Tempur Sensation Elite

Tempur Sensation Elite Review UK (2024)

Last updated: 13.11.2023 Reading time: 6 Min.

The Tempur Sensation Elite mattress is one of the highest-quality memory foam mattresses on the market.

With NASA-certified memory foam, your body can experience relief and support in all the right places. 👩‍🚀

We tested the Elite version of the bestselling Tempur Sensation mattress for several weeks.

But is this the mattress for you?

Let's find out! 👇

Top features of the Tempur Sensation Elite Mattress

10-year guarantee
10-Year Guarantee
100-day trial period
100-Night Trial
Nasa-approved
Space Technology
Free delivery & returns
Free Delivery & Returns

Advantages:

  • High-quality NASA-certified memory foam
  • Ultra-sensitive pressure relief and adaptability
  • Available in 3 versions (Luxe, Elite, Supreme)

  • Optimal weightless comfort

  • Well suited to most sleeping positions

  • Little motion transfer
  • Machine washable (up to 60°C) QuickRefresh cover
  • High-quality workmanship
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • Free delivery to most UK areas
  • Finance options available

Disadvantages:

  • The mattress is delivered unrolled (can be inconvenient for narrow entryways and loft rooms)
  • No handles and heavy - makes it difficult to manoeuvre
  • Comparatively long delivery time to some other brands
  • Expensive - not budget-friendly
  • Not ideal for heavier-weight sleepers

Who is the Tempur Sensation Elite most suitable for?

  • High-budget shoppers looking for the most advanced materials
  • Side and back sleepers
  • Those who suffer from joint and back pain
  • Couples & restless sleepers

How we test products

Our mission is to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect sleep products.

We've dedicated hundreds of hours to testing mattresses and sleep accessories, and rely on a team of testers of differing weights, temperature preferences, and sleeping positions to evaluate each product. 

Tested products are granted the Sleep Hero tested stamp of approval, a mark of our review's reliability.

To learn more about our testing process, check out our methodology page.

If we haven't personally tested a product, please be assured that we invest significant time and energy into scouring the UK market and researching the best recommendations, and we work with a team of sleep experts who review our articles, ensuring that the insights we provide are not only relatable but also reliable.

Composition of the Tempur Sensation Elite

Tempur mattresses are made with viscoelastic foam originating from space technology. 🚀

There are 3 versions available in the Tempur Sensation collection:

  • Tempur Sensation Supreme mattress: The entry-level version is made with the least amount of foam (21 cm / 8.26") and is the most affordable option.
  • Tempur Sensation Elite mattress: The middle-of-the-road version measuring (25 cm / 9.8") with a balance between quality and affordability.
  • Tempur Sensation Luxe mattress: A top-tier Sensation mattress with the most layers of Tempur material (30 cm / 11.8") and the most expensive option.

We tried and tested the Tempur Sensation Elite mattress for our review.

BUY TEMPUR SENSATION£ 1,329

tempur sensation elite composition
The Tempur Sensation Elite combines different types of foams.

The Tempur Sensation Elite comprises 3 foam layers and a washable cover.

These layers include:

  • 7 cm (2.7") Tempur Comfort material
  • 4 cm (1.57") Dynamic Support technology
  • 14 cm (5.5") Durabase technology
  • QuickRefresh cover

But what makes each of these layers so special?

Tempur Comfort material

The Tempur Comfort material is the “comfy” bit.

The highly adaptable foam moulds around the body to relieve pressure on the joints.

Dynamic Support technology

The Dynamic Support technology is the “supportive” bit.

BUY TEMPUR SENSATION£ 1,329

tempur sensation elite layers
The Tempur Sensation Elite is made from 3 advanced foam layers.

The support material makes moving around on a memory foam mattress easy.

This layer helps to keep the body aligned in a neutral position, encouraging a healthy spine.😌

DuraBase technology

The DuraBase technology is the “stable” bit.

This layer stabilises the layers of the mattress, encouraging it to last 10 years or longer. 💪

Tempur Sensation Elite cover

The Tempur Sensation Elite is protected by a removable QuickRefresh cover made from 9% polyester and 1% elastane.

This helps to protect the special Tempur material and can be washed up to 60°C. 🧼

Overall, we were impressed with the quality of the cover.

tempur sensation elite cover
You can remove and machine-wash the Tempur mattress cover

The workmanship had no protruding threads, lint, or other faults.

Easy to wash

True to its name, the QuickRefresh cover can be removed quickly and efficiently.

We also found an added layer of protection underneath the mattress cover to protect the mattress from any accidents or damage. 🛡️

However, even though the mattress has a washable cover, you should still use a waterproof mattress protector.

A mattress protector can prevent accidents, reduce bacteria build-up over time and improve the longevity of a mattress.

Unfortunately, no handles

One downside we found was the lack of handles on the mattress.

tempur sensation elite from side
The Tempur Sensation Elite does not include side handles.

The Tempur Sensation Elite is a heavy mattress because of its dense material. 🏋️‍♀️

This makes ease of movement difficult, especially for larger sizes such as a king or super king mattress.

If you need to move your Tempur mattress, we recommend at least two people taking on this task.

Is the Tempur Sensation Elite mattress comfortable?

Lying on a Tempur mattress is like floating on a cloud. ☁️

It's a feeling you can only truly understand when you try it for yourself.

But we'll do our best to describe the experience of sleeping on the Tempur Sensation Elite mattress.

Is the Tempur Sensation Elite good for side sleepers?

The side sleeping position felt comfortable and supportive during testing.

The Tempur Sensation mattress conforms to the shape of the body and allows pressure point areas to sink more deeply.

BUY TEMPUR SENSATION£ 1,329

side sleeper on tempur sensation elite
The Tempur Sensation Elite hugs around the body.

But if you’re a lighter-than-average side sleeper, you might consider a softer mattress option.

The Tempur Cloud Mattress is more suited to lighter people, as it is softer and will adapt better to light pressure. 🤗

Is the Tempur Sensation Elite good for back sleepers?

We also think The Tempur Sensation Elite would be a great option for back sleeping. 😁

Even though the mattress is described as “firm”, we found it was somewhere just slightly above a medium feel.

back sleeper on tempur sensation elite
The Temper Sensation hugs around your hips and shoulders.

Our trial sleeper didn’t sink too deeply, but enough to contour around their heavier regions. ✅

But we wouldn’t recommend this mattress for heavier-weight back sleepers, who may sink too much.

Sinking too deep into the mattress will misalign the spine and create back and neck tension.

Is the Tempur Sensation Elite good for stomach sleepers?

Stomach sleepers require a firm mattress that lifts the spine and aligns it with the neck.

The Tempur Sensation Elite is the firmest mattress in the Tempur collection and suitable for lightweight stomach sleepers.

However, most stomach sleepers should avoid memory foam mattresses and consider a more supportive pocket-sprung or hybrid mattress.

The Emma Luxe Cooling mattress is a good option for stomach sleepers.

How firm is the Tempur Sensation Elite?

The Tempur Sensation mattress is considered the firmest in the range.

However, we didn’t find the Tempur Sensation Elite overly firm compared to some other mattresses we've tested.

From our experience, we would rate the Tempur Sensation Elite a 6 - 7 for firmness on our Sleep Hero firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.

tempur sensation elite firmness

The firmness of the mattress you choose is important, as different firmnesses are required for different sleeping positions.

If you think the Tempur Sensation Elite may be too firm, you can consider some other options.

Take a look at our Tempur firmness guide:

Mattress Firmness Best for
Tempur Cloud mattresses Soft feel Light to average weight side sleepers
Tempur Original mattresses Medium feel

Average to heavyweight side sleepers

Light to average weight back sleepers

Tempur Hybrid mattresses Medium feel

Average to heavyweight side sleepers

Light to average weight back sleepers

One by Tempur mattresses Soft, medium, or firm feel Varies depending on the choice

Our Tempur mattress review has more information about the other Tempur mattresses available.

Is the Tempur Sensation suitable for couples?

Tempur material promises low motion transfer, meaning you shouldn’t feel your partner moving around during the night.

According to the manufacturer, the movement absorption of a Tempur mattress should be less than 3%.

Testing motion transfer

We tested the suitability for couples by having one of our testers climb in and out of bed and the other lay still with their eyes closed.

Our testers felt no movement from the other person during this test.

During sleep, they were completely undisturbed from any movement.

low motion transfer benefits
Low motion transfer mattresses are an excellent choice.

How easy is it to move on the Tempur Sensation mattress?

Moving around on the Tempur Sensation is relatively easy because of the combination of the Tempur material and support layers inside the mattress.

We also found the mattress prevented tossing and turning during the night.

If you move around a lot during sleep, this is a sign of an uncomfortable and unsupportive mattress.

The Tempur Sensation Elite adapts to your body instead of your body trying to adapt itself to the mattress. 🥰

So you’ll probably find you wake up in the same position you fell asleep in!

BUY TEMPUR SENSATION£ 1,329

Does the Tempur Sensation Elite get hot?

Memory foam retains heat in the material, which can make some people hot. 🥵

tempur sensation elite temperature test

However, Tempur Material is made with an open-cell structure.

This encourages ventilation in the material and helps to disperse heat.

In our experience, the Tempur Sensation Elite didn’t get too hot. 😅

However, the temperature map shows the mattress doesn’t dissipate heat as quickly as some other mattress types.

A pocket-sprung or latex mattress would be a cooler alternative to memory foam. ❄️

If you're a naturally hot sleeper, you should avoid memory foam mattresses altogether.

You can learn more about the best temperature for sleep in our article.

Tempur Sensation Elite sizes

The Tempur Sensation Elite is available in the following UK sizes.

These include:

  • Tempur Sensation Elite small single mattress - 75 x 190 cm (2'6 x 6'3")
  • Tempur Sensation Elite single mattress - 90 x 190 cm (3' x 6'3")
  • Tempur Sensation Elite small double mattress - 120 x 190 cm (4' x 6'3")
  • Tempur Sensation Elite double mattress - 135 x 190 cm (4'6" x 6'3")
  • Tempur Sensation Elite king size mattress - 150 x 200 cm (5’ x 6’6”)
  • Tempur Sensation Elite super king size mattress - 180 x 200 cm (6’ x 6’6”)

You can also get long single sizes if you have an extra-long bed frame.

UK mattress sizes graphic

Tempur manufactures some mattresses in EU sizes.

The main difference in these sizes is that the length of the mattress is an extra 10 cm (3.9").

Tempur Sensation Elite prices

If you're curious about the price of a mattress crafted with NASA-inspired technology, brace yourself for the Tempur Sensation Elite.

This isn't your average mattress, and it carries a heftier price tag.

But consider it an investment: this mattress promises (with its 10-year guarantee) at least a decade of unparalleled support.

Its highly advanced memory foam is in a league of its own compared to other brands, and it has a very dense and highly sensitive feel that we haven't seen from competitors.

Still too pricey?

Tempur also offers interest-free credit with monthly payment options for those who want to spread the cost.

BUY TEMPUR SENSATION£ 1,329

Tempur discount codes

If a Tempur mattress is out of your price range, don't worry!

Online Tempur discount codes can help you make some great savings. 💰

man sitting on coins
You can get excellent Tempur offers online.

Some retailers offer free Tempur pillows with the mattress, while others have discounts with as much as £200 off.

Check out our discounts page for the best deals on Tempur and other memory foam products.

Alternatively, sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on our favourite offers. 💌

How is the Tempur Sensation Elite delivered?

Tempur currently offers free home delivery to mainland UK, but there is a delivery charge to off-shore UK areas.

Overall, we found the delivery service to be fairly easy and efficient. 🚚

You will choose a delivery date and on the morning of delivery be given a 2-hour time slot.

Unlike some other memory foam brands, such as Simba and Emma, the mattress is delivered unrolled.

tempur sensation mattress in plastic
The Tempur Sensation is delivered full size.

We found this slightly inconvenient, and larger sizes wouldn’t be ideal for narrow stairwells or loft rooms. 😬

However, we accept that this is because of the high-quality material which cannot be compressed like some cheaper alternatives.

It also meant the mattress was ready to be tried immediately!

The delivery can take up to a month, significantly longer than competitors like Simba and Nectar, which can be delivered in less than a week.

Tempur might not be the best fit for those who require a mattress promptly.

But for those willing to wait for the craftsmanship that goes into a deluxe Tempur mattress, the delay may seem like a small price for luxury.

Tempur Sensation trial & guarantee

Tempur offers a risk-free 100-night trial with the Tempur Sensation Elite. 🤩

You are encouraged to sleep on the mattress for at least 60 nights to allow your body to adapt to the new mattress.

This customer review provides a great example of why a sleep trial is so important:

customer experience tempur mattress

However, if you still don't feel the benefits of the Tempur mattress after the recommended 60 nights, you should contact the Tempur UK team.

The manufacturer will pick it up, and you will receive a full refund.

Tempur guarantee

The Tempur Sensation Elite and other Tempur mattresses also have a 10-year quality guarantee.

This means you are fully covered against manufacturing faults for up to 10 years after receiving the mattress. 🤞

This includes defects in the mattress caused by faulty workmanship and indentations of more than 2 cm (0.78") in the Tempur material.

mattress with indentations
The Tempur warranty protects you from indentations.

If you find a fault within 10 years of receiving your mattress, contact Tempur UK.

If the product is deemed faulty, you will be offered a choice between repairing your mattress or replacing it free of charge.

Some brands offer even longer warranty periods, such as Hypnia, with a 15-year guarantee.

The Tempur guarantee does not include accidental damage, so we recommend using a Tempur-Fit or waterproof mattress protector to protect your new mattress.

Should you buy the Tempur Sensation Elite?

The Tempur Sensation Elite is a luxury mattress with highly adaptable comfort to support your entire body.

However, that’s not to say that you will immediately fall in love with the Tempur Sensation Elite.

Everybody has different needs and preferences for buying a new mattress.

We wouldn't recommend the Tempur Sensation to hot sleepers or those on a budget. 🔥

But if you're looking for the highest quality memory foam mattress and budget is no issue, we think it's worth trying out the Tempur Sensation Elite mattress.

Remember, Tempur UK offers a 100-night risk-free trial, so you can sleep on it for a few weeks before making up your mind.

BUY TEMPUR SENSATION£ 1,329

Rating

4.3
  • Material

    Highly advanced materials. 

  • Off-gassing

    Minimal off-gassing.

  • Breathability

    Good breathability. 

  • Material

    Excellent full-body support. 

  • Delivery & returns

    Delivery times could be improved. 

  • Value for money

    Good quality, but expensive. 

Material
Off-gassing
Breathability
Material
Delivery & returns
Value for money

Contact Tempur UK

Customer service: To contact Tempur UK directly for complaints, support or queries, email them at consumer@Tempur.co.uk, call them on 0800 0111 083 or complete their online contact form.

You can also book an appointment and visit them in store.

Registered office: TEMPUR UK Ltd, TEMPUR House, Caxton Point, Printing House Lane, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 1AP

Frequently asked questions

  • Tempur NASA technology


    The unique NASA-certified material is one of the best things about the Tempur brand. 

    Every Tempur mattress is made from high-quality, ultra-sensitive viscoelastic foam, which originates from space technology. 

    In the late 1960S, NASA developed this material for space-ship seats to absorb G-shock during space travel. 

    Tempur recognised the potential of this material, and it was later developed into manufacturing mattresses. 

    Today, Tempur is the only mattress brand that is officially certified by the International Space Foundation. 👩‍🚀

  • How does Tempur material work?


    Tempur material is made up of billions of sensitive viscoelastic cells

    These cells respond to several factors, including body heat, shape, and weight or pressure. 

    After pressure is released from the material, the foam returns to its original shape. 

    Cheaper memory foam is less responsive to the shape of the body and will bounce back more similarly to a sponge. 

  • Why does my Tempur Sensation Elite have a weird smell?


    New mattresses can sometimes come with an unpleasant odour. 

    This is usually due to the packaging and longer storage time.

    Fortunately, we found the smell of the Tempur Sensation Elite wasn’t too bad. 

    But some people are more sensitive to these aromas.

    We recommend placing the mattress in a well-ventilated room and opening the windows. 

    After a few hours, the smell should evaporate, and you’ll be ready to enjoy your new mattress!

  • Are Tempur mattresses sustainable?


    Tempur are doing everything they can to reduce their environmental impact. 

    Their European manufacturing facilities are now zero waste to landfill. 

    This means 100% of their packaging and other materials are recycled or used for renewable energy. 

    They are also focusing on improving local wildlife in their production facility in Denmark. 

    They also have planted a meadow of local wildflowers for bees, butterflies and other insects to inhabit. 🦋

    Local beekeepers have even recognised their efforts.

    They have begun a programme called ‘RePURPpose’, which aims to find new ways to reuse and recycle polyurethane. 

    This is a vital material in Tempur mattresses, such as the Tempur Sensation Elite.

    Tempur saved 69,000 trees and 28 million gallons of water in 2020 through its recycling efforts. 

  • Do Tempur mattresses need turning?


    Traditional mattresses should be rotated and flipped around every six months.

    Because of their layered structure, all Tempur mattresses are non-turnable. 

    This means you don’t need to rotate or flip the mattress during any length of its life. 

    This makes them an ideal choice for elderly people or those who are less mobile and physically capable of lifting a heavy mattress. 

  • Do Tempur mattresses soften up over time?


    When you first receive your mattress, it might feel too firm. 

    But don’t worry! 

    All memory foam mattresses can feel a little firm when they first arrive. 

    Your Tempur mattress has spent the beginning of its life in a cold warehouse or van, making the viscoelastic cells in the material stiff and unresponsive. 🥶 

    After a few weeks of warming up at home, your new mattress will soften and respond better to your body shape. 

    That’s why the 100-night sleep trial is so important. 

  • Other Tempur products


    You can buy more than Tempur mattresses at the Tempur store. 

    In fact, we've got reviews on more of our favourite Tempur items:

    But you can also get mattress protectors, sleep masks, adjustable bed frames and bed bases, divans and headboards. 

    Find out more about the different Tempur mattresses available in our article. 

  • Can you use a Tempur mattress on any bed frame?


    Tempur mattresses are suitable for most bed frames, adjustable beds and divan bed bases. 

    However, you should ensure the distance between each slat is no more than 9 cm (3.5"). 

  • References

Holly

Holly Matthews

Senior Content Writer

Holly has been a content writer at Sleep Hero UK since 2021. With an MA degree in literature and previous experience working at a leading UK bed retailer, she is committed to using her skills to guide others towards making better sleep choices.

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