How We Test & Score Mattresses

We independently test and review sleep products using a structured, multi-point evaluation process. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more about our disclosure policy.

By Tanmay Mendiratta, Founder & Editor-in-Chief

UPDATED August 30, 2025

Every mattress claims to be the “most comfortable” or the “coolest,” but how do you really know?

After testing more than a thousand mattresses over the past 15 years, I’ve seen firsthand how marketing hype often falls short of reality. That’s why transparent testing matters.

We, at Healthtors, don’t just rely on what brands say – we run independent evaluations that put the core factors to the test.

We have dedicated countless hours in developing and perfecting our mattress testing and scoring system.

The Goal is Simple: To deliver a transparent, data-driven evaluation that fairly measures every mattress we review.

With our process, you’ll finally have the clarity and confidence to choose a mattress that truly fits your sleep needs.

In the sections ahead, we’ll break down each factor step-by-step so you can see precisely how our testing works and how we arrive at every score.

Our Mattress Testing Philosophy

At Healthtors, our testing philosophy is rooted in one simple belief: sleep quality can’t be reduced to flashy marketing or a single lab measurement.

Real-world sleep experience is what truly matters. That’s why our evaluations go far beyond technical specifications. We put every mattress through weeks of real use, paying close attention to how it performs night after night.

We recognize that no two sleepers are same.

Our testing reflects all these needs, ensuring that each score takes into account how different body types and positions interact with a mattress.

Importantly, our process is unbiased. Scores are based entirely on performance factors like support, cooling, motion isolation, durability, and comfort – not brand sponsorships or marketing influence.

Each factor is carefully weighted to reflect what has the greatest impact on actual sleep quality.

This philosophy forms the foundation of our evaluation methodology, ensuring every review is backed by transparent criteria and measurable outcomes.

10 Core Factors We Test and Score

Here are the 10 core factors we test and score at Healthtors, explained in practical detail:

We use side, back, and stomach sleepers to evaluate comfort. Pressure-mapping shows how well the mattress relieves stress at shoulders, hips, and spine. Good pressure relief prevents soreness and promotes pain-free rest.

We measure firmness on a 1–10 scale and test across lightweight, average, and heavy sleepers. A healthy mattress should keep the spine neutral, avoiding long-term back issues.

Drop tests with weighted objects simulate partner movement. We measure how much disturbance travels across the bed—critical for couples who value uninterrupted sleep.

Overnight heat-mapping shows whether the bed traps heat. Materials like gel-infused foams, breathable covers, or hybrid coils improve airflow, making them ideal for hot sleepers.

We use compression and rollator machine testing to simulate years of use. Foam density and coil gauge are inspected, and warranties give clues about expected lifespan.

We test edge firmness while sitting and lying down. Strong edges matter for couples who share space or anyone with a smaller bedroom.

Ball-drop rebound tests measure bounce and ease of movement. Combo sleepers benefit from beds that adjust quickly as they change position.

We monitor odors during the first 48 hours. Certifications like CertiPUR-US® and organic labels confirm the mattress is low-VOC and safe for families.

We track unboxing time, expansion speed, and the effort needed to set up. Delivery options, trial periods, and return policies are also factored in.

We compare features against price, plus extras like trial length and warranties. The goal is to highlight mattresses that deliver long-term comfort without breaking your budget.

Understanding our Scoring System

Our scoring system is designed to make mattress comparisons simple, fair, and transparent.

Each of the 10 core factors we test is scored on a 1–10 scale.

However, not all factors carry the same weight.

Comfort, support, and durability are prioritized more heavily because they have the greatest impact on long-term sleep quality. Cooling, motion isolation, and other factors still matter, but they receive slightly less weight in the final calculation.

To calculate the overall score, we multiply each factor’s score by its weight, add them up, and then divide by the maximum possible score to get a percentage.

This ensures that a mattress excelling in critical areas like comfort and support will rank higher than one that only does well in less essential categories.

Here’s an example of how a scorecard might look for one mattress:

Final Score: 8.5 / 10 (85%)

This weighted scoring system helps readers instantly see strengths and weaknesses, while knowing exactly how the overall rating was calculated.

Why You Can Trust Our Scores

When it comes to mattress reviews, trust is everything. Our scores are built on over 15 years of hands-on testing and real-world sleep trials with more than 1,000 mattresses.

This isn’t guesswork or surface-level impressions. It is the result of years spent comparing, measuring, and refining what truly makes a mattress worth your money.

We take pride in being completely independent:

No brand can buy a better score from us.
We never adjust results to please manufacturers.
Every mattress goes through the same rigorous testing protocol and evaluation methodology, with no exceptions.

To make sure our results reflect reality, we cross-check our findings with:

Consumer feedback from verified buyers.
Warranty claims that reveal long-term issues.
Performance reports from extended use.

If a mattress starts sagging after a year for many buyers, we update our durability score accordingly. That way, you’re not just getting lab data. You’re getting the full picture.

The mattress industry never stands still, and neither do we.

As new models release or brands tweak their designs, our scores are continuously updated. This ensures you are always working with the most current, trustworthy information before making your decision.

Conclusion

Finding the right mattress shouldn’t feel like a guessing game.

That’s why our testing goes beyond marketing claims to deliver real, reliable results.

Our mission is to help you cut through the noise and discover the mattress that truly supports the way you sleep.

Use our scores as a trusted guide – but always combine them with your personal comfort preferences. After all, the best mattress isn’t the one with the flashiest ads, it’s the one that helps you wake up refreshed and pain-free.