Sleep Experts Take on Mattresses: Testing, Tips, and Tales

I did the research so I can confidently suggest a mattress for you. Here's everything I learned from testing beds with other mattress experts.

Testing Beds at Our Mattress Warehouse Lessons Learned

If you’re in the market for a new mattress, you’re in luck! Our team of sleep experts has recently conducted an extensive testing session at our mattress warehouse in Reno, Nevada. We tried and tested over 35 beds to bring you valuable insights and help you find the perfect mattress. So, let’s dive into the world of mattresses and explore what our testing adventure revealed!

Inside Our Mattress Warehouse: A Hub of Knowledge and Comfort

Our mattress warehouse in Reno is not just a place to store beds. It’s a testing lab, a filming studio, and an office all rolled into one. With its impressive 6,000 square feet of space, the warehouse accommodates desk areas, two mock bedrooms for testing and filming, and a large backroom filled with mattresses. As you enter, you’ll notice stacks of mattresses, creating a cozy office environment. In total, we have approximately 117 beds in our warehouse, each meticulously reviewed and thoroughly tested for your benefit.

🛏️ Tip: A comfortable mattress is essential for a good night’s sleep. Explore our best mattress recommendations to find the perfect fit for you.

The Testing Process: An Adventure of Unboxing and Assessment

During our visit to the warehouse, we had the chance to witness the testing process firsthand. Unboxing a brand new mattress, we carefully set it up on a bed frame in one of the mock bedrooms. As we cut through the packaging, the mattress began to take shape before our eyes. It’s worth noting that all-foam mattresses, like the DreamCloud we unboxed, may take around a day to fully expand.

Firmness: A Balance of Support and Pressure Relief

To assess firmness, we pressed into the mattress and then laid down on each bed. Every mattress has its own level of firmness, determined by its pressure relief and support. For instance, the Avocado Green Mattress, made of bouncy latex foam, felt very firm, even in its medium, pillow-top version. On the other hand, the Helix Midnight Luxe offered a more medium to medium-soft feel, with slightly less support. Remember, mattress firmness can vary depending on your body type, weight, and preferred sleeping position.

Q&A: How does mattress firmness affect different sleeping positions?
Every mattress is different, but as a general guideline, back and stomach sleepers usually benefit from a firmer mattress to support their spines. Side sleepers, on the other hand, may prefer a softer mattress for better pressure relief. However, personal preferences and body types play a role as well. Read more about mattress firmness and sleeping positions in our guide on choosing the right mattress.

Feel: Testing Comfort from All Angles

To truly understand a mattress, we experimented with different sleeping positions. Memory foam mattresses, known for their density, provided resistance when switching between stomach and side sleeping positions. In contrast, the Purple mattress, with its gel-like latex grid, offered a bouncy and light feel that kept the body on top of the mattress without excessive sinking.

Sleeping Positions: Finding the Perfect Match

One of the key aspects of mattress testing is determining which sleeping positions work best for each bed. We put ourselves in your shoes and tested different positions on various mattresses. For example, the Big Fig mattress proved to be ideal for stomach and back sleepers, as well as heavier individuals. However, side sleeping on the Big Fig wasn’t as comfortable. Remember, mattresses can feel firmer or softer depending on your body size and weight distribution.

Motion Isolation: Ensuring Undisturbed Slumber

Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress absorbs the movements of a sleeping partner or a pet sharing the bed. To test this, we placed a glass of water on one side of the bed and simulated tossing and turning on the other side. We observed how well the glass remained undisturbed, which indicates good motion isolation. Memory foam mattresses performed significantly better in this aspect compared to hybrid mattresses, thanks to their superior ability to absorb motion.

Edge Support: Stability and Comfort to the Brink

If you’ve ever experienced the fear of rolling off the edge of a mattress, you know the importance of edge support. Hybrid mattresses often excel in this area, offering more overall support compared to all-foam beds. One example, the Nolah Original Hybrid, passed our edge support test with flying colors. We sat on the edge, assessed the support, and even rolled as far as we could without falling off!

Temperature: A Chilly or Cozy Journey

For those who tend to sleep hot, finding a mattress that regulates temperature is crucial. Our team paid close attention to the temperature qualities of each mattress. Cooling mattresses are typically made with breathable materials, such as cotton or gel memory foam, and offer a cool-to-the-touch cover. During our testing, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe stood out with its impressive cooling properties. Even without sheets or bedding, we could feel the cooling sensation through our clothes.

💤 Sweet Dream Tip: If you’re a hot sleeper like us, check out our best cooling mattress recommendations for a breezy and comfortable night’s sleep.

Key Takeaways: Knowledge to Guide Your Mattress Hunt

After spending a few days testing mattresses at the warehouse, we’ve compiled some key points that we believe are vital for anyone looking to buy a new mattress. Here are our top three takeaways:

1. Mattress Testing with the Average Body in Mind

While testing mattresses, our team noticed some discrepancies in our opinions. As women, we found some of the firmer mattresses to be completely uncomfortable, despite the general rule that stomach and back sleepers benefit from firmer beds. It’s important to note that these guidelines were set for the average body, which leans toward the male physique. So, if you’re a stomach sleeper with a larger chest, a mattress marketed as ideal for stomach sleepers may not consider your specific needs. However, we found that pillow-top mattresses can provide extra cushioning for those with chests, like the Puffy Cloud mattress.

2. Comfort Doesn’t Always Come with a Hefty Price Tag

During our testing, we discovered that affordability doesn’t mean compromising on comfort. The DreamFoam Doze, for example, stood out with its neutral foam feel and was just as comfortable as higher-end memory foam mattresses. And the best part? The queen size model of the DreamFoam Doze is priced at only $240, and even lower when it’s on sale. You don’t have to break the bank to find a comfortable mattress that suits your needs.

3. Mattresses Are Subjective: Trust Your Feelings

While reviews can provide valuable insights, remember that comfort is subjective. Not every bed will feel the same to you as it does to someone else. What matters most is your personal preference. We discovered that our individual preferences for specific mattresses didn’t always align. That’s why we encourage you to do thorough research and, if possible, test mattresses yourself. Most mattresses come with great return policies and free trials, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your unique needs.

😴 Finding the right mattress is like finding a sleep companion. It’s all about compatibility and what suits you best. So, don’t be afraid to explore and trust your instincts!

Share Your Mattress Adventures!

Now that you’re armed with these valuable insights from our mattress testing adventure, we want to hear about your own experiences! Let us know in the comments which mattresses you’ve tried, what worked for you, and any tips you have for fellow mattress hunters.

📚 Reference List:

  1. Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
  2. Lead Poisoning Cases Linked to Tainted Fruit Puree Pouches
  3. Ecosleep Hybrid Mattress Review: Natural Latex Foam at an Affordable Price
  4. Helix Sunset Luxe Mattress Review 2023: The Best Helix Bed for Side Sleeping
  5. Head Injury Left Memory-Impaired: A New Brain Implant Brought Memory Back
  6. Purple Hybrid Mattress Review: Reasons to Buy or Not to Buy in 2024
  7. Best Gel Mattress in 2024: Cool and Comfortable Sleep
  8. Brooklyn Bedding Spartan Mattress Review 2024: The Best Mattress for Athletes
  9. DreamCloud Mattress Review 2024: A Premium Hybrid Bed Tested by Experts
  10. Best Hybrid Mattress in 2024: A Perfect Blend of Conformity and Support
  11. Nolah Original 10 Mattress Review 2024: A Unique Feel for Side Sleepers
  12. Reviewing the Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze Hybrid
  13. Cognitive Decline Can Come Earlier in People with Epilepsy
  14. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Review 2024: The Coolest Sleep Experience
  15. The Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers in 2024
  16. The Puffy Cloud Mattress: Softness and Support for Side Sleepers
  17. GhostBed Mattress Review: Reasons to Buy or Not to Buy
  18. Best Cooling Mattresses in 2024: Sleep Chilled and Refreshed
  19. Anxiety? LSD Proves Effective in Phase 2 Clinical Trial

📢 Don’t keep the secrets of a good night’s sleep to yourself! Share this article with your friends and family on social media to help them on their quest for the perfect mattress. Happy sleeping! 💤✨