Copper-Infused Memory Foam & Encased Coils
Pros
- Best for back sleepers with light to average weight
- Mid-range prices can fit most budgets
- Ideal for hot sleepers
Cons
- Lacks bounciness from innerspring coils
- Not for sleepers who need strong edge support
Company Overview
Since launching in 2015, Bear has dedicated itself to aiding active individuals in achieving improved sleep quality. Through a collaborative effort involving sponsored athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and healthcare experts, the company has effectively carved a distinct niche within the mattress industry. Bear uniquely positions its products as valuable tools for facilitating post-workout recovery.
Bear’s all-foam standard-size mattress, known as the Bear Original, consists of three layers of foam, including a cooling memory foam layer in the comfort section. Beyond mattresses, Bear offers a range of bed bases, including an adjustable frame, bedding accessories, encompassing sheets, pillows, mattress protectors, and a mattress topper allowing customers to customize their sleep setup.
Bear Mattress Features
Material
Bear mattresses are proudly manufactured in the United States and are free from fiberglass, bearing a CertiPUR-US certification for their foam layers. The flagship Bear Original mattress is structured with three distinct foam layers to optimize comfort and support. The top layer is meticulously engineered to provide effective pressure relief, while the middle layer employs responsive transition foam to deliver both support and compression. At its core, the mattress boasts a sturdy foundation composed of 6 inches of high-density support foam.
These carefully engineered layers are enveloped by a cover crafted from Celliant Infrared Yarn. Some studies suggest that this innovative material may contribute to more restful and rejuvenating sleep experiences. The overall feel of the Bear Original mattress is best described as medium-firm.
Firmness & Comfort
As per Bear’s classification, the Bear Original mattress is categorized as a medium-firm bed, specifically rated at 7.1 on their 1 to 10 firmness scale, with 10 being the firmest. However, our evaluation revealed that the Bear Original mattress leans slightly softer than the stated rating, falling somewhere between a medium and a medium-firm feel.
While the top layer of memory foam provides a comfortable sinking sensation, this sinkage is moderated by the resilient poly foam transition layer. Consequently, most individuals will experience a sleeping surface where they are positioned more on top of the mattress rather than on it. This attribute may be particularly appealing to combination sleepers and those seeking a firm mattress with a relatively responsive feel.
Pressure Relief
Lightweight back sleepers should find the Bear mattress quite appealing as it offers consistent support throughout the night. For light side sleepers, the Bear can feel slightly softer compared due to their position atop its plush top layers. Consequently, side sleepers are likely to enjoy the pressure relief provided by this mattress. However, Light Stomach Sleepers may find the Bear too soft, as it may not adequately maintain proper hip elevation in line with their shoulders, potentially leading to discomfort and back pain.
Average-weight back sleepers are likely to experience exceptional comfort on the Bear mattress. The memory foam top layer effectively fills the lumbar region’s space, ensuring adequate support and pressure relief for the spine. However, Side Sleepers in this weight category might encounter some discomfort as the bed’s firmness may create pressure points at the hips and shoulders. Those who strictly sleep on their sides may want to consider a mattress with more pronounced body contouring. Similarly, the Bear mattress may prove too soft for average-weight stomach sleepers, allowing their hips to sink too deeply into the mattress, potentially causing discomfort over time.
The all-foam Bear mattress may not provide similar sufficient support for individuals with a heavier body weight. Typically, heavier sleepers tend to fare better on mattresses with innerspring support as opposed to poly foam support.
In general, the Bear mattress appears to be an excellent choice for back sleepers dealing with back pain issues. The inclusion of a gel memory foam layer is expected to effectively alleviate tension in the lower back region, while the firmer foam layers below it work together to maintain proper spinal alignment, contributing to a healthier sleep experience.
Temperature Regulation
Couples tend to experience overheating faster compared to solo sleepers, which makes cooling mattresses a preferred choice for them. The Bear mattress stands out with its gel infusions designed to promote a cool sleeping environment, even for an all-foam bed. Furthermore, the mattress cover incorporates Celliant technology to help with temperature regulation.
Edge Support
Strong edges can enhance the perception of a bed’s spaciousness, a particularly desirable feature for couples. In my assessment, the Bear mattress displayed moderate edge support. While I didn’t experience a sensation of teetering on the brink of falling off the bed’s sides, I didn’t feel as well-supported along the edges as I did in the central area.
Heavier sleepers could potentially encounter challenges when getting in and out of bed, as the mattress’s edges tend to compress under their weight. Our team member with an average weight faced somewhat less difficulty but still didn’t find the edge support to be particularly robust.
Motion Transfer
Bear mattresses exhibited excellent motion transfer performance, indicating that you’re unlikely to be significantly disturbed by your sleep partner’s nocturnal movements while resting on a Bear mattress. This can be attributed to the top layer of memory foam, which effectively minimizes motion transmission throughout the mattress.
What Do People Say About Bear?
The reviews for this mattress are overwhelmingly positive, and I find it to be much better made and more comfortable compared to other brands I looked at online. The gel-infused memory foam is excellent at keeping my body temperature just right throughout the night. I appreciate that the mattress is designed to enhance blood flow and prevent overheating. It’s incredibly comfortable, well-crafted, and suitable for anyone dealing with back issues, recovering from physical therapy, or struggling with sleep. I also like that it’s memory foam, making it easy to move around while lying down
I’m absolutely loving this mattress! It was recommended by my family, and I’m so glad I chose this brand. It’s incredibly soft to the touch and provides amazing comfort. The firmness is just right, and I can tell it’s built to last. Plus, it’s surprisingly affordable! I truly believe this brand is the best out there!
Price
When you consider its competitive pricing in comparison to similar mattresses available in the market, the Bear mattress emerges as a notably affordable choice. The Bear Original mattress, for instance, is priced at $998 for a queen-size variant. Additionally, Bear frequently extends discounted pricing opportunities, often aligning with various holidays.
For added convenience, Bear provides optional white glove delivery services at an additional cost of $100, encompassing professional mattress installation. Alternatively, for $175, you can opt for the comprehensive package, which includes mattress installation along with the removal of your old mattress.
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
| Twin | 39” x 75” x 10” | $695 |
| Twin XL | 39” x 80” x 10” | $695 |
| Full | 54” x 75” x 10” | $895 |
| Queen | 60” x 80” x 10” | $995 |
| King | 76” x 80” x 10” | $1,095 |
| California King | 72” x 84” 10” | $1,095 |
Mattress Comparison
| Item | Bear Original | Puffy Cloud | Loom & Leaf | Leesa |
| Material | Foam | Foam | Foam | Foam |
| Firmness | 7/10 | 6/10 | Multiple options | 6-7/10 |
| Price Range | $$$ | $$$ | $$$$$ | $$$$ |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 101 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights |
Conclusion
The combination of support and pressure relief makes Bear’s Original mattress an excellent choice for back sleepers grappling with back pain. Furthermore, the Celliant cover effectively maintains a cool temperature for sleepers. However, it’s worth noting that a common critique of the original Bear mattress is its relative lack of durability due to its all-foam construction. Additionally, strict side sleepers are advised to consider a softer mattress option more in line with their preferences.
