Douglas Mattress Review: Comfort and Value in a Box

Construction

Now, there’s a reason why I want to start my Douglas mattress review with the construction and design of the mattress. You see, this factor will determine many things, including the overall feel, motion transfer, temperature regulation, support, and pressure relief. Hence, this may be the first thing to know about the Douglas.

So, this is an all-foam mattress. The Douglas has 3 layers, each serving a specific function:

• High-density polyfoam base. The base layer is 6 inches thick and, naturally, works as the supportive core of the mattress. This layer also contributes to the overall motion isolation effect.
• Elastex transition layer. Being 2 inches thick, this layer is meant to recreate the feel of natural latex. It is a bit firmer than the top layer and has a faster response, giving this mattress a bouncier feel. Besides, this material doesn’t trap heat, supporting the cooling effect of the top layer.
• EcoLight gel-infused foam. The comfort layer is 2 inches thick. It uses special memory foam that is made with a smaller carbon input, making this mattress a good option for environmentally conscious people. The gel infusion ensures a cooling effect and proper thermoregulation during the night. This layer feels like memory foam but has a faster response thanks to that Elastex transition layer. This means it effectively adapts to the curves of one’s body without that quicksand feeling that we so often get with memory foam mattresses.

Cover

The next thing I want to mention in my review is the cover. As this part is the closest to your body during sleep, it has to meet certain requirements. Breathability and natural components are a must. So, let’s see what the Douglas has to offer.

To start with, this mattress has a Tencel blend cover. 

What does it mean, you may ask?

It implies a combination of polyester (68%), Tencel fabric (31%), and spandex (1%). Thin and pleasant to the touch, polyester is a synthetic material, which means it’s not the most breathable fabric. Thankfully, we only have 68% here. Combined with the natural Tencel, this mattress’s cover offers good air circulation. 

Tencel is derived from the eucalyptus wood pulp and is known for being soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, and allergen-free. 

And that 1% of spandex makes this cover a bit stretchy and easy to put on the mattress.

And yes, you’ve guessed it right: 

The Douglas has a removable, washable cover. So, if you want to keep your mattress fresh, simply unzip the cover and throw it into the washer. No need to worry about occasional spills. 

It is advised to wash the cover separately. You probably don’t want the color transfer from the rest of the laundry, right? Additionally, the delicate setting is recommended to protect the fabric.

Firmness

Another important factor to mention in my Douglas mattress review is the overall firmness and feel of this model.

Here’s the deal:

The manufacturer claims that this is a medium-firm mattress. I have tested it with a few of my colleagues. All of us have different body types, but generally, we did find this mattress to be medium-firm. It rates around 6-6.5 on the firmness scale, with 10 being the firmest.

Now, the first thing I’ve noticed when testing the Douglas was its lumbar support. The top layer conforms closely to the body and lets the protruding parts sink in deep enough to keep the spine in a neutral position. Thanks to its firmness, the Douglass keeps the spine aligned and doesn’t allow for any unwanted curves.

What’s interesting about this mattress is the balanced feel it provides. As this is an all-foam model, I expected more hugging and sinkage. However, the Douglas turned out to be bouncier than the majority of foam mattresses, probably thanks to that Elastex transition layer. When sleeping on this bed, I enjoyed a decent amount of cradling without feeling stuck. 

Note:

For heavier users, the Douglas might not provide enough support in the hip and pelvis area, especially when lying on the back. But we’ll talk about that later.

Check Current Price on Douglasbed.ca

Edge Support

When reviewing the Douglas mattress, I didn’t expect strong edge support. However, this bed managed to impress me. It holds up quite well at the edges, probably thanks to its dense core. When sitting on the edge, I could feel that my body was properly supported, even though the top comfort layers compressed under its weight. 

This means, if you are an average sleeper, you won’t fall off your bed even if you roll to the edge during sleep. Also, since good edge support offers more sleeping space, the Douglas is suitable for couples.

However, if you are a heavier user, you probably shouldn’t rely too much on the Douglas’s edges. After all, this is still a foam mattress that would not provide much resistance, especially around the perimeter.

Keep in mind that if you have difficulty getting out of bed (especially due to some health issues), you should consider a mattress with stronger edges, e.g. a hybrid or maybe an innerspring one.

Motion Transfer

Motion isolation goes hand in hand with bounce and responsiveness of the mattress. It’s an important factor for coupled sleepers especially.

Now, this is where the Douglas shows top results. This mattress is great at absorbing motion. I was testing it with my partner and even with my colleagues to see how it reacts to different body types. In all cases, I could not feel the movement from the other side. All the tossing and turning was absorbed by the foam successfully. 

The company offers a sleep trial, which is common for mattresses in a box. However, keep in mind that you will need to use your Douglas for at least 30 days before you will be able to return it.

Temperature Regulation

For temperature regulation, the Douglas mattress combines the twin properties of gel-infused foam and a tencel blend cover. Optimized for heat dispersion and moisture removal, the mattress guarantees a sleep free of night sweat, especially for users who tend to run hot during the night.

Warranty

To further support their claim of durability, the mattress comes with a 15-year warranty. During this period, if deemed faulty or uncomfortable, a user can decide to return the mattress and demand for a change. However, it is also important to note that this feature applies only to some certain terms and conditions.

Sleep Trial

Next up on our list is the free trial phase. 120 nights of testing to determine whether the Douglas mattress is the right fit for a user or not. A set of users who would appreciate this feature are hesitant shoppers, as the trial period allows them to fully get acquainted with their mattress before complete ownership. 

If the mattress is returned during this period, the user is entitled to a full refund. However, particular terms and conditions are a part of this feature as well.

Size and Price

Moving on to size and price; the Douglas mattress is available in all standard mattress sizes, ranging from twin to California king. The least mattress (twin) costs an approximate $600 while the most expensive (Cal king) costs an approximate $850. Price is commensurate with size.

Off-gassing

Due to the vacuuming process involved in its packaging, there will be a slight odor when unwrapping. However, before full expansion, this smell is usually gone. Just endeavor to put in a spot with ample ventilation.

How It Feels for Different Types of Sleepers

Now, since I want my Douglas mattress review to be as useful as possible, I want to make sure each reader finds helpful info about their specific sleeping position and how this mattress holds up for different users. 

So, here are the most common user types:

• Side sleepers. Since this is a medium-firm mattress, it might not work for all side sleepers. Let me explain: when lying on your side, you require sufficient sinkage and cushioning for your hips and shoulders. A soft mattress would be better for that. However, if your weight is around average or more, the Douglas may still offer decent cushioning when sleeping on your side.
• Back sleepers. Such individuals need strong lumbar support and a decent amount of cradling for the hips and buttocks. The Douglas offers just the right balance of both, which makes it a great option for this sleeping position.
• Stomach sleepers. In the prone position, the Douglas might not provide enough support for the pelvis area. It might work for lightweight stomach sleepers, but average and heavier users will probably need a firmer mattress.
• Heavy individuals. Since this is a medium-firm mattress, the Douglas can still provide decent support for heavier sleepers. However, keep in mind that you may experience more sinkage in this case.
• People who hate sleeping hot. Despite being a foam mattress, the Douglas doesn’t sleep hot. The gel in the top layer prevents the foam prom trapping heat and creates a temperature-neutral sleeping environment.
• People who suffer from back pain. This mattress excels at providing pressure relief. It also offers close conforming, even though it’s a bit more responsive than other foam models, so it can help reduce both upper and lower back pain. However, keep in mind that the edge support is good but not ideal. So, if you suffer from back pain and usually have to push down on the edge with your hands to help yourself get up, the Douglas might not be suitable for you.

Also read: Top-rated Mattresses for Back Pain

Important Factors to Consider

The manufacturer of the Douglas mattress claims that they are environmentally conscious. Their commitment might interest those buyers who want to invest only in environmentally-friendly products.

Now, here’s what the company does to earn your respect:

• Produces the foam with a smaller carbon input. Compared to the regular high-density foam, the Douglas’s EcoLight foam results in 40% smaller carbon input. And just in case you didn’t know, the carbon footprint from manufacturing negatively affects the global climate, which is a pressing issue nowadays.
• Makes the mattress in Canada. By producing their product in Canada, the manufacturer cuts off international transportations and decreases the carbon footprint.
• Uses sustainable materials. For instance, the mattress cover is made with Tencel fabric, which in turn is produced using a renewable source – wood pulp. Moreover, the company uses recycled cardboard and ink for their packaging.
• Uses alternative sources of energy. For more than 90% of the manufacturing process, the company uses wind and hydro energy. This, again, decreases the carbon footprint.
• Is socially responsible. You probably know that the Douglas comes with a 120-night sleep trial. Now, when buyers want to give the product back, all returned mattresses are being donated to local charities.  

Since the Douglas is shipped compressed in a box, this allows the manufacturer to fill their vehicles more efficiently for delivery. Therefore, the company uses fewer vehicles and leaves a smaller carbon footprint.

Check Current Price on Douglasbed.ca

Summary

So, what can I say about this proudly Canadian mattress?

The Douglas might not work for everyone, but it may pleasantly surprise the ones it’s suited for. After testing it myself and with some of my colleagues, I found out that the Douglas would be ideal for:

• People who want pressure relief without feeling stuck. This mattress has a different feel in terms of responsiveness when compared to other foam models. It offers a faster response and balanced contouring, which results in great pressure relief without feeling trapped in your mattress.
• Back sleepers. Since this is a medium-firm mattress, the Douglas provides just the right amount of support and cradling for back sleepers.
• Couples. The combination of good motion isolation and decent edge support creates an excellent sleeping environment for couples. You and your partner don’t have to worry about waking each other up when tossing and turning. Plus, you will have more sleeping space thanks to the stronger edges.
• Lower back pain sufferers. The Douglas offers excellent lumbar support, which is essential for people who have back issues, particularly in their lumbar region. Additionally, effective cradling and pressure relief can help relax muscles and reduce pain.

So, what do you think? Are you one of those who may fall in love with the Douglas? Share your thoughts in the comments below!