Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers in Canada
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Author: Comfynorth TeamAccording to statistics, side sleeping is the most preferred position around the world (1).
However, whether you will feel comfortable in this position or not also depends on your mattress. Because the wrong bed can easily ruin all the therapeutic effects of sleep.
As the lateral position is one of my favorites too, I set out on a quest to find and review the best mattresses for side sleepers in Canada. So, below you can see my findings as well as check out a few recommendations on how to choose the perfect mattress for yourself!
A Quick Preview
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Best Overall  | Best Overall |
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Best Budget Pick  | Best Budget Pick |
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Best for Breathability  | Best for Breathability |
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Best for Athletes and Active Folks  | Best for Athletes and Active Folks |
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Best for Combo Sleepers  | Best for Combo Sleepers |
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Our Reviews of 5 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers in Canada
Best Overall - Novosbed
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Highlights
- 3 firmness levels, would work for any sleeping position;
- after-purchase firmness adjustments for your comfort guarantee;
- offers close conforming for effective pressure relief;
- removable cover for fuss-free cleaning;
- next-generation memory foam comfort layer for improved breathability and cooler sleep.
The Novosbed is one of the mattresses that impressed me the most with its comfort levels, so I decided to start my review of the best mattresses for side sleepers in Canada with it. This mattress hugs your body properly and ensures natural spine alignment, which is especially important if you sleep on your side.
As with all memory foam mattresses, you can expect good motion absorption from the Novosbed, which is awesome if you share a bed with someone or allow your pets to co-sleep with you.
But here’s the thing:
Unlike traditional memory foam, the Novosbed foam doesn’t limit your movements when you decide to change position. Also, it’s dense enough to ensure the level of edge support similar to hybrid beds of the same price, which is another plus.
The mattress doesn’t sleep hot, even though side sleepers tend to sink deeper into the layers. The Novosbed foam features an open-cell structure, so it traps less of your body heat and more effectively dissipates it into the air. The washable Tencel cover helps deal with extra moisture and additionally improves breathability, thus turning your mattress into a cooling cloud.
The Novosbed mattress is definitely one of my recent favorites. It offers great support for your spine and pressure relief for the whole body.
Recommended for:
- Couples. Low motion transfer and pretty sturdy edges as for a memory foam mattress make the Novosbed a great pick for couples.
- Those who want a bit of customization. If the chosen firmness level doesn’t work for you, the company offers you to purchase a Comfort+ kit, which is basically a mattress topper of a suitable firmness to tailor the mattress to your needs.
- Side sleepers with sensitivities. When you sleep on your side, your face is closer to the mattress surface. The Novosbed features a washable cover and certified materials to eliminate the chances of allergies.
Cons:
- might sleep warmer for heavier users who sink deeper into the hugging comfort layers;
- provides zero bounce, which might not be suited for some users (especially combination sleepers).
Best Budget Pick - Douglas
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Highlights
- medium-firm feel to accommodate a larger variety of sleepers;
- washable Tencel cover, breathable and easy to care for;
- great motion isolation for undisturbed partnered sleep;
- gel-infused comfort foam to provide a cooling effect;
- resilient latex-like transition layer for optimal weight distribution.
Another model worthy of being featured in this review of the best Canadian mattresses for side sleepers is the Douglas. This mattress is packed with proprietary materials, which results in a great level of comfort, but it won’t make your credit card faint, which is great for those with a limited budget.
The Douglas is a memory foam bed and offers all the benefits of this material: low motion transfer, exceptional cradling, and pain relief. The mattress hugs your hips and shoulders and makes finding a comfortable position a lot easier.
To prevent you from overheating, the Douglas contains cooling gel memory foam that adapts to the temperature changes and withdraws the excess body heat. And the breathable Tencel cover made with eucalyptus fibers — washing machine-friendly, by the way — helps you deal with hot sleeping for the unbeatable comfort. Not to mention that it looks cute thanks to the mountain pattern and the red lining.
If you’re looking for a cost-efficient mattress for side sleeping and want it to be no worse than high-end options, the Douglas is what you need. It’s cradling, durable, and doesn’t sleep hot.
Recommended for:
- Those on a tight budget. The Douglas is a well-made, supportive, and durable mattress that falls into the budget-friendly category, so if you’re in the market for this combination of features, I recommend you look no further.
- Hot sleepers. The combo of the gel memory foam layer and the Tencel cover ensures cool sleep even on hot summer nights.
- People with back pain issues. The gel memory foam in the comfort layer reacts to your body heat and gently hugs the spine. This will help you relax the pressure points and alleviate pain.
Cons:
- because of the generous hug this mattress offers, it might seem restricting to some sleepers;
- may not be ideal for strict stomach sleepers (could allow sinkage in the hip area, which can cause the spine to fall into misalignment).
Best for Breathability - Puffy
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Highlights
- gel-infused foam for cooler sleep;
- stain-resistant and removable cover for effortless cleaning;
- extended warranty for your peace of mind;
- close conforming for excellent pressure relief and instant relaxation;
- great motion-isolating properties, ideal for partnered sleep (even if one of you can be restless).
Most Canadian mattresses for side sleepers I’ve reviewed have at least one foam layer. While foam is, undoubtedly, the best option in terms of cradling and pressure relief, it tends to trap heat. So, let me introduce to you the Puffy mattress: one of the modern memory foam beds that along with generous sinkage and hug can offer you a breeze-like slumber.
The Puffy has a medium firmness level, which is a fit for side sleepers. The mattress adapts to your body curves without creating pressure points and supports healthy spine alignment, thus preventing any pain or discomfort.
The breathability of the mattress is ensured by the combination of the proprietary Cooling Gel Cloud foam and the ClimateControl layer. These layers withdraw heat and adjust to the temperature changes, thus keeping you comfortable throughout the year.
Finally, the Puffy has low motion transfer, so your slumber will remain uninterrupted if you share a bed with someone. The cushioning feel of the mattress will help your partner get comfy faster and toss and turn less frequently during sleep.
I think that the Puffy is a good pick for almost any side sleeper. It’s breathable and cradling, and helps you maintain proper spine alignment during the night. Oh, and the brand donates mattresses to children in need, so buying it could be your way to make a positive change in the world.
Recommended for:
- Those who usually sleep hot on foam mattresses. The proprietary materials of the Puffy will help you stay cool and will maintain the optimal temperature in your bed.
- Sensitive sleepers. The mattress absorbs motion really well, and if your bedmate is overly active, choose the Puffy to solve this issue and prevent sleep interruptions for the both of you.
- Heavy side sleepers. Even though the Puffy has a medium feel, it also has pretty thick upper layers and sturdy construction, so it can support large side sleepers properly.
Cons:
- might not be supportive enough for users over 230 pounds;
- mediocre edge support, wouldn't work for sleepers who require extra space;
- may not be stiff enough for strict stomach sleepers.
Best for Athletes and Active Folks - Zephyr by Polysleep
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Highlights
- zoned support system for healthy spinal alignment;
- antimicrobial materials, suited for sensitive and allergy-prone sleepers;
- organic cotton cover, breathable and gentle on skin;
- proprietary Nanobionic Technology for faster muscle recovery;
- GelFlex cooling foam to create a neutral sleeping environment and combat night sweats.
Moving further down my review of the best mattresses for side sleepers in Canada, and here’s a real gem. The Zephyr by Polysleep is designed for athletes or those who work physically, so it doesn’t just help you sleep better — it helps you recover and start your day fresh.
First, here comes the cooling GelFlex memory foam layer that contains advanced gel particles. These particles sync with the changes in your body temperature and the surroundings, so you can feel comfortable and sleep cool. Also, the foam is resistant to bacteria and mold growth, which might be a plus if you’re allergic.
The second layer is zoned and made to contour your hips and shoulders more precisely. This layer has denser foam in the middle, which helps in supporting healthy spine alignment and may work for heavy users as well.
Finally, the cover fabric of the Zephyr incorporates phase-change material that can convert some amount of your body heat into infrared energy and work as a therapy pad for your sore muscles. This way, you’ll surely feel refreshed every morning!
The Zephyr is named after a warm and gentle breeze for a reason. Having tested the mattress, I can confirm that it offers a truly therapeutic sleeping experience and can help you improve your overall health.
Recommended for:
- People with a physically demanding lifestyle. The Zephyr can help you sleep better and recover, so your performance will remain on top.
- Those who don’t mind spending a bit more. The mattress falls into the high-end category because of the proprietary materials used. So, if you aren’t limited in terms of budget, this is a worthy investment.
- Those who have hip or shoulder pain. The zoned support layer removes the pressure from your hips and shoulders while supporting natural spinal curves.
Cons:
- some initial odor might be present upon arrival, so you will probably have to leave the mattress to air out in a well-ventilated room;
- might not feel supportive enough for heavier stomach and back sleepers (over 230 pounds).
Best for Combo Sleepers - Endy
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Highlights
- temperature-regulating foam for comfy sleep and to create a neutral sleeping environment;
- removable cover, super easy to care for;
- low motion transfer for uninterrupted partnered sleep;
- resilient transition foam to prevent the quicksand sensation;
- robust support core for proper weight distribution and reliable performance.
And the final option among the best mattresses for side sleepers in Canada I’ve reviewed is the Endy. This is an all-foam mattress with medium firmness, and I found it to be great for people like me, who sleep primarily on the side but may switch to their back or stomach during the night.
So, what makes the Endy so good?
The first thing is open-cell foam used for comfort layers. This foam sleeps cooler than traditional memory foam while maintaining the same amount of support and hug for your body. No more sweaty nights, only a breeze-like sleep.
The transitional foam is responsible for low motion transfer and even weight distribution around the surface. The Endy doesn’t suck you in like a swamp; instead, it allows you to move easily throughout the night.
The comfort is further increased with a breathable cover. It’s micro-quilted in a good-looking diamond pattern that adds some softness to the touch but doesn’t interfere with the airflow inside the mattress. Also, the cover has a zipper for quick removal and can be washed to maintain a fresh look.
The Endy doesn’t pack a lot of bells and whistles; it just does its job at supporting your body and helping you get a heavenly sleep.
Recommended for:
- Mixed (side and back) sleepers. Medium firmness with a responsive transition layer helps the Endy support natural spinal curves in different positions.
- Couples. The mattress absorbs motion well and can ensure a peaceful sleep for both you and your partner.
- People with chronic back pain. The mattress conforms closely to your body without creating pressure points, so you can relax and sleep better.
Cons:
- despite using open-cell foams, the Endy may sleep warmer for heavier users who will experience a slightly deeper hug;
- may not be supportive enough for stomach sleepers (unless you are a petite individual who weighs less than 130 pounds).
What Makes a Mattress Suitable for Side Sleepers?
Now, most of the modern brands try to make their mattresses universally comfortable. That’s why you are more likely to find a mattress for a combo sleeper than a bed that fits solely the lateral sleeping position.
However, mattresses designed for those who primarily sleep on their side, have some distinctive features, and I will point them out below.
Thick Comfort Layers
Those who sleep on their side, generally tend to sink deeper into the mattress layers.
And here’s the tricky part:
If the upper layers aren’t thick enough, the user might feel the firm base layer — especially if they’re on the heavier side — and develop pressure points.
So, if you look for a top-rated mattress for a side sleeper in Canada, make sure that it has two comfort layers or one layer that is on the thicker side.
Targeted Pressure Relief
Another thing to look for in a good mattress for side sleeping is pressure relief. And the best material to give you that is memory foam. It is temperature-sensitive, which means it becomes softer when exposed to your body heat and hence, contours your body more precisely (2).
However, to avoid heat retention issues, I recommend that you look for mattresses with open-cell or gel-infused foam in the upper layers. It often feels a bit softer than regular foam but is more breathable.
Hypoallergenic Materials
You can see the term “hypoallergenic” in many product descriptions.
But here’s the deal:
There are no Federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term ‘hypoallergenic’ (3). That’s why you need to do your own research when shopping.
Still, mattresses marketed as hypoallergenic are more likely to be safe for side sleepers with hypersensitivities.
Because when you sleep on your side, your face is pretty close to the mattress.
And if your mattress contains some chemicals within its layers, it can provoke your allergy episodes and make them worse in the long term.
That’s why it’s advisable to opt for natural latex, plant-based foams, and natural or semi-natural fabrics, such as cotton or Tencel.
Some highly rated Canadian mattresses for side sleepers have a removable cover that you can wash. This will prevent the dust and dander from building up and save you from allergy outbreaks.
What Mattress Firmness Is Best for Side Sleepers?
Side sleepers may benefit the most from soft and medium mattresses. This level of firmness offers a great hug for pressure points in your hips and shoulders and prevents the arm you sleep on from going numb because of your body’s pressure (4).
However, it’s worth mentioning that firmness perception is subjective and can be linked to your weight. For example, if you weigh more than 250 pounds, a medium mattress may fail to offer you proper support. In this case, consider scaling up the firmness level and go for a medium-firm model.
What Is the Best Mattress Type for Side Sleepers?
So, you already know what makes a good mattress for side sleepers and what firmness level you should choose.
But when it comes to selecting a certain mattress type, one can easily get lost. After all, they all have their peculiarities.
So, let’s take a closer look at the most popular mattress types for side sleepers and see which one would work for you the best:
- Memory foam. Favored for its hugging feel, memory foam effectively molds to the shape of the sleeper’s body (4). It is a highly adaptive material that will easily fill in the curves of your body while allowing the heavier parts to sink in a bit deeper. Such properties make memory foam an excellent option for side sleepers. However, you should remember that this mattress type can often trap body heat. If you wish to avoid that, consider models that use open-cell or gel-infused foams (at least for the comfort layer).
- Polyurethane foam. This type is slightly more resilient than memory foam and doesn’t have that quicksand feeling. Polyfoam is cheaper but can hug the protruding body parts just as well. Therefore, it would work for side sleepers too.
- Latex. Latex mattresses are known for their pressure-relieving properties. However, this material is rather bouncy and will not hug your body just as much. I mean, it would still allow for sinkage when lying on one side, but you will not feel stuck in your mattress. Due to its resilience, latex might also be a good solution for restless or combination sleepers as it does not restrict movement.
- Hybrid. When it comes to side sleeping, a hybrid mattress might be an excellent choice, but you should be careful. You see, because of the reliable coil base, hybrid mattresses often feel very sturdy and resilient. Therefore, a good hybrid model for side sleepers should have extra-thick comfort layers that would gently hug the protruding hips and shoulders.
A side note: innerspring mattresses might not be the best option for side sleepers, as they don’t typically offer that much cradling for the protruding body parts (5) (which can cause discomfort and even painful pressure points). As for air mattresses, while they allow for firmness customization, I do not recommend using them regularly. Even the best air mattress will not deliver the needed targeted support and pressure relief when lying on one side.
Other Considerations When Looking for a Good Mattress for Side Sleepers
There are some extra factors you might want to account for when shopping, especially if you wish to make a well-thought-out decision:- Warranty. This one is simple, but many shoppers forget about this aspect. The warranty coverage will protect you against defects, premature sagging of your new mattress, or other disappointments. That’s why it’s necessary to read what the warranty covers before making a purchase.
- Sleep trial. You can also call it a “comfort guarantee”. A sleep trial will allow you to test your new mattress for some time and return it for a full refund in case it doesn’t feel comfy. It might also be a perfect solution for those shoppers who aren’t sure what they are looking for exactly. However, keep in mind that many mattresses require a break-in period. Therefore, don’t be in a hurry to apply for a refund after the first few nights. Give your body more time to get used to a new sleeping surface.
- Edge support. This aspect can be crucial for those side sleepers who enjoy lying near the edge (often with their arm hanging down the side of the mattress). Edge support is also important for couples who require more sleeping space. Whatever the case is, hybrid mattresses usually have the sturdiest edges among all types.
- Cover. Now, a removable zippered cover is always a huge plus. It will make cleaning much easier for you. Also, pay attention to the fabric type. Natural fabrics (such as cotton, bamboo, Tencel, viscose) are breathable and good at wicking moisture. This means they might sleep cooler. As for polyester (or polyester blends with natural fabrics), it is less breathable but easier to care for.
- Seals of approval. In other words, safety certifications. Check for such seals of approval as CertiPUR-US, GreenGuard, Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) for latex mattresses, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Organic Content Standard, or Oeko-Tex Standard.
- Thickness. For proper support and enough cradling, you might want to avoid thin mattresses (stick to 8-inch models and up). However, if you are a heavier sleeper (over 230 pounds), you may need something extra-thick to get the needed amount of cushioning and to enjoy proper support.
- Motion absorption (for partnered sleep). If one of you is a restless sleeper, you need a mattress that would effectively absorb shock from motion and prevent it from transferring to the other side of the bed. In this case, consider foam or latex mattresses. If you want a hybrid bed, at least make sure that it has thick enough comfort layers that would minimize motion transfer.
F.A.Q.
How firm should a mattress for a side sleeper be?
Side sleepers typically require a deeper hug and a generous amount of sinkage for their protruding body parts. Therefore, average side sleepers are usually recommended to choose medium or soft-to-medium models. Heavier folks (above 230 pounds) require more support, so they are advised to pick medium to medium-firm mattresses. As for lightweight side sleepers (less than 130 pounds), soft mattresses usually work the best.
Is memory foam good for side sleepers?
Generally, yes. Memory foam does a great job of molding to the curves of one’s body, so it can deliver targeted support and usually aids proper weight distribution. Additionally, gentle comfort layers of memory foam mattresses often minimize the risk of developing painful pressure points in side sleepers.
How do I know if my mattress is too firm?
There are a few ways to tell if your mattress is too firm for you. Firstly, it might be overly stiff if you wake up with shoulder, neck, or back pain. If you feel too much pressure on the protruding body parts when lying down, that might also be a sign of unsuitable mattress firmness. Another “symptom” to look out for is waking up multiple types during the night, especially due to the discomfort at your pressure points.
How thick should a mattress for a side sleeper be?
In most cases, anything between 8 and 14 inches would work for side sleepers. Just remember that this sleeping position requires more cushioning, so try to stay away from thin mattresses. Additionally, if you are a larger user (over 230 pounds), you might want to consider a taller mattress (at least 10-12 inches) that would have thicker comfort layers and a taller, sturdier support layer.
Summary
Every sleeping experience is unique, so there can’t be a universal mattress for anyone. But in this review, I’ve tried to collect the best mattresses for side sleepers in Canada that can suit the demands of even the pickiest side sleepers. Like me. And that’s why it’s very difficult to outline my favorite.
However, I think that the Novosbed mattress showed the best performance. It has an even surface that adapts to your body shape and offers a sturdy perimeter, which is great if you love to sleep closer to the edge. Also, the Novosbed offers a bit of customization, as the company can send you an adjustment kit to tailor the firmness to your needs.
Do you agree with me about my choice? Or, have you got your eye on another model? I’d love to know what you think, so feel free to share in the comments section!
References:
- Anna’s Linens (December 26, 2012). National Sleep Survey Pulls Back The Covers On How We Doze And Dream. Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-sleep-survey-pulls-back-the-covers-on-how-we-doze-and-dream-184798691.html
- Abe Abbas (October 27, 2019). How to Create an Allergy-Free Home With the Right Furniture. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/create-allergy-free-home-1391566
- Jill Seladi-Schulman (November 20, 2019). Why Does Your Shoulder Hurt When You Sleep, and What Helps? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-when-sleeping-on-shoulder
- Beth Sissons (August 28, 2020). Memory foam mattresses vs. hybrid mattresses. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/memory-foam-vs-hybrid
- Candace Osmond (March 04, 2020). What are the Benefits of an Innerspring Mattress? Retrieved from https://www.homedit.com/benefits-of-an-innerspring-mattress/
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