Mattress testing has many steps that start with manufacturing and ends when you take the mattress for a test-drive by laying down on it to check how comfortable it is for you. Mattresses go through thorough testing in order to meet quality control and fire safety requirements before they are allowed to be sold to us, the consumer. Rigorous quality control testing isn't done on every mattress, just one out of each make and model.
These tests were created to test new mattress concepts to make sure they meet the standards in several different evaluations. There are different test techniques that are outlined for use in evaluation of things such as the mattress components, the innersprings and boxsprings and they are done in both the mattresses and mattress sets (which included the boxspring).
When they test the different innersprings and boxsprings the test methods usually include measuring the firmness, how well the mattress retains the firmness, durability, and effect of how you get into bed. By determining these different factors, they can grade each innerspring and boxspring. These grades determine whether they are superior or inferior and whether or not they are fit for consumer purchasing. And the mattress and mattress set tests gauge similar test as the innerspring and boxspring with an added test for height change.
The firmness test determines what rating the mattress set receives whether it is a soft, medium or firm mattress. Firmness retention rates how long the mattress keeps its firmness under normal wear and tear situations. Durability determines how long it will last before it needs to be replaced due to normal wear and tear. And believe it or not, how you get into bed helps find weaknesses in the mattresses structure as well.
Fire safety tests are performed as well. These tests help find out how hot it has to be before the mattress will ignite and how it would burn if it did catch on fire. These tests help with fire investigations especially those that involve the mattress as the ignition point of the fire. These tests also tell fire professionals whether or not a simple lit cigarette can start a fire or if it has to be a flame source with or without help from accelerants.
Most mattresses has flame retardant in the material it is made with. Knowing these test results can help the savvy consumer make an educated choice about what mattress they lay on for a great night's sleep.