Mattress Quality

How do I recognize a high-quality mattress?

What are the quality features of a mattress?

When searching for a new mattress, many people find it difficult to recognize a qualitatively high-quality mattress. People tend to assume that a higher-priced mattress also implies higher quality. However, this equation rarely holds true, as shown by the mattress tests conducted by Stiftung Warentest. In the mattress tests by Stiftung Warentest, expensive mattresses regularly perform worse than those from a cheaper price segment. Stiftung Warentest regularly awards mattresses as test winners that are price-friendly but still perform best in the various test criteria of Stiftung Warentest. Therefore, the price does not say much about the quality of a mattress. Before purchasing a mattress, many people therefore rely on the test results and the test winner from Stiftung Warentest. So, are the mattress tests by Stiftung Warentest a good guide when it comes to buying a mattress? Should one simply acquire the test winner of the mattress tests from Stiftung Warentest?

The mattress test of the Stiftung Warentest

The Stiftung Warentest conducts various mattress tests every year. Different types of mattresses are tested, such as latex mattresses, cold foam mattresses, and spring mattresses. The test categories always remain the same. The Stiftung Warentest tests the following test categories:

  • Test category: Sleeping properties of the mattress 90x200
  • Test category: Durability of the mattress 90x200
  • Test category: Health and environment 90x200
  • Test category: Handling of the mattress 90x200
  • Test category: Declaration and advertising 90x200
  • Test category: Pollutants in the mattress 90x200
  • Test category: Intensity of the smell 90x200
  • Test category: Sleeping feel in the different sleeping positions 90x200

Which mattresses does Stiftung Warentest test?

It is important to know that Stiftung Warentest tests mattresses only in one size -90x200- and one firmness level -medium-firm-. If you need a mattress in a different size than 90x200 and with a different firmness level, the Stiftung Warentest test is not particularly meaningful for the mattress seeker, unless you are looking for a mattress in exactly this size (90x200) and with exactly this firmness level (medium-firm). For people with back pain or health issues, back experts recommend a firmer mattress. For people without health issues, any mattress type is suitable. Ultimately, in this case, it also depends on individual preferences, e.g., regarding the firmness level. Therefore, there is no "best mattress" that fits everyone. So how do you find a high-quality mattress that still meets your own needs?  

What do guides say about mattress quality?

Almost as large as the range of mattress models is the information offer on the topic of mattress purchase and the quality of a mattress. One can find guides online and offline on pretty much every topic that is in any way related to the purchase of a mattress. There are product guides, bedding guides, sleep guides…. The various guides often provide tips on the criteria one can use to orient oneself when buying a mattress. Summarizing the tips from the various guides, four important criteria can be highlighted that can be used to assess the quality of a mattress. When buying a mattress, regardless of which mattress type it is (cold foam mattress, latex mattress, innerspring mattress), one should pay attention to the following points.

  • The density
  • The height of the mattress core
  • Sleeping zones
  • Whether the mattress has been tested for harmful substances

Density as a quality feature of mattresses

The room weight (RG) of a mattress is a significant quality feature. The room weight indicates how many kilograms of raw material have been foamed into one kilogram of foam. The higher the room weight, the more elastic and durable the mattress is. The room weight varies depending on the type of mattress and mattress quality. For cold foam mattresses, a room weight value of 40 is a sign of a qualitatively good mattress. If the room weight is significantly lower than RG 40, one can assume that the mattress will have sagged after a few years. From a room weight of 50 kg/m for cold foam mattresses, one can assume a very high value and durability. Cold foam mattresses that were tested by the Stiftung Warentest and rated "good" all had a minimum room weight of 40kg/m3 or a higher room weight.

Height of the mattress as a quality feature

The quality of a mattress can also be recognized by the height of the mattress core. Depending on the type of mattress, a certain height of the mattress core is recommended. In principle, the height of the mattress core should not be too low and should be at least 14 cm. However, the height one should choose also depends on one's own weight and personal needs.

Sleeping zones as a quality feature

Sleeping zones ensure a very good adaptation of the body to the mattress. The individual zones are intended to relieve certain areas of the body and support others. For the quality of a mattress, the number of respective zones is not decisive, but rather the material used and how the sleeping zones are incorporated.

  • In innerspring mattresses, movable, differently reacting springs are used
  • In latex mattresses, the zones are created by the design of various cavities during the manufacturing process
  • In cold foam mattresses, zones are created by cuts in the material (e.g. 7-zone cube cut)

Quality seals and the quality of the mattress

A good mattress should be tested for harmful substances. The Stiftung Warentest and also Öko-Test always conduct a harmful substance test in their mattress tests. The seals of the Stiftung Warentest and the seal from Oeko-Test always refer to a measurement of the tested mattresses. Aside from the seals of Stiftung Warentest and Oeko-Test, there are other certification marks. A globally uniform testing and certification system is the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100. Oeko-Tex is an independent product label for textile articles, such as mattresses, latex mattresses made of latex, cold foam mattresses made of cold foam, innerspring mattresses with innerspring, etc. These articles are tested for harmful substances such as antimony and optical brighteners, as well as other chemical substances that are classified as problematic by experts. Oeko-Tex certified articles contain no harmful ingredients and are therefore very suitable for children (even in infancy).

Auswirkung der Qualität der Matratze auf die Gesundheit

Choosing a mattress model that fits individually, whether made of latex, cold foam, or innerspring, is extremely important for a good night's sleep. You realize this at the latest when you wake up completely tense every morning or even develop back pain. A mattress that does not fit individually can trigger back pain or exacerbate existing back problems. Therefore, the choice of a mattress model should not only exhibit certain quality features but also be tailored to the individual needs and sleeping habits. If one has no health complaints, many different mattresses can be suitable. Here, one should also pay attention to personal preferences and sleeping habits and definitely try out the mattress.

Sleeping positions

People sleep in different sleeping positions on their mattress:

  • Side sleeper
  • Back sleeper
  • Stomach sleeper

And depending on the sleeping position, different body areas are stressed. A mattress should, together with a suitable slatted frame, contribute to lying comfort. This means that certain body areas should be supported or relieved by the mattress depending on the sleeping position. A side sleeper should use a mattress that allows for slight sinking of the shoulders and pelvis. The waist should be supported by the mattress so that the spine can lie in a relaxed position. Generally, any mattress, whether made of cold foam, latex, or with springs, that has pressure-relieving properties is suitable here. For a back sleeper, the shoulders and buttocks should be able to sink in, so that the spine is supported. For a stomach sleeper, the mattress should be designed in such a way that the spine is relaxed here as well. To achieve maximum lying comfort in every sleeping position, one should pay attention to the zoning of the mattress.

Firmness levels

Firmness levels are not standardized. This means that each manufacturer assigns a specific firmness level to their mattress models. However, the firmness level from one manufacturer is not necessarily comparable to the firmness level specifications of other manufacturers. But how does one decide which firmness level of a mattress suits them? When choosing regarding firmness level, one should:

  • Consider body weight
  • Pay attention to physical complaints (back pain? Problems with the spine?)
  • Consider personal preferences

Which firmness level is right for me?

For a really good sleep, choosing the right firmness of a mattress is important. The mattress, whether it is a latex mattress, foam mattress, cold foam mattress, or innerspring mattress, should be neither too hard nor too soft. If there are no health complaints, different firmness levels can be considered. One should take into account their own weight, sleeping habits (e.g. sleeping position), as well as personal preferences. The best way to find out if one has chosen the right mattress from the huge selection is by trying out the mattress (test sleeping).

Types of mattresses and sleeping properties

When searching for a new mattress, one will quickly realize that there is a choice between different types of mattresses.Each of these types of mattresses has different sleeping properties due to the material used and is therefore suitable for different people. The most common types of mattresses are:

  • Mattresses made of foam, cold foam mattresses
  • Latex mattresses, made of synthetic latex or natural latex
  • Spring core mattresses, with spring core, pocket spring core, barrel pocket spring core

Lying properties of cold foam mattresses

Depending on the material, mattresses have very different properties. Whether you choose a cold foam mattress or another material, mattresses should be tested for harmful substances and equipped with a removable and washable cover. These mattresses are also very suitable for allergy sufferers. Cold foam mattresses have the following properties:

  • Cold foam mattresses have good adaptability to the body plus slatted frame.
  • Cold foam mattresses have good point elasticity.
  • Cold foam mattresses offer high lying comfort.
  • Cold foam mattresses have a long durability with a room weight of at least 40kg/m3.
  • Cold foam mattresses often have an elaborate zoning.
  • Cold foam mattresses have good thermal insulation, but are therefore less suitable for people who sweat easily.

Quality features of cold foam mattresses

The following quality features provide guidance when buying a cold foam mattress:

  • The higher the room weight in cold foam mattresses, the higher the quality of the mattress.
  • A cold foam mattress should have a high-quality zoning.
  • A cold foam mattress should have a high-quality, removable and washable cover

Sleeping properties of latex mattresses

Even with a latex mattress, one should pay attention to freedom from harmful substances. A latex mattress has very good hygienic properties. In combination with a removable cover, the latex mattress becomes easier to care for. Sleeping properties of latex mattresses are:

  • Latex mattresses have very good point elasticity and are particularly suitable for people with back and joint problems
  • Latex mattresses have a high adaptability to the body and slatted frame
  • Latex mattresses have a long durability
  • Latex mattresses are considered particularly allergy-friendly
  • A latex mattress is suitable for an adjustable slatted frame

Quality features of latex mattresses

  • A pure latex mattress (made of natural latex) should have a density between 70 and 90 kg/m3
  • The height of a good latex mattress made of pure (natural) latex should be about 15cm
  • A high-quality latex mattress has zoning
  • A latex mattress should have a high-quality removable and washable cover

Sleeping properties of innerspring mattresses

  • Innerspring mattresses have a good support or spring force due to the integrated steel springs
  • Pocket spring mattresses are not heat-insulating and therefore good for people who sweat easily
  • Pocket spring mattresses are very breathable and therefore suitable for a bed that is hardly ventilated

Quality features of pocket spring mattresses

Not all pocket springs are the same. The type of pocket spring has a significant influence on the qualitative properties of a pocket spring mattress.

  • A pocket spring mattress or a pocket spring core is more point-elastic
  • A higher number of springs ensures better sleeping comfort
  • Pocket spring mattresses with zoning offer better sleeping comfort, especially for individuals with a higher body weight

Find the right mattress at Mister Sandman 

When searching for a new mattress, you will quickly find that it is almost impossible to get a good overview of the various types of mattresses and mattress models. When it comes to buying a mattress, it is important that the quality and price are right and that the mattress is tailored to your personal needs and sleeping habits. At Mister Sandman, we have developed three mattress models – Liara-Anea-Serena- that are not only high quality and available at a fair price but also cover the most diverse needs and sleep types. Mister Sandman mattresses are

  • Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1 certified and therefore very suitable for allergy sufferers and children (also suitable for infants)
  • all Mister Sandman mattresses feature a removable and washable cover

Find the right mattress with the Mister Sandman mattress finder

To simplify your search, we have developed a tool – the Mister Sandman mattress finder with which you can easily and quickly find the right mattress. Answer a few questions about your sleeping habits and body measurements, and the Mister Sandman mattress finder will quickly and competently recommend one of our mattress models that best suits your needs and preferences.

  • Liara, the Mister Sandman latex mattress with visco and cold foam in the dimensions 80x200, 90x200, 100x200, 120x200, 140x200, 160x200, 180x200, 200x200
  • Anea, the Mister Sandman cold foam mattress in the dimensions 80x200, 90x200, 100x200, 120x200, 140x200, 160x200, 180x200, 200x200
  • Serena, the Mister Sandman gel foam mattress in the dimensions 80x200, 90x200, 100x200, 120x200, 140x200, 160x200, 180x200, 200x200

30 days of trial sleeping on Mister Sandman mattresses

So that you can be completely sure you have made the right choice, you can test your Mister Sandman mattress, whether it is Liara, the latex mattress, Anea, the cold foam mattress, or Serena, the gel foam mattress, in peace for 30 days. We give you the opportunity to do so for 30 days. Because only you can ultimately decide whether you feel comfortable with your new mattress and whether you can sleep well on your new mattress.