Overview
ISO 23769:2021 - "Furniture - Mattresses - Test methods for the determination of functional characteristics" defines standardized test methods to determine key functional properties of adult mattresses (height ≥ 100 mm) and mattress pads that form a unit with a mattress. The standard applies to domestic and non‑domestic mattresses but excludes water mattresses, air mattresses and standalone mattress pads. It focuses on durability, height loss and hardness/firmness testing and does not cover ageing, fire resistance or electrical function tests.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Adult mattresses ≥ 100 mm high; mattress pads only when integral to the mattress; excludes water/air/standalone pads.
- Controlled test environment: Indoor test temperature 15–25 °C; conditioning at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH; mattresses kept flat and unloaded during conditioning.
- Test sequence and durability protocol:
- Surface durability using a roller apparatus: initial 100 cycles, measurements, then 29 900 cycles followed by final measurements.
- Visual inspection before and after durability tests (seams, fillings, springs, ticking).
- Measurement of functional characteristics:
- Height loss: change in mattress height after durability testing (mm).
- Hardness value (H): determined from load/deflection curves, expressed in N/mm.
- Firmness rating (Hs): scale 1.0–10.0 derived from load/deflection data.
- Load/deflection testing: uses a 355 mm diameter loading pad with specified spherical curvature; testing machine capable of up to 1 000 N; travel speed (90 ± 5) mm/min; precise height and load measurement requirements.
- Apparatus: standard test bed base, side support profiles, measuring table/test board, loading pad, roller for durability (1 400 ± 7 N static load, specified inertia and motion), and edge loading pad details in Annex A.
- Tolerances and reporting: accuracy requirements for forces, masses, dimensions and positions; mandatory test report content.
Applications and users
ISO 23769:2021 is used by:
- Mattress manufacturers for product development, quality control and comparative performance data.
- Independent test laboratories to produce repeatable, defensible test reports on mattress durability, height loss and firmness.
- Specifiers, procurement teams and non‑domestic buyers (hotels, healthcare facilities) to set requirements and compare products.
- R&D teams analyzing load/deflection behavior and long‑term surface performance.
Keywords: ISO 23769:2021, mattress testing, mattress durability, hardness testing, height loss, load/deflection curves, firmness rating, mattress standards.
Related standards
- EN 1334 - Domestic furniture: beds and mattresses - methods of measurement and recommended tolerances (referenced for dimensional measurement conventions).
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