Our process of testing

How do we test?

Each product undergoes these three tests:

• Visual inspection. This is where we take a look at the overall design of the product to see if there are any small details that boost our first impressions. For example, a self-care label on the product or a practical design. Or whether there is a design that serves no purpose.
• Hands-on inspection. In this part of the tests, we look at the USP of the products. It could be a removable cover and we will look at how easy it is to remove, or an anti-slip base and we can see how they have achieved that.
• Measured tests. The final test is the crucial part. We spend a lot of time with each product to see how good it really is. On first inspection a mattress could seem too firm but when it comes to resting on it, you sink in comfortably. There are several factors that we take note of during our tests, each one having their own specific tests.

Who are The Sleep Advisors?

In short, we at The Sleep Advisors are the luckiest bunch in the world, as we professionally sleep on the job!

But not just anyone can be an Advisor. Everyone on our team has completed special courses in sleep science and/or sleep counselling as well as having a background in the bedding industry.

Furthermore, to truly gauge how good any product is, you need a wide range of testers. That’s why we’ve assembled a team with different sleeping preferences, different builds, and different needs.

By doing so, we can see which mattresses are good for side sleepers but not back sleepers or which pillows can keep you cool and which cannot. Everyone in the team gets a shot at testing out the new product and this process is repeated after one and six months, to check for any durability issues, such as sagging or faulty springs.

How do we select products for testing?

To ensure that we can create the most accurate reviews possible, testing even one mattress or pillow can take some time. So, we have to be picky when it comes to deciding which products we’re going to make a review for. Here are our basic criteria:

• Popularity – We’ll always review products from big UK bedding companies as that’s what most people are looking for.
• Complexity – Some bedding items are a lot easier to understand than others. This is why we’ll usually prefer to break down and explain what makes an 11-layer hybrid mattress great as opposed to a simple, 1-layer memory foam mattress.
• Unique selling point – If a bedding product has narrowed down its audience and has set out to do one specific task, like deal with back pain or help those with sensitive skin, we’re more likely to get our hands on it than if it’s a more generic product.
• Audience requests – Lastly, if someone from our audience is dying to know whether a certain mattress or pillow is as good as it claims to be, we have no choice but to put it to the test.
• At brands request – Sometimes a brand wants to get our opinion on their latest goods, so they send it in and we can give it a rigorous testing.

What do we test?

As previously mentioned, there are multiple factors that we test throughout because everyone has a different idea of what their perfect mattress is. We take all those factors into account when deciding who would like it, whilst giving you all the information you will need to come to your own conclusion. 

Here are the factors in more detail.

Comfort & firmness

Comfort and firmness are subjective to the consumer, so we guage these factors on a scale of 1 to 10. Using this scale across all our reviews helps to compare and find what is suited to you.

• 1-2 extra soft/ultra plush
• 3-4 soft/plush
• 5-6 medium
• 7-8 firm
• 9-10 extra firm

When it comes to comfort, it can largely be influenced by the firmness of the product but we aim to keep them separate in our reviews. Comfort relates more to the bounce and pressure relief. Whereas the firmness is how soft it is and the density. We test this by initially pushing down on the mattress to see how quickly the surface moulds to the pressure and returns to shape once released. This is an ideal way to see if the product will suit a combination sleeper – if it is quick to mould then it is able to keep up with a change in sleeping position, otherwise it is best for those who tend to sleep in the same position.

Following on from this, we spend time lying on the mattress too see how firm it is. We can see whether we sink into it or if we stay exactly where we are. On the softer mattresses, you will find that you sink in too much if you are a heavy sleeper or a back sleeper. However, if it is a firmer mattress light sleepers may find it uncomfortable and side sleepers will not get the support they need.

Support

Now onto support. You will need to look for a product that can keep your spine aligned in your sleep position, so your body remains in a good posture throughout the night. This means finding a mattress that can relieve your pressure points. 

If you are a side sleeper, you are looking for a soft to medium mattress that allows your shoulders and hips to sink down to keep aligned. Whilst having the support to keep the rest of your body up. For back sleepers, ideally you want a medium firm mattress to stop your hips from sinking too low – causing your spine to curve. Those who are front sleepers should look for something that is firmer.

When testing support, we trial each sleeping position to see how the product moulds to the body. We take note of any parts of the body that sink when they shouldn’t and how relaxed we can be with our entire body being supported in various positions. Testing support is different to testing the firmness as the layers of filling can have an impact on the support a product provides. When we get up from the mattress, we look to see if it is still moulded to our shape. This shows whether the support can be adjusted when you move while you sleep or if it will take a while to mould and provide support in the new position. Thinking about this is most important for those who are combination sleepers.

Edge support

You may feel support in the centre of the mattress, but if you share a bed then you will want to have edge support too. Some choose to sit on the edge of their bed before getting in, or before they get ready for the day – so the last thing they want is to be sinking down. To start with, we press down on all edges to see how firm it is because this can give us an idea if there is any edge support. You might find that some edges have more support than others which is not ideal. We then lie on both sides of the mattress to see how much it sinks down. You will want it to be comfortable but firm enough to have support. This is followed by sitting on the very edge – most mattresses will sink ever so slightly, but some can be too soft and squash down to make it uncomfortable.

A mattress with edge-to-edge support is a good mattress.

Motion isolation

Another key factor for those sharing a mattress. It can be referred to as motion isolation or motion transfer. You will want one with low motion transfer or high motion isolation, meaning the mattress carries less movement. The last thing you want is to be woken up by your partner tossing and turning in the night. 

To test this on a basic level, you are able to see how the other side of the mattress responds when you move around on one side. Taking this one step further, we place an object on the opposite side to where we are to see how much it moves. Little to no movement means it is perfect, too much movement shows there is low motion isolation.

Temperature & breathability

Some people are hot sleepers, while others are cool sleepers so this is another factor that is subjective. However, we can still tests to see how you will find it. The materials used is essential to regulating temperature or how breathable it can be. We can look to see if there is any mesh panelling which helps with breathability and allows for air flow. Gel, coils and latex foams are towards the cooler end of the scale. On the other hand, memory foam and other variations are on the warmer side of the scale. This is based on how much they retain the heat, however, most have a design feature to regulate the temperature. With hybrid mattresses, they have varying layers to control excess heat or have moisture-wicking properties. 

When lying on the mattress, we can see how our body reacts to it by getting too hot and remaining hot when we move to another position, or if can keep cool while on the mattress. If you are a cool sleeper, you might not mind the warmth. However, hot sleepers will want a product that can regulate the temperature.

Further tests

These are the tests we do alongside the inspections. They are essential to your purchase but you may not remember to look at before buying. From looking at the information on their website and receiving the product, we can find out more about the company.

Delivery

Every product we review is delivered in-house so we can judge how quickly it arrives, the same as you would having it delivered to your home. We look at what condition it arrives in, both the packaging and the actual product, as well as how accurate their information online is to the reality of receiving it. It is also a chance to see if there is slight off-gassing when opening the product, and whether it needs to be left for a day or two before using. Some companies offer old mattress removal, express delivery and delivery to a room – we find all the relevant information to include in our reviews.

Customer support

When ordering something, you don’t want to get it from a company that takes a long time to get in touch or can’t provide any help when you have a problem. We check what contact details are available and if there are options for you to use. You will find that companies have a number to call but only weekdays at specific times, or an email, or a live chat. A live chat is usually the quickest and easiest way to contact them so we put it to the test. We make note of what details they need from you to start the chat, and if the chat is actually live and available 24 hours a day. Once they respond, we can give you details of their response time, how polite they are and if they were helpful or not with our query. We believe these are all things that make for a great customer experience, and the final decision of whether or not to choose the company.

Durability

One way for us to look at durability is by checking the warranty and/or guarantee of a product. A company is not going to include either of those if a product needs replacing every year, so with a longer warranty you can expect it to be more durable than ones with no warranty. We are not able to put a product to the test for 3, 5 or 10 years. Another way we test for durability is by looking at the materials used to make the product and the quality of them when we test.  

Ethics

Companies promote their purpose and environmental solutions so we like to check if they are following through. Being eco-friendly and sustainable is valued by customers so we want you to know if the product is either of those. We consider the packaging the product arrives in, the material of the product and the history of the company. It is reassuring to know when a company sticks to their values and is doing something to help the environment.

Price-quality ratio

Lastly, we work out if the quality of the product is worth the price you pay. From seeing the product, we can look at the materials used and if they are of high quality to determine a higher price. The USP of the product also plays a part in the price – if a product has something that no other does then it can be at a higher price but if nothing stands out from the rest, there is no need for it to be more expensive. After this, we compare the product to others in the same price range or of the same type to see the difference. For example, we would compare a hybrid mattress to another hybrid mattress, rather than a hybrid to a pocket-sprung mattress.

User experience & practicality

While we do our best to test every product in a magnitude of different ways, we can’t account for everything. This is why we also browse forums and customer reviews to see whether any issues pop up frequently. We then try to get to the heart of the issue and perform further testing if we believe that the complaint was made in good faith.

We have a similar process when it comes to customer support. At this point, most bedding manufacturers in the UK probably know who we are, so they might treat us differently than a regular customer. That is why we look at reviews of the brand as well as taking our own experiences into account.

How do we measure test performance on other products?

We test more than just mattresses so other products undergo different or less tests. Mattresses are the most complex to test out but we do in-depth test of pillows, mattress toppers and duvets. 

For mattress toppers, it is a very similar process to the mattress tests. This is because it is used as an addition to improve your mattress to suit your needs. We consider all the factors to find what will complete your bed.

How do we test pillows?

While not as complex as mattresses, there are still a few key factors that dictate the quality of a pillow. When making our reviews, we focus on the following criteria:

• Loft – The loft dictates which sleeping positions the pillow is compatible with. We also take into account the compression of the pillow, as it can affect the loft over time.
• Material – The materials used for both the pillow filling and the cover drastically affect the performance of the pillow itself.
• Adjustability – If the pillow is adjustable, we check whether all three sleeping positions can be properly accounted for.
• Maintenance– We check how easy it is to take off and clean the pillowcase. If the pillowcase is not removable, we spot-clean the pillow in accordance with the care label and check for any visible damage or discolouration.
• Performance over time – Like with mattresses, we do more than one round of testing to see how well the pillow performs after one and six months.
• Breathability – We check whether and to what extent the pillow holds onto body heat in both a cold and warm environment.

How should the pillow be aligned when you sleep?

Depending on your sleeping position, different pillow lofts will be more or less appropriate. And while this can vary slightly depending on your build, these are the guidelines we follow:

• Side sleepers – Side sleepers need a high pillow loft that can cover the distance between their shoulder and their cheek. To make sure your neck stays straight, we measure the loft after the pillow has been compressed.
• Stomach sleepers – Stomach sleepers need a very low loft, as their neck and spine are already in a straight line when lying down. Usually, the loft shouldn’t be much bigger than your arm when compressed.
• Back sleepers – Back sleepers also benefit from a lower loft but not as low as stomach sleepers. A larger loft can also be advised in certain situations, like when suffering from GERD.

How do we test duvets?

When testing duvets, there are a few key factors that we consider before creating our reviews. And, just like with mattress and pillow tests, we have different members of the team with different sleep preferences test the duvet out on the day of testing, one month later, and six months later. These are the factors that we look at:

• Temperature regulation – We check whether the duvet is as warm or cool as the manufacturer indicated. Making sure that the advertised TOG rating and the actual performance of the duvet are identical is essential for a positive review.
• The covers – We check whether the covers are nice to the touch and comfortable. In cases of quilted covers, we also check whether the duvet insert lumps on one side of the duvet over time. And we see how easy it is to put the duvet cover on and whether it stays in place.
• Ease of maintenance – If the duvet has a washable cover, we check whether it’s still nice to the touch and light after 3 washings. If the entire duvet is machine-washable, we check how easy it is to wash the entire duvet and whether the filling clumps up or stiffens after 3 washings.
• Ease of fastening – If the duvet is a 3-in-1 model, we check to see how easy it is to secure one insert to another and whether they stay fastened after multiple uses.

How do we test mattress protectors?

When testing mattress protectors, we mostly focus on durability. In other words, how well it can protect the mattress underneath. However, some people also prefer to sleep with the mattress protector still on, so, the mattress protector has to check the same boxes as a mattress topper. Therefore, the features we check are:

• Protection – If the mattress protector is labelled as waterproof, we spill water atop the protector in the middle and near the corners and let the water sit for 15-30 minutes. We then check to see whether the mattress underneath is still dry and whether there are any leaks in the protector.
• Ease of use – We check how easy it is to put the mattress protector on and then take it off. We perform these tests on three mattresses that are of a different thickness level for better accuracy.
• Stability – We lay on the mattress and turn about to see whether the mattress protector stays in place. In case it shimmies to the side, we take note of how much it has moved and whether the straps can be tightened or the anti-slip base can be better utilised.
• Level of noise – While lying on the mattress protector, we toss and turn and take note whether the protector makes any significant amount of noise. If so, we check whether micro adjustments will also lead to significant noise. It’s especially important to perform this test more than once, as a new protector can be “broken in” and reduce noise levels over time.
• Comfort – We pair the mattress protector with three mattresses of different firmness levels, soft, medium, and firm, and then check whether the mattress protector is comfortable to lie on when sleeping on your side, stomach, or back.
• Storage – We check whether the mattress protector can be put away easily and without causing damage to the protector.

How do we test mattress toppers?

Mattress toppers typically require the most testing as their performance relies heavily on the mattress underneath. Mattress toppers can also come in different thickness levels, which further influences their performance. Therefore, we do the following tests:

• Mattress pairings – We check to see how the topper performs when placed on different kinds of mattresses. Typically, we will test them against a soft, medium and firm mattress. However, we might pair it with other firmness levels, like medium firm or medium soft, if we deem it necessary.
• Comfort – Once we’ve established the best pairing for the topper, we check to see how comfortable it is for different sleeping positions. We will also check how it performs when paired with a less-ideal mattress.
• Support and pressure relief – To check the support of a mattress topper, we take note of whether our hips and shoulders can properly sink into the topper while our backs remain straight. For toppers with zoned support, we will also note how effective the different firmness zones are at supporting key parts of the body. And, like with mattresses, we will note how the topper performs in relation to different sleeping positions and body types.
• Breathability – To accurately test the breathability of a topper, we will pair it with a mattress that we have determined as very breathable. We will then take note of whether the topper allows air to move freely or traps body heat. In case of the latter, we will take note to what degree it holds onto body heat and whether a breathable cover or sheet can minimise the issue.
• Firmness – We check to what extent the mattress topper can affect the firmness level of the mattress underneath. If the mattress topper comes in multiple thicknesses, we will test each version separately and note the differences.
• Stability – As with mattress protectors, we will note how easy it is to secure the topper onto the mattress and whether it stays in place during the night. If there is noticeable movement, we will check whether the straps can be tightened or the anti-slip pad better utilised.
• Maintenance – We will check whether the topper can be spot-cleaned and whether there is any noticeable damage to the top layers after the topper has been cleaned. If the topper comes with a removable cover, we will test whether it still performs well after being washed.

How do we test bed frames?

When it comes to testing out bed frames, we mostly focus on the technical aspects that make a bed frame more or less worth it. Therefore, as opposed to mattresses or mattress toppers, our tests are a bit more objective. The tests we perform include:

• Delivery – We take note of how many boxes the bed frame comes in, whether it’s delivered to the room of our choosing, and how easy it is to get all of the parts out of the box.
• Assembly – We gauge how easy it is to follow along with the assembly instructions and whether the bed frame can be assembled successfully by a single person. This is especially important for larger bed frames such as Ottomans.
• The slats – For slatted bed bases, we check the distance between the slats, as most mattress warranties only apply if the distance is lower than 7.5cm. We also take note of how flexible the slats are.
• Ease of use – When dealing with storage or adjustable bed frames, we look at how easy it is to lift or adjust the bed frame. We also take note of whether a weaker individual can properly lift the lid/change the angle of the bed.
• Stability – We put a mattress onto the bed frame and move from one side to another, checking whether the bed frame remains stable. We perform this test on both carpet and regular flooring for better accuracy.
• Comfort – Lastly, we test how the bed frame affects the comfort of the mattress, whether it’s properly supported, and whether any changes in the perceived firmness level of the mattress can be noted.

How can you be sure that we are the experts?

Even a million tests aren’t worth much if they’re done in bad faith or by a person who doesn’t understand the subject matter. So, what makes The Sleep Advisors experts? Three things: dedication, communication, and experience.

If our testing process hasn’t given it away yet, let’s be direct – we don’t make these reviews half-heartedly. Each aspect of the product is meticulously studied and tested by at least three different people and at least three times. And when it comes to our informative content, we make sure to read all the latest studies and do the research necessary to provide accurate information.

Secondly, we consult other professionals. When talking about back pain, we reach out to doctors and chiropractors. When talking about the relationship between sleep and mental health, we consult with therapists and other mental health professionals. And whenever a certain feature is vague or confusing, we talk with the manufacturers to get clarity and bring you the correct information.

Lastly, we are authorities in this niche in our own right. Our testers, reviewers and content team are certified sleep scientists and sleep counsellors. Together we’ve spent over 40000 hours researching and talking about sleep and sleep products. And we practise what we preach. We wouldn’t recommend a product that we ourselves wouldn’t/don’t use. So, you can rest assured that we’re only platforming the very best.

We learn every day

To wrap everything up, let’s just say this – we are still human. So, we might make a mistake from time to time. And in those cases, we welcome your comments and corrections, either by writing a comment or getting in touch with us! 

After all, good sleep is essential for a good life. And while science has cracked some aspects of sleep, we still don’t know everything. We learn every day and we hope that you will be there to learn alongside us at The Sleep Advisors!