How can I recognise good mattresses?

How to recognise good mattresses: 6 Stiftung Warentest criteria

The mattress test is an important decision-making aid for the purchase, because mattresses are crucial for sleeping comfort and health. Experts therefore recommend replacing the mattress every ten years at the latest. So when the moment comes for a new mattress, the question arises: How can I recognise good mattresses?

The first question is the type of mattress. There are cold foam mattresses, innerspring mattresses or latex mattresses. Which mattresses are good for you? Good cold foam mattresses with a volume weight of at least 40 kg/cbm today stand for a very good technical development with regard to the essential lying properties. Latex mattresses are not particularly breathable compared to cold foam mattresses. They are also particularly heavy and therefore less recommended. Spring mattresses stand for good ventilation, but poorer insulation.

Cold foam mattresses with a volume weight of at least 40 kg/cbm today stand for a very good technical development with regard to the essential lying properties.

Unique like you: good mattresses adapt to you!

The new mattress should last a long time and be good for the back. When testing mattresses, you should pay attention to the volume weight (RG) of the mattress. In general, it can be said that a RG of 25-30 is rather a light quality and that these mattresses are usually worn out after a short time.

What are good mattresses? Every person has different needs, is unique and should therefore take the time to find the mattress that is subjectively and individually optimal for them. It is worth taking a look at the different types of mattresses, which all have their own advantages and disadvantages. Good mattresses relieve pressure, support the body and are breathable at the same time. These properties can be guaranteed by different materials and processing techniques of the respective mattress types.

Good mattresses: What other types of mattresses are there?

Pocket spring mattress types
A pocket spring core consists of springs individually sewn into pockets; the core is covered with padding. These types of mattresses are divided into lying zones by different wire thicknesses or tension of the springs. Pocket spring mattresses have good point elasticity and very good air circulation and thus stand for an optimal sleeping climate, very high support and luxurious comfort. If more springs are used per square metre, the mattress is of higher quality and can adapt more precisely to the contours of the body.
Cold foam core mattress types
A cold foam core has very good surface elasticity and high supporting force with a low own weight of the mattress. Incisions in the material provide the zoning. With these types of mattresses, it is generally true that a higher core stands for better body adaptation. A good cold foam mattress has a density of at least 45 kg/m³.
Visco foam mattress toppers
Visco-foam layers or overlays ensure ideal pressure relief through heat-related adaptation to the body contour with a "memory" effect, but do not have optimal breathable properties. You lie in a medium-soft to medium-firm and almost "weightless" position without perceptible differences in pressure on the different parts of the body. The room temperature in the bedroom should be at least 18 °C, otherwise the mattress remains too hard and cannot adapt optimally. The more often you turn in your sleep, the thinner the Visco foam topper of the chosen mattress should be.
Latex core mattress types
A latex core has good point elasticity and high dimensional stability. The latex core mattress can be divided into lying zones due to the different hole thicknesses in the core. You lie softly and sink in relatively far. The mattress adapts exactly to the contours of the body. The disadvantage of this type of mattress is its high weight.

How to recognise good mattresses: How Stiftung Warentest assesses mattresses

The renowned institute sets out certain factors in its assessment, which should also be taken into account in your own mattress test. These include the lying properties, the sleeping climate, the durability, the cover, health and environment, the handling as well as the declaration and advertising:

Good mattresses must be optimal for the body:
The test of the lying characteristics is about different people and body shapes experiencing optimal comfort characteristics (point elasticity and body support).
Good mattresses must provide a good sleeping climate:
For the sleeping climate, it is crucial that you neither freeze nor sweat on a mattress. The durability is shown in the permanent load - cupping should be avoided here.
Good mattresses have a high-quality cover:
A good cover should be washable and solidly made - generous quilting is a bonus.
Good mattresses are free of harmful substances:
Health impairments are ruled out, among other things, by checking the selection of materials and by an odour test after 28 days.
Good mattresses are easy to transport:
Handling is assessed by the presence of carrying straps and the general transportability of the mattress.
Good mattresses are described transparently:
The declaration and advertising for the mattress should always be informative and transparent.