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-4 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: 10 inches
Firmness: medium
Layers: 3
Trial: 101 nights
Warranty: lifetime
Best for Cooling
Thickness: 11 inches
Firmness: medium-firm
Layers: 4
Trial: 101 nights
Warranty: 20 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
Puffy Mattress
Highlights:
- Great for different types of sleepers.
- Super breathable and cool due to its quality gel memory foam.
- Washable and removable cover that renews and refreshes the mattress every time.
- Excels at motion isolation and prevents partner disturbance.
- Relieves pressure from body pressure points.
This list of best mattresses in a box opens with this fantastic mattress from Puffy, according to our experimentation and user reviews. This mattress is extremely breathable considering the fact that it is made with memory foam. The reason for that is the cooling gel infused to the memory foam layer. This gel takes so much heat away from the body and keeps the body cool during hot summer nights.
The next best thing about the use of memory foams in this mattress is the fact that it adapts to your body shape and relieves lots of pressure from your body’s pressure points, such as your hips, your shoulders, and your head. The magic happens with this mattress distributing weight fairly all over the mattress. The memory foam base, which is pretty dense, provides great motion isolation so your partner will never wake you up again after moving a muscle.
Finally, keep in mind that lightweight sleepers might feel better on this mattress, since it has a medium feel to it. What we love about this mattress is that it is exceptionally cool and promises a quality memory foam experience.
| Pros | Cons |
| Side sleepers will enjoy the medium firmness of this mattress | Off-gassing takes a bit longer, about a few nights |
| Adapts to body shape immediately and goes back to the original shape easily | |
| Doesn’t trap body heat | |
| Can feel new by washing its soft cover |
Best for Cooling
GhostBed Mattress
Highlights:
- Mixture of latex and memory foam for better durability.
- High support and contouring to help spine alignment.
- Naturally non-allergenic latex layer.
This mattress comes next on our list because we believe in GhostBed mattresses having arguably great mattresses, especially mattresses in a box. This mattress is one of the most comfortable ones out in the market.
The latex layer, which helps the mattress bend in the box easier, is non-allergenic and free of dust and dust mite. It also doesn’t absorb moisture and counts as one of the mattresses that least attract molds. This means a lot, since this mattress almost never has to be flipped over. It is a one-sided mattress with its latex layer on the top. This is because of the clean nature of the mattress itself. The memory foam layer helps sleepers get the necessary support and firmness level. The memory foam used in this mattress is gel-infused, meaning it will help the latex layer provide a cool and air-regulated sleep experience. You can also remove and wash the polyester cover for even more hygienic effects. This literally renews your mattress every time.
Finally, if you are worried about the time it takes for the mattress to break in, you should know that this GhostBed mattress takes very little time, almost a few hours, to break in and adjust to your room. This time is relatively short compared to other mattresses, which is why we love it.
| Pros | Cons |
| Washable viscose and polyester cover | Might be too hard for some side sleepers |
| Firmness level of 7 great for mixed sleepers | |
| Great edge support due to its dense base layer | |
| Easy to unbox and get ready to use |
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.
F.A.Q.
How long does it take a mattress in a box to inflate fully?
It may take as little as a few hours to completely expand, but it can also take up to 48 hours.
It's okay to sleep on your new bed after it appears fluffy and comfy, which is generally the first night.
If your mattress is still partially inflated after 48 hours, then you should contact the company's customer service for instructions on what to do next.
What is a mattress in a box?
A mattress in a box is exactly what it sounds like. The idea behind them is that they are easier to transport and store than a standard mattress.
The mattress-in-a-box refers to a bed that is sold compressed and packaged in a box. When you unpack it, the mattress expands to its original form and size, ready for use.
Is a mattress in a box comfortable?
Generally, yes. Manufacturers are specifically focused on creating a comfortable product for you to sleep on. Some companies even offer different comfort levels. While still uncommon, some of these beds can be customized to your preferred firmness. Depending on if it's double or single-sided, you can also adjust the sleep position of your mattress by flipping it periodically.
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 on this list are great. However, we have chosen the Puffy mattress as our favorite one after experiments and tests. The reason is that it is not too soft or too hard. Just right. It feels very cool on hot days and doesn’t trap any heat, unlike many other memory foam mattresses that also come in a box. It also adapts to the shape of your spine and keeps you absolutely far away from back pain. If we were to choose a mattress that has such a great effect considering the fact that it is made of all foam, Puffy would definitely be on the top of the list.
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
