By FurnitureTestLab Engineering Team | Last updated: May 2026 | 12 min read Mattress durability is one of the most critical quality parameters in the sleep products industry. A mattress that loses its support after months of use leads to customer complaints, product returns, and brand damage. But how to test mattress durability in a way that produces reliable, comparable, and internationally recognized results? The answer is the ASTM F1566 Cornell mattress test — a standardized method developed at Cornell University that has become the global benchmark for mattress durability evaluation. In this comprehensive guide, we explain everything you need to know about the Cornell test method, test procedure, result interpretation, and how to choose the right Cornell mattress durability tester for your laboratory. What Is the Cornell Mattress Test? The Cornell mattress test, formally known as ASTM F1566 (“Standard Test Methods for Evaluating Properties of Mattress and Foundation Systems”), was originally developed by researchers at Cornell University’s Ergonomics program in the 1970s. The test was created to solve a fundamental problem in the mattress industry: how to objectively measure long-term durability in a laboratory setting, rather than relying on subjective field testing or brand claims. The core principle is…