Frequently Asked Questions
What is TEMPUR® pressure relieving material?
It is a temperature sensitive material, quite different from ordinary foam. TEMPUR® material both resists flow or change of shape and returns to its original shape after being forced to change. An imperfect version of TEMPUR® material was developed for NASA in the 1970s, designed specifically to conform to any individual’s body and relieve the pressure of the tremendous forces of gravity the astronauts experienced during lift off and flight. Like so many NASA technologies, the formula was eventually released to the public. In 1991, Tempur World introduced TEMPUR® pressure relieving material, a vastly improved reinvention of the original NASA formula for home and medical use.
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How is TEMPUR® different from other materials that claim to be viscoelastic?
Unlike memory foam, TEMPUR® material is extremely dense--there are simply more cells per square inch than in most viscoelastic foams. Furthermore, the cells themselves are extremely dense and consistently shaped. The greater density allows for greater sensitivity of the material, and is more durable preventing the "bottoming out" that can occur in less dense material.
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Will the Tempur-Pedic® mattress make me hot?
No. The cells themselves are open and breathable, so the material is self-ventilating. However, due to the increase in circulation throughout your body, you may discover you need fewer blankets to sleep comfortably. Also, you sleep better and turn less. Naturally, the movement, tossing, turning, allows air to pass over the skin and cools the body down.
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How long will it take for me to get used to the Tempur-Pedic® mattress?
Some people are completely comfortable on the mattress right away. Others, who have been sleeping on a hard surface, may need some time to adjust to the remarkable amount of support and unique pressure relieving feel of the mattress (some call it a "floating" or "light" feeling).
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Is it more difficult to change position?
No, the slow recovery of the mattress to its original shape after conforming to your exact body contours is a different feeling. This is necessary for the mattress to conform to your body to relieve pressure and reduce the need to change position (toss and turn).
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Why does my mattress feel very firm and cold sometimes, and soft and responsive others?
TEMPUR® material is very temperature sensitive, so environmental temperatures can affect the feel of the mattress; but it will still adjust to your body temperature.
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My Tempur-Pedic® mattress feels softer than when I first bought it. Is it breaking down?
The mattress naturally undergoes an adjustment or "softening" period. Some cells may have remained closed after the manufacturing process. The mattress cells are fully opening and becoming more responsive to temperature and weight with continued use. This is normal and desirable. The softening process may occur more rapidly in the areas where you most frequently sleep as those cells are being manipulated more regularly.
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The TEMPUR® material in our Tempur-Pedic® Medical mattresses is denser and thus is heavier.
No, in fact, it makes it easier. You simply need to lift the foot or head end up and walk it to the opposite end. You will see it easily folds in half and it stays in that position. Most other mattresses, because they are lighter, need to be held in place to avoid them springing back while you are cleaning.
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How do I clean the Tempur-Pedic® Medical Mattresses, which have medical covers?
Clean the cover of the mattress in place with mild bacterial soap, spray chemical cleaners, or chlorine based cleaning solutions diluted to one part bleach and nine parts water. Wipe clear with a rag soaked in water only. When cleaning the bottom of the mattress, simply lift one end, and fold it over onto the other end, let go, and the mattress will stay folded. Repeat for the other end.
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What is the best way to turn patients on a Tempur-Pedic® Medical mattress?
Depress the surface with both hands on the side of the mattress that you want to turn someone toward, taking advantage of the slow material recovery to create a trough that will ease turning someone by rolling them downhill into the trough. While doing this, a second person can commence the turn. This way, the care provider uses gravity and the properties of the material to their advantage. This is generally not absolutely necessary, but it does help.
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How do I clean the Tempur-Pedic® Medical Mattresses, which have medical covers?
Clean the cover of the mattress in place with mild bacterial soap, spray chemical cleaners, or chlorine based cleaning solutions diluted to one part bleach and nine parts water. Wipe clear with a rag soaked in water only. When cleaning the bottom of the mattress, simply lift one end, and fold it over onto the other end, let go, and the mattress will stay folded. Repeat for the other end.
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Why is the Tempur-Pedic® medical mattress a better value than competitive mattresses?
Tempur-Pedic® Medical mattresses prevent and treat pressure ulcers as effectively as even self adjusting static air mattresses. Customer satisfaction scores will improve noticeably. And resident recruitment will have a powerful new tool when your person giving a tour points out that the facility has “TEMPUR®" inside.
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How does Tempur-Pedic® prevent and treat pressure ulcers as well as self adjusting static air ma
The key to preventing and treating pressure ulcers is the support layer closest to the patient. TMEPUR® material is a dry fluid that flows around the patient to give unparalleled pressure redistribution. The result can be seen in pressure maps and pressure gradient maps that compare favorably to self adjusting static air mattresses.
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Will my insurance or Medicare pay for my mattress?
The federal government will pay for a mattress for a hospital bed if you are eligible for Medicare and if you meet certain medical conditions. Tempur-Pedic® Hospital Mattresses can be partially reimbursed if the patient’s diagnosis and conditions fall under the guidelines required.
The amount of reimbursement for a typical hospital mattress is much less than the cost of a Tempur-Pedic® hospital mattress. You can use that reimbursement money to help pay for it. Just ask your dealer to submit an Advanced Beneficiary Notice click here for details. To get started in most cases, you will need to get a Certificate of Medical Necessity your physician. You then go to your local Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Company that accepts Medicare assignment. You purchase the mattress up front and the DME company will bill Medicare under the Advanced Beneficiary Notice. Tempur Medical® does not bill Medicare or Private Insurances under this premise.
If Medicare accepts the claim, the dealer will receive the reimbursement and send it on to you.
Another option could be your FSA (Flexible Spending Account) check and see what options you FSA may offer under mattresses.
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