Our team at CNET has been testing mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories for years, with members who have been doing so for up to eight years. We have tested around 350 different mattresses from various brands, including big names like Serta and Tempur-Pedic, as well as niche players like Sonu and Airweave. Our diverse team of bed testers allows us to provide comprehensive assessments of each mattress from different viewpoints, taking into account varying body types, heights, genders, and sleep preferences. We conduct long-term reviews of mattresses, ranging from a month to five years, to provide in-depth insights.
When a new mattress arrives at our testing facility, we assess its characteristics such as firmness, feel, temperature regulation, motion isolation, edge support, and any unique features it may offer. Firmness is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with our team providing subjective assessments before using our Mattress Smasher to provide an objective firmness score. We also evaluate the feel of each mattress, focusing on factors like responsiveness, conformity, and comfort levels. Our goal is to describe the experience of lying on each bed accurately to help consumers make informed decisions.
Temperature regulation is a critical factor in mattress testing, as everyone’s body reacts differently to different materials. We assess how hot or cool each mattress sleeps, considering external factors like climate and environment. While most mattresses claim to be cooling, only a few genuinely live up to that promise. Motion isolation is another essential feature we test, as it determines how well a mattress absorbs movement across its surface. This is particularly important for light sleepers or those sharing a bed with a partner or pets.
Edge support is also evaluated to determine how well a mattress holds its structure and support around the perimeter, especially for those who share a bed. By sitting and lying on the edge, we can assess whether the mattress caves in or remains sturdy. Additionally, we test any special features that some brands may offer, such as cooling covers or zoned support for specific sleep needs. Our goal is to determine whether these additional characteristics are beneficial and live up to the claims made by the manufacturers.
Overall, our testing process at CNET involves a thorough evaluation of mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories to provide consumers with detailed insights and recommendations. By considering factors like firmness, feel, temperature regulation, motion isolation, edge support, and special features, we aim to help individuals make informed decisions about their sleep products. Our team’s diverse perspectives and extensive experience ensure that our reviews are comprehensive and reliable, offering valuable information to consumers looking to improve their sleep quality.
