Sealy is a sleep industry heritage brand that’s been around for almost 150 years, so it’s had a long time to craft its expertise. The Sealy Posturepedic Brenham II Mattress is a part of its top-tier Elite collection. Our testers compared it with 25 well-known beds and cited it as a favorite, noting its burly, luxurious construction. In our Sealy Posturepedic Elite Brenham II Mattress review, we reveal our thoughts after putting the bed through our testing methodology, analyzing it for important features like firmness, pressure relief, support and more.
To peruse other mattresses of the same caliber, see our list of the best hotel mattresses or our editors’ favorite luxury mattresses.
Sealy Posturepedic Elite Brenham II Mattress Construction, Firmness And Feel
Just by looking at the Sealy Posturepedic, you can tell it’s larger and more grand than your typical bed. It stands at 15- to 16-inches tall (depending on whether or not you get the pillow-top model), layered with two coil systems and comfortable foam slabs. Here’s a breakdown of what that looks like:
- Cover: A colorful red-and-blue top is woven with cooling fibers to help draw heat away from the body. It features foam underneath for enhanced cushion. A pillow top is an optional upgrade.
- Comfort layer: Next is a layer of contouring memory foam for pressure relief and comfort.
- Transition layer: A gel-foam layer helps neutralize the coils below and provides additional support.
- Microcoils: An additional coil layer that’s much thinner than the first layer is added to enhance structure and support.
- Pocketed coils: A thick layer of coils with reinforced edges for stronger perimeter strength provides the bulk of the bed’s support.
Our team tested the medium model, which proved to have a middle-of-the-road feel that’s accommodating for back, side and stomach sleepers alike. “The mattress looks and feels high-end, and is the kind of bed you’d expect to find in a high-end hotel,” says one sleeper. Another tester echos the thoughts on its luxurious feel, saying the feel is apparent right off the bat. “The thick, plush pillow top is soft and cushiony, but it feels like there’s some structure underneath for support,” she says.
Sealy Posturepedic Elite Brenham II Mattress Features
Pressure Relief
The Sealy Posturepedic Elite Brenham scored an 8.5 out of 10 in our pressure-relief category and a 9 out of 10 for side sleepers, thanks to its cushiony foams and pillow top that press against the hips and shoulders. “I could actually feel it alleviate pain in my lower back while supporting my shoulders and hips,” says one tester. "This is probably one of the most comfortable, pressure-relieving mattresses I’ve felt." However, keep in mind the firmer models don’t have as much give or contouring.
Cooling
Although the mattress has a cooling cover, it wasn’t as apparent or detectable as the technology on such other beds as the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. Most of our testers came to a consensus that it feels average. And after sending the mattress home with a long-term tester following our panel, they agree. “I am a hot sleeper. While sleeping on this mattress, I’ve experienced a slight cooling effect, though I wish the cooling effect was more pronounced.” For ultra hot sleepers in need of cooling relief, check out our editors’ favorite tested cooling mattresses.
Motion Transfer
Scoring an 8 out of 10 for motion isolation, we think the Sealy Posturepedic Elite Brenham II model is perfectly suitable for those who sleep with a partner or pet. To put this metric to the test, we place a half-full glass of water on the edge of the bed and watch its movements as we create motion around it. “I was impressed with its motion isolation," says one tester who weighs in over the 250-pound mark. “There was hardly any movement in the water at all. I don’t think I would be disturbed by a partner getting in and out of bed.”
Support
Most testers call the mattress’ edge supportive and didn’t have a hard time while sitting or lying near the perimeter. “It’s very supportive,” says one tester. “I don’t feel like I’m going to roll off at all. It’s less solid than the center of the mattress, but it’s not super noticeable or bothersome.” We also found its medium profile good enough to maintain spinal alignment in most back sleepers, but it slightly missed the mark for stomach sleepers. “I feel great back sleeping on this one; it’s extremely cushiony with a soft vibe that isn’t too soft where it’s lacking support,” says a tester. For a stronger, more lifted feel, opt for the firm model.
Ease Of Movement
With such strong performance factors elsewhere, “This is probably one area that was slightly lacking," articulates a panelist. “It isn’t the easiest to shift from my back to my side to my stomach, just because the mattress doesn’t have a ton of bounce or give.” While they say the feeling isn’t bothersome for them, it could be for individuals with strength or mobility constraints.
About The Company
Sealy was established in the mattress and sleep industry way before online retailers entered the market, and has since built a robust catalog of beds with a range of price points. The Brenham II model is a premier choice within the brand’s Elite collection, and comes with a slew of upgrades to enhance your sleep experience.
Shipping And Delivery
The brand offers free delivery and in-home setup with the purchase of this mattress. Note that you can expect it to take up to three weeks for it to arrive. They can also remove your old model if needed—an additional perk you’re required to pay for with some other mattress brands.
Trial Period And Returns
You have 90 days from the date of your mattress delivery to decide whether or not you’d like to initiate a return. The brand just asks that you give the bed at least 30 days so your body can properly adjust to the mattress. In the case you don’t want to keep your mattress, you’re charged a $175 return fee (plus tax).
Warranty
Your new bed is backed by a 10-year warranty, which protects your purchase against manufacturer defects for a full decade. You can register your mattress to simplify the process on any future claims you might make, as the brand keeps a record of your purchase.
Other Mattresses From Sealy
Final Thoughts
After each testing session, our editors ask our panel testers which mattresses were their favorites. The Sealy Posturepedic Brenham II was one of the models praised the most out of 26 total mattresses tested.
Who Will Like It
- It strikes a comfortable balance between strong and supportive, but still plush and soft, especially the medium model that proved to be "just right" for back, side and combination sleepers.
- Stomach sleepers or heavier individuals can consider the firm model for enhanced support.
- Couples who want strong motion isolation and perimeter strength.
- It’s sure to please most people who try it (just ask our volunteers), and I’d recommend it to any family or friend who is in the market for a premium mattress. At $1,999 for a queen size, it’s difficult to beat this bed’s value.
Who Won’t Like It
One of the bed’s main downsides is its relative lack of ease of movement. It may be stronger on the firm model, but due to its soft and cushy top surface there’s some resistance when switching positions. If you’re someone who lives with chronic pain or motion constraints, it may not be a viable option. It’s also quite tall and requires deep-pocket sheets, so make sure you’re stocked on the right bedding if you choose to purchase.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
- McKenzie Dillon has been an authoritative voice in the mattress, sleep and wellness space for over seven years. She has tested hundreds of mattress types, including the Sealy Posturepedic Brenham II, and has earned certifications as a sleep science and stress management coach.
- We had eight individuals test the mattress against 25 competing beds to see how it performed compared to other top-rated models. We analyzed key criteria including firmness, feel, pressure relief, cooling, motion isolation, support and ease of movement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)