About Our Sleep Lab & Testing Methodology
Meet our certified testing staff and explore the five instrumented protocols behind every review score.
1. Our Austin Sleep Science Laboratory
Tested Mattress was built to replace vague showroom adjectives and manufacturer marketing scripts with repeatable biomechanical measurements. From our independent testing studio in Austin, Texas, our team evaluates mattresses side-by-side under controlled ambient climate conditions (68°F ± 1°F, 45% relative humidity) before publishing a single score.
Whether you are a 125-pound side sleeper dealing with shoulder compression or a 240-pound back sleeper trying to eliminate lower-back sag, every rating in our database is anchored to quantitative sensor readings—not overnight unboxing impressions.
2. Five-Protocol Physical Testing Methodology
Every mattress enters a standardized 14-day break-in cycle followed by five instrumented lab evaluations across lightweight (120–145 lbs), average (160–195 lbs), and heavyweight (230+ lbs) body profiles.
Tactile Pressure Mapping (mmHg)
High-density capacitive sensor mats record peak contact pressure in millimeters of mercury across the shoulder girdle, lumbar spine, and outer hip in side, back, and stomach postures.
FLIR Infrared Thermal Imaging
Calibrated infrared cameras capture baseline surface temperature, 15-minute heat absorption, peak 60-minute thermal load, and 5-minute post-exit heat dissipation curves.
Tri-Axial Motion Seismology
Digital accelerometers measure G-force ripple amplitude and settling time 18 inches away from standardized drop impacts to quantify partner disturbance for light sleepers.
Perimeter Edge Compression
We load edge rails with calibrated 175-lb and 230-lb weights to measure seated sinkage depth and lying roll-off resistance at the corners and long sidewalls.
Spinal Alignment Laser Leveling & Simulated Wear
Along with foam density (PCF/ILD) and coil steel gauge teardown audits, we run accelerated compression cycles to verify rebound recovery and flag sagging risks early before warranty limits kick in.
3. Meet Our Testing & Editorial Team
Every review is authored by a certified sleep science coach, cross-checked against raw lab logs by our materials editor, and updated whenever a manufacturer modifies foam density, coil count, or trial terms.
Jessica Moore, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Jessica has spent 8+ years analyzing biomechanics, pressure relief mapping, and mattress ergonomics. She leads our independent sleep lab in Austin, TX, overseeing thermal, motion, and durability testing.
Former mechanical test engineer overseeing coil gauge verification, ILD compression testing, and FLIR thermal chamber calibration across Austin lab trials.
Audits brand sleep-trial fine print, return pickup fees, CertiPUR-US/GOLS law-tag disclosures, and historical discount accuracy across 40+ brands.
4. Explore Our Reviews & Transparency Policies
We believe readers deserve complete clarity on how scores are calculated and how our publication stays independent.