The Science behind Sealy
Sealy ensure that 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.
How Sealy Tests Its Mattresses
Sealy’s mattresses are crafted to meet strict standards set by their Orthopaedic Advisory Board, ensuring optimal support and comfort. Their Research and Development team — made up of experts from diverse disciplines — rigorously tests materials and construction for durability and performance. As the only brand with an accredited mattress test lab in Australasia, Sealy is committed to continuous innovation and helping people worldwide sleep better.
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.
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.
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.
Our rollator barrel moves across a mattress 200,000 times in a single test. Weighing 110kg, it helps us understand the impact of a person shifting and moving on a mattress. The hexagonal shape adds additional fatiguing to simulate real-world use.
After the test, we measure changes in the mattress's structure and height. To pass, the mattress must meet strict criteria to ensure it can withstand 10 years of use.
Sealy mattresses are designed and built to specific criteria. Our research with orthopedic surgeons confirms that the best sleeping posture mirrors standing upright.
We use "spinal alignment manikins" to simulate how a human body interacts with a mattress. By measuring body angles while lying down, we assess the mattress against strict support requirements.
One of our robots is designed to sit on the edge of a mattress and "hop into bed," sliding across the surface just like people do at home while applying constant pressure.
This process is repeated 5,000 times before we check for changes in height, feel, or internal components. The test helps us ensure the mattress will perform well over a decade of typical use.
We measure the performance of our foams in a number of tests to understand their firmness and overall quality.
We conduct these tests to ensure our foams offer the right balance of comfort and durability. We also check for any foreign additives in the foam that could compromise its integrity, maintaining strict material consistency standards.
One of our fabric tests involves placing samples in a cork drum that runs for 90 minutes. The drum creates surface friction and rubbing to simulate wear.
After testing, we assess samples for pilling or tears. Our textiles must withstand stresses during manufacturing, transportation, and years of home use without quality compromise.
This specialized machine runs for 10,000 cycles, repeatedly rubbing fabric samples across an abrasive surface to simulate years of wear.
Post-testing, we examine for ripping, pilling, or deterioration. This ensures our panel fabrics remain smooth and pristine throughout the mattress's entire lifespan.
Where to buy?
Visit your nearest bed store to meet your local sleep experts and experience the Sealy Posturepedic difference.