Stearns & Foster vs TEMPUR-Pedic Mattress Comparison

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If you’re looking for a new mattress, you’re probably overwhelmed by all the new brands out there. I’m a professional mattress reviewer, and even I have trouble keeping it all straight. 

With all these new brands to choose from, you may feel more comfortable trying mattresses that have been around for a long time. With that in mind, I always recommend the Stearns & Foster and TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses. But, which is better?

This Stearns & Foster vs TEMPUR-Pedic mattress comparison will discuss their similarities and differences and also help you decide which mattress is right for you.

Stearns & Foster vs TEMPUR-Pedic Comparison Video

Stearns & Foster vs TEMPUR-Pedic Mattresses Overview 

As I said above, Stearns & Foster and TEMPUR-Pedic are two stalwarts of the mattress industry. Stearns & Foster has been around for over 100 years and pioneered the modern innerspring mattress. For its part, TEMPUR-Pedic created the first types of memory foam for a little company called NASA. 

Now, both companies are still going strong and are major competitors in the mattress market. I have personally reviewed the Stearns & Foster & TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses, and I am a fan of all the brands’ models. However, the mattresses are quite different in terms of design and performance. 

To help you narrow down your decision, I’ll be focusing on two of the brands’ most popular models, the Stearns & Foster Lux Estate and TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze. Seeing how these two mattresses compare will give you an idea of how these brands stack up against each other. I will also go over how the other Stearns & Foster and TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses compare further down in this review. 

Who Should Get The Stearns & Foster? 

  • Fans of a more traditional mattress 
  • People with mobility issues 

Who Should Get The TEMPUR-Pedic?

  • Fans of a memory foam feel 
  • People with pain issues 

Similarities and Differences Between the Stearns & Foster and TEMPUR-Pedic Mattresses

Let’s start off by looking at the major similarities and differences between these two mattresses. 

SimilaritiesDifferences
The TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze and Stearns & Foster Lux Estate both contain TEMPUR material in their construction. The two brands’ mattresses range in terms of price. Specifically, the TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze costs more than the Stearns & Foster Lux Estate. 
While TEMPUR-Pedic also offers all-foam models, the Lux Estate and LuxeBreeze are both hybrid mattresses. The Lux Estate and a few of the other Stearns & Foster mattresses feature a pillow top, but the TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses do not. 
Both mattresses are available in multiple firmnesses. The TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze contains more TEMPUR material than what you find in the Lux Estate.
The Lux Estate and LuxeBreeze both feature advanced cooling features. They have very different feels. 

Firmness and Feel Differences 

These mattresses differ with regard to their firmness and feel. This will make them a better fit for certain sleeping positions and sleep preferences. 

How Firm Are the Stearns & Foster and TEMPUR-Pedic Mattresses? 

First off, you do have firmness options with the Lux Estate and TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze mattresses. The Lux Estate is available with or without a pillow top, and you can choose between Soft, Medium and Firm models. With the TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze, you can choose between Soft, Medium Hybrid and Firm. The Soft and Firm models are all-foam as opposed to the Medium Hybrid. 

I tested the Lux Estate Medium model with the pillow top and the TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze Medium Hybrid model. The Lux Estate scored a 6.5/10 on our firmness scale, which is the exact industry standard for medium-firm mattresses. The Medium Hybrid TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze felt softer than the Lux Estate and scored a 6/10. The thick TEMPUR material on top provided the mattress with some more give. 

Sleeping On the Stearns & Foster and TEMPUR-Pedic Mattresses 

Whenever I’m testing a mattress I, of course, sleep on it. This is the only way to know what sleeping positions feel best on each mattress. I started off sleeping on my back on the Stearns & Foster Lux Estate and, in my experience, it was a perfect match for this sleeping position. I got just the right amount of support and comfort for back sleeping

A man sleeps on his back on the Stearns & Foster Lux Estate

The mattress was just a decent match for side sleeping. I felt a bit of pressure on my shoulders and hips. I’m a bigger guy and weigh 270 lb, so if you are lighter than me, you might feel better pressure relief than I did. However, if you just sleep on your side, I would opt for the Soft pillow top model. 

The Stearns & Foster was also too soft for me when I was on my stomach. Stomach sleepers require more support under their hips, and if they don’t get it, their hips could sink down into the mattress, causing back pain. I felt this on the Lux Estate, so I would recommend the Firm version of this mattress or a firmer mattress all together. 

Back sleeping on the TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze was also very comfortable. I felt the perfect balance of comfort and support, and the TEMPUR materials supplied a good deal of contouring. I personally like when a mattress hugs my body like this bed did. 

A man sleeps on his back on the TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze

Side sleeping, I also felt better pressure relief than I experienced on the Stearns & Foster. The TEMPUR material cushioned my joints and also filled my gaps. TEMPUR material is known for its pressure-relieving qualities, so this is no surprise. 

However, TEMPUR material isn’t always the best with support. I experienced this while stomach sleeping on the TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze. My hips sunk too far into the top layer of the mattress and this was causing some misalignment in my spine. . If you sleep on your stomach, make sure to check out our best mattresses for stomach sleeping. 

What Do The Stearns & Foster And TEMPUR-Pedic Mattresses Feel Like?

The Stearns & Foster and TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses have very different feels. With the Stearns & Foster, you get more of a traditional mattress feel. The coils provide a good deal of bounce, and as a pillow-top mattress, it feels like a one you might get in a nice hotel. This design offers good comfort, and you won’t have any trouble moving around on the Lux Estate.

The same can’t be said for the TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze and other TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses. The slow-moving feel of these mattresses can be very comfortable, but it can make it difficult to move around and change positions. You can’t beat that contouring, but good luck if you like to roll around with ease. 

Stearns & Foster Lux Estate

Sleeper WeightBack SleepersSide SleepersStomach Sleepers
Lightweight (Under 130 lb)ExcellentExcellentFair
Average (130 – 230 lb)ExcellentGoodFair
Heavyweight (Over 230 lb)GoodFairBad

TEMPUR-Luxe Breeze

Sleeper WeightBack SleepersSide SleepersStomach Sleepers
Lightweight (Under 130 lb)GoodGoodFair
Average (130 – 230 lb)ExcellentExcellentFair
Heavyweight (Over 230 lb)GoodGoodBad

Mattress Construction Differences 

Now, I’d like to peel back the covers of these two mattresses and discuss what is inside. 

Cover

Starting on top of the Stearns & Foster Lux Estate, you’ll find a Tencel cover. This material is known for its breathability and moisture-wicking qualities, and you’ll find it on most nice hybrid mattresses

The TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze features a SmartClimate Cover that is designed to dissipate body heat while you sleep. When I lay my hand on the mattress, it was cool-to-the-touch and, even with a sheet on top, I could feel the cover doing its thing. 

Comfort Layers 

The Stearns & Foster Lux Estate actually features TEMPUR material in its comfort layer. The TEMPUR-Indulge Foam is designed to be both supportive and comfortable at the same time. However, even with this foam on top, the Lux Estate has more of a pillow top feel. 

A close shot of the side of the Stearns & Foster Lux Estate

Of course, the TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze also features TEMPUR material in its construction, but you get more of it here. In addition, the mattress contains PureCool Plus technology, which is meant to keep the mattress nice and cool. TEMPUR material is known for sleeping hot, and this is meant to offset this problem. 

A cross-section shot of the TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze

Below the TEMPUR material, the LuxeBreeze features proprietary Ventilated Advanced Relief Material. This adds some more pressure relief to the top of the mattress, and it is also there to help with heat dissipation. 

Support Layer

The Stearns & Foster’s contains IntelliCoil innersprings in its support layer. These are tall and supportive and also reinforced toward the edge for extra edge support. 

The TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze features double-stacked coils in its support layer. I personally felt the support of these coils, but I wouldn’t say they added much bounce to the mattress. 

Mattress Height 

The Stearns & Foster Lux Estate with the pillow top is 16” tall. The TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze is 13” tall. 

Stearns & Foster and TEMPUR-Pedic Size Options 

See the following charts for the most up-to-date size and price options for these two mattresses.

Stearns & Foster Lux Estate

Size DimensionsPrice
Twin Long38″ x 80″$2899.00
Queen60″ x 80″$2999.00
King76″ x 80″$3599.00
California King72″ x 84″$3599.00
Split King521270$5798.00
Split California King72″ x 84″$5798.00

TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze

Size DimensionsPrice
Twin Long38″ x 80″$4999.00
Queen60″ x 80″$5499.00
King76″ x 80″$6199.00
California King72″ x 84″$6199.00
Split King76″ x 80″$9998.00
Split California King72″ x 84″$9998.00

Stearns & Foster and TEMPUR-Pedic Performance Differences 

When I review a mattress, I do more than sleep on it. I also run it through tests to see how it performs with regard to cooling, motion, transfer and edge support. 

Sleeping Hot or Cold 

Even with its advanced cooling materials, the TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze loses this battle. Without thick TEMPUR material making up the majority of its comfort layer, the Lux Estate simply sleeps cooler. I felt less overheated when I slept on the Lux Estate. 

At the same time, I will say that the TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze is the coolest-sleeping TEMPUR-Pedic mattress. It sleeps cooler than the other TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses and, if you like the feel of memory foam and sleep hot, this is the way to go. 

Motion Transfer

TEMPUR-Pedic wins this one no problem. In my experience, TEMPUR material is great for motion isolation, and the TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze is no exception. During my tests, I saw no motion transfer whatsoever. 

The Lux Estate did not exhibit poor motion isolation, but it couldn’t compete with the TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze. 

Edge Support 

With edge support, the Lux Estate ekes out a win. I personally felt more secure lying and sitting down near the edge of this mattress. The reinforced edges were doing their job, and I did not get the sensation that I was going to roll off and onto the floor. 

A man sits near the edge of the Stearns & Foster Lux Estate

The TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze had decent edge support, but it collapsed more when I was near the edge. 

Durability 

This is going to be a tie. The Stearns & Foster Lux Estate and TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze are both high-quality mattresses with some durable materials. Based on their materials and designs, each should last for at least 10 years. 

Off-gassing 

I experienced no off-gassing with either mattress. Neither the Lux Estate nor the TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze comes compressed in a box like other online mattresses, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any chemical smells. 

Noise

This is going to be a tie as well. Neither mattress made noise when I rolled around and changed positions. However, both are hybrid mattresses, and this means their coils could start to squeak after a number of years. 

Sex 

Stearns & Foster is the clear winner here. Its responsive design makes it very easy to move around on, which is a boon for sexual partners. If you want a mattress for intimacy, the TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze will make it too difficult to move around on. 

How Do The Other Stearns & Foster And TEMPUR-Pedic Mattresses Compare? 

I’ve spent a lot of time talking about the Lux Estate and TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze mattresses, but what about the other models? Keep reading to learn more about the other offerings from Stearns & Foster and TEMPUR-Pedic. 

Stearns & Foster Studio vs TEMPUR-Cloud 

The Studio and TEMPUR-Cloud are the two value mattresses from Stearns & Foster and TEMPUR-Pedic. Like the Lux Estate, the Studio is also a hybrid mattress, and you can choose from a pillow top and non-pillow top version. You also get coils and memory foam but, overall, it is a simple mattress. 

The TEMPUR-Cloud is also a simple mattress and features TEMPUR material over coils. Still, it has the same slow-moving feel you get with the other TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses. 

Because the Studio and TEMPUR-Cloud are so close in price, their differences again have to do with feel. The TEMPUR-Cloud has more of a memory foam feel, and the Studio, with or without the pillow top is more responsive. 

Who Should Get The Stearns & Foster Studio? 

  • Fans of a responsive feel 

Who Should Get The TEMPUR-Cloud? 

  • Those who like a memory foam feel 

Stearns & Foster Reserve vs TEMPUR-LuxeAdapt

The Reserve and the LuxeAdapt are the highest end models from these two companies. The Stearns & Foster Reserve contains even more high-end materials than the Lux Estate. It boasts breathable wool as well as a reversible pillow top. It also adds another layer of micro coils for more support and bounce. 

The TEMPUR-LuxeAdapt is all about pressure relief. Compared to the other TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses, it features much more TEMPUR material. This gives it even more of that slow-moving feel and makes it better for side sleepers. 

In terms of price, you will pay a bit more for the Stearns & Foster Reserve, but both mattresses cost a bit more than $4,000 for a queen. 

Who Should Get The Stearns & Foster Reserve? 

  • Fans of bouncy mattresses
  • Those who like a pillow top feel 

Who Should Get The TEMPUR-LuxeAdapt

  • Couples 
  • Side sleepers and those with pain issues

Stearns & Foster vs TEMPUR-Pedic FAQS

Which is better, Stearns & Foster or TEMPUR-Pedic?

Both brands make some very nice mattresses, and they are going to work better for certain types of sleepers. If you like a bouncy mattress or need to move around easily, a Stearns & Foster will be the better bet. If you have pain issues or like some more contouring with your mattress, consider a TEMPUR-Pedic mattress. 

Can you flip the Stearns & Foster and TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses?

No, you cannot flip these mattresses. Some older innerspring mattresses were designed to be flipped, but most modern mattresses should only rest on one side. 

How long will the Stearns & Foster and TEMPUR-Pedic mattresses last?

These mattresses should last for at least 10 years. However, make sure to rotate your mattress regularly to get even more life out of your mattress. 

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Marten Carlson

Marten Carlson

Lead Mattress Reviewer

About Author

Marten has been writing about mattresses and sleep health for six years. He is the lead reviewer at Mattress Clarity where he tests mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories.

In his role here, Marten’s reviewed over 500 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories (so you can rest assured that if he recommends a product, it’s been put through the wringer in our Austin studio). In addition, he has written more than 400 articles reviewing the quality of sleep and sleep products as well as sleep health. He’s especially interested in the correlation between sleep and mental health.

Marten’s also got a personal stake in sleep health. After writing dozens of pieces on the dangers of sleep apnea, he decided to get tested for the condition. Realizing he did, in fact, suffer from sleep apnea, he immediately started using a CPAP machine. He knows all too well the importance of a healthy night’s sleep and is passionate about helping others get the healthy, restorative sleep they deserve.

He received his bachelor’s degree in Film Production from Denison University and his master’s degree in Film Studies from Emory University.

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