As a seasoned mattress reviewer, I've had the pleasure of experiencing numerous mattresses in my career, analysing their distinct features, evaluating the comfort they offer, and estimating the suitability for various types of sleepers. Today, I'd like to share my thoughts on the TEMPUR EASE® 20cm SmartCool™ Mattress, a product I had the opportunity to test in-store and evaluate deeply. Let's look into this premium memory foam mattress.
Design and Features
The TEMPUR EASE® 20cm SmartCool™ Mattress is a product that is designed to stand out in the premium memory foam mattress market. To start with, this mattress comes with an exclusive SmartCool™ cover, which is cool-to-touch and is only available at Dreams. This medium-firm mattress is born out of NASA technology and has a depth of 20cm. Add to this the fact that the cover is machine washable at 30 degrees, and you have a mattress that ticks many boxes in terms of design and features.
Probably, the most extraordinary feature of this mattress is the TEMPUR Adapt® Material, originally developed by NASA. This clever material, right beneath the sleep surface, contours to every inch of your body, offering customised comfort unique to your body shape. Further durability and support stem from the additional layers of robust base foam. And in case there are any doubts in your heart, the TEMPUR EASE® 20cm SmartCool™ Mattress extends a 100-night Comfort Guarantee and a 10-year manufacturer's guarantee, attempting to give you peace of mind in your investment.
Mattress Comfort
In comfort, this mattress aspires to offer a balanced blend. Yes, it does have a medium-firm comfort grade, which attempts to balance comfort and support, but as a side sleeper, I felt the mattress was a bit too hard for my liking. In my experience, side sleepers, especially those with an hourglass figure like me, might find this mattress a bit uncompromising. Indeed, the medium-firm feel is more suited to back sleepers, who'll appreciate the support it offers.
One aspect that left me underwhelmed was the overall thickness of the mattress. The 20cm depth felt noticeably thin and not as comfortable as some of the other mattresses I've tested in the past. This could particularly be a concern if you prefer a bed with a chunkier, more pronounced look.
Suitability
The suitability of a mattress is always a subjective area as it significantly depends on individual sleeping patterns, body shape and preferences. In my general observation, the TEMPUR EASE® 20cm SmartCool™ Mattress will comfortably accommodate back and stomach sleepers. The mattress provides a generous measure of support, relieving pressure on the spine and maintaining alignment, which makes it an excellent choice for these kinds of sleepers.
However, for side sleepers or those with existing back pain, this product may not be optimal. The medium-firm tension might exacerbate back pain for some, and side sleepers might find the lack of sinkage uncomfortable. I felt my hips and shoulders could have done with a little more 'give' from the mattress when sleeping on my side, which would have provided better spinal alignment and pressure relief.
What Customers Thought
It's always insightful to factor in other customers' experiences, which can sometimes enlighten potential areas we may not have encountered in the in-store trial. Owners are mostly very happy with it. Many say it has helped with back or hip pain: one wrote, "After years of lower back pain, I am now getting the best sleep", while another said it "Stopped my hip pain from day one." Couples say little movement carries across the bed: "partner doesnt notice me moving in my sleep anymore".
The cool cover is well liked too ("it certainly helps keep you cool on hot nights", as one owner put it), but not everyone agrees. Another found the mattress "really hot" and had to adjust their duvet tog. Like me, they did not find it entirely successful in mitigating heat retention, a common drawback with memory foam mattresses. While the cover did feel cool initially, over time, the mattress did seem to absorb and retain more body heat than I found comfortable.
The complaints that do come up are about firmness, depth and the cover. A few owners found it far harder than they expected for a medium-firm, one calling it "like sleeping on a wooden bench". A couple said the mattress delivered felt firmer than the one they tried in the shop. Others wish they'd gone deeper, because "you can feel the base through it abit". The cover is slippery enough that sheets slide about, so one owner "had to order clips to hold the sheet in place".
The Verdict
After spending time with the TEMPUR EASE® 20cm SmartCool™ Mattress in-store, I believe it's a product that will appeal to selective customers. Its premium price suggests that this mattress is intended for sleepers who appreciate the finer features such as the TEMPUR Adapt® Material, a cool-to-touch SmartCool™ cover and a 10-year manufacturer's guarantee. Having said that, this product shines brighter for back and stomach sleepers because of the support it offers.
However, where the TEMPUR EASE® 20cm SmartCool™ Mattress falls short, is in fully delivering on its cooling properties and in providing comfort for side sleepers. Also, if you are someone who loves a plumper, deliciously thick mattress, the 20cm depth of this product might be a letdown.
All in all, my experience with the TEMPUR EASE® 20cm SmartCool™ Mattress could be best described as a mixed bag. While the mattress definitely had its standout features and attempted to tick several boxes, it didn't quite hit a home run in all areas. Prospective buyers should factor in these considerations when deciding if this mattress will suit their sleep preferences and requirements.
