Imagine the perfect mattress that fits you seamlessly to fall into deep slumber every night - in other words, the bed of your dream that you hope one day to find.
Help is at hand from the Consumer Council with its release of a comparative test report on 25 models of single mattresses of the spring type (21) and foam type (4).
But what makes a good mattress is highly subjective as people have different shapes, sizes and weight, especially when it comes to comfort which is mainly a matter of personal preference.
In the test, the mattresses were rated for their quality and performance in body support, comfort, durability and flammability.
In terms of comfort, which is probably the focus of most people, the mattresses were measured for their permeability (how it soaks up moisture); insulation (a mattress is characterized as cold, warm or normal); stabilization (how it bounces when you turn on it).
The more permeable the mattress, the higher the rating (on a scale of 5 points). 5 models were awarded the top 5-point rating in permeability followed closely by another 5 models with 4.5 points. The least performers (2 models) were rated with 3 points.
On stabilization, 6 models were found to fare rather poorly with only 1 or 1.5 points. This could adversely affect comfort and quality of sleep. The better performers scored 4.5 points (7 models); the remainders were between 3.5 points and 2.5 points.
On insulation, the mattresses were categorised into: 13 cold mattresses (for people in preference of low temperature), 4 warm mattresses (for those preferring warmth), and 8 normal mattresses (for average temperature).
Equally important in terms of comfort is the performance of a mattress in body support in back and side positions, and lumbar (lower spinal) support.
Mattress performance in body support in back and side positions could be different for male and female of different build, as demonstrated by the results obtained from a man (1.91m and 104kg) and a woman (1.55m and 54kg) undertaking the test.
Significant variances were found in lumbar support (with the aid of an equipment: 2 spherical calottes), ranging vastly from 1.5 points (1 model) to 4.5 points (1 model).
As the degree of firmness needed depends on the body, shape and weight as well as personal preferences for hard or soft mattress and habits such as sleeping posture, consumers should try lying on it as many times as possible before you buy. And if the bed is for two, shop together.
On durability, the samples were tested to simulate 8 to 10 years of use and examined whether a mattress gets harder or softer over time and whether it starts to sag or gets damaged in any other way.
Variations in the loss of height which indicates changes in hardness, were found after the test. One model was detected with the most height loss of between 9 mm and 10 mm; 4 others a loss of between 7.5 mm and 8.5 mm while the remainders below 7.5 mm. One model was damaged with a distorted fibre mat above the spring core.
The attention of consumers was drawn to the flammability test. While all models were found to pass the smouldering cigarette test, 8 (about one-third) of the models, however, did not satisfy the match-flame test.
According to the legislation in Hong Kong, mattresses for domestic use are only required to comply with the smouldering cigarette test but not the match-flame test.
In July this year, it was reported in the news that a woman placed a certain herb as a mosquito incense on the bed, which caught fire and had to be put out by firemen.
Therefore, consumers are cautioned not to smoke cigarette or cigar in bed; or leave burning candles or mosquito coil; or allow kids to play with candles, matches or lighters on a mattress.
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