Quality of mattress may affect how good one sleeps through a night. The Consumer Council tested 25 double-size mattresses and found substantial variations in stabilisation and lumbar support. Expensive models do not necessarily score higher points. For example, the price difference is nearly 4 times for two models which scored 4 points. Consumers are advised to choose the mattresses that suit them based on their body shapes and sleeping habits.
Jointly conducted by the International Consumer Research & Testing (ICRT) and the Council, 25 double-size mattresses (22 spring-style and 3 foam-style) available in Hong Kong to market were tested. Prices of the samples range from HK$2,599 to HK$13,380. The samples were scored in the 5-point scale in body support (46%), durability (40%), comfort (11.5%) and flammability (2.5%).
The 3 foam-style mattresses performed equally well in tests and scored 4 points in overall performance. The 22 spring-style mattresses achieved similar overall scores in a close range between 3 to 4 points, yet scores of some testing parameters did vary. Among the 8 samples scored 4 points overall, the most pricy sample (HK$13,380) was nearly 4 times dearer than the cheapest (HK$2,800).
In body support, the score of lumbar support varied the most. 6 samples fared well and scored 4 points, 5 models were found to have poor lumbar support only scored 2.5 or below. Besides, 3 models scored the highest at 4.5 points in dorsal position (“lying on the back” test) for both men and women. Generally speaking, the models provided better body support for women than men in lateral position (“lying on the side” test). In all, most of the samples were found to provide better body support in dorsal than lateral position.
Comfort is another consideration when buying a mattress. If your partner is tossing and turning in bed frequently, such movement may disturb the other one in deep sleep. The test revealed significant differences in stabilisation among samples. Nearly half (11 models) scored poorly at 1 or 1.5 points only. Permeability and heat transfer/insulation of a mattress also affect sleeping quality. Most of the samples performed fairly in permeability with 5 samples scored 5 points, and 1 scored 2.5.
Durability of a mattress is reflected directly in the changes in firmness, height and body support. The smaller the variation after years of use, the better the durability is. Test results showed larger variations in firmness of 3 models which scored 2.5 points or below. After the durability test, mattress height will usually be reduced. While most models had a reduction in height of 2.4 to 8.1 mm, 3 shrunk more than 10 mm.
Although all samples have complied with the fire safety requirements in flammability in Hong Kong, 17 samples passed both the cigarette test and small flame test, while 8 passed cigarette test only.
In general, flame retardants may be used to improve the fire resistance of mattresses, but some flame retardants may have adverse effects on the environment or human. The Council urges suppliers to clearly disclose whether these materials are used and the ingredient information.
Here are some suggestions for consumers when selecting and using a mattress:
- There is no unified standard for mattress firmness and the acceptance varies from person to person. Make reference to the mattress’ firmness ranking to pick the model that fits your body shape and weight.
- Wear loose fitting clothes and reserve plenty of time for trial sleep. If you are buying a double-size mattress, shop together with your partner as it help feel the movement of the mattress when the other one is tossing and turning.
- In case there are different requirements between your partner and yourself, you may consider buying two preferred single mattresses and put together for use or mattress sides with different firmness.
- A mattress usually comes with a multi-year warranty. When there is a quality issue, contact manufacturer as soon as you can. Take heed of the coverage and terms of the warranty.
- Use mattress protector and wash it regularly to keep it hygienic. Turn the mattress regularly for use will allow certain areas under constant pressure to recover. This will extend durability of the mattress.
The Consumer Council reserves all its right (including copyright) in respect of CHOICE magazine and Online CHOICE (https://echoice.consumer.org.hk/).