Importance Score: 10 / 100 🟠
Comprehensive Mattress Testing and Evaluation Process
For years, our team of sleep experts has rigorously evaluated mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories. Some of our specialists boast up to eight years of experience in mattress testing. To date, we have conducted assessments on over 300 mattresses from a wide array of manufacturers, ranging from industry leaders such as Purple and Tempur-Pedic to specialized companies like Sonu and Airweave. This extensive testing ensures our mattress reviews are thorough and reliable.
Our dedicated team of bed testers encompasses diverse body weights, body types, heights, genders, and sleep preferences. This varied composition enables us to deliver a holistic evaluation of each mattress from multiple perspectives. Many mattresses undergo extended testing periods, from a month or two up to five years, ensuring long-term performance is assessed.
We apply the same meticulous testing protocols to king-size mattresses as we do to any other bed size. Upon arrival at our dedicated testing facility, each new mattress is subjected to thorough, hands-on examination by every member of our expert team. Our analysis focuses on key characteristics, including firmness, overall feel, temperature regulation, motion isolation, edge support, and any unique or special features the mattress may offer.
Firmness Assessment
Firmness is evaluated using a numerical scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (firmest). We also employ common industry terminology such as “soft” or “medium-firm” to provide descriptive classifications. Our entire team participates in the firmness assessment and ranking process for each mattress. This collaborative approach allows us to provide well-informed recommendations regarding the most suitable sleeping positions and body types for each model. Following subjective analysis, we utilize our proprietary Mattress Smasher 9000 to obtain an objective firmness score, providing a dual perspective on this crucial factor.
Feel Evaluation
Beyond firmness, another subjective yet critical element we evaluate is the overall feel of a mattress. We consider several aspects: Does the mattress exhibit a springy and responsive feel when you lie down? Does it facilitate easy movement and changes in sleep positions? Or does it feature dense memory foam that contours closely to the body, maintaining your shape for a period? Does the mattress offer a soft, plush pillow top sensation, or does it present a more neutral surface? Can you perceive the presence of coils or zoned support systems? We strive to accurately describe the sensory experience of lying on each bed to assist you in determining its suitability for your needs, without requiring you to personally test every option.
Temperature Performance
Temperature regulation can be challenging to assess, given individual sleeper preferences and the tendency for some mattress brands to overstate the cooling capabilities of their products. During our testing and review process, we meticulously document the thermal performance of each mattress, detailing whether it tends to sleep hot, cool, or neutral. Recognizing the influence of external variables (such as climate, ambient environment, bedding choices, and sleepwear), we conduct our tests in temperature-controlled rooms without sheets or additional bedding. Drawing on our extensive knowledge and practical experience, we analyze the mattress’s internal construction and materials to elucidate how these elements contribute to its overall temperature characteristics and performance.
Motion Isolation Testing
Motion isolation is a term we use to define a mattress’s ability to minimize the transfer of movement across its surface. This feature is particularly significant for individuals who are light sleepers or those who share a bed with a partner or pets. To assess motion isolation capabilities, we employ two primary methods. First, one expert lies on the mattress while another intentionally moves around and changes positions. Second, we place a glass of water near the edge of the mattress and then roll towards and away from it to observe if the glass is disturbed, tips, or falls over. These tests provide practical insights into the mattress’s motion isolation effectiveness.
Edge Support Assessment
Edge support is generally less critical for king-size mattresses compared to smaller sizes like queen or twin. Nevertheless, evaluating the edge support of all mattresses allows us to determine how well the structure maintains its integrity and support around the perimeter. We assess edge support by sitting and lying along the edge of the mattress to observe its response. Does the edge compress excessively, creating a sensation of instability and the feeling of potentially rolling off? Or does it remain sturdy and supportive, providing a secure perimeter? We further examine edge support by applying downward pressure with our fists at various points along the edge, noting the degree of compression under pressure.
Evaluation of Special Features
Certain brands incorporate special features into their mattresses, such as cooling covers designed for hot sleepers or zoned support configurations intended to alleviate back pain. We thoroughly test and evaluate these additional characteristics to ascertain their effectiveness and to identify which type of sleeper would derive the greatest benefit from these specialized design elements. Our reviews aim to highlight the value and practical advantages of these special features.