Douglas Original Mattress Review

Top-rated cooling foam mattress

The Douglas Original Mattress is a Canadian-made all-foam mattress. At $799 for a Queen size, this mattress offers great value for its features and feel. A washable cooling cover and layers of gel foam provide superior temperature control, especially when you consider that it is an all-foam option. Douglas’ original mattress is the company’s base model. While the Douglas Alpine and the Douglas Summit have improved some aspects of this mattress, the original model is still well worth your consideration.

We recommend the Douglas for couples who need motion isolation, as well as those who need good ease of movement in their mattress. This mattress is an eco-conscious choice, with materials made to reduce environmental impacts. It’s also a great choice for Canadians on a budget. With a 365-night sleep trial and a lengthy 20-year warranty, Douglas stands behind its reputation for making durable mattresses that are full of great features.

Our Methodology

We rank all of the mattresses we review based on key features that Canadians find important. We look at the feel of each mattress, its construction, cooling properties, motion isolation for couples, and edge support.

Our testing process includes several comprehensive tests. We take a close look at what makes the mattress work, as well as test it using several methods that reveal how it feels, how it relieves pressure, how it isolates motion, and more. We have a team of testers, experts, and researchers to help us achieve accurate results. This is how we determine if we can recommend a mattress to you.

Mattress Details

The Douglas Original is one of the best budget-friendly mattresses on the market. At just $799 for a Queen-sized mattress, it is one of the best options in its price point for most Canadians. The cover is made from Infinitex fibres, which wick away sweat while actively cooling sleepers. We loved that this cover was easy to remove. It held up great in the washing machine, even after we ran it through a few different cycles.

Three different foam layers are responsible for the feel of this mattress. These layers include a faux latex layer that is responsive and bouncy, as well as a layer of gel memory foam that uses 40% less carbon input than standard memory foam. When it comes to firmness, the Douglas Original is medium-firm. Our testers favour all different sleeping positions, and all of them found this mattress to be comfortable.

It lacks some firmer lumbar support since it uses a foam support core. The motion isolation base that works to support you work wonders for couples. With less motion moving across the mattress, couples can achieve a more restorative sleep. Our motion isolation testing rounds went well with this mattress.

The Douglas Original has a 365-night sleep trial. This allows you to try this mattress risk-free. Returns are easy during this period too. Like all Douglas mattresses, the Douglas Original is manufactured and sold exclusively in Canada. It is affordable and comes with a generous and comprehensive 20-year warranty. You’ll have plenty of time to decide if this mattress is the right option for you.

• Price: $599-$1298
• Firmness: Medium Firm (6.5/10)
• Type: All Firm
• Shipping Cost: Free (except for some remote areas)
• Warranty: 20 years
• Sleep Trial: 365 nights

The Douglas Mattress is great for:

• Those who sleep hot
• Users who want to wash the mattress cover
• Free shipping within Canada
• Couples who toss and turn
• An extra-long sleep trial
• Canadians on a budget
• Those with allergies
• Eco-conscious Canadians

Skip the Douglas Mattress if you:

• Need firmer lumbar support
• Want a tall mattress

Douglas Original Mattress Prices and Sizes

The Douglas Original is an affordable mattress. A Queen-sized Douglas Original is only $799 before promotions, discounts, and deals. This is far below the average for an all-foam mattress of this size. Regardless of the price, this mattress is made with high-quality materials and scored fairly well in all of our testing areas.

The Douglas Original is a surprisingly cool mattress with great pressure relief and motion isolation. These facts together make it an ideal option for most Canadians, and that’s before you consider the nearly universal firmness and feel. Its year-long sleep trial and long warranty make it a great investment for the price.

This mattress is available in all standard mattress sizes, as well as California King and Split King. There’s an option for every bed in your home. This range of options paired with its excellent test scores make this mattress a good option for those on a budget. The Douglas Original also comes in an RV size, which is accessible via a separate listing on the Douglas storefront.

Mattress Construction

The Douglas Original mattress is made with three layers of unique and proprietary foams. The entire stack is encased in a washable, removable cover.

• The cover: The CoolSense cover that surrounds the Douglas Original mattress is woven with cooling nanofibres and Infinitex™ thread. It’s biodegradable, sustainably made, and zips off easily so you can throw it in the wash when it’s time for a refresh.
• The 1^st layer: The top layer of the mattress is 2” of ecoLight cooling gel foam. It’s an eco-conscious foam that cools you while reducing environmental impact. We found it to be responsive and easy to move around on. It’s a cool, airy layer which helps prevent night sweats for those who sleep hot.
• The 2^nd layer: The middle layer is 2” of Elastex® foam. This material mimics the properties of natural latex. It offers some bounce and makes it easy to turn over. Those with allergies and those who need better pressure relief will find comfort in this layer.
• The 3^rd layer: The 6” layer of high-density motion isolation foam at the bottom of the Douglas Original helps reduce motion transfer. It doesn’t use any additional edge support measures, but it is thick enough to make sure the mattress remains stable.

Foam mattresses often retain heat, or allow you to sink too far into the foam layers. The Douglas Original uses various materials to prevent these common problems, including responsive foams and cooling layers. During our tests, we noticed that this mattress felt different from other all-foam options due to these materials. It could be a nice alternative for those who have problems with normal memory foam mattresses.

Mattress Performance Test Results

Our testing process for the Douglas Original mattress put it up against various mattresses, including innerspring, hybrid, and other foam mattresses. We had surprising results with the Douglas Original, even when we compared it to more expensive mattresses.

Temperature Control (9.3/10)

When we test each mattress for temperature control, our goal is to represent how well the mattress will keep you cool as you sleep. We test for breathability, cooling technologies, airflow, and more. The materials and performance of the mattress are considered before we rank each mattress. Most sleepers will be comfortable with a mattress rated at 5 or more when it comes to temperature controls. Extremely hot sleepers may need a mattress with a rating closer to 7 or 8.

While the majority of all-foam mattresses lack effective temperature control, the Douglas mattress is one of our favourite Canadian foam mattresses for cooling. We found that the unique Infinitex cover reduced night sweats and moisture retention, while the top layer of cooling ecoLight gel foam keeps the mattress airy and temperature neutral. Our testers who usually sleep hot noted a marked improvement in their sleep quality.

Motion Isolation (9.8/10)

To analyze a mattress’s motion isolation performance, we use ball drop tests. We measure the amount of motion that transfers to various other parts of the mattress, including the other side of the bed. Couples and people who co-sleep with pets or kids try them at home, using the mattress in their homes for months to form their opinions. Their reviews are gathered and compared with our ball drop tests to determine a score. Most couples should choose a mattress with a motion isolation score higher than 6 out of 10.

We were impressed with the motion isolation of the mattress. It performed higher than we expected for a foam mattress, most likely due to the motion isolation base. This 6” layer is made with high-density foam that traps motion rather than transferring it. Even heavier ball weights didn’t create too much movement for the other side of the bed.

Edge Support (9.5/10)

Edge support is important even if you don’t usually sit on the edge of the mattress in the morning. Mattresses with great edge support won’t feel differently as you get closer to the edge. Good edge support means you won’t feel like you are slipping off. The mattress may also sag less over time. We tested this the old-fashioned way – by determining how far the mattress sank when our testers of different weights sat on the edge of the bed. All-foam mattresses generally lack edge support and may rank at about a 4 or 5 in this performance category.

Like most foam mattresses, the Douglas mattress doesn’t have an effective edge support system. Despite the lack of any reinforced coils or dense foam around the edges, this mattress doesn’t sink or sag any deeper at the edges than most other mattresses. If you need an all-foam mattress but prioritize edge support, this is a great option for you.

Firmness and Feel of the Douglas Original Mattress

When we test mattresses, we rank the firmness on a scale between 1 and 10. The lower end of the scale is the softest, so a mattress rated a 1 would be extremely soft. A mattress rated a 10 would be as hard as a rock. Firmness is determined using input from the brand, but we also use our test results for sinkage, pressure point relief, and contouring properties.

Douglas Original is a medium-firm mattress rated at 6.5. This is the average firmness rating for an all-foam mattress in Canada, so it’s about what you expect. Every sleeping position could find some comfort in this mattress, especially due to its contouring properties. Most of our testers loved the support level.

As an all-foam mattress, the Douglas Original mattress lacks some lumbar support. You can feel a difference when you lay on the mattress, but this isn’t a problem for most. It contours to your body to relieve pressure and even offers some bounce. Your spine will still feel aligned, so you will wake up without strain.

Though you will sink into the foam in this mattress, it doesn’t make it difficult to move around. Our test results reported that it was still easy to move around on the mattress without sacrificing the contour and relief that most seek from a foam mattress.

Performance for Different Weights and Sleeping Preferences

Of course, mattresses will feel different based on your weight and sleeping preference. Factors like your body type can change how any mattress feels, regardless of its firmness level. We’ve found some things you should consider with the Douglas Original mattress.

Weight Considerations

Mattress companies often categorize an ‘average’ sleeper as someone weighing less than 230 pounds. That said, the Douglas mattress is best suited to average sleepers. Those weighing more than 230 pounds had trouble getting comfortable during our testing phases. Heavier Canadians with back pain may be particularly susceptible to discomfort when using the Douglas Original mattress.

While some heavier side sleepers may appreciate the way the mattress contours to their bodies, the consensus was that heavier sleepers needed a firmer option. A thicker mattress with more support would be the best option if you find this mattress too soft or lacking in support.

Sleeping Positions

The way you sleep can have a huge impact on how a mattress supports you. Different sleeping positions need different types and levels of support. Our testers slept in various positions, allowing us to gauge how the mattress supported various sleepers. Here are our results:

• Side Sleepers: Side sleepers need more pressure relief and support under their hips and back. A mattress that contours to its shape is best. The Douglas Original has great contouring, with enough cushion to help them feel supported without strain. Lighter side sleepers (those under 130 pounds) may need a softer mattress. Canadian side sleepers over 230 pounds should choose a mattress that is a bit firmer.
• Back Sleepers: Back sleepers need more contouring than other sleepers. It needs to have great lumbar support, and contouring, and be firm enough to maintain ideal spinal alignment. The Douglas Original is good for the average back sleeper, though it may be too soft for some. It may lack some lumbar support that back sleepers find necessary. 
• Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress that offers alignment and support. However, most stomach sleepers still need a plush top to reduce strain across their bodies. Lighter stomach sleepers may love this mattress, but heavier stomach sleepers may need a firmer model. The Douglas Original works best for occasional stomach sleepers, rather than those who sleep only in this position.
• Combo Sleepers: Combination sleepers need the support that other positions need but with the added benefit of needing better ease of movement. The Douglas Original mattress is easy to move around on, so combination sleepers won’t feel stuck in the mattress. The medium-firm feel of the mattress offers something close to universal support across various positions, making it great for combination sleepers.

Delivery, Sleep Trials, & Returns

Douglas is a Canadian mattress company that ships its mattresses from Ontario and Alberta. Shipping is free via FedEx to most locations within Canada. Remote areas and Territories may incur a $250 fee, which is added at checkout when you place your order online. Delivery can take up to 9 days total after shipping, but most receive their mattress sooner.

With a 365-night sleep trial, Douglas has one of the best policies on the Canadian market. You have a full year to test the mattress for yourself. They ask that you sleep on the mattress for at least 21 nights to fully break it in. This allows your body to adjust to the mattress so you can test it accurately. If you do need to return it, we found it extremely easy to communicate with Douglas’s customer service team. You must schedule a pick-up to return the mattress, so make sure to choose a time when you are free. Refunds usually happen between 10 and 14 business days after the mattress has been collected.

• Shipping Cost: Free (except in some remote areas)
• Time to Delivery: 2-7 business days
• Courier: FedEx Ground
• Sleep Trial Length: 365 nights
• Warranty: 20 years
• Ease of Return: Free pickup and full refund

Company Background

Douglas is a brand of Canadian mattresses that falls under a larger company called goodmorning.com, which started in 2009. As one of the largest bed-in-a-box brands on the market, Douglas has a reputation for making all-foam mattresses that don’t sacrifice quality while being offered at a lower-than-average cost.

Douglas doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar showroom, but their online store is easy to navigate. They also offer bed frames and bedding for one-stop bedroom shopping. In addition to the original Douglas Mattress, they also offer two more upgraded options with more features: the Alpine and the Summit.

Commitment to the Environment

Douglas is committed to being eco-conscious, even in an industry that seems to make a large environmental impact. Its parent company, goodmorning.com, adopts a zero-waste policy for all of the companies it represents. When shipping, they use boxes with 60% recycled cardboard. All mattresses returned through their sleep trial are donated. They give to nearby charities in need to avoid putting mattresses in landfills.

More specifically, the Douglas original mattress uses ecoLight foam. This foam uses 40% less carbon input than standard high-density memory foam, reducing the impact of the mattress. The Infinitex fibres used in the cover are renewable and sustainably sourced, too.

Douglas Original vs. Other Douglas Mattresses

Douglas has a wealth of choices for their mattresses. It’s easy to find a mattress that fits your budget, one that performs well in the areas you need, or one that will work well for you and your partner. Here’s how the Douglas Original model compares to the other mattresses in the brand’s arsenal.

Original vs. Alpine Douglas Mattresses

The Douglas Alpine falls right between the Original and the Summit in terms of price and features. It’s 11” thick, which is a bit taller than the Douglas Original. It offers some popular upgrades, such as increased pressure point relief and active cooling features. However, it is more expensive and may not be enough of an improvement for some users.

The Alpine is a great upgrade for the price, though. If you already love the Douglas mattress, it might be worth spending a bit more to upgrade. However, the base model performs just as well in most areas. Plus, you’ll get the same great policies and most of the same features.

Original vs. Summit Douglas Mattresses

The Douglas Summit, on the other hand, is the company’s top-tier mattress. It upgrades the cover to a cooling version, the PolarMAX, which is complete with phase-changing materials. This is the mattress to choose if you need extreme cooling.

However, the Douglas Original wins in price. Both mattresses feature the same long trial period and excellent warranty, but the Original model is still the company’s bestselling mattress. You might want to spring for the Doulgas Summit if you can, but the Original still holds up extremely well.

Competing Canadian Mattress Comparisons

Let’s take a look at how the Douglas Original mattress compares to other popular all-foam mattresses made in Canada. The closest mattresses for comparison are the Endy mattress and the Silk & Snow mattress.

Douglas vs Endy

The Endy mattress is Canadian-made with comfort in mind. It’s similar to the Douglas in construction and has many similar features. They are both medium-firm mattresses that prioritize motion isolation. They have similar scores in some performance areas. Both even use washable covers and three layers of foam.

The Endy mattress has some extreme motion isolation features, but it doesn’t stack up the Douglas original when it comes to cooling properties. The Endy is around the same price point but only offers a 100-night sleep trial and 15-year warranty. The Douglas Original is superior in both respects.

Douglas vs Silk and Snow

Silk & Snow’s all-foam mattress is their basic model, much like the Douglas Original mattress. They are comparable in height and composition, and both use proprietary materials to create a medium-firm feel. The Silk & Snow uses an antimicrobial cover, but both are removable and washable. They have a similar price point.

The Douglas still gains an edge over the Silk & Snow mattress because of its 365-night trial and 20-year warranty. In comparison, Silk & Snow only offers 100 nights to try their mattress and a 15-year warranty.

Should You Buy a Douglas Original Mattress?

We recommend the Douglas mattress for budget-minded Canadians seeking a high-quality all-foam mattress. This mattress has great cooling properties for those who sleep hot and excellent motion isolation for couples. If your sleep is often disrupted, this mattress can help. We were much less impressed with the pressure relief and lumbar support, but that was to be expected with an all-foam mattress. The easy-to-remove washable cover made up for some of the areas that were lacking.

The Douglas has a great 365-night sleep trial and a longer-than-average 20-year warranty. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better combination of policies than those from the Douglas mattress.

Highlights of the Douglas Original Mattress

Though the Douglas Original mattress is the company’s base model, it performed better than expected in all of our test areas. We loved the removable cover and the feel of this mattress, which is unique to most other all-foam mattresses in Canada. The cooling technologies were great for an all-foam option. Most of us noticed an improvement over other foam mattresses in ease of movement, motion isolation, and even temperature control. You don’t have to sacrifice performance for price when it comes to the Douglas Original.

The company’s policies, shipping, and customer service also impressed us. Working with customer service was extremely easy, and they were always willing to help. The 365-night sleep trial is, again, one of the best you’ll find among comparable mattresses. If you value eco-conscious materials and construction, the Douglas Original is a good choice. Douglas is committed to providing renewable materials, eco-conscious construction methods, and donation methods for mattresses that get returned.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its commitment to providing solutions for common all-foam mattress problems, the Douglas Original mattress falls short in a couple of areas. One of the areas that could use some work is bounce. This mattress is notoriously still, which is great for motion control but not for those who like a little feedback from their mattress.

It’s also not the best mattress for those who need additional lumbar support. Canadians with back pain may want to give this mattress a pass despite all of its great features. Heavier sleepers and those who have significant back pain due to strain or injury may not feel as comfortable on this mattress. Again, this is a common problem with all-foam mattresses that we have to mention.

Our Recommendations for the Douglas Original Mattress

The Douglas Original mattress is outstanding overall, even though there are some areas where it could improve. Most issues it faces are common with all-foam mattresses, and it still tests better than some of its competitors. It outperformed some of the more expensive all-foam options in Canada and stood out against other mattresses at the same price point. Features like proprietary materials, a washable cover, and a long sleep trial offer more value than you’ll get with many other mattresses on the Canadian market.

We can recommend the Douglas Original mattress for sleepers in all positions, including side, back, and stomach sleepers. It’s a good option for couples, especially when one party is more restless than the other. With such simple return policies and great customer service, you should at least try it to see if it works for you.

FAQs

The Douglas Original mattress is one of the easiest mattresses in Canada to clean. Whether you have dust allergies or prefer a fresh, clean sleeping surface, this mattress is the perfect choice. It’s easy to zip the cover off and wash it when needed, and it doesn’t require any special care instructions to keep it looking like new.

Those who are seeking a good mattress with superior motion isolation will love the Douglas mattress. This mattress uses 6” of motion isolation support at the base of the mattress. All testers experienced an improvement in motion transfer over their old mattresses, and it performed well in all motion isolation tests.

Every mattress that Douglas makes is manufactured and shipped directly from Canadian warehouses. This helps them keep deliveries fast and shipping free. They use Canadian materials to create their mattresses to avoid importing and support local trade.

The Douglas Original mattress is great for cooling! Our testers who suffer from night sweats found that this mattress helped them wake up cooler, even when they used it at home in their own bedroom conditions. It might not be suitable for users who sleep extremely hot, but the Douglas Summit is a good alternative in this case.

The affordable Douglas mattress has a modest price range of $599 to $1298, making it one of the best options for budget-minded Canadians. The most common size that Canadians purchase, Queen, is only $799. It offers great value packed with a host of features, which make it feel like a more expensive mattress.

The Douglas mattress has a weight limit of 250 lbs (113 kg) per person or 500 lbs (226 kg) total. This weight limit includes everyone who will use the mattress at once, including any bedding or weighted blankets.