Sealy saga

In the prior post on this subject, a weight-based measuring theme was discussed as being, perhaps, more fair than the current method in trying to assess a mattress. In other words, try to do a functional test (that is, how well does the mattress hold weight?) rather than do a mere cosmetic measurement.

So, what steps, and the tools, would be in that method? We'll keep the string (stretched across the bed, with weighted ends), use a metal tape measure, and figure some type of jig.

We can use an example with this real case. Let's divide the mattress into nine cells, namely 3x3. If the first row was across the top of the mattress, from left to right, then, third row would be across the bottom. In the middle of each cell, there would be a measurement while the weight was applied in that area.

The 'weight jig' for this case will have a base of about five inches which is a little smaller than the jig used by Sealy. The measurement would be done two times, one at five lbs and one at ten lbs. And, the measurement is from the string to the lowest part of the mattress under the string.

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In the below image, measurements at five and ten pounds, and a couple of difference calculations are shown. What is obvious from these numbers is that the total delta of the measurements shown at the 10-pound weight is huge (up to 3.5") and widely variant (3" spread of the numbers).

Measurements (inches)

5 lbs test

	1	2	3
1	1.50	1.00	1.25	head of mattress
2	1.00	0.75	2.50	middle of mattress
3	0.75	0.50	0.75	foot of mattress

10 lbs test

	1	2	3
1	2.25	1.50	2.25	head of mattress
2	1.25	1.00	3.50	middle of mattress
3	1.00	0.50	1.50	foot of mattress

Deltas (inches)

5-to-10 lbs diff

	1	2	3
1	0.75	0.50	1.00	head of mattress
2	0.25	0.25	1.00	middle of mattress
3	0.25	0.00	0.75	foot of mattress

10 lbs, diff of sides

	1	2	3
1	0.75	0.00	0.75	head of mattress
2	0.25	0.00	2.50	middle of mattress
3	0.50	0.00	1.00	foot of mattress

Two deltas are shown. '10 lbs, diff of sides' indicates the difference between the middle and the two sides using the 10-lbs measurement. That is, taking column two (middle) as the base expectation, the right side (column three) has excessive give (2.5"), especially in the middle of the mattress.

With the 5-to-10 pound delta, we see that the right side (column three) shows excess changes (that is, applying another 10 lbs caused 1" of sink; as comparison, note that some areas had only a 1/4" change). It was the right side of the mattress that raised the original concern after only two weeks of use.

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Now, there are many other ways to go with a functional assessment. The measurement, in this case, was at a point, using a standard tape measure. The measuring device could be a little wider.

What weight? Ten pounds seemed reasonable. However, if one sits in bed and reads, the area of most pressure would be far beyond that. Why not test for that?

The device used by Sealy (recalled as about 8"x4") could be altered slightly to make a fair measurement. Sealy could just change their jig to be a little shorter by only a few inches. Then, they add weight which would be very easy to do.

The questions are several. For instance, what is proper give (sink) by type of mattress? Remember, the mattress being measured here is, supposedly, FIRM. What weight would need to be applied in a reasonable fashion?

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As well as a pressure test, why not have the evaluator try the mattress? Is that too subjective? How else can a soft spot be identified? In this case, it is obvious that there is more of a sink on the right-hand side (looking from the foot to the head) than on the left side.

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When did business start to have a defensive mode with regard to its customers? The customer is looking for a product that works, has value, and can last. What is the business out for? Mere profit?

Ah, so many questions to discuss, especially with regard to that belief system called capitalism. Has it not been demonstrated, of late, that capitalism mainly devolves into the cap-ital-sino? Does it not reward those with jungle mentality?

Come to think of it, the current problems (of the recent three to four years) show many things, like the disparity between the elite (The Atlantic - Global Elite) and the rest. I really don't know of any historic case, that has been sustained for a period of time. And, libertarian folks, I'm not talking fictional examples. Even in the US, we have had a long history, what with the robber barons, the Made-offs, et al. But, those issues are addressed at FEDaerated.

Remarks:

11/24/2011 -- The finale.

04/29/2011 -- See Remarks, 04/29/2011

.03/15/2011 -- Status, the store will replace the mattress. They, essentially, were waiting for Sealy to step up to its responsibility which never happened. Further measurements coming.

02/27/2011 -- Switched measurements table from an image to HTML. As well, shimmy, shim, shim.

02/23/2011 -- What faces the consumer? Making a decision about which piece of crap is more worthy than another, essentially.

02/22/2011 -- One may ask how the Sealy customer fairs with such a poor mattress. How can one sleep? With folded towels and sheets under two sets of mattress pads which fill in the holes sufficiently, for now. Yes, quite a contraption and contrivance to use for what is not a cheap mattress set.

Modified: 11/24/2011