The Mattress Smasher 9000: Revolutionizing How We Test Mattresses

For years, our team of sleep experts at CNET has been meticulously testing mattresses, evaluating their firmness, support, and overall comfort. We’ve tested over 350 mattresses from dozens of brands, giving us a deep understanding of what makes a great bed. However, until recently, our assessments were entirely subjective. Enter the Mattress Smasher 9000, a groundbreaking device developed by CNET Labs’ tech experts Bryan Adams, Jared Hannah, and Steve Conaway. This innovative machine has transformed the way we objectively measure mattress firmness, providing unbiased, precise data to complement our expert reviews.

The Mattress Smasher 9000 has already "smashed" over 100 mattresses, with the number growing weekly as we test both existing beds in our expansive mattress warehouse and new arrivals. This device is a game-changer in the world of mattress testing, ensuring that our reviews are more accurate and reliable than ever before.

How the Mattress Smasher 9000 Works

The process of "smashing" a mattress with the Mattress Smasher 9000 is both fascinating and methodical. Each test takes about 30 minutes, starting with positioning the mattress on the machine’s platform. Once everything is set, the machine uses a pressure-sensitive plate attached to a powerful actuator arm to simulate body weight. The arm presses into the mattress until it reaches a pre-determined force, measuring how far it travels. This distance determines the mattress’s firmness: softer beds allow the arm to travel further, while firmer beds resist the pressure.

Custom programming software allows us to adjust the force applied, simulating the experience for different body weights. This feature is particularly useful, as it helps us understand how a mattress might feel for lighter or heavier sleepers. Additionally, the machine can test multiple areas of a mattress, enabling us to evaluate zoned support systems, where certain sections are designed to be firmer or softer for targeted pressure relief.

Firmness Ratings: Objective Results, Subjective Interpretations

Firmness is rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 the firmest. The Mattress Smasher 9000 provides an objective score, but we also consider subjective feedback from our team of sleep experts. We test each mattress at least three times, often more, to ensure consistency and accuracy. The average firmness score of the nearly 100 mattresses we’ve tested so far is 5.7, just above medium.

The Helix Sunset Luxe and Nectar Luxe Hybrid were the softest mattresses tested, scoring 2.1 and 2.2, respectively. These are ideal for strict side sleepers who need maximum pressure relief. On the other end of the spectrum, the Airweave Nagomi mattress was so firm it scored above 10, making it best suited for back sleepers who prefer ultra-firm support.

What We’ve Learned About Mattress Firmness

The Mattress Smasher 9000 has confirmed that our team of sleep experts is highly accurate in their subjective assessments of mattress firmness. Brands, too, are generally accurate in their firmness ratings, though there may be slight variations due to differences in testing methods. For example, the Bear Original mattress was rated 7.65 by the Mattress Smasher 9000, while Bear itself rates it at 7.1. Both scores fall within the medium-firm range, proving that our subjective and objective assessments align closely.

While the Mattress Smasher 9000 provides objective data, it’s important to remember that firmness is inherently subjective. Body weight, sleeping position, and personal preferences all influence how someone perceives the feel of a mattress. Our diverse team of testers, representing a range of body types and sleeping styles, ensures that our reviews encompass multiple perspectives.

Zoned Support: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

Many modern mattresses feature zoned support, where different areas of the bed are designed to provide varying levels of firmness. For example, a mattress might be firmer in the center for torso and hip support and softer at the edges for pressure relief in the shoulders and head. The Mattress Smasher 9000 has proven that these zoned support systems often perform as advertised. We tested the Saatva Rx, which features Lumbar Zone Technology for enhanced support in the center third of the mattress. The machine confirmed that the center was slightly firmer than the outer thirds, validating the brand’s claims.

While the Mattress Smasher 9000 is a powerful tool, it’s not infallible. Unique mattress constructions, such as the flippable Layla Hybrid, can sometimes yield unexpected results. Additionally, beds with soft pillow tops may score softer than they actually feel, as the machine’s pressure plate doesn’taccount for the full depth of the mattress layers.

Interesting Discoveries and Challenges

One of the most surprising discoveries during our testing was how temperature affects memory foam mattresses. When memory foam is cold, it becomes stiffer and firmer, leading to higher firmness scores. For example, the Titan Plus Luxe scored between 3 and 4 on the Mattress Smasher 9000, suggesting it was medium-soft. However, our testers found it to be medium-firm. This discrepancy was due to the mattress’s thick, soft pillow top, which compressed less under the machine’s pressure plate than it would under a person’s body.

Temperature is just one of the factors that can influence the Mattress Smasher 9000’s results. While the machine is incredibly precise, it doesn’t fully replicate the human experience of lying on a mattress. That’s why we continue to combine objective data with subjective testing, ensuring our reviews are both accurate and relatable.

Why Technology Matters in Mattress Testing

The Mattress Smasher 9000 represents a major leap forward in mattress testing, offering an objective framework to evaluate firmness. This technology doesn’t replace our experts but enhances their evaluations with unbiased data. By combining the machine’s results with our team’s subjective insights, we provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of each mattress’s performance.

As we continue to test more beds, the Mattress Smasher 9000 will remain a cornerstone of our testing process. Its ability to measure firmness objectively ensures that our reviews are more precise than ever, helping consumers make informed decisions about which mattress is right for them. Whether you’re a side sleeper, a back sleeper, or someone who prefers a soft or firm bed, our reviews now offer an unparalleled level of detail and accuracy, thanks to this groundbreaking technology.