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Our mattress testing experts have tested over 200 mattresses and counting. We’re really good at testing beds and evaluating them for what the average person needs and values. As we test, we consider several key factors that help us evaluate each mattress.
CNET editors choose the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may receive a commission. Read more at how we test mattresses.
Firmness and feel
We start with the two most important factors when it comes to mattresses: firmness and feel. You can think of firmness as how firm or soft the mattress is. I know what you’re thinking, who wants a firm mattress? Big pressure relief isn’t always the best option for everyone, but some people, like stomach and back sleepers, need a firmer mattress with more support to keep their spine aligned at night. Side sleepers, on the other hand, benefit from a softer mattress that offers relief from pressure on the shoulders, hips and knees. We rate hardness on a scale of 1 to 10, corresponding to terms like “medium” or “medium hard.”
The feel is the other big one that we note right away. How does the top mattress feel when you lie on it? Does it feel like sinking memory foam or a more neutral foam that bounces back quickly? Specifically for pillow tops, we consider how thick they are and how they feel on the mattress. How firm and how the mattress feels is noted in each review.
productivity
We consider several performance factors when testing the best pillow top mattresses. The first is edge support, or how structured the perimeter of the mattress is. Testing this is as easy as sitting on the edge of the bed and gauging how much it supports. If we feel like we’re going to fall off the mattress by sitting on the edge, then it doesn’t have much edge support.
Motion isolation is important if you sleep with a partner who rotates or has a different sleep schedule than you. We test this by placing a cup of water on top of the mattress and rolling across the bed to see if it will tip over. We also know how well the mattress distributes heat and regulates temperature.
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