As a common guideline, side sleepers tend to prefer a softer or medium mattress that cushions the shoulders and hips, back sleepers often like medium to medium-firm support, and stomach sleepers usually do best on a firmer surface that keeps the hips from sinking. Your weight, any aches and plain personal preference matter too, so treat this as a starting point.
Why sleep position matters
The goal of any mattress is to keep your spine in a comfortable, natural line while you sleep. Each position puts pressure on different parts of the body, so the right amount of softness on top and support underneath changes depending on how you lie.
Side sleepers
When you sleep on your side, your shoulder and hip carry most of your weight. Many side sleepers find that a mattress with a softer comfort layer lets those points sink in a little, so the spine stays straighter and there is less pressure.
Things to look for: pillow tops, euro tops and memory foam comfort layers. Examples from our range (queen prices):
- Sleep In Spine Comfort Hybrid Mattress in the Plush feel: $470.99 (the Firm feel is the same price)
- Dreamtime Aagean Series Pillow Top Pocket Coil Mattress, with a 2" body impression plush foam pillow top: $525.99
- Alora Berlin 3" Euro Pillowtop Coil Mattress: $320.99
- Alora Hazel Two-Sided Memory Foam Mattress, with a memory foam top on one side and a high density quilted top on the other: $535.99
See the plush mattresses collection.
Back sleepers
Lying on your back spreads your weight more evenly. A common guideline is that back sleepers want enough support to stop the lower back and hips from dipping, with a little cushioning on top. That often means a medium or medium-firm feel.
Examples (queen prices):
- Nora Hybrid Mattress: 6/10 on the manufacturer's firmness meter, 850 pocket coils in queen, $450.00
- Parkview Hybrid Mattress: 6/10 on the manufacturer's firmness meter, $400.00
- Spinopedic Pocket Coil Mattress: 6/10 on the manufacturer's firmness meter, $500.00
- Dreamtime Dream Classic Euro Top Pocket Coil Mattress (Bed in a Box): described as a medium to firm feeling, $390.99
If you sleep on your back and like a hard surface, the manufacturer describes the Alora Hard Foam Mattress (Extra Firm) as ideal for back sleepers who prefer a hard sleeping surface ($340.99 in queen).
Browse medium mattresses.
Stomach sleepers
Sleeping on your stomach puts more weight through the middle of the body. On a very soft mattress the hips can sink, which arches the lower back. That's why many stomach sleepers choose a firmer mattress.
Examples (queen prices):
- Sleep In Premium Spring Free Firm Foam Mattress, with a firm foam core and no springs: $294.99
- Alora Hard Foam Mattress (Extra Firm), with an extra hard high density foam base: $340.99
- Sleep In Spine Comfort Hybrid Mattress in the Firm feel: $470.99
Browse firm mattresses.
Combination sleepers
If you change positions through the night, a medium feel is a common middle ground. It's soft enough for side sleeping and supportive enough on your back. A few of our hybrids are rated 5/10 on the manufacturer's firmness meter, including the Hybrid Ice Mattress ($375.00 queen), the Snow Hybrid Mattress ($550.00 queen) and the Revive Hybrid Mattress ($630.00 queen). Pocket coil hybrids also help limit motion transfer if you share the bed with a partner who moves around.
Other things to think about
- Body weight. Many heavier people find a mattress feels softer than its label, and many lighter people find it feels firmer.
- Sleeping hot. Some of our mattresses list cooling fabric or cooling technology on the product page, such as the Hybrid Ice and Revive.
- Size. Choose the size first. Our mattress sizes guide shows the standard Canadian dimensions.
- Warranty. Mattress warranties come from the manufacturer and vary by mattress. Any warranty is listed on the product page.
Choose carefully: mattresses are final sale
Mattresses are final sale under our returns policy, and we don't offer a sleep trial. Before you order, read the product details and call us at 437-995-4507 if you'd like help comparing mattresses. You can cancel or change your order free of charge within 24 hours.
Quick answers
What mattress firmness is best for side sleepers?
Many side sleepers prefer a plush or medium feel, often with a pillow top, euro top or memory foam layer to cushion the shoulders and hips.
Should back sleepers get a firm mattress?
Not always. A medium to medium-firm feel is a common choice. Some back sleepers simply prefer a firm or extra firm surface.
What do stomach sleepers need?
Usually a firmer mattress, so the hips don't sink and arch the lower back.
Can I try the mattress before buying?
We are an online store and mattresses are final sale, so check each mattress's details carefully or call us with questions before ordering.
Shop all mattresses, or read plush vs medium vs firm explained.