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Serta and Sealy are two mattress brands from the United States, with products available in-store and online.

This article takes an in-depth look at Serta and Sealy, and what to look for when buying a new mattress.

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Serta and Sealy originated in the U.S. and have found success within their market.

Serta

Serta was founded in 1931, announcing themselves as a “pioneer in comfort.” Serta mattresses are available to buy worldwide.

The brand is part of Serta Simmons Bedding, a U.S. bedding company that also owns Beautyrest, Simmons, and Tuft & Needle.

Serta offer a range of mattresses and bed frames. Their mattresses come with a 120-day in-home trial and a 10-year warranty.

The company make their mattresses with eco-friendly components, such as recycled steel and wood from sustainable sources. They also recycle manufacturing scrap, including mattress ticking, foam, wood, steel, and plastic.

Sealy

The Sealy brand was founded in Sealy, Texas in 1881 by Daniel Haynes. Their products are available to buy internationally.

Most Sealy mattresses come with a 10-year warranty and can be purchased in-store or online. Their mattresses are also available for a 100-night home trial.

In 2013, Sealy merged with the bedding company Tempur-Pedic.

The company also sell adjustable bed bases that allow a person to control the angle of their mattress via wireless remote.

Serta and Sealy are successful companies, with generally positive reputations.

Serta

Serta won the Women’s Choice Award for America’s Most Recommended Mattress, Pillow and Box Spring brand in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. Consumers Digest also included the Serta Perfect Sleeper and iComfort mattress collections in their Best Buy collection.

In 2020, Serta was sued by private equity groups over its plans to restructure the repayment of certain loans. Ultimately, the judge denied the plaintiffs’ attempts to halt Serta’s restructuring plans.

Sealy

Tempur Sealy, the merger of Tempur-Pedic and Sealy, created a line of mattresses used by many hotel brands, including Hilton, Marriott, and Fairmont.

In 2017, Tempur Sealy sued Mattress Firm, a retailer that sold Tempur Sealy products, for breach of contract and trademark infringement. The two firms reached an agreement, but Mattress Firm were no longer allowed to sell Tempur Sealy products.

However, in 2019, Tempur Sealy entered into a supply arrangement with Mattress Firm, and the retailer was able once again to sell Tempur Sealy mattresses.

Serta and Sealy have a range of innerspring, foam, and hybrid mattresses.

Serta

All Serta foam mattresses are CertiPUR-US-certified. This means their foam mattresses are free from flame-retardants and certain harmful chemicals.

Serta also offer antimicrobial and hypoallergenic latex mattresses, which are suitable for people with allergies. Latex mattresses may also benefit people who have back pain.

Research from 2019 indicates that a person’s temperature reduces during sleep. Temperature-regulating fabric and cooling gel foam are available in most Serta mattress models.

Serta mattresses are available in firm, medium, and plush options. Plush firmness may suit people who sleep on their stomach or side. People who sleep on their back, or have chronic pain, may prefer the firm option.

The Serta Perfect Sleeper also absorbs motion, meaning restless sleepers are less likely to wake their partners when moving at night.

Learn more about the best Serta mattresses here.

Sealy

Sealy mattress foam is CertiPUR-US-certified. The company’s mattresses come in a range of firmness, from ultra-plush to ultra-firm. They also have temperature-regulating fabrics.

Sealy also developed targeted support in their Posturepedic mattresses, created with the help of orthopedic specialists. These mattresses provide middle support, where they claim most of a person’s body weight rests during sleep.

Serta and Sealy offer memory foam mattress options, which may benefit people who sleep on their side, as well as those experiencing shoulder or hip pain.

Learn more about the best Sealy mattresses here.

Serta mattresses are slightly pricier than Serta models — their mattresses range between $499⁠–⁠$2,199, according to their website.

In comparison, the Sealy website lists mattresses costing $399–$1,999.

However, Serta has a broader range of mattresses. They also offer baby mattresses and pet beds.

Meanwhile, Sealy mattresses have a broader range of firmness options, offering six different levels compared to Serta’s three variants.

When thinking of buying a new mattress, here are some things to consider:

  • spine support
  • whether it firmly but comfortably supports the body
  • the correct firmness for a person — for example, those who sleep on their back may want a firmer mattress than a side sleeper
  • motion isolation, which may help prevent waking a bed-sharing partner
  • cooling foams or gels within a mattress, if a person finds they get too warm when they sleep
  • whether it is easy to clean
  • if it is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, especially if a person has allergies
  • if it is made from recycled or sustainable materials

Shopping for a mattress in-store can be helpful as it allows people to test out several models before they commit.

Many online stores also allow a person to order a mattress and trial it at home for a limited time. This can be a useful way to determine what mattress best suits them.

People who have medical conditions may also wish to speak to their doctor or a chiropractor before choosing a mattress.