Sleepers in all positions have unique needs. Side sleepers need a few unique features to feel more comfortable throughout the night. The most important among these are pressure relief, hip support, and softer foam around the shoulders to reduce discomfort. While it can be difficult to find these features in a single mattress, we’ve tested an exhaustive list of mattresses to bring you the best option for side sleepers.
Our team of testers and reviewers took a deep, critical look at each of the mattresses on our list. We evaluated hundreds of mattresses based on performance areas, how well they work for side sleepers, and how our testers felt about them. Because of these multiple comparison points, we were able to pinpoint the best Canadian mattresses for side sleepers.
Best Side Sleeper Mattresses for Canadians
- Best Overall: The Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress
- Best Cooling Mattress: Endy Hybrid Mattress
- Best Pillow Top Mattress: The Logan & Cove Mattress
- Best for Couples: The Endy Mattress
- Best Customization: The Novosbed Mattress
- Best Hybrid Mattress: The Hush Iced Hybrid Mattress
- Best All Foam Mattress: The Douglas Mattress
- Best Construction: The Brunswick Spring Mattress
- Best Cover: The Silk & Snow Mattress
- Best Support: Casper Nova Mattress
Why Did We Choose These Mattresses for Side Sleepers in Canada?
We evaluated each of the mattresses on our list based on the specific areas where they excelled. During our extensive testing, we found areas where these mattresses stood out among their peers. Those standout areas became the reasons we recommended these mattresses to you.
The best mattress for side sleepers in Canada is the Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress. Layers of foam and coils reduce pressure and provide better alignment, perfect for those who sleep on their sides.
The Endy Hybrid Mattress is extremely cool. The combination of open-cell memory foam and pocket coils creates a more breathable mattress, which helps channel cooler air up to you throughout the night.
The Logan & Cove Mattress feels like a luxury hybrid, with sturdy support coils and a soft pillow-top section. Because of these elements, it’s one of the best pillow-top mattresses we’ve seen.
The Endy Mattress is best for couples. The all-foam construction offers great motion isolation, and the firmness and support are best for most sleepers. Couples with different preferences can enjoy this mattress.
The Novosbed Mattress features extremely customizable firmness options. The three initial options can be customized with firming or softening toppers to better match your preferences.
If you are looking for a soft, comfortable pillow top hybrid, look no further than the Hush Iced Hybrid Mattress. This pillow top provides pillowy cushioning throughout the mattress, while firm support from the coil layer keeps you aligned through the night.
The Douglas Mattress is the best all-foam mattress for side sleepers. It has better pressure relief than most of the mattresses we tested, and it also excels in most other performance areas as well.
When it comes to mattress construction, the Brunswick Spring Mattress is the best of the best. This mattress features a pillow-top section, layers of cooling and eco-conscious foams, and zoned lumbar support coils to provide top-tier comfort throughout the night.
The Silk & Snow Mattress has one of the best mattress covers on the Canadian market. The antimicrobial fabric is soft and breathable. It’s made of polyester and spandex, and it works well for those with sensitive skin.
When it comes to support, the Casper Nova Mattress is no slouch. It features seven ergonomic support zones in two layers of zoned support foam, in addition to a layer of resilient coils.
Best Overall
The Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress
Features:
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium Firm
- Sleep Trial: 100 Nights
- Warranty: 15 Years
- Made In: Canada
It's Great For:
- Users who prefer a soft, plush cover
- Those who need better pressure support
- Canadians who sleep near the edge of the bed
- Those who wake up hot or sweaty
The Silk & Snow Hybrid mattress features one of the best covers on the market. This super-breathable polyester cover is naturally antimicrobial, preventing bacteria from growing and breeding. If you have sensitive skin or microbe-based allergies, this mattress can help you sleep a little easier. The cover provides a soft feeling initially, as the memory foam prepares to cradle your body. Meanwhile, a layer of pocket coils in the support layer provides better support than some of the other mattresses we examined.
Under the cover, you’ll find a layer of quilted foam. This cooling foam is plush and comfortable, but also extremely breathable. You’ll be able to rest without overheating, especially if you usually wake up a little warm. Underneath is a thicker layer of pressure relief foam, which helps relieve pressure from the deepest points of your body. This transition layer keeps you elevated out of the mattress and cushioned from the firmer coils underneath.
The coil layer features up to 1200 individually pocketed coil springs, zoned into three areas to support you where you need it most. These coils help to limit motion transfer, and they also provide better breathability to the core of the mattress. Side sleepers can be extremely comfortable with the zoned lumbar support zone, which keeps your spine aligned with firmer coils. Meanwhile, softer coils around your shoulders keep you comfortable while providing the perfect support.
Around the pocket coils is a perimeter of edge support foam. Those who sit or sleep near the edge of the mattress will appreciate not sliding off when you roll over or sit on the edge of the mattress. With better motion isolation, cooling capabilities, and high-density memory foam layers, this mattress is great for side sleepers all over Canada.
The Highlights
The dense pocket coils in the Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress help create better support than some of the other models we’ve seen. The zoned support system helps strengthen coils in the lumbar region, which promotes proper alignment for your spine. If you sleep near the edge of the mattress, you’ll love the edge support reinforcement, which helps keep you from sinking or sliding off the bed. The cover is a soft polyester material that is great for sensitive skin. It has natural antimicrobial properties to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Dense pocket coils create better support than some other models
- Zoned support strengthens coils in the lumbar region, promoting alignment
- Better edge support keeps the edges from flattening, so you won’t feel like you’re sliding off the edge
- The cover is made of soft polyester, with naturally antimicrobial properties
From the Test Lab
“This cover felt unique to our testers. Plus, it provided important antimicrobial properties, perfect for those with sensitive skin.”
Best Cooling Mattress
Endy Hybrid Mattress
Features:
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium Firm
- Sleep Trial: 100 Nights
- Warranty: 15 Years
- Made In: Canada
It's Great For:
- Restless partners and co-sleepers
- Users who need better lumbar support
- Canadians who sleep hot
- Adjustable frames
Do you often overheat during the night? The Endy Hybrid Mattress might be the best option for you. This mattress features layers of open-cell and gel-infused foam to help prevent heat from building up under you as you sleep. The hybrid coil layer also helps prevent heat from nesting into the centre of the mattress, as these coils provide better airflow throughout the core. Together, these features ensure that you won’t wake up sweaty in the middle of the night.
When you first lay down on this mattress, you’ll be greeted with a plush surface. While it isn’t quite a pillow-top mattress, the quilted cover used here is lined with foam. The foam is quilted right into the fabric, allowing small channels for heat to escape throughout the night. The first layer of foam in the core of the mattress is Endy’s proprietary Endy Comfort Foam, which is cool and responsive. If you move around a lot while you sleep, this surface might be perfect for you.
The middle layer of transition foam helps isolate motion, stopping it in its tracks. Some mattresses allow movements from the other side of the bed to reach you. If your partner has a restless night of sleep on the Endy Hybrid Mattress, their tossing and turning won’t wake you up.
Under this transition foam is the supportive coil layer, which features zoned support. This means firmer coils in the centre of the mattress support your back and hips, which is critical for side sleeping. Softer coils across your shoulders help cushion these areas preventing harsh pressure points from forming. A perimeter of edge support coils offers firmer support around the outside edges of the mattress, making it easier to sit or sleep near the edge without losing support. A final layer of high-density foam provides additional structure and prevents sagging, which naturally occurs with age. This layer helps the mattress keep its shape for years to come.
You can use the Endy Hybrid Mattress with box springs, slatted frames, and even adjustable frames. Though it uses a coil support layer, it’s flexible enough to move with the frame. You can try it for 100 nights after your purchase to make sure it’s perfect for you.
The Highlights
The Endy Hybrid Mattress features strong pressure relief, which is great for those who sleep on their sides. An additional foam layer located under the support coils helps provide better structure and longevity overall. This mattress is compatible with most box springs, slatted frames, and adjustable frames, too. Zoned support in the coil layer helps provide better support for your lumbar and hips, which is critical for better alignment.
- Strong pressure relief for side sleepers
- Additional foam layer under the support layer for better structure
- Compatible with most box springs, slatted frames, and adjustable frames
- Zoned support for better lumbar and hip support
From the Test Lab
“This mattress had great lumbar support and pressure relief, two of the biggest things I look for. It kept us cool throughout the night, too.”
Best Pillow Top Mattress
The Logan & Cove Mattress
Features:
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium Plush (Medium) or Luxury Firm (Medium Firm)
- Sleep Trial: 120 Nights
- Warranty: 15 Years
- Made In: Canada
It's Great For:
- Canadians who need exceptional lumbar support
- Those who sleep near the edge of the mattress
- Sleepers who want a soft, comfortable sleep surface
- Back sleepers
The Logan & Cove Mattress is a luxury pillow-top hybrid that features soft pressure relief and unparalleled support. Every material used in the Logan & Cove mattress feels luxurious, but you won’t be paying a luxury price for this mattress. There are two firmness options: medium-plush, which is almost like a medium, and luxury-firm, which is about a medium firm. This firmness spread makes this mattress appealing to most sleepers, as it offers an option for various sleeping positions.
This mattress features a cool, comfortable Tencel cover. It’s hand-tufted and designed with quality and temperature regulation in mind. Beneath the cover is a thick layer of silk-blend pillow-top fill. This fill helps the mattress retain its soft feel, creating a great first impression that lasts far beyond your first night on this mattress. The pillow-top section continues with two layers of cooling gel foam and a layer of high-density foam that helps create a transition between the pillow-top and the hybrid coils.
Together, these four layers create a separate pillow-top section that helps elevate you out of the mattress. The lower section of the mattress contains a layer of high-density bio-foam that acts as a transition layer to protect you from the coils. Finally, the coil layer features zoned and pocketed coils. Firmer coils under your hips and lumbar create better support. Overall, these coils create great airflow and help isolate motion, especially because they compress individually. A layer of perimeter foam surrounds the coils, creating a firmer edge for full mattress support.
The Logan & Cove mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty.
The Highlights
The Logan & Cove Mattress comes in two different firmness options, which help it appeal to most sleepers. These options cover a wide range of firmness preferences. It also features firm perimeter edge support, making it ideal for those who sleep near the edge of the mattress. Overall, the mattress has a luxury feel without the high price tag, a perfect option for those who want to save a little pocket change. The soft, pillow-top section helps elevate you above the coil layer, keeping you well-supported without any uncomfortable pressure points.
- Two different firmness options appeal to most sleeping positions
- Firm perimeter edge support
- Luxury feel without the luxury price tag
- A soft pillow-top section that elevates you above the coil layer
From the Test Lab
“This mattress was extremely comfortable from the start. The soft pillow-top sinks down into a well-supported contour that our side sleepers loved.”
Best for Couples
The Endy Mattress
Features:
- Type: All Foam
- Firmness: Medium
- Sleep Trial: 100 Nights
- Warranty: 10 Years
- Made In: Canada
It's Great For:
- Couples
- Canadians that toss and turn a lot
- Back sleepers and combination sleepers
- Those who don’t sleep warm
The Endy Mattress is a Canadian-made mattress designed for most side sleepers. Each layer uses open-cell memory foam to provide temperature control and support, all while offering great pressure relief no matter how you sleep. Side sleepers will love the Comfort Foam layer, which features a breathable ‘hug’, and a more responsive transition foam layer for deeper pressure relief. Each mattress is made in either Ontario or Quebec, so delivery is always fast.
This is one of the best mattresses in Canada for couples because of the way it isolates motion. The open-cell design features larger cells than most, helping to trap and isolate motion as it happens. The deep foam pressure relief paired with very little motion transfer creates a mattress that’s great for side sleepers with restless partners.
The Endy mattress is temperature neutral, too. While some memory foams feel softer in the summer and firmer in the winter (due to the way they react to heat), this mattress has a consistent feel all year round. If you’re tired of your mattress changing with the seasons, Endy is the mattress for you.
The Endy mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. Returns are free and result in a full refund most of the time, but we’re sure that you’ll love this mattress enough to keep it.
The Highlights
The Endy Mattress is made of comforting, breathable foam layers. The open-cell memory foam construction helps with motion isolation but also helps the foam remain breathable for temperature control. While other memory foams might change feel throughout the seasons, this is a temperature-neutral mattress that feels the same year-round. It offers outstanding pressure relief for side sleepers and great motion isolation for couples.
- Made of comforting, breathable foam
- Open-cell foam that helps with motion isolation
- Temperature-neutral throughout the seasons
- Great pressure relief and motion isolation
From the Test Lab
“This mattress is one of the best we’ve seen for motion isolation. Restless couples rejoice! Our testers loved the deep pressure relief, too.”
Best Customization
The Novosbed Mattress
Features:
- Type: All Foam
- Firmness: Soft, Medium, or Firm
- Sleep Trial: 120 Nights
- Warranty: 15 Years
- Made In: Canada
It's Great For:
- Outstanding pressure relief
- Canadians who need proper body alignment
- Those who prefer strong motion isolation
- Sleepers who are unsure about their preferred firmness
The Novosbed Mattress uses next-generation, open-cell memory foams to promote breathability and motion control. However, what sets it apart is its firmness options. There are three firmness options to choose from at purchase. You can choose soft, medium, or firm versions of the mattress. That’s an astounding number of firmness options. It doesn’t stop there, though – Novosbed offers Comfort+ Kits, which allow you to make the mattress softer or firmer. These mattress toppers can be placed right on the foam on the mattress and help fine-tune each firmness option, leading to a total of 9 distinct options.
Each layer of this mattress helps create a cool, comfortable sleeping experience. The soft knit cover is machine washable, though there is a second cover beneath that keeps the foam core of the mattress together. The first layer helps to disperse heat while providing great pressure relief. The middle layer of transition foam helps create motion isolation conditions. It also relieves deeper pressure points and helps with contouring.
Finally, the support layer helps balance your body and provides spinal alignment, which is essential for side sleepers. Altogether, this advanced mattress creates an extremely comfortable surface, which is revolutionized with the addition of multiple topper options. Try it for 120 nights after purchase, or stick around for the 15-year warranty.
The Highlights
Novosbed offers three firmness options to choose from in the beginning. You can order Soft, Medium, or Firm mattresses to begin with. After testing it for a little while, you can order a Comfort+ topper kit. This allows you to fine-tune the firmness levels to your preferences, as each topper can make the mattress firmer or softer. Outside of this, the open-cell foam design provides great motion isolation and cooling features. A dual-cover system protects your mattress, even when you take off the top cover to wash it with your sheets.
- Three firmness options to choose from
- Comfort+ topper kits allow you to tune the firmness levels to meet your preferences
- Open-cell foam promotes cooling features and motion isolation
- The dual-cover system helps keep your mattress protected longer.
From the Test Lab
“Each Comfort+ Kit added a noticeable firmness difference to the mattress. Our testers were more satisfied with the way the mattress felt because they could tune the firmness.”
Best Hybrid
The Hush Iced Hybrid Mattress
Features:
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium
- Sleep Trial: 100 Nights
- Warranty: 10 Year
- Made In: Canada
It's Great For:
- Canadians who sleep hot
- Those who want natural materials
- Users who need extra support
- Those who prefer better pressure relief
The Hush Iced Hybrid Mattress is one of the best mattresses for side sleepers that also features a hybrid construction. This mattress uses medium foam and softer coils to create a comfortable surface that supports you and reduces pressure. Side sleepers can enjoy the extra alignment from the coil layer without sacrificing comfort and pressure relief throughout the rest of the mattress.
The first two layers help contour your body, reducing pressure points and relieving any heat built-up throughout the night. These layers are bamboo viscose cooling foam, which is extremely light and breathable. It’s great for those who want to sink into the mattress a little, but it doesn’t allow you to get overheated. The layer below is Hush’s Super Elate foam. This foam is made with all-natural ingredients that make it cool and antibacterial. It helps reduce odours and keep your sleeping space clean and fresh.
The coil layer below helps support your spine, keeping you aligned and reducing strain throughout your back and hips. The coils have a softer feel than standard 8” coils but offer the same level of support. Side sleepers might worry about feeling the coil layer in hybrid mattresses, but these coils won’t be uncomfortable or form pressure points.
A layer of support foam underneath the coils prevents sagging, while a dense memory foam perimeter reduces sagging and sliding at the edges of the mattress. Together, these features help keep you comfortable and well-supported, with a coil layer that is just as supportive as the standard option without the harsh, uncomfortable feeling that can sometimes come with hybrid mattresses.
The Highlights
The Hush Iced Hybrid Mattress features layers of cool, natural materials that help keep you comfortable if you are prone to overheating. These cooling materials work together with the smaller honeycomb coils in the support layer, providing a mattress that is cool and supportive. The shorter mattress profile makes it a great option for modern bedrooms, which favor a shorter profile. The supportive coil layer helps provide the alignment and comfort that side sleepers need.
- Layers of cool, natural materials help keep you comfortable if you overheat
- Smaller honeycomb coils provide the same support but with a lower profile
- A short mattress profile is great for modern bedrooms
- The supportive coil layer provides proper alignment and comfort for side sleepers
From the Test Lab
“Side sleepers need alignment and pressure relief, and this mattress provides both. Paired with the cooling features, this mattress has nearly everything you could need.”
Best All Foam Mattress
The Douglas Mattress
Features:
- Type: All Foam
- Firmness: Medium Firm
- Sleep Trial: 365 Nights
- Warranty: 20 Years
- Made In: Canada
It's Great For:
- Canadians who sleep a little warm during the summer
- Those who prefer a lot of pressure relief
- Couples who benefit from motion isolation
- Eco-conscious users
The Douglas Mattress is perfectly engineered for most sleepers. Most have trouble with some aspect of memory foam mattresses, whether it’s a ‘quicksand’ feeling, heat build-up, or a lack of support. The Douglas Mattress features fixes for all of these issues. The medium-firm firmness is supportive, balanced, and great at relieving pressure. This mattress works well for all sleeping positions. It’s also extremely cool, between layers of cooling gel and the moisture-wicking CoolSense cover. This cover uses infrared to dispel heat and move it away from you as you sleep.
This mattress starts with the CoolSense cover, made of sustainable Infinitex fibres. If you often sweat through the night, you’ll find that this mattress helps wick moisture away and keep you cool and dry. This cover even features a beautiful design, inspired by the Western Canadian mountain ranges. Underneath, you’ll find a layer of ecoLight cooling gel foam. This eco-conscious material is created with 40% less carbon input than traditional memory foam. It’s a responsive material that makes the mattress great for combination sleepers and side sleepers alike.
The next layer is an Elastex foam. This synthetic foam is responsive and supportive like natural latex, but it doesn’t contain any of the chemicals that cause latex reactions. It’s a great alternative for those with latex allergies. The final layer of foam is a thick layer of motion isolation support foam, which helps with motion transfer and keeps your spine aligned for proper support.
This mattress provides great support and contouring, cooling foam for side sleepers. Avoiding all of the common flaws of memory foam mattresses creates a sleeping surface that most Canadians can enjoy. It comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.
The Highlights
The Douglas Mattress is a medium-firm memory foam mattress that is supportive enough for side sleepers. It’s also soft enough to relieve pressure, reducing pressure points that may affect side sleepers. This blend makes it one of the best options for side sleepers. The responsive surface makes it easier to move around, including turning over. Two of the three layers of foam used in his mattress are made with eco-conscious materials, so you can sleep a little easier.
- Medium-firm is supportive enough for side sleepers
- Soft pressure relief to reduce pressure points
- A responsive surface makes it easier to turn over
- Layers of eco-conscious foam blends
From the Test Lab
“The Douglas mattress gives side sleepers everything they need. The excellent pressure relief kept our side-sleeping testers comfortable throughout the test period.”
Best Construction
The Brunswick Spring Mattress
Features:
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium Firm
- Sleep Trial: 120 Nights
- Warranty: 15 Years
- Made In: Canada
It's Great For:
- Canadians who sleep hot
- Those who sit or sleep near the edge of the mattress
- Users who need better pressure relief
- Sleepers with back problems
The Brunswick Spring Mattress is a pillow-top hybrid that is designed with side sleepers in mind. This mattress uses a plush, comfortable pillow-top surface to help with immediate pressure relief. Layers of soy and eco-conscious foams help provide deeper pressure relief, while firm lumbar support in the coil layer keeps you properly aligned and rest. This mattress ensures that you’re comfortable, especially if you sleep on your side.
The quilted cover is made with soft, farm-grown fibres. The comforting hug of the pillow-top section is the first thing you’ll feel when you lay down to sleep. It’s a cloud-like surface that uses euro-top fill to provide breathability and comfort. Under this layer is gel cooling foam. If your bed does get hot, this cooling foam can help transfer it away from you as you sleep. This layer also contours to your body, so you’ll get a customized support map each time you lie down.
Next is a transitional layer of soy-infused eco-foam. This is a high-density performance foam that stops motion as it happens, so you’ll sleep better even when your partner is tossing and turning. This foam also helps to promote spinal alignment, working to reduce strain on your lower back and hips as you sleep. This is a great feature for side sleepers.
The support core features reinforced pocket coils, which are individually wrapped so they won’t compress all at once. This means you’ll get more support where you need it, and the rest of the mattress won’t sink in response. These coils can help with motion transfer, too. A perimeter of encasement foam helps bolster the edges of the mattress, so it doesn’t compress when you roll too close to the edge. The loss of support can make back problems worse, but this mattress ensures that you’re comfortable no matter where you sleep.
The Highlights
The Brunswick Spring Mattress has zoned lumbar support in its coil layer to help those with back issues. It uses cooling gel foam and breathable fill to help reduce temperature overall, while a comforting pillow-top surface helps with immediate pressure relief. Extra-firm foam provides better edge support, so those who like to sit at the edge of the bed won’t feel like they are sliding or sinking off the mattress.
- Zoned lumbar support for those with back issues
- Cooling gel foam and breathable fill to reduce the temperature
- Comforting pillow-top surface for immediate pressure relief
- Edge support foam to make sitting on the edge of the bed more comfortable
From the Test Lab
“This mattress felt intuitive. It was comfortable on top with the amazing pillow-top section, but also offered strong lumbar support and alignment.”
Best Cover
The Silk & Snow Mattress
Features:
- Type: All Foam
- Firmness: Medium
- Sleep Trial: 100 Nights
- Warranty: 15 Years
- Made In: Canada
It's Great For:
- Deep pressure relief
- Heavier sleepers
- Users who suffer from allergies
- Canadians who want to wash their bedding often
The Silk & Snow Mattress offers some of the best pressure relief features for side sleepers. This mattress uses two main layers of high-density memory foam to reduce pressure points, including a layer of softer transition foam for those deeper pressure points. Throughout, this mattress works to create the perfect conditions for side sleepers, particularly those with a heavier body type.
The high-density foam used in the layers of this mattress is great at supporting you, regardless of your body type. The foam sinks and forms to your body, so you’ll always have the proper amount of support. Under the antimicrobial polyester cover, you’ll find three layers of foam. The first is a pressure-relieving 4-pound gel memory foam, which reduces pressure points but also keeps you cool. This durable layer will keep you comfortable throughout the night. Next is a layer of transitional performance foam, which isolates motion and reduces strain throughout your body.
Finally, a layer of durable support foam keeps the mattress from sagging and increases longevity overall. This layer is responsible for your mattress lasting for years to come. It also provides great alignment and pressure relief.
The cover is easy to remove when it’s time to wash your bedding. Simply zip it off and put it into the washing machine with the rest of your laundry. This way, you can keep your bed fresh and clean. This can help promote a more relaxing, restful sleep! This mattress also helps reduce the transfer of motion across the bed. If your partner is often restless or tosses and turns a lot, you’ll still be sleeping peacefully.
The Highlights
The Silk & Snow Mattress uses an antimicrobial cover to help prevent the growth of bacteria. This makes it a good choice for those with allergies or sensitive skin. The high-density memory foam layers provide deep pressure relief and better support overall, perfect for heavier sleepers. The support foam base prevents sagging over time, so your mattress lasts for many years. Finally, the gel-infused, open-cell memory foam in the top foam layers helps wick away heat and moisture so you’re more comfortable throughout the night.
- An antimicrobial cover prevents the growth of bacteria, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies
- High-density memory foam provides deep pressure relief and better support, so it’s great for heavier sleepers
- Durable support foam prevents sagging over time, ensuring your mattress lasts for many years
- Open-cell memory foam is gel-infused to provide better temperature control
From the Test Lab
“This all-foam mattress worked well for most of our testers, especially heavier side-sleepers. The cooling features and pressure relief really stood out to us.”
Best Support
Casper Nova Mattress
Features:
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium
- Sleep Trial: 100 Nights
- Warranty: 10 Years
- Made In: The US
It's Great For:
- Canadians who sleep warm
- Those who toss and turn a lot at night
- Combination and back sleepers
- Sleepers who rest near the edge
Casper has always made mattresses with extremely advanced levels of support, and the Nova Hybrid is no different. This mattress combines several of Casper’s signature materials and features to create a mattress that sleeps cool and offers more support than most of the options on the Canadian market. Casper’s patented AirScape 2 foam goes to work here, alongside Zoned Support Pro, a system that separates the mattress into 7 carefully-considered ergonomic support zones.
The great feel of this mattress starts with the cloud-like cover. It’s a plush quilted layer that stretches in four ways. It feels great no matter how you sleep. Under the cover is a top layer of AirScape foam. This foam includes hundreds of small perforations to help move heat away from you as you sleep, ensuring that you don’t wake up sweaty. It has a soft feel that contours and relieves pressure from the very beginning.
The second layer of perforated AirScape foam provides three ergonomic zones. The foam is softer on the shoulders and firmer near your hips and back, providing a perfect surface for side sleepers. It works with the top layer of AirScape to provide better airflow than most foams. A layer of Zoned Support Pro is next. There are seven layers of contoured cuts to help provide additional support. This layer is more supportive under your waist, helping to align your spine. Meanwhile, your shoulders are soft and comfortable. These seven zones help you wake up feeling better than with your old mattress.
Finally, the coil layer features resilient springs with enough lift to keep you comfortable. A perimeter of foam creates great edge support, so you can sit or lay near the edge of the mattress with ease. This mattress offers some of the best support we’ve seen, even among other hybrids. Side sleepers will love the way this mattress feels! It comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial so you can try it for yourself.
The Highlights
The Casper Nova Hybrid mattress uses 7 ergonomic zoned layers of support foam. Together, these layers create next-level support and alignment for your spine. Layers of perforated AirScape foam offers increased airflow and better cooling properties. The cover is a soft, stretchy knit that moves in four different directions to keep you comfortable and cradle your body. The coil layer is surrounded by a dense layer of perimeter foam. Sitting or sleeping near the edge of the bed is comfortable and doesn’t feel like you’ll slide off.
- 7 ergonomic zoned layers for ideal support and alignment
- Perforated AirScape foam for cooling
- Soft, stretchy knit cover
- A dense layer of perimeter support foam around the coil layer
From the Test Lab
“This mattress felt very unique from the other options we tested. The zoned support is great for side sleepers and those who struggle with sleep in general.”
Why Trust Us?
Our dedicated team of unbiased testers and mattress reviewers work together to give you the best options for most Canadians. We spend weeks evaluating every aspect of the mattresses available on the Canadian market. We compare notes, categorize them, and figure out which ones are best. Years of experience tell us which mattresses work best for most Canadians, how each one stacks up, and how we should assign testers. Among other features, we looked at these performance features:
- Pressure Relief: Pressure relief is the most important performance area for side sleepers. We looked at pressure maps and took tester feedback on how each mattress felt after extended use, especially when it came to pressure points.
- Motion Isolation: Each mattress was rated on how motion transferred from one side to the other. We used a glass of water to gauge how much movement transferred during normal tossing, turning, and getting up and down.
- Temperature Control: A lot of Canadians generate heat when they sleep. Memory foam mattresses can cause heat to build up under you as you sleep, which can cause you to overheat quickly. We tested how these mattresses controlled temperature, especially when they contained temperature control features like gel foam and perforated foam.
- Edge Support: Some foam mattresses can sag when you sit near the edge of the bed. You often feel sliding or a lack of support when you rest near the edge. A mattress with great edge support will eliminate this problem, making it feel the same no matter where you sleep.
Features Side Sleepers Should Look For
Each sleeping position requires different things from a mattress. As we looked for the best mattress for side sleepers in Canada, we had to take into account what features side sleepers preferred, and which ones helped them sleep most comfortably. From our research and evaluation, we found that side sleepers need the following conditions to sleep well:
Pressure relief: Pressure relief was the biggest need for side sleepers. Hips and shoulders can often become uncomfortable when you sleep on your side, forming painful pressure points that can impact the way you sleep. However, mattresses with better pressure relief such as those for back pain are more comfortable for side sleepers, especially after extended periods.
Spine alignment: Sleeping on your side when a mattress doesn’t offer adequate support can be extremely uncomfortable. The mattress might leave your spine curved or dipping near your tailbone, so you may wake up uncomfortable and stiff. Spinal alignment usually comes with better support, meaning your hips are adequately raised so that your spine creates a straight line from your neck.
Hip and back support: Your hips and back are going to sink into the mattress most, as they are the heaviest parts of any side sleeper. A mattress that works well for side sleepers needs to adequately support these areas for maximum comfort.
Cushioned shoulder support: In addition to hip support, your shoulders need cushioning when you sleep on your side. It can be challenging to find a mattress that’s both supportive around the hips and soft around the shoulders, but it’s the ideal configuration for side sleepers.
It’s important to look for mattresses with these features, but you should also consider your personal mattress preferences. Choosing an option that feels comfortable for you is most important, even if the mattress lacks some of these features.
How to Choose a Canadian Side Sleeper Mattress
With all of these things in mind, it’s time to examine how you should choose a mattress. While most of the mattresses on our list fit the parameters listed above, there are other factors you should consider when purchasing a mattress.
Type of Mattress
Side sleepers can benefit from just about any type of mattress. These two types are featured on our list:
All-foam mattresses feature layers of memory foam, latex foam, and polyfoam to create a comforting, contouring sleep surface. These mattresses are made of different foam densities and blends to create the best possible mattress.
- Memory foam reacts to your body heat. It becomes softer with heat, so it will sink to form a unique surface for each person. Memory foam can feel like quicksand, and it can also allow heat to build up. However, personal contouring greatly reduces pressure.
- Latex also contours your body. It doesn’t sink nearly as much as memory foam. Instead, it provides a responsive surface that still gives your pressure points relief. Organic and latex mattresses are known for their responsiveness.
- Polyfoam isn’t used in most mattress layers. If the mattress uses polyfoam, it’s usually in the dense support base rather than the active mattress layers.
Hybrid mattresses use a combination of foam layers and springs. Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, coils in hybrid mattresses are individually pocketed. They allow for better motion isolation and temperature control due to increased airflow. Hybrid mattresses may offer better support than some foam mattresses but sometimes offer decreased pressure relief.
You should choose the mattress type that works best for you. Any of these mattress types can be great for side sleepers, but they each feel different. Make sure to keep your preferences in mind while you shop.
Firmness
Firmness determines how much support a mattress can offer. Each person has a firmness they prefer, and it’s an extremely personal decision. While most side sleepers prefer a medium mattress, others may prefer a firmer or softer mattress. Aside from your sleeping position, your body type can also determine which firmness you might prefer.
- Soft mattresses in Canada are best for lighter sleepers (under 130 pounds). Stomach sleepers may prefer softer mattresses.
- Medium mattresses in Canada are best for regular sleepers (between 130 and 230 pounds). Side sleepers may prefer a medium mattress.
- Firm mattresses in Canada are best for heavier sleepers (over 230 pounds). Back sleepers may prefer a firmer mattress.
These guidelines can give you a place to start, but your personal preferences should ultimately decide which firmness you choose.
Performance
We evaluate each mattress based on the following performance areas. When you are purchasing a mattress, you should look at how each mattress handles the following features.
Temperature Control
During the warmer summer months, some Canadians wake up sweaty and uncomfortable. Mattresses can make this problem worse, and memory foam mattresses are notoriously good at holding on to body heat. A memory foam mattress can make you overheat more often than other types, so it’s important to look for one that has temperature control features.
These features can vary by mattress. Most commonly, you’ll find gel memory foam layers, which help isolate and remove heat as you sleep. Perforated foams, phase-changing materials, open-cell foams, and latex are all great ways to remove the overheating factor. If you sleep very warmly, make sure to look for mattresses that stack these features.
Motion Isolation
Innerspring mattresses were notorious for transferring motion. If your partner moved at all during the night, you felt it on your side of the bed. Thankfully, memory foam and hybrid mattresses help reduce motion transfer, isolating motion to the area where it happens. With a foam mattress, you’re unlikely to feel your partner’s every movement. Hybrid mattresses also go a long way toward helping keep your partner’s movement on his or her side of the bed.
Look for foam mattresses with motion isolation support foam and soft transition layers. Individually pocketed coils and multiple foam layers can help stop motion transfer in hybrid mattresses.
Pressure Relief
As we mentioned above, pressure relief is extremely important for side sleepers. Look for mattresses with multiple foam layers and better transitions between the coils and the foam layers. It’s important to check for open-cell foams, denser foams, or more supportive foams. All of these options can affect how much pressure a mattress can relieve. You’ll want the most pressure relief possible, especially for the area around your hips and shoulders.
Edge Support
Edge support isn’t unique to side sleepers. Most sleepers who sit or sleep near the edge of the bed can benefit from edge support. Foam mattresses are notoriously slouchy at the edges, creating a slipping or sinking feeling if you sit on the edge of the bed or scoot over too far at night.
A mattress with good edge support may have firmer edge coils or a layer of edge support foam. If you want great support across all areas of the mattress, look for great edge support options.
Purchasing a Side Sleeper Mattress Online in Canada
Purchasing a bed in a box mattress online in Canada can be more difficult than purchasing one in person, but there are several benefits. Frequent sales, lower overhead costs, and free shipping make it easier and cheaper than ever to shop for a mattress in Canada. You don’t have to worry about transporting your new mattress, either – these mattresses are delivered right to your door. However, there are a few new things to consider when purchasing a mattress online.
Sleep Trials and Warranties
Sleep trials allow you to try the mattress for a certain amount of time before deciding to commit to your purchase. Online mattress retailers allow you up to 365 nights after you receive your mattress to decide if it’s for you. The average length of a sleep trial is about 100 nights, and it varies by manufacturer. Most companies require you to try the mattress for at least 30 days before deciding to return it, as this is how long it takes for your body to adjust to a new mattress.
If you find that the mattress isn’t for you during this time, you might be able to get free returns and a full refund of your purchase price.
If you decide to keep your mattress, you’ll have access to that mattress’s warranty. Most foam mattresses are guaranteed for 10 years, but some have longer warranties. Each warranty has different terms, so make sure to read the terms of each warranty carefully before you make a purchase.
Unboxing and Off-Gassing
Unboxing a mattress might seem difficult, but it’s simple. Mattresses ordered online arrive at your front door compressed into a deceptively small box. To unbox the mattress, move the box to the bedroom you want the mattress in. Make sure to have the foundation set up and ready to go.
Remove the mattress carefully from the box, rolling out the tightly compressed mattress onto its foundation. Remember to place the mattress on a compatible foundation. Most slatted, platform and adjustable bed frames should be suitable. Use scissors to cut the plastic wrap surrounding the mattress, being careful not to cut the mattress itself.
Once you begin cutting through the plastic, the mattress will start to expand. Remove the plastic and allow the mattress to rise. It will gradually regain its intended shape and size over about 48 hours. During this time, you shouldn’t sleep on the mattress.
The mattress might also off-gas during this time. Off-gassing is the process of releasing chemical fumes from the manufacturing process. These fumes are harmless, but they may be unpleasant for some. Make sure to set up a fan and ventilate the room properly to fully remove the off-gassing odours. By the time the mattress has regained its shape and size, it should be finished off-gassing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Side sleepers should look for mattresses in Canada with great pressure relief. Side sleepers need a balanced experience that cushioned their shoulders and hips but still adds adequate lower back or lumbar support.
Side sleepers are usually most comfortable on mattresses ranging from medium-soft to medium-firm. The exact firmness that’s best for you may vary, but the middle of the firmness scale will be most comfortable for side sleepers in general.
Memory foam can be great for side sleepers. Enhanced pressure relief and body-contouring foam create a unique cushion for everybody. Because side sleepers often struggle with pressure points, a memory foam mattress might be able to help.
