The average person will spend about 26 years of their life sleeping. That equates to 9,490 days or 227,760 hours. We also spend seven long years of our lives simply trying to fall asleep. Much of the struggle of falling to sleep boils down to owning a lousy mattress. There are plenty of mattress options to choose from in 2021.
Memory foam moulds to the body in response to heat and pressure, evenly distributing weight for a more contoured feel. When pressure is removed, the original shape of the foam returns. This cradled feeling relieves pressure points in the body and garners a better night’s sleep than firmer traditional mattresses. The body’s natural lines are fully supported, thus reducing back pain, along with that overall urge to toss and turn.
Best Memory Foam Mattresses in Canada at a Glance
- Classic Brands Cool Gel Ultimate Gel
- Lucid Memory Foam Hybrid mattress – Our Choice
- Zinus Ultima Comfort Mattress
- LinenSpa Hybrid Innerspring Mattress
- BedStory Gel-Bamboo Charcoal Mattress – Best Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses are not for everyone, but they do work for most. Finding the right choice comes down to foam type, density, thickness, and the way you sleep. Below we’ve reviewed the best memory foam mattresses in Canada that meet our criteria for a good night’s sleep.
The Best Memory Foam Mattresses In Canada Reviewed
1. Classic Brands Cool Gel Mattress
The Classic Brands Cool Gel Mattress is designed to blend into the entire class of cheap memory foam mattresses. Yet, we found that the quality provided for the price is stellar. One thing that makes this mattress so different from other products on the market is the affordable price tag. This mattress comes in every possible size — Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King. The only difference is the price tag. Each consists of a super high-quality gel hybrid. Keep in mind that in the budget space, 12-inches is about standard.
One thing we found while laying on this mattress is that the 14-inches do matter. The first memory foam layer is a generous 2-inches thick and consists of a cooling gel. As soon as you lie down, it is impossible to ignore that the cool gel feels friendly against the body. If you’re someone who sleeps hot, this mattress will keep you cool.
The additional layers of the bed are also 2-inches thick and serve to support the first layer. The base layer of the mattress is 8-inches thick and helps to support the body while keeping motion transfer to a minimum. We found that this is an excellent bed for couples, as you will not feel your partner moving, and the edge support is excellent.
Our Take
In terms of quality, the foam used in the Classic Brands mattress has earned a CertiPUR seal. This implies that the bed has undergone rigorous testing and meets all standards in Canada. The type of foam utilized in the Classic Brands mattress is relatively new to the market. Our research found that the foam consists of innovative interconnected cells designed to adapt to your body while keeping airflow consistent with or without obstacles. We found that this keeps the mattress cool and reduces the build-up of unwanted smells over time.
Of course, what matters is how the mattress feels. While not quite as comfortable as a memory foam offering from an expensive brand such as Novosbed or Logan & Cove, we had no issues with easing right in for a good night’s sleep. However, the mattress was a bit more firm than we initially expected, especially since it was listed as “medium firm.” If you like a firmer bed or suffer from back issues, this is the mattress that dreams are made of, figuratively speaking. Sadly, if you’re someone who wants a cloud-like experience, you may want to keep looking. If firmness is your game, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Overall, we found the Classic Brands Cool Gel mattress to be very comfortable and high-quality for the price.
Pros
- Cooling gel layer
- 14-inches of memory foam
- Movement isolation for undisturbed sleep
- Medium-firm feel
Cons
- Not ideal for plush mattress lovers
- It needs to be aired out after shipping
2. LUCID 10-Inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
The Lucid Hybrid mattress is a popular bed-in-a-box option from Lucid, a famous online brand among savvy consumers. This hybrid mattress contains poly foams and pocketed coils to create a balance of pressure relief, transfer mobility, and support. While not a traditional memory foam mattress, we have included this in our list of the best memory foam mattresses in Canada because it still stands in the memory foam category.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. The bed itself is a 10″ hybrid mattress that encompasses several layers of poly foams over pocketed spring coils. Lucid also offers this mattress a bonus latex comfort layer for an additional charge. Lucid describes the bed as a medium-firm mattress, and we found that to be true enough. The bed is also touted as being pressure-relieving and supportive. While we cannot attest to those with back issues, we found the bed supportive and comfortable in all the applicable zones.
Our Take
Lucid dutifully included a thin cover made from polyester. Directly underneath the top, you’ll find the comfort layer of memory foam. Like a classic memory foam bed, this layer allows your body to sink into the mattress simply. It contours to the curves of the body and grants pressure relief in points such as the hips, back, and knees.
One thing we loved about this mattress is that it is infused with charcoal. This can help to dissipate heat and keep the bed feeling cool to the touch. Under the comfort foam layer is a soft-poly memory foam layer with pressure-relieving foam. It has a nice response time to pressure and will never leave you feeling as if you’re floundering in the bed.
Lucid also included a poly-foam transition layer and a total support layer. The support layer is where you will find the pocketed coils. Like a true hybrid mattress, the coils combined with the memory foam create bounce, mobility, and support to balance out the general softness of the foams.
It is important to note that the coils are individually wrapped and move independently. This bed works well for couples or even those sleeping with pets as motion transfer is low. Lucid also included edge support, which means larger individuals and couples can easily use the entire surface of the bed.
Side sleepers may crave a bit more plushness than this mattress can offer. Combo sleepers would probably do best with this type of mattress as we would rate it as a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
Pros
- Medium-firm feel for back sleepers
- Included edge support
- Infused charcoal for added cooling
- Hybrid-included springs for support
Cons
- Mattress tends to run a bit hot
- Not ideal for strict side sleepers
3. Zinus Ultima Comfort Memory Foam Mattress
Zinus has quickly emerged as one of the top budget-friendly mattress brands available today. The Zinus Ultima Comfort stands as their best seller. During our review process of finding the best mattress in Canada, we wanted to see whether or not the Zinus could provide a level of comfort that is on par with its more expensive counterparts.
Let’s break down the details. The 12-inch Zinus Ultimate mattress comes well-equipped with a three-layer design that includes 3 inches of BioFoam, 3 inches of pressure-relieving foam, and 6 inches of high-density support foam. It is important to note that the slimmer styles of this mattress only boast a two-layer foam system. We recommend the 12-inch version as it does offer the most support and comfort.
Unlike other mattresses, the base foam of the Zinus Ultima has been certified as CertiPUR. This means that it meets the certification body’s high standards for durability, carbon emissions output, and testing. It also ensures that the base was made without heavy metals, formaldehyde, flame retardants, and ozone depleters. Additionally, the BioFoam layer was infused with natural plant oils, which means the overall petroleum content of the foam is low. One issue many memory foam mattresses have is developing a bit of a stink over time; the plant oils reduce this smell and keep the mattress fresh.
Our Take
This is all well and good, but is the Zinus Ultimate Comfort mattress comfortable? Zinus promises a cloud-like sleeping experience. With a plush-top cover, you will garner a comfortable night’s sleep, but there is one caveat–you’ll need a firm mattress. Cloud-like is not exactly the phrase we would use to describe this mattress, as it is definitely on the firm side. Those who prefer a soft mattress, such as those who sleep on their stomach or side, may not enjoy the Zinus as we did.
Of course, back sleepers and those who enjoy a firm bed will love the extra support and comfort that this mattress brings to the table. In our findings, the separate memory foam layers work to provide pressure relief and comfort for your body. It conforms easily and naturally contours to the body’s curves while aligning the neck and spine. One thing to keep in mind is that the Zinus Ultimata does not come equipped with much cooling. If you tend to sleep rather hot, you may want to keep looking.
Would we say the Zinus is a world-changing memory foam mattress? No, if you want to spend a little more, brands such as Tuft & Needle are going to offer a softer bed and more support. However, if you don’t want to spend a ton of money and longevity isn’t a vital issue, the Zinus stands as one of the best memory foam mattresses in Canada. It is a comfortable bed that will appease most people.
Pros
- Minimal motion transfer
- 12-inches of foam for comfort
- CertiPUR seal for foam
- Medium-firm to appease most sleepers
Cons
- A bit too firm for back and stomach sleeping
- Sagging can be an issue over time
4. LinenSpa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
As far as bed-in-a-box mattresses go in Canada, Linenspa is one of the best options around. With an affordable line of sleep products geared toward the budget-savvy consumer, there is a lot to work with here regarding comfort and support. The LinenSpa is one of the brand’s best-selling items for a good reason. We found it to be comfortable, durable, and eager to provide a good night’s sleep. Let’s get into the details.
The Linenspa includes two layers of innovative and comfortable poly-foam with added steel coils. This isn’t a complicated hybrid design like Sattva. Instead, the combination of materials is quite simple and geared towards providing a pressure-relieving experience. It is a no-fuss mattress that is supportive while still relatively low in price.
Our Take
The comfort layer is crafted with 1.5″ of polyfoam. We did notice that there is a bit of shrinkage with this material, but it is wholly satisfying. Beneath the comfort layer, you’ll find a support layer that includes 6.5″ of steel coils. This layer brings both bounce and structure, serving as the central support system of the mattress.
We noticed that this bed does have an open coil design rather than the pocketed version most modern hybrid mattresses employ. The mattress is topped off with a nice thick memory foam cover.
Where does this bed stand in terms of firmness? Overall, we’d say that the mattress lives up to its claims of being medium-firm or even a touch softer. It is not as firm as the Lucid 10-inch hybrid and tends to boast a bit more buoyancy. If you’re a stomach or side sleeper, this could check all the boxes.
It is soft in memory foam hybrid mattresses while still offering bouncy support from the coil layer. The adequate space between the coils also makes for a softer feel than typical pocketed coils.
One true negative we noticed when testing the bed is that it is not ideal for couples or pets as there is a good deal of motion transfer. Due to the overall design of the bed, you’re pretty likely to feel your partner or pet moving about during the night. In contrast to a traditional memory foam mattress such as the Zinus Ultima, you’re bound to feel a bit restless if you’re a light sleeper. If you’re someone who is easily awoken by your partner’s every move, stick with a more standard option.
Pros
- A true medium-firm feel
- Adequate support and structure
- Cooling airflow due to spaced coils
- Low sinkage upon lying down
Cons
- Motion transfer can be an issue
- Mattress can sag over time
- Less memory foam than other hybrids
5. BedStory 12 Inch Gel-Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam Mattress
Buying a mattress from Amazon can always feel like a bit of a gamble. With that said, the BedStory 12-inch Gel-Bamboo Charcoal is well worth hitting “one-click” and stands as a candidate for the best memory foam mattress in Canada. Though this is just one of five mattresses currently offered by the brand, they make their mark in quality, support, and durability.
This all-foam mattress features multiple layers, convoluted foam, and high-density foam. Each has a unique infusion of bamboo or charcoal. We found each layer to work in perfect harmony to create a pleasant sleep experience. The overall thickness of this 12-inch bed starts with 3-inches of cooling gel infused with bamboo.
Since many memory foam mattresses tend to generate quite a bit of heat, it was nice to see a memory foam mattress with an adequate cooling layer. The viscoelastic feel gives the bed a softer surface that you will instantly “sink” right into and fall asleep. The support layer of the mattress offers convoluted foam and high-density foam. These are a bit firmer than traditional memory foam and provide robust support for the spine. We found that this mattress strikes an ideal balance of bounce and sink.
The base layer is composed entirely of high-density foam, which lends this mattress the solid foundation it needs to ensure sufficient edge support and bounce. We found that this firm base layer also makes this bed ideal for heavier sleepers. Wrapped around every layer is a plush cover that is breathable and smooth to the touch. This is designed to help the mattress maintain cleanliness and hygiene over time.
Our Take
In terms of comfort, we found that the BedSTory 12-Inch Bamboo Mattress provides superior comfort to any type of sleeper. With the combination of high-quality foams and cooling gel, the mattress will keep you feeling comfortable and cool throughout the night. The memory foam cradles your body in a way that other budget mattresses do not. We found that laying down on the bed slowly (but surely) adjusts your body temperature and overall shape easily.
You will find that sleeping on the BedStory mattress will relieve pressure and prevent sore spots from developing. You can quickly settle into your most comfortable position without the need for tossing and turning through the night. In terms of firmness, we’d rate this mattress as medium-firm though it does veer more towards the softer end of the spectrum. Compared to the Zinus Ultima or the Classic Brands Cool Gel, the BedStory is much less firm.
The bed is also ideal for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities to dust as the bamboo charcoal infusion makes the bad naturally antimicrobial, all while absorbing toxins and odours.
Pros
- Bamboo charcoal infusion for allergies
- Cooling gel layer to stay cool
- Limited motion transfer for couples
- Supportive for all sleep types
Cons
- Not quite medium-firm
- Mattress can sag in the overtime
- Bigger than some traditional box springs
Memory Foam Mattress Buying Guide
Memory Foam Types
The term “memory foam” tends to become a catch-all for any foam mattress on the market. In reality, there are several types of foam, each with its unique benefits. Before we get into buying a memory foam mattress and what to consider, it is essential to know a bit about the foam types. After all, you can’t find the best mattress in Canada if you don’t see what you’re looking for on the market.
Traditional Memory Foam
This is the type of memory foam that will no doubt come to mind when you think of a memory foam mattress. First designed in the mid-1990s, this type of foam was designed to cradle the body while enhancing circulation and decreasing stress on the joints. It is known to absorb heat, so if you run hot, you’ll want to steer clear.
Open-Cell Memory Foam
Open-Cell memory foam has a friendly fast response rate so that you can avoid that “sinking in” feeling of much hate. It is better at dispersing heat than traditional memory foam and can keep your body temperature more regulated.
Gel Foam
The gel foam keeps you cool as it is better at dispersing heat than traditional types. Additionally, the gel can reduce pressure points and keep you feeling more aligned.
How to Choose a Memory Foam Mattress
There are plenty of options available. However, you must know what you’re looking for when choosing a memory foam mattress. Below, we’ve rounded up some particular features you should keep in mind.
Firmness
Most modern memory foam mattresses are only sold online. This can make it challenging to ascertain overall firmness. However, all you have to do is look at the indentation load deflection. The higher the ILD rating, the more firm you can expect a memory foam mattress to be.
The range is quite broad, so here is something to keep in mind: the lower the ILD rating, the softer the mattress. The higher the ILD rating, the greater the firmness. For example, a mattress with an ILD of 12 would be quite soft, and one with 50 would be very firm. If you want something in the middle, look for an ILD in the mid to upper 20’s.
Durability and Lifespan
Durability can be challenging to determine, even if you can try out the mattress before buying it. However, the density rating on a mattress is an excellent indicator of what you’re getting into with durability, as they tend to indicate overall quality. The higher the density, the better.
A memory foam mattress with a high-density rating can maintain total integrity for as long as 8 to 12 years. Ideally, you should look for a product with at least 5 lbs/ft³ density. A 3.5 lbs/ft³ or lower mattress will be of lower quality and may not last as long. If you buy a mattress with a lower density, a memory foam topper can help prolong its life.
Manufacturing Place
Most of the time, where the foam in a mattress is made doesn’t even cross your mind. Yet, where the foam is manufactured can play a significant role in what you can expect from your mattress and its durability over time. Generally speaking, you want to find a mattress whose foam was manufactured in the United States, Canada, or Europe.
A product manufactured in China can be appealing due to the low price tag. However, they do not always have rigorous quality controls in place that other countries employ. Often, the prices are lower on these mattresses because they are made with lower-quality ingredients and include cheap fillers that make densities seem higher than they are.
Testing Certifications
With the rise of cheap online memory foam mattresses comes the need to keep testing certifications in mind. When looking for a mattress, look for products that are Certipur-US certified. With that seal of approval, you can ensure that the foam in your mattress is made without phthalates, maldehyde, mercury, lead, PBDE flame retardants, and volatile organic compounds.
Sleep Trial Periods
Finally, the last thing to consider is whether or not the mattress brand offers a night sleep trial period. Many mattress companies have started to provide sleep trial periods ranging from 100-days up to 365-days. This gives you the chance to test the mattress for sagging, body impressions, comfort, and lumps/bumps. Should you not enjoy the mattress, you can send it back, no questions asked, for a full refund with a sleep trial. While not every company offers a sleep trial period, they are something to keep in mind.
When to Choose a Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses aren’t going to be right for everyone, but they can make a massive difference in the lives of many sleepers.
Cradle-Like Stability
One reason to choose a memory foam mattress is for the stable cradle. The foam reacts to body heat and pressure to soften. Any area you lie informs a “stable cradle” that can give you the feeling of security you need to sleep through the night. Because of this “stable cradle,” memory foam mattresses also boast limited motion transfer. They absorb energy and isolate motion far better than any other mattress on the market today. These mattresses are ideal for couples or those who tend to have restless sleep partners.
A Lasting Investment
A mattress is an investment. Odds are, you want your mattress to last a long time. Memory foam mattresses tend to last longer than traditional spring mattresses. Even hybrid memory foam mattresses prove formidable in terms of longevity. They last longer than polyfoams as most of the compression occurs in the comfort layer, allowing the support layers to hold up over time.
Sleeping Position Compatibility
Always keep your primary sleeping position in mind. Depending on how you sleep, it may not be for you. The sleeping positions that are most compatible with memory foam are back sleepers and side sleepers. Stomach sleepers often find that these mattresses offer an uncomfortable sinking feeling that puts them close to the material. Side and back sleepers enjoy the alignment and the overall easement on pressure points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is memory foam good for achy joints?
Many people go with a memory foam mattress for the pressure relief they can bring to achy joints. Think for a moment of the amount of pressure you place on your shoulders and hips as a side sleeper, neck if you’re a stomach sleeper, or lower back if you’re a back sleeper.
Pressure-sensitive foam offers you the best chance of reducing the pressure placed on your joints as the material contours without pushing back. Sleepers also use weighted blankets to help settle their sleeping patterns and thereby reducing aches and pains. Traditional spring mattresses cannot cradle the body’s contours in such a way, thus often exacerbating joint pain and pressure.
Q: What is the initial smell that comes from memory foam mattresses?
Memory foam from the US, Canada, and Europe does not contain any toxic ingredients such as formaldehyde or PBDE. However, it can boast a new foam smell that can linger for several days, if not a couple of weeks, depending on the manufacturer.
While the scent does not trigger allergies or sensitivities, it can be a both to those with a heightened sense of smell. To assist with smell, air out the mattress for several days before putting on sheets or sleeping upon it. If possible, run an air purifier or Ozonator machine. Keep in mind, many of the mattresses we reviewed do not have a smell due to the addition of charcoal, green tea, and bamboo.
Q: What’s the difference between a spring mattress and a memory foam mattress?
When you’re out looking for a mattress, you’ll typically find two distinct types: spring and memory foam. Spring mattresses were the long-held standard for decades. Today, foam mattresses and hybrid foam mattresses are becoming more popular due to the comfort and body support each can bring. Spring mattresses rely on a spring coil support system, often with the addition of a thin layer of material in between your back and the springs.
In contrast, foam offers support through several different layers. Some layers are firm, and others are quite soft. Together they form a support system that allows the body to sink and feel contoured without compromising spinal integrity. Hybrid-memory foam mattresses utilize the best of both worlds by giving you a coil mattress and memory foam mattress in one. We believe that the best mattress is hard to beat in terms of comfort!
The Bottom Line
Finding the best memory foam mattress in Canada or a hybrid memory foam mattress can bring you many years of restful sleep, but it is essential to know what you’re getting into before buying. Whether you buy from Amazon or a stand-alone mattress brand, it is best to know whether or not it is right for you. We’ve rounded up the best memory foam mattresses in Canada to help make your decision a little easier. Still, your preferences and overall sleeping patterns may be the most reliable indicator of the best mattress for you.
