Best Firm Mattress in Canada: Our Top Picks (2024)

On a 1–10 firmness scale, any mattress scoring a 7 or higher would be considered firm. This is a hard sleeping surface that you may not find comfortable. If you’re looking for a mattress that feels both supportive and comfortable, you might prefer medium-firm, which scores roughly 5.5–6.9.

A firm mattress might sound tempting if you know soft mattresses don’t work for you. A firm mattress does keep your spine aligned, and some sleepers feel that a firm mattress provides lots of support and can improve circulation. However, even the best extra-firm mattress could worsen any back, neck, or joint problems, and may still leave you waking up stiff and sore.

Generally, a medium-firm mattress is best for your back. There are always exceptions, but you may find a medium-firm mattress has the appropriate level of firmness you’re looking for.

Firm mattresses are best if you sleep exclusively on your back or stomach. You may also find a firm mattress more comfortable if you are a heavier person or don’t suffer from back pain. This is because a firmer mattress allows you to lie on top of the sleep surface without sinking into it.

If you sleep on your side, a firm mattress might put too much pressure on certain parts of your body. (Check out our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers instead.)

If you have back pain, too much support could be uncomfortable. Consider a medium-firm mattress like Douglas or Logan & Cove to get the right balance of comfort and support.

Foam mattresses tend to provide a higher level of firmness, but you can also find firm latex, latex-foam hybrid, and even innerspring hybrid mattresses.

Mattresses fall into many different categories. Each has different characteristics that are a good fit for a variety of sleep styles. Here are just a few types of mattresses:

• Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses like Logan & Cove combine innerspring layers with foam or latex for a perfect pairing of contour and support. They tend to have better edge support and lower temperatures than memory foam, but this comes with reduced motion isolation for a slightly less peaceful sleep. (Shopping for a hybrid? Check out our list of the best hybrid mattresses.)
• Cooling Gel Foam: Some sleepers find normal memory foam too hot, so cooling gel foam mattresses like Douglas can be a great alternative. This type of mattress combines memory foam with cooling gel to keep temperatures comfortable while you sleep.
• Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses support your weight with metal coils. This makes the mattress bouncy and provides good edge support, but you might find this type of mattress less comfortable if your body needs more contouring.
• Memory Foam: Memory foam mattresses like Octave “hug” your body to relieve pressure and keep your spine aligned. They usually have good motion isolation, which is good for couples. While memory foam is known for trapping heat, Octave is actually our pick for best cooling mattress with advanced features like a cooling nanofibre cover, copper-infused memory foam treated with PolarMAX® phase-change material, and multi-zone support foam with air channels.
• Latex: Natural or synthetic latex mattresses can relieve pressure in any sleep position. They have a reputation for comfortable temperatures and can last longer than other types of mattresses. However, latex mattresses can also be more expensive and may not be ideal for some people with latex allergies.

When you’re shopping for a mattress, it’s important to consider more than just how comfortable it is. There are a whole range of factors to keep in mind.

• Budget: Set a budget for your new mattress and stick to it. You might even be able to make this budget go further by finding limited-time deals and promotions online.
• Construction: Figure out whether you’d like an innerspring, foam, or hybrid mattress. There are pros and cons for each construction style, and knowing what you want will help narrow down your options.
• Firmness: Choose a mattress with the right firmness level for your sleep style—that is, whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach. For example, side sleepers often want a softer mattress, while back sleepers may prefer something firmer. (Did you know that a medium-firm feel is ideal for most sleep styles? Get our guide to the best medium-firm mattresses.)
• Motion Isolation: Pay close attention to motion isolation if you share your bed with a partner, kids, or pets. The higher the isolation score, the less you’ll notice movement from the other side of the bed.
• Edge Support: Are you in the habit of sitting or sleeping near the edge of the bed? Look for a mattress with good edge support so you feel supported in any position.
• Bounce: If you have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, you might prefer a mattress with extra bounce. (Your inner child will enjoy it, too!)
• Contouring: Contouring materials like memory foam help support your body in all the right places. That said, too much “hug” can cause overheating and make it hard to move, so find the level of contouring that’s best for your body.
• Temperature: Speaking of overheating—if you’re a warm sleeper, look for a mattress that promotes airflow and reduces heat. Octave Vista is a great choice with its cooling nanofibre cover, copper-infused memory foam treated with phase-change material for temperature balance, and multi-zone support foam with air channels.
• Responsiveness: A responsive mattress allows you to change positions without feeling stuck. Often found in hybrid designs, a responsive mattress can help you enjoy certain activities in bed even more.
• Noise: Nobody likes a squeaky or crinkly mattress. Get a quiet night’s sleep with a mattress made from noise-quieting materials like foam or latex.
• Company Policies: Get details about the manufacturer’s sleep trial, return policy, and product warranty so you know what you’re getting into.