The K-Tipp mattress test 2021

By Deluxe Sleep · Published on 28 July 2026

The K-Tipp mattress test 2021

In December 2021, K-Tipp tested eight foam mattresses under CHF 900 from various manufacturers for ergonomics, durability and elasticity. The Isabelle Star from BICO, which we carry in our range at Deluxe Sleep, was also put through its paces. Read on to find out how the test works, what exactly lies behind the GOOD (5.4) rating, and why ergonomics play a decisive role.

The mattress test: why the mattresses are put to the test

According to their own recollection, half of all people in Switzerland replace their mattress every 6 to 10 years*. This matches the manufacturers' recommendation and is exemplary and healthy, since it means people in Switzerland run less risk of lying on a worn-out mattress that could cause back pain and tension. To find out whether all products really deliver what they promise, K-Tipp carried out the mattress test and examined which foam mattresses in Switzerland actually provide a good night's sleep.

How does the mattress test work?

To assess the quality of the products neutrally, K-Tipp selects the models completely independently and without outside influence, and purchases them anonymously through regular retail channels. They are then tested at specialised institutes. Ergonomics, elasticity and durability: these are the three main criteria that take centre stage during the mattress test. TÜV Rheinland is responsible for service life and durability, while ergonomics are tested at the Ergonomie Institut in Munich. To examine longevity, the laboratory simulates eight to ten years of nightly tossing and turning, with a load of 140 kilos over 60,000 rolling cycles. If the mattress loses significant height in the process, this is a sign of a loss of resilience. Such a product would tend to sag quickly and would be deficient in terms of longevity.

While most of the test mattresses performed well here, major differences emerged when it came to ergonomics. On its surface, a mattress should relieve pressure well and adapt to different body shapes and sleeping positions. In particular, the mattress should yield in the shoulder and hip areas and support the lumbar spine, without leaving indentations in the process. Products are therefore often zoned so that the zones adapt well to the body. The test accordingly measures how the sleeping surface sinks in across the different zones, based on the firmness tuning of the mattress in the key lying zones, the shoulder-zone effect and point elasticity. These test runs showed that most of the mattresses tested still have room for improvement when it comes to ergonomics. Placed second with a GOOD (5.4) rating, the Isabelle Star from BICO impressed in terms of both longevity and ergonomics.

Ergonomics play an important role

As a rule, people sleep seven to nine hours a night. During this time, the body should be able to recover from the strains of the day. The aim here is a straight alignment of the spine and relaxation of the deep muscles. If the shoulders and hips are not sufficiently relieved and the lumbar spine is not adequately supported, this can lead to tension, impaired circulation or even pain. To compensate for poor alignment, we move more often than necessary at night, potentially disrupting our deep-sleep phases and, with them, our sleep quality. An ergonomically optimal mattress should therefore adapt to the body in order to ensure a relaxed night's sleep. That is why the K-Tipp mattress test places particular emphasis on ergonomics, alongside longevity.

This is how the Isabelle Star performed in the Kassensturz mattress test.

Isabelle Star – the mattress that adapts to your body

Jens Fischer, Head of Marketing and Product Development at BICO, is very pleased with the K-Tipp test result: "Are we satisfied with it? Absolutely! Our mattress does not follow the 5- or 7-zone structure common to many products; instead, it forms its zoning by itself according to our unique 'AutoZone' principle. However, this cannot be made visible by the classic 'stamp test' used by the testing institutes. The zoning only unfolds its effect once the body as a whole lies on the mattress." The auto-zoning is simple: through a carefully chosen architecture and choice of materials, the zones form themselves and adapt to the body. This process is also known as adaptive ergonomics. To ensure this is always guaranteed, design and development work goes on continuously at BICO in Schänis SG. The mattresses are made by hand, with great attention to detail, from raw materials of Swiss origin – in Switzerland, of course, as well. By the way: the Isabelle Star also achieved top marks in areas such as hygiene and bed climate.

Ergonomics are of crucial importance for the spine.

Conclusion

The K-Tipp mattress test showed that many of the mattresses tested perform well when it comes to longevity. When it comes to ergonomics, it pays to take a closer look, since this matters for relieving the body and spine. Be sure to seek advice when buying, and try lying on the mattress yourself. You can find out more about the Isabelle products in our shop.

*Results of the 1st National Sleep Study, conducted by BICO in May 2021

Source: this article is based on a piece from the BICO sleep blog (bico.ch). The mattress test described was carried out by K-Tipp; the test results, product developments and other information mentioned come from K-Tipp or from BICO and the respective named third parties.