Quick Answer: Both are Canadian all-foam mattresses, but the similarities end at the surface. Novosbed uses premium foam densities up to 5.0 lb/ft³ and offers three firmness options for $999. Silk & Snow uses 2.5 lb/ft³ foam in a single firmness for $800. Research in the Journal of Sleep Research found that foam density directly correlates with mattress longevity and consistent support, making this $199 gap more significant than it appears.
- Choose Novosbed if you know your firmness preference and want premium foam that lasts longer
- Choose Silk & Snow if you want a solid memory foam experience at the lowest price
- Test firmness in person because soft, medium, and firm feel very different at this density
7 min read
The Foam Quality Gap
This is an all-foam vs all-foam comparison, but the foam quality is not in the same league. Novosbed publishes their densities: comfort layers from 3.7 to 5.0 lb/ft³, transition layers from 2.5 to 4.0 lb/ft³. These are premium-grade numbers typically found in mattresses costing $1,500 or more.
Silk & Snow's comfort layer is 2.5 lb/ft³, which is medium-density. Decent for the price, but it will compress and develop body impressions faster than higher-density foam. The transition and support layers are 1.8 lb/ft³, which is on the lower end of medium.
In practical terms, this density gap means the Novosbed should maintain its comfort and support for 7 to 10 years, while the Silk & Snow is estimated at 5 to 7 years. If you divide cost by expected years, the Novosbed's annual cost ($999 over 8.5 years = $118/year) is comparable to the Silk & Snow's ($800 over 6 years = $133/year). The premium mattress may actually cost less per year of use.
One Firmness vs Three: The Novosbed Advantage
Silk & Snow sells one mattress at one firmness: approximately 6.0/10, on the softer end of medium-firm. It is a comfortable mattress for side sleepers and average-weight back sleepers, but it gives you no choice if that firmness does not suit your body.
Novosbed offers Soft, Medium, and Firm across the same 11-inch platform. Side sleepers can choose Soft for maximum pressure relief. Back sleepers can choose Medium. Stomach sleepers and heavier individuals can choose Firm. Each uses different foam density and ILD configurations optimized for that specific feel.
A study published in the Journal of Sleep Research examined how mismatched mattress firmness affects sleep architecture. Participants sleeping on mattresses too firm for their body type showed increased sleep fragmentation and more time in lighter sleep stages. Those on mattresses too soft showed increased lower back pressure. The researchers concluded that individualized firmness selection based on body weight and sleep position significantly improves objective sleep quality measures.
Having three firmness options means you can match the mattress to your body. Having one firmness means your body adapts to the mattress, which may or may not work well.
Full Specifications
| Feature | Novosbed | Silk & Snow |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Price | $999 | $800 |
| Height | 11" | 10" |
| Firmness Options | 3 (Soft, Medium, Firm) | 1 (6.0/10) |
| Comfort Foam Density | 3.7-5.0 lb/ft³ | 2.5 lb/ft³ |
| Cover | Tencel fibre, washable | Anti-microbial silver, washable |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 365 nights |
| Warranty | 15 years | 15 years (prorated after 10) |
| Expected Lifespan | 7-10 years | 5-7 years |
| Parent Company | GoodMorning.com (independent) | Sleep Country Canada |
| In-Store Testing | No | Some Sleep Country stores |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US | CertiPUR-US |
Is $199 More Worth It?
For $199 more, Novosbed gives you:
- Three firmness options instead of one
- Premium foam density up to double the Silk & Snow's (5.0 vs 2.5 lb/ft³)
- An extra inch of mattress height
- A Tencel fibre cover (moisture-wicking, sustainably sourced)
- An estimated 2 to 3 additional years of lifespan
- Five more years of full warranty coverage (no prorating)
In exchange, you give up 245 nights of trial period (120 vs 365) and the possibility of trying it at a Sleep Country store. If those trade-offs concern you, the Silk & Snow's 365-night trial gives you an entire year to decide.
Our honest take: if you know your firmness preference (and after lying on a few mattresses in a store, most people do), the Novosbed is the smarter long-term investment. If you are new to mattress shopping and want maximum flexibility to change your mind, the Silk & Snow's longer trial and lower price reduce your risk.
Independent vs Corporate
Novosbed is made by GoodMorning.com, a family-founded independent company from Edmonton. They also produce Douglas, Logan & Cove, and Octave. Their pricing is transparent, with no promotional gimmicks or rotating "sale" events.
Silk & Snow operates under Sleep Country Canada, the largest mattress retailer in the country. Being part of a larger company means broader retail distribution and marketing reach, but it also means the product competes internally with Endy and Casper, two other Sleep Country brands.
Neither ownership structure makes the mattress better or worse. But if supporting independently owned Canadian businesses matters to you, it is worth knowing where your money goes.
Practical Guidance
At Mattress Miracle, we often see customers comparing these two brands because they represent the sweet spot of Canadian bed-in-a-box pricing: under $1,000, decent quality, free shipping. Our advice is always the same: know your firmness before you order.
The biggest risk with either purchase is getting the wrong firmness level. With Novosbed, you can mitigate this by choosing from three options. With Silk & Snow, you get what you get. Either way, spending 15 minutes lying on soft, medium, and medium-firm mattresses in our showroom will give you a clear reference point that makes your online purchase much more confident.
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing chronic pain, sleep disorders, or other health conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. Your family doctor, chiropractor, or physiotherapist can provide guidance specific to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mattress has denser foam, Novosbed or Silk & Snow?
Novosbed, by a significant margin. Novosbed's comfort layers range from 3.7 to 5.0 lb/ft³, which is in the premium density category. Silk & Snow's comfort layer is 2.5 lb/ft³, which is medium density. Higher density foam resists body impressions better and lasts longer, which is why the Novosbed has a longer expected lifespan.
Is the Silk & Snow good enough for the price?
Yes. At $800 for a queen, the Silk & Snow is a competent memory foam mattress with a machine-washable anti-microbial cover, a 365-night trial, and free shipping. Its foam density is typical for the price range, and it will serve most average-weight sleepers well for 5 to 7 years. It is not premium, but it is good value.
Can I choose firmness with the Silk & Snow?
Not with the original all-foam model. Silk & Snow does offer a Hybrid model with three firmness options (firm, medium-firm, plush) at a higher price starting around $950 for a queen. If firmness choice is important to you, the Silk & Snow Hybrid or the Novosbed both offer that flexibility.
Which mattress is better for side sleepers?
Both can work well for side sleepers. The Silk & Snow's 6.0/10 firmness provides good contouring at the shoulders and hips. If you choose the Novosbed Soft, you will get even more contouring with higher-density foam that maintains that softness longer. For side sleepers under 150 lbs, either mattress in a soft or medium configuration works well.
Does the Novosbed still offer the Comfort+ adjustment kit?
No. The Comfort+ kit was discontinued in April 2023. You now need to select your preferred firmness (Soft, Medium, or Firm) at the time of purchase. This makes knowing your firmness preference before ordering more important than ever. Visit a mattress store to test firmness levels in person if you are unsure.
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Know Your Firmness Before You Order
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come test soft, medium, and firm so you order with confidence.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Sources
- Kovacs FM, Abraira V, Pena A, et al. Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain: randomised, double-blind, controlled, multicentre trial. The Lancet. 2003;362(9396):1599-1604.
- Radwan A, Fess P, James D, et al. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment. Sleep Health. 2015;1(4):257-267.
- Caggiari G, Talesa GR, Toro G, et al. What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. 2021;22(1):51.
- CertiPUR-US. What is Certified Foam? Consumer standards for foam emissions and chemistry.