Your Guide to Finding
A More Comfortable Bed.

You spend more than a third of your life in bed. The right mattress can transform your sleep, your mornings, and your health — here is how to find it.

A comfortable bed — mattress buying guide from National Mattress

Better Sleep Starts with the Right Mattress

Most of us spend more than one-third of our lives in bed. At National Mattress, our mission is simple: end the guesswork and the high-pressure sales tactics so you can sleep better — tonight and for years to come.

Whether your current mattress is past its prime or you are shopping for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know — from the warning signs that it is time for a change to the key features that actually matter when choosing a new bed.

Is Your Current Mattress Hurting Your Sleep?

A mattress does not fail all at once — it declines gradually, and you adapt without realising it. If any of these signs sound familiar, your mattress may be working against you rather than for you.

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Worse Sleep Than a Year Ago?

Difficulty falling asleep or frequent wake-ups are classic signals of a worn-out sleep surface. If your sleep has declined without another explanation, the mattress is the most likely culprit.

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Morning Aches or Stiffness?

When a mattress loses its contouring ability, it no longer supports natural spinal alignment. The result is pressure points that cause back pain, neck stiffness, and sore hips — especially for side sleepers.

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Waking Up Exhausted or Irritable?

Poor pressure relief can keep you cycling through light sleep stages instead of reaching the deep, restorative sleep your body needs. You clock the hours but never feel rested.

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Best Sleep Is Somewhere Else?

If you sleep better at a hotel or at a friend's house, that is a clear sign your own mattress is the problem. Hotels often use newer, higher-quality beds — showing exactly what an upgrade can feel like.

Of Your Life Spent in Bed
7–10
Years — Average Mattress Lifespan
365
Night Risk-Free Sleep Trial

Mattress Basics: What to Know Before You Buy

With so many options available, it helps to understand the key features that actually make a difference in how a mattress feels and how long it lasts. Here are the five things worth paying attention to.

1

Materials

Memory foam, latex, pocket coils, and hybrid designs each feel different and regulate heat uniquely. Memory foam contours closely, latex is more responsive and naturally cooling, pocket coils offer strong airflow and bounce, and hybrids combine the best of both worlds. The right material depends on your sleep preferences and temperature needs.

2

Firmness Level

From plush to extra-firm, your ideal firmness depends on how you sleep. Side sleepers often prefer medium to medium-plush, which cushions the shoulders and hips. Back and stomach sleepers typically do best with medium-firm to firm, which prevents the hips from sinking and keeps the spine in a neutral position.

3

Support System

The support core is what keeps your spine aligned. Zoned coil systems target specific areas — firmer under the hips, softer under the shoulders — to eliminate pressure points. High-density foam cores provide consistent full-body support. The right support system reduces tossing and turning and helps you reach deep sleep faster.

4

Motion Isolation

Essential for couples. If your partner's movements wake you up, look for individually wrapped coils or advanced memory foams that absorb motion rather than transferring it across the bed. This lets both sleepers stay in their own sleep zones undisturbed.

5

Trial Period and Warranty

A mattress feels different after a few weeks than it does in the first five minutes. That is why a 365-night comfort trial matters — it gives your body time to fully adjust. A manufacturer warranty of at least 10 years protects your investment against defects. At National Mattress, you get both.

"The best mattress is not the most expensive one — it is the one that matches your body, your sleep position, and your budget. Our job is to help you find it without pressure or upselling."

— The National Mattress Team

Mattress Types at a Glance

Not sure which type of mattress is right for you? This comparison covers the most popular options we carry and what each one does best.

Mattress TypeBest ForKey Benefit
Memory FoamSide sleepers, pressure relief, motion isolation Close contouring that cradles shoulders and hips
LatexHot sleepers, eco-conscious buyers, responsive feel Naturally cooling with a buoyant, springy surface
Pocket CoilBack sleepers, combination sleepers, breathability Excellent airflow and strong edge-to-edge support
HybridAll sleep positions, couples, balanced comfort Combines foam contouring with coil support and cooling
Firm / OrthopaedicStomach sleepers, back pain, heavier body types Maximum spinal support with minimal sinkage

Why Shop National Mattress?

Finding the right mattress should not involve high-pressure sales tactics, confusing jargon, or inflated prices. At National Mattress, we have built our business on doing things differently — and it is why customers keep coming back and referring their friends.

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No-Commission Sleep Experts

Our team earns the same whether you choose a $399 mattress or a $3,999 one. Their only goal is finding you the right bed — not the most expensive one. Learn more about our approach.

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Try Before You Buy

Test every firmness level and mattress type at any of our showroom locations. There is no substitute for lying down and feeling the difference in person.

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Fast and Free Delivery

Most orders ship within 24 hours with free express delivery in Ontario (flat-rate courier elsewhere). We handle the logistics so you can start sleeping better as soon as possible.

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365-Night Risk-Free Trial

Sleep on your new mattress for up to 365 nights. If it is not the right fit, we will pick it up and give you a full refund. No hassle, no risk.

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Price Match Guarantee

Found the same mattress for less somewhere else? We will beat that price by 10%. You should never have to pay more for the same bed.

Giving Back with Every Sale

A portion of every purchase funds bed kits for children in need through Sleeping Children Around the World. Your comfort creates opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when it is time to replace my mattress?
Most mattresses last between 7 and 10 years, depending on the materials and how well they have been maintained. If you are waking up with aches, sleeping worse than you used to, or your mattress has visible sagging or indentations, it is likely time for a replacement. A simple test: if you consistently sleep better in a hotel or at someone else's house, your mattress is the problem.
What firmness level should I choose?
Your ideal firmness depends primarily on your sleep position. Side sleepers generally do best with medium to medium-plush, which cushions the shoulders and hips. Back sleepers typically prefer medium-firm for balanced support. Stomach sleepers usually need a firmer surface to keep the hips from sinking. Body weight also plays a role — heavier sleepers often benefit from a slightly firmer mattress. Our non-commissioned sleep experts can help you find the right match.
What is the difference between memory foam and a hybrid mattress?
Memory foam mattresses use layers of foam throughout — providing close body contouring, excellent motion isolation, and pressure relief. Hybrid mattresses combine a foam comfort layer on top with a pocket coil support core underneath, offering the contouring benefits of foam with the airflow, bounce, and edge support of coils. If you sleep hot or like a more responsive feel, a hybrid is often the better choice.
How does the 365-night sleep trial work?
When you purchase a mattress from National Mattress, you have up to 365 nights to sleep on it at home. We recommend giving your body at least 30 nights to fully adjust to a new surface. If after that period you are not completely satisfied, contact our team and we will arrange a pickup and full refund. There is no risk and no hassle involved.
Do you offer free delivery?
Yes. National Mattress offers free express delivery on most orders in Ontario, with low flat-rate courier shipping across the rest of Canada. Most mattresses ship within 24 hours of purchase. For specific delivery timelines to your area, check the product page or contact our team.
Can I try a mattress in-store before buying?
Absolutely. We encourage you to visit any of our showroom locations and try as many mattresses as you like. Our non-commissioned sleep experts will help you narrow down options based on your sleep position, body type, and budget — without any pressure to buy. Take as long as you need.
What mattress type is best for couples?
Couples should prioritise motion isolation — the ability of a mattress to absorb movement so one partner does not disturb the other. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses with individually wrapped coils excel here. If you and your partner have different firmness preferences, some models offer customisable comfort on each side. Ask our team about split options.
What does the mattress warranty cover?
Manufacturer warranties typically cover defects in materials and workmanship, including excessive sagging, broken or protruding coils, and cover defects. Normal wear and tear, stains, and comfort preference changes are generally not covered. We recommend using a waterproof mattress protector from day one to keep your warranty valid. Visit our warranty page for full details.

Ready for Better Sleep?

Take our 2-minute quiz to find your ideal mattress, or visit us in-store for personalized, pressure-free guidance from our sleep experts.