Back sleepers are an underserved sleep demographic that sometimes has to deal with conditions that are best suited for other sleeping positions. We know how frustrating that can be, so we put together a list of mattresses that will work very well for those who sleep on their backs. If you need a mattress that is tailored more specifically to you, the best mattresses for back sleepers in Canada can help.
Our experts explain their thoughts and opinions about:
Mattresses with pressure relief and plenty of cushion for back sleepers
A side profile of the Douglas Summit Mattress before testing for edge support
Our Scoring Process for Back Sleeper Mattresses
Each of our mattresses goes through a testing process, which produces scores based on its performance. These scores are considered along with tester feedback, and scores are averaged based on how the mattress is expected to perform in various situations.
Testing Mattresses for Back Sleepers in Canada
First, we examine each mattress for its construction, materials, and durability. Then we put them through their paces with practical and simulation tests to get a feel for how they react and perform in different circumstances. Finally, our team of testers use the mattresses at home for a good length of time (sometimes as long as the sleep trial) to determine how it performs after weeks of use.
How We Choose Mattresses for Back Sleepers
The mattresses on our list were chosen based on their performance, as well as attributes that are best for back sleepers. We’ve tested hundreds of mattresses to find the ones that work best for your specific sleep style, and these are the ones that may work best for you.
Our Editor's Choice The Douglas Summit is a heavy-hitter when it comes to performance. With a total of four perfect scores, this mattress is perfect for back sleepers and will suit most Canadians.
Temperature Control: 9.2/10
Motion Isolation: 10/10
Edge Support: 9.7/10
Pressure Relief: 10/10
Bounce: 7.5/10
Eco: 9.3/10
Response: 10/10
Ease of Movement: 9.9/10
Policies: 10/10
Highlights
Four perfect scores from our testing data (motion isolation, pressure relief, response, and company policies)
Eco-conscious layers
Strong edge support and full-body balancing
“The Douglas Summit has everything I wanted or needed from a mattress. It’s easily one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.”
Cooling Cover. Douglas’s CoolSense cover is made with Infinitex fibres and CryoFusion cooling nanofibres. It’s removable, washable, and super breathable.
Cooling Gel Foam and PCM. A 2.5” layer of ecoLight cooling foam is topped with a layer of Phase-Changing Material (PCM). PCM is a special material that aims to reduce higher temperatures by moving away excess heat and maintain a lower temperature throughout the night.
Elastex Transition Layer. The latex-alternative transition layer keeps the mattress responsive, reducing the “stuck” feeling and making it easy to move around. This layer also balances your body and keeps you out of the firmer coils below.
7” Motion Isolation Support Base. The base of the Douglas Summit uses motion isolation foam for strong support. This high-density foam stops motion and keeps you supported throughout the night.
Doulgas Summit Mattress Performance Scores
Temperature Control – 9.2/10
Foam mattresses usually sleep hot, but that isn’t the case with the Douglas Summit. This mattress uses phase-changing materials and gel-infused foams to disperse heat and eliminate night sweats. The lack of any standard memory foam doesn’t hurt either, as heat is less likely to build up in the materials. While extremely hot sleepers may still occasionally overheat, most Canadians will sleep perfectly cool on this mattress.
Motion Isolation – 10/10
Of course, all-foam mattresses are great for motion isolation. Douglas Summit takes this to another level. With top-notch motion isolation performance, you won’t feel anything from the other side of the bed. Each layer is expertly crafted to absorb and disperse motion. There was almost no vibration during our testing phases.
Pressure Relief – 10/10
Thick comfort layers eliminate pressure, even for heavier side sleepers. Pressure from a harder mattress can form uncomfortable pressure points on your hips and shoulders, but the materials in the Douglas Summit keep you lifted out of the firm support layers and well-supported to relieve pressure. Our testers mentioned that this mattress was one of the most comfortable they’d tried.
Ease of Movement – 9.9/10
Though the Douglas Summit is an all-foam mattress, it’s extremely easy to move around on. We were surprised by how much it helped you turn over and get comfortable. The layers reform quickly after you move away, so it’s almost impossible to be pulled back into the spot where you were just sleeping. For those who move around a lot as they sleep, this is invaluable.
A side profile of the Douglas Summit Mattress before testing for edge support
Who is the Douglas Summit Mattress For?
Couples and co-sleepers. Couples with different sleeping preferences can both get comfortable on this mattress. Because it supports multiple sleeping positions and stops motion as it happens, it’s a good choice for co-sleepers.
All sleeping positions. Douglas Summit performs well for all sleeping positions, including back sleepers. It provides the right level of support and comfortable pressure relief to make side sleepers and stomach sleepers happy, too.
Heavier sleepers. The thick profile and perfect pressure relief score make the Summit ideal for heavier sleepers, as they are less likely to bottom out in the materials. You stay lifted out of the support layers.
Who Should Avoid the Douglas Summit Mattress?
Canadians who want a bouncy mattress. The only area where the Douglas Summit doesn’t hold up is bounciness. If you want feedback from the mattress when you move, this isn’t the choice for you.
✅ Side Sleepers ✅ Back Sleepers ⚠️ Stomach Sleepers
Comfort Layer Height
5.0”
Support Layer Height
7.0”
Sleep Trial
365 Nights
Warranty
20 Years
Alternative Option
It’s difficult to find any flaw with the Douglas Summit mattress. It’s one of the best-performing options we’ve tested across the board, except when it comes to bounce. Those who need a bouncier mattress should consider the Logan & Cove Frontier Hybrid.
Best Hybrid The Logan & Cove Frontier has great cooling, edge support, and pressure relief. It’s the perfect hybrid for back sleepers because it’s perfectly suited to their needs.
Temperature Control: 9.2/10
Motion Isolation: 7.1/10
Edge Support: 9.7/10
Pressure Relief: 9.4/10
Bounce: 9.0/10
Eco: 9.2/10
Response: 9.0/10
Ease of Movement: 9.3/10
Policies: 9.5/10
Highlights
Support never drops off at the edges, so you get the same support no matter where you sleep
Pressure relief for side and back sleepers
Zoned coil layers lend extra lumbar support in all sleeping positions
“Logan & Cove Frontier felt like a compromise when we bought it, but it turned out to be the best choice we could have made. The zoned support and comfortable Euro-top made this purchase more than worth it.”
Quilted Euro-Top Cover. The Frontier’s cooling cover uses CryoFusion cooling fibres. Below the fabric of the cover is a layer of hollow-fibre fill and gel-infused foam. These layers are quilted right to the bottom of the cover to create an integrated Euro-top.
Cooling Gel Foam. The top layer of foam is cool ecoLuxe, a gel foam that is plush and expertly pulls heat away from you as you sleep.
Aeroduct Micro Coils. A layer of aeroduct micro-coils pushes airflow up through the mattress, but it also contours to your body and gives you exactly the pressure relief you need.
Elastex Transition Layer. A final layer of foam keeps the coil layers separate. This layer helps with light motion isolation and overall mattress response.
9” Zoned Pocket Coil Layer. Finally, a zoned layer of pocket coils creates balance and support. It is firmer through the centre and softer at your shoulders and hips for a more comfortable feel all around.
Logan & Cove Frontier Mattress Performance Scores
A good top view of the Logan & Cove Frontier
Temperature Control – 9.2/10
The Frontier uses layers of cooling foams and breathable coils to keep you from overheating. Heat rarely builds up in this mattress. When it does, it dissipates quickly and clears up when you move away. That means that the bed isn’t going to get too hot throughout the night, and you won’t wake up sweaty.
Motion Isolation – 7.1/10
Hybrid mattresses are notorious for having poor motion isolation, and the Frontier is no different. While it gets a better score here than many hybrid mattresses, it still moves too much. Our testers found that most larger motions could be felt on the other side of the bed. This isn’t ideal if you are a light sleeper or have a particularly restless partner.
Pressure Relief – 9.4/10
Plush materials create gentle pressure relief, so those who suffer from uncomfortable pressure points can sleep more easily. The micro-coil layer contours to your body for unique support and balance, reducing how deeply you press into the mattress at any given point. The result is fewer aches and less hard pressure points at your shoulders and hips.
Ease of Movement – 9.3/10
The Frontier doesn’t use traditional memory foam layers. Because of this, you won’t sink deeply into materials that make you feel stuck. It’s easy to move around and turn over on this responsive mattress, so you don’t have to lie in the same position all night.
Who is the Logan & Cove Frontier Mattress For?
Canadians who need lumbar support. The zoned coils in the support layer provide strong lumbar support for all sleeping positions, so you can sleep without discomfort.
Those who suffer from pressure points. The layers within the Frontier mattress gently cushion your body to reduce pressure points and aches.
Hot sleepers. Layers of cooling materials and breathable foams reduce heat at the top of the mattress throughout the core.
Who Should Avoid the Logan & Frontier Mattress?
Co-sleepers. While the Logan & Cove Frontier doesn’t get the worst motion isolation score on our list, it doesn’t do as well as it could in this department.
Factor
Logan & Cove Frontier Mattress
Price
$1,299 (Queen)
Sizes
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Firmness
Medium Firm
Sinkage
⚠️ 5.8 cm
Response Time
✅ 0.4 sec
Motion Isolation
⚠️ Minimal
Edge Support
✅ Strong
Bounce
✅ Moderate
Sleeping Position
✅ Side Sleepers ✅ Back Sleepers ✅ Stomach Sleepers
Comfort Layer Height
4.5”
Support Layer Height
9.0”
Sleep Trial
365 Nights
Warranty
15 Years
Alternative Option
The Logan & Cove Frontier has strong motion isolation, which is its only flaw. Co-sleepers, couples, and anyone sharing a bed should consider purchasing an all-foam option like the Douglas Summit if they need motion isolation.
Best Organic – Silk & Snow Organic
The Silk & Snow Organic Mattress before we started our testing process
Eco-conscious design across three firmness options
Better ease of movement and temperature control than some all-foam options
“We needed a mattress that helped us sleep easily when it came to our worries about the environment, and the Silk & Snow Organic delivered. It’s comfortable and cool, but we feel great about sleeping on it.”
GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton Cover. The breathable cover of the Silk & Snow Organic is made with organic cotton. This cover is quilted to the layer of organic wool, creating a softer surface even in the Firm version.
GOTS-Certified Organic Wool. Organic wool helps with temperature control, pressure relief, and fire safety. Because of this layer, the rest of the mattress doesn’t have to use any fire-retardant chemicals.
GOLS-Certified Latex. In the Firm version of the Silk & Snow Organic, a 0.8” layer of Dunlop latex creates light pressure relief.
Zoned Pocket Coils with Reinforced Edge Support. The pocket coil base is zoned for better support and balance. Coils through the center of the mattress are firmer, while bolstered edges provide edge-to-edge support.
Medium Firm Version
GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton Cover. Same as Firm.
GOTS-Certified Organic Wool. Same as Firm.
Quilted Latex Layer. The Medium Firm version of the mattress features an additional 0.8” layer of latex that is quilted to the cover underneath the wool layer. This provides deeper pressure relief and better balance than the Latex alone.
GOLS-Certified Latex. This layer is also thicker in the Medium Firm version. Here, it’s 1.5” tall for response and cushion.
Zoned Pocket Coils with Reinforced Edge Support. Same as Firm.
Plush Version
GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton Cover. Same as Firm.
GOTS-Certified Organic Wool. Same as Firm.
Quilted Latex Layer. Same as Medium Firm.
GOLS-Certified Latex. In the Plush mattress, the layer of natural Dunlop latex is 3.5” thick. This balanced layer gives you some serious pressure relief, reducing discomfort before you get to the firmer coils.
Zoned Pocket Coils with Reinforced Edge Support. Same as Firm.
Silk & Snow Organic Performance Scores
Temperature Control – 9.1/10
Natural wool and latex are less likely to retain heat than memory foam layers. That’s part of the reason that the Silk & Snow Organic manages higher temperatures so well. This mattress doesn’t sleep super hot, so those who are sensitive to heat or often wake up with night sweats can be a little more comfortable.
Motion Isolation – 7.2/10
The coil layer at the core of this mattress doesn’t stop motion from traveling across to the other side. In all of our testing phases, we noticed extreme motion transfer on this mattress. Our testers felt the same way; those who are worried about motion should choose a mattress that stops motion transfer better than this one.
Pressure Relief – 8.9/10
Balance and alignment help reduce pressure, keeping your body in the proper position to wake up without aches. We tested the Medium Firm Silk & Snow Organic, so the pressure relief is even greater from the Plush version.
Ease of Movement – 9.4/10
Silk & Snow Organic uses mostly latex layers and organic wool, both of which make it easy to move around. Since there’s no memory foam used in the mattress, there’s no ‘stuck’ feeling that can keep you lying right where you are.
Who is the Silk & Snow Organic Mattress For?
Eco-conscious Canadians. The Silk & Snow Organic is a fully eco-conscious mattress. It uses natural and organic materials to create a unique feel.
Those who want to try their mattress for longer. An industry-leading year-long sleep trial allows you to try the mattress extensively before you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Canadians with back pain. Sleepers in any position who regularly suffer from back pain will appreciate the extra lumbar support and alignment offered by the Silk & Snow Organic.
Who Should Avoid the Silk & Snow Organic Mattress?
Those who need feedback. Usually, a mattress isn’t bouncy because it has good motion isolation. The S&S Organic has neither, so avoid it if you want a bouncier mattress.
✅ Side Sleepers ✅ Back Sleepers ✅ Stomach Sleepers
Comfort Layer Height
2” (Firm), 2.5” (Medium Firm), 4” (Plush)
Support Layer Height
8” (All)
Sleep Trial
365 Nights
Warranty
15 Years
Alternative Option
Silk & Snow Organic isn’t great for motion isolation. Couples and co-sleepers who need motion isolation are better off choosing an all-foam option like the Douglas Summit.
Best All Foam – Octave Horizon
Looking at the layers of foam inside the Octave Horizon mattress
Best All Foam Octave Horizon’s performance scores defy traditional all-foam mattress norms. This option is great for temperature control, response, and pressure relief.
Temperature Control: 9.4/10
Motion Isolation: 8.5/10
Edge Support: 8.9/10
Pressure Relief: 9.8/10
Bounce: 7.8/10
Eco: 9.0/10
Response: 9.8/10
Ease of Movement: 9.5/10
Policies: 10/10
Highlights
Outstanding temperature control for an all-foam mattress
Great pressure relief for back and side sleepers
Responsive and easy to move around on
“We weren’t sure about all-foam mattresses, but the Octave Horizon is so comfortable and cool. Plus, it didn’t take all of our savings to buy it!”
Cooling Cover. Octave uses a Cryofusion nanofibre cover. Each of their mattresses uses a different number of fibres, and the Horizon uses the most. It’s cool and comfortable to the touch.
Copper-Infused Memory Foam with PCM. The first foam layer is a copper-infused memory foam. This layer is surrounded by PolarMAX, a phase-changing material (PCM) that vents off heat to maintain a consistent temperature.
Aerated Latex. A middle layer of aerated latex keeps the mattress responsive. This layer features hundreds of small perforations that keep the surface of the mattress breathable.
Cooling Gel Foam. A soft layer of cooling gel foam adapts to your body, providing the proper pressure relief and support to stay comfortable. This layer also wicks away excess heat to reduce night sweats.
Elastex Foam Layer. Elastex is a latex alternative that acts as a transition layer. It cushions your deep pressure points, keeps you lifted out of the firmer support core, and helps with bounce and response as well.
6” Multi-Zoned Foam Support Core. The support layer of the Octave Horizon is a supportive foam with air channels and five ergonomic zones. This layer aligns your body with perfect balance and keeps air flowing through the core of the mattress for better temperature relief.
Octave Horizon Performance Scores
Full view of the Octave Horizon in one of our testing bedrooms
Temperature Control – 9.4/10
For some Canadians, waking up sweating isn’t unusual. If you need a mattress that keeps you cooler throughout the night, the Octave Horizon might be able to help. Every layer, including a layer of powerful phase-changing material, is aimed at removing heat and reducing discomfort.
Motion Isolation – 8.5/10
Though this is an all-foam mattress, it moves around more than we thought it would. Our testers felt some movement from the other side of the bed, though not enough for some users to wake up. It sits in a space we don’t usually see with this score, as most mattresses are either great at isolating motion or terrible at it. If you aren’t bothered by a bit of motion, this mattress may be okay for you.
Pressure Relief- 9.8/10
Multiple foam layers work together to relieve pressure in this mattress. It has some of the best comfort layers we’ve seen in its construction, so you won’t feel like you are pressing too deeply into the mattress. Balance and weight distribution are great here, too.
Ease of Movement – 9.5/10
It’s easy to move around on the surface of the Octave Horizon. Despite its all-foam design, it doesn’t make you feel as though you are stuck in the mattress. You can easily turn over and find a comfortable position without struggling or rolling back into the spot where you were just sleeping.
Who is the Octave Horizon Mattress For?
Hot sleepers. Temperature builds quickly, but the materials in the Octave Horizon reduce heat just as fast.
Back sleepers in need of pressure relief. Octave Horizon gets near-perfect pressure relief scores, so those who are tired of pressure points will love it.
Couples who don’t mind a bit of motion. Octave Horizon didn’t perform poorly with motion isolation, but it doesn’t totally isolate motion either. It’s best for couples who don’t wake up easily when they feel small movements.
Who Should Avoid the Octave Horizon?
Those who prefer bounce. If you want feedback when you turn over or change position, the Octave Horizon might not be the right choice for you.
Factor
Octave Horizon Mattress
Price
$1,499 (Queen)
Sizes
Twin, Twin XL, Full/Double, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Firmness
Medium Firm
Sinkage
✅ 5.18 cm
Response Time
✅ 0.3 sec
Motion Isolation
✅ Moderate
Edge Support
✅ Moderate
Bounce
⚠️ Minimal
Sleeping Position
✅ Side Sleepers ✅ Back Sleepers ⚠️ Stomach Sleepers
Comfort Layer Height
8.0”
Support Layer Height
6.0”
Sleep Trial
365 Nights
Warranty
15 Years
Alternative Option
Octave Horizon isn’t the bounciest mattress. Some Canadians like a little feedback when they move around, but the stillness of the Horizon just won’t deliver that. If you need the mattress to bounce a little when you shift, the Endy Hybrid might be the perfect choice.
Best Firmness Options While the Endy Hybrid was previously available in a single firmness option, you can now choose to purchase the Firm, Medium Firm, or Plush to fit your sleep needs.
Temperature Control: 9.2/10
Motion Isolation: 6.4/10
Edge Support: 8.3/10
Pressure Relief: 9.3/10
Bounce: 9.9/10
Eco: 7.0/10
Response: 10/10
Ease of Movement: 9.7/10
Policies: 9/10
Highlights
Excellent bounce and response
Cool temperature control for warmer sleepers
Pressure relief and support for back sleepers.
“A lot of mattresses get uncomfortable fast since I sleep on my back. Happy to report that isn’t the case with the Endy Hybrid at all.”
Testing sinkage on the Endy Hybrid with a lightweight dumbbell
The Endy Hybrid comes in three different firmnesses. You can choose your preferred firmness at checkout, but the construction of the mattress doesn’t change for each firmness option. Instead, the thickness of the materials differs to create a different feel.
Quilted Cover. The cover of the Endy Hybrid is a cool quilted fabric that is quilted directly to a layer of Endy memory foam. This layer cushions you as you sleep, adding plush comfort to the surface that helps you ease into sleep more easily.
Endy Comfort Foam. A layer of open-cell, gel-infused foam creates the first layer of the mattress. This layer helps isolate motion and reduce pressure, keeping you balanced and living up to its name.
Transition Foam. A layer of transition foam eases you into the stronger coils below. This layer provides additional stability and response, making it easy to move around without feeling stuck in the mattress. It also lifts you out of strong coils below.
Zoned Coil Layer. A zoned coil layer provides strong comfort under your hips and lower back. It reduces strain on your body, especially on your lower back and hips, where you are most likely to develop pressure points or discomfort.
Stabilizing Foam. The last layer of the mattress reduces sagging and helps the mattress maintain its shape for longer.
Endy Hybrid Mattress Performance Scores
Temperature Control – 9.2/10
Endy Hybrid starts strong with great temperature control scores. This mattress stays cool through breathable, gel-infused foam and coils that vent warmer air. If you usually overheat or wake up too sweaty, the Endy Hybrid might be the option for you.
Motion Isolation – 6.4/10
Unfortunately, the coil layer in the Endy Hybrid (and the open-cell construction of the foam) make the mattress move too much to get a good motion isolation score. The brutal truth is that you’ll feel everything from the other side of the bed. Couples with restless partners or lighter sleepers need a mattress that isolates motion better than this one.
Pressure Relief – 9.3/10
We tested the Medium Firm version of the Endy Hybrid and the pressure relief was already phenomenal. It only gets better with the Plush version. Side sleepers and back sleepers who need extra pressure relief can get comfortable on this mattress, as you’ll wake up with fewer pressure points and less discomfort overall.
Ease of Movement – 9.7/10
Endy uses open-cell foams to create a more responsive feel, especially deeper in the mattress. You won’t feel stuck when you move or turn over because the materials reform quickly, resuming their original shape so you can get comfortable. Our testers loved how responsive this mattress was.
Who is the Endy Hybrid Mattress For?
Combination sleepers. Combination sleepers have to move often to stay comfortable. The Endy Hybrid is suitable for most sleeping positions and extremely easy to move around on, so combination sleepers can get comfortable every time they change position.
Warmer sleepers. The Endy Hybrid uses breathable open-cell foam that is infused with cooling gel. These layers pull heat away from you all night long, leaving you refreshed and waking up without sweating.
Those who want to choose their firmness. Tired of not being able to find a mattress that fits your preferences? With the Endy Hybrid, you can choose between Firm, Medium Firm, and Plush at checkout to best match your sleep style.
Who Should Avoid the Endy Hybrid Mattress?
Co-sleepers. If you share a bed with a partner or your children, you should choose a mattress that isolates motion a bit better than this one. It moves so much that you’ll feel every vibration from the other side of the bed.
Factor
Endy Hybrid Mattress
Price
$1,295 (Firm and Medium Firm Queen), $1,495 (Plush Queen)
Sizes
Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Firmness
Firm, Medium Firm, or Plush
Sinkage
✅ 4.8 cm
Response Time
✅ 0.2 sec
Motion Isolation
⚠️ Minimal
Edge Support
✅ Moderate
Bounce
✅ Strong
Sleeping Position
✅ Side Sleepers ⚠️ Back Sleepers ✅ Stomach Sleepers
Comfort Layer Height
2.5”
Support Layer Height
11.5”
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Warranty
15 Years
Alternative Option
The Endy Hybrid doesn’t isolate motion as well as we’d like. If you need a mattress with better motion isolation, you may need to choose an all-foam option like the Douglas Summit. It sleeps extremely still, even when your partner isn’t.
Michael has a background in ergonomics and physical therapy. Like Alex, Michael also has over ten years of experience in the industry. When testing mattresses and other bedding products, Michael takes a special interest in evaluating how different products affect overall health and well-being.
He is committed to improving Canadian sleep health, which is evident in his reviews that cover everything from pressure relief to spinal alignment and overall comfort. Michael has a very precise approach to testing and will not recommend any products that he would not use himself.
Outside work, Michael is a keen runner and a cook and you will often find him experimenting with new cooking recipes.
