Quick Answer: Snowdown and Silk and Snow are both Canadian mattress brands with different buying experiences. Snowdown offers factory-direct pricing from $99 to $1,549 with 37 models to try in their Scarborough showroom, while Silk and Snow sells online starting around $800 with a 100-night trial. Snowdown wins on variety and price; Silk and Snow wins on convenience and trial flexibility.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 12 minutes
If you are shopping for a mattress in Canada and want to buy Canadian-made, Snowdown and Silk and Snow are two names that come up often. They represent very different approaches to selling mattresses, and understanding those differences helps you figure out which one actually fits your needs.
Snowdown is a mattress factory in Scarborough, Ontario that sells direct from their manufacturing floor. Silk and Snow is a direct-to-consumer online brand that ships compressed mattresses across Canada. Same country of origin, completely different buying experiences.
We have fielded questions about both brands at our Brantford showroom over the years. This comparison lays out the honest differences so you can decide which approach suits you better.
Brand Overview: Two Canadian Mattress Makers
Before diving into specifics, it helps to understand what each brand actually is and how they operate.
Snowdown Mattress Factory
Snowdown operates out of 10 Melford Drive #12, Scarborough, Ontario. They are a mattress manufacturer with a factory-showroom model, meaning they make the mattresses on site and sell them from the same location. This eliminates the retail middleman and allows them to offer lower prices than traditional mattress stores.
Snowdown at a Glance
- Location: 10 Melford Drive #12, Scarborough, ON M1B 2G1
- Phone: (416) 291-7981
- Models: 37 mattresses, ranging from basic foam to premium pocket coil
- Price range: $99 to $1,549
- Buying model: Factory showroom (try before you buy) plus phone/email orders
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Made in: Canada (manufactured in the Scarborough facility)
Silk and Snow
Silk and Snow is a Canadian direct-to-consumer mattress brand based in Ontario. They sell primarily online through their website, with mattresses shipped compressed in boxes across Canada. They have expanded their product line to include sheets, pillows, and bed frames alongside their core mattress offerings.
Silk and Snow at a Glance
- Headquarters: Ontario, Canada
- Website: silkandsnow.com
- Core models: 3-4 mattresses (Hybrid, Organic, Original, custom options)
- Price range: Approximately $800 to $1,600 for queen sizes
- Buying model: Online with 100-night trial
- Shipping: Free across Canada (compressed in box)
- Made in: Canada
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Construction and Materials Compared
The mattresses themselves are built quite differently, reflecting each brand's manufacturing approach and price positioning.
Snowdown Construction
Snowdown's lineup spans the full construction spectrum because they manufacture everything in-house. Their key models include:
| Model | Type | Height | Coils | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Sleep | Pocket Coil | 9" | 416 | $275-$525 |
| Evelyn Pocket Coil | 7-Zone Pocket Coil | 12" | 972 | $399-$825 |
| Linda Pocket Coil Firm | Pocket Coil | 12" | 972 | $499-$879 |
| Luxury Canadian Made | Pocket Coil + Pillow Top | 13" | 527 | $399-$789 |
| Royal Series 1 | Memory Foam | 9" | N/A | $789-$1,549 |
| Royal Comfort Royal | Premium Pocket Coil | 14" | 1,188 | From $598 |
The variety is Snowdown's biggest advantage. With 37 models, they cover every firmness level, construction type, and price point. Whether you want a basic foam for a guest room or a premium pocket coil for your primary bed, they have options.
Silk and Snow Construction
Silk and Snow takes the opposite approach: a focused lineup of a few well-engineered mattresses. Their primary models include:
Silk and Snow Hybrid: Combines individually pocketed coils with a foam comfort layer and a cooling gel memory foam layer. The hybrid design offers a balance of support and pressure relief. Available in standard Canadian sizes.
Silk and Snow Organic: Uses organic latex, organic cotton, and organic wool in the comfort layers with a pocketed coil support core. This is their premium offering targeted at eco-conscious buyers.
Silk and Snow Original: A multi-layer foam mattress that ships compressed. Uses a combination of support foam and comfort foam layers.
Silk and Snow also offers custom sizing, which is relevant for RV owners or anyone with a non-standard bed frame.
Pocketed Coils vs Foam: What the Research Says
A 2015 study published in Sleep Health compared mattress designs and found that both coil and foam constructions can promote good sleep quality and spinal alignment when matched to the sleeper's body type and preferences. The key factor was not the construction type itself but the appropriate firmness level and pressure distribution for the individual. This means neither Snowdown's variety of coil options nor Silk and Snow's curated foam-and-hybrid designs is inherently superior; the right choice depends on your body and sleeping style.
Pricing Comparison
Pricing is where these two brands diverge most dramatically. Their business models create fundamentally different price structures.
The Factory-Direct Advantage
Snowdown's factory-showroom model eliminates the costs that drive up mattress prices in traditional retail: warehouse rent, showroom overhead, retail staff commissions, and marketing budgets. A mattress that costs Snowdown $200 to manufacture sells for $399 to $500 at their factory, while a comparable mattress from a brand with retail distribution might sell for $800 to $1,200.
The result is pricing that undercuts most competitors significantly at every tier:
| Category | Snowdown | Silk and Snow | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry foam mattress (Queen) | $150-$250 | ~$800 | Snowdown 60-70% less |
| Mid-range pocket coil (Queen) | $399-$600 | ~$1,000 (Hybrid) | Snowdown 40-60% less |
| Premium pocket coil (Queen) | $598-$825 | ~$1,200-$1,600 (Organic) | Snowdown 30-50% less |
| Custom RV sizing | Available (add $50-$150) | Available (add varies) | Both offer custom |
What You Pay More For with Silk and Snow
Silk and Snow's higher prices are not pure markup. Their pricing includes costs that Snowdown does not absorb:
- Free shipping across Canada: Snowdown requires pickup or you arrange your own shipping
- 100-night trial: Snowdown has a more limited return window
- Free returns: If you do not like it, Silk and Snow picks it up at no charge
- Marketing and brand building: Their online presence, reviews, and brand recognition cost money to build
- Compressed packaging: The mattress-in-a-box format requires specialized compression and packaging equipment
Whether those extras are worth the price difference depends on your priorities. If you value trying before buying and want the lowest possible price, Snowdown wins. If you value the convenience of home delivery with a risk-free trial, Silk and Snow justifies its premium.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "Price is not the only way to compare mattresses. A $400 factory mattress you can try in person might be a better buy than an $800 online mattress you are guessing on. But that $800 online mattress with a 100-night trial might be a better option for someone three provinces away from the factory. It depends on your situation."
Buying Experience: Showroom vs Online
The buying experience is where these two brands could not be more different, and for many shoppers, this is the deciding factor.
Snowdown: The Factory Showroom Experience
Visiting Snowdown means walking through an actual mattress factory. You can see the materials, talk to the people who make the mattresses, and try every model on their showroom floor. For someone who wants to feel what they are buying before spending money, this is invaluable.
The trade-offs:
- Location-dependent: If you do not live near Scarborough, visiting the showroom means a dedicated trip. From Brantford, that is about 90 minutes each way.
- Limited hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. No weekend hours, which means working professionals may need to take time off.
- Delivery is your responsibility: Snowdown does not offer white glove delivery the way traditional retailers do. You pick up from the factory or arrange shipping yourself.
- No online store: You cannot browse models and prices on a website the way you can with Silk and Snow. You need to call or visit.
Silk and Snow: The Online Experience
Silk and Snow is built for online buying. Their website provides detailed product information, comparison tools, customer reviews, and a straightforward checkout process. The mattress arrives at your door in a box within a few business days.
The trade-offs:
- You cannot try it first: The 100-night trial mitigates this, but you are still making an initial decision based on descriptions and reviews rather than physical testing.
- Limited selection: Three or four mattress models versus 37 at Snowdown. If none of their options suit you, there is no alternative within the brand.
- Returns require patience: If you return during the trial period, you need to wait for pickup, then wait for a refund. The process works, but it takes time.
- Self-setup: The mattress arrives in a box. You unbox it, place it on your bed frame, and let it expand. No professional setup or old mattress removal unless you arrange it separately.
Comfort and Support Comparison
Comparing comfort between these brands is tricky because Snowdown has 37 models while Silk and Snow has a focused few. We can compare at the category level.
For Back Pain
If you are dealing with back pain, Snowdown's advantage is variety. Their Linda Pocket Coil Firm offers targeted lumbar support, while softer options like the Luxury Canadian Made provide pressure relief. You can try multiple firmness levels in the showroom to find what works for your specific back issue.
Silk and Snow's Hybrid is positioned as a medium-firm mattress designed for broad comfort. If medium-firm happens to be what your back needs, it works well. If you need something firmer or softer, your options within the brand are limited.
For Hot Sleepers
Both brands offer options for people who sleep hot. Snowdown's pocket coil mattresses naturally sleep cooler because air circulates through the coil layer. Silk and Snow's Hybrid also uses coils for airflow, and their foam layers include cooling gel.
For maximum cooling on a budget, Snowdown's pocket coil options in the $400 to $600 range deliver excellent temperature regulation at a lower price point than Silk and Snow's cooling-focused models.
For Couples
Motion isolation is important for couples, and both brands address this with pocket coil construction. Individually wrapped coils reduce motion transfer, meaning one partner can move without disturbing the other. Silk and Snow specifically markets their Hybrid's motion isolation properties, while Snowdown's 7-zone Evelyn model also performs well for couples due to its higher coil count (972 coils).
The Firmness Factor
Research published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that medium-firm mattresses reduced back pain and improved sleep quality more effectively than both firm and soft mattresses. Both Snowdown and Silk and Snow offer medium-firm options, but Snowdown's larger selection gives back pain sufferers more room to fine-tune their firmness preference through in-person testing.
For Heavier Individuals
Sleepers over 230 pounds need more support than average. Snowdown's Royal Comfort Royal (14 inches, 1,188 coils) provides the deep support and durability that heavier individuals need. At the $598+ price point for a queen, it is significantly more affordable than comparable support from Silk and Snow's lineup.
Silk and Snow's Hybrid offers adequate support for average-weight individuals but may not provide sufficient support longevity for heavier sleepers over several years.
Warranty and Returns
Understanding each brand's policies helps you assess long-term value and risk.
Snowdown Warranty and Returns
Snowdown offers manufacturer warranties on their products, though the specific terms vary by model. As a factory-direct operation, warranty claims are handled directly with the manufacturer, which can be simpler than going through a retailer. However, returns are more limited than Silk and Snow's trial model, as factory-direct sellers typically do not offer extended trial periods.
For details on Snowdown's warranty policies, contact them directly or check our dedicated guide.
Silk and Snow Warranty and Returns
Silk and Snow offers a 100-night trial on their mattresses. During this period, you can sleep on the mattress and return it for a full refund if you are not satisfied. They arrange pickup at no charge.
After the trial period, their warranty covers manufacturing defects for a specified period (typically 15 years on their Hybrid). The warranty covers issues like sagging beyond a certain depth but does not cover normal wear, comfort preference changes, or damage from improper use.
| Policy | Snowdown | Silk and Snow |
|---|---|---|
| Trial period | Limited (factory-direct) | 100 nights |
| Return process | Contact factory directly | Free pickup arranged by S&S |
| Warranty length | Varies by model | 15 years (Hybrid) |
| Warranty claims | Direct with manufacturer | Through website/customer service |
| Try before buying | Yes (showroom) | No (trial period instead) |
Who Should Choose Which
After weighing all the factors, here is our honest recommendation for different buyer profiles.
Choose Snowdown If
Snowdown Is the Better Choice When
- Budget is a priority: Snowdown's factory-direct pricing is 30 to 70 percent less than Silk and Snow for comparable construction quality
- You live in the GTA or nearby: The Scarborough factory is accessible for try-before-you-buy shopping and free pickup
- You want variety: 37 models means you can find exactly the right firmness, construction, and price point
- You are a heavier individual: Snowdown's premium pocket coil options offer better support for heavier body types at lower prices
- You need custom or RV sizing: Factory manufacturing means custom cuts are straightforward and affordable
- You prefer trying before buying: The showroom experience lets you test mattresses side by side
Choose Silk and Snow If
Silk and Snow Is the Better Choice When
- You live far from Ontario's GTA: Free shipping across Canada means location does not matter
- You value a risk-free trial: 100 nights to test the mattress in your own home is the ultimate comfort guarantee
- You prefer online shopping: Detailed website, reviews, and seamless checkout without visiting a showroom
- You want organic materials: Their Organic mattress uses certified organic latex, cotton, and wool that Snowdown does not offer
- Convenience is your top priority: Delivered to your door, free returns if you do not like it, no trips to a factory
- You are an average-weight, average-firmness sleeper: Silk and Snow's curated lineup targets the broadest comfort range
Or Consider a Third Option
If neither brand feels like the right fit, independent mattress retailers like Mattress Miracle offer a middle ground. You get the in-person shopping experience with brands like Restonic, Sleep In, and plus white glove delivery that includes setup and old mattress removal. Our Restonic ComfortCare Queen at $1,619 with 1,222 individually wrapped coils offers strong competition in the mid-range against both Snowdown and Silk and Snow.
Shopping Options Near Brantford
Brantford residents have access to all three shopping approaches. Snowdown's Scarborough factory is about 90 minutes east via the 403 and QEW. Silk and Snow ships to Brantford addresses with typical delivery in 3-5 business days. And Mattress Miracle's showroom at 441 1/2 West Street lets you try mattresses from established brands with local delivery and service. The choice comes down to whether you prioritize price (Snowdown), convenience (Silk and Snow), or personal service with white glove delivery (Mattress Miracle).
Shop This Topic at Mattress Miracle
From our premium Miracle Sleep Collection:
Or Miracle Sleep Collection in our Brantford showroom.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Is Snowdown cheaper than Silk and Snow?
Yes, significantly. Snowdown's factory-direct model eliminates retail markup, resulting in prices that are 30 to 70 percent lower than Silk and Snow for comparable construction. A Snowdown pocket coil queen in the $400 to $600 range offers similar construction quality to Silk and Snow models priced at $1,000 to $1,200.
Can I try a Silk and Snow mattress before buying?
Not in the traditional sense. Silk and Snow does not have permanent showrooms where you can try their mattresses. However, their 100-night trial allows you to sleep on the mattress at home and return it for free if you are not satisfied. This is their version of try-before-you-commit.
Are both brands genuinely made in Canada?
Yes. Snowdown manufactures all their mattresses at their factory in Scarborough, Ontario. Silk and Snow produces their mattresses in Canada as well. Both brands are genuinely Canadian-made, though their manufacturing approaches differ: Snowdown is a traditional factory, while Silk and Snow uses contract manufacturing partners.
Which brand is better for back pain?
Snowdown has the advantage for back pain because their 37-model lineup includes multiple firmness options you can test in person. Finding the right firmness for your specific back issue is easier when you can try 10 or 15 mattresses in a single visit. Silk and Snow's more limited selection means you are relying on their firmness descriptions rather than personal testing.
Does Mattress Miracle sell Snowdown or Silk and Snow mattresses?
Mattress Miracle carries its own curated selection of brands including Restonic, Sleep In,. We do not sell Snowdown or Silk and Snow directly, but we can help you compare their offerings against what we carry in our showroom. Visit us at 441 1/2 West Street in Brantford or call (519) 770-0001.
Sources
- Radwan, A., et al. (2015). Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain. Sleep Health, 1(4), 257-267. doi.org/10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
- Jacobson, B.H., et al. (2008). Effect of prescribed sleep surfaces on back pain and sleep quality in patients with low back pain. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 7(1), 1-8.
- Defloor, T. (2000). The effect of position and mattress on interface pressure. Applied Nursing Research, 13(1), 2-11. doi.org/10.1016/S0897-1897(00)80013-0
- Okamoto-Mizuno, K., & Mizuno, K. (2012). Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 31(1), 14. doi.org/10.1186/1880-6805-31-14
- Lopez-Torres, M., et al. (2008). Objective firmness, average pressure and subjective perception in mattresses for the elderly. Applied Ergonomics, 39(1), 123-130.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. 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.