*Tempur-Pedic and Foam Beds Causing Enormous Scandal
By MassNews Staff
          The public enthusiasm for foam mattresses is becoming an enormous scandal involving many manufacturers, including the largest of all, “Tempur-Pedic” of Sweden.
          This new type of foam is apparently beneficial to many people, but the differences between the various foam products are almost impossible for any consumer to discover. Therefore companies like “Tempur-Pedic” are charging what appear to be exorbitant amounts for their products.
           In order to discover the truth, a consumer must go to an obscure portion of the “Tempur-Pedic” website.  Nowhere else does this information appear to be available.
            The biggest revelation is that the “Tempura” material was rejected by NASA in the 1970s and has never been accepted by NASA.
            In the first question of a four-page “Q & A” of “commonly asked questions,” Tempur-Pedic (Found HERE) reveals how they are duping all consumers.The questions there are so skillfully written that most consumers will buzz right past them without realizing the importance of what they just read, particularly if they are reading from the computer screen, without a printer.
       The first question and answer from Tempur-Pedic about their product is re-printed here in its entirety without any change from us. That paragraph is unintelligible to any consumer (or anyone else).  

“What is TEMPUR® pressure relieving material?
   “It is a viscoelastic, temperature sensitive material, quite different from ordinary foam. Viscoelastic describes the property of a substance to both resist flow or change of shape (viscous) and to return to its original shape after being forced to change (elastic). 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.”
       Nowhere does the company tell consumers that the “imperfect version” was never accepted by NASA or anyone else. Instead it says that NASA gave the original TEMPUR material to “the public” plus an unspecified amount of material from other companies who had also been trying to sell their products to NASA.
       Over twenty years later in 1991, Tempur claimed to have a “vastly improved reinvention of the original NASA formula.”
       Nowhere does it appear to claim that the “vastly improved reinvention of the original NASA formula” has ever been approved by anyone at NASA or anywhere else.

Q & A: Commonly Asked Consumer Questions

What is TEMPUR® pressure relieving material?
It is a viscoelastic, temperature sensitive material, quite different from ordinary foam. Viscoelastic describes the property of a substance to both resist flow or change of shape (viscous) and to return to its original shape after being forced to change (elastic). 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.

How is TEMPUR different from other materials that claim to be viscoelastic?
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. Although our cover is breathable, it does create a light barrier that inhibits the complete absorption of body temperature into the TEMPUR material. If decreasing the amount of covers used during sleep does not help, the mattress cover may also be removed, and a plain sheet may be placed directly over the TEMPUR material.
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Can I put the Tempur-Pedic mattress on my existing set of box springs?
This mattress is designed for use with a firm, wood, completely flat, non-spring foundation. FAILURE TO USE SUCH A FOUNDATION WITH THE MATTRESS WILL VOID THE TEMPUR-PEDIC SWEDISH MATTRESS™ WARRANTY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Unless you currently have a firm, wood, completely flat, non-spring foundation, you should not use your existing foundation with the mattress.
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Will the Tempur-Pedic Mattress fit in my waterbed frame?
While the Tempur-Pedic mattress will fit, we do not recommend waterbed frames. A waterbed frame is recessed, and does not allow proper ventilation of the mattress.
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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 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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While the mattress is still completely supporting their body, it may take longer for lightweight customers to adjust. The body conforming characteristic may not feel as dramatic as it does for heavier people. Removing the Classic or the Deluxe cover can help your body adjust more quickly to this new feeling of support.
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Why is it somewhat difficult to change position?
The slow recovery of the mattress to its original shape after conforming to your exact body contours may make it more difficult for you to change position. 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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I just received my mattress and it has a strong odor. Is it harmful? What can I do to get rid of it?
The TEMPUR material can have a strong odor when new, resulting from our unique manufacturing process. All polyurethane-based materials possess this characteristic. This is normal, completely non-toxic and harmless. We recognize that it can still be unpleasant to some persons. The odor will dissipate as the mattress cells are manipulated through regular use. Due to the extremely high density of the TEMPUR material, it may take a few days for this to happen. You can speed the dissipation somewhat by removing the Classic or the Deluxe cover, and leaving it off for a few days. This will allow the mattress to breathe more freely as it is used, and the odor will go away fairly quickly.
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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: very warm and humid weather can make the mattress feel very soft, while very cold weather can render the mattress somewhat firmer. If you keep your bedroom at around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the mattress should be just right. Below are some other factors that may help...
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Too Cold/Firm:

Are you using a mattress pad?
If your mattress seems too cold or firm and you use a conventional mattress pad, try removing it for a night or two. Using a mattress pad over the existing Tempur-Pedic cover inhibits the therapeutic properties of the TEMPUR® material - the material is insulated from body temperature and therefore cannot respond as effectively.
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Is your room too cold?
We recommend a bedroom temperature of at least 65 degrees (Fahrenheit).

Try removing the mattress cover.
This will even further increase your body’s contact with the TEMPUR® material, thereby increasing its responsiveness.
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Too Soft:

Use a conventional mattress pad.
Try placing a conventional mattress pad over the mattress. This will decrease the responsivene