A method for testing the break-through strength of a tissue product is disclosed. The method entails the steps of: a) observing a first condition of the tissue product; b) disposing the tissue product between a lower platen and an upper platen; c) disposing at least a portion of the tissue product within an aperture disposed within the lower platen and an aperture disposed within the upper platen; d) providing a simulated mucous composition; e) directing the simulated mucous composition toward the tissue product disposed within the aperture disposed within the lower platen and the aperture disposed within the upper platen; f) after step d), observing a second condition of the tissue product; and, g) comparing the first and the second conditions of the tissue product.