Best Mattresses in a Box in Canada
Firm mattresses seem pretty underrated in today’s market.
However, they have a lot of great features, such as increased lifespan, more potent anti-sagging properties, and proper spinal support, especially for those who are overweight.
So, how do you choose the best firm mattresses in Canada?
Easy!
Scroll right below for our top-3 picks for you and check out the detailed guide for important things to consider. At the end of this article, you will certainly know what you need.
Side-to-Side Comparison
Best Overall — Editor’s Choice
Thickness: 13 inches
Firmness: medium-firm
Layers: 5
Trial: 100 nights
Warranty: 10 years
Best for Bad Backs
Thickness: 11 inches
Layers: 3
Trial: 120 nights
Warranty: 15 years
Best for Sturdy Edges
Thickness: 14 inches
Layers: 6
Trial: 120 nights
Warranty: 15 years
Our List of the Best Firm Mattresses for Canadians
Best Overall — Editor’s Choice
Casper Wave
Highlights:
- zoned transitional layer with gel pods for splendid lower back support;
- reinforced perimeter for awesome edge support;
- top-to-bottom breathable design keeps your sleep cool and dry;
- thick yet breathable cover with a soft feel;
- perfect for overweight sleepers.
Let’s start our selection with one of the best firm mattresses in Canada, the Casper Wave. This is a hybrid mattress with zoned support that can easily adjust to your body and offer the needed pain relief without that annoying sinking feeling. Plus, the mattress has a reinforced perimeter, which contributes to excellent edge support.
So, the most prominent feature of the Casper Wave is that it has two zoned layers to support your body. First, there’s the zoned AirScape foam layer, which is softer on the ends and firmer in the middle. This layer helps align the hips and lower abdomen — perfect for overweight sleepers! Second, the combo of the resilient foam and gel pods that reinforce the support of the upper layer and prevent any tension or pain in the lower body.
Breathability is another advantage of the Casper Wave. Not only because hybrid mattresses sleep cool but also because of the comfort layers. The upper layer has a thin gel coating that effectively withdraws body heat. The second layer is infused with gel and prevents heat accumulation in the deeper layers. Plus, both layers have pincore holes for even more precise thermoregulation.
So, as you can see, the Wave is a perfect mattress for those who seek firm feel: it’s supportive and won’t sag under your weight anytime soon, doesn’t sleep hot and has sturdy edges. So grab it and help yourself sleep soundly!
Pros | Cons |
Reinforced edges prevent quick sagging | Might feel a bit too responsive to movements |
Zoned layers offer more pinpoint cradling | Might feel a bit stiff for heavy side sleepers |
Doesn’t feel like quicksand and restrict your movements | |
Made to keep your sleep cool and comfortable | |
Thick and durable cover withstands active use with ease |
Best for Bad Backs
Novosbed
Highlights:
- combines the firm feel and unparalleled back support, so you won’t feel pain or stiffness;
- the Comfort+ kit allows you to make the mattress even firmer — for free!
- an all-foam mattress with the edge support of a decent hybrid bed;
- washable Tencel cover wards stains away;
- made to sleep cool even on hot summer nights.
The Novosbed totally deserves its place on our list of the best firm mattresses in Canada because it’s an excellent pick for those who love the foam feel but want more support. The Novosbed, along with offering instant contouring and great edge support, also leaves some room for customization, so you can order Comfort+ kit and adjust your firmness as needed.
The mattress has simple three-layer construction but this is more than enough. The layers are stacked in the best way possible, which results in great support for your spine regardless of your sleeping style. The transitional layer features a more resilient foam, so it can hold more weight and properly distribute it around the base. If you’re an overweight sleeper and want that comfy foam feel — pay attention to the Novosbed.
Also, it’s worth mentioning the great cooling effects of the Novosbed mattress. It’s made of open-cell and gel-infused memory foam, so you can easily expect cool sleep on a daily basis. Plus, Tencel cover, aside from being washable, wicks away moisture and allows the heat to escape and dissipate.
With all that being said, the Novosbed is a perfect example of a firm memory foam bed. It has sturdy edges, can easily hold large weight, and won’t turn your bed into a sauna.
Pros | Cons |
Offers close conforming and great floating feel | Might not be a good pick for side sleepers with pain |
Doesn’t restrict your movements | Might lack motion absorption |
Good pick for back and stomach sleepers due to firmness | |
Doesn’t sleep hot | |
Washable Tencel cover makes the maintenance easy |
Best for Sturdy Edges
Logan & Cove
Highlights:
- one of the sturdiest edges on the market;
- prominent anti-sagging effects, so you can expect a long lifespan;
- thick and packed pillow top layer for instant body contouring;
- convenient handles on the sides for easy rotating;
- moisture-wicking Tencel cover for cool and dry sleep.
Most of us share the bed with another sleeper, and if this your case, you’ll likely need every inch of extra space to feel comfy. The Logan & Cove mattress can easily deliver you that space, that’s why we put it onto our list of the best firm mattresses in Canada. This mattress has a sturdy coil core with reinforced edges, so you can easily sleep on the brink without fear of rolling off.
Even though the mattress is on a firmer side, it can offer you a fair amount of comfort thanks to a thick pillowtop layer. This layer relieves any tense points and contours your shoulders, hips, and lower abdomen — the areas that are most prone to morning stiffness.
Now, the core of the mattress packs individually wrapped coils, which results in great support and potent anti-sagging properties. However, the thing that makes the Logan & Cove really brilliant is its sturdy edges with the dense foam padding. Now you will comfortably sleep on the very edge and get support in all the right places.
So, if you share the bed with a partner or just love to snuggle closer to the edge of the bed, the Logan & Cove has got you covered. Its reinforced perimeter can hold even an overweight sleeper without the risk of falling and is made to last for years.
Pros | Cons |
Sturdier edges and more prominent anti-sagging effect compared to similar models | Pillowtops are more prone to going flat |
Pillowtop layer for close contouring in every position | Might sleep a bit hot because of all the layers |
Easy to move and rotate due to four side handles | |
Works great for overweight sleepers and couples | |
Relieves lower back pain and morning stiffness |
Benefits of Firmer Mattresses
Now, mattress firmness is a subjective thing, and what’s great for one user, might result in a totally ruined sleep for another.
However, firm mattresses seem to be avoided by most sleepers for some reason.
But guess what?
They can be more comfortable than all-favourite medium-firm beds in certain scenarios.
So, who will benefit the most from purchasing a firm mattress?
- Stomach sleepers. Stomach sleeping is the least healthy position for your spinal health (1), particularly because it flattens the natural lumbar curve, which may result in lower back pain. However, if it’s the only position you find comfortable, then go for a firm mattress. Most models have zoned support in the lumbar area and can keep your back and lower abdomen properly supported by compensating for the weight.
- Overweight users. If you weigh more than 230 lbs, a firm mattress is the best option for you (2). Denser foams, thicker coils, and sturdier edges can compensate for the larger weight and prevent any unwanted strains and pains.
- Those who typically sleep hot. Firm beds have minimal sinkage, which means that the contact area between your body and the mattress will be smaller, and hence, the mattress will accumulate less of your body heat, so you’ll sleep cooler.
Finally, firmer mattresses typically require fewer resources to be manufactured, which reflects in the final price. So if you’re on the market for a cheaper bed, you may want to take a look at firmer models.
How to Choose a Perfect Firm Mattress?
Now, let’s gather the remaining bits and pieces that will help you make a measured choice of a perfect firm bed.
Look at the Materials
Any mattress you’ll end up with will fall into four major types: memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, and latex.
The thing is, the average firm bed of each type will feel slightly different, so let’s look at them in detail:
- Memory foam. Memory foam is known for its cradling ability, and it will maintain a bit of traditional viscous feel even in the firmest configuration. Note that memory foam may also soften over time, and the mattress will eventually become less firm due to wear and tear. To slow down this process, choose denser foams and go for the closed-cell and heavy base over the polyfoam.
- Hybrid. Basically, if you need a really firm and long-lasting mattress — go for the hybrid. These beds have the best of both worlds: strong coil core and few layers of foam or latex above it. The coil system will prevent premature sagging and the loss of support, while the foam layers will gently conform to your body and relieve pain.
- Latex. Natural latex is heavy and dense, so it will be firmer than synthetic memory foam. Plus, latex has a sponge-like feel to it, which means instant cradling and quick rebound to its initial shape after the pressure is removed. Both these properties will come in handy for individuals with pain or restricted mobility, and the open-cell structure of latex will perform great at heat removal.
- Innerspring. The mattress with the most basic construction: a coil core and a pillow-top or just a single foam layer above it. Innerspring beds are typically the firmest options you can find, and they often feature models that score 8-9 out of 10 on the universal firmness scale. However, thin padding above the base layer may go flat pretty soon and the mattress might become uncomfortable, so bear this in mind if you go for an innerspring mattress.
Gauge the Motion Absorption
Full-body cradling and pronounced sinkage in medium mattresses also have a shock-absorbing function and eliminate any disturbances from the other side of the bed. Firm mattresses typically are more responsive to movements, which, on the other hand, makes them more sex-friendly but also makes your sleep less peaceful if your bedmate is too active.
If motion disturbances are the case, it’s recommended that you choose an all-foam mattress instead of a model with coils. Foam, even firm, will absorb sharp impulses while maintaining that floating feel you need.
Think About Your Partner
Firm mattresses are more specific than medium-firm beds, and not every person is excited to sleep on a firm bed.
If you and your partner have different firmness preferences, you might want to purchase a split configuration. The split mattress consists of two independent halves that you put into the same bed frame, so each of you can choose the firmness level you like.
Note though, that split mattresses are mostly available in King and California King sizes, so you might need to scale your mattress size if you sleep on a Queen.
Another option is to look for a double-sided mattress. These models are a lot like splits, except that they come in one-piece design and are available in most standard sizes for two users.
Wrapping Up
Now you know a bit more about firm mattresses. To choose your ideal one, check your preferred sleeping style — a firm bed is best suited for the stomach, back, or a mixture between these two. Also, mind the motion absorption if you’re an active sleeper or share a bed with one. Finally, choose breathable materials for an excellent cooling effect if you tend to sleep hot.
All the mattresses we’ve found for you pass these credibility tests, but users love the Casper Wave most. The Wave is a perfect definition of a firm mattress: it has sturdy edges, a uniform surface, can contour your spine without restricting your movements and will maintain a cool sleep even on a hot summer night.
Do you agree with us? Or maybe, you’ve chosen another model from the three to be in your bedroom? We’d love to read your feedback!
References
- UCLA Ergonomics (n.d.). Sleeping Posture. Retrieved from https://www.ergonomics.ucla.edu/backsafety/sleeping-posture
- Daniel Noyed (2020, September 11). How to Choose a Mattress? Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-to-choose-a-mattress
