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What was the hotel mattress test about?

5 czerwca 2023
Hotel mattress, mattress test, foam sleeping mattresses
One of the best mattress manufacturers, the American company Casper, conducted a hotel test to determine the ideal mattress firmness. The results of this test showed that there is an optimal firmness of a mattress that suits almost everyone. It was from this hotel test that we embarked on the journey of designing the Osaka Air mattress, even though we hadn't planned it before.

The hotel test inspired us to further explore this subject. Its results were also interesting for specialists whom we invite to collaborate within the framework of design thinking, especially for physiotherapists. Further scientific articles we read and the pressure point research we conducted confirmed that Casper was not mistaken.
Hotel tests, hotel mattress, foam mattresses 180x200

How did the hotel test contribute to the revolution?

The hotel test had a tremendous impact on the mattress industry in the Western world and led to a true revolution in the approach to customizing the right mattress firmness to customers' preferences. With its innovative approach, Casper gained a fresh perspective on product development and implemented many changes that enhanced users' experience.
 
 

 
The result of the hotel test was primarily the acquisition of invaluable feedback from guests. By placing mattresses of various firmness levels in hotel rooms and asking guests about their preferences, Casper collected highly valuable data about completely different customer groups. This enabled them to identify patterns and trends that contributed to the creation of universal mattresses tailored to various preferences.

As known, hotel mattresses are not customized to guest preferences. Guests always sleep on identical mattresses, meaning a specific mattress model replicated in different rooms. Nevertheless, there are hotels where almost all customers sleep well. There are also hotels where most customers don't get proper sleep. This indicates that the former have types of mattresses that allow guests to have a comfortable and healthy sleep.

Consequently, the hotel test made it possible to determine the type of mattress that is suitable for the majority of people. The focus was mainly on mattress firmness, as it is the most contentious issue. People are constantly persuaded that they should choose it based on their body weight or other absurd criteria. The hotel test proves that it is merely marketing nonsense.
Mattress for a large bedroom, mattress firmness, types of mattresses

What conclusions can be drawn from the hotel test?

The hotel test yielded several significant conclusions. It revealed that mattress firmness preferences are not crucial when evaluating sleep comfort. Although there is a wide diversity of mattress firmness in mattress stores, in reality, one firmness level catered to almost everyone. It was discovered that a mattress firmness between 6.0 and 7.0 is universal.

The hotel test demonstrated that while everyone has unique preferences, a universal mattress can satisfy needs and resolve issues for almost 100% of the participants. Although the alleged personalization of mattresses is becoming increasingly popular in the sleep industry, its main aim is to create an illusion by offering such a wide range of products that ultimately confuse consumers. In such situations, the mattress salesperson comes to the rescue, guiding customers in a way that maximizes their profit margin.

The hotel test contributed to innovation and technological development in the mattress industry, primarily in the United States of America. In Europe, however, only a few companies have started using similar research and testing methods to better understand customers' preferences and adjust their products accordingly. The introduction of the hotel test served as inspiration for the Polish company ONSEN®, which likely became the first in Poland to create a universal mattress for everyone. Although it took us several years, we successfully went through this challenging process.
Mattress for a small bedroom, mattress firmness, mattress types

How do our preferences impact the choice of a mattress?

Most mattress sellers in mattress stores claim that preferences play a crucial role in mattress selection and have a direct impact on sleep experiences. However, it is completely irrelevant whether we prefer soft or firm mattresses. We should also not attach too much importance to popular myths suggesting that the firmest mattresses are healthier.

It is also untrue that heavier individuals should always choose firmer mattresses that supposedly provide proper support and weight distribution. Similarly, the notion that lighter individuals should opt for softer mattresses that are designed to conform to their bodies is also false. The number of pressure points on the mattress varies among individuals. They distribute themselves evenly across the surface of the mattress in contact with the body. Therefore, mattress firmness will be perceived almost identically by different individuals.

Preferences are also insignificant because during sleep, we are in a state of complete relaxation and are fully unaware of what is happening around us. We do not consciously control our body movements. It is done by our organism, which is primarily guided by pure biology rather than preferences. The body seeks to sleep in the most comfortable way possible. However, if the mattress or pillow we have does not allow for that, unpleasant health difficulties may arise.

A mattress should be chosen solely based on its functionality, which directly translates into the jobs to be done associated with it. We do not purchase a mattress just to have a mattress. In essence, we make a mattress purchase in order for it to perform a specific task on our behalf. Its purpose is to address problems and satisfy essential needs comprehensively. Such a carefully chosen mattress will provide us with comfortable and healthy sleep.
Firm mattress for the spine, high resilience mattresses, what to sleep on

Who benefits from a wide selection of mattresses?

Despite obvious results of the hotel test, which have found confirmation in many other tests and studies, the mattress industry has not undergone significant changes in Europe. In most European countries, mattresses are still chosen based on preferences, which often do not have a direct impact on functionality. As a consequence, people end up selecting mattresses that are seemingly comfortable, only to discover later that they are detrimental to their health and comfort.

A wide range of mattresses can often confuse customers and complicate the purchase process. The multitude of available options in terms of firmness, materials, and technologies makes the choice overwhelming. Unfortunately, consumer knowledge about mattresses is still limited, and on the internet, one can frequently find misinformation. Dishonest sellers take advantage of this situation, suggesting more expensive or less suitable products that serve their own profits rather than the well-being of customers.
The mattress industry is manipulated. It is estimated to be the second most profitable business in the USA, right after popcorn.
Despite promises of personalized mattresses, a wide selection often does not translate into a truly individual approach to customer needs. Customers may expect their preferences to be taken into account, but the final choice is often based on subjective salesperson suggestions. This leads to situations where customers do not receive a mattress that matches the value for the price they paid for the imposed product. As a result, we end up buying expensive mattresses with profit margins that can reach several hundred percent.

Moreover, a wide selection of mattresses can lead to unnecessary costs and financial losses for customers. Decisions based on advertising, emotions, or incorrect sales advice often result in purchasing the wrong mattress that ultimately fails to meet the customer's expectations. The consequences may include the need to replace the mattress, additional costs associated with transportation, as well as a negative impact on health and sleep comfort. Furthermore, it is often found that returning the mattress is either impossible or significantly complicated.

In the mattress industry, there is still a lack of clear standards and regulations, which allows dishonest sellers to offer low-quality mattresses or mislead and sometimes blatantly deceive customers. In such an environment, a wide selection of mattresses becomes a clever tool that sellers use for manipulation and increasing their profits. That is why a wide choice of mattresses primarily serves the interests of sellers.
Types of mattresses, comfortable sleeping mattress, latex in the mattress

Does a universal mattress really exist?

Many people wonder if there really is a single universal mattress that would meet the expectations of most individuals. Although the manipulated market constantly repeats that such a possibility doesn't exist, the hotel test proves that such a mattress does exist. By choosing a mattress, one can purchase a perfect model that provides ideal sleep and excellent spinal support throughout the night.

There are also certain characteristics that should be payed attention to when choosing a new mattress. It is important for the mattress to provide functionality that translates into proper spinal support, regardless of the preferred sleep position. It should evenly distribute the body weight, provide adequate back support, and maintain their natural curvature in the correct position throughout the night.

An ideal mattress should be flexible and dynamic, allowing it to adapt to the body shape and provide anatomically correct alignment and comfort during sleep. It should not be made of allergenic materials such as latex or coconut, but rather from high-quality polyurethane foams. These foams should, of course, have the appropriate density and firmness, but above all, the right type. It is advisable to avoid closed-cell foams marked by manufacturers with the letter "T" or the letters "HD", as they quickly sag.
The ideal mattress must be characterized by functionality, which enables a maximally comfortable and healthy sleep. This is primarily determined by its firmness, arrangement of foam layers, as well as the parameters of the materials used.
A universal mattress should not only be characterized by specific firmness, but also by high quality design and craftsmanship. The materials, construction, and technologies used in mattress production have a significant impact on its durability, ventilation, moisture-wicking, and various other aspects that influence sleep quality and comfort.

Creating a single perfect mattress for everyone is challenging and requires several years of research. Such research is costly as it involves hiring a specialized team involved in the design thinking process and creating numerous prototypes. Additionally, throughout the entire process, mattresses are not sold, which many companies cannot afford. It is therefore easier to create dozens of mattress models, often randomly selecting materials and layer configurations, rather than undertaking thorough research.

Although each of us has unique preferences, needs, and health conditions, all of these factors were taken into account when creating the Osaka Air mattress, which has been the most functional on the Polish market for years. It is suitable for individuals with diverse weights, body structures, and sleeping positions. It also features an ideal firmness level of 6.5, which provides optimal body and spinal support during sleep.

We must also remember that purchasing a mattress is a fairly personal and unconventional matter. Therefore, it is impossible to test them during brief in-store visits. It is important to have access to a trial period that is not subject to disadvantageous terms and conditions. By testing the mattress for at least 30 days, we can determine whether it is suitable for us.

For this reason, customers who purchase the Osaka Air mattress from the Polish manufacturer ONSEN® are entitled to a generous 15-year warranty based on remarkably clear and transparent terms. Additionally, every purchase made directly on our website is accompanied by a timeless offer that allows for a 100-day mattress return after delivery. You can purchase this highly functional mattress without any online purchase risks.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.
Functional mattress, mattress manufacturer, comfortable mattresses, continental bed

FAQ: Hotel test

What is most important when choosing the perfect mattress?

The key element in choosing the perfect mattress is ensuring proper support for the spine, regardless of the preferred sleeping position. The mattress should evenly distribute body weight, provide support for the back, and maintain the natural curvature of the spine. Additionally, the mattress should be functional, meeting our needs and addressing any sleep-related issues we may experience.

What materials should the ideal mattress be made of?

The ideal mattress should be made of high-quality polyurethane foams. Allergenic materials such as latex or coconut should be avoided. It is important for the foams to have the appropriate density, firmness, and type. Closed-cell foams labeled with the letter "T" or "HD" by manufacturers should not be used. It is advisable to choose a mattress constructed with high-resilience foams, with a second layer of viscoelastic foam. Attention should also be paid to their specifications.

What features contribute to the functionality of a mattress?

The functionality of a mattress depends on several factors, such as firmness, arrangement of foam layers, and the properties of the materials used. Proper firmness, well-arranged foam layers, and high-quality materials are crucial for ensuring maximum comfort and a healthy sleep.

Is there a universal mattress for everyone?

Creating one mattress that is perfect for everyone is difficult to achieve. We all have different preferences, needs, and health conditions. Nevertheless, after extensive research, the Osaka Air mattress has been developed, which is the most functional and universal. Its properties align with those of an ideal mattress determined through hotel testing.

How can a mattress be tested before purchasing?

In the case of the Osaka Air mattress offered by the Polish manufacturer ONSEN®, customers have the opportunity to take advantage of a 100-day trial period. This allows them to have sufficient time to determine if the mattress is suitable for them. It is advisable to avoid stores where mattress returns are not possible or are subject to unfavorable conditions.

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