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Our CNET Sleep editors have tested more beds than the average sleeper (about 300 different ones, in fact) and have dedicated hundreds of hours to the craft. We are proud of our mattress testing methodology.
Firmness and feel
When we begin testing the mattress, we first determine the firmness and feel of the mattress. Firmness is simply how hard or soft a mattress is. Each bed is tested and rated by multiple team members to get a more complete picture of how a bed performs in these categories.
Mattress feel describes how the mattress reacts. Does it have a slow response like traditional memory foam? Does it recover like latex foam? This will translate into how you will feel rolling in bed at night.
The Mattress Smasher 9000 objectively tests the firmness of each bed.
We also test firmness objectively using our proprietary CNET device, the Mattress Smasher 9000. This machine presses in the middle of a bed, and our corresponding software measures firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the softest. the firmest. . While we also personally test each bed for perceived firmness and feel, we can back up our opinions with data from Mattress Smasher.
Durability
Durability, or how long a mattress will last, depends on its material. Mattresses with individually wrapped coils as a base are more durable than all-foam options. They also tend to be more expensive.
Mattress performance
Key performance criteria we evaluate for mattresses include motion isolation, edge support, and temperature.
We test how mattresses isolate motion by placing a glass of water on the edge of the bed and rotating it to see how much it moves. Motion isolation is a big problem if you have a partner who rolls over and wakes you up.
Edge support is the strength of the perimeter of the bed. The test for this is simple: we sit and lie on the edge to see if it gives way to pressure.
When evaluating temperature, we examine the materials and construction of the mattress. Materials like latex and gel memory foam can prevent the mattress from retaining body heat.
Read more about how we test mattresses.
