Curious about how we arrive at the scores we give mattresses? At Healthy Sleep, we take an impartial look at each mattress, testing it how it feels, how it performs, how it supports and more. We also research quality of materials, guarantees and look at a variety of review sources to see what other owners think after sleeping on a bed.

Born from years of industry experience and testing dozens of mattresses, we’ve developed a standardized scoring system to make analysis simpler, both on our and and for you, our readers. Scores are based on objective information as well as on how a bed compares to others on the market.

Our scoring system is based on 12 factors, which we outline in detail below: material quality, technology, support, temperature control, smell/odor, eco-friendliness, couple-friendliness, durability, company reputation, owner reviews, trial/return policy, and warranty. Read on to learn how we analyze and assess scores for mattresses to separate the best beds on the market from the rest.

Material Quality

One of the most telling aspects of how well a mattress will perform over several years is the quality of the fabrics, foams and other components.

Cheaper fabrics will stretch and wear sooner, and may lack breathability. Lower density foams will compress sooner and provide less buoyant cushioning. Poorly designed or weak springs and base layers will lead to bed that loses comfort fairly quickly.

We look at each layer of a mattress when evaluating it, from the ticking to the fire barrier to the comfort layers and the support layers, to learn what type of care the manufacturer is putting into the product. We can then compare this with industry standards and other beds to get an idea of a mattress’s potential comfort, durability and value compared to others.

Technology

Mattresses may have been around for a couple centuries, but technology is evolving all of the time. Certain advancements allow manufacturers to significantly limit chemicals in products as well as pollution, while others result in longer lasting or more comfortable products.

In rating technology, we primarily look at whether or a not a brand is using industry standards when it comes to the environment, materials, design, and the sales process.

Support & Conformity

Support refers to well a bed maintains the natural, neutral alignment of your spine during sleep. Adequate support is necessary for both short-term and long-term comfort, and for preventing aches and pains. Conformity refers to a mattresses ability to ‘hug’ or cushion the heavier parts of your body like hips and shoulders against pressure points.

For a mattress to provide good support over the long-term, its support layers must be made of quality materials that won’t easily break down. They also need to be able to accommodate the curves of the body without distortion. For example, a firm base with no flexibility may distort the spine by not providing lumbar support to back sleepers or by causing the hips to rotate in side sleepers.

The degree of support a mattress provides depends not only on quality, but also on personal factors. Sleep position and body weight also influence how a mattress responds to a sleeper. So, we also look to make sure the retailer appears to adequately explain who the mattress is best designed to support.

Temperature Control

Staying cool and comfortable throughout the night plays a significant role in sleep comfort year round. Studies have also found that a cooler temperature facilitates deeper sleep. So, part of a mattress performing well is the ability to balance temperatures year-round.

When we consider a factor like temperature control that can be more subjective, we look at a few factors known to influence heat retention. These include things like the fabrics, foam and design of the bed.

We also check to see what people say about the heat, sleeping overly warm or feeling uncomfortable versus the percent with no issue. Reviews we look for come from retailer websites and unbiased third-party sources of consumer reviews like Reseller Ratings and Viewpoints.

Smell/Odor

Packaging materials, adhesives, fire-proofing materials and foams can all potentially have odors that some people describe as chemical and overbearing. These are usually only a concern the first couple days or weeks after unwrapping a new bed. But, odors and smells can be rather off-putting in the bedroom, even if they are just temporary.

Certain materials are more likely to omit chemical odors than others. Usually, these smells are the result volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which offgas into the air for a short period. VOCs are found in everything from paints to perfumes and even plants, but in mattresses they are most likely to be found in foams with high degree of stronger chemicals and petroleum products, and in strong adhesives used between layers. These materials can result in a bed that smells pretty strong in a small room initially. Plastic wrapping materials can also contribute a small amount odor which usually dissipates more rapidly.

When we consider smell and odors to rate a bed, we look at our own ability to notice any strong or offensive smells, at any certifications or claims made by the brand, and at owner opinions and the percent of people who complain about unpleasant odors with their new mattress.

Eco-Friendliness

In recent years, one of the top concerns among mattress shoppers has become the eco-friendliness or healthiness of the materials within a bed. From concerns about how manufacturers meet the federal flammability laws to chemicals in foams, people are paying more attention than ever before.

We we look at the eco-friendliness of a particular mattress, we are looking at what makes up each individual layer. From the foams to the fire barrier to the core, we research to see what proportion of materials are natural and/or sustainable.

Eco-friendliness also relates to manufacturing processes. Manufacturers that minimize pollution during production, reduce waste in manufacturing and with returns, and focus on optimizing logistics have an edge in reducing their carbon footprint.

Couple-Friendliness

While everyone loves having a special someone to cuddle up with at night, the truth is that sleeping as a couple comes with some challenges. In fact, it’s been found that many people actually sleep worse together due to things like loud snoring, a partner’s movements, heat, or mismatched schedules.

The main roles a mattress plays in making sleep better for couples (beyond basic comfort) involve minimizing movement disturbances, balancing temperature, and not negatively affecting intimacy.

Durability

Since a mattress is one of the larger purchases you make for your home, usually you expect it to prove useful for several years. For example, a survey from the Better Sleep Council found that most people replace their mattress every 10 years.

Not every bed will provide good sleep for that long however. Sleep Like The Dead research finds that on average, an innerspring bed lasts about 6 years with 25% of owners reporting sagging. In contrast, they say memory foam beds last an average of 7 years and latex beds 8 years, with an average of about 15% of people reporting sagging.

It’s difficult to know exactly how long a mattress will last for an individual person since it depends on environment, weight, care and more. But, it’s known that more dense foams prove more resistant to wear, and that spring beds with fluffy fiber pillowtops show impressions quicker, for example. In assessing potential durability of mattress, we look at the the quality of materials within both the support and comfort layers and at owner complaints of sagging.

Owner Reviews

Reviews from other people who have owned and slept on a mattress remain one of the most invaluable tools shoppers have. They offer valuable insight for assessing long-term durability and comfort, while also highlighting potential issues and concerns.

In our process, we look at a variety of review sources, giving priority to verified third-party review systems and reviews on third-party websites that do not accept payment in exchange for manipulating reviews. These sources primarily include retailer and brand websites, as well as third-party websites like Reseller Ratings, Viewpoints, and Sleep Like The Dead.

Company Reputation

A company’s reputation offers useful insight how reliable they are when it comes to orders and delivery, the quality of customer service, and how they handle issues when they do arise.

One of the main things we look at here are owner reviews (from verified sources preferably such third-party review systems on retailer websites, and websites like Reseller Ratings and BBB). In this we are looking specifically at the ratio of people that report problems versus those who are satisfied.

We also consider the duration a company has been in business, their social media profiles, ease of contacting their customer service staff, and their transparency when it comes to policies.

5 Stars The manufacturer discloses all relevant specifications. Textiles used are designed to stretch, maintain shape and breath. Quality of comfort layer is above average (like over 3.5 lbs for memory foam, quality latex, high density fill or wool). Support layers include quality materials (like over 1.5 lb poly foam, higher gauge coils/supportive count, quality latex). The finished mattress is constructed in a way that supports the integrity of the layers within.

4 Stars The manufacturer discloses most or all relevant specifications. Quality of textiles, comfort layers and support layers is generally excellent, but may have one potential concern or unknown factor. The finished mattress is constructed in a way that supports the integrity of the layers within.

3 Stars The manufacturer discloses most relevant specifications. Quality of textiles, comfort layers and support layers is generally at least average, but may have some potential concern or unknown factors. The finished mattress is constructed in a way that supports the integrity of the layers within.

2 Stars The manufacturer may not disclose the relevant specifications for determining quality or longevity. There may be some significant quality concerns regarding density or construction There are some potential signs of poor construction regarding the appearance or layering of the bed.

1 Star The manufacturer may not disclose the relevant specifications for determining quality or longevity. Significant issues with density of foams, comfort layers and support layers exist, such as using foams below industry standard or offering poorly designed coil systems. There are obvious signs of poor construction (issues with foams, lumpy or uneven designs, poorly sewn covers, etc).

Trial/Return Policy

One important thing to keep in mind when selecting a new mattress is that it takes your body time to adjust to a new sleep surface. A brief test in a showroom offers very little insight to how a bed will feel over a full night’s sleep, in your own home. This is especially true when buying online, as you are going of research and reviews over feel.

For this reason, we find it imperative that brand offer a minimum of 30 days in home trial during which you can at least exchange or get a full refund. In ranking return policies, we look at the duration, whether or not the company assesses fees, how easy the process is, and how transparent the process of returning is before buying.

5 Stars The company employs modern advancements in manufacturing materials, such as pollution-free plants, and emphasizes US-based manufacturing. The mattress includes higher-tech components, such as eco-friendly or plant-based foams, advanced textiles, smart adaptations, or other unique features designed to improve comfort or durability. The mattress looks modern and aesthetically pleasing. The brand employs a website that makes it easy to learn about the products and shop.

4 Stars The company employs some modern advancements in manufacturing materials or includes at least one unique or advanced component. The mattress looks modern and aesthetically pleasing. The brand employs a website that makes it easy to learn about the products and shop.

3 Stars The mattress offers fairly average features and advancements relative to marketplace peers. The bed’s design may be somewhat outdated or have some traits that aren’t user friendly. The brand’s web presence may be fairly small or difficult to navigate.

2 Stars The mattress features basic materials with little technological design, such as high-VOC foams and adhesives or polluting manufacturing. The bed may offer a very outdated or not user-friendly. Web presence may offer little or no useful information, or may have outdated product details.

1 Star The mattress features basic materials with little technological design, such as high-VOC foams and adhesives or polluting manufacturing. The bed may offer an appealing or unsophisticated design. There is no web presence available for people to learn more.

Warranty

The warranty is one aspect of of your bed that you hope you never need, but you’ll appreciate a good policy if something does go wrong. When looking at a warranty policy the key things to look at are the duration, limitations of coverage and any exclusions.

The duration of a full-coverage warranty is a general idea of how long the manufacturer might expect the bed to hold up under reasonable use. Most mid-level and luxury mattresses on the market these days provide about 10 years. Some brands also offer additional prorated coverage, which would reimburse you for a portion of the costs of replacement depending on how long you’ve owned the bed. It’s important to look into a policy to understand what type of coverage is being offered.

After the duration, the other most significant thing to understand is what exactly the manufacturer is covering. For most foam and spring mattresses, the primary concern would be significant sagging or impressions developing. Most policies will specify the depth of impression that they consider to be a fault in design, which be anywhere from 0.75” to 2”. Research shows that impressions greater than 1” are associated with more pain, so ideally a warranty should kick in there.

Also important to check are any actions or issues that void the warranty. For example, some brands may require you to use their matching foundation or may void coverage if mattress tags are removed or the bed is soiled.

5 Stars The comfort layer contains an ideal amount of pressure point relieving material (2”+ for beds geared toward back sleepers, 3”+ for beds targeting side sleepers). The support layer is composed of high quality materials (1.8 lb poly foam with a higher ILD over 30 or an independent/pocket coil system over 600 count for queen). Overall mattress is thick enough to support and accommodate an average sleeper (10”+ profile). The retailer identifies who the mattress is designed to provide adequate sleep for in order to assist customer selection.

4 Stars Comfort and support layers are of adequate thickness and quality (high quality foams, pocket or offset coil systems). The retailer identifies who the mattress is designed for or at least provides some guidance. May have one or two minor flaws like an overly thick comfort layer or thinner profile height.

3 Stars Contains at least 2” of pressure-relieving material in comfort layer, but may not be of highest quality. Support layer may use average quality materials, like Bonnell coils that provide average satisfaction but not excellent. Retailer may be reluctant to disclose details or provide customer information on who mattress provides best support for.

2 Stars Quality may be lacking in comfort and/or support layers, using at least some below-average quality foams, padding or coil systems. Manufacturer reluctant to provide detailed quality or selection information. Mattress thinner than 10” or bolstered with higher layers of low quality materials that do not aid support.

1 Star The overall mattress is thinner than average, or individual layers are in imbalanced proportions. Materials show potential lack of ability to provide long-term support (below 1.5lb poly foam, continuous coil systems, or very low coil counts). Retailer makes no effort to explain who the mattress is best suited for.

Overall Scores

For each factor we assess, there are five points possible, making the maximum score 5.0/5 for a bed that satisfies that factor in an outstanding way. In total for the 12 categories, there are 60 possible points. We divide the total score by 12 in order to get an average, standardized star rating for each mattress review.

Our scale also gets represented by a grade. The process for the overall score we give a bed is outlined below: