Quick Answer: The main mattress types are innerspring, hybrid, memory foam, latex and air. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses suit most Canadians well, with hybrids being the most versatile option for couples, combination sleepers and those who want pressure relief without the heat retention of foam. Latex is excellent for those who want a natural option. Memory foam suits still sleepers who need deep pressure relief. The right type depends on sleep position, body weight, temperature preferences and budget.
In This Guide
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Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses use a steel coil support system as their primary structure. They've been the dominant mattress type for most of the 20th century, and while hybrids have grown in popularity, innersprings remain a significant portion of the Canadian mattress market.
Types of Innerspring Coil Systems
Bonnell coils are the original hourglass-shaped coils, tied together with wire. They're the most affordable coil system and the most durable in terms of raw structure. The interconnected design means motion transfers easily across the sleep surface, which matters for couples. The Restonic ComfortCare line uses a Bonnell-derivative system (offset coils) in some configurations.
Continuous coils (LFK/S-wire) are formed from a single piece of wire in an S-shape, providing even support. Similar feel to Bonnell, similar motion transfer characteristics.
Pocketed coils (individually wrapped coils) are the key innovation. Each coil is encased in its own fabric pocket, so coils compress independently rather than as a connected system. This dramatically reduces motion transfer and allows better contouring to body shape. Pocketed coil systems are used in premium innerspring and hybrid mattresses.
Pros: Good airflow, durable, responsive feel, bouncy, easy to get in and out of
Cons: Less pressure relief than foam or latex, traditional interconnected coil systems transfer motion, may develop noise over time
Best for: Hot sleepers, stomach sleepers, people who find memory foam "stuck" feeling, budget shoppers
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine a pocketed coil support base with one or more foam or latex comfort layers. The coil base provides support, bounce, edge support and breathability. The comfort layers provide pressure relief, contouring and temperature management (depending on materials used).
The hybrid category is the fastest-growing segment in the Canadian mattress market. It addresses the main complaints about both pure foam (heat retention, "stuck" feeling) and pure innerspring (insufficient pressure relief, motion transfer) by combining their respective strengths.
Restonic's Revive line represents the hybrid category in our Brantford showroom. The Revive Reflections ET (Queen $1,395) uses a pocketed coil base with a dual-sided design. The Revive Tiffany Rose and Jasmine (Queen $1,995) add Talalay copper latex comfort layers for enhanced pressure relief and temperature management. The flagship Revive St. Charles and Elizabeth (Queen $3,150) uses 1,188 zoned pocketed coils in a 15" profile with premium comfort layers.
Pros: Versatile for most sleepers, good pressure relief and support, better temperature regulation than all-foam, good motion isolation, edge support
Cons: Higher cost than pure innerspring, heavier than all-foam, not all "hybrids" are equal in coil and comfort layer quality
Best for: Couples, combination sleepers, hot sleepers who want pressure relief, most Canadians buying a primary bedroom mattress
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam (viscoelastic foam) was developed by NASA in the 1960s and entered the consumer mattress market in the 1990s. It's a temperature-sensitive, high-density foam that responds to body heat and weight, conforming closely to the body's shape. The "body hug" feel is distinctive and beloved by many sleepers.
Memory foam mattresses can be all-foam (multiple layers of foam from high-density base to softer comfort foam on top) or used as comfort layers in a hybrid. All-foam mattresses are typically sold compressed in a box ("bed-in-a-box") because foam can be compressed without structural damage.
The main criticism of traditional memory foam is heat retention. Dense memory foam limits airflow and retains body heat, which can make sleeping on it warm. Gel-infused memory foam, copper-infused foam and plant-based foams have been developed to address this, with mixed results. See our memory foam explainer for a deeper look.
Pros: Excellent pressure relief, deep contouring, strong motion isolation, quiet, no coil noise
Cons: Retains heat, slower response (harder to change positions), "stuck" feeling for some sleepers, off-gassing when new
Best for: Side sleepers with joint pain, people who sleep alone and don't move much, those who need maximum pressure relief, light sleepers sensitive to partner movement
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses use either natural rubber latex (tapped from rubber trees), synthetic latex (petroleum-derived), or blended latex. Natural latex is the most sought-after for its durability, breathability and natural hypoallergenic properties.
Natural Latex Types
Dunlop latex is made by pouring liquid latex into a mould and baking it. Sediment settles during processing, making Dunlop denser at the bottom. This density makes Dunlop suitable as a support core layer. It's the more affordable and slightly heavier of the two natural latex types.
Talalay latex uses a more complex process: liquid latex is poured into a vacuum-sealed mould, frozen, and then vulcanised. The result is a more consistent, lighter and more responsive material. Talalay is typically used as a comfort layer for its buoyant, springy feel. Restonic's Revive Tiffany Rose uses Talalay copper latex for exactly this purpose.
Pros: Durable (natural latex can last 15+ years), breathable, responsive, naturally hypoallergenic, no off-gassing smell, environmentally friendlier if GOLS certified
Cons: Heavier than foam, higher cost, not suitable for those with latex allergies, Dunlop can feel firm initially
Best for: Those who want a natural/eco option, people who sleep warm, those who want pressure relief without the memory foam "sink" feel, buyers who prioritise longevity
Air and Adjustable-Air Mattresses
Adjustable-air mattresses use air chambers as the primary support system, with foam or other comfort layers on top. The air pressure can be adjusted to change firmness on a dial or remote. Premium models allow each side of the bed to be independently adjusted, which is compelling for couples with different firmness preferences.
These are not inflatable camping mattresses. Quality adjustable-air systems (Sleep Number is the most well-known brand) have a real foam or fibre comfort layer and are designed as permanent sleep surfaces. They're expensive, require a pump, and need service if the air chamber develops a leak.
Pros: Adjustable firmness, each side independently adjustable (for couples), can change over time as preferences change
Cons: High cost, mechanical components can fail, pump noise, not available at all retail mattress stores
Best for: Couples with very different firmness preferences who have significant budget to allocate
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Type | Pressure Relief | Temperature | Motion Isolation | Durability | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innerspring (Bonnell) | Low-Medium | Cool | Poor | Good | $ |
| Hybrid (pocketed coil) | Medium-High | Cool-Neutral | Good | Very Good | $$-$$$ |
| Memory Foam | High | Warm | Excellent | Good | $$-$$$ |
| Natural Latex | Medium-High | Cool-Neutral | Good | Excellent | $$$-$$$$ |
| Adjustable Air | Adjustable | Varies | Good-Excellent | Good (with maintenance) | $$$$ |
How to Choose the Right Mattress Type
Rather than looking for the "best" type, match the type to your specific needs:
- You sleep hot: Innerspring, hybrid, or natural latex. Avoid memory foam.
- You need maximum pressure relief (joint pain, side sleeper): Hybrid with latex comfort layer, natural latex, or memory foam.
- You share the bed and one of you is a light sleeper: Hybrid or memory foam for motion isolation. Avoid traditional interconnected innerspring.
- You prioritise longevity and natural materials: Natural latex.
- You're on a budget: Mid-range innerspring or a lower-priced hybrid.
- You and your partner have different firmness preferences: Consider an adjustable-air system, or a split king with two different mattresses on independent bases.
Brad, Owner since 1987: "The question 'what type is best?' doesn't have a single answer, and we've learned not to give one. What we do is ask three or four questions and the right type usually becomes clear pretty quickly: how warm do you sleep, how much do you move at night, do you have any joint issues, and what's your budget. From there the choice narrows to one or two options and we go from there."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular mattress type in Canada?
Hybrid mattresses have become the most popular premium segment in Canada over the past decade, while innerspring remains the most common in the mid-to-budget range. Memory foam had strong growth in the 2010s through the bed-in-a-box market, but heat retention concerns have shifted many buyers toward hybrids.
Is a hybrid mattress worth the extra cost over innerspring?
For most buyers, yes. A pocketed-coil hybrid provides meaningfully better pressure relief and motion isolation than a traditional innerspring at a cost difference that's often $300-500 at the mid-range. If you sleep with a partner, share significant movement, or have joint sensitivity, the difference in sleep quality is meaningful. If you're buying for a guest room or a child's room, a quality innerspring may be sufficient.
Does memory foam sleep hot?
Traditional high-density memory foam does sleep warmer than innerspring or hybrid mattresses. The dense material limits airflow and retains body heat. Gel-infused and plant-based memory foams reduce this somewhat but don't eliminate it. If you sleep warm, a hybrid with a foam or latex comfort layer sleeps cooler than an all-foam mattress while still providing good pressure relief.
How long does each mattress type last?
Natural latex is the most durable, with a lifespan of 15+ years. Quality hybrids and innersprings typically last 8-12 years. Memory foam lasts 7-10 years before developing significant body impressions. These ranges assume proper support (appropriate base), use of a mattress protector, and regular rotation where applicable.
What's the difference between natural and synthetic latex?
Natural latex is derived from rubber tree sap and is durable, breathable and biodegradable. Synthetic latex (styrene-butadiene rubber) is petroleum-derived and tends to be less durable and more prone to off-gassing. Blended latex contains both. If natural content matters to you, look for GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certification, which requires 95% certified organic raw material.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
We carry innerspring, hybrid and latex options in our Brantford showroom. The best way to understand the difference is to lie on each type. Come in and we'll walk you through what we carry and what would suit you best based on how you sleep.
Related Reading
- Memory Foam Mattress Explained: Pros, Cons and What to Know
- Mattress Certifications Explained: CertiPUR-US, GOLS, GOTS
- Best Cooling Mattress for Hot Sleepers in Canada
- Mattress Buying Guide: Warranties, Trials and Negotiating Prices
- Bed-in-a-Box Mattresses: What to Know Before Buying in Canada
Sources
- BedTimes Magazine. (2024). Canadian mattress market segment overview. bedtimesmagazine.com
- Consumer Reports. (2023). Mattress types and buying guide. consumerreports.org
- CertiPUR-US. (2024). Foam types and certification overview. certipur.us
- Control Union Certifications. (2024). Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) overview. controlunion.com
- Jacobson, B.H., et al. (2010). Grouped comparisons of sleep quality for new and personal bedding systems. Applied Ergonomics, 42(1), 2–7.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available, wheelchair accessible. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle — 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.