ISO 23769:2021

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).