Research on the Effects of the Mizuno Physical Support Mattress (Prototype) on Sleep
In Japan, the percentage of people who report getting adequate rest from sleep has fallen below 80%, making sleep quality improvement an increasingly important concern.
In particular, bedding is regarded as one of the most significant factors affecting sleep, and previous research has already shown that high-resilience mattresses and highly breathable bedding can improve sleep quality.
At Mizuno, we have applied our expertise and know-how as a comprehensive sporting goods manufacturer to the field of sleep, guided by the concept of “Making Sleep More Comfortable Through Sports Technology[UC 631.1],” with the aim of improving sleep performance for everyone.
In this study, we conducted joint research with Professor Ryoma Michishita[UC 632.1][UC 633.1] of the Faculty of Sports and Health Science[UC 634.1] at Fukuoka University to verify how our prototype mattress compares to commercially available mattresses in terms of comfort during sleep and its effects on next-day mood and condition.
Purpose of the Joint Research and the Co-creation Process
The purpose of this research was to clarify what effects the prototype mattress has on comfort during sleep and on next-day mood and condition. The study was conducted with Professor Ryoma Michishita of the Faculty of Sports and Health Science at Fukuoka University, based on the partnership and cooperation agreement between Mizuno and Fukuoka University. Our previous joint research with Professor Michishita, including a study on “The Effects of Aqua Fitness on Athletes’ Performance[UC 635.1],” established a foundation of trust that made this co-creation possible.
Research Overview
In this study, 10 healthy young men without sleep disorders participated in a residential experiment, spending 2 nights and 3 days on the commercially available mattress and the same period on the prototype. In addition to objective measures such as electroencephalography (EEG) and core body temperature, participants’ subjective measures, sleep quality, and mood upon waking were also measured and evaluated.
Experimental Results
When using the prototype mattress, a difference in the time taken to fall asleep was confirmed compared to the commercial mattress, and the prototype was found to support comfortable sleep time. EEG measurements also confirmed that conditions at bedtime were comfortable. Based on the measurements taken of average core body temperature and skin temperature from falling asleep to waking, it is thought that the mattress’s high breathability allowed body heat to dissipate effectively, maintaining a comfortable thermal environment during sleep.
Furthermore, scores from the OSA-MA Sleep Inventory[UC 636.1], which evaluates perceived sleep quality upon waking, showed a clear difference in perceived sleep quality in “sleepiness upon waking” and “sleep onset and maintenance.” The Profile of Mood States Second Edition[UC 637.1] (POMS2) psychological test that measures mood immediately after waking also showed favorable trends for the prototype mattress not only in subjective sleep quality, but also in morning refreshment and overall condition.
Sleep EEG
1. Materials
Prototype: [core] 100% synthetic fiber (polyether ester fiber)
Commercial product: [padding] upper layer of 50% wool / 50% polyester; core (bonded fiberfill) (100% polyester), and a lower layer of 100% polyester.
Thickness: Prototype approx. 70 mm / Commercial product approx. 70-75 mm
Skin Temperature, Core Body Temperature, and Sweat Loss
Sleep Inventory (OSA-MA)
Mood Profile (POMS 2)
Joint Research Outcomes
The experimental results suggested that the prototype mattress may contribute to improvements in perceived sleep quality as well as post-waking mood and condition, compared to commercially available mattresses. This indicates that differences in bedding can have an impact on sleep quality and next-day energy levels.
Presenting Joint Research Outcomes at Academic Conferences
In July 2026, the findings of this joint research were presented at the 50th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Sleep Research[UC 639.1]. We will continue to widely share the results of our verification of how the prototype mattress supports the sleep environment, based on objective data.
Sleep deprivation is known to lead not only to reduced daytime performance and low mood, but also to long-term health risks.
In an age referred to as the era of 100-year lifespans, Mizuno views sleep as just as important as physical exercise. We will continue to provide sleep support products that realize our concept of “Making Sleep More Comfortable Through Sports Technology,” so that everyone can sustain healthy performance around the clock.
