Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Editor
The Douglas Original wears its Canadian origins proudly, with a red and white color scheme and a mountain range depicted across its lower edge. But how does this 10-inch-thick foam bed measure up to competitors?
After extensive tests, we gave the Douglas Original high marks in motion isolation and pressure relief. This is a bed that will hug you reassuringly throughout a rough winter! However, it didn’t perform as well in other areas, and may not be the best fit for certain kinds of sleepers (especially if you like a lot of bounce). Check out our in-depth review of this standout Canadian mattress below.
Douglas Mattress
Shoppers should appreciate the deep hug and cooling this mattress provides. The Douglas mattress is an all-foam model with cooling gels and a cooling cover.
Get a free Comfort Sleep Bundle (value up to $650!) for both L&C and Douglas brands!
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
20-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Douglas Mattress
Shoppers should appreciate the deep hug and cooling this mattress provides. The Douglas mattress is an all-foam model with cooling gels and a cooling cover.
Material
Foam
Warranty
20-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Douglas Mattress
Shoppers should appreciate the deep hug and cooling this mattress provides. The Douglas mattress is an all-foam model with cooling gels and a cooling cover.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
20-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Who We Recommend the Douglas For:
- People who like a deep hug – Sleepers should immediately sink into the top comfort foam of the Douglas Original, resulting in a deep hug that contours and provides pressure relief. Solid support should be felt from the lower base material.
- Hot sleepers – This mattress features cooling gels in the foam and an added cooling cover. This should prevent overheating despite the deep sinkage. This is great for the warmer months or if you’re prone to overheating in general.
- Canadian shoppers – Douglas proudly designs, sources, and manufactures their products by and for Canadian citizens. If you’re Canadian and want a local product, you should appreciate this quality.
Who We Don’t Recommend the Douglas For:
- Shoppers with higher weight concerns – The company recommends a weight limit of 250 pounds per person. If this is a concern, a more sturdy item may work better. Explore our picks for the best mattresses for heavy people here.
- Certain stomach sleepers – Though the Douglas should present plenty of good support, stomach sleepers carrying more weight may find their midsection dipping more into the foams, which could compromise their spinal alignment and lead to lower back discomfort.
- Innerspring fans – As an all-foam bed, the Douglas doesn’t come with an innerspring unit of coils. Though this is an advantage for some, people who love the feel of an innerspring or hybrid model may want to look at a different brand. Those looking for the traditional coil feel should take a look at our best spring mattresses list.
Customer Reviews of the Douglas Mattress
On the Douglas website, this mattress is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers praise the Douglas Original Mattress for its eco-friendly construction and excellent pressure relief, but some report that it retains more heat than preferable, especially for hot sleepers.
Testing the Douglas Mattress
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs.
We then take all the information we’ve gathered to rate the bed in specific categories. These results allow us to help our readers find the right mattress for their needs.
To learn more about our testing methodology, visit our product review process page.
Firmness & Feel
Firmness Scale: 6-7/10
Please remember that firmness is a subjective characteristic and your shape will dictate how you experience a bed. A heavier person whose weight can more easily push through softer comfort and support layers may experience a bed as softer than a lightweight person. The way you are shaped could also play a role here. Consider your weight, shape, and size when evaluating firmness scores.
We rate mattresses on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the most soft and 10 being the most firm. For the Douglas Original, we rated this mattress around a 6-7 on our Sleep Advisor firmness scale. This rating puts the Douglas in the versatile medium-firm range.
Though this firmness is highly accommodating to a majority of sleepers, it’s important to note the subjectivity of firmness since a heavier or softer person may feel this bed differently. In some cases, a medium-firm bed could be too soft for heavier stomach sleepers or even too firm for lightweight side sleepers.
How Does It Feel?
The top cover should feel cool and breathable, and the upper comfort materials should contour to the body, promoting pressure relief as shoppers sink into a deep hug. Firmer support should be noticed once the foundation layer becomes activated.
There should be some bounce, though it is somewhat muted as it comes from the firmer foundation while the upper foams dampen the bounce a little. Similarly, the upper materials may be slow to respond, but the lower base layer should reshape very quickly.
Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types
The Douglas Original has an official weight limit of 250 pounds per person (if you sleep with a partner) or 500 pounds total. While this should support most sleepers, heavier couples may need something with a higher support range.
Side Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Though the top comfort foam should provide pressure relief, the Douglas’ medium-firm feel could be too rigid for exceptionally lightweight side sleepers to activate that top layer.
- Average-Weight Sleepers – Average-weight side sleepers should be able to activate the pressure-relieving qualities of the Douglas.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – While some heavyweight side sleepers may like the softer feel of the Douglas, they run the risk of sinking too far into the top foam layers, especially since this mattress isn’t as thick as other models.
Explore the best beds for side sleepers here.
Back Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight back sleepers, especially those who want a slightly firmer feel, should find a good match with the Douglas.
- Average-Weight Sleepers – Like petite sleepers, average-weight people should get a nice balance of pressure relief and support.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – Heavyweight back sleepers who want more cushioning should do okay on this bed, but those seeking a firmer feel will need another option.
Discover the best mattresses for back sleepers.
Stomach Sleepers
- Lightweight Sleepers – Lightweight stomach sleepers may be the group best served on this bed since people who lie in this position need firmer beds.
- Average-Weight Sleepers – The Douglas should provide enough lift for most average-size people, but those closer to 200 pounds will likely want something more hard.
- Heavyweight Sleepers – The Douglas will likely not give heavier stomach sleepers the support they need to keep their hips from dipping too low into the mattress.
Browse the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Pressure Relief
4/5
As you lie on a mattress, you’ll notice your pressure points worsening or softening against the bed’s layers. The Douglas has a top foam layer designed to maximize pressure relief for sleepers. While it’s not classic memory foam, it’s made to provide those same comforting capabilities (minus the heat retention).
We think this bed should deliver good relief for most people, though those on the lower and higher weight spectrums will need to consider their sleep position to ensure they don’t comprise pressure relief on this bed.
Is the Douglas Mattress Good for Pain Relief?
Your preferred sleep position may help or hinder the amount of pain relief your mattress provides. The Douglas mattress has a pretty solid capacity for pain relief for back, side, and stomach sleepers, but the sleeper’s body weight should also be taken into consideration. For more detailed information, we break down how we think this bed could perform for specific areas of pain relief below.
Back Pain
A vital component of treating back pain is to have a mattress that supports to the spine enough to remain in a neutral alignment. For lightweight and average-weight people, the Douglas should provide adequate support, though heavier people may need a hybrid or something more rigid.
Hip Pain
Hip pain might be exaggerated if you’re on a bed that doesn’t have enough cushioning, particularly if you’re a side sleeper. The Douglas’ pressure-relieving top foam could help aid hip pain for average-weight people but lighter and heavier side sleepers may need a different option.
Shoulder Pain
Like hip pain, the wrong mattress could worsen the issue if you lie on your side. We think this bed should do okay for average-weight people who can activate the pressure-relieving top foam. However, lightweight people might find this bed too firm against their shoulders and heavier people may sink too much that they don’t feel comfortable.
Find more beds for pain relief:
Support
4/5
As with pressure relief, support is going to be a critical factor in your mattress selection. This is because a supportive mattress helps ensure that your spine stays in a healthy and neutral posture, which is necessary to keep back pain at bay.
The Douglas’ supportive layers include the 2-inch thick Premium Elastex® Foam and the 6-inch thick Motion Isolation Support Foam. Together, these units should help keep your body lifted. While this mattress should provide quality support to most people, those weighing above 230 pounds will likely find better support in a hybrid model built with coils.
Motion Isolation
5/5
All-foam items generally perform better than innerspring beds when it comes to motion control, as does this bed. Multiple layers of dense foam should do well to minimize and isolate vibrations, reducing motion transfer. We think shoppers with restless partners should be able to sleep soundly on the Douglas without noticing all of their partner’s movements as they toss and turn throughout the night.
Temperature Regulation / Cooling
4/5
Shoppers should expect good cooling from this mattress, which contains both a cooling cover and a cooling gel foam layer. The Douglas CoolSense® Cover contains Infinitex™ and is designed to wick away moisture to keep the sleeper cool and dry. In the top foam layer, gel is infused into the material to help foster a cooler sleep space.
Bounce
3/5
The foam used in the Douglas makes it ideal for motion isolation, but the bed is also equipped with Premium Elastex™ Foam. This is a latex alternative material that gives the mattress some buoyancy and responsiveness, which is helpful for changing positions. However, it’s still an all-foam mattress and these can still absorb some of that buoyancy. For this reason, we’re giving it a 3 out of 5 here.
Edge Support
3/5
Edge support is how well you feel supported when you’re sitting or sleeping on the side of the bed. This is a beneficial feature for couples who would like to utilize the entire surface of their mattress and for those who have mobility issues. We found that the Douglas lags behind other mattresses when it comes to edge support. Its all-foam construction causes some sagging around the perimeter. This can make those lying or sitting on the edge of the bed feel insecure.
Performance for Couples
4/5
The Douglas has some good qualities for couples, including cooling features, motion isolation, and a versatile medium-firm comfort level. The only drawback is that its edge support isn’t as strong as some other all-foam models or hybrid mattresses. However, if you and your partner have a larger bed and don’t need to spread out as much, this may not be an issue.
Douglas Mattress
Shoppers should appreciate the deep hug and cooling this mattress provides. The Douglas mattress is an all-foam model with cooling gels and a cooling cover.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
20-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Douglas Mattress
Shoppers should appreciate the deep hug and cooling this mattress provides. The Douglas mattress is an all-foam model with cooling gels and a cooling cover.
Material
Foam
Warranty
20-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Douglas Mattress
Shoppers should appreciate the deep hug and cooling this mattress provides. The Douglas mattress is an all-foam model with cooling gels and a cooling cover.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
20-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Preference-based Features
Eco-Conscious Materials
The Douglas’ top comfort layer is made with a 40-percent-less carbon input, making this a more eco-friendly option.
Adjustable Base Compatible
The Douglas is compatible with non-medical adjustable bases.
Machine Washable Cover
You can remove the CoolSense® cover to clean it in the washing machine.
Construction: What’s Inside the Douglas?
The Douglas Original Mattress is an all-foam product that is compressed for convenient box shipping. The mattress can be used on any sturdy surface, including non-medical adjustable frames. The company recommends slats that are only 2 or 3 inches apart and a very sturdy box spring with no give to prevent sagging.
The top of this mattress is a cooling cover that the company says is inspired by the western mountains in Canada, and it should be a great asset for hot sleepers. The Douglas CoolSense® Cover features Infinitex™ fibers that are designed to wick away moisture and prevent overheating.
The fashionable top cover is emblazoned with a Canadian Rockies design and can be removed via a bright red zipper for easy washing and tumble-drying on a gentle setting.
The total height of this mattress is 10 inches.
- The top layer boasts a 2-inch Luxury ecoLight™ Cooling Gel Foam. This material should promote cooling and pressure relief. Additionally, it is designed to be responsive and durable.
- The second layer contains 2 inches of Premium Elastex™ Foam. This is a latex alternative that should allow for a quick response and ample support.
- The base layer holds a 6-inch Motion Isolation Support Foam. This should act as a sturdy foundation while absorbing movement to minimize motion transfer. The edges should provide firm support to increase the usable surface of the bed.
Unboxing & Off-Gassing
You may notice an initial off-gassing smell from the mattress, but the company says this smell should dissipate within 24 hours. To help minimize any odor, you can keep the mattress in a well-ventilated area.
Your Douglas mattress will arrive at your home shipped in a box. However, if you order a Queen size or larger, the company advises having a second person help you move it.
Certifications
- CertiPUR-US® Certified – The foams in this bed are CertiPUR-US® certified. CertiPUR-US® is a third-party program that ensures the foams meet rigorous health and safety standards. This means they don’t contain harmful substances like ozone depleters, PBDEs, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. They should also have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
Noteworthy Updates:
- All Douglas mattresses come with a complimentary “Comfort Sleep Bundle”, which includes an award-winning mattress protector made from WaterShield™ technology.
Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping
- Shipping – Shipping is free for most Canadian shoppers. A fee may be required for some very remote areas.
- Trial – This product offers a 120-night trial period.
- Warranty – Douglas provides a 15-year warranty for this product.
- Return Policy – Returning your mattress is free as long as it’s within the 120-night trial period.
Sizes & Prices
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Price (w/o discount) |
| Twin | 38” x 75” x 10” | C$599 |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” x 10” | C$649 |
| Full | 53” x 75” x 10” | C$699 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 10” | C$799 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 10” | C$899 |
| Cali King | 72” x 84” x 10” | C$899 |
| Split King | 38” x 80” x 10” (x2) | C$1,298 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Douglas mattress good for back pain?
The Douglas has a medium-firm feel that should strike the right balance of support and pressure relief, which is usually ideal for mitigating back pain.
Is Casper better than Douglas?
Casper has attributes that Douglas does not, such as zoned support, but ultimately this will come down to the preferences and needs of the individual sleeper. Both brands’ flagship models have cooling foams that could help hot sleepers and an all-foam construction that should limit motion transfer.
Where is the Douglas Mattress made?
The Douglas Mattress is made in Canada.
Douglas vs. Other Brands
Douglas vs. Silk & Snow Mattress
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Product
Douglas MattressFirmness
Medium-firm: 6/10Trial Period
365 nights
Product
Silk & Snow MattressFirmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10Trial Period
100 nightsWho We Recommend the Douglas For
- Eco-conscious shoppers
- Back sleepers
- Average-weight sleepers
Who We Recommend the Silk & Snow For
- People who need good pressure relief
- Shoppers with allergies
- Luxury shoppers
Read our full Silk & Snow mattress review.
Douglas Original Mattress vs. Other Douglas Models
Douglas Original vs. Douglas Alpine
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Product
Douglas MattressFirmness
Medium-firm: 6/10Trial Period
365 nightsWho We Recommend the Douglas Original For
- Average-weight sleepers
- Couples
- Budget shoppers
Who We Recommend the Douglas Alpine For
- People with achy joints
- Lightweight sleepers
- Side sleepers
Douglas Original vs. Douglas Summit
Product
Firmness
Trial Period
Product
Douglas MattressFirmness
Medium-firm: 6/10Trial Period
365 nightsWho We Recommend the Douglas Original For
- Budget shoppers
- People who want a thinner mattress
- Side and back sleepers
Who We Recommend the Douglas Summit For
- Hot sleepers
- People who want thicker layers
- Luxury shoppers
Our Verdict
We think the Douglas Original Mattress offers some worthy benefits to Canadian consumers. This product is made with quality foams, cooling capabilities, eco-conscious design features, and motion-isolating properties. The Douglas earned an overall score of 3.8 out of 5 stars. However, the Douglas only rated lower for bounce and edge support, which is why it got a 3.8 overall. The bed did excel at other important qualities like pressure relief, support, motion isolation, and cooling.
In our opinion, the people who could benefit most from the Douglas are light sleepers who have a restless partner, average-weight sleepers, and back sleepers. Couples should love the bed’s ability to curb motion transfer, average-size sleepers have the most options for sleep positions, and the medium-firm feel is great for back sleeping.
Conversely, heavier people and those who want extra bounce from coils will likely not enjoy this bed.
Douglas Mattress
Shoppers should appreciate the deep hug and cooling this mattress provides. The Douglas mattress is an all-foam model with cooling gels and a cooling cover.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
20-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Douglas Mattress
Shoppers should appreciate the deep hug and cooling this mattress provides. The Douglas mattress is an all-foam model with cooling gels and a cooling cover.
Material
Foam
Warranty
20-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Douglas Mattress
Shoppers should appreciate the deep hug and cooling this mattress provides. The Douglas mattress is an all-foam model with cooling gels and a cooling cover.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
20-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Jill Zwarensteyn
Editor
About Author
Jill Zwarensteyn is the Editor for Sleep Advisor and a Certified Sleep Science Coach. She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness.
Combination Sleeper