comparison to another brand, head down to a nearby mattress showroom and try to see if you can tell the difference. In my experience the most noticeable difference was the price tag.
Construction
TEMPUR mattress comfort are designed using a foam layering process to help provide the many choices of comfort they offer and provide increased airflow with the additional open channels. The first layer you come in contact with this the quilted SmartClimate cooling cover described above which also serves as the initial protection of the layers below.
The 13.5 inch total mattress thickness is created using four layers of foam, the first being a 2 inch TEMPUR-HD (high density) comfort layer that weighs in at 7.1lb/cu.ft. and is supported by a general 2.5 inch TEMPUR 5.3lb/cu.ft layer. The remaining two layers are a general poly foam that weigh in around 2.0lb/cu.ft as a base layer that provides support and additional heat transfer for increased air circulation.
Foam Density Explained
Since the TEMPUR formula is under lock and key, the actual densities of the foam are rather difficult to find since there is not much transparency from the company concerning this. Foam density is important because it helps explain the quality of the product- not the softness. A higher density equals a better quality product that will last longer and not compress over time as easily.
The densities mentioned for this particular mattress’ top two layers are considered high, and are of decent quality. They should disperse weight evenly and not create any memory sinks where the mattress is unable to ‘bounce’ back. Unfortunately, these top layers they only make up 4.5 inches total of a 13.5 inch mattress, and the remaining base foam is of much lower quality.
This can become problematic for companies such as TEMPUR-Pedic which faces some pretty stiff competition, and many memory foam mattresses boating equal, or even superior quality foams, are becoming available for a fraction of the TEMPUR-Pedic prices.
Comfort
Despite the increase in competition, TEMPUR-Pedic has stayed on top of memory foam brand production due to their constant innovative applications to meet the demands of consumers. When they first launched their new mattress revolution in 1992, they literally rewrote what a good night’s sleep meant to the individual through the use of a material that allowed you to sink into it, while contouring to your body mass- rather than using a surface that held you up like so many coil beds used to do.
Their layering techniques allow them to change the densities and softness levels of their mattresses to provide a wide range of choices for sleep comfort, and the Contour Rhapsody Luxe is only one of their medium-firm surfaces to choose from.
Reviews vary on this particular model in that those who don’t like it complain of it being too firm a choice, has too slow a response to conform to your body, and that the edge support truly is minimal. TEMPUR-Pedic does claim that their foams to need to be broken in, and this goes especially for their higher density foams. Many reviews commented on the break in period as well (1 to 3 weeks) and were much more satisfied with their purchase after this occurred.
Heat Retention
Memory foam mattresses typically have a pretty high rate of complaints surrounding heat retention simply due to the nature of its enveloping feel. TEMPUR-Pedic has a pretty high percentage of issues surrounding this even in comparison to other brands, but this particular model has very few- most likely due to the firmer surface that doesn’t allow as much sink, resulting in increased airflow around your body.
Maintenance, Care, and Warranty
In general the maintenance of a memory foam mattress is fairly simple. Since it only has one sleeping surface, you no longer have to flip it, but you should rotate it to keep consistent pressure on it though the year. Most mattresses that recommend rotation suggest doing this once every three to four months.
Liquids and foam are never a good combination and can result in a breakdown of the materials and a voiding of warranty. The included zip off cover provides some protection, but you should look at purchasing a water-proof mattress protector as well to keep your mattress safe and stain free. The cover can be machine washed and dried, but to increase longevity of the SmartClimate fibers, line-drying may be a better choice.
The limited 10-year, full replacement warranty that all the mattresses sold by TEPUR-PEdic and approved authorized dealers covers replacement and repairs on product defects only. Part of this warranty is subject to what your mattress rests upon. TEMPUR-Pedic offers a mattress base as an optional purchase which helps keep this warranty intact.
A 90-day sleep trial is also available to customers with approved credit. You are, however, responsible for all shipping charges.
TEMPUR-Pedic Promise
25 years of mattress construction does show a dedication to the industry seen through their constant evolution and updates to their existing mattress lines. They promise your best night’s sleep or you money back, and they certainly seem dedicated to trying to prove this. Through the years new styles have been added to their choices, as well as an expansion into bedding option and accessories. Because of this they are recognized a top industry leader despite the recent influx in competition.
Consumer Proof
Of the many shared reviews concerning the Contour Rhapsody Luxe model, those looking for a firm surface were mostly happy with their purchase and very few issues about heat or pressure points became and issue. Complaints surrounded having to break in the mattress, or a lack of lower back support that began to occur over time- making me wonder if it breaks in too much and if you are looking for a firm choice, perhaps a more firm option would be better suited in the long run.
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Conclusion
Of the four different mattress series offered by The TEMPUR-Pedic Company, the Contour line is considered the firmest choices, with the Contour Rhapsody Luxe being the softest choice offered. Overall reviews praise the comfort and support provided, especially for back and stomach sleepers, although complaints do arise due to how long it takes to break in, and the fact that it may be too firm for some sleepers as previously mentioned. Another issue that has come it is the mention of how poorly the side support seems to be constructed.
On a whole, TEMPUR-Pedic continues to provide mattress variety despite the lack of material transparency, and seems to have a pretty dedicated following of consumers. Their longevity in the industry is reflected in the constant evolution of their application of technology- although I envision a drop in retail cost if they expect to survive with increased competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Foundation Needed?
Yes.
Is a Mattress Pad or Protector Needed?
Highly recommended.
Are returns hassle free?
Yes, no questions asked during 90 day trial.
Does it Work on Adjustable Beds?
Yes.
Is There A Trial Available?
Yes, 90 days.
How long is the warranty?
Limited 10 year full replacement warranty.
Does It Need To Be Rotated?
Yes, every 3-4 months.