How We Research, Test and Review Mattresses and Sleep Accessories

Getting quality sleep is important for everyone. Our sleep supports our physical health, cognitive function and mental wellbeing. But as we age, sleep disorders and disruption become more common, according to the National Institute on Aging. And research estimates that up to 50 percent of people age 65 or older have sleep problems, compared to 22 percent of the general population.

There are a variety of reasons why older adults may not get as restful sleep, including reduced melatonin production, health conditions, medication and hormonal fluctuations. While a new mattress can't solve these problems, it may make it easier for you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Factors like better pressure relief and temperature regulation can help reduce pain, limit tossing and turning at night, and keep you cool.

If you’re ready to buy a new mattress, we can help. 

Here's how we vet and test mattresses and other sleep accessories:

1. Research the marketplace. In addition to reviewing what sleep products are offered, we ask experts: What brands are popular and why? What are the best types of mattresses for pressure relief and comfort? Which products have rave reviews (and are they legitimate)?
2. Purchase and test each one in our lab. We assess objective features like bounce, cooling and edge support.
3. Recruit independent testers ages 50-plus to try out each product. Do testers like the look and feel of the mattress? Do they feel pressure building up in any position? Do the surface and edges feel secure?
4. Explore the customer service experience. We contact manufacturers to find out whether customers can get help when needed, whether returns are easy and other key information.

Products that ace these assessments make it onto our lists of the best mattresses and sleep accessories:

In our edge support test, the DreamCloud Classic only sank 2.5 inches, earning it a perfect score in that assessment.

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Edge support

• We test all mattresses by placing a 150-pound sandbag on the edge of the bed. Then we measure how much the edges sink under the weight and compare that to the bed's height to determine the difference. Based on how much the edge dips, the bed receives a score from 1 to 5.
• We also have older adult testers try out each bed to see how it feels for those who have mobility limitations or just need an extra-sturdy surface. Our testers assign a numerical score of 1 to 5 for how secure they feel sitting and lying on the edges, with 5 being the most secure.

Tester Donna praised the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe’s edge support.

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Bounce test

• To measure a bed's bounce or responsiveness, our lab testers drop a 15-pound ball on the mattress to measure rebound. Each drop is from two feet, and we measure the peak height when assigning a numerical value. Beds that earn strong scores have high bounces and, as a result, may be better choices for people who benefit from an extra boost when changing positions or getting out of bed.

The Saatva Classic bounced 28 inches when we dropped a 15-pound ball onto it, the highest rebound of any bed we’ve tested.

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Ripple test

• Our first motion isolation test is called the ripple test. During this test, we place a glass of red liquid on the bed, and we measure how much the liquid and the glass move when our testers perform a set of controlled movements (getting in bed, changing positions, sitting on the edge and getting out of bed).

Our testers noted minimal movement during our ripple test of the Nectar Luxe.

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Couple’s motion isolation

• The couples’ motion isolation test rates perceived movement when two people are on the same bed. One tester is blindfolded and rates the sensations they feel when the other person gets in and out of bed and changes position. This test helps us gauge how much movement someone should expect from a particular bed, which is especially helpful for light sleepers.

Tester Bryan said the Leesa Sapira Chill did a great job isolating motion during our couple’s test.

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