CNET’s Comprehensive Mattress Testing Methodology
At CNET, a dedicated team of nine mattress experts has spent years meticulously evaluating hundreds of mattresses and a wide range of sleep accessories, including bedding, toppers, and even sleep headphones. This extensive experience has allowed them to develop a rigorous testing methodology, carried out at their Reno testing facility, to ensure each mattress undergoes a thorough and unbiased evaluation. This holistic approach integrates feedback from a diverse team with varying genders, body types, and preferred sleeping positions, providing a comprehensive assessment representative of a diverse range of sleepers.
Firmness Assessment: Subjective and Objective
Evaluating firmness is a critical aspect of mattress testing. The CNET team uses both subjective and objective measures to determine a mattress’s firmness level. Subjectively, each team member lies on the mattress in different sleeping positions – back, stomach, and side – and evaluates how the mattress feels against their body. This subjective assessment covers pressure points and overall comfort, ensuring that the final firmness rating considers the experiences of different body types. Complementing the subjective assessments, CNET employs an objective measure using their proprietary "Mattress Smasher 9000." This device scientifically measures the force required to compress the mattress, simulating the weight of a 160-pound person. This dual approach ensures an accurate and unbiased firmness rating.
Motion Isolation: Minimizing Sleep Disruptions
Motion isolation, a crucial factor for those sharing a bed, measures how well a mattress absorbs movement, preventing it from transferring across the surface. The team employs two tests to evaluate this. First, a tester lies on the bed in various sleeping positions while another team member moves around on the opposite side. The tester notes the degree of movement felt during this process. Secondly, the “water test” is performed, where a glass of water is placed on the edge of the mattress and a tester rolls towards it. The amount of water sloshing or spilling indicates the mattress’s ability to isolate motion. A mattress that effectively minimizes motion transfer receives a higher score, signifying its ability to provide undisturbed sleep even with movement on the other side.
Edge Support: Maximizing Usable Sleep Surface
Edge support, the ability of a mattress to maintain its structure at the edges, is particularly important for those who sleep near the edge or have mobility issues. The team assesses edge support by both sitting and lying on the edges of the mattress, observing how much the edge compresses or gives way. A mattress with strong edge support allows for comfortable use of the entire sleep surface, preventing the feeling of rolling off or sinking at the edges. This evaluation ensures that the mattress provides consistent support across the entire surface.
Temperature Regulation: Staying Cool and Comfortable
Temperature regulation is a key consideration for a comfortable sleep experience. All mattresses tested by CNET undergo evaluation in a temperature-controlled room to accurately assess their cooling capabilities. The team analyzes the mattress construction and materials, combined with their firsthand experience lying on the mattress, to determine how effectively it dissipates heat and maintains a comfortable sleeping temperature. This controlled environment allows for a more objective assessment of the mattress’s ability to regulate temperature and ensure a cooler sleep.
The CNET Team: Expertise and Experience
The CNET mattress testing team comprises nine experts with extensive experience in the field. They have collectively tested and reviewed hundreds of mattresses and a wide array of sleep accessories, developing a detailed and comprehensive understanding of mattress performance and features. This extensive experience is combined with a standardized testing methodology, allowing for consistent and objective evaluation of each mattress.
Holistic Approach and Diverse Team
CNET takes a holistic approach to mattress testing, recognizing the importance of considering the needs and experiences of various individuals. The team comprises members with different genders, body types, and preferred sleeping positions. This diversity ensures that the testing process incorporates a wide range of perspectives and that the evaluations reflect the comfort and support provided to different sleepers. This holistic approach, combined with rigorous testing procedures, ensures that CNET provides consumers with reliable and comprehensive mattress reviews.
