Heavier side sleepers need very specific things from their mattresses. For the most part, they are most comfortable with mattresses that offer pressure relief and better support overall. Thankfully, there are lots of Canadian-made mattresses that fit these requirements. We looked at all of them, ran each mattress through extensive testing, and had our testers try them out.
Because of our involved testing process, we are confident that most heavy side sleepers will love the mattresses on our list. These recommendations stood out to us based on a few different factors that are important for side sleepers with a heavier body type. These include firmness, weight limits, special features, and support.
Best Heavy Side Sleeper Mattresses for Canadians
- Best Overall: Logan & Cove Luxury Pillow-Top Mattress
- Best Hybrid: Brunswick Spring Mattress
- Best Firmness Options: The Novosbed Mattress
- Best Firm Mattress: The Noa Mattress
- Best Pressure Relief: The Endy Mattress
Why Did We Choose These Mattresses for Heavy Side Sleepers in Canada?
Each of the mattresses on our list stood out to us for a reason. These standout features became clearer as we evaluated them based on multiple factors, including weight limits, firmness, feel, and support. These were just some of the factors we considered before recommending these mattresses to you. Here are some of the reasons these mattresses stood out to us.
The Logan & Cove Luxury Pillow-Top Mattress is the best option overall for heavy side sleepers. The zoned coils and comfortable pillow-top provide the perfect pressure relief and support for heavier sleepers, especially their Luxury Firm option.
The Brunswick Spring Mattress is the best hybrid on our list. The zoned coil layer, ideal edge support, and comforting, cooling foam layers help provide heavier side sleepers with everything they need in a mattress.
The Novosbed Mattress has the best firmness options we found. We loved this mattress because of the different Comfort+ topper adjustments you could make. If the Medium is too soft (or the Firm is too hard), you can add a Comfort+ topper to further fine-tune the firmness you need.
The Noa Mattress is a bit firmer than the other mattresses on our list, so it’s perfect for heavier sleepers. The pressure-relieving foam layers and supportive coils help keep you aligned while reducing pressure points.
On the other hand, the Endy Mattress provides the best pressure relief on our list. The contouring foam layers help side sleepers feel comfortable without the added pressure on their joints. The support layer also helps heavier sleepers get the support they need.
Best Overall
Logan & Cove Luxury Pillow-Top Mattress
Features:
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium (Medium Plush) and Medium Firm (Luxury Firm)
- Weight Limit: 250lbs (113kg) Per Person, 500lbs (226kg) Total
- Sleep Trial: 120 Nights
- Warranty: 15 Years
- Made In: Canada
It's Great For:
- Heavier sleepers who prefer hotel-style mattresses
- Canadians who need extra pressure relief
- Those who prefer to have firmness options
- Sleepers who often rest near the edge of the mattress
Logan & Cove’s Luxury Pillow-Top Mattress comes in two different firmness levels. While the Medium Plush option is great for some sleepers, the Luxury Firm is the best option for heavier side sleepers. This mattress features zoned support coils as well as a comfortable, pressure-relieving pillow-top section. These features set it apart from most of the other mattresses we looked at. They provide everything a heavier side sleeper needs to be comfortable throughout the night.
This mattress uses a comfortable, hand-tufted Tencel cover. The pillow-top layer is made of several layers of fill and temperature-control foams, each of which works to reduce temperature and relieve pressure. A layer of high-density transition foam protects the coils and offers further balancing motion isolation, and increased spinal alignment.
Finally, the pocketed coils are zoned for your comfort. The coils in the middle of the mattress are heavier, which means they don’t sink as far. This leads to greatly increased support for the middle of your body, including your lumbar and hips. The coils also include a dense layer of support foam, which helps provide support from one edge of the mattress to another.
No matter where or how you sleep on this mattress, you’ll get the support and special features that you need to wake up refreshed. The Logan & Cove mattress can support two sleepers up to 250lbs, or one 500-pound sleeper.
The Highlights
The Logan & Cove Luxury Pillow-Top Mattress features zoned support regions in the coil layer, which helps with central body support. In the meantime, a soft pillow-top section offers pressure relief for those who need it. There are two firmness options to choose from, including Luxury Firm (which is the best option for heavier side sleepers). Cooling features, including cooling foam layers and hand-tufted Tencel cover help reduce temperature build-up, too.
- Zoned support regions for better central support
- The soft pillow-top section provides excellent pressure relief
- Two firmness options, including Medium Plus and Luxury Firm
- Hand-tufted cooling Tencel cover and cooling foam layers
From Our Test Lab:
“Logan & Cove’s Luxury Firm option is one of the best mattresses for heavy side sleepers. It offers everything needed for a comfortable sleep.”
Best Hybrid
Brunswick Spring Mattress
Features:
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium Firm
- Weight Limit: 250lbs (113kg) Per Person, 500lbs (226kg) Total
- Sleep Trial: 120 Nights
- Warranty: 15 Years
- Made In: Canada
It's Great For:
- Canadians who sit on the edge of the bed
- Couples and those who share a bed
- Those who need zoned support
- Side-sleepers who need gentle pressure relief
Brunswick’s Spring Mattress is a 12-inch hybrid mattress with zoned support, which makes it perfect for side sleepers with a heavier build. This pillow-top features layers of comfortable cushion for pressure relief, temperature-controlling foam layers, and supportive zoned coils for your hips and back. The Brunswick mattress can support up to 250lbs per person, or one 500lb sleeper.
The quilted cover is sustainably-sourced using farm-gathered Tencel fibres. These fibres help to wick away moisture and reduce heat retention. The pillow-top section features Euro-top fill and a layer of cooling gel foam, both of which work to cool you down and help support your pressure points.
A layer of soy-infused foam creates a barrier between you and the coil layer below, providing deep contouring and relief. The coils are zoned and pocketed, meaning that they each compress individually to support you. Firmer coils in the centre of the mattress keep your lumbar and hips supported with targeted firmness, leading to better balance overall.
Finally, the coils are encased with a perimeter of edge support foam, which helps make it more comfortable to sit or sleep near the edge of the bed. Overall, this mattress helps with great temperature control, motion isolation, and pressure relief in addition to zoned support.
The Highlights
The Brunswick Spring mattress is a comfortable hybrid that focuses on support from edge to edge. A firmer layer of perimeter support foam helps keep you sitting on the edge of the bed, and helps support you when you sleep near the sides. The pillow-top is comfortable and breathable. Layers of foam and euro-top fill help to reduce pressure points, while coils help reduce motion transfer and temperature buildup. These coils are zoned, ensuring that your back and hips get the support they need.
- Perimeter support foam helps reduce sinking and sliding feeling near the edge of the mattress
- A comfortable pillow-top surface helps reduce pressure points
- Breathable layers reduce temperature, while foam and coils help prevent motion transfer
- Zoned coil support focuses relief on your back and hips
From Our Test Lab:
“Brunswick offered the perfect blend of support and comfort. Our testers appreciated the zoned coils and pressure-relieving pillow-top.”
Best Firmness Options
The Novosbed Mattress
Features:
- Type: Memory Foam
- Firmness: Soft, Medium, or Firm
- Weight Limit: 300lbs (136kg) Per Person, 600lbs (272kg) Total
- Sleep Trial: 120 Nights
- Warranty: 15 Years
- Made In: Canada
It's Great For:
- Canadians who need to customize how firm their mattress is
- Couples with different sleeping preferences
- Those who have trouble finding the perfect firmness
- Sleepers up to 600lbs (272kg) who don’t share a bed
Novosbed’s original mattress has shaped the sleep industry and introduced some pretty amazing features along the way. The Novosbed has three firmness options to choose from when you order. You can choose Soft, Medium, or Firm. If the firmness isn’t to your liking, you can request a Comfort+ topper kit. These toppers are easy to install under the cover on your Novosbed and help fine-tune the firmness to the level you prefer.
For instance, heavier side sleepers should choose a medium or firm option to start with. You can increase or decrease as you see fit, giving you a much wider array of choices for your comfort. Many foam mattresses don’t offer this much customization, but it helps when you have very specific mattress needs!
Aside from the customization options, the Novosbed is made of dense, high-quality foams. These foams don’t sink nearly as easily as some of the standard options we looked at. This is better for heavy side sleepers who need more pressure relief, as the foams offer more comfortable resistance. The gentle contour also provides great support and alignment. Both of these features are necessary to wake up feeling well-rested.
The open-cell foam design helps to decrease temperature and increase motion isolation, meaning you’ll get the best of both worlds with this mattress. In addition, it has one of the highest weight limits on our list. Novosbed can support up to 300 lbs per person, or one 600 lbs sleeper with ease.
The Highlights
The Novosbed mattress has an increased weight limit, which makes it ideal for two sleepers at 300 lbs each, or one 600 lbs person sleeping alone. There is three firmness option you can choose at checkout, but each can be further fine-tuned with the use of the Comfort+ topper system. The core of the mattress is a dense, high-quality foam that is extremely supportive, allowing for better alignment and balance than other mattresses.
- The increased weight limit includes users up to 600lbs (272kg) sleeping alone
- Comfort+ topper kit helps fine-tune firmness for the perfect level of support
- Three firmness options to choose from initially
- The foam core is dense and supportive for better alignment, balance, and support
From Our Test Lab:
“Because firmness is a personal preference, our heavier side sleepers love the customization options with the Novosbed mattress.”
Best Firm Mattress
The Noa Mattress
Features:
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium Firm
- Weight Limit: 300lbs (136kg) Per Person, 600lbs (272kg) Total
- Sleep Trial: 120 Nights
- Warranty: 15 Years
- Made In: Canada
It's Great For:
- Canadians who sleep hot
- Two 300-pound users, or one 600-pound user
- Those who need the support of a firmer mattress
- Users who need pressure relief and responsiveness
The Noa mattress was one of the firmest and most supportive mattresses we found. Heavy side sleepers will love the pressure relief and amazing support offered by the thick-gauge steel coils. Together, all of the components within this mattress make it perfect for those who need a little more support. Noa has a weight limit of 300 lbs per person or 600 lbs total.
Each layer of foam is certified by REACH, which is the EU’s equivalent to CertiPUR-US. The cover is made of hand-tufted Tencel. It’s extremely breathable and soft to the touch. In addition, it has hypoallergenic and antibacterial features, meaning that those who are allergic to dust and other common allergens will be fine with this mattress.
The first layer is a thinner open-cell latex, which gives you enough bounce and responsiveness to turn over and move freely. Still, it cradles your body and provides the best pressure relief right where you need it. The next layer provides more temperature control. It’s a comforting, cooling gel memory foam that helps reduce pressure points and remove heat build-up. This contouring layer is helped by the layer of transition foam, which helps with motion isolation. This layer also keeps you from experiencing the harder parts of the coils below.
Each coil in the coil layer is individually pocketed, breathable, and helps to give you targeted support. This layer also has a thick edge support perimeter, allowing you to sit or sleep near the edge of the mattress without sliding off.
The Highlights
The Noa mattress uses a combination of different materials to create a supportive, comforting sleeping surface. Layers of foam, latex, and coils create pressure relief and proper balancing for all sleepers. The foam layers are especially comfortable for those who need better pressure relief. The mattress is an overall firmer option than some of the others on our list, which is great for those who need it. The temperature control layers, including cooling foam and open coils, help keep you cool all night long.
- Uses memory foam and latex for comfort, and supportive pocket coils for alignment
- Great pressure relief
- A firmer option for those that need it
- Temperature-control layers help keep you cool all night long
From Our Test Lab:
“Our heaviest side sleepers loved the Noa mattress! We got great feedback on comfort and support from our testers in this category.”
Best Pressure Relief
The Endy Mattress
Features:
- Type: Memory Foam
- Firmness: Medium
- Weight Limit: 250lbs (113kg) Per Person, 500lbs (226kg) Total
- Sleep Trial: 100 Nights
- Warranty: 15 Years
- Made In: Canada
It's Great For:
- Canadians who are often restless
- Those who want a consistent feel throughout the seasons
- Sleepers who need great pressure relief
- Two sleepers up to 250lbs per person, or one 500lb sleeper
The Endy Mattress is a simple, no-gimmicks memory foam mattress that was designed for Canadians, by Canadians. This mattress features three layers of quality open-cell foam, including a dense, supportive core that helps balance your weight evenly and support your spine. Heavier side sleepers will appreciate these features and wake up more comfortably as a result.
Endy can support up to 250 lbs per person, or 500 lbs total. The top layer is an open-cell foam, which works to relieve pressure and reduce temperature. Underneath is a layer of transition foam that helps eliminate pressure points and create a more responsive surface overall. It’s easier to move around on this mattress for sure.
These first two layers of foam help to eliminate pressure points, while the bottom layer of high-density foam offers support. Endy also reduces motion transfer, so those who sleep with restless partners will be able to stay asleep without any disturbances.
The entire mattress is also temperature-neutral. Where other memory foam may feel different based on the ambient temperature, this mattress feels the same all year round. This means that it won’t get softer in the summertime or firmer during the winter.
The Highlights
The Endy mattress provides great balanced support, with increased spinal alignment that is perfect for side sleepers. Open-cell memory foam layers help to actively isolate motion, helping you sleep more peacefully if you are often disturbed by a restless partner. Two layers of memory foam provide excellent pressure relief, reducing uncomfortable pressure points. Finally, all layers of foam are temperature-neutral, meaning they feel the same regardless of the season.
- Great balanced support and spinal alignment
- Active motion isolation with open-cell memory foam
- Great pressure relief layers
- Temperature-neutral foams feel the same throughout the year
From Our Test Lab:
“The Endy mattress offered great airflow and balanced support, which helped in tests for heavier side sleepers. Our testers were more comfortable overall.”
Why Trust Us?
We’ve spent years looking at mattresses for all types of sleepers. We’ve eagerly reviewed, tested, and received tester feedback on all of the best mattresses in Canada (as well as those that didn’t make the cut). Each mattress was evaluated based on a few key performance features that we consider important for a good night’s sleep.
- Firmness. Heavier side sleepers need a very specific firmness. We looked for mattresses that had a medium, medium-firm, or firm feel to help heavier side sleepers feel more comfortable and well-supported throughout the night.
- Support. Support and alignment are some of the most important things to consider for heavier sleepers. We looked at how the support on each mattress was structured, and then looked closer at the materials used.
- Weight Limit. Mattresses have weight limits, so we looked for mattresses that had a high total weight limit. We examined how the mattress would perform under heavier weights for longer periods to verify that they would work for you.
- Special Features. We looked at the special features available on each mattress and chose options that included the most quality-of-life improvements. This refers to things like edge support, temperature control, and motion isolation.
What Type of Mattress Do Heavy Side Sleepers Need?
Everyone has different mattress preferences, especially when it comes to firmness. Heavy side sleepers need different mattresses than those who sleep on their stomach, lighter sleepers, or even combination sleepers. Since body type and sleeping position are the most important factors for determining what your firmness options may be, it’s important to emphasize traits that work best for those factors.
When shopping for your next mattress, consider that heavy side sleepers need:
- Full-body balancing
- Firmer support under the hips and lower back
- Softer support at the shoulders
- Amazing pressure relief
- A firm or medium-firm mattress
- Better support
- Spinal alignment
- A thicker (or taller) profile
Most mattresses offer one or two of these features. However, we chose the mattresses on our list based on whether they displayed most of these important features. Here, you’ll find mattresses that offer better support, pressure relief, and alignment to keep you comfortable throughout the night. Next, we’ll look at how to determine if a mattress has these features and which special features you should look for.
What is a Heavy Side Sleeper?
Heavy side sleepers are sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds (104 kg). The mattress industry has clearly defined these values, and most mattress retailers stick to them. When they say that a mattress is good for heavier body types, they mean that it offers great support above this weight limit.
A side sleeper is someone who sleeps on their side most of the night. Though combination sleepers may move around a lot, side sleepers spend about 85% of the night sleeping on one side or the other. Side sleepers can sometimes develop uncomfortable pressure points because of the way they sleep. Additionally, side sleepers need better spinal alignment to ensure that they wake up feeling refreshed instead of stiff.
If you fit either of those parameters, any of the mattresses on our list should work for you! Before you can start shopping, though, we have to look at some mattress basics.
Choosing a Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers in Canada: The Basics
Though heavy side sleepers need specific types of mattresses, it’s important to evaluate all of your options. Here are some of the most important features to look for.
Type of Mattress
There are several types of mattresses available, but only a few are good for heavier side sleepers.
- All Foam. All-foam mattresses use layers of memory foam and latex (as well as other foams) to create a comfortable, pressure-relieving sleeping surface.
- Memory Foam. Memory foam sinks under your weight but springs back easily. Memory foam layers help contour your body, providing the support you need where you need it. They isolate motion well, but they can sleep hotter than other mattresses.
- Latex. Latex mattresses offer a similar level of contouring as memory foam. However, latex is more responsive and often sleeps cooler than memory foam. If you are allergic to latex, consider choosing a mattress with non-allergenic latex or latex alternative options.
- Hybrid. A hybrid mattress uses the best of the supportive innerspring and the comfortable foam mattress. This design uses a layer of pocketed coils or springs for support, but layers of foam on top to create a more comfortable sleeping surface. Hybrids are great at relieving pressure, but they aren’t as relieving as standard memory foam. They isolate motion better than innerspring, but not as well as foam mattresses. However, the trade-off is firmer support for heavier sleepers.
- Innerspring. Innerspring mattresses provide a lot of support. However, they don’t provide great pressure relief and transfer more motion than other types of mattresses. Innerspring mattresses can also break down faster, as they don’t spring back like memory foam mattresses. Innerspring mattresses are usually not available online, either. While most of your older mattresses are probably innerspring models, choosing a foam or hybrid option is the best way to upgrade your bedroom.
Firmness
The firmness level you prefer is extremely personal. However, there are some guidelines to go by. Heavier sleepers, as we mentioned above, should choose mattresses that are medium-firm or firm. There are fewer firm mattresses on the market than you’d expect, so medium-firm is perfect.
Of course, you should go with your preference before listening to our guidelines. If you prefer a medium mattress, there are plenty of options available that may be suitable. Make sure to take your personal comfort into account before you purchase a mattress we recommend.
Medium-firm mattresses are best for heavier sleepers because they offer better support, alignment, and pressure relief than other mattresses. If you are unsure if you’ll like a medium-firm mattress, take advantage of the sleep trial offered by online mattress retailers. It’s important to choose the firmness that helps you sleep best.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is extremely important for side sleepers. If you spent too long sleeping on one side or the other, you develop pressure points. These points lead to soreness and aches throughout your day. Heavier sleepers are at an even higher risk of developing pressure points.
To avoid this, look for mattresses with superior pressure relief. Look for mattresses that use more than one or two foam layers before the support layers. Look for zoned support to keep your shoulders comfortable while providing the support you need.
Thankfully, foam mattresses can offer more pressure relief than most other types of mattresses. Look for hybrids with foam layers, or all-foam mattresses with thicker comfort zones than other mattresses.
Alignment Features
Heavier side sleepers need better spinal alignment than other sleepers. If your spine doesn’t get the proper support it needs as you sleep, you can wake up uncomfortable or have trouble staying asleep in the middle of the night. Proper spinal alignment is important for comfortable and healthy sleep, so make sure to look for mattresses with firm support cores that offer better alignment.
Thick support layers, hybrid coils, and zoned support are best to keep your spine properly aligned, especially as a heavier sleeper. These features can be combined with other accessories, including pillows that help keep your spine and neck in a neutral position.
Zoned Support
Zoned support is a somewhat rare feature when it comes to foam mattresses, and it’s much more common in hybrids. Mattresses with zoned support will have firmer foam or coils in the centre of the mattress. This means that your hips and lower back have better support, while areas around your knees and shoulders are softer and relieve pressure better.
Mattresses with zoned support balance your weight better, provide better pressure relief, and help align your spine. Side sleepers and heavier sleepers can benefit from these features. Heavy side sleepers should look for a mattress that offers zoned coils or zoned foam to help them sleep a little easier.
Body Balancing
If your mattress doesn’t balance your weight properly, you are prone to developing hard pressure points. For side sleepers, this is extremely important. In addition to the proper alignment and pressure relief, a mattress needs to have a balanced support layer that helps distribute your weight across the surface of the mattress.
A mattress with proper balancing will also last longer, as it’s less likely to sag or have deeper indents after repeated use. Look for mattresses with a firm foam core, supportive coils, and other dense support layer features to help properly balance your weight.
Mattress Thickness
While most people don’t have to worry about how thick a mattress is, heavier people should look for the tallest mattress available. There are many reasons why a thicker mattress may be ideal for heavier body types. First, they tend to last longer under heavier loads. They don’t sag as quickly as a thinner mattress when exposed to the same amount of weight.
Second, a thicker mattress has more space to work with. They can balance more weight on average, so the foam can spring back better. Since the weight isn’t concentrated on pressure points, thicker mattresses can also offer better pressure relief.
If you are a heavier person, look for a mattress that is at least 11” to 14” tall. These mattresses are better suited for heavier body types and can last longer than thinner models. If you are very heavy and need a mattress that will hold out for longer, try a mattress that is over 14” tall.
Performance Features for Heavy Side Sleepers
While the features listed above are essential for heavy side sleepers, the features we’ll explain now can greatly improve how you sleep. They aren’t essential, but they can take your mattress to the next level.
Temperature Control
Heavier Canadians tend to overheat more often than those with lighter body types. This doesn’t work well with foam mattresses, as they hold onto heat and allow it to build up. This can cause you to be uncomfortable, sweaty, and awake more often in the middle of the night. To avoid this, many foam mattress companies now use temperature control features to help you sleep more comfortably.
If you sleep hot, consider purchasing a mattress that has multiple temperature control features. Aerated foam, cooling gel foam, and cooling covers all help prevent heat from building up as you sleep. Hybrid mattresses are great at creating additional airflow as well. If you sleep extremely hot, consider investing in a cooling pillow as well. These additional accessories can make all the difference when it comes to your mattress.
Motion Isolation
Whether you are a heavy sleeper yourself or share a bed with one, motion isolation is a priority. In the past, traditional innerspring mattresses have transferred motion across the mattress fairly easily. This means that you can feel your partner’s every movement, including every time they shift, turn, or rollover. For those who wake up easily, this can be a huge disturbance in their sleep cycle.
Mattresses with motion isolation features can eliminate or greatly reduce the transfer of motion across the mattress. Look for a firm foam support base, transition layers with added motion isolation, or mattresses with open-cell foam construction. Hybrid mattresses with individually pocketed coils isolate motion better than traditional innerspring mattresses, too.
Edge Support
Edge support is even more important for heavier sleepers. If you sleep near the edge of the mattress, you may feel like you’re going to slide off of the bed. These areas may also feel less supported than the centre of the mattress, which can be a problem for those who share a bed.
To avoid this, many mattresses (especially hybrids) use a perimeter of firm support foam to create a more supportive edge. If you often sit on the edge of the bed in the morning, or if you and your partner sleep near the edges of the bed, look for a mattress with firmer edge support. The goal is to feel the same level of support throughout the mattress.
Sleep Trials
Buying a mattress online can seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Though you can’t try each mattress in person like you can in a physical location, most online mattress retailers offer sleep trials. A sleep trial lasts for between 30 and 120 nights from the day you receive your mattress.
It takes about 30 days for your body to become used to the way a new mattress feels. The sleep trial gives you plenty of time to try the mattress out. If you decide not to keep it during this trial, you can return it for free. You’ll get a full refund of your purchase price, and your used mattresses will be donated to those in need (in most cases).
Make sure to check each mattress’s sleep trial policies before purchase. This way, you can make sure that you are doing everything right in case you want to return the mattress. We especially recommend using a mattress protector. Most sleep trial policies will not accept a mattress if it has been damaged, so this is a great way to ensure your mattress stays in great shape for your sleep trial and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, expect each side of the mattress to hold up to 250lbs (113kg). However, thicker mattresses are made to accommodate more weight. If you are over this weight, look for a thicker mattress. In some cases, the foundation you use may have a weight limit. Take this into consideration as well.
Because of the way mattresses are made, users above a certain weight may experience sagging much faster. To avoid this, use a foundation that is compatible with your mattress. Shop for a thicker mattress or a hybrid model if foam sagging is a concern.
While heavier body types need the support of a firm mattress, there are instances when a mattress can be too firm. We recommend medium-firm mattresses because they have more give. Firmer mattresses can cause you to experience a lot of pressure on your hips, shoulders, and other pressure points. Be sure to try the mattress out first before deciding if it’s best for you.
