Mattresses, foundations, box springs and other bedding products are subjected to ongoing rigorous treatment as no other home furnishings are. Realistically simulating this treatment has been a challenge to Element Materials Technology engineers for almost 50 years.
Mattress durability testing, performance testing, and more
Element operates a CPSC-approved, fully equipped, state-of-the-art, independent bedding and mattress testing laboratory, serving the needs of manufacturers, designers and merchandisers of home, commercial, medical and industrial furnishings.
Element engineers utilize a wide range of intensive methods for evaluating bedding and mattresses for durability, safety, and performance, including:
- Hexagonal Roller Testing: In a manner that simulates human sleep movements, the rollers in our laboratory roll side to side, complying with ASTM F1566, part 7. Mattress and foundation sets are subjected to 100,000 cycles of a 240 lb. roller.
- Mattress Flammability Testing: Element St. Paul is approved by the CPSC, the Consumer Product Safety Commission for open-flame mattress flammability testing. LARGE OPEN FLAME: Mattresses undergoing these tests are exposed to open flame ignition in compliance with CPSC 16 CFR 1633, CA TB 603, CA TB 129, Boston IX-11, and others. SMALL OPEN FLAME: Mattresses, mattress components, and bed clothes are subjected to small flame or smoldering ignition(cigarette) testing. These tests include, but are not limited to CA TB 116, CA TB 117, 16 CFR 1632, and CA TB 604.
- Computerized (Electronic) Firmness/ILD Testing:A computer-controlled load deflection system analyzes mattresses and/or components for height and firmness properties.
- Interface Pressure Imaging/Mapping: Live subjects are used to determine the body interface pressures at various locations on the mattress, using state-of-the-art Xsensor® equipment. This data can be used to gauge a mattress’s ability to promote or deter proper blood circulation, for consumer comfort and performance or for medical applications.
- Cornell Type Testing:This mattress durability testing device subjects mattresses to 100,000 vertical strokes, simulating 10 years of use. It is the approved standard adopted by the AH&MA/ISPA, and ASTM F1566, part 9.
- Buyer Specification & Failure Analysis. Mattresses and foundation construction are evaluated for compliance to the buyer’s specifications. In addition, a variety of physical property tests are available which provide objective information as to why a product may have failed under actual use conditions.