How we test our mattresses
The science behind Sealy
We strive to ensure that your mattress is rigorously tested and designed to last, and that your Sealy product looks and feels the same on day 365 as it does on day 1.
What do we measure?
Every Sealy mattress is built to specific criteria set by the Orthopaedic Advisory Board. We measure our construction methods, designs and prototypes to ensure they offer correct support and optimal comfort in line with these requirements.
We also conduct quality assessments on our components and materials. We strive to produce mattresses that deliver exceptional performance for years to come. The intersection of comfort, support and durability is the foundation of our Posturepedic criteria and it is what makes our mattresses unique.
The importance of Research and Development
We are proud to have a unique and diverse team in Research and Development with extensive technical knowledge and industry experience. Hailing from varied disciplines, the team includes designers, engineers, scientists, project managers, mechanical specialists, upholsterers and more.
From ensuring that the comfort of each mattress is as exceptional as possible, to testing the sturdiness of the mattress edge or the durability of the mattress itself, our Research and Development team strive for nothing less than perfection.
With the only accredited mattress test lab in Australasia, we take Research and Development seriously. We are constantly working on developing better beds to help people all over the world get a better night’s sleep.
Comfort layers
Your Sealy mattress is designed to cushion your pressure points and minimise any impact on your body. We use this research to develop mattresses with optimal comfort layers for deep, refreshing sleep.
PRESSURE MAPPING TEST
This test is performed by lowering a manikin onto a sensor mat. Using specialist software, we measure the performance of the mattress in terms of pressure distribution.
Essentially, we are able to see whether it has sufficient cushioning. If the amount of pressure is too high, it indicates that the mattress is not offering appropriate comfort.
CORNELL TEST
Our Cornell device presses into the mattress with 102kg of force 100,000 times. This test is the equivalent of someone sitting in the same spot over and over again.
We do this to see how the materials stand up to continual pressure. The height and comfort of the mattress should not be compromised beyond an acceptable amount, even after years of use.
PARTNER DISTURBANCE TEST
We use weighted rollers to measure the amount of disturbance caused by a partner shifting or moving during the night.
This allows us to assess our mattresses against real-world interactions and consumer needs. We take this information and create solutions with improved performance, designing beds for minimised disturbance and improved rest.
Support systems
We test our support technology to ensure it promotes correct spinal alignment. In addition, we ensure our comfort layers, construction methods and designs work in harmony with our coils to offer correct support.
ROLLATOR TEST
Our rollator barrel moves across a mattress 200,000 times in a single test. Weighing 110kg, it helps us to understand the impact of a person shifting and moving on a mattress. Additional fatiguing occurs with the hexagonal shape
Once the test is complete, we measure changes in the structure and height of the mattress. In order to pass, the mattress must meet certain criteria so that we know it can withstand 10 years of use.
SPINAL ALIGNMENT MANIKINS
Sealy mattresses are designed and built to specific criteria. We know from our research with orthopaedic surgeons that the best sleeping posture is the same as when we are standing upright.
We use ‘spinal alignment manikins’, to simulate the way a human body interacts with a mattress. We measure the angles of their bodies as they lie down and assess the mattress against strict support requirements.
ROBOT SEATED TEST
One of our robots is specially designed to sit on the edge of a mattress and ‘hop into bed’. It slides across the surface of the mattress the same way most people do at home, applying constant pressure.
This process is repeated 5,000 times before we check for any changes in height or feel and assess internal components. It allows us to understand how the mattress will perform in the home for a decade of typical use.
Quality and durability
We conduct testing on every component and material that goes into a mattress, including panel fabrics, handles, comfort layers, edge supports and springs.
FOAM FIRMNESS TEST
We measure the performance of our foams in a number of tests to get an understanding of their firmness and overall quality.
We do this to ensure that our foams offer the right amount of comfort and durability. We also check for any foreign additives in the foam that could compromise its integrity, striving for material consistency.
TUMBLE PILLING TEST
One of our fabric tests involves taking samples and running them in a cork drum for 90 minutes. The drum creates surface fussing and rubbing.
We assess the samples afterwards for pilling or tears. The textiles we use need to withstand expected stresses during manufacturing, moving, and years of use in the home without compromising on quality.
PILLING TEST
This machine runs for 10,000 cycles, repeatedly rubbing a fabric sample across an abrasive surface. It is designed to simulate years of wear and tear.
Once the test is complete, we check for any ripping, pilling or deterioration. We do this to ensure that our panel fabrics are smooth and pristine for the full life of the mattress.
Ensure you get the sleep you need night after night, with the right bed for your sleep needs. Simply try our Bed Selector to find the recommended product for you.
Find out what others think
Loving my new bed.
They say buy the best bed and shoes, because if you are not in one you’re in the other. So I purchased the best, sealy crown jewel. Ultra comfortable, supportive and luxurious. My sleep tracker confirms I’m getting double the amount of deep sleep. I wake up refreshed, no aches or pains. Totally the best investment ever. Five stars all the way.
I purchased an Exquisite Balmoral Ultra Plush, the bed is fantastic. I have never slept so well.
Love love love this mattress, so comfortable, soft but supportive, a truely restful nights sleep, would highly recommend.
Sleep has been a struggle in recent years so when we decided to get a new bed, we knew it had to be an 'investment' in our wellbeing more than a transaction. Since we have purchased the Crown Jewel we have not had a bad night.
I love my new Sealy bed. I used to wake up with and experience joint pain throughout the day but since getting our new bed I am finally pain free. It is so comfortable and supportive I highly recommend it.
Fantastic beds. Excellent king singles for kids.
We purchased 2 only Parkhurst firm queen beds for our daughters in December 2021. The girls love their new beds. This is a good quality product and the customer service was exceptional. Thank you Sealy.
Very nice comfortable bed
Excellent service, communication and follow up. An exceptional bed which lives up to our expectations.
This bed is the best we have ever had. From the very first night we had it both my wife & I had a great nights sleep. I also spend 160 nights a year in hotels, on a wide range bed product and our Crown Jewel bed is the best bed I have slept on.
The best bed I have ever slept on, I slept at a friends beach house a couple of years ago and had the best nights sleep, consequently as soon as I could put my bed (fairly new) at the Bach I did and have never been more pleased. Service and delivery exceptional.
We have just recently purchased several Sealy beds and we are very happy with them, very comfy and great service from the team at Sealy.
My Sealy Posturepedic Elevate Ultra bed has been a crucial investment to ensure I wake up ready to conquer the challenges of the next day. Ever since I’ve had this Sealy Posturepedic Elevate Ultra bed, I’ve been sleeping really well - like a baby every night! So grateful for the sweet dreams and ache-free mornings.
Extremely comfortable!
I have had my mattress and base for 20 years and it is still very comfy
We're really enjoying our King size Elevate Ultra mattress. It's medium firmness but has just the right amount of soft comfort that makes for an easy sleep.
So comfortable, we purchased this bed for my teenage son, and he absolutely loves it.
Very comfortable, best bed we have ever owned! Highly recommend!
We have the inspire plush with drawers and the bed is fantastic! Super comfy and the extra drawer space is great. Purchasing and delivering was super easy!! Highly recommend!
I love getting into my Sealy Advantage bed every night.
Fantastic improvement on my old bed , have had the best nights sleep since it arrived !
We have purchased 2 of these beds as replacements for some very old ones. These beds are beautiful to sleep on and we both get a magnificent nights sleep.
A quality product that is soooo comfortable.
Very happy with my purchase, feel completely different in the morning after a good night sleep. The products are well made to suit all age group including people with back pain issues as it is designed to suit that also.
Really comfortable and made me sleep like a baby
Fantastic mattress, highly recommend.
We have the extra firm Elevate Ultra bed, love my bed, my previous bed caused lower back problems for both me and my partner, to the point I found it hard to walk. Then purchased the extra firm Sealy from Harvey Norman and with in a week my back issues subsided. Thanks Sealy for my great bed and my new health.
More than happy with purchase. Finally getting a comfortable sound sleep.
Usually when I set expectations high for a new product I am happy for the expectations to be met, but in the case our new Crown Jewel bed it is difficult to put in to words how great it truly is... and what an over achiever when it comes to exceeding expectations. We have never slept so good, in any position. The only downside is our kids want to upgrade their beds to Crown Jewel's now, but at least this will keep them out of ours!
Very comfortable and no back pain!
The Crown Jewel Super King was such a good buy, I am always comfy at night now. 10/10
Amazing comfort and back support - I look forward to my amazing night's sleep every day.
love it. super comfy and supportive
Soft and luxurious yet firm enough to provide good support. Should have replaced the old mattress years ago
We absolutely love our Sealy. It somehow feels firm yet soft, unlike any bed I've ever slept in. We're always recommending it to friends and family.
We purchased our first Sealy bed four years ago and wouldn't buy another brand. Everyone in the family now enjoys a restful and well supported sleep in our Sealy beds. Would highly recommend purchasing a Sealy bed and love that the factory is based in Auckland providing jobs to Kiwi families.
The mattresses are really comfy and high quality. We bought them for our children but they are also comfy for an adult to sleep on. Excellent customer service too.
We have purchased 5 Sealy beds. We received fantastic service and our beds are divine. We are all so happy with them. Highly recommend.
Love it!! So comfortable and still thrilled with our purchase at the end of 2019. Such a treat having a stunning bed and better yet being able to support BCNZ. You guys are awesome Sealy!!
Great looking bed, feels and looks well made and even better to sleep on. Four nights into it and we are both sleeping more comfortably but also not waking with an aching back! Highly recommended. Thank you Sealy!
We couldn't be happier with the Sealy Melrose bed we have recently purchased for our teenage son. It is luxurious & he loves it. So much so we fear it will make it even more difficult to get him out of bed in the mornings!! The service we received was top notch & they went out of their way to accomodate us in a timely fashion. Based on our experience I would highly recommend Sealy & the Melrose bed.
We love our new bed! The perfect combination of support and comfort. We have the best sleeps we have ever had. When we go away the thing we are most looking forward to when returning home is sleeping in our bed!
