Best Soft Mattress in Canada
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Soft mattresses are commonly known for their generous amount of cushion. However, there is more to a soft mattress than the hug-like feel it offers.
Anyway, here is a review of the best soft mattresses in Canada.
In addition, this article enunciates the outstanding properties of these mattresses while giving the readers important guidelines on choosing a top-rated soft mattress in Canada. Happy reading.
A Quick Preview
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
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Best Overall - Editor’s Choice
 |
Best Overall - Editor’s Choice |
Douglas |
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Best Soft Mattress for Back and Side Sleepers
|
Best Soft Mattress for Back and Side Sleepers |
GhostBed Luxe |
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Best Soft Spring Mattress
|
Best Soft Spring Mattress |
The Osgoode |
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Best Cooling Option
|
Best Cooling Option |
Novosbed |
|
Best Soft Mattress for Heavy Weight Sleepers
|
Best Soft Mattress for Heavy Weight Sleepers |
Puffy |
Our Review of the Best Soft Mattresses in Canada (January 2024)
Best Overall — Editor’s Choice - Douglas Mattress
Highlights
- It is the best mattress to minimize joint pressure when sleeping on your side because of its softer feel and excellent sinkage;
- Better motion transfer results in less sleep disruption, so you wake feeling well-rested;
- Its multi-layered design makes it extremely responsive so that changing sleep positions is easy, and you never feel stuck.
The Douglas mattress was the most comfortable mattress right out of the box because of its unique InfinitexTM and Tencel outer layer, which was soft to the touch and supremely luxurious. The Douglas is the best overall mattress for people who want superior comfort and support and people who love to sleep in different positions because of its quick response time, premium sinkage, and edge support. My movements didn't feel constrained whenever I changed positions, because the Douglas had a response time that was 0.3 seconds faster than the GhostBed Flex and 0.9 seconds faster than the Puffy mattress.
The Douglas Mattress outperformed the other tested mattresses in terms of edge support, motion transmission, and sinkage, it is my top pick for the best soft mattress in Canada. In comparison to the Puffy and Novosbed, the Douglas mattress displayed 1.14 and 0.56 inches more edge support, respectively, giving it a more stable edge that supported my full body weight when getting into or out of bed.
The secret to the Douglas's motion isolation properties—and the feature that distinguished it from the other tested mattresses—is its supporting foam, which is found in the foundation layer. The Douglas mattress is the ideal mattress because it has motion transfer that is 3 inches and 0.5 inches better than the GhostBed Flex and Puffy, respectively. When I turned over during the night or readjusted my pillow, my partner wasn't even aware that I moved at all, which shows how fantastic the Douglas's motion transfer capabilities are.
“The motion isolation is amazing for the Douglas mattress. Although I was told my partner moved around a lot during the night, I didn’t feel it or get woken up,” stated Jordan Maxwell, a writer of the National Post.
Based on Our Tests
During testing, I noticed that the Douglas offers sufficient sinkage to wrap across my shoulders and hips and balance me out for wonderful 'weightlessness' and comfort. Because the Douglas mattress is relatively soft, projecting body parts like hips and shoulders can be more comfortably contoured and cradled. The Doulgas is soft enough for people of ordinary or lightweight to sleep comfortably on their sides. People who weigh more than 250 pounds may feel that they sink into the mattress too much and will probably need a firmer mattress than the Douglas.
Recommended For:
- Average-weight side sleepers. People who sleep on their sides will find the Douglas has excellent cushioning and support that cradles their joints throughout the night;
- Couples who are light sleepers. The excellent motion transfer properties ensure no one is disturbed during the night, no matter how active their partner is;
- Combination sleepers. People who live to change their sleep positions during the night will love the responsiveness of the Douglas because they don’t get the stuck-in-foam feeling.
Pros:
- Superior contouring to reduce pressure on joints;
- Excellent edge support means the bed never sags;
- The premium motion isolation layers ensure restful, undisturbed sleep all night long.
Cons:
- Can be a little too soft for heavier people;
- Not ideal for stomach sleepers who need firmer support for their spines.
Best Soft Mattress for Back and Side Sleepers - GhostBed Luxe
Highlights
- The cool surface temperature of the mattress soothes your muscles and joints as you sleep;
- The body is perfectly contoured and cradled because of the high sinkage rate, making it ideal for sleepers who need premium support for their joints;
- It is easier to switch positions at night because of the GhostBed Luxe’s outstanding bounce rate.
The GhostBed Luxe's outstanding motion transfer properties mean you won’t feel any rocking motions if your partner shifts positions during the night. Because of its fast bounce rate recovery and responsiveness, it does a fantastic job of isolating and damping any mattress movement. The GhostBed Luxe is the best mattress for back and side sleepers because it has 2.57 inches more bounce than the Douglas and 1.22 inches more than the Novosbed.
The Ghostbed Luxe has a medium-firm hardness rating, which makes it much softer than the other foam mattresses that were tested. The soft to medium-firm feel of the Ghostbed Luxe makes it the ideal option for side and back sleepers because it supports the spine's natural curve and relieves pressure on the hips and shoulders. The Ghostbed Luxe has a softer and plusher sensation because it is 1 point softer than the Novosbed and 0.5 points softer than the Puffy. “The GhostBed Luxe has a memory foam feel that’s different compared to Tempurpedic or Nectar. I enjoyed its plushness and supportiveness at the same time,” explained McKenzie Dillon, a Certified Sleep Science Coach at CNET.
The Ghostbed Luxe is well-known for its unique Ghost Ice layer, which makes it ideal for hot sleepers who would love the supportive benefits of memory foam but avoided it in the past because it typically caused them to feel too warm. Our tests showed that the GhostBed Luxe was about 2.5 degrees warmer than the Novosbed but 0.2 degrees cooler than the Douglas mattress, which is still very cool. However, the difference in temperature wasn't enough to make me feel clammy or sweaty.
Based on Our Tests
During my testing of the GhostBed Luxe, I observed that it had amazing sinkage that made me feel cradled and supported and prevented morning aches in my hips and shoulders. I especially liked the mattress' exceptional bounce rate, which I attributed to its inner latex-like layer, which gave the mattress a bouncy, buoyant feel anytime I moved around on it.
Recommended For:
- Sleepers who need relief from stiff or sore joints. The high sinkage rate and cooling layer are excellent for people who experience joint pain and need a mattress that supports their spine and joints;
- Couples who share a bed or allow a pet to sleep on the bed. The superb motion transfer of the GhostBed Luxe will ensure uninterrupted sleep for people who share a bed with a restless companion;
- Hot sleepers. The phenomenal cooling layer on the GhostBed Luxe will maintain a cooler temperature throughout the night and reduce nighttime sweats.
Pros:
- The softer surface and deeper sinkage make it the ideal mattress for side and back sleepers because the spine will remain in a neutral position and will be fully supported;
- The top cooling layer and supple outer cover ensure the mattress maintains a cool temperature in any climate;
- The amazing motion transfer properties ensure a peaceful night’s sleep when sharing a bed with a restless partner.
Cons:
- The soft layers and high sinkage mean it might not be ideal for stomach sleepers;
- Sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds might find the bed too soft and the sinkage too high making turning around in bed more difficult.
Best Soft Spring Mattress — The Osgoode
Highlights
- Its use of high-density foam gives the top layer more cushioning, making it softer for sleepers.
- The Tencel cover and breathable layers draw away heat, helping temperature-sensitive sleepers from overheating.
- The mix of foam and pocketed coils trap motion, helping light sleepers from getting woken up by jostling at night.
The Osgoode is my best spring mattress due to its soft firmness, balanced sinkage, and motion isolation.
Spring mattresses are excellent choices for a soft sleeping surface as they provide support that is cushioned by a layer of foam along the top. When I was doing my compression tests with this model, I measured a firmness between 6-7 out of a scale of 10, with 10 being the firmest. This is soft enough that I felt even side sleepers could benefit from having their shoulders and hips softly contoured with this model.
The Osgoode is softer than The Summerhill by about 1 point. I would recommend The Osgoode to sleepers who prefer a spring mattress with a slightly softer feel.
Playing into the softness of this mattress is how much sinkage The Osgoode has. In light of my compression tests, I measured a sinkage of around 1.87 inches. I felt sleepers could sink into the top layer and be balanced out by the coils below pleasantly, creating a soft surface.
The Osgoode had less sinkage than the GhostBed Luxe by 0.83 inches, but there is also a price gap of $1699. I would recommend The Osgoode for sleepers needing a soft sleeping surface at an affordable price. However, I would also recommend the GhostBed Luxe to sleepers who want one of the softest sleeping surfaces.
Good motion isolation for a spring mattress can be hard to deliver. The Osgoode does quite well in this regard due to its soft, high-density foam. While testing with hand compressions along the surface of The Osgoode, I measured it took about 4 inches for motion to be absorbed. This is minimal enough that light sleepers likely won’t feel it when their partner changes sleeping positions at night.
The Osgoode outperformed the GhostBed Flex in motion isolation by 1 inch. I would suggest The Osgoode to sleepers seeking a soft mattress that can address the needs of restless partners.
Based on Our Tests:
When I was reviewing this mattress with my hand compression tests, I noticed the pushback of this mattress was balanced yet soft. The foam offered excellent give, and the coils underneath were pliant enough that I think it would suit sleepers seeking a soft mattress.
Recommended For:
- Sleepers seeking a soft surface. The Osgoode is cushioning with its use of high-density foam and soft coils, creating a soft sleep surface.
- Sleepers on a tight budget. The Osgoode has an excellent price point that makes it more affordable to sleepers wanting a soft mattress at a more affordable price.
- Restless sleepers. The Osgoode offers an excellent amount of motion isolation that can help light sleepers from getting jostled at night.
Pros:
- Excellent softness for sleepers wanting a bouncy and soft surface;
- Excellent price to make this more affordable to sleepers on a tight budget;
- Excellent motion isolation for restless partners.
Cons:
- Non-removable cover makes it more difficult to keep clean;
- It doesn’t come shipped in a box, making transport slightly more challenging.
Best Cooling Option - Novosbed
Highlights
- Outstanding thermoregulation, thanks to the use of specialized memory foam;
- Fine-tuned mattress softness for individual needs;
- Sound motion isolation despite the soft top layer.
The Novosbed completes my list of the best options. I picked it for its impressive cooling performance during my mattress reviews. The Novosbed's cozy Tencel outer cover allowed it to sleep 0.9 degrees cooler than the GhostBed Flex. However, because it was 5.7 degrees warmer than the Puffy, it wasn't as comfortable for those who tend to overheat during the night. I liked that it was always cool to the touch and adequately maintained body-mattress temperature balance, especially since soft mattresses tend to sleep hot.
Apart from its cooling features, I liked that it had a welcoming, breathable cover. The mattress bounce and give were good too. An impressive Novosbed highlight was that I could sleep comfortably in different positions. This indicates that my body was properly supported, ensuring I didn’t wake up sore. This is because of the unique combination of its fast response rate and excellent motion transfer features. The Novosbed responded 0.8 seconds faster than the Puffy, and 0.2 seconds faster than the GhostBed Flex—making it the ideal mattress for someone who has a restless sleeping partner. Finally, I loved that you can further soften this mattress on request as long as you are still in the test trial period.
Based on Our Tests
I was pleasantly surprised at how soft this bed was during the testing period. Another feature that stood out for me in this bed is how I could regulate it to the firmness I wanted.
Recommended For:
- People who want exceptional support on a budget. The responsive feel and cradling support of the Novosbed are ideal for anyone who wants a mattress that feels supportive in any sleeping position that is also affordable;
- People who want a removable cover. The easy-to-remove outer cover, which is also machine-washable, ensures you can keep your mattress fresh and clean.
Pros:
- Adjustable firmness means users can further soften the mattress to taste;
- Consistent support keeps the sides from sagging, providing good mattress edges and durability;
- Customizable firmness, designed to perfectly suit individual needs.
Cons:
- Edge support is not so impressive;
- It is not recommended for heavy people.
Best Soft Mattress for Heavy Weight Sleepers — Puffy Mattress
Highlights
- Immaculate gives for accurate contouring of the body;
- Different foam layers help maintain an ever-cool surface;
- Easily maintained with stain-resistant cover.
The top cloud cover and cooling layers of the Puffy mattress make it one of the most supple and enveloping mattresses we tested. It was roughly 0.55 inches softer than the GhostBed Flex and 0.5 inches softer than the Novosbed. But the Douglas was 0.5 points softer than the Puffy, which means the Douglas was the softest bed we tested.
My research revealed that this mattress gives exceptional comfort, is adaptable, and conforms nicely to the curves of the body. I had a good experience with the Puffy mattress because it relieved pressure well.
The Puffy’s sinkage rate of 2.5 inches, which was 0.55 inches more than the Ghostbed Flex, gave my body and joints the support they needed when lying on my side. This better sinkage rate also allowed my spine to stay in a comfortable neutral position when lying on my back.
Despite being a plush mattress, the adaptive top layer did not transfer motion during my tests. The Puffy had 0.5 inches less isolation than the Novosbed. But it had 2.5 inches more motion isolation than the GhostBed Flex—making it the ideal mattress for couples and people who allow their pets to sleep on their beds. I like that it maintains the temperature balance between my body and the mattress surface. The Puffy was the undisputed champion in terms of its cooling ability, keeping its temperature at a steady 23.8 degrees throughout the night. It was 5.8 degrees cooler than the Novosbed and 6.6 degrees cooler than the Ghostbed Flex, making it the best mattress for hot sleepers who want to get rid of the sticky sensation caused by night sweats.
Furthermore, the support on this mattress wasn’t lacking. I felt the upthrust keep my body in a comfortable state. In conclusion, I think the Puffy mattress is the all-in-one soft mattress pick for different preferences.
Based on Our Tests
During the test, I loved the various combinations of the bed's layers, which offered some needed benefits, especially ensuring the bed maintained a soft yet firm feel. People who prioritize comfort will love this bed.
Recommended For:
- Hot sleepers who need a cooling layer. The multiple layers ensure a cooler mattress surface that maintains a consistent temperature during the night;
- Heavier sleepers who need more support. The medium-firm support ensures adequate support for the hips, shoulders, and back, while the outer layers provide soft luxurious cushioning;
- Side sleepers. The supportive layers and responsiveness of the Puffy make it perfect for side sleepers who need excellent contouring for their shoulders and hips.
Pros:
- Plush top with premium motion isolation;
- This adaptive mattress top offers precise pressure alleviation to keep the body properly aligned;
- Adaptable to different kinds of platforms .
Cons:
- Not recommended for heavy people;
- The soft layer is only on one side of the mattress.
Why You Should Trust Me
Each mattress we test goes through a number of practical testing scenarios. We evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each of the best soft mattresses we select to determine the features that will benefit the various types of sleepers, from side-sleepers to back-sleepers, and stomach sleepers as well as combination sleepers.
To ensure consistency in the results, our tests are divided into nine performance categories, and the same data is gathered for each mattress. We carefully evaluate the thermoregulation and makeup of the mattress during testing, as well as its responsiveness, firmness, sinkage, motion transfer, and edge support. We can provide our readers with an unbiased perspective and experience of each mattress we examine and recommend the best soft mattress because we use each one for a significant amount of time as we conduct our tests.
How to Choose the Best Soft Mattress
- Mattress Softness Level Mattresses have different firmness levels. Even with soft mattresses, there are degrees to the softness of foam or materials used. There is a firmness scale used by mattresses in Canada with 10 indicating the firmest mattress. Most mattresses come in firmness within the range of 5 and 6 which indicates medium firmness.
While mattresses in this range offer reasonable softness, lower ratings offer more plushness depending on need. The caveat is to pick a mattress that still offers reasonable support for the body. Also, very soft mattresses tend to have a short life span. Finally, the mattress softness level determines a lot of the other mattress properties. - Breathability Plush mattresses conform easily to pressure and body heat, the reason for their hug-like feel. Unfortunately, they also trap heat easily compared to other firmness levels. Since sleeping hot is not a desired trait in mattresses, it is ideal to look for soft mattresses with systems designed to cater for sleeping hot.
Some soft mattresses use open air cell foams, some others use gel-infused foams, while others use totally different thermoregulation systems. The point of these systems is to enhance breathability which in turn ensures a cool mattress surface. - Motion Isolation Motion isolation is a very important feature in mattresses. The good news is that soft mattresses isolate motion better than other firmness levels. On the other hand, high motion isolation translates to high movement restriction. So the trick is looking out for a balance between motion isolation and movement restriction in a mattress, a feature particularly common to medium-firm mattresses.
Mattresses with medium firmness offer more balance in both motion isolation and movement restriction but, depending on preference, individuals can prioritize one feature over the other. - Durability Durability is one of those mattress features that can not be ascertained just by looking at the properties. However, there are pointers that can help determine how durable a mattress can be(1). Generally, firm mattresses tend to be more durable, because of the density the foam compartments require. However, these firm mattresses rarely have the desired properties of a plush mattress.
The good thing is that even plush mattresses have core, dense foams which act as a support and can also indicate the durability of the plush mattress. Another pointer for durability is the edge support whereby strong edge support prevents early sagging of mattress sides. - Edge Support. While the preference here is for the mattress to be soft and plush, the edge support is an important factor that keeps you supported when sleeping near the edge of the mattress. If the edge support is bad, you might roll out the mattress.
- Mattress Type. Soft mattress materials and qualities affect the performance you’ll be getting out of them. For example, memory foam mattresses are softer compared to latex ones, and latex is softer compared to innerspring ones.
- Pressure Relief. Softer mattresses might not be the best at relieving pressure, so it would be great to get a hybrid mattress with a comfort layer and a support layer separately, so it can take the pressure and paint off the back.
In addition, mattress sizes can have a little effect on durability with respect to the weight of the individual using it. Larger mattresses have more surface which can reduce how fast the mattress deteriorates. The standard mattress size is the queen size which is large enough for couples, however, readers interested in the best King size mattresses in Canada can find it here.
F.A.Q
Are soft mattresses good for people with shoulder pain?
Soft mattresses are good for people with shoulder pain because they provide the required plushness necessary to cater for pain while providing support for the body.
Who are soft mattresses recommended for?
Soft mattresses are highly recommended for side sleepers because of the extra pressure the hips and shoulder apply to the mattress. However, to cater for balance and support, medium soft mattresses are recommended.
Conclusion
The best soft mattresses are equipped to cater for all categories of sleepers. Picking one is also quite easy as long as the guidelines for choosing a superb soft mattress is followed.
When deciding on our overall winner for the best soft mattress, we kept in mind that what people want from a soft mattress is excellent support and a plush feeling out layer that makes them feel enveloped and snug. We also understood that the ideal soft mattress needs to be suitable for different people who like to sleep in various positions. This is why the Douglas mattress is our number-one pick for the best soft mattress in Canada—its outstanding responsiveness and contouring make it ideal for combination sleepers and couples sharing a bed. We also loved its fantastic motion isolation properties, which meant undisturbed sleep.
Still have questions about finding the best soft mattress in Canada? Alex Savy, the Co-Founder and Chief Editor at Comfynorth has reviewed countless sleep products with over 4 years in the industry and can help you find what you’re looking for. Reach out through email at [email protected]. When emailing Alex, include your full name and phone number or email address.
References:
- Adrienne S. (2020 June). How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/when-to-change-mattress#What-are-the-general-guidelines?
Our research
35
Mattresses Considered
100
Hours of Research
2
Sleep Experts Consulted