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Boston, MA – A good night’s sleep is fundamental to overall health and well-being, yet despite spending about a third of their lives asleep, many adults struggle to assess whether their mattress truly meets their needs. In an effort to bridge this research gap, scientists at Mass General Brigham have developed the Boston Mattress Satisfaction Questionnaire (BMSQ), a novel tool designed to rigorously evaluate mattress satisfaction and characteristics.
The research, recently published in Frontiers in Sleep, tested the BMSQ on a representative sample of over 1,000 U.S. adults. The study found the tool to be internally consistent and viable for assessing mattress satisfaction, potentially benefiting consumers, researchers, and the mattress industry alike.
A Much-Needed Evaluation Tool
“A mattress provides the foundation for a good night’s sleep, and sleeping on a comfortable surface is one of our key behavioral recommendations for improving sleep quality, but there is a dearth of research on mattresses in the scientific literature,” said lead author Dr. Rebecca Robbins, from the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system.
The BMSQ was developed in collaboration with sleep scientists, clinicians, and mattress industry professionals. It measures satisfaction based on comfort, firmness, temperature, and an overall rating on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest level of satisfaction. Additionally, the tool assesses key mattress characteristics, including type, size, age, and the frequency of pain experienced upon waking.
Key Findings on Mattress Preferences
According to the study, most participants reported being somewhat satisfied with their current mattresses, with an average satisfaction score of 6.9 out of 10. The research also revealed notable trends in mattress types and ownership:
- Most Common Mattress Types: The most widely used mattresses were all-spring (34.9%), followed by all-foam (29.9%), hybrid (28.4%), and air-filled chamber mattresses (5.0%).
- Mattress Longevity: A significant portion of adults (39.8%) owned their mattress for 0-3 years, while 17.0% reported using the same mattress for over a decade.
- Satisfaction Variations: Sleeping on all-foam, hybrid, or air-filled chamber mattresses was associated with higher satisfaction compared to traditional all-spring mattresses.
- Bed Partner Influence: Interestingly, the presence of a bed partner correlated with improved mattress satisfaction.
Implications for Consumers and Industry
The findings suggest that mattress type and longevity significantly impact sleep satisfaction. With this new tool, consumers may be able to make more informed purchasing decisions, while researchers and manufacturers can leverage the BMSQ to refine product offerings and enhance sleep quality.
As sleep continues to be recognized as a cornerstone of good health, research into optimizing sleep environments remains a priority. Future studies utilizing the BMSQ could shed further light on how mattress choices impact sleep quality and overall well-being.
Disclaimer: This article is based on research findings published in Frontiers in Sleep and should not be considered medical or professional advice. For individual sleep concerns, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.
